Mormonism 101
Although many English speakers in the United States are either Christian or intimately familiar with Christianity, I'll assume readers may not know about Christianity or the Christian God. So, before diving into Mormonism, here's context on the broader religious tradition it fits within.
Christianity is an Abrahamic religion with approximately 2.6 billion adherents globally as of 2023 (source). Christians broadly believe in one God who speaks through the Bible, and universally recognize Jesus Christ as a divine figure. However, beyond these basics, Christian beliefs vary significantly among sects. Many Christian sects believe in a concept known as the Trinity, comprising God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Still, interpretations of this concept differ widely. For more on Christianity, see this Wikipedia article.
Mormonism is considered by non-Mormons as a part of the Latter Day Saint movement, belonging to Restorationist Christianity. Restorationists believe there was once a singular, true religion directly connected to heaven's revelations and divine authority to perform saving rites. Mormonism, among the larger movements within Restorationism, began in Western New York in the 1820s through Joseph Smith.
Initially, Mormonism broadly referred to aspects of the Latter Day Saint movement, though since 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has sought to distance itself from the term "Mormonism". Historian Sydney E. Ahlstrom noted that "Mormonism" could mean a sect, new religion, American subculture, or more, depending on context (source).
Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith, who, at 14 years old in 1820, claimed to experience a divine vision. Smith lived in what's known historically as the "Burned-over district", a region undergoing extensive religious revival and fragmentation in upstate New York. According to official LDS Church accounts, Joseph prayed to discover the true church and received a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ as distinct beings. Critics highlight discrepancies in Smith's varying accounts.
There is controversy surrounding Joseph Smith’s religious involvement prior to 1820. Official LDS accounts downplay Smith's early Methodist affiliation, suggesting brief, exploratory involvement. Critics argue Joseph and his family regularly attended Methodist services.
Joseph Smith claimed another vision occurred in 1823, introducing an angel named Moroni, who revealed the location of ancient scriptures (the Book of Mormon), purportedly a record of ancient American peoples. Critics argue that Smith's earlier life, involving treasure hunting and alleged deception, undermines his credibility.
The theology of Mormonism includes mainstream Christian beliefs augmented by revelations received by Smith. Significant doctrines unique to Mormonism include eternal marriage, eternal progression, baptism for the dead, plural marriage (polygamy), strict standards on sexual purity, dietary guidelines (Word of Wisdom), fasting, and Sabbath observance.
Post-Joseph Smith's death, Mormonism fragmented significantly. Over 400 denominations emerged from Smith's initial movement, diverging primarily over leadership, polygamy (officially banned by LDS Church in 1890), and Trinitarian beliefs (denominational differences). Some groups, like Mormon fundamentalists, maintain polygamy. Other groups, such as the Community of Christ, affirm Trinitarian Christianity.
Cultural Mormonism identifies with Mormon heritage and community, especially prevalent in the American West, but not necessarily with religious beliefs.
Mormonism historically faced violence and opposition, relocating from New York to Ohio, then Missouri (culminating in the 1838 Mormon War), and eventually settling in Nauvoo, Illinois. Nauvoo prospered briefly but was disrupted by Joseph Smith’s controversial practices, notably polygamy. William Law and others published criticisms of Smith in the Nauvoo Expositor, which Smith suppressed by destroying the printing press. This action intensified local hostility, leading to Smith's imprisonment and subsequent death at Carthage Jail by a mob.
Joseph Smith's death marked a significant turning point, fragmenting Mormonism further and leading to the westward migration and eventual establishment of the LDS Church in Utah.