AboutCindy Beggs Expertise Although I am not a member of the LDS Church, I can answer most of your general questions re: the LDS faith. Please no LDS bashing. I have a love for the Church's history.
Experience Although I am not a member of the LDS faith, I have been facinated with the Church's history for over 30 years.
Organizations Mount St. Mary's Alumni
Publications Master's Thesis in Mount St. Mary's Library in Los Angeles, CA.
Education/Credentials Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts. Minors: Religious Studies and psychology. Master's degree in the Humanities/Cultural Studies.
Question What were the beliefs of Joseph Smith Jr. when he founded the church.
Answer When it was organized in 1830, the Church of Christ was a missionary church. The church in the mid nineteenth century was converting many who they encouraged to gather with the Saints here in the states. That is where the Church of Christ started feeling the opposition - when their numbers were growing out of sight and their neighbors started not liking their presence.
One morning in 1820, Joseph asked God which church he should join. Joseph states that at that point, God the Father and Jesus showed themselves in a vision to him. In 1823, Joseph stated that he was visited by an angel by the name of Moroni, who told him where to find golden plates. These golden plates told of Jesus' visit to our continent and later Joseph had his wife and friends transcribe the Book of Mormon for him. In 1830 Joseph organized the church, like I said before.
Basically, in the beginning Joseph believed that his church was the restored church. He believed that he was the prophet that the Lord chose to restore his church. I hope this helps! Cindy
