Unfortunate truth about Mormonism: Many people mistakenly believe that Mormonism only defines polygamy. We will soon discover that this is not true. Let’s first define Mormonism. Mormonism refers to the religious beliefs and practices of members of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormonism developed in the 1820s and was popularized in New York’s upstate during the Second Great Awakening. Joseph Smith Jr. was originally from Vermont and claimed to have received a vision during the spring of 1820. According to Smith Jr., God the Father instructed him to not join any other churches as they were ‘all wrong’. The First Vision led Joseph Smith into the woods, where he discovered buried golden plates. They told him of an ancient people who had moved from Jerusalem to North America. Smith translated the golden plates in Egyptian hieroglyphics into English over the course of six years. Ten years later, Mormonism became officially organized as the Church of Christ. Its belief system is built on Joseph Smith’s translation of these golden plates, now called the Book of Mormon.
Mormon communities quickly arose in the midwest, including Kirtland (Ohio), where Joseph Smith was born. The Mormons were soon criticized for their unconventional practices like polygamy. They were expelled from Jackson County in Missouri by angry mobs and violence in 1838. The church and almost 10,000 Mormons were forced to relocate to Illinois. Joseph Smith became Nauvoo’s mayor, IL where many Mormons settled in the wake of their exile. A local newspaper published a report claiming Joseph Smith was actually a polygamist. Joseph Smith ordered that the newspaper be closed down in retaliation. Joseph Smith was sentenced to jail in retaliation for his actions. Joseph Smith was not brought to trial as a mob stormed his jail cell and killed him. Brigham Young, another Vermonter and sometimes called “American Moses”, was elected by the Mormons as their leader. He eventually led them across Great Plains until they reached Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Temple, North America’s largest LDS church, was the result of this vote. The Mormon religion today has more than 15,000,000 members. It also has the Community of Christ, a Mormon denomination based in Independence Missouri. This group has around 250,000 followers.
The persecution of the Mormon pioneers was due to their refusal to keep slaves. The Mormon belief system of plural marriage was taken as an attack against the community’s moral and social values. They were seen as a threat to political power due to the rapid growth of Mormon communities. Law didn’t approve of plural marriage belief by Mormons. It was illegal in the United States. Legal action was taken to stop them. Many Mormons were arrested for polygamy.
“No matter the location of Mormons, they feel part of a network for mutual concern. Mormon Theology says that everyone is a minister, each person has some powers to help others and be blessed: it is a covenant of caring in the 21st century. Mormonism does not believe that God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit can be seen as one entity. Mormons believe that God is three distinct entities: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The Atonement by Jesus Christ, a Mormon belief, allows man to repent and receive forgiveness for his sins. It is believed only Jesus Christ can Atone. By doing so, sinners are resurrected.
The Mormon religion comprises four texts, the Book of Mormon. A fascinating Mormon belief states that there are three levels to heaven, Telestial (terrestrial), Celestial (celestial), and only those in the celestial can live in God’s kingdom. Another interesting fact about Mormon women leading the church is their belief that all women are loved by a Heavenly Father. Women are more likely to be leaders, counselors and missionaries than men. Mormons believe that women have a vital role in raising children. This privilege is also shared by priesthood. Mormonism condemns racism. This includes all forms of racism that are committed by people outside and within the Church. The Book of Mormon says, “Black and White, Bond and Free, Male and Female; All are alike unto God.” Joseph Smith founder was against slavery. Instead, he welcomed and ordained African male priests. These traits are still present in Mormonism today. A second fact is that Mormonism allows young adults to work as missionaries for up to 2 years. They fund their own missions. They are assigned by the Church headquarters. They do not consume alcohol, tea, tobacco, or coffee. Mormons avoid smoking and prohibit alcohol, teas, coffees, tobacco, and illegal drug use. They believe that healthy food is better than unhealthy. As a reminder, they wear temple clothes. The garments are white, simple undergarments that are similar to a T-shirt but are also similar to shorts. They are worn under regular clothes. Unfortunately, polygamy is still practiced by some Church sects today. However, polygamy can be illegal in all 50 state and could result in up 5 years imprisonment. Polygamy is still practiced by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other sects such as Apostolic United Brethren. This was suspended in 1890 by other sects. Some Church sects have been accused of marrying underage girls. This can lead to serious legal problems. There are many factors that would make me not want to be a Mormon. First, Mormonism is not for me because of their strict lifestyle and diet guidelines. The Word of Wisdom, a dietary code that restricts one’s choices, can have a negative impact on a person’s social life and employment. It is common in luxury sales to share alcohol with clients when setting up meetings. It is common for clients to share alcohol with their clients. This can lead to clients being less trustworthy or even strange and could result in them not doing business with them again. American business has had such an important role that even the biggest companies in America were built around a glass a whiskey. Despite this, I don’t drink much, but I do enjoy a glass with friends or clients. My promise to God to quit drinking is not logical and it discourages me form considering Mormonism. A second problem is the fact that Mormons are restricted to dating other Mormons. It doesn’t make sense emotionally, no matter how hard I try to look at it. Steve Harvey, the comedian and TV host, once said that you never know what your true love lives. Limiting your options to Mormon culture is a huge hindrance to your chances of finding your soulmate. This is basically like saying that you cannot love or marry someone if they are your work. You know that there is more, and you are aware of the possibility of finding others who fit your personality. But you cannot change it because you don’t believe in God. For me, this is a major obstacle to my faith. One more thing that has prevented me from joining Mormonism are the restrictions on media and entertainment. Media is an integral part of modern society. While many people talk about the TV shows or Sunday football games, Mormons place strict restrictions on what media is allowed. Their view is not mine. I believe it is vital for people to keep up with current trends and other information. This makes it easier to socially adjust during meetings, social gatherings, and dates.
You can see that Mormonism isn’t something anyone should be afraid to learn about. Although all Mormons aren’t polygamous and they each have their own view on religion and living, they all share the same beliefs. Mormons are often viewed as quiet, kind and caring people who make great neighbors. It is fascinating to see how the religion has evolved since its inception, which was back before the golden plates. Many of the Mormon values have remained constant, even though they may seem strange to modern people.