The Problems of a Non-Mormon Historian in Writing a Biography of Joseph Smith Joseph Smith Jr. is unquestionably the most important reformer and innovator in American religious history. In this paper, I will explain how and why I came to write his biography, the special problems I faced as a non-Mormon in treating his life and work, and how I resolved them. I will also speak about Joseph’s personality and character, as I understand them, and explain why I believe he elicited such savage hatred from many of his contemporaries and undying devotion from others.