The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | |
|---|---|
| Name | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Caption | Salt Lake Temple |
| Founder | Joseph Smith |
| Founded date | April 6, 1830 |
| Founded place | Fayette, New York |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Members | ~17 million |
| Scripture | Book of Mormon; Bible; Doctrine and Covenants; Pearl of Great Price |
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global restorationist Christian denomination founded in the early 19th century in upstate New York. It teaches a distinct scriptural canon and a continuing prophetic leadership while maintaining liturgical and missionary practices that have led to significant demographic growth across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The movement has had considerable influence on religious, political, and cultural developments in the United States and beyond.
History
The movement originated with Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York and expanded through early congregational development in Kirtland, Ohio, Independence, Missouri, and Nauvoo, Illinois. After the 1844 death of Joseph Smith in Carthage, Illinois, leadership passed to Brigham Young, who led a migration along the Mormon Trail to the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah Territory, interacting with the United States Congress, President James Buchanan, and territorial authorities. Conflicts such as the Utah War and legal contests over polygamy involving the Reed Smoot hearings and legislation like the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act shaped relations with the federal government. The 1890 Manifesto under Wilford Woodruff and subsequent policy changes facilitated Utah statehood and engagement with national institutions such as the Supreme Court of the United States and the United States Senate. In the 20th and 21st centuries, leaders including Heber J. Grant, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Russell M. Nelson oversaw global missionary expansion to nations including Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, Philippines, and South Korea, and initiatives involving organizations like the Red Cross and partnerships with entities such as the United Nations.
Beliefs and Theology
Doctrinal foundations center on the Book of Mormon alongside the King James Version of the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Core tenets include belief in a living prophet, revealed scripture, and doctrines articulated by early figures like Oliver Cowdery and Parley P. Pratt. Theology addresses concepts such as the nature of God in relation to Nicene Creed debates, the plan of salvation with elements reminiscent of John Calvin's and Arminius's discussions on free will, and eschatology recalling themes found in William Miller's movements. Distinct teachings on ordinances, covenants, and proxy rituals intersect with sacramental traditions observed in churches like Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church while remaining doctrinally unique. Ethical teachings engage contemporary debates alongside positions taken by religious bodies such as the Southern Baptist Convention and the World Council of Churches on social issues.
Organization and Leadership
The institution is led by a president considered a prophet, supported by a council of senior leaders analogous in structure to other hierarchical bodies such as the College of Cardinals in governance contrast. Administrative units include global missions modeled in part on organizational practices familiar to bodies like the YMCA and regional divisions comparable to jurisdictions like Diocese of Salt Lake City. Leadership succession, disciplinary councils, and administrative procedures have been subjects of study in relation to corporate governance exemplified by entities like Intermountain Health and public policy reviews by think tanks such as the Brookings Institution. Educational enterprises such as Brigham Young University and humanitarian operations often interface with governmental agencies including the United States Agency for International Development.
Practices and Worship
Weekly worship typically occurs in local meetinghouses with services resembling liturgical structures found in Anglican Communion and Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregations in format but differing in sacramental theology. Ordinances include baptism by immersion, confirmation, sacrament services, ordination to priesthood offices, and temple rites paralleling historical sacramental practices in communities like the Shakers and ritual forms studied by scholars of religion at institutions such as Harvard Divinity School. The missionary program, with young adults serving proselytizing missions, has organizational similarities to volunteer mobilization seen in Peace Corps and Jesuit apostolic missions. Health and behavioral codes, historically articulated in the Word of Wisdom, connect to public health discussions involving agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Temples and Sacred Sites
Temples such as the Salt Lake Temple, Laie Hawaii Temple, Cardston Alberta Temple, and Liverpool England Temple function as centers for sacred ordinances performed for living and deceased persons, reflecting continuity with ancient temple traditions studied alongside Temple of Solomon scholarship. Historic sites including Kirtland Temple, Nauvoo Temple, and locations along the Mormon Trail are preserved in coordination with preservation entities like the National Park Service and heritage organizations such as Historic England for international sites. Temple architecture and ritual practice have been subjects of academic research at universities like Brigham Young University, University of Utah, and University of Oxford.
Social and Cultural Impact
The denomination has influenced regional development in the Intermountain West, urban planning exemplified by Salt Lake City, and the cultural landscape of states such as Utah and Idaho. Its educational institutions, media outlets, and philanthropic initiatives engage with partners including Habitat for Humanity, World Vision, and national charities. Political interactions have involved officials like Mitt Romney and policy debates mirrored in national forums including the United States Congress and state legislatures. Cultural contributions include music and arts connected to institutions such as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and publications with reach into academic circles like The Journal of Mormon History and museums such as the Church History Museum.