Latter Day Saint movement

Latter Day Saint movement
Public domain · source
Name	Latter Day Saint movement
Caption	Title page of the Book of Mormon
Founded	April 6, 1830
Founder	Joseph Smith
Headquarters	various (not centralized)
Scripture	Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price
Regions	United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, West Africa, Pacific Islands

Latter Day Saint movement is a diverse religious tradition originating in the early 19th century in the United States with distinctive scriptures, prophetic claims, and restorationist claims. It centers on figures and texts such as Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and subsequent leaders who guided competing branches like Brigham Young, James Strang, and Joseph Smith III. The movement produced major institutions, global missionary efforts, and cultural influences extending into North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Origins and Early History

The movement began with events in Palmyra, New York, Manchester, New York, and Harmony, Pennsylvania tied to Joseph Smith and the translation of the Book of Mormon, followed by the formal organization of the Church of Christ in Fayette, New York on April 6, 1830. Early years involved migration to Kirtland, Ohio, establishment of the Kirtland Temple, and interactions with figures including Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and Sidney Rigdon. Persecution and legal conflict precipitated relocations to Jackson County, Missouri and later Nauvoo, Illinois, where leaders such as Hyrum Smith and William Law were prominent and where the Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo Legion arose. Following the 1844 deaths of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, leadership claims divided among contenders including Brigham Young, James Strang, Lyman Wight, and Sidney Rigdon, leading to major migrations like the exodus to the Salt Lake Valley and settlements in Utah Territory under Brigham Young and the establishment of communities by other factions in Vermont, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Ontario.

Beliefs and Practices

Doctrine draws from the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, along with the King James Bible as used by early leaders such as Orson Pratt and Parley P. Pratt. Core teachings include prophetic revelation as exemplified by Joseph Smith and later prophets like Brigham Young and contemporary presidents of major bodies, practices such as baptism by immersion, communal worship in meetinghouses, sacramental observances like the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and temple rites typified by the Salt Lake Temple and other house-of-the-Lord edifices. Doctrinal developments touch on continuing revelation as articulated by John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff, covenants and ordinances including sealing and endowment, and health guidance influenced by revelations such as the Word of Wisdom. Theology addresses topics debated by scholars and leaders like B. H. Roberts, James E. Talmage, and Bruce R. McConkie, including concepts of exaltation, atonement, priesthood authority, and eschatology found in sermons by Orson Hyde and Heber C. Kimball.

Denominations and Organizational Structure

After 1844 the movement fragmented into multiple denominations and organizations. Major bodies include the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by succession of presidents such as Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, Russell M. Nelson; the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) with leaders like Joseph Smith III and W. Grant McMurray; the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints associated with figures like Warren Jeffs; the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) centered on Independence, Missouri; the Strangites continuing James Strang's claims; and numerous smaller groups such as the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite), The Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite), and Apostolic United Brethren. Organizational forms range from hierarchical presidency and quorum structures as in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to congregational models seen in offshoots like scattered fellowships. Administrative units include wards, stakes, missions like the Europe Area, and humanitarian arms such as Latter-day Saint Charities.

Growth, Demographics, and Global Spread

Membership growth followed 19th- and 20th-century missionary campaigns across the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Philippines, and Samoa. Demographers such as Armand Mauss and institutions like the Association of Religion Data Archives track trends in countries including United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Modern statistics highlight concentration in the Intermountain West—notably Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah—and expanding presence in West Africa and the Pacific Islands. Conversions, birth rates, retention, and migration affect societies including Indigenous peoples in regions like Northern Mexico and Alaska, and generate sociological studies by scholars like Jan Shipps, Richard Lyman Bushman, and Terryl Givens.

Controversies and Schisms

The movement has experienced theological disputes, legal controversies, and schisms. Historico-legal conflicts involve events such as the Utah War, the passage of the Edmunds–Tucker Act, and court decisions including rulings on polygamy and Reynolds v. United States. Schismatic tensions produced groups led by John Taylor, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith, while modern controversies involve figures like Warren Jeffs, debates over priesthood restrictions historically involving Brigham Young and later revelation adjustments such as the 1978 Revelation on Priesthood. Academic controversies include disputes over the historicity of texts like the Book of Mormon and archaeological arguments raised by critics and defenders including Hugh Nibley and Fawn M. Brodie. Social controversies touch on issues involving civil rights, LGBT rights, and political influence exemplified by interactions with politicians such as Mitt Romney and events in Utah politics.

Cultural Impact and Institutions

The movement established educational institutions like Brigham Young University, Ensign College, Graceland University (affiliated with Community of Christ), cultural expressions such as Mormon Tabernacle Choir (now Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square), and media enterprises including Deseret News and KSL Radio. Architectural legacies include temples such as the Salt Lake Temple, Nauvoo Temple, and Cardston Alberta Temple, and historic sites like Temple Square and Hill Cumorah. Philanthropic efforts operate through organizations like Latter-day Saint Charities and disaster relief partnerships with American Red Cross in events such as responses to Hurricane Katrina. Literary and artistic contributions appear in works by Orson Scott Card, Levi Peterson, Emma Smith, and scholars like Anthony Sweat; film and television portrayals include productions about Joseph Smith and depictions in national media. The movement's influence extends into civic life via leaders who engaged with institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton University, and United States Congress members including Harry Reid and Orrin Hatch.

Category:Religion in the United States