The Ins and Outs of Mormonism
The comedy cable series called “Big Love” deals with the journey of a polygamist family, which does not follow the same rules as the community they once lived in. The religion that the main characters follow is Mormon, where several controversial beliefs and practices are picked apart by others. This article deals with some of these and a brief history.
Mormonism was founded on April 6th, 1830 by a man by the name of Joseph Smith. The founding birthplace of the religion can be found in Fayette, New York. Today, the modern headquarters are situated in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is said that more than 12 million people follow this religion, where more than 50% of these individuals live outside of the United States.
Mormons, also known as Latter-day Saints follow the Christian Bible, as well as the Book of Mormon and the Doctrines & Covenants. Worship takes place in a church or a temple, where several different leadership positions watch over the members. These positions are referred to as bishops, First President, as well as Quorom of the Twelve Apostles.
So what do the Mormons believe in and what are some of the practices associated with them? It is quite common for members to engage in full-time volunteer missionaries. I once knew someone who went all over the world helping to build structures and establish health care within needy villages. Mormons believe in modern prophets. Mormons believe in the God the father, the Son (Christ), as well as the Holy Ghost. They believe that they are three different beings. Another practice that Mormons follow is the wearing of ceremonial attire from the temple underneath their regular clothes. Baptisms for the dead are given under the religion of Mormon.
There is also a dietary code that Mormons are expected to follow. Illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, even coffee and tea are not allowed under this code. When it comes to soda containing caffeine, the Mormon can decide whether or not this is for them. But one of the most controversial practices associated with this religion includes marriage. For one, polygamy is practiced, which means that more than one marriage partner can be taken amongst members. Another controversial practice is the marriage between younger girls to older men.
If you are interested in the basic beliefs followed by Mormons, you may want to take a look at the Thirteen Articles of Faith. Joseph Smith created these beliefs. They are as follows:
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, 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.
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