Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith (died 1844) was an American false prophet and the founder of the heretical religion of Mormonism. According to followers of Mormonism, known as Mormons, he was a prophet divinely inspired to preach and to bring a new gospel to the world in order to succeed Jesus Christ. He attempted to found a new apostolic church, the so-called Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

His claims of divine revelations, such as translating an alleged lost Biblical book known as, the Book of Mormon from golden plates, lack credible evidence and are seen as fabrications. Additionally, his changing doctrinal teachings, controversial practices like polygamy, and failed prophecies—such as predicting the Second Coming of Christ within his generation—further discredit his prophetic legitimacy.

He also affirmed the long-disputed heresy of tritheism and taught that when every human dies they will be judged by three men, God the Father, God the Son and Joseph Smith himself.

His religious teachings and methods are reminiscent of those of Muhammed, a 7th century Arabian false prophet and this has caused Mormonism to be labelled "American Islam" by some Christians, and are a striking picture of what every man by nature strives to do, put himself in the place of God Almighty.