Mormonism: A Tapestry of Faith, History, and Community

When you hear the term ‘Mormonism,’ what springs to mind? For some, it might conjure images of Salt Lake City and its striking temple, pioneers trekking across the plains, or perhaps a pair of clean-cut missionaries knocking on doors. While these images are part of the story, Mormonism is a rich and complex religious tradition with roots running deep into the soil of American history, and branches that have spread globally. But what exactly is Mormonism? Is it a culture, a theology, a group of people, or all of the above? Let’s explore.

At its core, Mormonism refers to the religious beliefs and practices of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as Mormons. This Christian restorationist church claims to be the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus Christ. Its theology includes belief in the Bible, but also in other scriptures, most notably the Book of Mormon, which is regarded as another testament of Jesus Christ and sits alongside the Bible in the canon of sacred texts.

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The story of Mormonism begins with a young man named Joseph Smith. In the early 19th century, in upstate New York—a place buzzing with religious fervor now known as the Second Great Awakening—Smith reported a series of visions and revelations. According to Smith, in 1820, God and Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him that all existing Christian churches were in error. This event, known as the First Vision, is a central tenet of Mormon faith.

In 1830, after a period of further revelations and the unearthing of golden plates that he translated into the Book of Mormon, Smith officially established the church.

While the early church faced intense persecution due to its unconventional beliefs and practices (including, notably, polygamy, which was later officially abandoned by the mainstream church), the faith grew steadily. Forced from place to place, the early Mormons, under the leadership of Smith and later Brigham Young, eventually made a harrowing journey across America, which led them to the valley of the Great Salt Lake in present-day Utah. This pioneer legacy is a significant aspect of Mormon identity, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, community, and divine guidance.

One of the defining characteristics of Mormonism is its strong sense of community and organization. The church isn’t just a place that members go to on Sundays; it's intended to be a focal point of their lives. This is seen in the lay clergy, where regular members take turns serving in various capacities in local congregations, and in the emphasis on family, where ‘family home evenings’ and genealogical work are encouraged.

Mormons are also known for their commitment to living a "Word of Wisdom," a health law that prohibits consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, and encourages a wholesome lifestyle. Additionally, the church is known for its emphasis on education, humanitarian work, and, perhaps most visibly, its missionary program. Young Mormons, often just out of high school, can be found around the world, serving 18 to 24-month missions to spread their faith—an experience that many describe as deeply formative.

In the modern world, Mormonism is a global religion, with millions of adherents well beyond the Intermountain West of the United States. From Accra to São Paulo to Tokyo, you can find vibrant Mormon congregations singing the same hymns and studying the same scriptures as their counterparts in Utah.

However, Mormonism is also a term that extends beyond the mainstream Latter-day Saint movement. There are various other groups, often significantly smaller, that trace their origins to Joseph Smith and consider themselves ‘Mormon’ in some form, even if their beliefs and practices diverge from the mainstream LDS Church. The Community of Christ is the most notable of these.

So, back to our original question: What is Mormonism? In essence, it’s a rich and multifaceted religious tradition. It’s a theological system that holds Christ at the center, but also embraces unique scriptures and doctrines. It’s a global community, bound together by common beliefs, a shared history, and an optimistic vision of an eternal family. And it’s a culture, with its own distinctive way of life, values, and practices—a tapestry woven through with threads of faith, history, and a strong sense of identity and mission.