The life of Joseph Smith and the origins of Mormonism is one filled with deception, contradiction, and historical inconsistencies. Many believe that he was a prophet, yet his life, his supposed revelations, and his translation of the “golden plates” raise serious theological and historical concerns. A critical examination of his claims reveals a web of fabrication, false prophecy, and deliberate misdirection that has led millions into spiritual deception.
Joseph Smith and the “Golden Plates”
Joseph Smith claimed that in 1823, an angel named Moroni appeared to him and revealed the location of ancient golden plates buried in a hill in Palmyra, New York. According to Smith, these plates contained the writings of ancient prophets who had lived in the Americas, detailing the history of two great civilizations—the Nephites and the Lamanites. Smith also asserted that these writings were recorded in “Reformed Egyptian”, a language unknown to any scholar or historian.
Smith alleged that after four years of waiting and guidance from Moroni, he was finally allowed to retrieve the plates in 1827. He then claimed to have translated them using seer stones, producing what is now known as the Book of Mormon, published in 1830.
There are several glaring issues with this story:
No Archaeological Evidence – There is no historical or archaeological proof of the existence of the Nephites or Lamanites. No ancient writings, artifacts, or ruins support the Book of Mormon’s claims.
Reformed Egyptian is a Fabrication – There is no known language called “Reformed Egyptian.” The claim that an entire civilization would record its history in an unknown script, rather than Hebrew or another Semitic language, is baseless.
The Golden Plates Were Never Seen by Anyone Else – While Smith claimed others saw the plates, those testimonies are contradictory. The so-called “Three Witnesses” (Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris) later distanced themselves from Smith or admitted they only saw the plates “in a vision” rather than physically.
Mistranslation and Fabrication – Smith had no formal training in Hebrew, Egyptian, or any other ancient language. His claims of translating an ancient script are baseless.
Joseph Smith’s False Translation of the “Book of Abraham”
One of the most damning pieces of evidence against Joseph Smith’s credibility is his supposed translation of the Book of Abraham. In 1835, Smith obtained Egyptian papyri that he claimed contained the writings of Abraham. He then “translated” these papyri into what is now a sacred Mormon text.
However, when the actual papyri were rediscovered in the 1960s, professional Egyptologists translated them and found they were nothing more than standard Egyptian funerary texts (The Book of Breathings), having nothing to do with Abraham. This outright deception proves that Smith had no ability to translate anything, calling into question the authenticity of his claims about the Book of Mormon.
Fabricated Locations and Anachronisms
The Book of Mormon contains numerous geographical and historical errors:
The Cities of Zarahemla and Bountiful – There is no historical or archaeological evidence that these cities ever existed.
Steel and Horses in Ancient America – The Book of Mormon describes Nephites using steel swords and horses, yet steel was not used in the Americas at that time, and horses were not reintroduced to the continent until the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s.
Native Americans as Lamanites – Smith taught that Native Americans were the cursed descendants of the Lamanites. DNA evidence has since proven that Native Americans are of Asian descent, not Middle Eastern, completely refuting the Book of Mormon’s claims.
Joseph Smith’s Life of Deception
Joseph Smith’s life was filled with scandal, corruption, and contradictions. He constantly altered his own teachings and engaged in questionable practices.
False Prophecies – Smith gave numerous false prophecies that never came true. In Doctrine and Covenants 84:1-5, he prophesied that the New Jerusalem and a temple would be built in Independence, Missouri, in that generation. It never happened.
Polygamy and Exploitation of Women – Smith practiced polygamy, marrying at least 30 women, some as young as 14. Many of these marriages were done in secret, even without the knowledge of his first wife, Emma Smith.
Criminal History – Before founding Mormonism, Smith was known as a “treasure seeker” and was even arrested in 1826 for using fraudulent divining methods to locate buried treasure.
Authoritarian Control – Smith demanded absolute obedience from his followers. Those who opposed him were often excommunicated or silenced.
The Violent End of Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith’s rise to power eventually led to his downfall. As he gained more followers, his teachings became increasingly authoritarian and aggressive. In 1844, after being accused of corruption and polygamy, Smith ordered the destruction of a printing press in Nauvoo, Illinois, that had published criticisms of him. This led to his arrest.
While in Carthage Jail, an armed mob stormed the prison. Smith attempted to defend himself with a gun but was overpowered and killed. His violent death marked the end of his leadership, yet his movement did not die with him.
The Rise of Mormonism: How Did It Deceive Millions?
Despite its fraudulent origins, Mormonism grew rapidly. After Smith’s death, Brigham Young took over leadership and led the group to Utah, where they built a religious empire. Several factors contributed to the spread of Mormonism:
Authoritarian Leadership – Mormonism demands absolute obedience to its prophets, making it difficult for followers to question the religion.
Missionary Zeal – The LDS Church aggressively sends missionaries worldwide, spreading its message while downplaying its controversial history.
Family and Community Focus – Mormonism emphasizes strong families and communities, making it attractive to those seeking stability.
Continual Revelation – Unlike biblical Christianity, Mormonism claims its leaders continue to receive revelation, allowing them to adjust doctrine as needed to fit the times.
Final Thoughts
Joseph Smith was not a prophet; he was a deceiver who fabricated revelations, mistranslated documents, and created an entire religion based on lies. The Book of Mormon is a false gospel that contradicts the true Word of God. Paul warns in Galatians 1:8,
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Smith’s claims cannot stand against history, archaeology, or the truth of Scripture. His movement, though large, is built on deception. Millions today are trapped in a system that denies the true gospel of Jesus Christ. As believers, we must continue to share the truth and expose false teachings, standing firm in the unchanging Word of God.
John 14:6 reminds us: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Salvation is found in Christ alone, not in the false teachings of Joseph Smith or any other so-called prophet.
