Mormonism
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| Mormonism | |
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| Name | Mormonism |
| Founded | 1820s–1830s |
| Founder | Joseph Smith |
| Scripture | Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, King James Bible |
| Theology | Restorationist, Christian restorationism |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Members | over 16 million (global, estimated) |
Mormonism is a term commonly used to describe a family of religious movements that trace theological origins to the early 19th-century revelations and missionary activity of Joseph Smith. The movements share central texts attributed to Smith and later leaders, claims of modern prophetic authority, and a restorationist self-understanding that situates them in relation to historical Christianity and various American social movements. Major denominations include the largest organization headquartered in Salt Lake City, as well as several smaller branches and schismatic groups with distinct doctrines and practices.
History
Early development began with the 1820s and 1830s ministry of Joseph Smith in Palmyra, leading to publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 and formation of the original church. Growth sparked migrations and conflicts in locales such as Kirtland, Ohio, Independence, Missouri, and Nauvoo, Illinois, involving notable figures like Oliver Cowdery, Brigham Young, and Hyrum Smith. Violent clashes in Missouri Mormon War and the 1844 assassination of Joseph Smith precipitated succession crises that produced groups led by Brigham Young (who led the westward migration to the Salt Lake Valley), James Strang, Sidney Rigdon, and others. The largest body established territorial and eventually state institutions in Utah Territory, interacting with federal authorities in events like the Utah War and legislative controversies over polygamy embodied in laws such as the Edmunds–Tucker Act. Twentieth- and twenty-first-century developments include global missionary expansion, members’ participation in international humanitarian efforts, doctrinal modernization within the main denomination, and continuing schismatic movements such as Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and other independent sects.
Beliefs and Theology
Core theological claims center on continuing revelation through modern prophets exemplified by leaders like Brigham Young and contemporary presidents, scripture including the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, and a restored priesthood authority traced to figures such as John the Baptist (as narrated in church accounts). Doctrinal themes engage with concepts historically debated in Christianity, including the nature of God and Jesus, interpreting biblical texts alongside restoration scriptures and teachings from theologians and apostles such as Orson Pratt and Parley P. Pratt. Distinctive teachings include unique cosmologies, temple-related soteriology, and ordinances administered by priesthood offices modeled after roles like apostles and high councils, while other groups emphasize prophetic succession claims advanced by leaders like Joseph Smith III of the Community of Christ. Controversial doctrines—such as historical practice of plural marriage associated with leaders including Brigham Young and theological interpretations debated by scholars like Fawn Brodie—have produced legal, social, and scholarly disputes involving courts, legislatures, and historians.
Practices and Worship
Worship practices vary among denominations but commonly include weekly sacramental meetings analogous to communion services, missionary proselytizing modeled on early programs led by figures like Heber J. Grant, temple ritual performance for living and deceased persons, and ordinances such as baptism by immersion reflective of nineteenth-century Baptist influences. Religious life features structured programs for youth and adult instruction, devotional study of scriptures like the King James Bible and Pearl of Great Price, and observances involving fasting and charity often coordinated through congregational units such as wards and stakes. Some groups maintain distinctive practices such as endowments and sealings performed in temples in Salt Lake City and other sacred sites, while Fundamentalist sects continue practices historically discontinued by the largest denomination.
Organization and Leadership
The largest denomination is organized with a hierarchical leadership structure including a president commonly regarded as a prophet, a council of twelve apostles, and regional administrative units (wards and stakes) modeled on earlier 19th-century patterns. Leadership succession has followed procedures codified in organizational manuals and governance precedents involving councils and conferences; comparable offices appear in bodies like the Community of Christ with differing titles and electoral methods. Lay ministry and volunteerism are emphasized alongside professional staff for educational and humanitarian arms such as universities and relief organizations founded or sponsored by the movement. Dissent and schism have produced alternative leadership claims by figures like Leroy S. Johnson and Warren Jeffs in splinter groups with distinct governance and legal issues.
Demographics and Distribution
Membership is concentrated in the United States, particularly in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and states with historical migration patterns such as Wyoming and Montana, while significant international populations exist in countries including Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, Chile, Peru, and Nigeria. Demographic trends show rapid nineteenth- and twentieth-century growth through birth rates and missionary work, followed by contemporary diversification of age profiles and urbanization. Academic studies by demographers and institutions such as national censuses and religious research centers provide varied estimates; migration, conversion, and record-keeping practices influence counts for denominations, breakaway groups, and unaffiliated adherents.
Culture, Social Issues, and Politics
Cultural expressions encompass music, literature, education, and institutions such as Brigham Young University, while historic and contemporary figures from the movement have engaged in civic life at local, state, and national levels. Social stances on issues including family policy, gender roles, and public morality have prompted public debates and legal interactions involving courts and legislatures; prominent political actors with roots in the movement include elected officials serving in bodies like the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives. Internal cultural shifts, scholarship from historians and sociologists, and media representations have influenced public understanding; controversies involving splinter groups and criminal prosecutions have generated legal and human rights scrutiny in jurisdictions where such cases arose.
Category:Religions