The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

Overview and contemporary status

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church or LDS Church) represents one of the most significant new religious movements to emerge from America. Today, the church claims over 15 million members worldwide, supported by more than 85,000 missionaries operating globally. The church ranks as the fourth largest Christian denomination in the United States and stands as the largest organisation within the broader Latter-Day Saint movement.

The church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, where it has established congregations (known as wards or branches) and built temples worldwide. The current president is Russell M. Nelson, who adherents regard as a modern-day prophet, seer, and revelator.

Historical origins and foundation

Joseph Smith Jr and the early beginnings

The LDS Church was formally established on 6 April 1830 in Western New York by Joseph Smith Jr during the period known as the Second Great Awakening. Smith's religious journey began with what the church considers the most important event in human history since Christ's resurrection - his First Vision.

At age 14, Smith reported that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him, marking the beginning of his prophetic calling. This vision led to further encounters with celestial beings, including an angel called Moroni, who directed Smith to golden plates buried by an ancient prophet named Mormon.

The Book of Mormon

The newly published Book of Mormon played a crucial role in attracting initial converts. Smith claimed to have translated this text from the golden plates, describing it as a chronicle of indigenous American peoples descended from the Hebrews. The book tells the story of two lost tribes of Israel who journeyed to central America and were later visited by Jesus Christ after his death and resurrection in Jerusalem, opening their path to salvation.

Early challenges and developments

Smith initially intended to establish a "New Jerusalem" in North America, called Zion. However, the early church faced significant persecution. In 1833, Missouri settlers violently expelled the Latter-Day Saints from Jackson County. Despite these setbacks, the church flourished in Kirtland, where Smith published new revelations and the community built the Kirtland Temple.

The Kirtland era concluded in 1838 following a financial scandal that caused widespread defections. Smith later introduced controversial practices, including polygamy, which he claimed were revealed to him by God. These developments led to increased tensions, culminating in Smith's murder alongside his brother Hyrum by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, in 1844.

Following Smith's death, Brigham Young assumed leadership and led most followers to Utah, where the church headquarters was established and remains today.

Core beliefs and doctrines

Central tenets

LDS members view faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement as the fundamental tenet of their religion. However, LDS theology differs significantly from mainstream Christianity in several key areas, particularly regarding the nature of God and humanity's potential after death.

The church teaches that believers can become godlike in the afterlife, achieving a state where they become joint heirs with Christ. This represents a distinctive doctrine within Christian theology.

Scriptural authority and continuing revelation

The LDS Church maintains an open canon comprising four scriptural texts:

• The Bible (Old and New Testaments)
• The Book of Mormon
• The Doctrine and Covenants
• The Pearl of Great Price

Beyond the Bible, most LDS scripture consists of revelations spoken by Joseph Smith and recorded by his scribes. This includes commentary and interpretation of the Bible, texts described as lost portions of Biblical scripture, and works believed to be written by ancient prophets.

The doctrine of continuing revelation holds that Jesus Christ, under God the Father's direction, leads the church by revealing his will to the church president. Individual members also believe they can receive personal revelation from God for conducting their lives.

Religious practices and lifestyle

Missionary work

One of the church's most distinctive practices involves extensive missionary service. Both men and women may serve as missionaries, typically spending 1-3 years in the field preaching salvation and conducting humanitarian services worldwide. This practice usually involves members in their late teens and early twenties.

Missionaries operate under strict rules of religious practice, always travel in same-sex pairs, and adopt the title "Elder" during their service period, temporarily setting aside their first names. They start as apprentices and eventually become mentors to new missionaries.

Sacred ordinances

The church teaches various sacred ordinances that create covenants with God, including:

• Baptism
• Confirmation
• The sacrament (holy communion)
• Endowment and celestial marriage (marriage blessings extending beyond mortality)

These ordinances hold great significance for church members and represent important milestones in their spiritual development.

Lifestyle expectations

Faithful members adhere to specific laws regarding:

• Sexual purity
• Health practices
• Fasting
• Sabbath observance

Members customarily attend church services each Sunday, similar to other practising Christians. Additionally, Mormons contribute ten percent of their income to the church as a tithe, demonstrating their commitment through financial sacrifice.

Organisational structure

Leadership hierarchy

The church operates through a hierarchical structure with the president at the top, leading various levels down to local congregations. Bishops, drawn from the laity, lead local congregations and provide spiritual guidance to their communities.

Worthy male members may be ordained to the priesthood after reaching age 12, creating a system of lay leadership throughout the organisation. However, women do not hold positions within the priesthood structure, though they do occupy important leadership roles in church auxiliary organisations.

Modern organisation

The church maintains its global operations from Salt Lake City, coordinating missionary work, temple construction, and congregational activities worldwide. This centralised structure allows for consistent doctrine and practice across diverse cultural contexts.