MormonismEdit

Mormonism refers to a religious tradition that began in the early 19th-century United States with the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph Smith. It presents itself as a restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ, claiming ongoing revelation through modern prophets and apostles. Central texts include the Book of Mormon, considered another testament of Jesus Christ, alongside the Bible (used together with other standard works such as the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price). The movement emphasizes personal spiritual experience, family values, and a distinctive program of temple worship and missionary work that has shaped communities around the world.

The early decades of the movement were marked by rapid growth, internal development, and external conflict. After Smith’s life, leadership moved through a succession of presiding authorities and ultimately led to the western migration under Brigham Young to the region that would become Utah and the Mormon Corridor. The church built communities, schools, and welfare networks in the Intermountain West, while also expanding globally through organized missionary work and temple-building. Over time, the church established a transnational presence, with congregations and temples across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, and increasingly integrated into broader civic life while maintaining distinctive religious practices.

History

The story begins with Joseph Smith’s reported First Vision and the alleged discovery of the golden plates, which Smith said he translated into the Book of Mormon and other writings. The early church faced persecution and legal pressure in several states, leading to a series of migrations and the establishment of a steady, organized community. The relocation to Utah under Brigham Young in 1847 was a turning point, creating a long-term settlement pattern and a framework for governance, education, and economic development. Debates over polygamy and church-state relations culminated in the 1890 Manifesto, which discouraged the practice and set the stage for broader integration into American civic life. A subsequent policy evolution included the 1978 revelation that allowed black men to hold the priesthood, addressing a long-standing source of critique and controversy.

Key figures and episodes—foundational revelations, Nauvoo-era civic engagement, western expansion, and 20th-century modernization—are treated as integral to the development of the church as a global religious community. The church’s growth has also intersected with American political, cultural, and educational currents, shaping debates about religious liberty, family policy, and the role of religion in public life.

Core beliefs and practices

The church teaches a restored gospel with Jesus Christ at its center. It holds that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost form the Godhead, with a belief in ongoing revelation through a living prophet and general authorities. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doctrine emphasizes both sacred scripture and personal spiritual guidance.
Scriptures: in addition to the Bible, adherents accept the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as canonical books that illuminate God’s dealings with humanity.
Plan of salvation: a framework describing mortal life as a probationary period, with a continuation of existence after death, family eternal bonds, and the possibility of exaltation through obedience, ordinances, and covenants.
Ordinances and temple worship: essential rites include baptism for the dead, temple endowment, and eternal marriages. These practices are concentrated in dedicated temples and are distinct from regular worship in meetinghouses.
Priesthood and church leadership: the church rests on a hierarchical system led by a President who is also a prophet, seer, and revelator, supported by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Local congregations are organized into wards and stakes. Priesthood offices are generally reserved for men, with women playing central roles in auxiliary organizations and family life.
Moral code and lifestyle: the Word of Wisdom provides health guidelines (including dietary choices) that influence daily habits, while followers commit to chastity, honesty, and service. The church also emphasizes self-reliance, education, and charitable giving through tithing and other offerings.
Family, education, and service: families are central units of faith and culture, and the church maintains a broad program of youth and family activities, seminary and institute education, and humanitarian aid worldwide.
Global and cultural variation: while core doctrine remains consistent, cultural practices and emphasis can vary by region, with missionary work and temple-building shaping local religious life.

Links: Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Word of Wisdom, Temple, Baptism for the dead, Priesthood.

Organization and governance

The church’s governance blends centralized doctrinal authority with widespread lay leadership. A president-prophet leads the church, assisted by a First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with other general authorities and area leaders guiding administrative and spiritual matters. Local governance occurs through wards (congregations) and stakes (regional groupings), supported by a lay ministry. Proponents argue this structure preserves doctrinal consistency while enabling vast global outreach.

The church maintains a formal system of revelation in which statements from the president or other general authorities are treated as guidance for contemporary issues, subject to spiritual discernment by members.
Financially, members contribute tithes and offerings to support operations, humanitarian programs, education institutions, and building projects, with the church operating a network of charitable services and medical and disaster relief.
Education and culture: the church runs and supports universities, seminaries, and institutes that seek to integrate faith with learning and professional development.

Links: First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Conference, Ward (LDS Church), Stake (LDS Church).

Culture and social impact

Mormon communities are known for strong family ties, an ethic of service, and a distinctive culture around health, education, and civic involvement. The church supports broad charitable efforts, including humanitarian aid and self-reliance programs, and operates a network of educational institutions and programs for youth and families. Many adherents link personal faith with civic responsibility, work ethic, and community cooperation, which has contributed to social capital in regions where the church is active.

The church’s influence on family life and social norms remains a notable factor in regions with large adherent populations, while its charitable and educational initiatives extend well beyond church membership.

Links: Family, LDS Church Welfare Program, Brigham Young University, Missionary.

Controversies and debates

Polygamy and church discipline: in the 19th century, the church practiced polygamy, leading to conflict with the U.S. government and non-Mormon communities. The 1890 Manifesto officially discouraged the practice, but historical debates persist about the pace and manner of change. Links: Polygamy in the Latter Day Saint movement.
Race and the priesthood: for much of its history, black men could not hold the priesthood in the church, even as black members participated in church life. A 1978 revelation opened priesthood ordination to all worthy male members, but debates about how historical policies and narratives are remembered continue. Links: Priesthood ban, 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood.
Race, culture, and narrative: critics have argued that some historical narratives minimize or sanitize aspects of the church’s past, while defenders point to doctrine that emphasizes continual revelation and reform, arguing that past practices do not contradict present doctrine. Discussions often center on how communities address past policies while maintaining faith commitments.
LGBTQ issues and family doctrine: like many religious bodies, the church upholds specific doctrinal positions on marriage and gender roles, which has led to public debate about inclusion, religious freedom, and the rights of LGBTQ individuals within religious communities. Advocates argue for respectful accommodation of religious beliefs while critics push for broader social acceptance.
Political engagement and public policy: the church has historically encouraged members to participate in civic life and influence public policy, including issues related to family, education, and religious liberty. Critics sometimes view this as a religious group wielding political influence; supporters emphasize voluntary involvement and the defense of religious conscience in public life.
Historical interpretation and archaeology: some scholars and critics question how church history is presented, including the origins of the Book of Mormon and related claims. The church, for its part, emphasizes faith-based understanding of revelation and the historical movements that shaped early Mormonism, alongside ongoing scholarly engagement.

Links: Prop 8, California Proposition 8, Race and the Latter Day Saint movement.

Global presence and contemporary context

Today, the church maintains a robust global footprint with congregations in many countries. Its missionary program, temple network, publishing enterprises, and humanitarian outreach contribute to its international profile. The church’s emphasis on family, education, and service resonates in diverse cultural settings, shaping community life and individual conduct. As a faith tradition with a strong voluntary missionary element, it continues to engage with broader debates about religious liberty, social policy, and the role of religion in public life.

Links: Missionary, Temple, Religious freedom.