From the outside, it can appear that Joseph Smith simply started a new religion in nineteenth-century America. Latter-day Saints, however, understand the origins of Mormonism very differently. They believe Joseph Smith did not set out to create a new faith, denomination, or movement. Instead, they believe he was called by God to restore the original Church of Jesus Christ, which they believe had been lost over time.
According to Latter-day Saint belief, Mormonism did not begin as an act of rebellion against Christianity, nor as a theological experiment. It began with a sincere question asked by a young man who wanted to know how to follow God correctly. What followed, they believe, was not innovation but restoration—God reestablishing doctrines, authority, and ordinances that existed in the early Christian church but were no longer fully present.
Joseph Smith is therefore viewed not as the founder of a new religion, but as a prophet called to help restore Christ’s church in preparation for the latter days.
The Religious World Joseph Smith Inherited
Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in Vermont and grew up in a time of intense religious enthusiasm known as the Second Great Awakening. Churches were multiplying rapidly across the United States, especially in upstate New York, where Joseph lived. Ministers from different denominations preached passionately, each claiming biblical authority, yet teaching contradictory doctrines.
Some taught salvation by predestination, others emphasized emotional conversion experiences, and still others stressed strict obedience to creeds and confessions. For many people, this environment was energizing. For Joseph Smith, it was deeply confusing.
A Young Man With Serious Spiritual Questions
Latter-day Saints emphasize that Joseph Smith’s motivation was not curiosity or rebellion, but concern for his soul. As a teenager, he attended revival meetings and listened carefully to ministers from different churches. Instead of finding clarity, he found confusion.
He wanted to know which church taught the truth about God, salvation, and how to live according to God’s will. More importantly, he wanted to know how he personally could be forgiven of sins and be right with God.
A Sincere Search for Truth
Joseph Smith did not assume he already knew the answer. He believed God was real, caring, and capable of answering sincere questions. His search was rooted in humility rather than confidence.
Turning to the Bible
According to his own account, Joseph was particularly struck by a verse in the New Testament, James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” Latter-day Saints believe this verse became the catalyst for everything that followed. Joseph concluded that if God answered prayers in biblical times, He could do so again.
The First Vision
Latter-day Saints believe that in the spring of 1820, Joseph Smith prayed to God in a grove of trees near his home, asking which church he should join. In response, he experienced what they call the First Vision.
According to his account, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. He was told that none of the existing churches possessed the fullness of Christ’s original church and that he should not join any of them at that time.
God Speaks Again
This experience is foundational to Latter-day Saint belief. It represents the conviction that God still speaks, reveals Himself, and responds to sincere prayer. It also marks the beginning of what Latter-day Saints call the Restoration.
Foundation of the Restoration
Rather than immediately creating a church, Joseph Smith continued to learn, grow, and receive guidance over time. The Restoration unfolded gradually, not all at once.
Restoration Rather Than Innovation
One of the most important distinctions Latter-day Saints make is between restoration and invention. Joseph Smith did not claim to improve Christianity or reform doctrine according to his own ideas. He claimed ancient truths were restored through revelation.
This included teachings about the nature of God, the role of Jesus Christ, the purpose of life, and the reality of ongoing revelation.
The Role of Additional Scripture
Part of the Restoration included the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which Joseph Smith translated by divine guidance. Latter-day Saints believe it is another testament of Jesus Christ that complements the Bible rather than replacing it.
They believe its purpose is to clarify doctrine, testify of Christ, and restore truths that were lost or obscured over time.
Priesthood Authority and Divine Calling
A central claim of Joseph Smith was that authority to act in God’s name had been lost after the deaths of Christ’s apostles. While sincere believers and spiritual leaders remained, Latter-day Saints believe the original priesthood authority no longer existed on the earth.
Joseph Smith taught that this authority was restored through heavenly messengers, including John the Baptist and ancient apostles. This restoration of authority, they believe, allowed ordinances such as baptism and confirmation to be performed with divine approval.
Return of Ancient Authority
This claim sets Mormonism apart from Protestant reform movements. Rather than reforming existing churches, Joseph Smith taught that God restored something entirely lost.
Organization of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally organized in 1830, ten years after the First Vision. According to Latter-day Saint belief, this organization occurred by divine instruction rather than human planning.
The Church’s structure, leadership, and practices developed gradually as Joseph Smith continued to receive revelation.
Order and Revelation
Rather than following a pre-written constitution or creed, the Church evolved through guidance believed to come from God. This reinforced the belief that Christ Himself directs His church.
Growth and Early Converts
Early converts joined not because of social advantage, but often at great personal cost. Many faced ridicule, loss of employment, and estrangement from family. Latter-day Saints argue this challenges the idea that Mormonism spread through manipulation or coercion.
People joined because they believed the message was true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
Opposition and Persecution
From the beginning, Joseph Smith and early members faced intense opposition. Newspapers mocked them, ministers denounced them, and mobs attacked them. Joseph Smith was arrested repeatedly, often without conviction.
He spent months in jail, lost property, and was forced to move repeatedly to escape violence.
Sacrifice and Commitment
Latter-day Saints point out that Joseph Smith gained no lasting wealth, security, or comfort from his role. Instead, he endured hardship and danger throughout his life.
Martyrdom and Final Testimony
In 1844, Joseph Smith was killed by a mob while imprisoned in Carthage, Illinois. Latter-day Saints refer to his death as martyrdom, believing he died because of his testimony of Jesus Christ and the Restoration.
They argue that few people would endure such suffering and death for something they knew to be false.
Common Misunderstandings About Joseph Smith
A frequent accusation is that Joseph Smith invented Mormonism for power or control. Latter-day Saints counter this by pointing to his lack of personal gain and the intense persecution he endured.
Another misunderstanding is that Mormonism rejected Christianity. Latter-day Saints emphasize that Jesus Christ is central to all their doctrine, worship, and scripture.
Christianity at the Center
Joseph Smith taught more about Jesus Christ than about himself. His sermons, revelations, and writings consistently focused on Christ’s role as Savior, Redeemer, and Son of God.
Latter-day Saints believe the Restoration was meant to bring people closer to Christ, not away from Him.
Why This Belief Matters
Belief that Joseph Smith was called by God underpins all Latter-day Saint doctrine. It explains belief in modern prophets, continuing revelation, restored priesthood authority, temples, and additional scripture.
Without Joseph Smith’s calling, these beliefs would have no foundation.
Implications for Modern Believers
For Latter-day Saints today, Joseph Smith’s role confirms that God is not distant or silent. They believe God still guides His church, responds to prayer, and reveals truth according to humanity’s needs.
This belief gives meaning to worship, confidence in ordinances, and hope for divine guidance in a complex world.
Faith and Personal Confirmation
Latter-day Saints emphasize that belief in Joseph Smith is not meant to be blind or inherited. Individuals are encouraged to study, pray, and seek personal confirmation from God.
Faith, they believe, must be personal and sincere.
Conclusion
Joseph Smith did not start Mormonism because he wanted power, fame, or influence. According to Latter-day Saints, he acted because he believed God called him to restore what had been lost—the Church Jesus Christ originally established.
Whether one accepts this claim or not, understanding Mormonism requires understanding this foundational belief. For Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith was not a religious innovator, but a reluctant prophet who responded to divine calling at great personal cost.
Their faith rests not in Joseph Smith himself, but in the God they believe spoke to him and continues to guide His church today through Jesus Christ.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Joseph Smith
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Joseph Smith Papers – Foundational Documents
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org
BYU Studies – Early Church History
https://byustudies.byu.edu
Scripture Central
https://scripturecentral.org
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