Mormons

Mormons are a religious and cultural group linked to Mormonism, a branch of the Latter Day Saint movement that began with Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the Second Great Awakening. After Smith's death in 1844, the movement divided, with most followers choosing Brigham Young as their leader. Today, the term "Mormon" usually refers to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest group that followed Young.

Members of this church have a strong sense of community shaped by their shared beliefs and history. They are known for their dedication to serving others, with many young and retired members choosing to serve full-time missions to share their faith. Mormons follow a health code that avoids alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and addictive substances. They place great importance on family, believing that families can stay together forever.

Mormons see themselves as Christians, though some others disagree because their beliefs differ in some ways from traditional Christianity. They believe that Joseph Smith restored Christ's church and that it is guided by living prophets and apostles. Mormons respect the Bible and also the Book of Mormon, and they believe that everyone is a spirit child of God, working toward returning to live with God through following Jesus Christ.

Terminology

Main article: Mormon (word) § Popular usage

The name that this church uses has changed over time. At first, people called anyone who believed the Book of Mormon a Mormon. Both outsiders and church members used this name. Later, some people used the word Mormon in a mean way, especially during a time of trouble in 1838. But church leaders still used the name, and by the late 1800s, everyone knew the term Mormon.

Today, the church prefers to use its full name instead of Mormon or LDS. This is because some people were unsure if the church was Christian, and church leaders want to make that clear. They also want to separate themselves from smaller groups that still practice polygamy, which the main church does not. In 2018, the church asked people to use names like “the Church of Jesus Christ” instead of Mormon. Some smaller groups still use the term Mormon.

History

Main article: History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The history of the Mormons helped shape who they are today. From the beginning, Mormons have wanted to create a special place called "Zion," where good people could live together. Mormon history has three main parts: the early days with Joseph Smith, the pioneer time under Brigham Young, and the modern era that started in the early 1900s.

Beginnings

See also: History of the Latter Day Saint movement

The Mormon movement started in 1830 when Joseph Smith published the Book of Mormon. Smith said an angel showed him old plates that told the story of ancient American people. On April 6, 1830, Smith started the Church of Christ. The church grew as Smith sent out missionaries. In 1831, they moved to Kirtland, Ohio, and later to Missouri where they planned to build Zion. But local people sometimes did not welcome them.

In 1839, the Mormons moved to Commerce, Illinois, which they renamed Nauvoo. Here, Smith introduced new ideas about families and marriage. Tragically, Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed in 1844, leading to a leadership change. Brigham Young became the new leader for most Mormons.

Pioneer era

For a few years after Joseph Smith's death, there were problems with local people. To stay safe, Brigham Young led most Mormons to Utah in 1847. They built a community there, working together to farm and survive. They also sent out missionaries to share their beliefs with people all over the world.

In 1852, church leaders talked openly about plural marriage, which some Mormons practiced as a religious duty. This caused more problems with the government. In 1857, there was a conflict called the Utah War. Later, in 1890, the church stopped the practice of plural marriage, which helped improve relations with the United States. Utah became a state in 1896.

Modern times

Further information: Mormonism as a world religion

In the early 1900s, Mormons started to become more involved in American society. They created groups for young people and started programs to help those in need. During the 1960s and 1970s, Mormons focused more on family and traditional values.

For many years, the church had a policy that prevented men of black African descent from certain leadership roles. This changed in 1978, and since then, black membership has grown, especially in Africa and South America.

The church has grown quickly since World War II and now has members all over the world. Many Mormons live outside the United States, especially in South America, the South Pacific, and Western Europe.

Culture and practices

Main article: Culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Mormons have created their own unique culture, especially after living in Utah for a long time. Even as their faith grew around the world, many special traditions and ways of living followed. Mormons are encouraged to make big changes in their lives, sorry for any wrong things they have done, and follow special rules.

Common practices for Mormons include reading holy books, praying every day, going to church on Sundays, and taking part in church activities during the week. The most important part of their Sunday services is the sacrament, where members remember promises they made when they were baptized. Mormons also try to live by teachings they believe came from Jesus Christ, such as being honest, obeying the law, and being faithful in marriage.

Mormons strongly believe in helping each other. They give time and help to support others and build their church. Local church groups are called wards, and several wards make up a stake. Many leaders in the church are volunteers who give time without pay. Mormons also give 10 percent of their money to the church. Many young men and women choose to serve full-time missions, helping others learn about their faith without getting paid.

Mormons follow health guidelines called the Word of Wisdom, which means they don’t use tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, or harmful drugs. They are encouraged to keep extra food and money for hard times. Families are very important to Mormons, and many families spend one night a week together doing fun and learning activities. Mormon parents often give special blessings to their children shortly after they are born.

Mormons are taught to treat each other with respect and to get married before having close relationships. They believe marriages should be between a man and a woman, and they hope to have families with many children. Mormons are also encouraged to avoid anything that might be harmful or upsetting, like certain kinds of media or body piercings.

Groups within Mormonism

See also: Mormon spectrums of orthodoxy and -praxy, List of denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints membership statistics

Note that the categories below are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Latter-day Saints ("LDS")

Members of the LDS Church, also known as Latter-day Saints, make up over 95 percent of Mormons. The beliefs and practices of LDS Mormons are guided by the teachings of LDS Church leaders. Some smaller groups have different beliefs from mainstream Mormonism.

LDS Church members who do not take part in regular worship services are often called "less-active" or "inactive". The LDS Church does not share numbers about church activity, but it is thought that about 40 percent of Mormons in the United States and 30 percent worldwide regularly attend services. Reasons for not being active can include disagreeing with church beliefs, history, or lifestyle choices. Activity rates change with age, and many people become less active between ages 16 and 25. In 1998, the church reported that most less active members return to church later in life. As of 2017, the LDS Church was noticing that fewer young people were staying active, which is a trend seen in other churches too. Former Latter-day Saints who choose to leave the religion are sometimes called ex-Mormons.

Fundamentalist Mormons

Some groups broke away from the LDS Church because they believed in and practiced plural marriage. These groups are known as fundamentalist Mormons. There are thought to be between 20,000 and 60,000 members of these groups, with roughly half practicing plural marriage. The largest groups include the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), and the Latter Day Church of Christ. The LDS Church does not support these groups and removes members who practice or teach plural marriage. Most fundamentalist Mormons have never been members of the LDS Church.

Liberal Mormons

Liberal Mormons, also called Progressive Mormons, interpret LDS teachings and scriptures in a flexible way. They use scriptures for spiritual guidance but may not believe every teaching is literally true. For them, receiving guidance from God is a process that helps people grow in understanding. Liberal Mormons focus on doing good and loving others rather than on believing exactly right. Sometimes people mistakenly call them a Jack Mormon, but this term usually means something else. Some small groups that broke away from the main church also use this label.

Cultural Mormons

Cultural Mormons are people who may not believe in all the doctrines or practices of the LDS Church but still feel connected to Mormon identity. This often happens because they were raised in the LDS faith or were active members for a long time. Cultural Mormons may or may not be involved with the LDS Church today. In some cases, they are not even members of the LDS Church.

Beliefs

Main articles: Mormonism and Mormon cosmology

Mormons believe in several holy books, including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other writings by Joseph Smith. They think that anything a prophet says under inspiration is the word of God. They believe that God wants everyone to live forever and be happy.

Mormons believe that people lived as spirits before coming to earth. God had a plan for them to get bodies, learn, and grow. Jesus Christ, God's oldest son, came to earth to help people overcome sin and death. Mormons believe everyone will be brought back to life and most will go to a good place. To be with God, people need to believe in Christ, change their lives, and follow special steps like baptism.

Mormons think that after Jesus went up to heaven, the true Christian church was lost and later restored by Joseph Smith. They believe angels gave Smith special powers to lead the church. Mormons see themselves as Christians, but some other Christians disagree. Mormons pray and believe God speaks to them through feelings in their hearts and minds.