Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
According to Tina Gianoulis, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also known to be a Mormon church. Its headquarters were held in Salt Lake City. The religion is believed to be the largest denomination founded by Joseph Smith from the Latter Day Saint Movement (Gianoulis, 2015). Joseph Smith formed the faith in 1830. The Church theology says that revelations made Joseph Smith discover gold plates in his home. The church has attracted a large number of people, approximately thirteen million members across the world. Such a massive achievement was made possible by the Mormon church missionaries. The Mormon church is well organized hierarchically. A secretive group of people, such as the church president, governs the religion.
The church originated from a small sect that was led by Smith. Smith grew up in New York state, a district that embraced religious evangelism. At the age of fifteen years, Smith had his first vision from God and Jesus. The vision showed that he was destined to be the founder of a church viewed as the only true church. After encountering heavenly manifestations, he embarked on several writings, among them the Book of Mormon. The book was named after an angel who was believed to have inspired the revelations (Gianoulis, 2015). The Book includes the religion’s covenants and doctrines. The Mormon holy books also give a historical background of ancient American civilization into faith. Mormon believe that Jesus visited the Americas not long after his resurrection to convert the tribe of Israel. The well-established thirteen Articles of Faith also guide the church. Mormon believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ while the Mormon book and the Bible offer the word of God.
The Mormon church sometimes may be referred to as a Restorationist organization since it stresses the existence of great Apostasy. The belief that it is the only Christian church organized by Jesus makes Mormons recognize Jesus as the right head of the church. Members of the Mormons church believe in both the Old and New Testament as divine scriptures (Tripp, 2016). The acknowledged revelation in the church books also contributes to the adhered scriptural canon.
The church commits itself to various religious activities. Firstly, the church aims at saving souls following their understanding of the gospel. The church doctrines advocate for personal confession that Jesus is Christ. Joseph Smith, the founder of the religion, taught about Apostles and prophets’ testimonies concerning Jesus Christ. Therefore, the church members follow the teachings to the latter. Secondly, spreading the gospel of Christ by sharing Christ’s knowledge. It is an activity that supports the plan of salvation to humankind. Latter-day Saints feel that the church has full information about Jesus; therefore, they can deliver the whole gospel to the world (Olsen, 2016). The church members embrace Christ’s commission that his followers should teach others about salvation. Lastly, the church performs the perfection of Saints activities. Once a person decides to join the church, the church missionaries offer lessons on the fundamental beliefs then conduct the baptism.
The Church brought social liberalization to societies. Mormons fought for the freedom of worship in America. They also advocated for respect for human rights as far as Christ’s gospel is concerned. Each society was forced to value and uphold their cultural identity. Religious minorities were encouraged to continue with their ministering services. Often, the Mormons missionaries provided the necessary support to the society to ensure God’s word is highly preached. Their efforts led to the recognition of essential beliefs and cultural practices. As a result, cultural traditions were enhanced and embraced. The virtue of true Christianity in all American societies was strengthened.
Religion sociologists emphasize on the importance of gender responsibilities. According to Sumerau and Cragun, Mormons strengthened women in American societies. Fostering women’s rights created a united environment in America. Women were empowered to articulate their issues since religion would support them powerfully (Sumerau & Cragun, 2015). Gender expectations in societies changed with the implementation of gender rights. Consequently, American cultures changed their view on gender roles and responsibilities. Each American understood the need to value and appreciate every gender. Gender equality was therefore achieved, and discrimination among Americans declined.
Although the church members believe in Jesus Christ and affirm themselves as Christians, many people claim that religion is not a Christian church. The church widely differs from other beliefs of church ceremonies (Paulsen & Boyd, 2017). Firstly, the church does not recognize post- New Testament Christianity values. Latter-day Saints fail to accept the creeds and formulations practiced by Christians in America. They believe that God is an embodied being, one of the early Christian beliefs. They acknowledge God according to the teachings of Joseph Smith, thus ignoring the creeds.
Secondly, Mormons strongly believe in restored Christianity. The Mormons church does not originate from a known traditional line of religion that forms the foundation of the Christian church. The church does not belong to Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox churches. They believe that God restored their church by ministering to Joseph smith through angels. They also argue that the restored church offers the fullness of the gospel. Christians do not agree with every religious practice over the centuries that is associated with the creation of denominations. Mormon church members are always grateful to learn more about the restored church. They do not perceive the virtue of living in the line of Christianity like other denominations.
Lastly, Mormons believe and uphold open canon. There is no Christian church that limits itself to biblical teaching in making their decisions and church doctrines. However, Latter-day Saints church claims that the Bible is the sole and final scripture that guides a religion. They entirely depend on living prophets and Mormon books. The open canon focuses more on Jesus Christ’s testimonies. The recognized book by Mormon is regarded as the only scripture that establishes the truth of the bible. The church members believe that Mormon’s book should be known by all people and follow their teachings. Therefore, Mormons’ belief means that they make more claims for the Bible than it does. The Bible, followed by Christians, does not limit revelations to a specified volume.
References
Gianoulis, T. (2015). Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).
The history of the church of Mormons is traced way back in the early centuries. Mormons church emerged through the efforts of prophet Joseph Smith. Angels’ revelations about Jesus mainly inspired him. Smith translated several books which contain the church guidelines. Members of the church acknowledge Smith in helping grow and expand the church across the world. Therefore, the success of the church is attributed to the prophet.
Olsen, D. H. (2016). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their ‘three-fold mission,’and practical and pastoral theology. Practical Matters, 9.
The author describes the roles of religion in America. The article tells more about the spiritual goals achieved by the Mormons. Since it is a religion that believes in Jesus Christ, spreading the word of god and saving individuals became the main task. Church members embrace tourism as a means of reaching out to every American.
Paulsen, D. L., & Boyd, H. R. (2017). Are Christians Mormon?. Taylor & Francis.
The article helps people understand why the Mormons church does not portray a Christian worldview. The authors provide information that makes Mormons be regarded as non-Christians. However, the arguments do not question the belief of Mormons in Jesus Christ. The church doctrines evolve differences with other practices of Christian denominations. Temple ceremonies performed seem to be ungodly and outdated to many Christians.
Peters, J. D. Julie K. Allen: Danish but Not Lutheran. The Impact of Mormonism on Danish Cultural Identity, 1850–1920. Edda, 106(01), 83-87.
The religion has a significant impact on cultural attitudes in American societies. Mormons church eliminated neglect of relevant cultural practices. Each community is encouraged to perform their religious ceremonies according to the church doctrines boldly.
Sumerau, J. E., & Cragun, R. T. (2015). The hallmarks of righteous women: Gendered background expectations in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sociology of Religion, 76(1), 49-71.
Women have been empowered in their roles and responsibilities. Gender issues are addressed, and possible solutions suggested. The church covenant recognizes the well-being of a family, which is often facilitated by women. Doctrines provide the recommended women’s rights to protect them from evil in society.
Tripp, N. M. (2016). Standing Ground: Situational Crisis Communication Theory and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Handbook Policy Change.
The article outlines religion’s theory and purpose to American societies. Several beliefs and practices are also described. A well-structured analysis of the church of Mormons helps understand their faith.