Editing: Mormonism

# Mormonism

**Mormonism** is a religious movement founded by Joseph Smith in the 1820s and 1830s, formally known as the Latter Day Saint movement [1]. The largest denomination within this movement is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has over 16 million members worldwide and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mormons consider themselves Christians and believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world, though their theology includes distinctive doctrines that set them apart from traditional Christianity [2][5].

The term "Mormonism" derives from the **Book of Mormon**, a sacred text that adherents believe was translated by Joseph Smith from ancient golden plates. While members of the church prefer to be called "Latter-day Saints" rather than "Mormons," the latter term remains widely used in popular discourse [4].

## Origins and History

Mormonism began in the early 19th century during a period of religious revival in upstate New York known as the Second Great Awakening. **Joseph Smith Jr.**, born in 1805, claimed to have received divine revelations beginning in 1820 when he was 14 years old. According to Mormon doctrine, Smith experienced what is called the "First Vision," in which God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him in a grove of trees near his family's farm [6].

Smith reported additional revelations throughout the 1820s, including visits from the angel Moroni, who directed him to golden plates buried in a hill near his home. Smith claimed to have translated these plates into English through divine power, producing the Book of Mormon, which was first published in 1830. That same year, Smith formally organized the Church of Christ, later renamed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [1][6].

The early Mormon community faced significant persecution and was forced to relocate multiple times. They moved from New York to Ohio, then to Missouri, and finally to Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1844, Joseph Smith was killed by a mob while imprisoned in Carthage, Illinois. Following Smith's death, the majority of Mormons followed **Brigham Young** westward to the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah, where they established a thriving religious community [1].

## Core Beliefs and Doctrines

Mormon theology centers on Jesus Christ while incorporating several distinctive doctrines that differentiate it from mainstream Christianity. Latter-day Saints believe in the **Godhead** as three separate beings—God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost—rather than the traditional Christian Trinity [3][7].

Key Mormon beliefs include:

- **Continuing revelation**: God continues to reveal truth through living prophets, with the church president serving as prophet, seer, and revelator
- **The Plan of Salvation**: A comprehensive doctrine explaining humanity's pre-mortal existence, earthly life, and eternal destiny
- **Three degrees of glory**: Heaven is divided into celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms
- **Eternal families**: Marriage and family relationships can continue beyond death through temple ordinances
- **Baptism for the dead**: Ordinances can be performed vicariously for deceased individuals
- **The Word of Wisdom**: A health code prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea [3][7]

The **Book of Mormon** serves as scripture alongside the Bible, which Mormons believe to be the word of God "as far as it is translated correctly." Additional Mormon scriptures include the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price [6].

## Sacred Texts and Scripture

Mormons accept four books as scripture, collectively called the **Standard Works**. The Bible (King James Version) is considered fundamental, but Mormons believe it has been subject to translation errors and textual corruption over time. The Book of Mormon is viewed as "another testament of Jesus Christ" that provides additional witness to his divinity [5][6].

The Book of Mormon purports to be a record of ancient American civilizations spanning from approximately 600 BCE to 400 CE. It tells the story of families who migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas and describes Christ's visit to the American continent following his resurrection. Critics have questioned the book's historical authenticity, noting the lack of archaeological evidence for the civilizations it describes [6].

The **Doctrine and Covenants** contains revelations given primarily to Joseph Smith, while the **Pearl of Great Price** includes additional revelations and Smith's translation of ancient texts, including the Book of Abraham.

## Organization and Practices

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates under a hierarchical structure led by the **First Presidency** (a president and two counselors) and the **Quorum of the Twelve Apostles**. Local congregations are organized into wards and stakes, led by bishops and stake presidents who serve without pay [7].

Mormon worship centers on weekly **sacrament meetings** where members partake of bread and water in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. The church emphasizes missionary work, with over 50,000 full-time missionaries serving worldwide. Young men are encouraged to serve two-year missions beginning at age 18, while young women may serve 18-month missions starting at age 19 [7].

**Temples** play a central role in Mormon practice, distinguished from regular meetinghouses. In temples, members participate in sacred ordinances including baptisms for the dead, endowments, and eternal marriage ceremonies. Access to temples requires a recommend from local church leaders, certifying the member's worthiness and adherence to church standards [7].

## Contemporary Mormonism

Modern Mormonism has evolved significantly from its 19th-century origins. The church discontinued the practice of **polygamy** in 1890, though it remains a source of historical controversy and continues among some fundamentalist offshoots. In 1978, the church extended priesthood ordination to all worthy male members regardless of race, reversing a previous policy that had excluded Black members [1].

Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest-growing religions globally, with particularly strong growth in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The church operates Brigham Young University, maintains extensive genealogical records, and runs a significant humanitarian aid program [7].

The church has worked to emphasize its Christian identity while maintaining its distinctive doctrines. In 2018, church president Russell M. Nelson requested that members and media use the full name of the church rather than "Mormon" or "LDS," though these terms remain in common usage [4].

## Controversies and Criticisms

Mormonism has faced various controversies throughout its history. Historical issues include the practice of polygamy, the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857, and past restrictions on Black members. Contemporary debates focus on the church's positions on LGBTQ+ issues, women's roles, and historical transparency [6].

Critics have questioned the historical authenticity of Mormon scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon and Book of Abraham. Some former members and scholars have raised concerns about church history, financial practices, and doctrinal changes over time. The church has responded by publishing essays addressing difficult historical topics and encouraging scholarly engagement with its past [6].

Despite controversies, Mormonism continues to attract converts and maintain high levels of member activity compared to many other religious organizations. The church's emphasis on family values, community service, and personal revelation resonates with many adherents worldwide [7].

## Related Topics

- Joseph Smith Jr.
- Book of Mormon
- Brigham Young
- Salt Lake City
- Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints
- Christian restorationism
- American religious movements
- Temple worship

## Summary

Mormonism is a Christian religious movement founded by Joseph Smith in the 1830s, characterized by distinctive doctrines including continuing revelation, additional scriptures, and temple worship, with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being its largest denomination.

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