Mormonism: A Healthy Religion or a Cult?

Introduction to Mormonism
Mormonism is one of the fastest growing and most popular organized religions in today's society. Founded on April 6, 1830, by Joseph Smith, the religion has grown to over ten million members worldwide, with the United States having over five million. Individuals that identify themselves with the religion are referred to as Mormons, and belong to one of several sects and denominations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the original and largest denomination founded by Joseph Smith. (2006, Mormonism).

Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith Jr. was born in Sharon, Vermont on December 23, 1805 to Joseph and Lucy Smith. Joseph grew up as the fourth child out of ten on tenant farms located in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. The family moved a total of ten times in nineteen years, due to being financially unstable. Joseph was deprived of formal education during his youth, but his mother instructed him in basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. (2006, Harper).

Fourteen-year-old Joseph was exposed and greatly affected by religious groups while living at his current home in Manchester, New York during the 1820's. Joseph found himself at a crossroad due to the religious excitement. What denomination should he join and participate with? He was determined to figure out which religion to join and follow. Joseph flipped through passages within the Holy Bible and came across chapter 1, verse 5, in the Book of James. The scripture reads, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (1995, Holy Bible). Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph found himself in a secluded area within a nearby woods and he began to pray. He asked God which church was the right one to join. Joseph stated while praying he was visited by two figures that identified themselves as Jesus Christ and God the Father. The figures told Joseph not to join the churches already formed in his town, because the teachings strayed from the truth of the Holy Trinity. Joseph Smith claimed in 1823, an angel named Moroni visited him in a vision. The angel told him to retrieve thin golden plates inscribed with God's teachings which were buried in the Hill of Cumorah. He found these records and began translating the writings. The scriptures were compiled into a manuscript called the Book of Mormon, which was published in March of 1830. On April 6, 1830, Smith organized and founded The Church of Christ. After the relocation of the church to Kirland, Ohio in 1831, the Church was renamed in 1834 as what we refer to it now: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (2006, Chronology of Mormonism).

Marriage
A major issue surrounding Mormonism is the permission to have multiple marriages, also known has polygamy. Polygamy permits a man the right to marry more than one woman. Joseph Smith supported and conducted polygamy because the Bible does not condemn it. The Old Testament found in the Holy Bible frequently mentions the legality of polygamy. In chapter 11, verse 3, Book of 1 Kings states, "And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart." (1995, Holy Bible). The Bible also states in chapter 5, verse 13, in Book of 2 Samuel, "And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David." (1995, Holy Bible).

Joseph Smith married his first wife, Emma Hale on January 18, 1827. The couple had nine biological birth children and two adopted children; six of which died shortly after birth. Joseph Smith began exploring further interpretation of civil marriage, holy kinships, and adultery under God's law. According to White and White's article, "Following the formal organization of the church in 1830, Smith began redefining marriage and the family. An 1831 revelation anticipating plural marriage portended new forms of kinship. Though not authorized by Ohio law, in 1835, Smith intentionally performed illegal marriages under "authority of the holy priesthood," and he began questioning the legitimacy of civil marriage and the meaning of adultery." (2005, White & White, p. 166). From January 1827 to November 1943, Joseph Smith married a total of 34 women. Many of these women were already legally married to other men, such as Lucinda Morgan Harris and Ruth Vose Sayers. (2000, Polygamy).

Brigham Young replaced Joseph Smith as head and leader of the Latter Day Saint Church when Smith died. He continued to promote polygamy and had fifty-five wives. During his lifetime, he fathered fifty-six children. Polygamy continued to be practiced and supported by Mormons until the Federal Government stepped in to put an end to multiple marriages. Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Law on July 8, 1862, in order to make the practice of polygamy a crime. The United States Supreme Court stated polygamy was an uncivilized act in 1879, and convicted George Reynolds, Brigham's secretary, of the act of plural marriages. (2006, Robinson).

President Woodruff and the Federal Government threatened Mormons in 1890; they would begin seizing Latter Day Saint Churches if members did not put an end to multiple marriages. Woodruff wrote, "And I now publicly declare that my advice to the Latter Day Saints is to refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by the law of the land." (2006, Robinson). "Some Mormons rejected the "Great Accommodation." They felt that multiple marriages were a fundamental part of Church culture and were an important practice, ordered by God. Some small Mormon splinter groups formed at that time to preserve polygamy. They were excommunicated from the Church. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) is the largest of these. It is still in existence in the U.S. and Canada. Its members still practice polygamy." (2006, Robinson).

Premarital Sex
Mormons firmly believe sexual encounters are forbidden if one is not legally married. According to Belief Net, ""the most common sexual sins our young people commit are necking and petting. Not only do these improper relations often lead to fornication, [unwed] pregnancy, and abortions--all ugly sins--but in and of themselves they are pernicious evils, and it is often difficult for youth to distinguish where one ends and another begins." (2004, Belief Net).
The Latter Day Saint Church members may promote virginity until marriage, but a study conducted on August 9, 1991, reported 58% of Mormon women admit to having premarital sex. (1993, Laake). Not only did these women participate in sexual activity before marriage, a majority of these women did not pursue relationships with men of the Mormon faith. Female Mormons tend to seek out men of other religious beliefs and denominations because they do not want to be placed in a traditional role of homemaker. These females also "ignore" their original beliefs and are sexually active before marriage, which may lead to teen pregnancy. (1977, Barlow).

Homosexuality
The Bible clearly specifies homosexuality as a sin. Leviticus 20:13 states, "If a man also lies with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." (2000, Holy Bible). However, many Mormons and leaders of the Mormon churches were considered homosexual. According to Robinson, "Evan Stephens (1854-1930), director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and author of many church hymns never married. However, he maintained close friendships with several young men who lived with him and were his traveling companions at different times." He also mentions, "Joseph F. Smith (1899-1964) was a Church Patriarch and allegedly a homosexual. While an instructor at the University of Utah, he allegedly had a homosexual relationship with a student. He later allegedly became sexually involved with another Mormon young man." (2006, Robinson). Joseph Smith did not condemn gay and lesbian relationships. Mormon members accepted same sex relationships and sexual encounters until the mid-1950s.

Present views of Mormons and homosexuality is similar to conservative Christian views that same sex relationships are a sin, but they will accept an individual's orientation if they are a member of their church. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle and not hereditary based. Members also believe all homosexual activity is immoral and a sin, but can be cured through therapy and/or prayer. (2006, Robinson).

In 2002, a statement was released by Jay Bell of Salt Lake City, Utah, "As a gay Mormon, I grew up with the 'love,' 'respect' and 'inclusion' the Mormon Church says it practices. Some people do practice this toward gay members, but most do not. Growing up, I couldn't, and I still can't, take a same-sex date to a congregational social activity - especially a dance. That's a bad example for the youth. I know of teens that have tried this and have been threatened with excommunication. I researched what current Mormon material says about homosexuality. The result shocked me; there are eighty-eight pieces of homophobic material readily available for church members. Here's an example, from a manual for 13-to-18-year-olds: 'The unholy transgression of homosexuality is either rapidly growing or tolerance is giving it wider publicity.... The Lord condemns and forbids this practice. 'God made me that way,' some say, as they rationalize and excuse themselves.... This is blasphemy. Is man not made in the image of God, and does he think God to be 'that way'?" I found three pieces encouraging self respect for gays. The Mormon Church has no official support groups for its gay members and will only refer gays to groups or individuals who practice reparation therapy. Anyone who doesn't fit its mold is doctrinally or socially ostracized. This is a sad commentary on a people who were once excluded from the national social fabric for practicing a unique form of marriage." (2006, Robinson).

Female Roles
Many religions placed females in traditional roles as housewives and the sole caretaker of their families. Recently, the majority of religions changed their views on female roles in the home. However, Mormons are the exception. The view of women in the Mormon Church has changed very little since Joseph Smith's time. The Mormon Church continues to cling to their beliefs and few Mormon feminists try to make a difference. Often, females that disobey the commandments provided by the Latter Day Saint Church are excommunicated from the religion. (1993, Laake). Teenage girls are told their future should include marrying the right Mormon man, giving birth to several children, and taking care of the home. Mormons often deny the practice of polygamy in their church, but according to Laake, women are told to expect their husbands to marry several other women. (1993, Laake).

Interview
BCS, Texas is a diverse community with numerous churches of different denominations of religions. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located in Texas was the first location I chose to attend worship services. The church offered a few different worship services during the morning and evening hours. I did not want to attend service alone so I invited my friend Alyssa Way to join me. The local Church does not currently have a Website other than the official Latter Day Saint Church site: http://www.lds.org

As we walked into the church building we were immediately greeted by two young men that were missionaries. They introduced themselves as Elder Cropper and Elder Aimes. The two men realized we were not familiar with the church site and the Mormon religion. Both Alyssa and I were given two paperback books called "The Book of Mormon" in order to follow passages during the service. I was pleased with their kindness by opening their doors to outsiders. I explained to both Elders Cropper and Aimes the reason I was attending service and requested a private interview when convenient. Elder Cropper suggested after the service would be best and he would be glad to answer any questions I may have. The interview was recorded and quoted directly.

1. Define the meaning of Mormonism and what it means to you.
Elder Cropper: "That's such a difficult question to answer with a few sentences. The Mormon faith means everything to me. The meaning of it? We believe in God, the Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, resurrection, and so much more. By being followers of Jesus Christ we are able to live with an open heart and it's good, because we are going to spend eternity with our Lord. I don't know what I would do or where I would be without the Mormonism faith. It's my job and I put all my heart into Jesus and the truth. I don't know how to define the actual meaning of the faith without a lot more time, but it's the best thing anyone can ever experience." (2006, Cropper).

2. What differs from Mormonism to Christianity or any other religion?
Elder Cropper: "I think most people confuse Mormonism as being a completely different religion than Christianity. That's the biggest misconception about my religion. We believe that there is only one God and he sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins. Christians believe the same thing. I don't know about other religions because I don't believe in exposing myself to religions that aren't true. I think the difference between Mormonism and Christianity is that we have stronger morals and values than traditional Christian churches. I also think that people belonging to denominations directly from Christianity have lost sight of their beliefs and forgotten the true word. But we believe Joseph Smith was a prophet as Christians usually don't recognize him in their passages. Mormons are a sect of Christianity but we're more focused and we know the truth." (2006, Cropper).

3. What is the history of Mormonism?
Elder Aimes: "There is too much history behind the Mormonism faith for a short interview. I mean we can't go over the entire history right now. But you know, the basic history is that God created man and woman. They sinned and began to suffer because they followed Satan and didn't obey God. Years later he sent his son Jesus Christ to save us from sin as long as we accept him and repent. God sent a lot of prophets to spread his word and Joseph Smith was one of them. You know, he was a really wise man. He knew what was right and wrong. I didn't believe in him at first, you know? I thought it was made up and that Mormons were forcing their religion on people. But I prayed and realized he was real, he was a very important prophet. He created our religion under God's law and how can we not follow it? The history is clear and all will be punished that do not accept and embrace Jesus Christ as their savior." (2006, Aimes).

4. How do Mormon's approach the death penalty, abortion, pre-marital sex, and non-believers?
Elder Cropper: "You have some pretty rough questions for us. But I think I can answer this one. Mormon's know right from wrong under God's law. I know that pre-marital sex and abortion and the death penalty is forbidden. It's a sin to have sex before marriage and people that do will be punished. Abortion is murder in God's eyes and we do not allow it. Sex before marriage and abortion are grounds for being disowned from families and excommunicated from our church. I mean it happens, people fall in their path with God, but I mean it's clear... you don't have sex before marriage, and you don't kill your unborn child. And if you didn't have pre-marital sex to begin with, you wouldn't get pregnant. It goes the same with the death penalty. Years ago, during the time of Jesus Christ, people were stoned to death or had their heads decapitated because they committed adultery or stole, but times are different now. It was wrong then, and it's wrong now, we just have a law that forbids it as well under the government. As for non-believers, we don't turn them away because most people that belong to our church were once non-believers. It's our jobs as missionaries and men of Jesus Christ to spread the word and try to save as many people as possible. It's a hard task but we do it because it's our calling." (2006, Cropper).

5. Why do missionaries have a dress-code?
Elder Aimes: "We wear nice clothes to show our respect to the Lord by not showing unnecessary skin and dressing modestly. I think it's also a respect thing. I know that by approaching a person when we are dressed in nicer clothes, gets their attention more and maybe they have more respect for us. Cropper and I wear long, white-sleeved shirts, a tie, dress slacks, and nice shoes so that we look professional. We also want to be modest. It's not acceptable under God's eyes to wear an outfit that exposes too much skin. We also wear name tags to identify ourselves and what Church we belong to. And you know people recognize us because of what we wear. I think this makes people more comfortable talking to us and sharing their beliefs." (2006, Aimes).

6. Do Mormon's believe in practicing polygamy?
Elder Cropper: "Joseph Smith did it because God allowed it. We believe there is nothing wrong with having more than one wife. I mean, it's what God clearly says is appropriate. The Mormon Church doesn't necessarily say it's forbidden or allowed, but we don't disagree with it. That is all I have to comment on that question." (2006, Cropper).

7. What are the female roles in and outside of the Mormon Church?
Elder Cropper: "Females are important. They birth and take care of the children, take care of their husband, maintain a clean and safe household, cook meals, and submit to their husbands. Inside the Church they are not allowed to speak much, as it says in the Bible women should be silent. 1 Timothy 2:8-15 I believe states this law. Women can teach bible study to younger women and children, but not preach. It's forbidden and it's also forbidden for women not to obey their husbands. It's how God wanted it." (2006, Cropper).

8. When is dating permitted for teenagers?
Elder Aimes: "Parents should be very careful when their children begin to date. In my household we weren't allowed to date anyone without supervision. I believe that's exactly how it should be. I mean, we're humans and sometimes we get carried away in a moment. I think if someone wiser was there, that followed God; they would be able to advise how to build a relationship not based on physical aspects. My little sister started dating when she was 20, and my dad went on each of her dates. The guy got a little scared, but they maintained a healthy, pure relationship. I don't think kids should date until they are 20 or older, unless God has other plans for them. But teenagers don't realize that God comes first sometimes. They might be caught up in the social aspects and make a mistake and become impure. Not every Mormon family abides by this, but most of them do. I would never date a female under the age of 20 and wouldn't be alone with her until I was married." (2006, Aimes).

9. Why do missionaries travel door to door and country to country in order to convert others?

Elder Aimes: "Our faith is the true word of God. It's the only true word of God no matter what anyone else says. It's our duty as followers of Jesus Christ to spread the true gospel and show people the light. I feel very blessed that I can spread the word and share hope for people. It's my responsibility to make sure as many people as I can meet become aware of Mormons and their faith. We are a caring and accepting people that share the truth. Why wouldn't someone want to join?" (2006, Aimes).

10. Finally, what is the terminology used within the Church?
Elder Aimes: "I'm not sure what you mean by this, but I'll try to answer accordingly. God is the higher power, he is our universal creator. Jesus Christ was the one and only son of God sent to our earth. He is our savior which means he saved us from sins. Repent means to atone for your sins, which means to ask God for forgiveness of the wrongs you have committed. Elder means a missionary brother of the church; Sister means the same, but female. Telestial means where unbelievers go, which is most commonly known as Hell. Terrestrial is for people who aren't Mormons and haven't met God's standards. They believe in Him and all His glory but have not followed the right path. Celestial means for the Mormons that have followed God's laws and obeyed the truth. It's Heaven for most people. There are a lot of other terms we use but those are the most common and the ones I can pull from the top of my head." (2006, Aimes).

Comparison
The Mormon religion believes in God, the son Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophet Joseph Smith, the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, Salvation, Resurrection, and much more. Mormonism shares many similarities to Christianity. Mormons believe their religion is a sect of Christianity, but follows the truth more. Christians believe in everything, but Joseph Smith being a prophet. The religion does not recognize him in their scriptures. Christians also do not practice polygamy. However, both religions believe that abortion and pre-marital sex is wrong and forbidden under God's law. (2006, Contender Ministries).

Conclusion
Joseph Smith's religion has grown quite a bit over the years and continues to thrive. The original beliefs and traditions continue to be upheld by current Latter Day Saint leaders with very little change. Premarital sex is looked down upon; females are still controlled, homosexuality is forbidden as it once was not, and polygamy is a criminal act even if still practiced. Some people do not believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, but a lunatic that created his own cult rather than a religion. However, the millions of members of Mormonism firmly believe Smith was a prophet of God and they follow his teachings found in the Book of Mormon.

References
Barlow, B. (1977). Mormon interfaith marriages. Family Coordinator. Vol. 26, 2, pp. 143-151. Retreived September 30, 2006 from EBSCOhost database.
Contender Ministries. (2006). Mormonism VS. Christianity. Retrieved November 18, 2006 from http://contenderministries.org/mormonism/comparison.php
Chronology of Mormonism. (2006). The Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. Retrieved October 1, 2006 from CARM database.
Elder Aimes. (2006). Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [personal contact]. Interview. Retrieved November 19, 2006.
Elder Cropper. (2006). Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [personal contact]. Interview. Retrieved November 19, 2006.
Holy Bible. (1995). James 1:5, 1 Kings 11:3, 2 Samuel 5:13, Leviticus 20:13. Bible Gateway: A Ministry of Gospel Communications. Retreived September 16, 2006 from Bible Gateway database.
Harper, S. (2006). "Dictated by Christ": Josepth Smith and the politics of revelation. Journal of the Early Republic. Vol. 26, 2, pp. 275-205. Retrieved September 24, 2006 from ProQuest database.
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Mormonism. (2006). The Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. Retrieved October 1, 2006 from CARM database.
Polygamy. (2000). The Wives of Joseph Smith. Retrieved October 2, 2006 from Desert Books database.
Premarital Sex. (2004). Teachings on chastity: Religions on premarital sex. Belief Net. Retrieved September 29, 2006 from Belief Net database.
Robinson, B. (2006). The LDS church and homosexuality. Religious Tolerance. Retrieved September 21, 2006 from Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance database.
Stauffer, S. (2005). Polygamy and the public library: The establishment of public libraries in Utah before 1910. Vol. 75, 3, pp. 346-370. Retrieved September 15, 2006 from EBSCOhost database.
White, K. & White, D. (2005). Polygamy and mormon identity. The Journal of American Culture. Vol. 29, 2, pp. 165-177. Retrieved September 18, 2006 from EBSCOhost database.