Mormonism is a religious movement that began in the 1820s in western New York during a period of religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening. Its founder was Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844), who said he received visions as a young man instructing him to restore the true church of Jesus Christ. Smith claimed an angel named Moroni directed him to golden plates buried in a hill near his home in Palmyra, New York. According to Smith, the plates contained a revelation from God of the history of an ancient American civilization as well as new revelations. Smith translated these plates into the Book of Mormon, which he published in 1830.
Smith organized the Church of Christ in 1830 and gathered a small following. A few years later the church moved to Kirtland, Ohio, where it flourished. Smith revised the church’s name to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1838 to reflect his belief that his church represented a restoration of the original church founded by Jesus. The early church also established its headquarters in Far West, Missouri, in 1838. However, tensions with other Missouri settlers led to a Mormon War, and the governor of Missouri issued an “extermination order” against the Mormons.
In 1839, the Mormons regrouped and settled in Nauvoo, Illinois. The church grew rapidly, but Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed in 1844 by an anti-Mormon mob in nearby Carthage, Illinois. After Smith’s death, the Mormons followed Brigham Young on an arduous migration west to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah, which became church headquarters in 1847. Other Mormon pioneers subsequently left the U.S. for Mexico and Canada. As of 2023, the church has 16.8 million members worldwide, with more members outside the United States (9.4 million) than in the U.S. (7.4 million).
Here are some key beliefs and practices of Mormonism:
Scripture and Revelation
Mormons believe the Bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. But they also believe the Book of Mormon is divine scripture comparable to the Bible. According to Mormon teaching, the Book of Mormon is “another testament of Jesus Christ” comparable to the New Testament. Mormons also revere the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations received by Joseph Smith and his successors, as well as the Pearl of Great Price, a book of writings by Smith. Mormons believe in continuing revelation through their prophets and apostles.
God
Mormons believe in an embodied God, who has a physical body and human-like emotions. According to Mormon theology, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three separate divine beings united in purpose. Mormons reject the doctrine of the Trinity affirmed by orthodox Christianity. Mormons believe that humans can become exalted like God, and that God and humans are the same species.
Jesus Christ
Like other Christians, Mormons believe Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead. However, Mormons also believe Jesus visited America after his resurrection to preach to the indigenous people. Christ plays a central role in Mormon temples, and the church’s official name emphasizes its focus on Jesus Christ.
Heaven
Mormons believe heaven consists of three different “kingdoms of glory”: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. Only members of the Mormon church married in a temple sealing ceremony can reach the highest level, the celestial kingdom. Everyone else, including morally upright non-Mormons, will inhabit one of the lower kingdoms for eternity.
Salvation
Contrary to the evangelical Protestant doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone, Mormons believe human effort is required to receive eternal life. Mormonism teaches salvation through good works and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the church. The church offers sacramental ordinances believed to be necessary for salvation, including baptism, confirmation, the sacrament (Lord’s Supper), and temple rituals.
Church Organization
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a hierarchical structure patterned after biblical precedent. The church is led by a president and his two counselors, forming the church’s highest governing body, the First Presidency. Next is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Under their direction are regional church leaders called Area Presidencies, then local leaders called Stake Presidents and Bishops. Mormon males can receive the priesthood beginning at age 12, and titles like Elder, High Priest, and Patriarch exist.
Temples
In addition to Sunday worship services, Mormons participate in sacred rituals inside temples for the living and dead ancestors. Baptisms, marriages, and other covenants like eternal marriage sealing occur in temples. Worthy Mormons must obtain a temple recommend certification from church leaders to enter temples after age 18. As of 2023, there are 173 dedicated Mormon temples worldwide.
Tithing and Missions
Mormons are required to pay 10 percent of their income as tithing. The church uses tithing funds to build meetinghouses, temples, and missionary training centers. Mormon young men are expected to serve a two-year proselytizing mission, and young women may also choose to serve. Mormon missionaries are known for their white shirts, ties, and name badges as they seek converts through door-to-door canvassing.
Health Code
Mormons must follow a strict health code known as the “Word of Wisdom.” They abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs. Mormons also fast once a month by going without food and water for two consecutive meals, and the money saved is donated to help the poor.
Marriage and Family
Mormons place a strong emphasis on traditional gender roles and families. Women are encouraged to be stay-at-home mothers while men provide for the family. Mormons oppose same-sex marriage, elective abortion, premarital sex, and pornography. However, Mormons have been counseled to be more accepting of those who identify as LGBTQ.
History of Polygamy
Earlier in its history, Mormonism sanctioned plural marriage. Joseph Smith had around 30 wives, and Brigham Young had 55. U.S. laws forced the church to formally abandon the practice in 1890 as a condition of Utah statehood. Some fundamentalist offshoots like the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints continue practicing polygamy.
Relation to Christianity
Mormonism shares some theological views with Christianity but differs substantially in many fundamental doctrines. As a result, Mormons are not considered Christians by Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches. Critics argue Mormonism deviates too far from historical Christian teaching to be viewed as a Christian denomination. Mormons, however, assert their church represents a restoration of original Christianity corrupted over time.
Controversies and Criticisms
Like any religious movement, Mormonism has faced controversies and criticism of its beliefs and practices over the years. Some common critiques include:
– Archaeological challenges – No compelling archaeological evidence supports the Book of Mormon narrative of ancient advanced civilizations in the Americas.
– Polygamy – Its early embrace of polygamy remains controversial despite the church banning the practice in 1890.
– Racism – Though it has improved recently, the church has a troubling history of institutionalized racism preventing men of black African descent from receiving the priesthood until 1978.
– Sexism – Critics argue the church promotes the harmful idea that women’s primary aspirational role is mother and homemaker.
– Homosexuality – The church strongly opposes same-sex relationships as sinful, though it has moderated some exclusionary LGBTQ policies amid growing public pressure.
– Authoritarian leadership – Some former members contend church leaders excessively micromanage followers’ lives and leave little room for personal agency or dissent.
– Secret temple rituals – The church has been criticized for the unusual rituals and oaths required inside temples, with non-Mormons excluded from witnessing these ceremonies.
Conclusion
In summary, Mormonism originated in the 1820s when Joseph Smith claimed to receive divine revelations calling him to restore Christ’s true church. Core Mormon beliefs include faith in the Book of Mormon as scripture, the potential for humans to become like God, continuing revelation through living prophets, eternal marriage, health prohibitions like abstaining from alcohol, and an emphasis on strong traditional families. However, Mormon doctrines like God having a physical body and Jesus visiting America diverge from teachings affirmed as orthodox by older Christian denominations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has spread worldwide since its humble beginnings, emerging as a distinctly American-born religious movement now with millions of adherents globally. But like any religion, Mormonism continues facing criticisms and controversies over its unorthodox doctrines, secret rituals, and social policies.