Home » Mind & Soul » Mormon Church » An Overview of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

An Overview of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

© Rebecca Talley

On a spring day, 1820, a 14 year-old boy named Joseph Smith, experienced a heavenly vision. After searching diligently and sincerely for the true church, he studied James 1:5 "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." He then went to a grove of trees in upstate New York to pour out his soul in prayer. As he began to pray, he was overcome with a distinctly evil power. Just when he thought he might succumb to this power, he received a vision, wherein he saw the Father and the Son. Young Joseph was told to join none of the churches because "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." (Joseph Smith History 1:19) He received additional instruction from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Joseph Smith was eager to share his vision, but instead of finding support, he found disbelief. This disbelief turned to outright anger and persecution, eventually leading to the death of the Prophet. Joseph Smith was true to his testimony and sealed it with his own blood.

After the official organization of the Church on April 6, 1830, members were persecuted for their beliefs. Although America was supposed to offer freedom of religion, those who followed the Prophet Joseph Smith were terrorized. Most lost all of their material belongings, including their homes and land, while many lost their lives. Those pioneers, with testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel burning in their hearts, were willing to sacrifice all they had, even their very lives, to follow the teachings of the restored gospel. Persecutions were unimaginable as mobs freely tortured members of the Church for believing in the gospel. Never has a people in the United States had to suffer so much for religious beliefs.

Since the restoration, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown to its current membership of approximately 10 million. Young men, young women, and older couples voluntarily spend their time teaching people of all cultures and religions about the church. Members of the church are actively involved in missionary work and humanitarian efforts. Members have dedicated and continue to dedicate their lives to building up the kingdom of God, in preparation for the second coming of the Savior.