Church History

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A young man named Joseph Smith, Jr. who lived in upstate New York around 1820 wondered why there were so many different religions. They all taught conflicting doctrine yet claiming to believe in the same Bible. Somehow one minister's interpretation of scripture differed from that of the others.

Joseph Smith was reading the Bible one day and found a passage in the book of James, first chapter, fifth verse, which reads: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth [to find fault with or reproach severely] not; and it shall be given him". Joseph later wrote: "Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine." (Joseph Smith 2:12)

Fateful Decision:
Joseph Smith wrote, "I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God, I...came to the determination to 'ask of God,' concluding that if he...gave wisdom liberally...I might venture." (Joseph Smith 2:13)

"With this heavily upon his mind, he retired to a wooded area near his father's farm. He later wrote: "I kneeled down and began to offer up the desire of my heart to God...I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other 'This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him!' "

Jesus Speaks:
Joseph Smith heard from the resurrected Master's lips himself the explanation of the religious confusion. Jesus Christ explained that because of the changes made in His original doctrine it would be necessary to restore His true church and teachings to the earth. Joseph Smith was to be the prophet through whom the Lord would restore His church with true eternal principles - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord had again spoken to a prophet, in modern times! I believe this truly happened.

The Book of Mormon:
The Book of Mormon has added great insight into the past of the American Indian. This sacred book of records kept by their forefathers tells of a great migration to a "promised land" about 600 B.C. It was led by a fearless prophet of God named Lehi, who was commanded to leave Jerusalem prior to its destruction and to take his family into the wilderness. From there, they were led to a land greatly favored by God where, as it is prophesied in the Bible, they would become a great nation that would record its dealings and experiences.

Testimony of Jesus:
In addition to containing a historical record of the ancestors of the Indians (or Lamanites, as the Book of Mormon calls them), The Book of Mormon is a testimony of Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His ministry on the American continent. You may find it somewhat interesting that Christ appeared and ministered elsewhere than in the Old World. It happened! (John 10:16, 3 Nephi 15:21) The book records: "And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people saying, Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world." (3 Nephi 11:9-11)

The ancient American prophet Lehi said, "Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi:25) Much of my joy comes from my knowledge that the book of Judah (the Bible) and the book of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) have been brought together as "one" in our hands as prophesied in the Bible. (See Ezekiel 37:15-19)

Christian Scripture:
Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon is a sacred Christian scripture. The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible in any way. Both books are used equally by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They complement each other. There are no contradictions between them. Both books contain the writings of prophets of God who tell of significant religious and secular experiences. The period covered by the Book of Mormon is primarily the thousand years from 600 B.C. to about A.D. 400.

A Word of Wisdom:
My schedule requires me to be on the road countless grueling hours each year. There is little time for relaxation. It is important for me to eat right and get as much rest as possible. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I honor my body as the physical home of an eternal spirit. It is important to keep these bodies clean and healthy. (Isaiah 40:31, Doctrine and Covenants section 89

The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith a health standard that we call the "Word of Wisdom". In Kirtland, Ohio, back in 1833, the Prophet inquired of the Lord about the use of liquor, tobacco, and other things that seemed harmful and unclean. The Lord revealed to him that we should not use tobacco, liquor and stimulants such as tea and coffee. As a matter of fact, modern scientific research now confirms that these substances are harmful to our bodies, become habit-forming, and shorten our life span.
I hope that this helps you understand my basic beliefs. They are important principles that I sincerely try to apply in my life everyday. I do understand that our free agency allows everyone the right to their own beliefs and I respect that. Our doctrine even encourages this. "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (11th Article of Faith)

I do know that this doctrine has worked for me in this life, and I sincerely believe that eternal happiness comes from living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,
Donny

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