...Mormonism Joseph Smith, Jr. in the early 19th century stated the Mormon or Latter-Day Saint movement. It began with the context of Christian Restorationism. The history of the Mormons has been surrounded by controversy and persecution. According to Mormon history When Smith was 14 he wondered which of the Christian sects is the true Christian faith. According to Smith God and Jesus appeared to him in a vision. They told him that none of them where and that they had fallen away from the true faith and advised him not to join any of them. They promised to restore the true faith. Joseph Smith became the first prophet of the Mormons (ReligionFacts, 2010). The Mormon faith differs somewhat to Christianity. They are very much a family oriented religion and children seem to follow their parents into this faith without question. Today there is still controversy surrounding some of the past beliefs of the Mormons and some rogue groups that still follow the old beliefs. The interview for this paper was conducted at The Church of Latter Day Saints in Buckhannon, WV. The inside of the church does not differ much to other new churches built in today’s society. It consists of the Chapel and classrooms. Interviewing one of the members of the church gave me in-site into some of their beliefs. A Mormon church service is three hours long it is divided up into three parts the main worship service, Sunday school and they then breakup into two classes priesthood for men and relief society...
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...Mormon The Mormons are a religious group the follow Mormonism. Mormonism is the main sect of The Latter Day Saint movement. This Movement is part of the Restorationist Christianity. Restorationist Christianity had its start in the 1820’s with the then leader Joseph Smith. This movement took place in upstate New York. Brigham Young took over after Smiths death and had the movement follow him to Utah. Utah may be the Headquarters for The Mormon Religion but there are more Mormons living outside the United States then in the USA. Most Mormons will call them selves as Christian even though many of their beliefs differ from what is normally considered Christianity. Mormons do believe in the Bible, but the one book that most people associate with Mormons is The Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that returning to God after death requires following the good deeds that Jesus Christ had done. You must also accept his atonement through baptism. Within the Mormon faith there is different several different groups. Latter-day Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, formally known as Latter-day Saints, accounts for over 99% of Mormons. Former Latter-day Saints who seek to disassociate themselves from the religion are often referred to as Ex-Mormons. Fundamentalist Mormons these are the Mormons that broke off of the LDS over the issue of polygamy. Liberal Mormons; Liberal Mormons often times call progressive Mormons will take an revealing approach to LDS teachings...
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...Mormons: Are They Being Insincere? The documentary, Meet the Mormons, is scheduled to open, for one week only, in over 300 theaters across the United States. The movie premier is creating a buzz that is circling the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, the film is being scrutinized for the wrong reason. The documentary’s tickets sales, not its content, is the source of much controversy, as members are buying out theaters for opening weekend. Even though, it may be perceived as insincere; it may ultimately allow additional nonmembers to see the movie. Right to Buy Tickets for Opening Weekend Anyone can buy a ticket to see the movie Meet the Mormons. Elder Jeffery R. Holland, a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "We want as many people as possible to see this film," in a September video directed at church members. "As with any theatrical film, our success will depend on box-office performance during the opening weekend. How long the film will be available in theaters will depend on that." (Wolf, 2014, para. 6) Holland also recommended that members consider if they have the means, to “buyout” a showing for a group (Wolf, 2014). This request is a recommendation to the church’s parishioners, not a directive. Local congregations that choose to pre-purchase tickets will most likely share with family, friends and neighbors. The LDS church will donate net proceeds from the movie attendance to the American Red Cross. Allow More Nonmembers...
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...Mormons – The Latter-day Saints Many new groups have arisen within Christianity, while some claim to be Christian they are not recognized as such by other traditions. These groups often take a Christian idea or teaching and develop their own ways that differ greatly from traditional Christianity such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known as the Mormons. The founder of the Mormons was Joseph Smith. Mormonism began with one family, that family was the family of Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith of Vermont and New York. Joseph Smith, Jr. was the fourth child among eight other siblings. Joseph Smith, Jr. known as Joseph Smith became the Prophet and First Elder of the Church of Christ during its organization of April 6, 1830. Joseph Smith had a series of visions where he received spiritual instruction from God the Father; Jesus Christ; John the Baptist; the Apostles Peter, James, and John; and from an angel known to the church members as Moroni. He also had a revelation in which he was told that all existing Christian traditions were corrupt and he was to responsible for keeping the true word of God alive and bring people to salvation, therefore, he established a new Church of last day saints (Latter-day Saints). It was Moroni that revealed to Joseph Smith the where about of a set of gold tablets and bestowed upon him the ability to interpret their...
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...church is true: Deconstructing the falsehood of the LDS Establishment. “I know this church is true.” These words echo through every chapel of the 29,253 Wards and Branches (churches) in the LDS faith every first Sunday. Anyone sharing their testimony mechanically recites this followed by its companion phrases “I know the Book of Mormon is true” and “I know Joseph Smith was a prophet.” After obligatorily reciting these lines every congregant old enough to talk and brave enough to stand behind the pulpit shares their testimony of how the church affected their lives since the last time they bore their testimony. This profession of belief in the church serves a dual purpose in the eyes of many LDS members. They are taught from an early age that bearing one’s testimony wipes clean any sin leaving them spotless and without fault. (Smith 1835) This is one of the many fallacies heaped onto members and converts of the LDS faith commonly referred to as Mormons. This trinity of mantras is a short version of the church’s foundation and its belief system. The fast Sunday recitation is the cornerstone by which all temple-worthy members live their lives. It is also the stumbling block by which the façade of godliness within the Mormon faith can be deconstructed. By using the words of the Book of Mormon and other holy texts, as well as the words of their leaders, one can reveal a works-based system that is neither effective nor Biblical. The trinity of Falsehood LDS apologetics cite Joseph...
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...Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent Abstract This paper will identify how Mormons differ from other religious groups. Enlightening of the subject matters that pertain to their beliefs, practices, and how this religion group contributes to the American culture is the bases of the first part of the paper. This paper will also describe the discrimination and prejudice that the Mormons have to deal with because of their religion choice. This paper will also describe the African decent experience with discrimination and prejudice as well. Discrimination and prejudice takes place in all cultures and religions. People who are unwilling to understand and accept the difference that people share are going to allow this behavior to continue and pass it down from generation to generation. America is the melting pot for all ethnic backgrounds, including religions. Being more open minded and having understanding will allow us to break the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination that we all have towards one another. Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent The United States, throughout history, has been a country of immigrants and a country of religion diversity. Discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping in the Mormon and Black decent groups have been displayed throughout the changing times. The Mormons, who emerged after the discovery of The Book of Mormon in 1830, were run out of several states before settling in Utah. Blacks who were brought...
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...asked by the editor of the Chicago Democrat, Joseph Wentworth, to summarize the basic principles of the newly founded religion. Included in the response, Smith presented thirteen declarations which have collectively become to be knows as the “Articles of Faith”. The thirteenth of these articles states the following: “We believe in being hones, true, chaste, benevolent, and in doing good to all men. Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.[i] It regard to the treatment of Americans of African descent, it is no secret that the nation, at large, treated individuals with great contempt. The question is whether or not this new faith group was any different. How did treatment of African Americans among the Saints differ from that of the general population of the United States during the period from 1830, the church’s founding, to the end of the century? What was the LDS church’s position on slavery and did practice follow policy among members of a church founded on the principles of “faith, hope, and charity”?[ii] And, how was the view towards and treatment of free colored persons different that that toward slaves? The Contemporary view The treatments of African Americans in the United States varied throughout the general population. ...
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...Religion has been around since the world started. People have many different views and think many different ways, causing religion to come about. In the South Park episode, “All about Mormons” the viewer sees people that believe in a certain religion. Religion at times can be seen as outlandish to others that do not believe that a higher being exists. At times people just don’t believe in the ways that others do things. Religion allows people to explain “out of world” things. In another South Park episode, “Cherokee Hair Tampons” the viewer see people believing in the healing powers of a certain person. Throughout these episodes the viewer can assume that a sort of cultural stance is shown because of the change in people’s behaviors. During the two episodes the viewer sees much of a difference in the change of people’s behavior to different religious standpoints and how the...
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...that they are following the original teachings of God and Jesus Christ original church reviled to Joseph Smith and documented through the Book of Mormon. The people who follow the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are generally referred to as LDS, a shorten version of their name, or Mormons, which is a reference to the Book of Mormon which they hold as scriptural text. This religion has many teachings and also many misconceptions about their beliefs. The LDS teachings emphasis prayer, order, obedience, love they neighbor and good works. One the LDS.org web site they have a chronological list of events in the church history. Below is a listing of some of the early events that help to set the stage of the faith that is followed today world wide. 1820 – The Prophet Joseph Smith received First Vision in a grove of trees in Palmyra and Manchester Townships, New York, near his home. 1823 – Joseph Smith visited by angel Moroni and told of the Book of Mormon record. Joseph viewed the gold plates buried in a nearby hill. 1827 – Joseph Smith obtained the gold plates from Moroni at the Hill Cumorah World Religion 3 1829 – John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Preisthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Translation of the Book of Mormon completed. The Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses shown the gold plates....
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...Comparing Major Religions With regards to religion, there are many different characteristics across various cultures. One major difference is how they interpret divine beings, or Gods. Some, like Christians, are monotheistic because they believe in a single God. Other religions are polytheistic, because they believe in many different Gods such as India where there are millions of Gods. This influences praying rituals and sub groups that may focus more on one single God rather than others. Rites of passage are also important. These are transitional periods from one social status to another. Within Judaism, the Bar Mitzvah transitions young boys into men where they have to take on other responsibilities and society views the, differently. Within African cultures, each village or tribe may have their own local religious rituals as well. Despite these sharp differences, there are also some similarities. One major similarity is that most religions have some sort of organizational structure. This means that it is an established institution that exists separately of the people involved. Leading these organizations are clerical members and priests. Priests join the ranks by either going through training programs or apprenticeships. While the exact rituals by which religious leaders are initiated or conduct their work may be different, the main element of having a core infrastructure with designated leaders is still present throughout various cultures. Another major set of commonalities...
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...Healing Spiritually Marcus Dalton Grand Canyon 7/1/14 University: HLT-305 With so many diverse faiths and denominations most religions teach healing and the art of helping others. Several individuals from different faiths were interviewed to see how their differences in beliefs affected how they viewed healing and health care. Those interviewed consisted of such faiths and denominations as Protestant, Mormon, and Lutheran. Each person was asked questions on the perspective of how faith was used in healing, the process, and how to handle others religious views that differ from theirs when being cared for. Each person came up with different views on how healing should be performed. Surprisingly with the third question the results were very unique per each religion. Many Christian doctors’ over the years have felt "called" into medicine, and have devoted their lives to developing cures. Many missionaries have been doctors, and have devoted themselves to helping the poor to be healthy. The view on spiritual healing from the protestant believer consisted of a very simple answer that states, “God has provided man with natural healing resources in the form of compounds and substances found in nature (i.e. willow bark, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658564/) and with the intellect needed to develop healing treatments and develop synthetic pharmaceuticals.” (David Back Protestant) Protestant beliefs are showing that if mediations are used this form can assist...
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...Interview of a Mormon… By: Amy Stone Hum/130 Due: 8/16/15 Instructor: Michael Merez In my study of the Mormon religion I found out they feel that some of the scriptures of the Bible are written incorrectly. They also believe that Adam was not made of the dust of the earth that he was God and the father of Jesus Christ. Their belief also believes there are “different levels in the afterlife”. They are as followed: A. The Celestial Kingdom B. The Terrestrial Kingdom C. The Telestial Kingdom D. The Outer Darkness… They also believe that Jesus was born of Mary, but as a virgin. They are taught that God and Mary had a “physical relationship. Also believe and are taught “Salvation can be earned by faith and good works”. This is not true in order to be saved you need to ask forgiveness for your sins. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and what he did on the Cross for your sins, and confess your sins. A brief history of the founder Joseph Smith Jr. in 1820 claimed he had a “vision from God telling him all Christianity was an abomination in their site and he was not to join any”. When he told others about his vision they “persecuted him”. He was 15 at this time. In 1823 when he was 18 he met “the angel Moroni “the glorified son of one Mormon”. Moroni came to Joseph “three times” and said to him to look for Gold-Plates on a hill in Palmyra, but to wait four years before he took them and not to show the tablets to...
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...Axia College Material Appendix B 7 Question Final Project Plan |What religion would you like to consider for your final project? | | |Describe the place of worship you will visit. |Mormonism and I would look around t find the closest Mormon | | |church to visit. | | | | |What do you already know about this topic? | | | |I have a friend who is Mormon and his family practices the faith.| | | | |What resource will you use to find a place of worship for this | | |religion? | | | |I will use the internet since it the best updated resource | | |available to me...
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...the historian, and so a crucial skill can be the interpretation, and deciphering, of the biases of the original writer. In Female Lives among Mormons, Ward gives the audience a rare insight to the reclusive livelihood and the beginnings of the Mormons Church. The autobiography portrays the culture and values that the Mormons initially practice are against American ideals. From the account of Ward, who lived through the beginnings of Mormonism, the common prejudice and stereotype of Mormonism in modern America is justifiable. One century later, David Brion Davis argued in Some Themes of Counter-Subversion that nativist writing is a common reflection of apparent religious intolerance in nineteenth century America, but he did not take into account that it is an autobiography. He argues that the reason why Mormon is prejudiced because it is “shrouded with secrecy, deemed extraneous forces that are allegedly threatening the heritage of Republican Ideology.” (Davis 209) He also contends that the members themselves are not “individually evil but they were blinded and corrupted by ideology that justified treason and gross immorality.” (Davis 208) and made a mistake by putting Mormonism, a new controversial religion into the same category as Catholicism and Freemasonry that have long roots of history. Davis argued that the stereotype of Mormon leader which made him appears at times as “a virtual superman, he was never hindered by conscience or respect for traditional morality, were curiously...
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...definition must be laid down. A cult, according to Dr. Walter R. Martin as quoted in Edmond Gruss’s book entitled Cults and the Occult, is “the Adherence to major doctrines which are pointedly contradictory to orthodox Christianity, yet which claim the distinction of either tracing their origin to orthodox sources or of being in essential harmony with those sources. Cultism, in short, is any major deviation from orthodox Christianity relative to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith” (Gruss 3). Anthony Hoekema calls cults the “unpaid bills of the church” (Hoekema 1). Hoekema also goes on to say that cults sometimes arise because they believe “established churches have failed to emphasize certain important aspects of religious life, or have neglected certain techniques or values.” ( 1) Many times cults either contain all or some of the following ten characteristics. The first characteristic they usually contain is the importance they place on having certain convictions about matters of faith. For example if a cultist is asked what he or she believes in they will usually not be hesitant to share their beliefs with you. This may be the leading reason as to why some cults grow in size so quickly. If an individual who has little or no doctrinal teaching with the Bible is exposed to a cult leader, they will be under the...
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