Mormonism

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), more commonly known as the "Mormon" church, is a Christian religion that traces its origins to Joseph Smith. Founded by Smith in 1830 C.E. in New York, Mormonism developed as a sectarian movement in a turbulent period of American religious history. Joseph Smith claimed to have been called by God to restore the church that Christ had established on the earth, but which had been lost after the deaths of the original apostles. Smith said that heavenly messengers, including John the Baptist, visited him and conferred upon him the divine authority to perform valid Christian baptisms. Later, Smith introduced the practice of plural marriage as part of his desire to reintroduce all biblical practices into the modern world. The Mormons moved several times during the 1830s and 1840s, often due to violent persecution and disputes with their non-Mormon neighbors. After Smith's murder in 1844, leadership of the church passed to Brigham Young, a dynamic organizer and frontiersman who led the church to the relative isolation and security of the American West. The church abandoned polygamy in 1890, and gradually found a place within traditional American culture. Today, members of the church maintain strict dietary laws that prohibit the consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee, and the use of tobacco and illegal drugs. The church is also known for its emphasis on traditional family life, a strong work ethic, and a respect for authority and order. The Mormons also have distinct theologies including a unique doctrine of God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit in which the three are separate entities, and continuing revelation through modern prophets.

Contributors : Jacob N. Kinnard, Kathleen A. Mulhern, Stephen Taysom

Mormonism developed in early 19th-century America as a response to revelations to its founder, Joseph Smith.

Mormonism developed within the context of American Christian revivals and the prevalent desire to recover earlier forms of Christianity. Its development included the moral renewal more widely experienced in the newly formed United States.

Joseph Smith, Jr., founded the Mormon Church in response to a vision from God the Father and Jesus Christ and under the direction of other visions and revelations.

Mormonism acknowledges a fourfold corpus of authoritative writings, including the Bible, yet teaches that no written scripture is ever final or complete. Ongoing revelation to Church leaders is equally authoritative.

Mormon studies have largely been divided between scholarship that embraces Mormon history, including Smith's accounts of revelation, and those who reject it.

Mormonism emerged in 1830 as a result of the revelatory experiences of Joseph Smith and continued to develop theological and cultural ideas and practices that put the movement at odds with the broader American culture until 1890.

Mormonism, which developed as a sectarian response to the turbulent religious developments of the early 19th century, has been particularly prone to schismatic fragmentation throughout its history.

Early Mormons moved about in response to religious persecution until the late 1840s when the group established a religious, social, and cultural stronghold in the American west.

Although the LDS Church has maintained a vigorous missionary program for nearly two centuries and has spread throughout the world, it maintains a highly centralized system that discourages local adaptations.

Since 1890, Mormonism has evolved from a culturally despised sect in the 19th century, to a fast growing, institutionally sophisticated, and mainstream American group today.

The Mormon tradition is rich in sacred narratives drawn from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Mormon temple rituals, and the pioneer heritage of the Church.

Mormons believe in a three-member Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and in the potential of human beings to become gods and goddesses. Mormons also believe in the reality of angels.

Mormons believe that human beings, while fallen and carnal, have the potential to grow in moral knowledge until they reach a state of godhood in the afterlife.

In the Mormon view, evil is a natural consequence of moral agency, and because agency is a prerequisite for existence, the possibility for evil is ever present.

Mormons believe in a complex afterlife that involves a heaven with three degrees of glory in which nearly every person will receive salvation.

Mormons mark sacred time with weekly meetings, semi-annual Church conferences, and temple rituals that take them ritually beyond profane time.

Mormons create sacred space within homes, chapels, temples, and even map sacred spaces onto natural and man-made geographical features.

Mormons employ rites that range from familiar Christian rituals of baptism and Eucharist, to uniquely Mormon rituals performed on behalf of deceased ancestors.

Mormons enjoy active devotional lives at all stages of life through daily scripture study and prayer and multiple weekly activities with other Church members.

Mormons share some symbols with other Christian groups but the richest and most unique religious symbols of Mormonism are displayed in connection with the Church's temples.

Mormonism is governed by a relatively small group of full-time Church employees and a large corps of lay volunteers who serve as the spiritual leaders of Mormon congregations.

Mormonism has evolved from a tradition that focused on planned communities and communal living to a dispersed group that emphasizes participation in the communities in which Church members live.

Mormon morality flows largely from the twin sources of scripture and reverence for the human body, which they believe will be resurrected and carried throughout eternity.

Early Mormon attempts to form a society in accordance with Church teachings and governed by Church leaders have given way to active involvement in established political systems, especially on moral issues.

In recent years, Mormonism has struggled to define its policies toward gender roles, sexual morality, birth control, and homosexuality.