Unpacking Mormonism

Mormonism is a well-known religion, and debates about Mormonism continue to this day. Perhaps the most controversial and decisive factor in Smith's murder(the founder) is the assertion that plural marriage (as its supporters call it) or polygamy (as its critics call it) is sanctioned Biblically. Under intense pressure to deny Utah statehood if polygamy was practised, the church formally and publicly abandoned the practice in 1890. However, polygamy remains a controversial and divisive issue. Because the official renunciation of marriage in 1890, there are still sympathizers, apologists, and semi-secret practitioners within Mormonism, though not within the LDS Church.

Historian Sidney E. Ahlstrom wrote in 1982 that the term Mormonism could refer to "a sect, mystery cult, new religion, church, people, nation, or American people," depending on the context. But which one is it really?

The tradition and history of Mormonism begin with the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York State in 1830. Smith claimed to have received visions and revelations from God. This led to the publication of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe to be a sacred document along with the Bible. The Mormons faced persecution and immigration early on, but after Smith's death, they eventually settled in Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young. Since then, the faith has grown into a world religion with millions of members around the world.

How do Mormons worship?

Mormon practices include a variety of religious rituals, beliefs, and traditions. Mormons attend weekly worship on Sundays, which includes hymn singing, prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon. 4,444 Mormons participate in the Lord's Supper, which is similar to the sacrament, eating bread and drinking water as a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Mormons study the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as scriptures. Mormons value family relationships, including regular family prayer, studying the scriptures, and spending time together. Mormons believe in the power of prayer and pray regularly individually, with their families, and in church settings. Mormons consider temples to be sacred places where special ceremonies are performed, such as baptisms for the dead and eternal marriages. Only Mormons of good reputation are allowed to enter the temple. Mormons actively participate in missionary work, seeking to share their faith with others and encourage others to join them. Mormons are encouraged to give 10% of their income to support church operations and charities.

Mormonism is considered a form of Christianity due to shared traditions, but it has also distinct beliefs and practices that differ from mainstream Christian denominations.

First of all, they both share faith in Jesus Christ. Mormons, like other Christians, believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. They affirm the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and view Him as the centre of their faith and salvation.

Second, Mormons use the Bible as scripture alongside other documents such as the Book of Mormon as another witness to Jesus Christ. They read the Old and New Testaments during worship and study them as part of their religious education. They consider these scriptures to be the foundation of their faith and understanding of Jesus Christ.

Third, both practice worship practices common to many Christian traditions, such as attending church services, participating in the sacraments, and participating in communal singing and prayer. Mormons also gather for Sunday church services to sing hymns, listen to sermons, and partake in the sacrament of bread and water.

Additionally, Mormons follow unique beliefs and practices that distinguish Mormonism as a unique religious tradition.

First, religion includes additional writings outside of the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The Book of Mormon is considered by Mormons to be another testimony of Jesus Christ and contains the religious history of the ancient peoples of the Americas and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Second, while Mormonism has its own view of the nature of God, teaching that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are separate entities unified in purpose, mainstream Christianity often teaches the doctrine of the Trinity, in which God is understood as one in three people. Mormons teach that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in a vision, emphasizing God's physical nature and the possibility for people to become like God by obeying God's commandments.

Third, Mormons engage in temple worship, including rituals such as baptism for the dead and eternal marriage, which is not practised by most other Christian denominations. They believe that temple ordinances are essential to their spiritual progress and to the eternal reunion of their families beyond this life. These ceremonies are performed only at Mormon temples.

Finally, many other Christian denominations lack a centralized prophetic authority, although there is a hierarchical leadership structure of living prophets and apostles who continually receive revelation from God. The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator whose teachings and counsel are binding on members of the faith. This centralized authority distinguishes Mormonism from many other Christian denominations, which often have more decentralized or democratic leadership structures.

Although Mormonism has some similarities with mainstream Christianity, its unique beliefs and practices distinguish it as a distinct religious tradition within the broader Christian umbrella. It is a well-known religion and is still widespread.