In this episode of the Church History Podcast, we explored the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, and the early development of the Latter-Day Saint movement. We will discuss his story and the difference between Mormonism and Christianity. We delved into Smith's family background, folk magic use, and experiences with seer stones, which shaped his early spiritual practices. Smith’s claimed discovery of the golden plates, which he translated into the Book of Mormon, sparked the rapid growth of the Mormon faith. We also discussed the founding of the Mormon Church in 1830, the challenges Smith faced—including violent opposition, legal troubles, and internal schisms—and his vision for a new religious community in Nauvoo, Illinois. His involvement in controversial practices like polygamy and his eventual martyrdom in 1844. Episode Sponsor: • Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off • Etsy Mug Store https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChurchHistory • My book “The church is born” is available! Order the book today! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1 Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1 Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well: The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns Ambrose: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2001534/ambrose Athanasius: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-1981021/athanasius