Mormonism was part of the Second Great Awakening

There is nothing controversial about this, to historians. But most Mormons reject it entirely. Their religion came directly from God - not from History. And this, they know, is what made it so successful, back in the beginning of the 19th Century.

Back then, Industrialization was changing the world, and the people affected by this, needed a way to cope with it. One way was through religious revival, also imported from England with the First Great Awakening. But the Second Awakening was an American event. And the Smith family, in upper New York State, were caught up in it.

Except for one son, Joseph Smith, who founded a church of his own - a surprising development, caused by his publication of the Book of Mormon. When people in England  read this - they concluded that he was a Prophet of God - exactly what they were looking for! A role that Joseph himself, quickly became comfortable with.

What I am saying here, has been said by many historians of American History. And even some of the Mormon historians, based in Utah.

But my family were Missouri Mormons (the RLDS, no the LDS) - a much smaller church, that did not accept this historical approach.