Mormonism, formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), is a religious movement that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States. Its followers are commonly called Mormons due to their use of the Book of Mormon, which they consider scripture alongside the Bible.

Origins of Mormonism

The LDS Church was founded by Joseph Smith in the 1820s in upstate New York. Joseph Smith claimed to have received a series of divine revelations beginning in 1820, which included a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. According to Smith, he was later guided by an angel named Moroni to discover golden plates containing the history of ancient American peoples. He translated these plates into what became known as the Book of Mormon, first published in 1830. This book is considered by Mormons to be another testament of Jesus Christ, chronicling God’s dealings with civilizations in the Americas.

The early LDS Church faced significant persecution due to its unorthodox teachings and practices. Followers moved from New York to Ohio, then Missouri, and eventually to Illinois, where Smith established the city of Nauvoo. Smith’s introduction of practices such as polygamy and his claims of prophetic authority heightened tensions. In 1844, Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, creating a leadership crisis that led to the migration of thousands of followers westward under the leadership of Brigham Young. They eventually settled in what is now Utah, where the church grew and established communities in the American West.

Core Beliefs

Mormon theology has several distinctive features. Unlike traditional Christian denominations, Mormons believe in continuing revelation, meaning God still communicates with humanity through living prophets. The president (yes, you heard it right) of the LDS Church is considered the current prophet, seer, and revelator.

Mormons view God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as three separate beings rather than a single Trinity in the traditional Christian sense. God the Father and Jesus Christ have physical, perfected bodies, while the Holy Spirit is a personage of spirit. This differs from mainstream Christianity, which teaches the Trinity as one God in three persons, coequal and coeternal.

The Book of Mormon holds a central place in Mormon belief. Mormons consider it a historical and spiritual record, complementing the Bible rather than replacing it. Other sacred texts include the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations to Joseph Smith and later leaders, and the Pearl of Great Price, which includes writings attributed to Moses, Abraham, and Joseph Smith himself.

Mormonism teaches that humans are literally the spiritual offspring of God and that life on earth is a test. Salvation involves faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, receiving the Holy Spirit, and enduring in righteousness. Unique to Mormon belief is the concept of exaltation, the idea that faithful Mormons can ultimately become like God and live in eternal family units.

Practices and Worship

Mormons gather for weekly worship services, typically including sacrament meetings with hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and sermons. They also hold a strong emphasis on family life, missionary work, and moral living. Young members are often encouraged to serve as full-time missionaries for two years, sharing the message of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon.

Temples play a central role in Mormon practice. Unlike regular meetinghouses, temples are considered sacred spaces for special ordinances, including eternal marriages and baptisms for the dead. Temple attendance is usually limited to members who meet strict behavioral and spiritual standards.

Mormons follow a health code called the Word of Wisdom, which prohibits alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. They also emphasize tithing, giving 10% of income to the church, as well as regular personal and family scripture study, prayer, and service.

Distinctions from Mainstream Christianity

While Mormons identify as Christians and center their "faith" on Jesus Christ, there are key theological differences from traditional Christianity. These include their view of the Godhead, belief in continuing revelation, the authority of the Book of Mormon, and unique doctrines about pre-mortal existence and exaltation. Traditional Christian denominations do not accept the Book of Mormon as divinely inspired scripture and reject Mormon teachings about humans becoming gods.

Cultural Influence and Growth

Mormonism has grown significantly since its founding. Today, there are over 17 million members worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States, Latin America, and parts of Africa and Asia. The LDS Church emphasizes humanitarian work, education, and community service. Brigham Young University, the church’s flagship educational institution, and the humanitarian aid organization LDS Charities are examples of its cultural influence.

Mormon culture also emphasizes strong family structures, community cohesion, and moral living. The church organizes youth programs, family history initiatives, and social activities that reinforce faith and communal identity. Mormons are known for their missionary outreach, which has helped spread the faith globally.

Criticisms and Controversies

Mormonism has faced criticism from both secular and Christian communities. Critics question the historicity of the Book of Mormon, the early practice of polygamy, and theological departures from traditional Christian teachings. The church has worked to address some of these controversies, officially ending polygamy in 1890 and engaging in modern public relations efforts to clarify its beliefs.

Mormons are a distinct religious group within the broader Christian tradition, with unique scriptures, doctrines, and practices. Their faith centers on Jesus Christ while emphasizing continuing revelation, temple ordinances, and eternal family relationships. Despite theological differences from mainstream Christianity, Mormonism has shaped religious life, culture, and missionary efforts in the United States and across the world. Understanding Mormonism requires recognizing both its historical origins and its modern expressions as a global religious movement.

From a biblical perspective, several core beliefs of Mormonism contradict Scripture, making it heretical in the eyes of traditional Christianity. 

1. Denial of the Biblical Trinity

Mormonism teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three separate beings with physical bodies, except for the Holy Spirit, who is a personage of spirit. They reject the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity.

Biblical Truth: The Bible teaches that God is one being in three persons, coequal and coeternal.

• Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”

• Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
  This unity of essence is foundational to orthodox Christian faith. Denying it distorts the nature of God.

2. The Book of Mormon and Additional Scriptures

Mormons elevate the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as scripture, claiming divine authority equal to the Bible.

Biblical Truth: The Bible consistently asserts its sufficiency and final authority.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

• Galatians 1:8-9 warns against adding new revelations that contradict the gospel of Christ: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
  The addition of new scripture not found in the Bible constitutes a direct violation of God’s Word.

3. Exaltation and Deification of Humans

Mormon doctrine teaches that faithful humans can eventually become gods, co-eternal with God. This belief contradicts the biblical teaching that God alone is eternal and uncreated.

Biblical Truth: Humans are created beings, made in God’s image, but they cannot become divine.

• Isaiah 43:10: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

• Revelation 22:13: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
  Claiming that humans can achieve godhood undermines God’s sovereignty and uniqueness.

4. Baptism for the Dead and Other Unbiblical Ordinances

Mormons practice baptisms for the dead, eternal marriage, and other temple ordinances that have no biblical precedent.

Biblical Truth: Salvation is by faith alone through Christ alone, not by ritualistic works.

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

• Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
  Performing ordinances for the dead assumes salvation can be influenced by human acts, which contradicts Scripture’s teaching of Christ’s finished work.

5. The Concept of Continuing Revelation

Mormons believe God continues to reveal new doctrines through living prophets. While the Bible acknowledges God can speak, it emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ and the completed canon.

Biblical Truth: Revelation through Christ is complete and final.

• Hebrews 1:1-2: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…”

• Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding to or taking from God’s Word.
  Claims of new revelation that change gospel truths contradict the biblical assurance of Christ’s complete and final revelation.

6. Salvation by Works and Exaltation

Mormon theology blends faith with works and adherence to church ordinances as requirements for exaltation.

Biblical Truth: Salvation is a free gift, received by faith alone in Jesus Christ.

• Romans 3:28: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

• Galatians 2:16: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ…”
  Any teaching that adds human works as a requirement for salvation distorts the gospel.

Here’s a clear comparison table between Mormon beliefs and mainstream Christian beliefs:

From a biblical standpoint, Mormonism deviates from the truth in multiple areas: the nature of God, the sufficiency of Scripture, salvation, and the role of humans in God’s eternal plan. While Mormons profess belief in Jesus Christ, many of their core doctrines directly contradict Scripture, making the faith heretical in terms of biblical orthodoxy.