Difference between revisions of "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" - New World Encyclopedia
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[[Image:Slc mormon tempel.jpg|thumb|right|345px|The [[Salt Lake Temple]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] is the largest attraction in the city's [[Temple Square]].]] | [[Image:Slc mormon tempel.jpg|thumb|right|345px|The [[Salt Lake Temple]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] is the largest attraction in the city's [[Temple Square]].]] | ||
Revision as of 19:35, 12 April 2006
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the "LDS Church" or the "Mormon Church", is the largest and most well-known denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement (a form of Restorationism). The church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Latter-day Saints are widely known for:
- Active proselyting by full-time volunteer missionaries.
- An organization with a prophet and twelve apostles.
- Belief in modern-day revelation through prophets, beginning with Joseph Smith, Jr., and continuing at present through Gordon B. Hinckley.
- Belief that the Priesthood of God (the authority to act in his name) is restored to earth and that power is found only in The Church.
- Acceptance of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price as scripture; and the Bible as scripture "as far as it is translated correctly".
- A health code called the Word of Wisdom, which suggests refraining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs. The Word of Wisdom also encourages individuals to be healthy and balanced in other aspects of life, such as exercise and sleep.
- Belief in God the Father, the Son (Christ), and the Holy Ghost existing as three separate individual beings or personages, who are parallel in all attributes of godliness, being perfectly unified in love, wisdom, and purpose. Thus they are said to be "one in spirit."
- Belief that God is the Heavenly Father of all mankind, and that mankind may thus become gods, like their father, but this only being possible through Jesus Christ and fulfilling requisites set forth by God, such as baptism. This form of theosis is called exaltation or eternal progression.
- Wearing of ceremonial temple garments by temple worthy members under their daily clothes.
- Doing genealogical research, and performing (by proxy) saving ordinances such as Baptism for the dead and other ordinances in temples.
- The practice of polygamy; although banned by the Church in 1890, some still mistakenly believe that polygamy is sanctioned by the Church.
Template:LDS
As the name of the church implies, Latter-day Saints regard Jesus Christ as the head of their church and count themselves as Christians, but do not consider themselves part of the Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant traditions. Rather, they believe the church to be the restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ on Earth. Some outside observers classify the church as a Protestant denomination, while others do not consider it to be a Christian church at all (see Mormonism and Christianity). The church has no formal association with groups of "Mormon fundamentalists", who still practice polygamy.
The church reports a worldwide membership of 12,560,869 as of December 31, 2005 [1], with 6.7 million members residing outside the United States. It is the fourth largest religious body (or denomination - not denomination family) in the United States [2]. The church membership report includes all persons older than age 8 who have been baptized by the church, and also unbaptized children (8 years old and younger) of baptized members. It does not include excommunicated members, and it is not based on attendance rates or cultural adherents. Members living in the US and Canada constitute 47% of membership, Latin America 36%, and members in the rest of the world 17%. (See membership distribution) and growth history
History
- Main articles: History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and History of the Latter Day Saint movement
Members of the church — known as Latter-day Saints — believe their church to be the restoration of the same church that was established by Jesus Christ in New Testament times, and that this resoration was also performed personally by Jesus Christ. They believe that following the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, Christ continued to direct his church through his apostles, but that as men rejected his apostles, and began to kill them, the authentic Christian church along with its authority and many of its teachings, rapidly began to disappear, leading ultimately to the Great Apostasy. The LDS church claims that the original teachings of Christ and his followers was thereafter influenced by Hellenistic philosophy, and littered with false doctrines which led to misinterpretation and misteaching of the meaning of many scriptures. They believe that by the fourth century, the Priesthood —or the authority to act in the name of God— had been lost from the earth completely, meaning that no man thereafter had valid authority from God to baptize, and thus, the growth of the "true" church came to a halt, despite continued teaching about Christ in the world.
Church members further believe the testimony of Joseph Smith: that in the spring of 1820, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to a 14-year-old boy, Joseph Smith, Jr., in response to his prayer inquiring which sect he should join. He was commanded to join none of the existing churches, and through other angelic visits was eventually called as the first prophet of the restored church. This event set in motion the events that led to the earthly restoration of the ancient church of Jesus Christ with its truths and priesthood authority. Ten years later, after a series of other revelations and visitations to Joseph and others, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized by Joseph Smith, Jr. and five associates on 6 April 1830, in Fayette, New York. They were in the company of some 56 men and women.
The church teaches that over time, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the priesthood and its keys lost to the earth from resurrected beings who held the authority anciently, including John the Baptist (May 15, 1829, Aaronic Priesthood), the apostles Peter, James and John (May or June 1829, Melchizidek Priesthood1), and the ancient prophet Elijah (April 3, 1836). These priesthoods brought with them the restoration of the authority to perform baptism and other ordinances.
After suffering under persecution in several states, including a government-ordered extermination order from Lilburn W. Boggs, governor of Missouri, Smith was eventually killed by a mob on June 27, 1844 in Carthage Jail, Carthage, Illinois, along with his brother Hyrum. Brigham Young, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was sustained by the majority of the church as the next Prophet and President of the church (see also succession crisis). Faced with further persecution in Nauvoo, Illinois and surrounding towns, members of the church eventually followed Brigham Young to the Salt Lake Valley, and settled a large area now encompassed by the state of Utah and parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming. The church remains headquartered in the Salt Lake Valley and is currently led by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Name of the church
When the church was organized in 1830 it was called the "Church of Christ". It was also referred to as the "Church of Latter Day Saints" to differentiate the church of this era from that of the New Testament, and was generally known by that name between 1834 and 1838. In April 1838, the full name was stated as "the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints", according to direction recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 115:3-4. When the church became a corporation in 1851, the legal documents used the current standardized spelling and punctuation, capitalizing the first article, "The", and using the British hyphenation of "Latter-day": The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is some dispute as to whether or not this was the official name prior to 1851, mostly because there was not standard spelling or punctuation in any church publications prior to that time and legal documents of the organization are not readily available. The church currently uses the word "The" as part of its official name, as opposed to a modifying article.
The church is also commonly referred to as the "LDS Church" in Utah and surrounding areas, while it is more often known as the "Mormon Church" throughout the rest of the world. Church members are often known simply as "Mormons", "the Saints", or "Latter-day Saints" with the latter two being the preferred terms by most Latter-day Saints themselves. Occasionally, these names may bring about confusion, as other groups outside the church are sometimes alluded to using these same terms. Of all of the Latter Day Saint groups, however, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one most commonly referenced when using these terms. The nickname "Mormon" arose soon after the publication of The Book of Mormon in 1830. Although originally used pejoratively to refer to the church or its members, the term came to be used widely within the church.
In a style guide issued in 2001, the church requests that the official name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", be used where possible, stating: "This full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838." It also encourages the use of "the Church" or "The Church of Jesus Christ" as a shortened reference although the "LDS Church" is commonly used within the church's publications. When referring to members of the church, it suggests "Latter-day Saints" as preferred, although "Mormons" is acceptable. Despite the church's efforts to encourage use of the official name, the Associated Press has continued to recommend "Mormon Church" as a proper second reference in its Style Guide for journalists. In contrast to the Associated Press Stylebook's guidelines which apply the term only to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some scholars feel the term "Mormon" is also useful as a collective description for all those groups which claim to have descended from Joseph Smith. A new movement is underway to refer to the unique culture, social workings and doctrines of the sects that claim succession from Smith as Mormonism and historical underpinnings as the Latter Day Saint movement. Within the church, members are collectively referred to as "saints", which reflects the belief that anyone who covenants by baptism to follow Christ is a saint. The term "saint" is not solely reserved for an exemplary Christian as in some other churches. It is used, as in Biblical times, to refer to anyone who had become converted to the gospel.
Major Beliefs
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many beliefs unique to the church.
=== The Godhead ===
LDS theology understands that God the Father (Heavenly Father), Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct personages who together comprise the Godhead or The Holy Trinity (which is different from the traditional doctrine of the Triune God, which maintains that the three are one being). All three members of the Godhead are eternal and equally divine, but play somewhat different roles. While the Holy Ghost is a spirit without a physical body, God and Christ do possess distinct, perfected, physical bodies of flesh and bone. Although Mormon theology sees the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost as separate beings, they are considered to be "one God" in purpose.
Mormonism does not posit the same attributes to the members of the Godhead that Mainstream Christianity posits to the Triune God: omnipotence, omniscience, omnibenevolence, eternal, immutable, immortality, and immanence in the universe but not transcendence of it. In LDS theology, Apostle James E. Talmage rejected omni-traits in Jesus the Christ, his seminal work. He stated that it was simply contrary to the doctrine of eternal progression and therefore false.
Although it is not stated in the canonical scriptures, Joseph Smith and other church leaders have taught that God the Father is an exalted man who once lived on an earth similar to this one, like His Son Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith reportedly said:
- These are incomprehensible ideas to some, but they are simple. It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God, and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did; and I will show it from the Bible. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-46.)
It is implied that God may have lived a mortal life and passed through death, being resurrected and eventually progressing to godhood. The creation story in Genesis would begin sometime after this point.
Latter-day Saints generally also believe, although it is not canonical, that God is eternally married to a Heavenly Mother. Heavenly Mother is believed to be entirely equal in status to Heavenly Father, a celestial Goddess and God, respectively, forever married to one another and preserving differing yet complementary roles of deity, although She is not explicitly referred to in doctrine, scripture, or other Church canons. For members of the Church, much of this idea simply follows logically and comfortably from the doctrine that one man and one woman must be sealed together in holy matrimony if they aim to progress eventually to the highest level in the eternities (logic: If I must be sealed to a man/woman to become like God, then God must have been sealed to a woman.). Her existence is referred to briefly in the Church hymn titled O My Father (Hymn number 292), and it is presumed from Church teachings proclaiming that each person is a "spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents" (See The Family: A Proclamation to the World). Thus, Her existence is subtly acknowledged by Church members and leadership, but She is not worshipped nor is made the object of prayer. It is commonly surmised that She is deliberately and safely protected in anonymity by Heavenly Father, whereby no human knows Her name.
While those outside the Church refer to the Church's doctrine of the godhead as polytheistic, Latter-day Saints would characterize themselves as henotheistic or monolatristic. However, in practice, LDS speak of "one God as taught in the Scriptures." This God is represented in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Protestant, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Christian churches are distinct from the Mormon church in their affirmation that traditional Christian religion is monotheistic; that is, God is One in Being (ousia) and comprised of three persons (hypostases), namely the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is, then an ontological distinction between the three persons of the Mormon trinity not present in that of mainstream Christian (See Trinity)
Though the existence of other gods or divine beings is acknowledged by the LDS Church and its members, this fact is considered almost irrelevant to salvation: the other gods—which Latter-day Saints would refer to as exalted beings—have no impact on this sphere of existence, nor is their eternal role defined.
Despite the Church's name, its focus on Jesus as the Savior of mankind, its family values, and many of the Gospel teachings it shares with other branches of Christianity, theologians and members of those other branches consider the difference between LDS practices and doctrines—such as the contrast between the Church's doctrine of the Godhead and the mainstream Christian doctrine of the Triune God —so fundamental that they do not regard Latter-day Saints as Christians. In their view, a non-mainstream understanding of Jesus Christ makes His saving grace null and void, and Latter-day Saints are understood to be lost with adherents of all other religions because of the differences in their understanding of Christ. Latter-day Saints counter that it is mainstream Christianity that misunderstands the nature of God. They hold that the mainstream concept of God was corrupted by the introduction of Platonic realism, Neoplatonism, and extreme Asceticism into the early Christian church and that these influences continued through what they term the Great Apostasy. For continued discussion on this subject see Mormonism and Christianity.
Latter-day Saints do not use the Christian cross or crucifix as a symbol of their faith. Most modern Latter-day Saints choose to focus upon Jesus' life, atonement, and resurrection, not his death. LDS also believe that the one over-riding sign of being a Christian is that one lives Christ's teachings. In this sense, the LDS well follows contemporary 19th century trends viewing Christ's life/death/resurrection as an example to be followed rather than a substitute for eternal condemnation (See, among others, Atonement (Governmental view), ).
One of the most commonly used visual symbols of the Church is the trumpeting angel Moroni, proclaiming the restoration of the "true gospel" to the Earth (usually identified as the angel mentioned in Revelation 14:6–7); and a statue depicting the angel often tops the tallest spire of LDS temples. Another common symbol members use are the letters CTR, meaning "Choose the Right", taken from the name and motto of a children's Primary class.
See also: Godhead (Mormonism); King Follett Discourse
Church leadership and the priesthood
The head of the church is termed President, whom the members revere as the Prophet, seer, and revelator. He is entitled to receive revelation from God to guide the church and the world as His mouthpiece on the earth. Other general, area, and local authorities of the church include Apostles, Seventies, Stake Presidents, Bishops, and other quorum presidents. The president of the church serves as such until death, after which the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will meet, pray, and under the leadership of the senior apostle, receive revelation as to whom the next prophet should be. Although not specified by revelation, the senior apostle has historically become the new President of the church. General Authorities work full-time for the church, and those that need it receive a stipend from the church.
Lay clergy has a strong tradition in the church, as area and local authorities are unpaid and continue in their normal occupations while serving in leadership positions. Some positions are limited to priesthood holders, with qualifications usually related to the particular calling (e.g., women for the Relief Society, men for the priesthood quorums.) In 1978, an official declaration of the First Presidency reported that a revelation had been received by church President Spencer W. Kimball directing that all worthy men be allowed to receive the priesthood. From 1849 until 1978, men of African descent had not been permitted to receive the priesthood although they could become members and serve within the church. (Persons of other dark-skinned ethnicities not of African descent, such as the Maori, could receive the priesthood prior to this time, provided they were called by revelation. See Blacks and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)
As the church has no general salaried ministry, thousands of Latter-day Saints around the world participate in leading their congregations in their spare time for a period of a few years, while they continue their normal employment.
See Priesthood (Mormonism); First Presidency; Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; General Authority; Apostle (Mormonism)
The Plan of Salvation
The term Plan of Salvation (or the Plan of Happiness) is used to describe how the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring about the immortality and eternal life of mankind. It includes the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement, along with all God-given laws, ordinances, and doctrines. Members believe that after this life is the Resurrection, and Judgement.
Latter-day Saints believe that "through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (See Third Article of Faith.) Mankind may thus return to live with God as glorified, eternal beings. However, due to the imperfect nature of humans, all will fall short of meeting the required laws and ordinances, but the merits, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ bridge the gap, assuming the individual has repented of his mistakes. "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 ne. 25:23).
The gift of immortality is also believed to be freely given to all because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his subsequent Resurrection (See 1 Corinthians 15:22), although salvation from sin, or spiritual death, is conditional. Entrance to the highest Heavenly Kingdom, the "Celestial Kingdom" (See 1 Corinthians 15:40), is only granted to those who accept Jesus through baptism into the Church by its priesthood authority, follow Church doctrine, and live righteous lives. Faith alone, or faith without works, (i.e. dead faith), is not considered sufficient to attain exaltation. (See James 2:26.)
Exaltation is the reward which Latter-day Saints believe is given to the righteous; including those whose first opportunity to hear the gospel is in the afterlife (and as soon as their temple work is done for them). Through the process of exaltation, a person can eventually become like Jesus Christ, or as it is expressed in scripture, a joint-heir with Him (See Romans 8:17.)
For Church members, the kingdoms of glory, as follows, are congruent with Christ's words in the New Testament: "In my house there are many mansions..."
The Celestial Kingdom (whose glory is compared to the brightness of the sun in the sky, as its inhabitants have all truth and light) is where the righteous will live with God and with their families. This kingdom includes multiple degrees of glory, the highest of which is exaltation. Those who have had the ordinances of eternal marriage, which is performed in Temples, and baptism may be exalted if they are found worthy by God. Accountable individuals must be baptized and repent to gain entrance to the Celestial Kingdom; Latter-day Saints profess that all children who die before the age of accountability automatically inherit a celestial glory.
Those good people who are not valiant in following Jesus or who do not accept the Gospel do not qualify for exaltation and will be consigned to the Terrestrial Kingdom (whose glory is compared to the brightness of the moon in the sky). This kingdom is one of great glory, but without the presence of God the Father. An ultimate willingness to keep the "law of carnal commandments" (the Ten Commandments) is considered essential to enter this kingdom.
Murderers, other criminals, and the like who do not accept the Atonement of Jesus Christ will eventually spend eternity with people of like intent in the Telestial Kingdom, and their glory will be as that of the stars in the night sky. This is also considered a kingdom of glory and has been described as being much better than even earthly life. All those who do not qualify for a higher degree of glory will automatically enter this kingdom unless they deny the Holy Ghost, a sin it is believed very few people are able to commit.
Those few people who do, after gaining a full knowledge of the Gospel, willfully deny and contend against the Holy Ghost, are believed to inherit no glory. Most members of the Church refer to this place as Outer Darkness; this is not to be confused with traditional Christianity's definition of the term. An individual so banished is called a Son of Perdition. Forgiveness is not possible for these souls, though they will be resurrected.
Before people dwell eternally in their assigned kingdom of glory, they go through resurrection and Judgement. Those who have not been offered the chance to hear the doctrines of Jesus Christ during life on earth will have the opportunity to do so during the time of death and the resurrection.
The Book of Mormon defines the Resurrection and Judgement as follows:
The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. (Alma 11:43-44)
Joseph Smith taught, “The Doctrines of the Resurrection of the Dead and the Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 149).
First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel
The fourth Article of Faith states that Latter-day Saints "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."
Faith
Latter-day Saints believe that faith in Jesus as the promised messiah is a fundamental requisite to Salvation. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 121).
The Lectures on Faith teach that faith is a principle of action and of power, in both the temporal and the spiritual realm. Ultimately, faith is “the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things.” (Lecture 1). For Latter-day Saints, the historical basis of faith comes from the record in the scriptures, which leads to a personal Theophany.
The Lectures on Faith explain:
- Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation:
- First, the idea that he actually exists.
- Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.
- Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Lecture 3)
The character and attributes and perfections of Christ enumerated in the Lectures on Faith are Knowledge, Faith (or Power), Justice, Judgment , Mercy , and Truth. By the operation of the Holy Ghost, the miracle of the Atonement, and personal sacrifice, we can develop the same character and attributes of God, and become like Him.
Faith in Jesus Christ means accepting Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Messiah. This includes two parts: 1) the belief that all who live on Earth are granted salvation from death (physical resurrection) through the Atonement, the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and 2) that salvation from sin (or spiritual death) is obtained through sincere repentance, resulting in forgiveness for sin through his grace, and by following the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints are encouraged by church leaders and the LDS culture to develop their faith through study, prayer, service, and obedience to God's commandments. Faith is a form of spiritual work, and character-shaping, in conjunction with the miracle of Christ's Atonement.
Latter-day Saints often refer to their personal faith as their "testimony" and refer to telling others about their faith as "bearing testimony."
Repentance
Latter-day Saints believe in the principle of repentance, which for them includes a sincere regret, or "godly sorrow", as well as restitution when possible and abstinence from the sin. Key to the repentance process is a person's personal, prayerful confession to God, which includes asking for forgiveness and resolving not to repeat the mistake. It is important to confess serious sins to a Bishop, who can offer advice and encouragement. Consistent with the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which it is translated, repentance denotes "a change of mind", "a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined." Thus, a return to sin shows that the repentance process is not truly completed. Repentance is for small and large sins and is an ongoing process.
Baptism
The Church of Jesus Christ practices baptism by immersion in water. Baptism is symbolic of burial and rebirth as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Like many Christians, Latter-day Saints believe that a person who repents and is baptized has all prior sins remitted.
Baptism is never performed before the eighth birthday. The age of eight was given in latter-day revelation as the age when children become accountable for their sins, that is, they are able to discern between right and wrong. If a person is unable to discern between right and wrong (ie. those with severe mental retardation, etc.) they are deemed unaccountable for their sins and do not require baptism, regardless of their age; they are viewed as fully saved through the Atonement of Christ. The Book of Mormon and modern revelation specifically forbids the practice of infant baptism. (See Doctrine and Covenants 68:27 and Moroni 8:4-23.) Baptism is recognized only when performed by one holding the proper authority, contained in the office of a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or a higher office.
They also practice Baptism for the dead, a practice that is unique to the LDS Church. This practice is a baptism by proxy and is performed in a temple by temple worthy members. This practice is believed to only take effect if the deceased person has repented of their sins and accepted the ordinance.
Gift of the Holy Ghost
Following baptism by immersion, individuals are confirmed members of the church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by Priesthood bearers worthy to do so. Latter-day Saints believe that this blessing entitles the newly confirmed recipient to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as a guide and guardian so long as the recipient lives worthy of the gift. Moreover, members believe that those who have not been confirmed may still receive inspiration and a witness from the Holy Ghost but are not entitled to constant companionship available through the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Enduring to the End
Latter-day Saints also believe that life involves enduring to the end, and is not just a "one-time" religious experience. A life of discipleship is daily spiritual maintenance, charitable works, and personal development — social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development. It also involves overcoming personal trials, attending church and temple, rearing families, and doing work for the dead. Ultimately, the goal is for sanctification, the process of having the same character that God has: perfect love, perfect mercy, and perfect truth.
=== Scriptures ===
Under the Church's doctrine of continuing revelation (see Articles of Faith number 9), the Church has an open scriptural canon which thus far includes the Bible (the King James Version in English-speaking countries), The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price, including The Articles of Faith. These scriptural writings comprise the Standard Works of the Church. This belief in additional scriptural canon makes the church unique among Christian religions.
Many of the pronouncements of general authorities, particularly the president of the Church, are also often viewed as uncanonized scripture—particularly official written pronouncements signed by the First Presidency and/or the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, such as "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" (1995), which defined the Church's vision of the ideal family (which resembles the typical nuclear family), and "The Living Christ" (2000), which commemorated the birth of Jesus. Latter-day Saints are also encouraged to accept the most recent statements from prophets and general authorities as modern-day scripture. Latter-day Saints are encouraged to pray to know the truthfulness of the doctrine contained in their various scriptures, especially if they have trouble living a certain principle. They are encouraged to trust their spiritual promptings or feelings even when confronted by contrary evidence.
English-speaking members typically use the King James Version of the Bible; Joseph Smith also translated a version of the Bible, known as the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (or Inspired Version), and although this Bible translation is not generally used by members of the Church, the Bible issued by the Church contains cross references to the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), as well as an appendix containing major excerpts from it. Though it is part of the canon and members believe the Bible to be the word of God, the Church also acknowledges that numerous omissions and mistranslations occurred in even the earliest known manuscripts, although the relative majority of what remains is believed to be correct. These errors have led to incorrect interpretations of the meaning of certain passages.
The introduction of The Book of Mormon describes the book as follows:
- "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C.E., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians.
- The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."
According to his record, Joseph Smith, Jr. translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God through the Urim and Thummim. Eleven witnesses signed testimonies of its divine authenticity, which are now included in the preface to the Book of Mormon. Three witnesses testified to having seen an angel present the gold plates, and to having heard God bear witness to its truth. Eight others stated that they had handled the plates when Joseph Smith, Jr. showed them to them.
The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations, policies, letters, and statements from Church presidents, starting with Joseph Smith. This record contains Church doctrine as well as direction on Church government.
The Pearl of Great Price contains: (1) excerpts from Joseph Smith’s translation of Genesis, called the book of Moses, and of Matthew 24, called Joseph Smith—Matthew; (2) Joseph Smith’s translation of some Egyptian papyrus that he acquired in 1835 (and subsequently lost, although some pages were purportedly rediscovered in 1967), called the "Book of Abraham"; (3) an excerpt from The Documentary History of the Church containing a letter written by Joseph Smith in 1838, called Joseph Smith—History; and (4) an excerpt of another of Joseph Smith's letters called the Articles of Faith, thirteen statements of belief and doctrine.
Latter-day Saints believe literally in the principle of revelation from God to his children. Individual members are entitled to divine revelation for confirmation of truths, gaining knowledge or wisdom, and meeting personal challenges. Parents are entitled to revelation for raising their families. Divine revelation for the direction of the entire Church comes from God to the president of the Church, who is viewed by Latter-day Saints as a prophet in the same sense as Abraham, Moses, Peter and other biblical leaders.
See also: Scriptures online.
== Chapels ==
Weekly worship services, including Sacrament Meetings, are held on Sundays, in meetinghouses, also referred to as "chapels" or "stake centers", although the Chapel is actually only one component of the meetinghouse, where weekly worship services and other meetings are held. All people, regardless of belief or standing in the church are welcome to attend. The Sacrament, similar to Communion or the Eucharist in other churches, is offered weekly. Latter-day Saints generally come together in meetinghouses throughout the week (except Mondays, which are reserved for family time) for various activities.
Sunday Services
Congregations for Sunday services are grouped geographically, with larger (~200 to ~400 people) congregations known as wards, and smaller (2 through ~200 people) congregations known as branches.
Sunday services consist of a three-hour block of time divided into three segments. The primary Sunday service is sacrament meeting, which is slightly more than an hour in length, and attended by the combined congregation. The foremost purpose of sacrament meeting is the blessing and passing of the Sacrament — consecrated bread and water in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ (often referred to as Communion or the Lord's Supper in other Christian denominations) — to members of the Church. After the Sacrament, the service usually consists of two or three "talks" (lay sermons) prepared and delivered by members of the congregation. Once a month however, usually on the first Sunday, instead of prepared talks, members are invited to bear their testimonies about gospel principles. These testimonies are generally brief (less than five minutes) impromptu statements of personal faith. Hymns (accompanied by piano or organ) are sung throughout the service, as a form of worship through music.
During the other two segments, the congregation divides into smaller groups based on age and/or gender. The church publishes manuals for each type of class, usually including a teacher's manual as well as a student booklet for youth and adult classes.
Sunday School classes are grouped by age and sometimes by background. The most common adult Sunday School class is "Gospel Doctrine," which meets each week and consists of a teacher presenting a gospel message drawn from the Scriptures, with participation from class members. A second adult class that meets most weeks is "Gospel Essentials," designed for new members and non-members who are interested in learning more about the Church (often referred to as investigators). Additional adult classes are held at various times, depending on the specific needs of each congregation. These classes include topics such as "Family Relations," "Family History," "Teacher Preparation" and "Temple Preparation." Youth Sunday School classes are divided by age (12-13, 14-15, 16-18). These classes are sometimes combined if class sizes are small.
In addition to Sacrament Meeting and Sunday School, a third block of meetings is held where attendance is based on age and sex. Men and boys from the age of 12 attend priesthood classes, women attend Relief Society, and girls ages 12-18 attend Young Women. The Young Women group is further divided into Beehive (ages 12-13), Mia Maid (ages 14-15), and Laurel (ages 16-18) classes. Although all men and boys meet together briefly at the beginning of the hour for a prayer, hymn, and announcements, they then separate into classes. The men separate by priesthood office to attend Elder's Quorum or High Priest's Group, the latter usually being older men and/or those who have held leadership positions in the Church. Youth are likewise divided into priesthood quorums: Deacons (ages 12-13), Teachers (ages 14-15), and Priests (ages 16-18). Classes may be combined if the class sizes are small.
Children younger than 12 attend Primary, which spans the two time blocks described above. Primary is divided into two large groups: Senior Primary (ages 8-12) and Junior Primary (ages 4-7); young children from 18 months to 3 years of age attend nursery class. Primary classes generally consist of all the children who were born in the same year. Usually one half of the Primary meets in separate classes while the other half meets together in sharing and singing time, and at the end of the hour, the two are reversed.
Women usually attend wearing skirts or dresses, while men wear suits or dress shirts (preferably white) and ties. However, this dress code is not required; people in different attire are also welcome.
Young Men's/Young Women's
Young men and women, aged 12 to 18, often have a weekly meeting (previously referred to as Mutual short for Mutual Improvement Association sometimes known as "MIA") which can involve an activity, service project, or instruction. Classes and quorums partition off after an opening of a sung hymn, a prayer, and any announcements of upcoming events. The separate groups will have various wholesome activities to participate in, planned both by their leaders and the youth themselves. They can range anywhere from playing a sport or game, crafting, cooking, or service. Usually the young men participate in Boy Scouts of America, grouped by age. One week a month, all the Young Women classes will have a combined activity, as do the Young Men quorums. Another week, the Young Men and Women will have an activity as a combined group.
Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment
Four times a year the adult women (members of the Church's Relief Society) attend a Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting, where they may choose between various classes being offered, participate in a service project, or attend a social event. In addition, Enrichment activities are offered (weekly, monthly, or as determined by ward Relief Society leaders) for women with similar needs and interests.
Other chapel uses
In addition to these regularly scheduled meetings, additional meetings are frequently held at the meetinghouse. Popular activities are basketball, family history conferences, youth conferences, youth dances and various personal improvement classes. Church members may also reserve the building for personal use, such as wedding receptions, funerals, etc.
==Temples==
In addition to Sunday worship, some faithful members of the church may participate in ordinances in temples, including baptisms for the dead, endowments, and eternal marriage. Adult members who receive their endowments in the temple also receive the temple garment, which they wear under their daily clothing. The LDS church considers the temple ordinances exceptionally sacred. As such, they do not publicly release the details of the temple proceedings and expect that members also do not discuss them outside the temple. This is true of the significance of the temple garment as well.
Changes have been made to the temple endowment ordinance at different times since the beginning of church temple service. (See endowment)
Other practices
Practices more or less distinctive to Latter-day Saints include following the Word of Wisdom (caring for one's body by eating healthy foods; abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee, and illicit drugs; and eating meat sparingly), tithing (donating 10 percent of one's income to the church, which is voluntary.) chastity, modesty in dress and behavior, lay leadership, Family Home Evenings (families are encouraged to meet weekly for prayer and other activities - typically on Monday), and home and visiting teaching (members regularly visit one another in their homes for prayer and study). Tattoos and body piercings (except for one pair of earrings for women) are strongly discouraged. Church members are encouraged to marry and have children, and as a result, Mormon families tend to be larger than average. All sexual activity, both heterosexual and homosexual, outside of the marriage covenant is considered a significant sin. Same-sex marriages are not performed or supported by the LDS church. Mormons are counseled not to partake of any form of media that is obscene or pornographic in any way, including media that depicts graphic representations of sex or violence.
The church emphasises the moral standards taught by Jesus Christ, including personal honesty, integrity, obedience to law, chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage. The church puts notable emphasis on the family, and distinctively, the concept of a united family which lives and progresses forever is at the core of Latter-day Saint doctrine. The church opposes abortion, pornography, and gambling.
Latter-day Saint fathers who hold the priesthood typically bless their babies shortly after birth to formally give the child a name and a blessing and generate a Church record for them. Various blessings may be pronounced, as directed by inspiration.
Prayers
Formal public and personal prayers are addressed to "Heavenly Father" and offered in the name of Jesus Christ, followed by amen. When a prayer is given in public, it is customary for all attending to say "amen" at the prayer's conclusion. English-speaking members generally use "thee," "thou," "thy" and "thine" when addressing God, as a form of both familiarity and respect. Members who speak other languages use similar familiar, respectful syntax in prayer. Most prayers are extemporaneous and may be said while kneeling, standing, or sitting or in any other position.
Certain prayers associated with ordinances are defined and must be delivered verbatim, while others must follow a certain pattern. For example, the prayer to bless the sacrament is a set prayer which is delivered the same way each week. The priesthood holder kneels to say the prayer; if he accidentally deviates from the form, he is instructed to repeat the prayer until it is correct. Likewise, the prayer for baptism must be given verbatim prior to immersion; the priesthood holder stands in the water beside the person to be baptized, raises his right arm to the square, and pronounces the blessing. Other ordinations and blessings have a pattern, for example, in a confirmation prayer, the priesthood holder is to address the individual being confirmed by his or her full name, state the priesthood authority by which the ordinance is given, confirm that person as a member of the Church, and bestow the Holy Ghost with such words as "receive the Holy Ghost." This is usually followed by an extemporaneous personal blessing as directed by the Spirit.
=== Missionaries ===
The LDS Church has one of the most active missionary programs of any world church. As of 31 December 2004 there were in excess of 51,000 full-time missionaries serving around the world at any given time without pay.
Missionary work is a fundamental principle of the Church, and has become one of the most readily identifiable characteristics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All missionaries have been assigned by Church headquarters to their area of work, which can be in any part of the world where governments allow them to preach. They contribute to their own support for up to two years, frequently learning another language. The Church also places an emphasis on humanitarian services, and vast family history resources.
=== Education ===
Latter-day Saints believe that one of the most important aspects of life on earth is the opportunity for individuals to learn and grow. Accordingly, the Church strongly emphasizes education and subsidizes Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Idaho (formerly Ricks College), and Brigham Young University-Hawaii. The Church also has a seminary program for high school students and an Institute of Religion program for college-age Church members. All members twelve and above attend Sunday School classes, which emphasize personal scripture studies and other forms of education and self-improvement.
High school students attend Seminary, which is usually scheduled for before or after school hours. In some areas with large LDS populations, provisions are made by the high school which allow students to attend Seminary (off-campus) during the school day. The provision is not considered a school-recognized class. No credit is awarded by the school, nor is any grade or achievement listed on the school's official transcript. Attendance at Seminary is voluntary, although this does help when applying to Church-run universities. Seminary programs are administered by the Church Educational System and should not be confused with graduate level ministerial programs, as a common usage of the word also may indicate.
In addition, the Church sponsors a low-interest educational loan program known as the Perpetual Education Fund. This fund is designed to benefit both young men and women from all parts of the world who have served a mission, returned to their home, and need further education to become productive citizens in their respective countries. As they finish their education and enter the work force, they then are able to pay back the funds provided so that other individuals can attend both vocational technical schools and university.
Preparedness
The LDS church strongly encourages every family to be prepared for disasters. Members are encouraged to plant gardens as well as maintain a year's supply of non-perishable food storage. As a whole, the Church is well equipped with neccessities that are on-hand and available for immediate distribution when needed around the world. The Church's excellent response to emergencies or disasters is directed through the Bishop's Storehouse.
The bishop's storehouse system is a network of Church-owned and operated commodity resource centers. They work much like retail stores with the difference that goods cannot be purchased: they are given charitably, whether to entire areas (i.e. the recent Tsunami event) or upon an individual/family basis, to those deserving need. Member recipients are invited to work or render service to others in various ways in exchange for goods to avoid allowing the goods given to be a form of dole.
The concept of the storehouse and the Church Welfare Services emerged from scriptural principles, elucidated by a series of revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith beginning in 1831, a year after the Church was organized. In one revelation, Church members were directed to "remember the poor, and consecrate [their] properties for [the poor's] support".
The implementation of the mutual help program has varied considerably according to the economic conditions of the members and the organizational structure of the Church. Utilization of the storehouse concept received intense emphasis during the United Order effort of the 1870s. From that time forward, most wards or congregations maintained their own storehouse until the introduction of regional storehouses (1934-1936). These storehouses figured prominently in the Church's effort to care for its people during the economic depression of the 1930s and formed the basis for a more systematic approach to shared assistance.
After World War II, the Church Welfare system, centered on the storehouse, evolved into an integrated and complex Church-wide production and distribution system. A higher level of coordination between Welfare farms, dairies, and canneries was established, and a wider range of goods became available. The Church established central storehouses to supply regional storehouses. In the 1970s, with the maturing of the storehouse system, the Church selectively introduced local production and storehouses in areas outside the United States where need and resources warranted.
Presently, the entire Bishop's Storehouse Resource System operates with efficiency and quality equal to commercial commodity activities, effectively assisting thousands of people every year with material necessities. Like other positions in the Church, the storehouse remains an operation based entirely on volunteer work. Anyone, whether a member or not, has the chance to give their time to the storehouse. Often, youth groups will go to work in a local storehouse cannery as a service activity. No offer of well-intended help is refused.
Polygamy
At one time in its early history, the Church did endorse a form of polygamy called "plural marriage," but this is no longer the case. Brigham Young and other early members and leaders of the Church were married to more than one wife. The practice was officially withdrawn as stated in a declaration called "The Manifesto" which was given by President Wilford Woodruff in 1890 (see Official Declaration 1), and which advised Church members to obey the marriage laws of their land. After the Manifesto, Church members living in Mexico and Canada (in polygamist enclaves) continued the practice of plural marriage. The Church's position was reiterated and clarified in 1904 (commonly referred to as "The Second Manifesto"), with an additional request that no Church members enter into any form of plural marriage, regardless of their location, local customs, or legality. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found to be engaging in multiple marriage relationships are excommunicated. Converts from areas where polygamy is an accepted practice typically must end such relationships.
For some years now, both widows and widowers qualified to enter the temple may have her or his subsequent marriage(s) sealed to them. Not that all of these marriages will remain forever, but that the final choice of a single spouse may be made sometime in the future (millenium or eternities) and with an eternal perspective. Although not practiced at the moment, a revelation on the doctrine of plural marriage is still part of the LDS scriptures in Doctrine and Covenants section 132, and many church members still believe that the principle of plural marriage is an eternal truth and will be practiced in the afterlife.
The church has repeatedly stated that members who engage in multiple simultaneous marriages will be excommunicated. Excommunication is the most severe disciplinary action the church undertakes, and the church has made it clear that it is the prerogative of the government to enforce marriage laws and the church does not involve itself in this endeavor.
Finances
The financial status of the Church has been the focus of two investigative reports: a 1991 report by the Arizona Republic and a 1997 report by Time Magazine. Both claim the Church is the most prosperous American religion, with Time estimating $5.2 billion in tithes during 1996. The Church has holdings in real estate, as well as for-profit businesses managed through Deseret Management Corporation. Time estimated assets in 1996 at more than $30 billion.
It is difficult to determine the exact financial status of the Church because it is not required to disclose financial information. Some of the Church's known holdings include:
- AgReserves Inc, Salt Lake City, Utah - the largest producer of nuts in America.
- Beneficial Life Insurance Co. - assets of $1.6 billion.
- Bonneville International Corporation - the 14th largest radio chain in the U.S.
- Deseret Cattle and Citrus Ranch in Orlando, Florida - the world's largest beef ranch at 312,000 acres (1260 km²). The land alone is worth an estimated $858 million.
- Farmland Reserve, Inc - recently purchased 88,000 acres (356 km²) in Nebraska bringing its total in Nebraska to 228,000 acres (923 km²) second in Nebraska to Ted Turner's 290,000. Farmland Reserve owns land east of Orlando, FL - 13-23-33-0000-00-001 3500 TAYLOR CREEK RD - appraised at $10 million.
- Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii - the leading for-profit visitor attraction in Hawaii.
The Church uses its financial resources to provide social welfare and relief, build facilities, maintain the missionary program, and support Church sponsored programs.
- Provide for Social welfare and relief -
- The Church operates a welfare distribution system, as it encourages members to seek financial assistance from family and church first before seeking public or state-sponsored welfare. AgReserves Inc., Deseret Cattle and Citrus Ranch, and Farmland Reserve, Inc. are part of its welfare distribution system. Welfare resources are distributed by local bishops but maintained by the Presiding Bishop. (See "Preparedness" under the "Other Practices" section.)
- Build facilities -
- The Church builds additional chapels and temples as wards and branches of the Church are organized. A recent temple building program concluded in 2001 where the church built about 40 smaller temples between 1998 and 2001. The church currently has 122 temples around the world with 11 additional temples either announced or under construction. See chronological list of temples.
- Maintain its missionary program -
- Although the families of missionaries generally pay $400 a month for missions, additional general funds of the Church support missionaries unable to pay for their own missions. Additionally, the Church provides a mission office and mission home for each of its 300 missions and pays for television advertising offering free copies of the Book of Mormon, the Bible, videos, etc.
- Support Church sponsored programs -
- The Church owns and subsidizes education at its three Universities (see Education above). It also supports Boy Scouts programs for young men and Seminary and Institute programs.
LDS Customs
Titles
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address each other as "Brother" or "Sister" and then usually append the last name (such as Brother Smith, or Sister Young). Additionally, those that hold specific leadership positions may be addressed by their title and then their last name (such as President Kimball). Some frequently-used titles are as follows.
- Bishop - Local Bishops of a ward are addressed by the title of "Bishop". Though he is assisted by two counselors, the counselors are addressed as "Brother So-and-So." Generally, the title is always used when referring to a bishop, even when the bishop has ceased serving as the active leader of the ward. There is a position in the LDS church referred to as the Presiding Bishop. He and his counselors are referred to as "Bishop So-and-So". The Presiding Bishop oversees the welfare services of the Church.
- Elder - While most adult male Church members hold the office of "elder" in the Melchizedek Priesthood, in general only full-time male missionaries (proselyting or service), members of any of the Quorums of the Seventy (General & Area Authorities), and members of the Quorum of the Twelve are addressed with this title.
- President - In a Ward, the Elder's Quorum President is referred to as "President So-and-So". Other presidents within the ward, such as the Teachers or Deacons Quorum President, may be referred to with this title. In addition to the above presidencies, in a branch, the branch president is referred to as "President So-and-So", and his councilors are referred to as "Brother So-and-So." . All members of a Stake (or District) Presidency, a Temple Presidency, a Mission Presidency, the Presidency of the Seventy, and the First Presidency are referred to as president.
===Public Speaking===
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long and rich tradition of public speaking. Many of the early Church members — and especially leaders — were gifted orators and many were skilled in debate. Public speaking was common for both leaders and other lay members. This speaking tradition continues even today. For example, during worship services on the first Sunday of each month, members of the congregation are invited to share their testimonies of the Gospel, faith-building experiences, and other uplifting messages with the other members of the congregation.
On each of the other Sundays during the month, members of the congregation are selected in advance to give a "talk" (the LDS equivalent of a "sermon") on a particular Gospel principle or topic. Often the congregation will hear from one or two youth speakers and one or two adult speakers during these meetings.
Church leaders and missionaries are also encouraged to speak boldly and freely about the Gospel, and are often given opportunities for extemporaneous public speaking on various Gospel subjects.
Since the early days of the Church, talks given by leaders (especially those given in the Church's biannual General Conference meetings) have been recorded and widely distributed in written format. A digitized collection of these talks dating back to 1971 is available on the lds.org website, and talks dating back to the 1800s are available in printed format through various University and community libraries. In recent years the LDS Church and Brigham Young University have also made audio and video versions of selected talks freely available on their websites. See lds.org, byu.edu, and ldsvoices.com for a collection of audio and video resources.
Genealogy
Genealogical research is an important aspect of Latter-day Saint tradition, stemming from a doctrinal mandate for church members to research their family tree and perform vicarious ordinances for their ancestors. In addition to the more common events that genealogy records typically contain (such as births, deaths, and marriages), church records also contain details regarding the dates of baptism, endowment, and sealing to spouse, parent, and child, as well as the temple in which each vicarious ordinance occurred. The advent of personal computers prompted the church to create a specialized file format known as GEDCOM for storing and exchanging these records. Since then, GEDCOM has become a de facto standard that almost all genealogy programs support. The church has also created and maintains a website for searching geneological records called FamilySearch.
Criticism and Controversy
Many doctrines and practices of the church, both past and present, are viewed by many as controversial:
- The church claims to be the exclusive restoration of the church founded by Jesus Christ and the sole source of priesthood authority necessary for ordinances of salvation (such as baptism). This has led to extensive criticism from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christians, some of which label it a "cult", "sect," or "heretical"; the church denies that any of these terms are applicable. This is consistent with different factions of Christianity labeling each other cults, sects, or heresies throughout Christian history.
- The idea that mankind has the potential to become as God and inherit all that He has. This teaching is complementary to the idea that all people are literal children of "Heavenly Parents," and is similar to early Christian concepts of theosis.
- The historical legitimacy of the Book of Mormon; there has been much contention over the accuracy of some of its archaeological and historical elements. (See "Archaeology and the Book of Mormon" and "Linguistics and the Book of Mormon".)
- The idea that man is created in the physical image of God, as taught in "The Origin of Man," a statement that became controversial during evolution trials during the early 20th century amid the Scopes Trial.
- Polygamy has arguably sparked the most controversy. Some people still practice it today and consider themselves Mormons, but they have been excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ever since it forbade the practice with the 1890 Manifesto.
- The Church's belief structure involves topics that are now of a political nature, such as Prohibition, Communism, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage. The Church will occasionally release an official statement pertaining to such topics. However, individual members are free to agree or disagree with these positions, provided they do not claim to represent the Church in the process.
- Previous withholding of the priesthood from black members. Though baptism was always open to people of all races and worship took place in unsegregated congregations, men of African descent were not ordained to the priesthood, and no one of African descent was allowed to participate in temple marriage (those previously excluded can now receive a temple marriage). On June 9, 1978, a new revelation was announced, permitting any "worthy" male to receive the Priesthood. (See Blacks and Mormonism for more complete discussion of this issue.)*Cultural preservation and educational programs including the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Indian Placement Program.
- The Family: A Proclamation to the World is an official statement from 1995 that some people find controversial. The proclamation calls for the preservation of the traditional family, sometimes referred to as the Nuclear family, consisting of a father and a mother who assume the traditional roles of provider and nurturer, respectively. It has been labeled as a homophobic statement by some gay activists. Others believe this statement to be openly against feminism (see Women and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
See also
- Criticism of Mormonism
- List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Mormonism and Freemasonry
- Exmormon
- Mormon
- Mormon (disambiguation)
- Mormon apologetics
- Mormonism
- Temple (Mormonism)
External links
Official websites of the Church
Primary websites
- LDS.org - the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — with links to Gospel Library, Church History, Family Home Evening programs, and more
- Mormon.org - information on basic beliefs, a meetinghouse locator, and a place to email questions
- FamilySearch.org - A church sponsored geneological research site where anyone can search for ancestors
- JosephSmith.net - the official web site on Joseph Smith by the Church
- ProvidentLiving.org - spiritual and temporal welfare provided by the Church
Additional websites
- Church-friendly websites, unaffiliated with the Church:
- LDS Today - news related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Meridian Magazine - webzine for Latter-day Saints; updated every weekday
- Mormon wiki - wiki for and supported by Latter-day Saints
- Nauvoo.com - a gathering place for Latter-day Saints, including discussion forums, owned by LDS author Orson Scott Card
- LDSFAQ at byu.edu - a comprehensive index answering many common questions. Uses large portions of The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
- Desert Saints Magazine A magazine for friends and members of the Church
- About Mormonism - Useful advice and presentations on Mormon belief and practice
- Weaver Research - Scientific Based Scriptural Research
- Scholarly Forums
- FARMS - Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (BYU)
- Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought Read 40 years of the best Mormon studies by top LDS Scholars, Researchers, and Writers on all topics that relate to the Mormon experience.
- Mormon Social Science Association
- The Association for Mormon Letters
- The Mormon History Association
- Essays on Mormonism
- SunstoneOnline.com - for open, frank approaches to contemporary Mormon experience, scholarship, issue, and art
Footnotes
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