The term "Mormon" primarily refers to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often abbreviated as the LDS Church), a global religious and cultural group. This movement began in the 1820s in upstate New York, a region then known as the "Burned-over District" due to its intense religious revivals, with Joseph Smith as its founding prophet. The original text refers to "Mormonism" as the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement, but it's more accurate to say that the Latter Day Saint movement originated from Joseph Smith, and Mormonism, as most commonly understood, refers to the dominant branch of that movement, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Following Joseph Smith's death in 1844, a pivotal moment in the movement's history, a succession crisis led to a significant schism. While various leaders emerged, including Joseph Smith III (Joseph Smith's son), Sidney Rigdon, and James Strang, the largest contingent, comprising the majority of adherents, followed Brigham Young. This group journeyed westward, eventually settling in the Utah Territory. Over time, many of the smaller groups coalesced or formed new denominations; notably, some followers of Joseph Smith III eventually formed the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). Today, the LDS Church is considerably larger than all other Latter Day Saint denominations combined, which is why the term "Mormon" has become synonymous with its members in popular usage. Since 2018, the LDS Church has officially requested that its members and the church itself be referred to by its full name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or simply as "Latter-day Saints," to emphasize its focus on Jesus Christ. However, the term "Mormon" remains widely used and understood. It is also important to note that individuals who identify as Mormons may encompass a broader spectrum, including those who are independently religious, secular, non-practicing, or belong to other, smaller Latter Day Saint denominations.

Core Beliefs and Spiritual Foundations

Latter-day Saints self-identify as Christians, grounding their faith in the divinity and atonement of Jesus Christ. They believe that Christ's original church, as established in New Testament times, experienced a "Great Apostasy" after the death of the apostles, leading to a loss of divine authority and certain doctrines. They believe that Joseph Smith was chosen by God to restore this church to the earth in its fullness, complete with its original organization, priesthood authority, and doctrines. This restored church, they believe, is guided by living prophets and apostles, similar to ancient times, who receive divine revelation for the contemporary world.

A cornerstone of their faith is the belief in a unique view of cosmology, which includes the idea that all people are literal spirit-children of God, having lived with Him in a pre-mortal existence before coming to earth. This belief fosters a strong sense of divine heritage and individual worth. Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible as the word of God, but also embrace other books of scripture which they consider to be additional testaments of Jesus Christ, most prominently the Book of Mormon, as well as the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. They teach that returning to God's presence requires following the example of Jesus Christ, exercising faith, repenting of sins, and accepting His atoning sacrifice through sacred ordinances, such as baptism by immersion and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, performed by authorized priesthood holders.

Cultural Practices and Lifestyle

Latter-day Saints have cultivated a robust sense of community, deeply rooted in their shared doctrine and rich, often challenging, history. This communal spirit is evident in their mutual support systems, shared values, and extensive volunteer efforts within their congregations, often referred to as "wards" or "branches."

Family and Social Values

A distinctive and central aspect of Latter-day Saint culture is their profound emphasis on family. They tend to be very family-oriented, fostering strong connections across generations and with extended family members. This stems from a core belief that families can be "sealed" together not only for this life but also for eternity beyond death, through sacred temple ordinances. This belief shapes their daily lives, parenting practices, and commitment to family history research. In alignment with their sacred covenants, Latter-day Saints adhere to a strict law of chastity, which requires complete abstention from sexual relations outside of a heterosexual marriage and unwavering fidelity within marriage. It is important to note that while the LDS Church maintains these traditional teachings on marriage, the Community of Christ, another prominent Latter Day Saint denomination, has adopted more inclusive stances, accepting LGBTQ individuals and relationships, including performing same-sex marriages.

Health Code and Service

Another defining aspect of Latter-day Saint life is adherence to a comprehensive health code, often referred to as the "Word of Wisdom." This code encourages a healthy lifestyle by admonishing against the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and addictive substances. Members are encouraged to consume wholesome foods in moderation and to live an active lifestyle. This practice contributes to a distinct social culture and fosters a sense of unity among members.

Service is a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint life, with members dedicating significant time and resources to serving in their local congregations and communities. This service is almost entirely voluntary and unpaid, encompassing various roles from teaching classes and administrative duties to ministering to others. A prominent and well-known practice among young adults, typically men at age 18 and women at age 19, and also among many retired members of the LDS Church, is to serve a full-time proselytizing mission. These missionaries, often identifiable by their distinctive attire (white shirts and ties for men, modest dresses or skirts for women), dedicate 18 months to two years to sharing their beliefs and serving in communities around the world, learning new languages and cultures in the process.

Global Reach and Demographics

Historically, during the 19th century, newly converted Latter-day Saints were often encouraged to gather to a central geographic location, first in Nauvoo, Illinois, and later to the Utah Territory. This trend of gathering reversed somewhat in the 1920s and 1930s, as the Church began to establish stakes (similar to dioceses) and temples in various countries, encouraging members to build up the Church in their own homelands. While the cultural influence and historical heartland of the Latter-day Saint movement remain strongly tied to Utah in the United States, the Church has grown into a truly global organization. North America continues to have a substantial number of Latter-day Saints, but the majority of the Church's members now live outside the United States, reflecting its worldwide expansion. As of December 2020, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported a global membership of 16,663,663, illustrating its continued growth and international presence across virtually every continent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between "Mormon" and "Latter-day Saint"?

The term "Mormon" has historically been a popular shorthand for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since 2018, the Church has requested that members and the institution be referred to by its full name, or as "Latter-day Saints," to emphasize their faith in Jesus Christ. While "Mormon" is still widely used, "Latter-day Saint" is the preferred and more accurate self-identifier for members of the LDS Church today.

Do Latter-day Saints (Mormons) practice polygamy today?

No, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued the practice of plural marriage (polygamy) in 1904. Any members found practicing it today would face excommunication. Some fundamentalist groups that broke away from the mainstream Church in the early 20th century continue to practice polygamy, but these groups are not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Are Latter-day Saints (Mormons) Christian?

Latter-day Saints unequivocally self-identify as Christians, believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. They hold that Christ's church was restored through Joseph Smith. However, some non-Mormon Christians do not consider them Christian because some of their core beliefs, particularly regarding the nature of God, the Bible, and restoration theology, differ from creeds established by Nicene Christianity.

What is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is a volume of scripture alongside the Bible, which Latter-day Saints believe is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is a record of ancient prophets and peoples who lived in the Americas, detailing Christ's visit to them after His resurrection, and serving as a spiritual guide and witness to His divine mission.

What are some key aspects of the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) lifestyle?

Key aspects include a strong focus on family, adherence to a health code (abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and addictive substances), a strict law of chastity, dedication to community service, and for many, serving full-time proselytizing missions. Regular worship, scripture study, and temple attendance are also central to their spiritual lives.

Where do most Latter-day Saints (Mormons) live?

While the cultural heartland of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in Utah, USA, the majority of its members now live outside the United States. The Church has a significant and growing international presence, with congregations and temples in numerous countries across all continents.