History
Mormonism is a form of Christianity founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. The religion believes that the American continent was visited by Jesus Christ after his resurrection and that divine revelations have been given to prophets in the near-modern day via the Angel Moroni. Smith was termed “the Prophet” by his followers and led the original Latter-day Saint movement, including the initial church organization. Early believers were often persecuted and were forced to flee west. The Book of Mormon is a compilation of Smith’s works and is believed to contain the teachings of Jesus.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is the primary denomination of Mormonism. Other forms of the religion include Community of Christ, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The church represents the most expansive version of Mormonism and publicly eschews polygamy, which is practiced by some sects.
Theology
Mormonism emphasizes the idea of continuing revelation that transcends written scripture. This encourages believers to seek divine insight and guidance from the Lord. A clear example of this is the idea of vicarious baptism for the dead, a practice that has been widely denounced by other forms of Christianity. Mormons also have their own views about the nature of God and salvation. They claim that all people can be saved and that each individual will be judged based on a personal evaluation of their actions and thoughts. This contrasts with the traditional Christian view that only believers will be saved.
Although Mormons believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, they also believe that Jesus was resurrected and appeared in modern-day North America. They also place unique emphasis on the idea of family, particularly in the afterlife. Mormons view marriage as an eternal covenant observed not just in this life but also in the life hereafter.
Practices
Mormonism includes a variety of practices that are specific to the religion, such as attending the temple, wearing special garments, and abstaining from certain foods and beverages. Similarly, there are some practices that are shared by both Mormons and traditional Christians, such as weekly services and adherence to moral laws.
One of the most distinctive practices of Mormons is their belief in sacred garments. Those who are baptized into the church are given a special pair of underwear which is symbolic of the promises that have been made between the individual and God. The clothing is considered to be a reminder of that special spiritual connection.
Community
Mormons form a tight-knit global community that is centered around the LDS church. The mission of the church is to bring people unto Jesus Christ and to help others come unto Christ and be saved through the use of “Living Prophets and Apostles”. Members of the religion are expected to adhere to strict moral codes that are laid out in the church’s declarations and scriptures, such as the suggestions about food, lifestyle, and marriage.
The growth rate of the church has grown exponentially in recent years as global membership has nearly doubled since the year 2000. Within the United States, there are approximately 15 million members, with 3.3 million members living in the state of Utah. The strength of the Mormon community lies in its emphasis on global unity and connection, and its emphasis on the importance of the family.
Accusations and Controversy
Mormons have long been accused of heresy by other forms of Christianity due to their unique beliefs and practices. For example, the practice of vicarious baptism has long been criticized as being unbiblical, while garments and special dietary restrictions are deemed to be unbiblical by other denominations. The idea that believers can be saved on the basis of their own merits, which is central to the LDS belief system, contradicts the Christian concept of salvation through faith in Jesus.
Despite the criticism, Mormonism remains one of the most vibrant forms of Christianity and is growing in popularity throughout the world. As a result of its global impact, numerous books, movies, and other forms of media have been created to explore the religion and its varying degrees of acceptance.
Evangelization
Mormons believe that each individual has a responsibility to spread the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” and to bring people unto salvation. The religion has adopted a highly structured and organized system for sharing the good news and for spreading the teachings of the church. This involves the creation of informational pamphlets, the use of missionary programs, and participation in service projects and activities geared towards providing support to those in need.
Evangelism has seen mixed results throughout the LDS church and its branches. Despite its efforts to spread the message of Jesus Christ and to invite non-believers to partake in salvation, there continues to be disagreement over the interpretation of the religion’s beliefs and practices. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether or not the religion will continue to gain momentum in the coming years.
Influence
Mormonism has had a major influence in many nations and cultures around the world. This includes authors, activists, business leaders, and more recently, political leaders. Key individuals have found success in various fields and have had a lasting impact on government policy and public discourse.
One of the most notable examples is the influential role that Mitt Romney, a former candidate for the U.S. President and LDS member, has had in shaping the political landscape. In addition, some stars from popular films and television shows have embraced their Mormon faith, such as Aaron Eckhart, Kirby Heyborne, and Carilla Belle.
Reputation
The Mormon faith has earned both a positive and a negative reputation throughout the years. Many adherents to the religion cite the emphasis on family, community, and service as key to its appeal. Similarly, some critics of the religion condemn its exclusive nature and the idea of continuing revelation. Despite this, the religion continues to thrive and gain new members, with the LDS Church claiming 15 million members worldwide.
Though some would argue that Mormons are close-minded and non-inclusive, research has shown that the majority of LDS church members are open to interfaith dialogue and are eager to learn more about other forms of Christianity. The LDS churches have opened the door to interfaith initiatives and have done much to promote understanding between religions.
Dialogue
Mormons are often open to engaging with other forms of Christianity, though there remains some disagreement about certain practices and beliefs. There have been various attempts to bridge the gap between Mormonism and other Christian denominations, such as the Openness Movement and the more recent Common Ground Initiative, both of which are geared towards finding common ground between different faith communities.
In addition, Mormons have challenged themselves to participate in more interfaith dialogue, seeing it as vital to spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Leaders within the LDS church have actively pushed for more inclusive dialogue and interaction with other forms of Christianity, and the LDS church has even created an interfaith website to provide education and resources to individuals seeking to understand the religion.
Modernity
The LDS church has embraced modernity in recent years, taking steps to adopt new technologies and engage with a more global and digitally-driven audience. In addition to creating the aforementioned interfaith website and incorporating social media, the LDS church has also made a greater effort to reach out to members of the LGBT community, launching a series of initiatives designed to foster understanding and acceptance.
The church’s modernization efforts are ongoing and have been met with both criticism and praise. While some view the increased integration of technology as a positive change and a move towards inclusivity, others argue that it detracts from the core values of the religion.
Legal Challenges
Mormons and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in particular have faced numerous legal challenges over the years. These include lawsuits challenging the church’s tax-exempt status and its policies on gender, marriage, and LGBT rights. Despite this, the LDS church has managed to maintain its status as a religious entity and has also been able to continue to build its faithful membership.
The most recent legal challenge faced by the LDS church relates to its stance on same-sex marriage. In 2015, the church and its representatives were involved in a series of legal battles over its decision to oppose same-sex marriage. The result was a landmark Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, a decision that was opposed by the LDS church.
Conclusion
Though there are clear differences between the beliefs and practices of Mormonism and traditional Christianity, the two religions remain closely related to one another. Both faiths have a strong belief in Jesus Christ and seek to bring people closer to Him through evangelism and outreach. Additionally, both religions emphasize the importance of family and the afterlife.
How Mormonism compares to Christianity has been a point of debate and discussion for many years. Despite their differences, both belief systems provide a sense of meaning and comfort to their followers and create a shared bond between their adherents. As such, the questions surrounding the differences between Mormonism and Christianity remain relevant in both religious and secular spheres.
