The goal of this information is to provide a brief overview out-of Mormon background and you will theology. My purpose is not to debunk Mormonism or to show Christianity. But I’m hoping this brief questionnaire commonly demonstrate that the two are not the same.
A quick mention toward secondary supply: Christian materials dont constantly dump Mormonism rather or go new additional kilometer presenting Mormon information once the a beneficial Mormon perform admit them. You to definitely guide you to definitely really does is Andrew Jackson’s Mormonism Said: Just what Latter-time Saints Teach and practice. I additionally suggest A separate God? The Christ of Second-Date Saints from the BYU professor Robert Millet. Richard Mouw concedes too-much in his Foreword and you may Afterword, however it is however beneficial to get Mormon Christology out of a beneficial Mormon themselves.
Mormon Record
Joseph Smith was born in rural Vermont when you look at the 1805, the fresh new next out-of 9 youngsters. With little to no achievement farming inside the Vermont, the brand new Smith household members went west to Palmyra, New york. Here Joseph Smith was met with some other restoration movements, and most of their family unit members turned Presbyterians, even when Smith afterwards told you he leaned with the Methodism.
The existence of unnecessary variations away from Christianity bothered Smith. Which one try correct? How would the guy like? Within you to revival fulfilling, a good preacher cited regarding James step 1:5 Or no of you use up all your wisdom, help your inquire off God, one to giveth to all or any dudes liberally, and upbraideth maybe not; and it also might be given your (KJV). Smith, 14 yrs . old at the time, ran home, mirrored throughout these terms, and you can ran into woods to hope.
Centered on Mormon society, and here Joseph Smith had 1st attention. Within vision, which is foundational with the Mormon trust, Smith reported observe several personages. The main one-God the daddy-directed to another and you may said, This is My personal Dear Young man. Tune in to Your! Smith asked them what sect the guy will be sign up. They replied he is to register not one of them. These people were all the wrong. All of their creeds was basically a keen abomination, and all of its believers was in fact corrupt.
Three years later, Mormons believe Smith obtained a separate sight. In this vision the newest angel Moroni informed Smith out of fantastic dishes hidden lower than a hill near Palmyra. This new dishes had been found from inside the 1827 when Smith was available with a few understanding crystals-Urim and you can Thummim-by which he might convert the written text (Smith claimed the fresh new plates was printed in hieroglyphics). Into the 1830 Smith composed The publication off Mormon, which has the storyline of the shed Israelites exactly who moved so you can The usa on the 6th century BC but had been killed in race from inside the Offer 428. Smith later on gotten a separate attention out-of John the fresh new Baptist providing him the fresh new Aaronic Priesthood.
eight Good reason why Mormonism and you will Christianity Aren’t the same
That same year (1830) Smith based the fresh new Chapel of Christ. Inside 1838 he altered the name so you’re able to The newest Chapel off Goodness Christ out of Second-Day New orleans saints.
Smith went on to get revelations telling him to move away from The new York so you’re able to Kansas to help you Missouri and in the end to Illinois in which he with his supporters mainly based an urban area titled Nauvoo. Here Smith and his awesome supporters made an effort to live out good utopian attention regarding society. They also instituted polygyny given that early Mormon leaders contended that Goodness had had of many spouses. Smith and his sibling have been arrested when you look at the 1844. Later a beneficial mob stormed the newest prison and killed them each other. Mormons consider Smith an effective martyr. Anyone else state he passed away for the a violent take-away.
Following the Smith’s death there is a schism. A small group known as Joe the brand new Reorganized Church having headquarters within the Missouri. Very then followed Brigham Younger, who became the First Chairman and prophet. Into the 1847, Younger got this new followers so you’re able to Utah and you can based Salt Lake City.