Required fields are marked *. There are a number of splinter groups of the LDS church, such as the Community of Christ and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which are often mistakenly called Mormons too. Mormons believe in God the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost existing as three separate individual beings or personages. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org. Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions. Below are 10 facts about Mormonism taken from Feeding the Flock: The Foundations of Mormon Thought: Church and Praxis. While the relatively new faith is still working to define its place as a major world religion, its likely to be a major contender in the coming years. Studies have shown that the average life expectancy for Mormons is 86 years old for women and 84 years old for men. Timeline: The Early History of the Mormons. Why do we need living prophets and apostles? Facebook TwitterLinkedinGoogleInstagram, Your email address will not be published. He revealed that the book was inscribed on golden plates near Palmyra, New York, which was close to where Smith lived at the time. Apparently Mormons dont just like the play, but they reenact it as well. Someone may identify as a Mormon, but not be a member of the LDS Church. There are Mormon Fundamentalists and even cultural Mormons. While there are many versions/translations of The Bible, the LDS church uses primarily the King James version. and "Where am I going?" Fast Facts on Mormonism by John Ankerberg and John Weldon; Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons by Mark Cares; Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes The main events described within the Book of Mormon take place between 600BC and 421AD, although parts go right back to the Tower of Babel, some 2,000 years ago! The changes in politics and economics in the places they went to eventually let to the death of Joseph Smith, the founder. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! In March 2010, the 100 millionth copy of the Book of Mormon was printed. If you like what I do here and want to support my work, you can donatehereor become a patronhere. The Godhead is made up of three unique individuals: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. All religions have their rites of passage and manners to indoctrinate others. 6 Facts You Didn't Know About Jehovah's Witnesses, 7 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Christian, 5 Christian Phrases That Aren't . 5. We are a blessed people, with apostles and prophets upon the earth today. 9. These groups get together during some of the Sunday worship service and also other times (weekly, monthly, or quarterlyas deemed appropriate by the local leaders). The Book of Mormon teaches that only fools say the Bible is sufficient and that other scripture is not needed (Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. (2 Nephi 29:6)). This article is one of many informative articles in Joe Carters 9 Things You Should Know series. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Mormon Theology versus Christianity; Testing the Book of Mormon by Moroni 10:4; Joseph Smith and the Biblical Test of a Prophet; BOOKS, DISCS AND WITNESSING MATERIALS. The Mormon Prophet Speaks: Doctrine of Deity - Is it Being Changed or Camouflaged? You can also find more members outside of the United States than within. Please have your Passports Ready. Books. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com. Mormons are a pretty sought-after demographic for law enforcement and intelligence organizations, like the FBI or CIA. The average American spends 48 hours volunteering and the average Mormon spends 427.9 hours in volunteer efforts each year. Some modern Mormon women pray to an entity known as the Heavenly Mother. Some experts believe that if present trends continue, there could be 265 million Mormons worldwide by 2080. He enjoys the world of tech and the religions of the world. Theyre also not called handshakes, theyre called signs, seals, or tokens. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Why Do Christians Insist On Speaking To Us Like This? For a member to be worthy of entering a Temple, they must abide by the Word of Wisdom and pay their tithing, among other things. The Church of Latter-Day Saints actually teaches the belief that anyone can aspire to become a god. He also had a handful of 16-, 17- and 18-year-old wives, all of whom he married in his forties. Supposedly, this is because Mormons believe that every person alive had a spirit life before they were born on Earth. Founded in the 1820s, Mormonism is one of the world's newest and fastest-growing religions. As the eighth Article of Faith says, We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.. The Temple Recommend can last up to two years. 10. 8. Every young Mormon expects to serve a two-year mission overseas. In the early years of the LDS church, the Saints were forced to hop from place to place and in each new town they settled, they faced extreme prejudice from the other, non-LDS residents. Smith was criticized and persecuted by many for teaching his new ideas. Fact #1: Latter-day Saints believe in the Godhead. So, here are some interesting facts about Mormons that you might not know about. Their numbers were large and they were loyal to each other and so they had a tendency to change the economics and politics of the places in which they would settle. The focus on families is a well-known aspect of Latter-day Saint culture; most Church members say that marriage and being a good parent are among the most important things in life. I echo the words of the Mormon prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, How grateful we are that the heavens are indeed open, that the restored Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth today, and that the Church is founded upon the rock of revelation. Fact #2: The Restoration of the gospel was necessary for salvation. The Mormons ended up killing around 140 people in that wagon train. Interesting Facts About The History of Hanukkah, 8 Unhygienic Habits People Had During the Medieval Age, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Word of Wisdom, Section 89, Doctrine & Covenants. The founder had up to 48 wives - while the exact number of women who married the prophet Joseph Smith is in dispute, the only people who. Mormons believe that the way to tell an angel from a demon is really simple: just hold out your hand for a handshake. The Restoration brought back everything found in Christ's original Church, including priesthood authority from God, baptism by immersion, the gift of the Holy Ghost, temples, continuing revelation, and the pure doctrine of Christ as taught by living prophets and apostles and in additional scripture, such as the Book of Mormon. Jesus Christ is the firstborn Son of God. Despite this, theyre still one in thoughts and actions. They do not smoke or drink alcohol. Here are nine things you should know about Mormon beliefs: 1. Mormons consider themselves Christians, but many Christians dont recognize Mormonism as an official denomination. Caffeine isnt particularly great for the body, and neither is a dependency on it. Nearly half said that Mormons face a lot of discrimination. Clarifying the terms Mormons use as well as their views on the Bible, the authors reveal the huge chasm between what Mormons and Christians believe. For many years, members of the church were known as "Mormons" by those who were not members. Prior to using seer stones to translate the Book of Mormon from golden tablets, Joseph Smith was arrested for swindling people out of their money with those same seer stones. The US wanted to control this new territory, politically and culturally, while the LDS church wanted Utah to reflect the values and politics of their Mormon beliefs. Mormonism is growing. Known as the temple garment, the attire is worn by adult members who make sacred promises to God. Large majorities of Mormons believe that families can be bound together eternally in temple ceremonies (95%) and that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate, physical beings (94%). 595,000 televisions in America tune in on the Sunday morning session (. Its probably why you see and hear about Mormon missionaries as opposed to other groups. The LDS Church still puts a high amount of importance on traditional gender roles. Today, the LDS church rejects this view because its easier to rewrite your core beliefs than it is to scrutinize them. in New York, Mormonism developed as a sectarian movement in a turbulent period of American religious history. Smith, himself, received many death threats, with one person actually making good on their threat when he was assassinated in 1844. As well as using The Holy Bible as scripture, the LDS church also uses the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Occasionally we may get things wrong, or information becomes outdated. While polygamy was banned in the US in 1890, the church, itself, banned it not long after. Studies have shown that the average life expectancy for Mormons is 86 years old for women and 84 years old for men. The only one authorized to bring forth new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be accepted the churchs First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and then sustained by the body of the church. https://www.history.com/topics/religion/mormons. As you might recall, I worked for a prominent Mormon businessman at one point in time, and I got to know some of his family and many of his fellow church members. This plan, often called the plan of salvation, helps Latter-day Saints answer important questions such as "Where did I come from?" God authored a great and merciful plan by which His children could come to earth to gain a body and become more like Him. And its believed that Jesus will eventually return to America as well. Here are 10 shocking facts about the Mormon church: 1. According to Mormonism, God wasnt always God. Just based off of the name, you might assume that Mormons do not like this play. Study Shows that Mormons Are the Fastest-Growing Religious Group in the U.S. Remembering the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Currently the president of the Church of Latter-Day Saints is Russell M. Nelson. Speaking of angels and demons, the Mormon church believes that Jesus and Satan are siblings. An active Mormon spends a lot of time volunteeringin fact much more than the average American. Sarah Lawrence and Lucy Walker were only 17 when they became wives of the prophet. Founded by Joseph smith in 1830, it has grown from a small group of outcasts to a significant size of nearly seven million followers. They were descendants of Nephi, who was the son of a prophet who had come to the Americas from Jerusalem. American soldiers eventually went to the site to bury the bodies and created a memorial. They eventually formed four factions, called the Lamanites, Jaredites, Mulekites, and Nephites. The Nephi were people who believed in Christ, even before he was born. Mormon presidential candidate Mitt Romney brought the religion to the forefront of American politics in 2012. According to Mormons, in 600 BCE, members of the Abrahamic religious family (the religion that would eventually become Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), traveled from the Middle East to the Americas. by Keith L. Brown | Sep 18, 2012 | About Mormons | 0 comments. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. Fact #7. Beginning in the 12th century and continuing for hundreds of years, the Inquisition is infamous for the severity of its tortures and its read more, Wicca is a modern-day, nature-based pagan religion. Fact #4: Latter-day Saints believe in modern-day prophets and apostles. The Godhead is made up of three unique individuals: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. These are kept very secretive within the Church though. But what's more agreeable is that the doctrine taught in Mormonism is consistent with early Christianity, that Joseph Smith restored the Church that Jesus Christ originally built. Logo of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The religious literature handed out by the earnest young missionaries in Temple Square makes no mention of the fact that Joseph Smithstill the religions focal personage married at least thirty-three women and probably as many as forty-eight. Telestial Glory The telestial realm is for wicked people who rejected Mormonism even after death. After numerous visits from an angel called Moroni, Joseph Smith started translating the Book of Mormon from ancient golden plates, which were revealed to him to be hidden on the top of Hill Cumorah. On June 27, 1844, both Smith and his brother were murdered in jail by an anti-Mormon mob in Carthage, Illinois. The god that is currently around wasnt the first one, and they certainly wont be the last. Latter-day Saint scripture teaches that all humans are God's children and lived with Him before being born. This way of organizing allows for individuals to worship Jesus Christ in a group with similar life circumstances. As it turns out, Mormons have secret handshakes and key phrases they can say to one another. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament have undergone changes over the centuries, read more, When Brigham Young and his band of Mormon settlers marched into Utah in 1847, they saw a vast expanse of land they envisioned as a sanctuary. Mormonism is a Christian restorationist religious movement that was founded by Joseph Smith. 10 Unusual Facts About Nails and Nail Polish, 20 Interesting Facts About The Last Supper, 25 Fascinating Facts About The Sistine Chapel. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormon Church, is a poorly understood religion of approximately 15 million members. He was baptized on 10 March 1998 in Reykjavik, Iceland while serving on active duty in the United States Navy in Keflavic, Iceland. Salt Lake City would soon become the bustling center of life in theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There Is a Dark Side to Mormonism. They believe that after someone dies not in the faith, they will be sent to a Spirit Prison to be to learn the Mormon Gospel until a living person is baptized on their behalf. For example, the Book of Mormon contains 19 chapters of the King James translation of Isaiah in their entirety. Its a major taboo to share them with anyone not a part of the faith. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. This event became known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre. There is a lot of buzz going on about the Mormons as of late. Welcome to Ohio. When Smith was 14, he said he received a vision from God and Jesus that told him not to join any Christian denominational churches. contains 19 chapters of the King James translation of Isaiah in their entirety. They believe that after Jesus death and resurrection, he came to America. Viewed from 175 countries or territories. Eva Mendes wanted to be a nun when she was younger, but changed her mind after finding out that they don't make any money. In 1861, Brigham Young, whose name is on a prominent American University to this day, ordered the dismantling of the memorial after touring the site. As it turns out though, most Mormons are actually huge fans. According to an independent study, Mormons are among the most knowledgeable of the Bible. Joseph Smiths Youngest wife was 14, Brigham Youngs just 15. t. e. Racism in the United States comprises negative attitudes and views on race or ethnicity which are related to each other, are held by various people and groups in the United States, and have been reflected in discriminatory laws, practices and actions (including violence) at various times in the history of the United States against racial . According to the LDS church, Adam and Eve lived in Daviess County, Missouri after being driven from the Garden of Eden. Sealing records show that Young was indeed sealed to 54 women after he became a Latter Day Saint and legal records show marriage to one woman prior. Mormons believe the Bible and the Book of Mormon to be the word of Godboth testifiers of Jesus Christ. We believe that we all existed before this earth life as spirits, in God's presence. This was following the death of a Mormon apostle, Parley P. Pratt. Perfect for individual study and group discussions. Mormons aren't supposed to drink caffeinated beverages. Read more Print length 168 pages Language English Publisher Harvest House Publishers Publication date Known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a wagon train from Arkansas defended themselves from a series of attacks by the Saints. Again, everyone is welcome to benefit from these services. At 14-years old, he wandered around America, looking for the correct sect of Christianity and came to the conclusion that they were all wrong. He was either a Prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. Today, the LDS church is most prevalent in the United States, Latin America, Canada, Europe, the Philippines, Africa and parts of Oceania. The Mormon cosmology is a little complicated. In 1838, Joseph Smith claims he was told in a revelation that the church should be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They also believe the Father and Son each have a body of flesh and bones as tangible as mans but that the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. According to Joseph Smith, when Adam was formed in the image of God, it was a physical image. The angel told him about an ancient record that detailed God's work with the former inhabitants of America. Most sects perceive these as different aspects of the same god. Smith sealed his union to 14-year-old Helen Mar Kimball in May of 1843. A young man, 12 years of age or older, can enter into a priesthood known as Aaronic priesthood. Mormons believe in the crucifixion, resurrection and divinity of Jesus Christ. The LDS Church even has a counseling service, LDS Family Services, which provides help for, people experiencing unplanned pregnancies; adoption services; professional counseling for families, couples, and individuals; and sponsors an addiction recovery program. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. This is referring to a messenger from God, or an angel. He died, was resurrected, glorified, and grew into his deified status. He founded Salt Lake City and became the first governor of the Utah Territory. Mormon women are second-class citizens. An early convert to Mormonism, Brigham Young succeeded founder Joseph Smith as the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1847; he led the church until his death in 1877. 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