Mormonism, known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), is a religious movement that originated in the early nineteenth century. Founded by Joseph Smith, this faith emerged during a time of intense religious fervor and social change in America. Joseph Smith began with only a handful of followers in the state of New York. This started a movement that grew to well over ten million followers worldwide. The story of Mormonism is complex and interwoven with controversies. It is undeniable that this religion has left a substantial mark on the American landscape and culture. It has affected people around the world. This post will discuss the history and founding of the church, key doctrines of the religion, and the differences between Mormonism and other faiths. Finally, it will provide an overview of the Mormon church as a whole.
Church History
Mormonism teaches that Joseph Smith founded the church after a series of supernatural visions. The first vision occurred when Smith was a young teenager. During a time when Christian denominations were proliferating an interest in spirituality, and the supernatural was reaching its zenith, Joseph Smith, Jr. – who had previously not been religious – went into the woods to pray over which church he should join. He was answered by a vision of both God the Father and Jesus coming to him and telling him that he should not join any church. His answer also relayed that all the churches were corrupt.
Later, Smith was visited by an angel named Moroni. The angel told him where he could find golden plates and two seeing stones. These stones, the Urim and the Thummim are described in the Hebrew Scripture, with which he could translate the inscriptions on the plates (see Exodus 28:30 and 1 Samuel 14:41). Smith found the plates. For over three months he sequestered himself to translate the plates. His translation came to be known as the Book of Mormon. LDS members consider this to be another testament of Jesus Christ.
This marked the beginning of a new church Joseph Smith would call The Church of Christ. The church would later be renamed as The Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days (LDS). Two more books of scripture written by Joseph Smith would follow: “The Doctrine and Covenants,” containing revelation given to Smith and other early LDS prophets, and “The Pearl of Great Price,” containing the book of “Moses,” the book of “Abraham,” Smith’s translation of Matthew chapter 24, and other Smith’s observations.
Ties to America
Mormonism is distinctly an American-based religion. It was founded in the United States. America plays a key role in the religion. Joseph Smith claimed that the plates he translated to English were written by ancient Hebrews, the ten “lost” tribes of Israel who traveled to the Americas. They became part of the Native American population at the time. Smith also claimed that after Jesus’s resurrection, Jesus himself visited the indigenous peoples in America. One of the Native American Hebrews was named Mormon. Mormon was the one said to have recorded these events, and early American history of these “lost” Hebrew tribes on the golden plates.
The early Mormon church was also influenced by its movement and migration from New York to its eventual destination: Utah. This was a result of religious persecution and a quest to find “Zion” or the New Jerusalem. Smith adherents moved from New York to Ohio, then to Independence, Missouri (the first place believed to be “Zion”). They moved to Illinois where Joseph Smith was murdered along with his brother Hyrum. Finally, they migrated to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah.
Basic Mormon Theology
The Mormon church has been criticized heavily in the past over mainstream Christianity’s censure of what is considered to be fringe beliefs and doctrines. Though LDS doctrine has evolved over the years, it is important to grasp some of its core doctrines to understand the religion. Most of their beliefs find their roots in Joseph Smith and other early leaders of the church like Brigham Young. Brigham took over the church after Joseph Smith’s death.
Restoration
One key piece in understanding Mormon Theology is the idea of Restoration. Joseph Smith’s description of his first vision, featuring Jesus and God the Father, centered on Jesus stating all the religions of Smith’s day were “an abomination.” This shaped the identity of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days. Mormon doctrine teaches that all the Christian churches and denominations fell away shortly after Jesus’s resurrection. This doctrine states that Joseph Smith was appointed by Jesus and God the Father to reinstate the one true church.
Scriptures
This reinstatement of the church included the restoration of Holy Scripture. Mormon doctrine teaches that the translation of scriptures came to be corrupted. Therefore enjoining in their articles of faith, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (See “Articles of Faith 1:8”). When compared to the revelation given to Joseph Smith and LDS prophets, the weight of faith rests on the testimony of the Mormon scriptures and supernatural insight handed to Mormon prophets, over the Bible.
The LDS Church currently has four books considered to be canon holy scripture. The King James Version of the Bible is considered the official version of the LDS Church. The Book of Mormon, or the Second Testament of Christ, is the record of the ancient American people. It describes their journey from the Old World and their encounter with the resurrected Christ. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of teachings and revelations from past church leaders. Finally, the Pearl of Great Price holds many corrections and retranslations of the Bible. It holds key explanations of Mormon doctrine and an account of Abraham in Egypt.
Though not canon, members of the church will often refer to other writings and collections such as the Journal of Discourses. This is a collection of sermons given by the early church leaders.
Revelation
Another core belief of the Mormon religion is that God continues to speak through prophets and revelations. There can be constant additions to Mormon doctrine because of revelations. The President, the current head of the LDS church, is seen as a mouthpiece for the word of God. He guides the church through current and personal revelation.
Cosmology
Mormon cosmology has given rise to controversies concerning the nature of God, the afterlife, salvation, and their history of polygamy.
Angels, for example, are also God’s offspring.
“Latter-day Saints believe angels are men and women, human beings, sons and daughters of God, and personages of the same type as we are. Parley P. Pratt, an early apostle, wrote, ‘Gods, angels, and men are all of one species, one race, one great family.’ Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a more recent apostle, wrote, ‘These messengers, agents, angels of the Almighty, are chosen from among his offspring and are themselves pressing forward along the course of progression and salvation, all in their respective spheres.” (BYU Professor Robert L. Millet, The Mormon Faith: Understanding Restored Christianity, p.39) The Nature of God
Mormons state that God was once a man, or humanoid, living on a different planet. God has a body like all humans. He attained godhood by doing good works and being a good person. Mormons therefore believe that there have been countless Gods in the past and there will be countless Gods in the future.
Their doctrine states that God created Earth out of preexistent matter. He made spiritual offspring with a heavenly wife. He sent them down to Earth to live human lives. Jesus and Lucifer were both spiritual offspring of God, with Jesus being the elder brother. God the Father is Jesus’s Father in spirit and flesh. When God the Father decided a savior must be sent to earth, the Father interviewed his two eldest sons and chose Jesus. Lucifer took exception and gathered an army of those who protested Jesus’s appointment. Lucifer and his followers lost their bid for power.
Exaltation
One factor of Mormonism that draws people is the idea of exaltation. Mormons believe there are three levels of heaven in the afterlife: celestial, terrestrial, and telestial. The telestial kingdom is reserved for those who did not receive Jesus in this life but repented afterward. They will dwell in eternity with the Holy Spirit. The terrestrial kingdom is reserved for those who accept Jesus; they are Christians but did not join the Mormon church. Those in this kingdom will receive Jesus but not the Father. They will live as ministering angels, without marriage, as Jesus attested (Matthew 22:30). Finally, the last kingdom is the celestial kingdom. It is reserved for those who follow Jesus as members of the LDS church and keep the ordinances. It is integral to have done good work and lived a good life to achieve this level.
In the celestial kingdom, residents receive both Jesus and God the Father. They are also made gods in the same way God the Father became a god. Men are given a planet to rule over. They will populate it with their spiritual offspring born to the wife, or wives, they had on earth, as well as other wives given to them in heaven. This process is referred to as “exaltation,” an additional benefit to salvation reserved only for Mormons.
Eternal Families
Family is an important concept in Mormon belief. It is believed to be eternal. In Mormonism, marriage is not meant for this life alone. This is part of the reason why polygamy, or plural marriages, were considered normal in the early Mormon church. Mormons believe that reproduction in this life, and the next, is extremely important. Polygamy was also a matter of practicality for early Mormons during their arduous years of travel and migration. Women whose husbands died had no recourse. Remarrying was to survive. Joseph Smith received a revelation that men might take on multiple wives as an act of mercy for widows. Men also married women who had never had husbands.
Mormon theology teaches that families can be together forever in the celestial kingdom. These values are showcased strongly in the average Mormon household. A close bond of family is one of the strongest markers of the Mormon spirit. In households that lose the head, the father and husband, are assigned an elder who will take on the responsibility of head of household until the children have been raised.
Parents commit to teaching their children Mormon beliefs, church structure, values, and scripture in daily classes throughout their school years until their high school graduation. Children continue their training in a tour as missionaries before settling down to marry and raise families.
Ordinances
Ordinances in Mormonism hold a central place within the framework of the faith. Many of these sacred rituals are considered essential for individual salvation and progression towards exaltation. The first degree is baptism, which can be performed when a child is at the age of accountability, eight years old, or older for any professing believer. A distinctive ordinance in the LDS church is baptism for the dead. A living person will act as a proxy for someone deceased. They go to a temple to be immersed in baptism on behalf of a person of the same sex who has died. Baptism for the dead only takes place in temples. It is based on the belief that baptism is required to enter God’s kingdom.
Confirmation is the next ordinance when a newly baptized believer receives the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.
Men have the ordinance of being ordained into the Melchizedek priesthood. This gives them the power to perform ordinances themselves. Every Mormon congregation is run entirely by men volunteering in their capacity as elders.
Temple endowments are an essential ordinance. This act includes going to the temple in special temple garments to make certain covenants and promises with God.
Finally, the last crucial ordinance is marriage and being sealed in a temple. This seals the two members in an eternal bond for this life and the next.
Are Mormons Christian?
Though Mormons believe they are the one true church and their founders often tried to distinguish themselves from the many Christian denominations. An often debated topic is whether Mormons are indeed Christian. Almost all Mormons will state that yes, they are Christians. Most Christians will say Mormons are not as they do not hold orthodox Christian views. On the surface, Mormons and Christians look very similar. They share a similar morality, ethics, values, and the Bible. However, looking deeper, it becomes apparent that Mormonism and Christianity are built on different core doctrines and foundations.
To answer this question, it is necessary to define Christianity. Despite disagreements over doctrines, based upon various interpretations of scriptures in the Bible, all Christians adhere to the same dogma.
Christians are followers of Jesus Christ and his teachings. They believe that the Old and New Testaments, the Hebrew Bible, and the Greek Christian Testament, are the authoritative words of God inspired by the Holy Spirit. A Christian relies on the saving and effective work of Jesus Christ on the cross and his resurrection. They believe that Jesus is God’s only-begotten son. They believe in the Trinity, that God is three Persons in one Godhead: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Though there is debate over exactly how this is, it is a unifying factor for all Christians. They believe God has always existed and will always exist as all-powerful, ever-present, and all-knowing. And they believe that all earthly and heavenly beings are subjects under the one true God’s rule.
Key Differences
Though Mormons do believe in Jesus and the Bible, there are many key differences in dogma, as well as generally accepted Christian doctrines. It is hard to say Mormons land under the category of Christian. Though Mormons say they follow the same God, Mormons and Christians disagree fundamentally on the nature of God. Mormons believe that God has not always been God. And they do not believe in the Trinity. Instead, they hold to the model of tritheism. They believe that this earth has three Gods. God the Father has a body and is a separate being from Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Though Mormons do follow Jesus and believe in his saving ability, they emphasize a need for faith and work. They believe that exultation (to become a god) is the goal. They believe this cannot be achieved by Christ’s redemption alone. Therefore, they put many ordinances in place that are necessary for exultation to be with their heavenly Father.
This, along with the fact that Mormons have many other scriptural and prophetic authorities that rank as important and at times more important than what God has revealed in the Bible, leads Christians to conclude that Mormons are not Christian. Unlike Mormons, Christians measure any interpretation or revelation against what God has revealed through the Bible. The Bible is given the greater weight of authority. Though the two religions do have many similar values, most Christians will agree that the Mormon church is an adjacent Christian cult, not a different Christian denomination.
Mormonism, compared to other World religions
Though Mormonism is considered to be a unique religion, Mormons seek to foster good relationships with all people. There are a few distinct similarities and ties to some of the major world religions.
Judaism
Judaism and Mormonism have quite different theology, but they do have some similarities. This is a shared sacred document, the Hebrew Bible. Both Judaism and Mormonism center around certain rituals integral to their religion. Mormons believe Hebrew people came to America, as related to the golden plates. Therefore Hebrew people believe they are, in a sense, spiritually related to Mormons.
Islam
While there are significant theological differences between Mormonism and Islam, there are some interesting historical and cultural intersections. At a glance, Mormonism and Islam share certain similarities. Just as Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, received visions and revelations that led to the establishment of a new church in upstate New York, Muhammad received divine revelations in seventh-century Arabia that resulted in the formation of Islam. In this sense, both traditions share their beginnings in direct encounters with angelic visitations.
Both the Muslim Koran and Mormon scriptures speak of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and several other shared historical figures in the formation of their faith traditions. Central to Mormon belief is the understanding that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of humanity who atoned for the sins of humankind. In contrast, Islam emphasizes strict monotheism – the belief in one God (Allah) – rejecting any notion of divine sonship or tritheism.
The LDS Church
The Latter Day Saints Church is headquartered in present-day Salt Lake City, Utah. It has been in Utah since Brigham Young moved them there after Joseph Smith’s death. They believe it will be the place where God establishes New Jerusalem. However, the LDS church is growing and has members worldwide. This is due, in part, to their heavy emphasis on proselytizing and missionary work.
Missionaries
Being a Mormon missionary is considered a rite of passage, especially for young men. They are strongly encouraged to go on a missionary trip beginning at age eighteen (following their high school graduation) for two years. Many women go on missionary trips starting at age nineteen for eighteen months. Some retired couples go on mission trips together for varied amounts of time. No matter the time of life or the length of the trip, it is considered a sacred commitment and has a great impact on the missionary.
Missionaries usually pay for their trip out of their pocket. Sometimes they have help from church funds. Missions may include a wide range of activities such as humanitarian help, but the main focus is on reaching new people with the Mormon religion. LDS missionaries are easily identified around the world as they hold to a dress code in their proselytizing work. They have many strict rules and their efforts have made a great impact in expanding the LDS church.
Church Structure
The LDS Church has an organized and extensive governing system. Within the hierarchy, the President is the highest authority and leader of the church, a position comparable to the Roman Catholic Pope. The President is considered a prophet. He can interpret the scriptures and receive authoritative revelations. There has been a constant succession of Presidential leaders for the Mormon church since Joseph Smith, and the two counselors. Together, these three are referred to as the First Presidency.
Below the First Presidency are twelve apostles who form the Quorum of the Twelve. Underneath the Twelve is a group called the Seventies, which includes seventy church leaders. There are other auxiliary offices such as young women and Sunday school offices. After these, each region is broken up into stakes. Each stake has a stake president. Each stake is broken up further into wards. There is one congregation per ward. Each head of a congregation is called a Bishop.
Changes and Retractions to Doctrine
The beliefs and doctrines held by the Latter Day Saints church have evolved over the years. It includes retractions over controversial issues that have divided and alienated many in the past, such as the practice of polygamy and racial inequality.
Racial Issues
At the founding of the Mormon religion, there was a racist air to the American landscape. White Americans were pushing Native Americans out of their land, and slavery was yet to be abolished. Not unexpectedly, this mindset became a part of the Mormon story and doctrines.
Native Americans
Joseph Smith made claims concerning the repugnance of dark skin, and the superiority of light skin. The Book of Mormon is Joseph Smith’s interpretation of Native American history. It states there was a tribe called the Lamanites who were given dark skin, so they would seem loathsome to the lighter-skinned tribe called the Nephites. But, according to Joseph Smith, this was not the only origin of dark skin being a sign of loathsomeness and evil.
Africans
In the Bible, it is stated that “the Lord put a mark on Cain” (Genesis 4:15) after he killed Abel. Though, at the time, no one had any theories as to what this mark was, Joseph Smith stated that this was the dark skin of the African people. Later, a Mormon religious leader named John Taylor stated that the mark of Cain was passed down through the descendants of Ham so the devil could have representatives on earth.
Mormon doctrine goes on to state dark-skinned people are those who, in the spirit world, sided with the devil in their premortal state. This meant that those of darker skin were viewed as having less righteous souls. Though Mormons allowed all races to be part of their church from the beginning, dark-skinned people were not permitted to take part in certain temple ordinances, such as marriage sealings and ordination into the priesthood. This was not overturned until 1978. Many believe it was a result of outside pressures on the church. The LDS church, however, holds that it was a revelation of God to the President at the time.
Polygamy
A man marrying multiple women, called polygamy or plural marriages, is one of Mormonism’s more widely known practices. Joseph Smith had a series of visions where an angel told him it was God’s will for him to take multiple wives. Smith was at first reluctant, but eventually obeyed what he asserted to be the will of God. Joseph Smith tried to keep his plural marriages quiet. However, it was later made a church-wide practice under Brigham Young’s leadership.
The reasoning given for plural marriages was the importance of offspring in the celestial kingdom. Also, Mormons believe that to reach the highest form of glory in the afterlife one must be married. Polygamy allowed for more women to be married and have a chance at glory in the afterlife. Polygamy also allowed for the rapid growth of the religion in the LDS church’s early years.
The Mormon practice of plural marriage drew stiff criticism and even violence from outsiders. The United States government prohibited polygamy and as a result, Utah was not granted admission as a state. It was not until 1890, when the then President of the LDS church banned plural marriages, that Utah could move from being a territory of the U.S. to joining the union as a state.
Different branches of Mormonism
The LDS church is the largest branch or denomination of Mormonism; however, disagreements and divisions have resulted in various sects and denominations, such as the Community of Christ (started by Joseph Smith’s son) and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS).
Fundamentalists
Mormon fundamentalists are branches of the Mormon faith that adhere to a more strict and traditional interpretation of LDS teachings. Fundamentalist sects often trace their beginnings to the early church. They diverge from mainstream Mormon theology as espoused by subsequent church presidents such as Joseph Fielding Smith. Mormon fundamentalists view themselves as preserving those core doctrines. They believe have been compromised or abandoned by the LDS Church.
Some of these branches still hold to the idea that people of African descent cannot be part of the priesthood. Many branches also hold to the practice of polygamy. They see it as an essential part of their religious heritage and continue to practice it today, albeit often discreetly. In addition to polygamy, other distinctive beliefs and practices found among Mormon fundamentalist groups include a strong emphasis on personal revelation and spiritual experiences. They also tend to have a fervent devotion to their leaders, regarding them as divinely chosen prophets who receive direct guidance from God.
It is important to note that while Mormon fundamentalist groups may share some historical roots with mainstream Mormons, they are not recognized or endorsed by the LDS Church. The church today disavows any association with polygamous factions and has consistently emphasized obedience to current LDS church leadership. The fundamentalist movement represents a small fraction of the overall Mormon population and should not be seen as representative of the broader Mormon faith.
Liberal Reformists
Liberal reformist theology within Mormonism represents a more progressive perspective on faith and doctrine. Reformists seek to reconcile their faith with modern values and perspectives while remaining committed to their religious heritage. They may challenge traditional interpretations on issues like gender roles or LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for greater inclusivity within their communities.
One area where liberal reformist theology has progressed is in the interpretation of scripture. While still holding the Book of Mormon as a sacred text, adherents of this theological approach may view it more metaphorically or symbolically, emphasizing its moral teachings rather than strict historical accuracy.
In terms of the Holy Bible, liberal reformist Mormons value it as scripture but may also approach it from a critical standpoint. They consider its historical context and potential human authorship. They often emphasize the teachings of Jesus Christ found in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon, seeking to promote love, compassion, social justice, and inclusivity within their faith community. Liberal reformist Mormons also tend to have a broader understanding of salvation and emphasize the importance of good works alongside faith in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion
In recent years, due in part to media attention surrounding public figures such as politician Mitt Romney and others who identify as Mormon, there has been increased public curiosity about this faith tradition.
Mormons follow the teachings of Joseph Smith Jr. and modern prophets. They believe doing good deeds and following ordinances have a significant effect on the glory they receive in the afterlife. Though the historical context and account of the Mormon church’s formation is controversial, mainstream Mormon leaders have sought to align their practices with what is more culturally acceptable. Many Mormon beliefs conflict with Christianity, but both religions have a similar moral code and adherents seek to be good people.
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