Did Joseph Smith Start The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christs-church

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, find that an odd question. It is like asking if Moses made up the Ten Commandments. Moses was a prophet. Prophets listen to what God has to say, then they teach it to the people. They have the assignment to help the rest of us learn how to be happy and know what we need to do to return to our Heavenly Father someday. 

Aware of our weaknesses, God has always used Prophets to help us learn and grow. The Old Testament contains the record of God's dealings with man through His prophets. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ set up His Church, gave His Apostles priesthood authority, and designated Peter to be the prophet who would continue to receive revelation for His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Early-day Saints (saints just means a church member). (see Peter receiving revelation to take Gospel to Gentiles)

Are Polygamist Cults Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Some people think of Polygamist groups as apostate members, because once members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were commanded by God to practice polygamy. By that reasoning these groups could also be called Jewish, because long ago God also commanded them to practice polygamy. Since Christians also believe in the Old Testament, then would Polygamists be considered Catholic or Protestant?

Yes, these Polygamist groups claim to be living the revelations that were given to the Prophet, Joseph Smith, but are they?  Take a closer look.  Basically, they seem to have only heard of some of the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They consider the Book of Mormon as just a good book, not scripture revealed by God as members of The Church do. They have a man they call a "Prophet", but he is not chosen by God and he does not receive revelation from God, so he is not what we would consider a Prophet.

 In my opinion, any one who latches onto an old revelation of God given for a specific time and tries to continue it when the Lord has revealed that it must cease, is not following the Lord. He certainly is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What is the Book of Mormon?

I just saw this video this morning. It reminds me of when I first was introduced to the Book of Mormon. The claims seemed incredible, but I kept thinking, "What if it is really true and I don't find out?" I just had to know for myself, so I read the Book of Mormon and prayed about it. I was so impressed with the clarity of truths. All my questions were answered. I felt an assurance this this was the word of God, so I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After 45 years of living these teachings , I know it is true.

Questions about Joseph Smith and Polygamy

As the article, It’s Official: Mormon Founder Had Up to 40 Wives by Laurie Goodstein printed November 10, 2014 in The New York Times, Ms. Goodstein asks several questions. I've wondered how I could answer; Yes, No, maybe, sort of. Real life is rather complicated and simple answers don't always fit, so I'll give you the information and let you decide for yourself.

Have leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really tried to keep hidden about Joseph Smith's plural wives?