Overview
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, is a Christian restorationist church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 in upstate New York. With over 17 million members worldwide, it is one of the largest and most well-known religious movements to originate in the United States.
Core Beliefs
Latter-day Saints believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings who together form the Godhead. They believe in the Bible as well as additional scripture, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Key beliefs include:
- The Restoration: Latter-day Saints believe that the original church established by Jesus Christ was lost from the earth through apostasy, and that Joseph Smith was called by God to restore it.
- The Book of Mormon: Considered "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," the Book of Mormon is believed to be an ancient record of God's dealings with people in the Americas, translated by Joseph Smith.
- Living Prophets: The LDS Church is led by a prophet and president, currently Russell M. Nelson, who Latter-day Saints believe receives revelation from God.
- Temples: Sacred ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, eternal marriage, and endowments are performed in LDS temples worldwide.
- Plan of Salvation: A comprehensive theology about the pre-mortal existence, mortal life, and the afterlife.
History
Joseph Smith reported that in 1820, at age 14, he experienced a vision in which God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. This event, known as the First Vision, led to the eventual translation of the Book of Mormon from golden plates and the formal organization of the church on April 6, 1830.
The early church faced significant persecution, leading to migrations from New York to Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois in 1844. Brigham Young subsequently led the majority of church members westward to the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah.
Critical Perspectives
Several critical examinations of LDS truth claims have gained prominence:
- The CES Letter: Written by Jeremy Runnells in 2013, this document compiles questions and concerns about LDS Church history, doctrine, and truth claims. It has become one of the most widely read critical documents about the church. Read the CES Letter
- Historical concerns: Critics point to issues surrounding the translation process of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, polygamy, and changes to church history narratives over time.
- FAIR Latter-day Saints provides apologetic responses to these criticisms from a believing perspective. Visit FAIR