The Mormons

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Recommended: Brief history of mormonism

The Mormons

Mormonism is a way of life that is practiced by members of the Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over two-thirds of the church's membership is in

the United States. However, members are also located in many other countries

around the world. Mormons use the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and two other

books or revelations to Joseph Smith, founder of the church. These other two

revelations are the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. The

Mormon organization consists of a three member First Presidency and a twelve man

Council of Apostles who make up the major policy-making body of the church.

Mormonism's founding doctrine was based on the assumption that Christianity was

corrupt and that it was necessary to restore the "true" Christian gospel. The

Mormon church sees only itself as recognized by God. Joseph Smith founded the

church in New York in 1830. He said that he had visions of God and other

heavenly beings that told him to establish the restored Christian Church. He

was "directed" to some thin metal plates that he translated into what is now

called the book of Mormons. This book describes the history, wars, and

religious beliefs of a group of people who migrated from Jerusalem to America.

Smith attracted a small group of followers who settled in Kirtland, Ohio, and

Jackson County, Missouri. Because of persecution, the church moved to northern

Missouri, then to Nauvoo, Illinois. The people of Illinois welcomed the

persecuted Mormons, and Smith began to construct a temple and a hotel there. In

1843, Smith secretly instituted the practice of plural marriage among a group of

his followers. This could be because he himself had 50 wives. The Mormons

lived in relative peace until 1844 when a group became mad about Smith's

practices. They started a newspaper called the "Nauvoo Expositor" and attacked

him, accusing him of practicing polygamy. Smith denied this charge but was

killed anyway. Brigham Young took over as their new leader. In 1852 , polygamy

was officially announced at the Mormon conference.

Points of Debate

What was so wrong with their views?

* Belief in the Bible and Book of Mormon

==> How? The Mormons believe the Bible and The Book of Mormon to be the Word of

God. However, the Bible states that it is the only Word of God. ==> Mormonism

believes that God has a physical body. The Bible contradicts this belief

* Belief in Polygamy

==> Teach that Jesus Christ himself is a polygamist.

* Mormonism and Blacks

==> Mormonism teaches that African Americans have dark skin because they are

cursed by God, and are an inferior race.

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