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| Overview of the Mormon faith
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
was founded in 19th century America and has 11 million members world-wide,
including over 180,000 in the UK.
The Church is centered on Christ, but has
substantial differences in belief to the Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox
Christian Churches.
Mormons believe their church is a restoration
of the Church as conceived by Jesus and that the other Christian churches
have gone astray.
It is one of the world's fastest-growing
religions - some people predict membership could reach 265 million by 2080.
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History
The history of the Mormons is a story of revelation, persecution,
exodus, and eventual triumph.It is a story rich in prophets and the
guidance of God - remarkably like the story of the chosen people of the
Bible.
And from the very first revelation, it was clear that the Mormons were
going to be, like the Jews, the outsiders - a people set aside.
And like the Jews, and indeed the Muslims, they would be a people whose
faith, culture and everyday life are so intimately entwined that they can't
be understood without understanding their faith and its history.
And the Mormons too, intended and intend to build the Kingdom of God on
Earth, and to do it quite literally. |
| The Story of
Joseph Smith Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, has been described by Professor Harold Bloom as "an
authentic religious genius."
He was born into a poor family in 1805 in Sharon, Vermont, USA, the fifth
of eleven children. Because the family was so poor, Joseph received
very little education - learning only basic math and literacy. But he did
spend much time in Bible study.
Later the family moved to Palmyra in New York. It was a time of religious
revival and the teenage Joseph was not sure which version of Christianity he
should follow. He found a Bible text that told him to ask God what to do. |
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The Vision
Joseph went out into the country and prayed for guidance, and he had a
vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Joseph wrote:
"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of
the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me."
Two beings appeared within the light "whose brightness and glory defy all
description". One of them spoke his name, pointed to the other, and said,
"This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"
Christ told Joseph that he should not join any existing church, but
should be God's agent to restore the true Church of Christ. This
vision, and its effect on Joseph are a close parallel with the vision of
Paul on the Damascus Road. Joseph went home and told his family. They
supported him, although the local churches, not surprisingly, were highly
critical. |
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