• This book will attempt to explain who Mormons are: what they believe and how they live their lives
• The church that Joseph Smith founded in 1830 has grown into a world-wide organization with over 12 million adherents
• It will also examine how the religion has changed and adapted over the 161 years since the founder's death

 
Mormonism is frequently described as the most successful indigenous American religion. Mormon beliefs arouse curiosity because they depart from normal Christian doctrine, leading to the question: Are Mormons Christian? This introduction will include the history of the contemporary Mormonism, and an analysis and emphasis of Mormon beliefs, beginning with Joseph Smith, the founding prophet.