The Titans of Civilization: The People Who Shaped the World - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Joseph Smith Jr.

Joseph Smith Jr. (1805 — 1844) was an American religious leader and the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, commonly known as Mormonism. He played a pivotal role in the restoration of Christianity and the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here are the key facts about Joseph Smith:

Early Life:
- Joseph Smith was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, to a farming family.
- He grew up in a religiously diverse environment and experienced a spiritual awakening in his youth.

First Vision:
- In 1820, at the age of 14, Joseph Smith reported having a divine vision in which he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. This event, known as the First Vision, marked the beginning of his prophetic calling.

Golden Plates and Book of Mormon:
- In 1827, Joseph Smith claimed to have been directed by an angel named Moroni to a hill in upstate New York, where he uncovered a set of golden plates containing ancient writings.
- Using divine assistance, he translated these plates into what became known as the Book of Mormon, a sacred scripture that forms a central pillar of Mormon belief.

Restoration of Priesthood Authority:
- Joseph Smith claimed to have received divine authority to restore the original priesthood as established by Jesus Christ in the early Christian Church.
- He and his associate, Oliver Cowdery, were ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist and to the Melchizedek Priesthood by Peter, James, and John, as per his accounts.

Establishment of the Church:
- In 1830, Joseph Smith formally organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fayette, New York, with six initial members.
- He served as the first president and prophet of the newly established church.

Mormon Migration and Persecution:
- As the church grew, tensions arose with local communities due to religious differences, economic competition, and fears about the political influence of the Mormons.
- The Mormons faced persecution and eventually moved westward, settling in places like Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and ultimately Utah.

Nauvoo and Death:
- In 1839, the Mormons established the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, where they built a thriving community.
- Joseph Smith served as the mayor of Nauvoo and continued to receive revelations guiding the church's development.
- He was arrested in 1844 and imprisoned in Carthage Jail. On June 27, 1844, he and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob.

Legacy and Mormonism:
- Joseph Smith's teachings and revelations laid the foundation for the doctrines and practices of the LDS Church and other branches of the Latter-day Saint movement.
- His legacy includes the belief in the importance of continuing revelation, the divinely ordained structure of the church, and the restoration of the true gospel.

Global Impact:
- The teachings of Joseph Smith have inspired millions of followers worldwide, and the LDS Church has grown to become a significant global religious movement.
- The legacy of Joseph Smith has sparked theological discussions, academic research, and cultural influences on a wide scale.

Joseph Smith's life and role in the restoration movement have left an indelible mark on the religious landscape of the United States and beyond, shaping the beliefs and practices of millions of adherents within the Latter-day Saint tradition.