Joseph the Magician

Joseph Smith, Jr., the acknowledged founder of Mormonism, engaged in many unbiblical practices, something many Mormon apologists would deny. Mormon historian D. Michael Quinn’s 1987 book, “Early Mormonism and the Magic World View,” convincingly demonstrated that Smith’s involvement with the occult was undeniable. Quinn is now a former professor at the Mormon Church-owned Brigham Young University. He was excommunicated in 1993 on the charge of apostasy. This charge was based on the evidence of his historical writings exposing the 'prophet'.  Instead of trying to deny Joseph Smith’s repeated involvement with occultic activities, Quinn presented the evidence which showed that Smith used seer stones, divining rods, amulets, incantations, and participated in rituals to summon spirits--all practices forbidden in the pages of Scripture.  Quinn believes that Smith could reliably be called a “first class” magician. In spite of everything Quinn remains a faithful Mormon, and still believes that Mormonism’s founder was a man of God who used his magical skills and tools to communicate with the Almighty God of this universe!  Quinn says he "remains a DNA Mormon"(Quinn, “Early Mormonism and the Magic World View,” Signature Books; Revised edition, December 1998).