What Is Mormonism?
Mormonism is the religious tradition founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, centered on the Book of Mormon and other scriptures beyond the Bible. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is its largest branch, with over 17 million members. Mormonism teaches that God was once a man, humans can become gods, and salvation requires temple rituals beyond faith in Christ.
“Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
— John 14:6, Galatians 1:8, Deuteronomy 4:2, Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
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Understanding John 14:6, Galatians 1:8, Deuteronomy 4:2, Isaiah 43:10
Mormonism — officially represented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) — is one of the most successful religious movements to emerge from 19th-century America, with over 17 million members worldwide.
Origins
Joseph Smith Jr. (1805-1844) reported that at age 14 he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ, who appeared as two separate physical beings and told him all existing churches were wrong. In 1830 he published the Book of Mormon — a narrative describing ancient Israelite civilizations in the Americas — and organized the Church of Christ.
Core LDS beliefs
God was once a man: God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood. He has a physical body of flesh and bone.
Humans can become gods: Faithful Latter-day Saints who receive all necessary temple ordinances can eventually become gods — a doctrine called 'exaltation' or 'eternal progression.'
The Trinity rejected: The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate gods, not one God in three persons.
Additional scriptures: The LDS canon includes the Bible (considered correct only 'as far as it is translated correctly'), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Living prophets: The church is led by a prophet/president who receives ongoing revelation that can supersede previous teaching.
Temple ordinances: Essential saving rituals — baptism for the dead, the endowment ceremony, and celestial marriage — are performed in LDS temples. Only recommend-holding members may enter.
Historical development
Early Mormons faced severe persecution. Smith was killed by a mob in 1844. Brigham Young led followers to Utah in 1847. Smith practiced plural marriage, marrying at least 30-40 women. The church officially discontinued polygamy in 1890.
Mainstream Christian critique
- Nature of God: The Bible teaches God is spirit (John 4:24), eternal, uncreated (Psalm 90:2), and the only God (Isaiah 43:10)
- Sufficiency of Scripture: Galatians 1:8 warns against any gospel beyond what the apostles preached
- Salvation by grace: The LDS system of temple ordinances and merit-based progression adds requirements the New Testament does not contain
- Archaeological evidence: No archaeological, genetic, or linguistic evidence supports the Book of Mormon's claims about ancient civilizations in the Americas
Why this matters
Mormonism raises the most fundamental question in religion: what is the source of authority? If the Bible is sufficient, additional scriptures are unnecessary. If they are necessary, the Bible is insufficient. These positions are mutually exclusive.
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