In Mormon teachings, based on the Book of Mormon and other revelations and visions received by the prophet Joseph Smith, the Godhead is not a Trinity, but rather three separate and distinct beings acting with one will and purpose.īowman said that some evangelicals also take issue with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of its teaching that certain sacraments and ordinances are necessary for salvation. In Catholicism and mainstream Protestantism, for example, there's the belief of the Trinity as a single Godhead manifested as three persons: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit (the Holy Ghost). Today, you'll find some 16 million Mormons all over the world, not just in the U.S.īut there are also narrower definitions of Christianity where Mormon beliefs can be problematic. But it reached the 2-million member mark just 16 years later and has been growing ever since. It took 117 years for the church to grow from 6 members to 1 million (in 1947).
"He's a prophetic figure who has brought the mechanism of salvation back to humanity through the priesthood and ordinances like baptism, but that's not the same as worshipping him." "Joseph Smith is important," said Bowman. Smith's martyrdom, like those of early Christian apostles and saints, made him an even more beloved and revered figure to many Mormons. Smith was fiercely persecuted for his claims and teachings, and was eventually killed along with his brother by a violent mob when he was only 38 years old. Brigham Young was the second prophet of the restored church and the line of prophets has remained unbroken through today.
Smith was the first prophet of what Mormons believe is Jesus Christ's true restored church, which is organized like the ancient church with prophets and apostles. After receiving and translating the Book of Mormon, which describes Jesus Christ's ministry to the ancient people of the Americas, Smith was conferred with important priesthood authority that had been lost after the death of the apostles. During this miraculous visitation, known as the First Vision, Smith was told not to join any existing church, but that the true Church of Jesus Christ would be restored through him.
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