7 Reasons why Mormonism and Christianity Won’t be the same
The purpose of this article is to add a brief overview of Mormon background and you can theology. My personal purpose is not to debunk Mormonism or perhaps to prove Christianity. However, I’m hoping this small questionnaire will demonstrate that both aren’t the same.
A quick note on secondary offer: Religious material do not usually lose Mormonism pretty or wade the additional kilometer to provide Mormon records since an effective Mormon would acknowledge them. You to definitely guide one does was Andrew Jackson’s Mormonism Explained: Exactly what Second-big date New orleans saints Instruct and practice. I additionally suggest A different sort of Jesus? The brand new Christ of the Latter-Date Saints of the BYU teacher Robert Millet. Richard Mouw concedes continuously in his Foreword and you may Afterword, but it’s nonetheless useful to rating Mormon Christology off a good Mormon himself.
Mormon History
Joseph Smith grew up in rural Vermont from inside the 1805, the newest fourth out of nine students. With little triumph agriculture during the Vermont, the new Smith family relations moved west to help you Palmyra, Nyc. Indeed there Joseph Smith try confronted by other revival movements, and most out-of their family unit members turned Presbyterians, though Smith later said the guy leaned into the Methodism.
The presence of a lot of differences from Christianity bothered Smith. Which was correct? How could he prefer? During the one to renewal fulfilling, an excellent preacher cited out of James 1:5 “If any people lack insights, let him ask out-of Goodness, one giveth to all the men liberally, and you may upbraideth not; and it also would be given him” (KJV). Smith, 14 yrs . old during the time, went domestic, reflected within these words, and you will ran into the woods so you can pray.
Based on Mormon society, and here Joseph Smith got his first attention. Within this sight, which is foundational into the Mormon faith, Smith advertised observe several “personages.” The main one-Goodness the daddy-directed to another and you will told you, “That is My personal Beloved Young man. Tune in to Him!” Smith requested all of them just what sect the guy should register. They responded he would be to sign up not one of them. These people were all wrong. All of their creeds have been a keen abomination, and all its believers have been corrupt.
36 months after, Mormons faith Smith received a special sight. Inside sight the fresh angel Moroni informed Smith of wonderful plates tucked lower than a mountain near Palmyra. This new plates had been revealed in the 1827 when Smith was available with a few training crystals-Urim and you will Thummim-where he might change the text (Smith reported the dishes was printed in hieroglyphics). In the 1830 Smith blogged The book of Mormon, that contains the storyline of the missing Israelites just who moved so you can America on sixth century BC but had been killed in battle during the Offer 428. Smith later on obtained a separate vision out of John the brand new Baptist providing your the newest Aaronic Priesthood.
eight Reason Mormonism and Christianity Are not the same
One to same year (1830) Smith created the new “Church of Christ.” For the 1838 the guy altered title in order to “The latest Chapel out-of God Christ regarding Latter-Date Saints.”
Smith continued for revelations advising him to maneuver out-of This new York so you’re able to Kansas to Missouri and ultimately in order to Illinois in which he along with his followers based a town entitled Nauvoo. Indeed there Smith and his supporters attempted to live out an effective utopian sight of area. Nevertheless they instituted polygyny due to the fact early Mormon management argued one Goodness got got of a lot wives. Smith and his snap this site brother have been detained for the 1844. After a good mob stormed new jail and you may killed them both. Mormons consider Smith a beneficial martyr. Others say he passed away during the a violent take-away.
After the Smith’s death there clearly was a great schism. A little category known as Joe the brand new Reorganized Church which have headquarters for the Missouri. Really used Brigham Young, exactly who turned the First President and prophet. Inside 1847, Young grabbed the brand new supporters so you’re able to Utah and you will depending Sodium River City.