The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents itself as the restoration of true Christianity, but does its foundation hold up under scrutiny? In this lesson, we examine the origins of Mormonism — the character and claims of its founder, Joseph Smith, Jr., the production of the Book of Mormon, and the turbulent early history of the movement. We consider the testimony of Smith’s own neighbors, his documented legal troubles, his failed prophecies, and how the Book of Mormon reflects 19th-century American culture and controversies rather than an ancient record. The lesson also examines what Mormon authority rests on: the King James Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and ongoing revelation from a living prophet. We test these claims against the standard God has given us — that the faith was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and that a true prophet’s words must come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents itself as the restoration of true Christianity, but does its foundation hold up under scrutiny? In this lesson, we examine the origins of Mormonism — the character and claims of its founder, Joseph Smith, Jr., the production of the Book of Mormon, and the turbulent early history of the movement. We consider the testimony of Smith’s own neighbors, his documented legal troubles, his failed prophecies, and how the Book of Mormon reflects 19th-century American culture and controversies rather than an ancient record. The lesson also examines what Mormon authority rests on: the King James Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and ongoing revelation from a living prophet. We test these claims against the standard God has given us — that the faith was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and that a true prophet’s words must come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents itself as the restoration of true Christianity, but does its foundation hold up under scrutiny? In this lesson, we examine the origins of Mormonism — the character and claims of its founder, Joseph Smith, Jr., the production of the Book of Mormon, and the turbulent early history of the movement. We consider the testimony of Smith’s own neighbors, his documented legal troubles, his failed prophecies, and how the Book of Mormon reflects 19th-century American culture and controversies rather than an ancient record. The lesson also examines what Mormon authority rests on: the King James Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and ongoing revelation from a living prophet. We test these claims against the standard God has given us — that the faith was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and that a true prophet’s words must come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
