Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), is one of the fastest-growing religious movements in the world. While it shares some core beliefs with mainstream Christianity, its history and teachings set it apart in notable ways.
Origins and History
Mormonism began in the early 19th century during the Second Great Awakening, a period of intense religious revival in the United States. Its founder, Joseph Smith, claimed to have experienced a series of divine visions.
The most famous of these, known as the First Vision in 1820, involved God the Father and Jesus Christ appearing to Smith and telling him that all existing churches had strayed from the truth. Years later, Smith said an angel named Moroni revealed golden plates to him, which he translated into what became the Book of Mormon, published in 1830.
That same year, Smith formally organized the LDS Church in New York. Early members faced persecution, which led to a migration west under Brigham Young, eventually settling in Salt Lake Valley, Utah after Smith’s death in 1844.
Key Beliefs That Distinguish Mormonism
While Mormons consider themselves Christians, several of their beliefs are unique. They recognize the Bible as sacred scripture but also uphold the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as additional holy texts.
Mormon doctrine teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are distinct beings, unlike the traditional Christian concept of the Trinity. They also believe that humans have the potential to become like God in a process called “exaltation.”
A defining feature of Mormonism is the idea of continuing revelation. Church leaders, including the President, are considered prophets who receive guidance from God, allowing the church to adapt and expand its teachings beyond the Bible.
Temple worship is central to Mormon practice. Ceremonies such as eternal marriage and baptisms for the dead are unique rituals that play a key role in salvation and spiritual progression.
Finally, the Mormon view of the afterlife is complex, emphasizing a multi-tiered heaven and the eternal nature of family relationships, in contrast to the simpler heaven-and-hell framework common in many Christian traditions.
How Mormonism Differs from Mainstream Christianity
Mormonism differs from other Christian denominations in several ways. It has additional scriptures, a different understanding of the nature of God, and unique doctrines about the potential of humanity. The emphasis on temples and ongoing revelation also sets it apart, as mainstream Christian churches typically rely solely on the Bible and historical tradition.
Modern Mormonism
Today, the LDS Church has over 17 million members worldwide, with strong communities in the United States, Latin America, and the Pacific. Its focus on family, missionary work, and community service has helped it grow steadily despite historical controversies and theological differences with other Christians.
Mormonism is rooted in a distinct historical and spiritual context. While it shares belief in Jesus Christ with mainstream Christianity, its additional scriptures, unique understanding of God and humanity, and practices such as temple worship make it a distinctive faith. Recognizing these differences is essential to understanding Mormonism as a complex and unique religious tradition, not merely a variant of Christianity.
