Mormon

Mormon
William Armitage · Public domain · source
Name	Mormon
Main classification	Restorationist movement
Orientation	Christianity
Scripture	Book of Mormon, King James Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price
Theology	Restorationism, Christian universalism (varied)
Founded date	1820s–1830s
Founded place	Palmyra, New York, Kirtland, Ohio, Nauvoo, Illinois
Founder	Joseph Smith
Headquarters	Salt Lake City, Utah
Leader title	President of the Church (varies by denomination)
Leader name	Russell M. Nelson (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Area	Worldwide
Members	c. 17 million (all denominations, 21st century estimate)

Mormon is an umbrella term historically applied to members, texts, and culture associated with a family of religious movements originating in early 19th-century United States. The movements trace their origins to prophetic claims, new scripture, and organized communities that developed distinctive theology, ritual practices, and social institutions. Major contemporary denominations include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and several smaller groups often described as Latter Day Saint denominations.

Etymology and usage

The term derives from the title of a sacred text, the Book of Mormon, which purportedly gathers writings attributed to an ancient prophet named Mormon. In the 19th century the label was used in newspapers and official documents to identify adherents of the movement associated with Joseph Smith and early settlements in Kirtland, Ohio, Independence, Missouri, and Nauvoo, Illinois. Usage shifted through the 20th and 21st centuries as major organizations such as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints debated identity, branding, and legal names in contexts including interactions with United States Supreme Court precedents and media organizations.

History and origins

Foundational events include reported visions by Joseph Smith in the 1820s, the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, and the establishment of the first organized body in New York and expansion to Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Early conflicts involved legal disputes and violent confrontations such as the 1838 Missouri conflicts and the assassination of Joseph Smith in Carthage, Illinois. Following the 1838 Extermination Order and escalating persecution, a large migration led by Brigham Young traveled to the Great Salt Lake Valley and established settlements across the American West, including Salt Lake City. Nineteenth-century schisms produced denominations like the Community of Christ, and 20th-century developments included integration into national institutions, missionary programs modeled on practices used in Protestant missions, and legal interactions with federal authorities over issues such as polygamy addressed by statutes like the Edmunds Act.

Beliefs and theology

Core scriptural sources include the Book of Mormon, the Holy Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Doctrinal distinctives developed around concepts such as continuing revelation attributed to prophets, restoration of priesthood authority, and particular teachings on the nature of God and exaltation articulated by leaders including Joseph Smith and later interpreters like Brigham Young and James E. Talmage. Debates within and between denominations involve topics such as historic practices of plural marriage associated with figures like Heber C. Kimball, interpretations of temple ordinances, and theological positions that have evolved amid interactions with scholars from institutions such as Harvard University and Brigham Young University.

Practices and community life

Ritual life often centers on weekly worship services modeled on Christian patterns, missionary outreach programs that send volunteers globally, and temple ceremonies practiced in dedicated buildings such as the Salt Lake Temple. Community practices include welfare and humanitarian programs coordinated with agencies like Red Cross and partnerships with universities including Brigham Young University for education and cultural events. Life-cycle rituals, health codes articulated in guidance such as the Word of Wisdom, and service organized through lay leadership reflect organizational priorities emphasized by presidents including Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson.

Organizational structure and demographics

Large denominations are hierarchical, with a president or prophet supported by governing quorums and regional administrations headquartered in places like Salt Lake City. Smaller denominations retain varied governance models; for example, the Community of Christ has a distinct presidency and council structure. Demographic trends show substantial growth in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and the Philippines, with longstanding concentrations in the Intermountain West. Membership statistics and missionary deployment have prompted studies by scholars at institutions such as Pew Research Center and University of Utah assessing retention, conversion, and cultural integration.

Cultural impact and controversies

The movements have influenced American westward expansion, legal history involving cases such as challenges to anti-polygamy legislation, and cultural production including literature, music, and film featuring creators from Utah and alumni of Brigham Young University. Controversies have included historic and contemporary debates over plural marriage, civil rights and race policies addressed by leaders like Spencer W. Kimball, and public relations campaigns responding to portrayals in media projects such as films and investigative reporting by outlets like The New York Times and CNN. Interactions with civic institutions, interfaith bodies such as the National Council of Churches, and academic discourse continue to shape public understanding and internal reform efforts.

Category:Latter Day Saint movement