The Truth About Mormonism

Throughout the years there have been many rumors spread about the Mormon church. The reason for all this persecution comes from the church's organization back in the early 1800's. Joseph Smith whom the Mormon's see as a modern day prophet of God, first organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints back in 1830. Unlike other churches at the time, the Mormon church was not started by breaking from another sect. Joseph Smith received direct revelation from God the Father and Jesus Christ, according to Mormon records. Amongst the many visions he saw, he was visited by an angel named Moroni who led Joseph to plates of gold. Supposedly, these gold plates were crafted remarkably well and written in a type of shorthand referred to as reformed Egyptian. This type of writing allowed much more information to be written upon less plates. These plates were translated directly by Joseph Smith and published as The Book of Mormon. This book along with revelations to modern prophets in the Doctrine and Covenants, books written by biblical prophets Abraham and Moses composing the Pearl of Great Price, and the King James Bible all come together to form the Mormon scripture canon.

Two things lay the foundation of the Mormon church. One is the book of Mormon, the other is direct revelation from God to the leaders of the Church. Unlike many other Christian sects, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that the church is led by God directly and not by men. The President of the church is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator and it is his duty to lead the church as he is prompted to by God. Mormon's are firm believers that God did not cease speaking to his children permanently, but that after a period of time when the people's hearts grew away from God, He once again directly guided his people. This period of time in which there was no revelation is known to the Mormons as the Great Apostasy.

The Book of Mormon which was contained on the aforementioned gold plates is the book which contains a large number of their teachings. It supposedly contains a record of an ancient people who came from the middle east, across the sea to the America's. These people split off into two major groups. One being the Nephites who were originally the followers of God and the other being the Lamanites who were bent on destroying the Nephites. The Book of Mormon contains a record of the wars between these two, as well as the spiritual tribulations and events which effected the two.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published what is known as the Articles of Faith to explain their general beliefs. Many will be surprised to know that polygamy is not one of them. Polygamy is not practiced nor condoned by members of the church. The following thirteen items are the church's Articles of Faith; summarizing their basic beliefs.

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon this the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

For those of you who have heard otherwise, the Mormon church is clearly a Christian sect. Not only does their name bear the name of Christ, but the very book which the religion is based off of is considered "another testament of Jesus Christ". Some of their beliefs and practices may be unorthodox to most Christians, but their efforts to create a better world are seen globally. The church strongly supports continuing education, disaster relief, and many other charities. They are well known for their service to others.

Any questions you have concerning the Church of Jesus Christ can be found on the web at www.lds.org.

All information posted here is both from personal experience and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.