Robert V. Remini, revealed in his article, "American Visionary," U.S.News & World Report, Collectors Edition, Mysteries of Faith, that Joseph Smith created a new Bible, the Book of Mormon, and a new religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormonism.
Mormonism Founder Joseph Smith's Early Life
Joseph Smith, Jr. grew up in western New York in the early 19th century in the "Burned-Over District," which was the home of a great religious frenzy that existed in the United States. Smith was also influenced greatly by his deeply religious parents, Lucy and Joseph Smith, Sr.
At the young age of 12, Joseph became a very introspective boy, worrying greatly about the welfare of his immortal soul. So much so, that he began desperately searching the Bible for hopes of getting wisdom and insight for his salvation.
During his period of religious soul searching, many prophets came into the Burned-Over District to preach the word of God. Joseph admitted, "From the age of 12 years to 15, I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind...[and] the welfare of my immortal soul."
Joseph Smith Searches the Bible
He wanted to join a church, but he could not decide which one was the best for him. One day, Smith stumbled across the Biblical passage in James I:5, that said, "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Joseph Smith immediately acted on the advice from the apostle James and isolated himself to the woods nearby his home to meditate.
Joseph Smith's First Vision
The founder of the LDS church said that his first vision occurred during a meditation. It's said that two Personages appeared to him, whose appearances were breathtaking.
One of them said, "This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him!" In response, Joseph Smith inquired about which church was the right one for him to join.
The personages are said to have told Joseph Smith that he must join none of them because they were an abomination.
The LDS Church Founder has Another Vision in 1823
During this subsequent vision, Joseph was told about a book, written on gold plates, that told about the former occupants of America and the fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered to by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants.
Additionally, it's said that the angel Moroni disclosed to Joseph that terrible times were coming with famine, sword, and pestilence.
Joseph Smith Recovers the Plates
Four years latter, in 1827, Joseph recovers the "plates" in Manchester, New York on Hill Cumorah. It's said that this was the exact place where he saw the plates in his vision. It took a little over a year for Joseph to translate the plates with the help of his wife, Emma and the two magical stones, called the "Urim and Thummim."
The Book of Mormon was the final product of this translation from the plates.
With the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith Spreads the Word of His Religion
Slowly the Book of Mormon began to attract people's interest. Smith and his followers began to migrate to the middle west of the United States where it was safer for his community. In June 27, 1844, at Carthage, Illinois, Smith was murdered by by an angry mob.
Two years latter, Brigham Young took his Mormons to Utah, where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now located.
Sources:
Joseph Smith, by Robert V. Rimini.
U.S.News & World Report, Collector's Edition, "American Visionary," by Robert V. Renini.
John A. Marinchek - John is a student and writer of Social-Economic issues, the Human Potential movement, and Martial Arts. His specific interests deal with ...
