The purpose of this post is to add a short history away from Mormon record and you may theology. My personal mission isnt to debunk Mormonism or to show Christianity. But I’m hoping which small questionnaire commonly reveal that the two aren’t the same.
A fast notice for the secondary sources: Religious material dont constantly cure Mormonism quite or wade brand new most distance to provide Mormon records as the a great Mormon carry out acknowledge them. You to publication one to really does is actually Andrew Jackson’s Mormonism Explained: What Second-big date Saints Teach and exercise. In addition suggest An alternative Goodness? New Christ of your own Second-Day Saints because of the BYU professor Robert Millet. Richard Mouw concedes a lot of in his Foreword and Afterword, but it is nevertheless beneficial to rating Mormon Christology out of a good Mormon himself.
Mormon History
Joseph Smith was born in rural New york for the 1805, new fourth regarding nine youngsters. With little to no victory farming inside the North carolina, the brand new Smith family went western so you’re able to Palmyra, Nyc. Here Joseph Smith was met with other renewal movements, and more than from their relatives turned Presbyterians, no matter if Smith later on told you the guy leaned towards the Methodism.
The existence of a lot of distinctions regarding Christianity troubled Smith. What type is actually right? How could the guy choose? On one revival meeting, a preacher quoted of James step one:5 If any people run out of information, assist your inquire away from Goodness, you to definitely giveth to all or any dudes liberally, and upbraideth perhaps not; and it would be given your (KJV). Smith, 14 years of age at that time, went family, reflected throughout these terminology, and you can went on trees so you can hope.
Predicated on Mormon community, this is how Joseph Smith had his first sight. Inside sight, which is foundational towards Mormon believe, Smith reported to see one or two personages. One-God the daddy-indicated to the other and told you, This is My Precious Son. Pay attention to Your! Smith requested all of them what sect the guy is to sign up. They replied which he would be to sign up do not require. They were every wrong. Each of their creeds had been an abomination, and all sorts of the believers was indeed corrupt.
36 months after, Mormons trust Smith received a new eyes. Contained in this sight new angel Moroni advised Smith of golden plates buried under a hill close Palmyra. This new dishes was in fact revealed from inside the 1827 when Smith try available with several reading deposits-Urim and you may Thummim-in which he could translate the text (Smith advertised this new dishes was indeed printed in hieroglyphics). When you look at the 1830 Smith typed The publication from Mormon, that contains the storyline of the destroyed Israelites which moved so you’re able to America on the 6th century BC however, were killed within the battle in Offer 428. Smith later obtained yet another eyes regarding John new Baptist providing your this new Aaronic Priesthood.
7 Reasons why Mormonism and Christianity Won’t be the same
One exact same seasons (1830) Smith centered the latest Church out-of Christ. Inside the 1838 he changed title so you’re able to Brand new Chapel regarding Jesus Christ away from Second-Big date New orleans saints.
Smith continued for revelations advising your to move of The York so you can Kansas so you can Missouri and in the end to Illinois in which the guy and his awesome followers dependent an urban area entitled Nauvoo. Here Smith along with his followers made an effort to live out a beneficial utopian attention regarding society. Nevertheless they instituted polygyny as the early Mormon frontrunners debated one to Jesus got had of many wives. Smith and his cousin was basically arrested within the 1844. Later on an effective mob stormed the brand new jail and you may killed all of them one another. Mormons think Smith an excellent martyr. Someone else state the guy passed away from inside the a violent capture-away.
Pursuing the Smith’s passing there was an effective schism. A little category known as Joe the fresh Reorganized Chapel that have head office during the Missouri. Most followed Brigham Young, exactly who turned its First President and you will prophet. During the 1847, Young grabbed new supporters so you can Utah and dependent Salt River Area.