World Religions - Mormonism

Mormonism

What do the Mormons believe?

The Mormon Church, also called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) was founded in the nineteenth century by Joseph Smith. 

Smith wrote the Book of Mormon, which he based upon a series of divine revelations that he himself experienced over 11 years. Smith claimed to have his first revelation at the age of 14, where he had a vision of God and Jesus who told him that there were no “right” churches in the world. At the age of 17, Smith saw an angel who told him of hidden golden scrolls on which God had wrote details of a visit to America. By adulthood Smith had found the golden scrolls which eventually became the Book of Mormon.

The Mormon religion is based upon the Book of Mormon, published in 1830, the Bible and other publications that LDS leaders have created. It was this year that Smith organized the first meeting of the Mormon church, which was held in New York. Later, after Smith's assassination by opponents of the church, Brigham Young became the leader of the church. The church's primary location of leadership was now based in Salt Lake, Utah.

Mormon doctrine believes that the people spoken about in the King James Bible are descendents of Native Americans. It also believes that all men have divine potential and that even men that have sinned may reach heaven some day. All males in the church are given priesthood holders at the age of 12. This means that all males now have a special connection with God and must follow the church's teachings and spread the doctrine to others. All young Mormon males must do some type of missionary work to spread the doctrine to others.

The religion also teaches that men can also reach heaven by procreating and bringing new children into the faith. Traditionally the common way to do this was to marry several women and have several children by them. Today, the church frowns upon polygamy, although there are offshoots of the major church that still practice polygamy today.

Other Mormon beliefs include sacraments, strictly adhering to abstinence of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, the belief in eternal marriage and a strong emphasis on family, work and education.

Much of what the Church of Later Day Saints teaches and promotes, appears to stand in-line with main stream biblical Christianity, ie:

"God is your Father in Heaven. He knows you personally. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and your Savior. His life and teachings are the way to peace and happiness."

But, on further study you will find that there are some distinct differences in their teachings. Differences that make it impossible for biblical mainstream Christians and Mormons to stand united on.

Mormons believe that God established the gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth through their prophet Joseph Smith who was sent to restore God’s truth. They believe that the evidence of this restoration is not found in the Holy Bible as used by most Christians, but in their Book of Mormon.