Mormons Are the Members of Essay

Total Length: 932 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

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Smith claimed that polygamy was practiced by the "pre-Judaic" tribes (Harris). Polygamy was called "celestial marriage," and Joseph Smith claimed that he received his orders to practice polygamy in a religious vision ("The Mormons"). Polygamy was and still is illegal even though it was still a part of the Mormon traditions.

According to the BBC, there are "substantial differences" between the Church of Latter-Day Saints and the Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian Churches. Even though all the Christian Churches are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, they all differ in their practices and beliefs. The Mormon Church also has a different leadership hierarchy than other Christian Churches, but one that still includes priests, bishops, and clergy. Unlike in the Catholic Church, the Mormon priesthood is not a professional one (BBC).

Besides the practice of polygamy, several things set apart Mormonism from other Christian faiths. The Mormons believe that "human beings can become like gods" after death (BBC). Human beings have a "pre-mortal" life and also become resurrected after death in the spirit world ("The Mormons"). The Mormons also believe that each soul has a "plan of salvation," which resembles the idea of reincarnation because any person who did not follow the Mormon gospel must go back to the Terrestrial Kingdom ("The Mormons").
Like other Christian beliefs, the Mormon heaven is divided into three distinct realms: a heaven ("Celestial Kingdom," a hell ("Telestial Kingdom"), and what Mormons call "Terrestrial Kingdom," ("The Mormons"). Unlike Catholicism, Mormonism does not believe in original sin.

Mormons believe in all the Biblical prophets, but Joseph Smith is the first Mormon prophet (BBC). According to Mormon beliefs, the Church of Latter-Day Saints is the one true and original Church, but Mormons do not persecute people from other religions (BBC). Many of the Mormon practices are similar to those from other Christian faiths. For example, the Sabbath is on Sunday and Christmas and Easter are the most important holidays. Mormons tithe money, or give a percentage of their earnings to the Church. Mormons also practice baptisms. One Mormon practice not shared by other Christian traditions is that Mormons have a day of fasting per month (BBC). Mormons have a large missionary program, which is why the religion has spread across the world. According to the BBC, "all young men who are physically and mentally fit" serve as missionaries for the Church of Latter-Day Saints. There are 12 million Mormons in 160 countries (BBC).

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