The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always had detractors trying to both discourage investigatorsA from joining the church and encourage members to abandon the church. Their primary tactics areA to slander Joseph Smith, his teachings, and the church he claimed to have restored.WithoutA some fundamental knowledge about Joseph Smith andA his legacy, these anti-LDS materials can create confusion, doubt, and a crisis of faith.The first three essays of this collection explore Joseph Smiths character, accomplishments, and discipleship.A With that foundational information inA place, the reader isA better prepared to examine the various controversies.The fourth essay delves into the quagmire of criticisms that have enveloped Joseph Smith, his doctrine, and theA LDSA Church andA suggests how to navigate the tactics used by antagonists.