Mormonism: history, beliefs, and practices

Mormonism is the religious and cultural elements of the most popular branch of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, founded in the 1830s by Joseph Smith. Mormonism represents the branch of that movement taken up by Brigham Young after Smith's demise and is officially titled the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS. It is characterized from Christianity as a sect that derives its basis from the Book of Mormon as well of the Bible. In its most basic form, Mormonism is a form of restorationism that believes that the true church was refounded in 1930 by Joseph Smith who reinterpreted the Bible and the views of the angels and God based on modern, contemporary themes. Mormonism believes that existing denominations practice incorrect views about God, Jesus, and man's spiritual relationship with Christ (Bushman, 1-14).

Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as the actual Messiah. They also believe in Christ dying for man's sins and the resurrection. However, they reject the idea of the Holy Trinity, and believe that upon Christ's physical death, the authority of the Church was removed from man until the 1830 restoration by Joseph Smith. They believe in both the Old and New Testaments, and generally believe the Bible to be the word of God, with a few interpretive errors that crept in over the centuries, which were, in turn, correct and reinterpreted to be the final words of God in the Mook of Mormon.

My objct in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects were right, that I might know which to join. Nonsooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, that I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at theis time it had never into my heart that all were wrong (and which I should join) ((Smith, 18).

Further, Mormonism does not claim to be part of Judaism in the way that Christianity sees itself as a logical offshoot of the faith. Instead, Mormon theology believes that while much of the Old Testament text can be incorporated into Mormon doctrine, it was the indigenous peoples of the Americas who were the Lost Tribes of Israel. Therefore, the true nature of the Church is based on both historical and spritual doctrine from the very beginnings of the Abrahamic tradition (Mariottini).

Thus, mormonism is an amalgamation of much of Christianity and Judaism, but is neither and has seen a great deal of prejudice and strife -- even within the short history. Mormonism is not unified, either, there is mainstream (the LDS Church) and then fundalmentalist mormonism, taking some of the socio-cultural dictates from Brigham Young (plural marriage, blood atonement, exclusion of African-Americans, etc.) taken to the extreme. It was some of these early beliefs, however, that caused such antipathy and the movement and segregation of much of mormonism to the state of Utah. However, no one can deny that beginning with a very small number of members in the 1930s, mormonism has grown into one of the most vital and wealthy modern-day religions; boasting 12 million plus members, the fastest growing church in the developing world, and members who play prominent roles in politics, sports, entertainment and business (Jackson).

As for the debate on what are the strengths and weaknesses of the sect, this is quite an opinionated topic; relying a great deal on personal spiritualism, faith, and the ability to redefine and accept alternative views. Certainly, a clear strength is the ability for the religion to coalesce into a vibrant community that is active in spreading their version of the word of God. Mormonism has donanted millions of bibles to various locations, is there with aid and help during natural disasters, and has spent millions erecting churches, civic projects, and housing in the developing world. Members are often fervent in theit belief system, and tend to be more the type who live by example rather than theory -- rather than practicing their religion on Sundays and holidays, most Mormons adhere to their system 24/7. Mormonism emphasizes eduction, the family, youth programs, a healthy life style, the absence of a paid ministry and a clear sense of community and community involvement within their own community. Mormonism appeals to the positives in human nature, striving to be better ((Mormonism: Pro and Con).