Portal:Latter-day Saints/Selected biography

Joseph Smith, Jr. (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844) was an American religious leader who restored the Latter Day Saint movement, a restorationist ideology that gave rise to Mormonism.

Painting by an unknown painter, circa 1842.

Smith's followers revere him as the first latter-day prophet, the "Prophet of the Restoration", called by God to restore the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This restoration included announcement that God had directly communicated with man; the introduction of another testament of Jesus Christ (the Book of Mormon); the return of priesthood authority to act in the name of God; the building of temples; and the restoration of the Kingdom of God on earth (Zion). Smith was (and remains) a very controversial figure; his teachings were known to inspire deep devotion in his followers, yet deep, personal hostility and even hatred from his detractors. Smith was also a political and military leader of the American West.

Smith taught a form of Christian restorationist doctrines, such as the idea that Christianity had been in a state of apostasy, which could be restored by modern prophecy and revelation from God. In other cases, the doctrines were unique to Mormonism.