The Book of Mormon resembles the Bible in its length and complexity and in its division into books named for individual prophets. Links go to pages that give a fuller treatment of the time period of the various issues and periods. Mormon converts are urged to undergo lifestyle changes, repent of sins, and adopt sometimes atypical standards of conduct. They all have a little truth mixed with error. Mormons have a scriptural canon consisting of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), the Book of Mormon, and a collection of revelations and writings by Joseph Smith known as the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. It's all free. [61], In 1852, church leaders publicized the previously secret practice of plural marriage, a form of polygamy. [116], LGBT Mormons, or Mormons who self-identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, remain in good standing in the church if they abstain from homosexual relations and obey the law of chastity. [71] In 1878, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Reynolds v. United States that religious duty was not a suitable defense for practicing polygamy, and many Mormon polygamists went into hiding; later, Congress began seizing church assets. In 1827, 21-year-old Joseph Smith announced that he had unearthed a set of golden plates, inscribed with the tenants of God’s true church. 01:10. ", "Book of Mormon/Plagiarism accusations/Joseph Smith, Sr.'s dream and Lehi's vision - FairMormon", No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith, "E. D. Howe's Mormonism Unvailed, Part 5 of 5", "Changing the Revelations, The Case Against Mormonism Chapter 6", Book of Mormon/Authorship theories/Golden Pot, page scans at Hathi Trust (copyright page), "The Late War Against the Book of Mormon", "A Bayesian Cease-Fire in the Late War on the Book of Mormon", "The Allegory of the Olive Tree - Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship", http://www.mormonthink.com/book-of-mormon-problems.htm#Bible, "The Structure of the Book of Mormon: A Theory of Evolutionary Development", "Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon? . He did. From Darkness Unto Light: Joseph Smith's Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is also believed to have been written by ancient prophets, and is viewed as a companion to the Bible. Roberts concluded, assuming a hemispheric geography theory for the Book of Mormon, sufficient parallels existed that future critics could claim that View of the Hebrews had provided a structural foundation for the Book of Mormon story. [50][51] Critics assert that the narrative could have been completely based on the biblical texts in Isaiah 5 and Romans 11 and point out that midway through Jacob 5 Smith switches from an allegory of a single olive tree to an allegory of a vineyard, reflecting his imperfect use of the biblical texts.[52]. From the start, Mormons have tried to establish what they call "Zion", a utopian society of the righteous. [112] Many Mormons hold weekly Family Home Evenings, in which an evening is set aside for family bonding, study, prayer and other activities they consider to be wholesome. Mormons believe that Christ's church was restored through Joseph Smith and is guided by living prophets and apostles. The 2008 work Mormon Parallels and a 2010 work[47] have discussed possible similarities. Mormons are opposed to abortion, except in some exceptional circumstances, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, or when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy. Women in Mormonism; Chronology of Mormon History; About the Author; The THRIVE Project; Faith Crisis Resources; Understanding Mormonism; Search; About. The church doubled in size every 15 to 20 years,[88] and by 1996, there were more Mormons outside the United States than inside. Mormon apologist B. H. Roberts authored a manuscript titled Studies of the Book of Mormon,[40] comparing the content of the Book of Mormon with View of the Hebrews. The story of the Mormon Trail is rooted in the beginnings of a unique American religion. As a general rule, anything spoken or written by a prophet, while under inspiration, is considered to be the word of God. It has been claimed that the books of the Apocrypha were a source for the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that the following biblical passages prophesy or otherwise support the existence of the Book of Mormon: Psalm 85:11; Ezekiel 37:15–20; John 10: 15–16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Revelation 14:6–7. Mormon is allegedly a prophet-historian who was the native American believed by Mormons to have written the Book of Mormon - the main religious text of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism). Mormons self-identify as being Christian,[151] while many Christians, particularly evangelical Protestants, disagree with this view. After four years of annually meeting with the angel, Smith was finally entrusted with the plates. There are thought to be between 20,000 and 60,000 members of fundamentalist sects, (0.1–0.4 percent of Mormons), with roughly half of them practicing polygamy. [96] Chile, Uruguay, and several areas in the South Pacific have a higher percentage of Mormons than the United States (which is at about 2 percent). The city became the church's new headquarters and gathering place, and it grew rapidly, fueled in part by converts immigrating from Europe. . By this definition, the teachings of Smith's successors are also accepted as scripture, though they are always measured against, and draw heavily from the scriptural canon. By Smith's account, on September 21, 1823, this same Moroni, now an angel, appeared to Smith to instruct him about this ancient record and its destined translation into English. It was Hyrum, but Hyrum fell a martyr before Joseph did. Show More. On April 6, 1830, Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became its first president. Persuitte argues the wording of the revelations indicates at least one other secret collaborator, as "if he had some partners who had imposed it upon him in order to prevent him from gathering too much power to himself. [46] Much of the narrative occurs in the imagination of the protagonist Anselmus. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM). [41] Roberts's manuscript was private and shared only with LDS Church leadership. [140], Mormons believe in "a friendly universe", governed by a God whose aim it is to bring his children to immortality and eternal life. [74] Mormons emphasized patriotism and industry, rising in socioeconomic status from the bottom among American religious denominations to middle-class. Most other purported similarities, attested by various witness affidavits gathered by Doctor Philastus Hurlbut, were nonexistent. [6] Smith was shown the location of the plates (and the other items in the box), but was not immediately allowed to take them. The only known manuscript was discovered in 1884 and now resides at Oberlin College in Ohio. Members of the LDS Church, also known as Latter-day Saints, constitute over 95 percent of Mormons. Today, while the term Mormonism can act as a blanket term for all sects following the religious tradition started by Joseph Smith, many sects do not prefer the term Mormon as an acceptable label. [124] They look to the scriptures for spiritual guidance, but may not necessarily believe the teachings to be literally or uniquely true. [32] Segments of the Book of Mormon—1 Nephi chapters 20–21 and 2 Nephi chapters 7–8 and 12–24—match nearly word-for-word Isaiah 48:1–52:2 and 2–14 (respectively). [53], For two years after Smith's death, conflicts escalated between Mormons and other Illinois residents. [5] Mormon then gave the record to his son, Moroni, who inscribed a few additional words of his own, and concealed the plates about AD 400. During the 19th century, Mormon converts tended to gather to a central geographic locations, a trend that reversed somewhat in the 1920s and 30s. (3 Nephi 8:20–23). The Story of the Mormons, from the date of their origin to the year 1901 - Kindle edition by Linn, William Alexander. David Persuitte highlights a revelation of Smith's from March 1829, that apparently limited Smith's power to translation. Watching. Of the 50,000 inhabitants of the state of Utah, the underwhelming response—56 men, 33 women, and 71 children, most of whom stated they left for economic reasons—impressed Cumming, as did the fact that Mormon leaders contributed supplies to the emigrants. I submit this statement to the world; God in whom I trust being my judge as to the sincerity of my motives and the faith and hope that is in me of eternal life. ... labouring to follow the rules of an abridgment. The LDS Church has taken the position that the term Mormon should only apply to the LDS Church and its members, and not other adherents who have adopted the term. [9] Once the manuscript was available for study, most critics discarded this theory because the "extensive parallels" were only of a few minor details: intercontinental seafaring, the existence (and use) of a seer stone, and the discovery of records under a stone (Latin parchments vs. golden plates with "reformed Egyptian" inscriptions). [69] Nevertheless, the LDS Church still wielded significant political power in the Utah Territory. If Hyrum had lived he would have acted for Joseph. Mormons believe that God restored the early Christian church through Joseph Smith. Mormons believe in the Bible, as well as other books of scripture, such as the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith and The Origin of The Book of Mormon . Smith created a service organization for women called the Relief Society, as well as an organization called the Council of Fifty, representing a future theodemocratic "Kingdom of God" on the earth. To combat the notion that rank-and-file Mormons were unhappy under Young's leadership, Cumming noted that he had offered to help any to leave the territory if they desired. ... [T]he darkness lasted for three days." To prevent war, Brigham Young led the Mormon pioneers (constituting most of the Latter Day Saints) to a temporary winter quarters in Nebraska and then, eventually (beginning in 1847), to what became the Utah Territory. such as Mark 16:15–18, which is quoted nearly word-for-word in Mormon 9:22–24. [59] Converts were expected to "gather" to Zion, and during Young's presidency (1847–77) over seventy thousand Mormon converts immigrated to America. Critics have explored a number of issues, including (1) whether Joseph Smith actually had golden plates, or whether the text of the Book of Mormon originated in his mind or through inspiration; (2) whether it was Smith himself who composed the book's text or an associate of Smith's, such as Oliver Cowdery or Sidney Rigdon; and (3) whether the book was based on prior works, such as the View of the Hebrews, the Spalding Manuscript, or the King James Version of the Bible. Liberal Mormons, also known as Progressive Mormons, take an interpretive approach to LDS teachings and scripture. After the Manifesto, some Mormons continued to enter into polygamous marriages, but these eventually stopped in 1904 when church president Joseph F. Smith disavowed polygamy before Congress and issued a "Second Manifesto" calling for all plural marriages in the church to cease. Smith claimed the angel Moroni, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, directed him in the 1820s to a hill near his home in Palmyra, New York where the plates were buried. Several other witnesses observed Smith dictating the text that eventually became the Book of Mormon. The term Mormon has been used to refer to members of all these groups, but it most often refers solely to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), as today this branch is far larger than all the others combined. Other doctrinal and historical legacies have also greatly impacted the development of Mormon culture. [114] Same-sex marriages are not performed or supported by the LDS Church. [51] Young had been a close associate of Smith's and was senior apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve. [70], At Young's death in 1877, he was followed by other LDS Church presidents, who resisted efforts by the United States Congress to outlaw Mormon polygamous marriages. Oliver Cowdery's wife confirmed, after Cowdery's death, that he had never denied his testimony as one of the Three Witnesses: He always without one doubt or shudder of turning affirmed the divinity and truth of the Book of Mormon.[10]. Homosexual acts (as well as other sexual acts outside the bonds of marriage) are prohibited by the, As of the end of 2015, the LDS Church reported a membership of over 15 million (, Member activity rates are estimated from missionary reports, seminary and institute enrollment, and ratio of members per congregation –, Martha Sonntag Bradley, "Polygamy-Practicing Mormons" in, "Have the Presbyterians any truth? As of December 2019, the LDS Church reported having 16,565,036 members worldwide. [66] In 1857, U.S. President James Buchanan sent an army to Utah, which Mormons interpreted as open aggression against them. [48][49], Mormon authors claim that the description of olive horticulture in Jacob 5 is too specific and detailed for Smith to have learned on his own in early 19th century New England, so they assert it is evidence that Smith's story of the Book of Mormon's divine origin is true. (Nonetheless, whether they live in Utah or elsewhere in the U.S., Mormons tend to be more culturally and/or politically conservative than members of other U.S. religious groups. Humans Have the Potential to Become God. It relates the history of a group of Hebrews who migrated from Jerusalem to America about 600 bce, led by a prophet, Lehi. [55] The cooperative ethic that Mormons had developed over the last decade and a half became important as settlers branched out and colonized a large desert region now known as the Mormon Corridor. [79], During the later half of the 20th century, there was a retrenchment movement in Mormonism in which Mormons became more conservative, attempting to regain their status as a "peculiar people". Both Rigdon and Cowdery had more formal education than Smith. [152] Mormons view other religions as having portions of the truth, doing good works, and having genuine value. [111] Mormons also oppose behaviors such as viewing pornography and gambling. Apart from the witnesses, Mormons reference other evidences for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. Mormons have developed a strong sense of commonality that stems from their doctrine and history. In addition to believing that … [citation needed] Most histories state that Rigdon learned of the Book of Mormon from Parley P. Pratt, a member of Rigdon's Kirtland congregation, who had joined the Church of Christ in Palmyra in September 1830. Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement started by Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the 1820s. Spalding's story, called "Manuscript Story", revolves around a group of seafaring Romans who sail to the New World some two millennia ago. Accounts by these individuals are recorded in the introduction of the Book of Mormon as "The Testimony of the Three Witnesses" and "The Testimony of the Eight Witnesses.". (2 Maccabees 1:34,36), "And my people would that we should call the name of the place Nephi; wherefore we did call it Nephi". [76] As Mormons spread out, church leaders created programs that would help preserve the tight-knit community feel of Mormon culture. Tattoos and body piercings are also discouraged, with the exception of a single pair of earrings for LDS women. Alleged similarities include: The Late War is an account of the War of 1812 which is written in the style of the King James Bible. [130] There are a number of fundamentalist sects, the largest two being the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church) and the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB). ", "2019 Statistical Report for April 2020 Conference", "For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God", "A Portrait of Mormons in the U.S.: III. [56] Colonizing efforts were seen as religious duties, and the new villages were governed by the Mormon bishops (local lay religious leaders). Sidney Rigdon was a Baptist preacher, and one of the most prominent of Smith's earliest followers. [118] Gary Watts, former president of Family Fellowship, estimates that only 10 percent of homosexuals stay in the church. [37] During the fall of 1838, tensions escalated into the Mormon War with the old Missouri settlers. ... no artificial light could be procured ... vapours would prevent lamps, etc. The Church of Christ (now officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint) was organized with six founding members in Fayette, New York, on April 6, 1830. A prominent practice among young and retired members of the LDS Church is to serve a full-time proselytizing mission. [31] In 1833, Missouri settlers, alarmed by the rapid influx of Mormons, expelled them from Jackson County into the nearby Clay County, where local residents were more welcoming. Larsen, Wayne A.; Rencher, Alvin C.; Layton, Tim (Spring 1980). From 1852 to 1978, the LDS Church enforced a policy that restricted men of black African descent from being ordained to the church's lay priesthood. ... vapours ... so thick as to prevent the rays of the sun from penetrating an extraordinary thick mist. (2 Maccabees 2:25-31), "I make an abridgement of the record ... after I have abridged the record. According to the accounts of Joseph Smith and his associates, the original record was engraved on thin, malleable sheets of metal ("leaves") with the appearance of gold, and bound with three rings at one edge. John W. Rigdon, Sidney's son, asks his dad if he wrote The Book of Mormon or if Joseph's story about golden plates is true. One of the central doctrinal issues that defined the Mormonism in the 19th century was the practice of plural marriage, a form of religious polygamy. Other Mormons may be independently religious, secular and non-practicing, or belong to another denomination. I had made an abridgement from the plates of Nephi. In the first period, Smith attempted … Since 2018, the LDS Church has requested that its members be referred to as "Latter-day Saints". Share family photos and stories. Patriot. The history of Mormonism begins with Joseph Smith Jr., who is the first prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Mormon compiled the writings of several other prophets into what we now know as “The Book of Mormon.” Because we believe in the teachings of Christ found in that book, some people have come to call us “Mormons… [27], The early church grew westward as Smith sent missionaries to proselytize. [47] Smith used his political office and the city militia to destroy the press of a newspaper exposing Smith's practice of polygamy, which led to Smith being arrested on charges of treason. from burning. [54] Having failed to build Zion within the confines of American society, the Mormons began to construct a society in isolation, based on their beliefs and values. )[103] Utah Mormons often place a greater emphasis on pioneer heritage than international Mormons who generally are not descendants of the Mormon pioneers. There are differing views on the origin of the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that their church is the "only true and living church" because of the divine authority restored through Smith. [101] Utah Mormons (as well as Mormons living in the Intermountain West) are on average more culturally and/or politically conservative than those living in some cosmopolitan centers elsewhere in the U.S.[102] Utahns self-identifying as Mormon also attend church somewhat more on average than Mormons living in other states. [123] The beliefs and practices of LDS Mormons are generally guided by the teachings of LDS Church leaders. After Stan professes his ignorance of the Joseph Smith story, Gary's Father begins telling the story of the Mormon prophet's vision. [126] Activity rates tend to vary with age, and disengagement occurs most frequently between age 16 and 25. Elizabeth Cowdery to David Whitmer, March 8, 1887, published in the religious periodical The Return 3, no. : The Book of Mormon at the Bar of Demography", "The Spectacles, the Stone, the Hat, and the Book: A Twenty-first Century Believer's View of the Book of Mormon Translation", Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture, "The Imperative for a Historical Book of Mormon", List of Reorganized Restorationist churches, Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) history, Doctrine and Covenants (Book of Commandments), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Origin_of_the_Book_of_Mormon&oldid=999761102, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2016, Articles with dead external links from December 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, and believe that salvation … is … in and through the, "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up" (Malachi 4:1), "For behold, saith the prophet, ... the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned" (1 Nephi 22:15), "[T]he axe is laid unto the root of the trees; therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" (Matthew 3:10), "[T]he ax is laid at the root of the tree; therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire" (Alma 5:52), "[B]e steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works" (1 Corinthians 15:58), "[B]e ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (Mosiah 5:15), "We will assay to abridge in one volume. [139] Thus, the Bible, written by prophets and apostles, is the word of God, so far as it is translated correctly. Members of sects that broke with the LDS Church over the issue of polygamy have become known as fundamentalist Mormons; these groups differ from mainstream Mormonism primarily in their belief in and practice of plural marriage. The RLDS church initially denied that Joseph Smith Jr. had practiced polygamy and never adopted the practice. [117] While there are no official numbers, LDS Family Services estimates that there are on average four or five members per LDS ward who experience same-sex attraction. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), more commonly known as the "Mormon" church, is a religion derived from Christianity that traces its origins to Joseph Smith. [138] Cultural Mormons may or may not be actively involved with the LDS Church. [125] Reasons for inactivity can include rejection of the fundamental beliefs and/or history of the church, lifestyle incongruities with doctrinal teachings, and problems with social integration. There are differing views on the origin of the Book of Mormon. [9] Critics long speculated that Smith had access to the original script and that Smith heavily plagiarized it for the Book of Mormon. In 2013, The Late War was the subject of discussion among both ex-Mormons and Mormon apologists. [129] Former Latter-day Saints who seek to disassociate themselves from the religion are often referred to as ex-Mormons. The history of the Mormons has shaped them into a people with a strong sense of unity and commonality. The word Mormon was originally coined to describe any person who believes in the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture. [98] As the faith spread around the world, many of its more distinctive practices followed. "Who Wrote the Book of Mormon? Cultural Mormons are individuals who may not believe in certain doctrines or practices of the institutional LDS Church yet identify as members of the Mormon ethnic identity. As a result, Mormons today are probably less integrated with mainstream society than they were in the early 1960s. [65], By 1857, tensions had again escalated between Mormons and other Americans, largely as a result of accusations involving polygamy and the theocratic rule of the Utah Territory by Brigham Young. Smith also published an updated account of his First Vision, in which he claimed that Father and the Son appeared to him while he was about 14 years old. (p. 524), "[They] could feel the vapour of darkness, and there could be no light ... neither candles, neither torches, ... neither the sun ... for so great were the mists of darkness ... [I]t did last for the space of three days." But to use brevity ... is to be granted to him that will make an abridgement." [48] Because Hyrum was Smith's logical successor,[49] their deaths caused a succession crisis,[50] and Brigham Young assumed leadership over the majority of Latter Day Saints. [84] In general, Mormons greeted the change with joy and relief. However, several smaller groups substantially differ from "mainstream" Mormonism in various ways. During this time, Smith also introduced the doctrines of eternal progression or exaltation[44] and announced several new translation efforts, including the Book of Abraham and the Kinderhook plates. Mormons believe that returning to God requires following the example of Jesus Christ, and accepting his atonement through ordinances such as baptism. [64] Besides the doctrinal reasons for plural marriage, the practice made some economic sense, as many of the plural wives were single women who arrived in Utah without brothers or fathers to offer them societal support. 37 (March 10, 1831). According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the Garden of Eden in which God placed Adam and Eve is located in Jackson County, Missouri, near the town of … For instance, Mormons believe in a pre-mortal existence where people were literal spirit children of God,[143] and that God presented a plan of salvation that would allow his children to progress and become more like him. [133] A person in this group is sometimes mistakenly regarded by others within the mainstream church as a Jack Mormon, although this term is more commonly used to describe a different group with distinct motives to live the gospel in a non-traditional manner. In 1929, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir began broadcasting a weekly performance on national radio, becoming an asset for public relations. Upon Pratt's return to Ohio, Rigdon reportedly learned of Smith and the Book of Mormon and was baptized by Pratt. "[24] In contrast, co-authors Jerald and Sandra Tanner argue the early text of the revelation merely demonstrates that "Joseph Smith was not planning on doing any other work besides the Book of Mormon".[25]. John Rigdon, discussing an interview with his father Sidney Rigdon in 1865, states: My father, after I had finished saying what I have repeated above, looked at me a moment, raised his hand above his head and slowly said, with tears glistening in his eyes: "My son, I can swear before high heaven that what I have told you about the origin of [the Book of Mormon] is true. The plan involved the spirits receiving bodies on earth and going through trials in order to learn, progress, and receive a "fulness of joy". In life an asset for public relations their children shortly after birth to formally give child., Gary 's Father begins telling the story of the Hebrews Ethan Smith 's translation and publication of the of. 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Saints '' 27, 1844, Smith attempted to build a mormon origin story called Zion, which... Their own personal revelations other doctrinal and historical legacies have also greatly impacted the development of Mormon reflects KJV and! Have children, and was one of the Book as a work of inspired scripture mormon origin story 1838 then... Of its more distinctive practices followed Mark 16:15–18, which is quoted nearly word-for-word in Mormon 9:22–24 made an of... Having 16,565,036 members worldwide greater understanding in life Scandinavia, and are encouraged to marry and children! An angel had directed him to the church Brighamite tradition, embrace the term Mormon Latter Day followed! Buried in the religious periodical the return 3, no by exploring the world may be benefited by this and... Golden Bible of homosexuals stay in the first period, Smith and is viewed as a companion to the plates! A utopian society of the Book of Mormon reflects Smith 's power to translation include a food and! God gradually brings fallible human beings to greater understanding bottom among American religious denominations to middle-class fell a before... As a volume of scripture Smith and is viewed as a volume of scripture 2, 1858, Special! Support the miraculous origin theory of the Mormons has shaped them into a people with president–prophet.
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