Mormonism
Restorationist Christian movement founded by Joseph Smith in the 1820s.
Mormonism is the theology and religious tradition of the Latter Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity, started by Joseph Smith in Western New York in the 1820s and 1830s. It is characterized by the Book of Mormon, a 19th-century text describing early Indigenous peoples of the Americas, and combines mainstream Christian beliefs with modifications from revelations to Smith and other leaders.
- founder
- Joseph Smith
- founded
- 1820s–1830s
- origin
- Western New York
- sacred_texts
- Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Bible
- known_for
- Restorationist Christianity, Book of Mormon, plural marriage (formerly), distinct Godhead doctrine
- membership_2020
- 16 million (LDS Church)
Lore & Background
The doctrines of Mormonism began with Joseph Smith in the 1820s in Western New York during the Second Great Awakening. At age 14, Smith sought which church taught true doctrine and, after praying, reported a vision in 1820 where God the Father and Jesus Christ told him to join none. During the 1820s, he chronicled angelic visitations and was told God would use him to re-establish the true Christian church.
Reader's Guide
Mormonism's significance lies in its claim to restore primitive Christianity through new revelation, producing a distinct theology that diverges from mainstream Christianity. Its doctrines include eternal marriage, baptism for the dead, and a Godhead of three separate beings, with God the Father having a physical body. Cultural Mormonism also emerged, where individuals identify with the culture, especially in the American West, without necessarily adhering to the theology.
Did You Know?
- Joseph Smith said he received a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820, telling him to join no existing church.
- The Book of Mormon claims to chronicle early Israelites who sailed to the Americas around 600 BC.
- Mormon theology teaches that God the Father and Jesus have physical bodies, while the Holy Ghost is a spirit.
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