The Mormon Religion: History, Beliefs, and Practices

Religion has been the order of the day, especially in the 19 th century. The contemporary world is composed of a numerous number of denominations across the globe. Among the Christian religion today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormons stand to be a controversial religion but among the world's fastest growing religions. The Mormon Religion has raised intense debate about its faith. However, it has some lessons to be learned with the inclusion of its historical origin, the controversial confidence it encompasses, and the laws and principles bestowed in it. As such, an in-depth discussion about the lessons from the history of the Mormon religion, and the comparison and contrasting of Mormonism and Christianity will be done. 

The History of Mormonism 

Establishment 

Mormonism is believed to have been initiated by Prophet Joseph Smith, who saw a column of light as Angel Maroni appeared and gave him the Book of Mormon, which was delivered on golden tablets. Smith then became the author of the Latter-day Saints when he revealed the new eternal truth of prophecy. He gained more followers as he constantly inspired them to love him passionately and help him propel the dream to the entire world. The Mormon's Alpha and Omega and the father of the religion, Prophet Joseph Smith, was killed with the intention of destroying the dream. The torments went on as the early Mormons were moved west into Utah. As such, they conducted the Mountain Meadows massacre in 1857 and murdered 120 individuals in a wagon train traveling through Utah (The American Experience and Frontline, n.d.). Despite the termination of the founder, Mormon religion is a modern religion still full of old missionaries who ferry the message of Mormon across the globe. America perceived this religion as a Muslim terrorist group, especially in the 19 th century. 

Recognition 

The Mormons Part Two by The American Experience and Frontline (n.d.) shows how the church moved from being condemned by American presidents during the 1880s and having its famous singers, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, sing at presidential inaugurations after a century. As such, the modern-day Mormon Church has 12 million followers globally. Its teachings that marriage is unending and family is primary show an irrefutable beauty. Moreover, the church is not afraid of using excommunication to deter nonconformity, and those driven out talk of it with affection. 

Polygamy 

Furthermore, Mormons had a controversial faith that brought polygamy in marriage to the American society during its initiation. The Mormons are the fundamentalist of the modern day practitioners of polygamy that is practiced publicly since 1852. For instance, Prophet Joseph Smith wedded more than forty wives including the young one at the age of fourteen. Nonetheless, Mormonism has evolved as it has denounced the polygamy it once endorsed. Today, Mormons stand fast on matters of homosexuality as Marlin K. Jensen, a historian within the church, calls his congregation to marry people of the opposite sex or lead a celibate life. 

Comparison of Mormonism and Christianity 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often professes to be Christians. However, there has been a constant dispute and debate with the Mormons facing discrimination from the American people and globally. 

Comparison 

Both Mormonism and Christianity recognize the Bible as a holy book. Christianity acknowledges the Bible as a spiritual book, unique with revelations, and inspirations from God. Similarly, Mormons, despite believing in several other books, have the Bible as part of the books they use. Moreover, Mormonism regards confessions regarding Jesus Christ. Furthermore, both religions follow a specific doctrine of scripture and authority from a Supreme Being. 

Christianity and Mormonism believe in eternal life and mortality. They both are of the faith that there is the author of life and people are His servants. Nonetheless, He exists at a different place form the current planet and will offer eternal life to His saints. Mormonism and Christianity highlight the doctrine of sin despite having different versions from one another. They have strong stands and consider sin for eternal consequences from the eternal spiritual person. 

Contrast 

White (2008) indicates that Mormonism is incompatible with Christianity. Unlike Christian monotheism which holds the belief in one God, Mormonism demonstrates that God was at some point a man who existed on another planet and got exalted to god’s status. Similarly, Mormon men become gods after dying and resurrecting (White, 2008). The birth of Mormon is recorded to be in 1820 through a vision, which Angel Maroni appeared to Joseph Smith to claim the revelation of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith became the founder of the church with claims of a lot of wrong things in the current faith. The Mormon doctrine contradicted the nature of God and the way to salvation. In contrast, Christianity began through Jesus Christ’s followers in the apocalyptic times by the twelve disciples. 

Besides, the doctrine of sin by the Mormons is not related to the beliefs of the Christians. Mormons believe that when Jesus Christ brought the atonement of sins, man became immortal and became a god. According to Ridenour (2001), salvation in Mormonism involves to god the world as man has godhood through obedience to the teachings by the latter day saints. Conversely, Christians believe in the forgiveness of sin by Jesus Christ, but man remains a mortal being who can still have an eternal death by sin. 

Conclusion 

Mormons stand to be a controversial religion but among the world's fastest growing religions. Mormonism was begun by Prophet Joseph Smith after he received the Book of Mormon from an angel but was later killed to end the religion. This was not possible because Mormonism survived and was recognized by American presidents by having its singers entertain people at presidential inaugurations. Also, Mormonism has moved from supporting polygamy and evading the same and fighting against homosexuality. Mormonism and Christianity are similar as both of them use the Bible in their teachings and believe in eternal life and mortality. Nonetheless, the two are different because Mormonism was started by Joseph Smith while Christianity was began through Jesus Christ’s disciples in the early church. Also, Mormonism believes that man became a god when Jesus Christ brought the atonement of sins while Christians believe in the forgiveness of sin by Jesus Christ, and man remains mortal. 

References  

Ridenour, F. (2001).  So what’s the Difference? A Look at 20 Worldviews, Faiths and Religions and How They Compare to Christianity . Minnesota: Bethany House Publishers. 

The American Experience and Frontline. (n.d.). The Mormons Part One  [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/video/frontline-the-mormons-part-one/ 

The American Experience and Frontline. (n.d.). The Mormons Part Two  [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/video/frontline-the-mormons-part-two/ 

White, J. (2008). Is the Mormon My Brother? Discerning the Differences between Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity. Florida: Solid Ground Christian Books.