Difference between revisions of "Mormonism"

Revision as of 15:17, 8 January 2008

Mormonism is a religious movement, which originated in the early 1800s with the revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith. Mormonism is a term applied to several churches, almost all of which trace their roots to the original Church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 in Fayette, New York. However, in this website, Mormonism refers specifically to the doctrines and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mormonism is different from many other religious movements, because it does not have a systematic theology based upon a static understanding of God or scripture. Instead, Mormonism believes in continuing revelation that is dynamic in nature and expansive in scope.

Among the concepts generally accepted within Mormonism is the idea that human life is one of the stages in the eternal progression of intelligent beings who are God's spirit children. During their time on this earth—the time between birth and death—men and women can choose whether to accept or reject Christ's gospel, teachings, and covenants.

Mormonism includes many beliefs shared by many other Christian churches in different degrees. Mormons believe in a personal God who is concerned with his children; Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He came on the earth to preach the gospel, establish His Church, and perform the infinite Atonement. Men and women need to repent, be baptized by immersion by the proper priesthood authority, and continue to keep the commandments to be saved and exalted. Mormonism teaches the value of marriage and stresses the family as central to God's plan for His children.

Members of the Mormon Church (officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) prefer to be called Latter-Day Saints. Other generally acceptable terms are LDS, Saints, and Mormons.

• Steve Young and Sharlene Hawkes address misconceptions about the Church