Restoration (Mormonism)

Restoration (Mormonism). The Restoration in Mormonism refers to a foundational belief within the Latter Day Saint movement that Jesus Christ re-established the original Christian Church through divine revelations to the prophet Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. This event is viewed as a necessary restitution of priesthood authority, doctrines, and ordinances lost after the Great Apostasy that followed the death of Christ's original Apostles. Centered initially in the Burned-over district of Upstate New York, the movement rapidly expanded, producing distinct scriptures and ecclesiastical structures that define its various denominations.

Historical context and origins

The movement emerged during the Second Great Awakening, a period of intense religious revival and experimentation in the early United States. Joseph Smith reported a series of visions beginning around 1820, including visits from God the Father and Jesus Christ (the First Vision), and later an angel named Moroni who directed him to buried golden plates. These events, occurring near his home in Manchester, New York, were said to initiate the restoration of divine truth. Smith's translation of these plates was published in 1830 as the Book of Mormon in Palmyra, leading to the formal organization of the Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints) on April 6, 1830. Early centers of the church included Kirtland, Ohio, Independence, Missouri, and Nauvoo, Illinois, where members faced significant persecution from surrounding communities.

Key doctrines and teachings

Core theological tenets of the Restoration include the belief in a Great Apostasy that corrupted mainstream Christianity, necessitating a literal restoration of Christ's church. Distinctive doctrines often encompass a Godhead of three separate personages, the potential for human exaltation to godhood, pre-mortal life, and three distinct degrees of glory in the afterlife. The concept of Continuing revelation through living prophets, beginning with Joseph Smith, is central, as is the belief in the Gathering of Israel and the establishment of Zion. Teachings on Baptism for the dead and Celestial marriage are also prominent features.

Organizational development

Initial church organization followed a revealed structure outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants, establishing offices of the priesthood such as Apostles, Seventies, and a First Presidency. Under Joseph Smith, the church developed a theodemocratic political dimension in Nauvoo, including the Council of Fifty. Following Smith's 1844 death at Carthage Jail, a succession crisis led to the major schism between the group following Brigham Young to the Salt Lake Valley and others who remained in the American Midwest. The Utah-based church, now The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, developed a highly centralized, hierarchical structure led by the President of the Church and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Sacred texts and scripture

The movement's scriptural canon, the Standard Works, includes unique texts alongside the Bible. The Book of Mormon, subtitled "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," is the most prominent, recounting the history of ancient inhabitants of the Americas. The Doctrine and Covenants contains revelations, primarily to Joseph Smith, on church doctrine and governance. The Pearl of Great Price includes the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, and writings by Joseph Smith–Matthew. These works are considered complementary to the Bible, which is used in conjunction with the Joseph Smith Translation.

Practices and ordinances

Restorationist practice emphasizes sacred ordinances viewed as essential for salvation. These include baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament of bread and water. Temple ordinances are particularly significant, including the endowment, sealings of families for eternity, and Baptism for the dead, performed in dedicated temples such as the Salt Lake Temple. Other common practices include adherence to the Word of Wisdom, a health code, a lay clergy, and a strong emphasis on missionary work and genealogical research.

Schisms and denominations

The death of Joseph Smith precipitated multiple succession claims, fracturing the movement into several denominations. The largest is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), headquartered in Salt Lake City, which followed Brigham Young. The second-largest is the Community of Christ (originally the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), headquartered in Independence, Missouri, which followed Smith's son, Joseph Smith III. Other significant groups include the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), the Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite), and various fundamentalist groups that practice plural marriage, such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These denominations share a common origin but differ in leadership, certain doctrines, and scriptural canons. Category:Latter Day Saint movement Category:Christian terminology Category:Restorationism