View source for Mormons

{{short description|Religious group; part of the Latter Day Saint movement}}
{{Redirect|Mormon|the Book of Mormon prophet who the word originally derives from|Mormon (prophet)|other uses|Mormon (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox religious group
|group             = Latter-day Saints or Mormons
|image             =Joseph Smith Preaching to the Indians by William Armitage.png 
|caption           =[[Joseph Smith]] preaching to the [[Sac and Fox Nation|Sac and Fox Indians]] who visited [[Nauvoo, Illinois]] on August 12, 1841 
|population        = +17,255,394<ref>{{Cite web|title=2023 Statistical Report of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2023-statistical-report-church-jesus-christ|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}} (The LDS Church claimed a membership of 17,255,394 in 2023, and the Community of Christ claimed around 250,000 in 2020.)</ref>
|region1           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States|United States]]
|pop1              = 6,868,793<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - United States|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/united-states|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|region2           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico|Mexico]]
|pop2              = 1,516,406<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - Mexico|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/mexico|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|region3           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil|Brazil]]
|pop3              = 1,494,571<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - Brazil|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/brazil|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|region4           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines|Philippines]]
|pop4              = 867,271<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - Philippines|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/philippines|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|region5           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Peru|Peru]]
|pop5              = 637,180<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - Peru|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/peru|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|region6           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile|Chile]]
|pop6              = 607,583<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - Chile|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/chile|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|region7           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina|Argentina]]
|pop7              = 481,518<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - Argentina|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/argentina|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|region8           = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala|Guatemala]]
|pop8              = 290,068<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facts and Statistics - Guatemala|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/guatemala|website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
|religions         = [[Mormonism]]
|related           =
|website           =
}}
{{Christianity|expanded=hide}}
'''Mormons''' are a [[Religious denomination|religious]] and [[ethnocultural group|cultural group]] related to [[Mormonism]], the principal branch of the [[Latter Day Saint movement]] started by [[Joseph Smith]] in [[upstate New York]] during the [[Second Great Awakening]]. After [[Killing of Joseph Smith|Smith's death in 1844]], the movement split into several groups following different leaders; the majority followed [[Brigham Young]], while smaller groups followed [[Sidney Rigdon]] and [[James Strang]]. Many who did not follow Young eventually merged into the [[Community of Christ]], led by Smith’s son, [[Joseph Smith III]]. The term ''Mormon'' typically refers to [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints membership statistics|members]] of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church), the largest branch, which followed Brigham Young. People who identify as Mormons may also be independently religious, secular, and non-practicing or belong to [[List of denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement|other denominations]]. 

Since 2018, the LDS Church has expressed the desire that its followers be referred to as ''members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'', or just ''members'', if the identity of the church is made clear previously in the context, as the term ''Mormon'' can be considered offensive by the community.{{efn|The term "Latter-day" refers to the [[Christian eschatology|last dispensation]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Last Dispensation |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/04/the-last-dispensation?lang=eng|website=churchofjesuschrist.org|access-date=June 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-16-the-church-of-jesus-christ-in-former-times?lang=eng|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref> and "Saints" is the same denomination used at the time of Jesus in the [[New Testament]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acts 9:13;32;41 |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/acts/9?lang=eng|website=churchofjesuschrist.org|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Acts 26:10 |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/acts/26?lang=eng|website=churchofjesuschrist.org|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>}}<ref name="Criss-2018">{{Cite news |last=Criss |first=Doug |date=17 August 2018 |title=Mormons don't want you calling them Mormons anymore |publisher=[[CNN]] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/17/us/mormon-church-name-trnd/index.html |access-date=3 March 2023 |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131015335/https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/17/us/mormon-church-name-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Members have developed a strong sense of community that stems from their doctrine and history. One of the central doctrinal issues that defined Mormonism in the 19th century was the practice of [[Mormonism and polygamy|plural marriage]], a form of religious [[polygamy]]. From 1852 until 1904, when the LDS Church banned the practice, many members who had followed Brigham Young to the [[Utah Territory]] openly practiced polygamy. Members dedicate significant time and resources to serving in their churches. A prominent practice among young and retired members of the LDS Church is to serve a full-time [[Proselytism|proselytizing]] [[Missionary (LDS Church)|mission]]. Members have [[Word of Wisdom (Latter Day Saints)|a health code]] that eschews alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and [[Substance dependence|addictive substances]]. They tend to be very family-oriented and have strong connections across generations and with extended family, reflecting their belief that families can be [[Sealing (Mormonism)|sealed]] together beyond death. Members also adhere to a [[law of chastity]], requiring abstention from sexual relations outside heterosexual marriage and fidelity within marriage.

Mormons identify as [[Christianity|Christian]],<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/files/2012/01/Mormons-in-America.pdf Mormons in America: Certain in Their Beliefs, Uncertain of Their Place in Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113625/http://www.pewforum.org/files/2012/01/Mormons-in-America.pdf |date=September 24, 2015 }}, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life 2012, p.10: Mormons are nearly unanimous in describing Mormonism as a Christian religion, with 97% expressing this point of view</ref> but some non-Mormons consider church members to be non-Christian<ref>Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM), [https://carm.org/is-mormonism-christian Is Mormonism Christian?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226114106/https://carm.org/is-mormonism-christian |date=February 26, 2016 }}, accessed February 27, 2016</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.catholic.com/qa/are-mormons-christian | title=Are Mormons Christian? | access-date=July 12, 2023 | archive-date=July 12, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712233517/https://www.catholic.com/qa/are-mormons-christian | url-status=live }}</ref> because some of their [[Mormonism and Nicene Christianity|beliefs differ from those of Nicene Christianity]]. They believe that Christ's church was [[Restoration (Latter Day Saints)|restored]] through Joseph Smith and is guided by living [[prophet, seer, and revelator|prophets]] and [[Apostle (Latter Day Saints)|apostles]]. Members believe in the [[Bible]] and other books of scripture, such as the [[Book of Mormon]]. They have a unique view of cosmology and believe that all people are literal spirit children of God: they believe that returning to God requires following the example of [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus Christ]] and accepting his [[Atonement in Christianity|atonement]] through repentance and [[ordinance (Latter Day Saints)|ordinances]] such as baptism.

During the 19th century, converts into LDS Church tended to gather in a central geographic location, a trend that reversed somewhat in the 1920s and 1930s. The center of LDS Church cultural influence is in [[Utah]], and North America has more members than any other continent, although about 60% of LDS Church members live outside the United States. As of December 31, 2021, the LDS Church reported a membership of 16,805,400.<ref>{{cite web|title=2021 Statistical Report for 2022 April Conference|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/april-2022-general-conference-statistical-report|website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Newsroom|access-date=2 April 2022}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== Terminology ==
{{Main|Mormon (word)#Popular usage}}

The terminology preferred by the church itself has varied over time. At various points, the church has embraced the term ''Mormon'' and stated that other sects within the shared faith tradition should not be called Mormon.<ref>The LDS Church has taken the position that the term Mormon should only apply to the LDS Church and its members, and not other adherents who have adopted the term. (See: {{cite web |date=April 9, 2010 |title=Style Guide – The Name of the Church |url=http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide |access-date=November 11, 2011 |publisher=LDS Newsroom |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613210818/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide |url-status=live }}) The Church cites the ''[[AP Stylebook]]'', which states, "The term Mormon is not properly applied to the other Latter Day Saints churches that resulted from the split after [Joseph] Smith's death." ("Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The", Associated Press, ''The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law'', 2002, {{ISBN|0-7382-0740-3}}, p.48) Despite the LDS Church's position, the term ''Mormon'' is widely used by journalists and non-journalists to refer to adherents of [[Mormon fundamentalism]].</ref>

The word [[Mormon (word)#Origin of the term|Mormon]] was initially coined to describe any person who considers the [[Book of Mormon]] to be a scripture volume. Mormonite and Mormon were originally descriptive terms used both by outsiders to the faith, church members, and occasionally church leaders.<ref name="mormonscholar.org">{{cite web |title=The Original Intention Behind the Term ''Mormon'' |url=https://mormonscholar.org/the-original-intention-behind-the-term-mormon/ |website=Mormon Scholar |date=November 22, 2018 |access-date=31 August 2019 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111213009/https://mormonscholar.org/the-original-intention-behind-the-term-mormon/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Appears to be a blog; insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=March 2023}} The term Mormon later was sometimes used [[Pejorative|derogatorily]]; such use may have developed during the [[1838 Mormon War]],<ref>{{cite news |title=From the Illinois State Register |url=http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor/1844/11-13-1844.pdf |access-date=31 August 2019 |issue=2 |publisher=The Pioneer |date=13 November 1844 |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414001942/http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor/1844/11-13-1844.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> although church members and leaders "embraced the term", according to church historian Matthew Bowman, and by the end of the 1800s it was broadly used.<ref name="Jacobs-2018">{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |date=2018-08-18 |title=Stop Saying 'Mormon,' Church Leader Says. But Is the Real Name Too Long? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/18/us/mormon-latter-day-saints-name.html |access-date=2023-03-19 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505165938/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/18/us/mormon-latter-day-saints-name.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The LDS Church has made efforts, including in 1982, in 2001 prior to the [[2002 Winter Olympics|2002 Salt Lake City Olympics]], in 2011 after [[The Book of Mormon (musical)|''The Book of Mormon'']] appeared on Broadway, and again in 2018, to encourage the use of the church's full name, rather than the terms Mormon or LDS.<ref name="Criss-2018" /> According to Patrick Mason, chair of [[Mormon studies]] at [[Claremont Graduate University]] and Richard Bennett, a professor of church history at [[Brigham Young University]], this is because non-church members have historically been confused about whether it represents a Christian faith, which concerns church leaders, who want to emphasize that the church is a Christian church.<ref name="Criss-2018" /><ref name="Jacobs-2018" /> The term Mormon also causes concern for church leaders because it has been used to include splinter groups such as [[Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints]], who practice [[Polygamy in Christianity|polygamy]], which the LDS Church does not; Mason said "For more than 100 years, the mainstream LDS Church has gone to great pains to distance itself from those who practice polygamy. It doesn't want to have any confusion there between those two groups."<ref name="Criss-2018" />

In 2018, the LDS Church published a style guide that encourages the use of the terms "the Church", the "Church of Jesus Christ" or the "restored Church of Jesus Christ" as shortened versions after an initial use of the full name.<ref>On August 18, 2018, church president [[Russell M. Nelson]] asked followers and non-followers to characterize the denomination with the name "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" instead of "Mormons", "Mormonism" or the shorthand of "LDS".{{cite news |title=Latter Day Saints church leader rejects 'Mormon' label |work=BBC News |date=August 18, 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-45236892 |access-date=19 August 2018 |archive-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819191629/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-45236892 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Jacobs-2018" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stack |first=Peggy Fletcher |date=22 August 2018 |title=LDS Church wants everyone to stop calling it the LDS Church and drop the word 'Mormons' — but some members doubt it will happen |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/2018/08/16/lds-church-wants-everyone/ |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420203816/https://www.sltrib.com/news/2018/08/16/lds-church-wants-everyone/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to church historian Bowman, 'the term "restored" refers to the idea that the original Christian religion is obsolete, and Mormons alone are practicing true Christianity.'<ref name="Jacobs-2018" />

The 2018 style guide rejects the term Mormons along with "Mormon Church", "Mormonism", and the abbreviation LDS.<ref name="Jacobs-2018" /> The second-largest sect, the [[Community of Christ]], also rejects the term Mormon due to its association with the practice of polygamy among [[List of denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement#Apostolic succession by Brigham Young|Brighamite sects]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Shields|first=Steven L.|date=2014|title=The Early Community of Christ Mission to "Redeem" the Church in Utah|journal=Journal of Mormon History|volume=40|issue=4 |pages=158–170|doi=10.5406/jmormhist.40.4.158 |s2cid=246562695|doi-access=free}}</ref> Other sects, including several [[Mormon fundamentalism|fundamentalist branches]] of the Brighamite tradition, embrace the term ''Mormon''.

== History ==
{{Main|History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}

The history of the Mormons has shaped them into a people with a strong sense of unity and commonality.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=75,119}}.</ref> From the start, Mormons have tried to establish what they call "[[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|Zion]]", a utopian society of the righteous.<ref>A Mormon scripture describing the ancient city of [[Enoch (ancestor of Noah)|Enoch]] became a model for the Saints. Enoch's city was a Zion "because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there were no poor among them" {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=36–38}}; ([http://churchofjesuschrist.org/scriptures/pgp/moses/7.18?lang=eng#17 {{nowrap|Book of Moses 7:18}}]).</ref>
Mormon history can be divided into three broad periods: (1) the early history during the lifetime of [[Joseph Smith]], (2) a "pioneer era" under the leadership of [[Brigham Young]] and his successors, and (3) a modern era beginning around the turn of the 20th century. In the first period, Smith attempted to build a city called Zion, where converts could gather. Zion became a "landscape of villages" in Utah during the pioneer era. In modern times, Zion is still an ideal, though Mormons gather together in their individual congregations rather than in a central geographic location.<ref>"In Missouri and Illinois, Zion had been a city; in Utah, it was a landscape of villages; in the urban diaspora, it was the ward with its extensive programs." {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=107}}.</ref>

=== Beginnings ===
{{See also|History of the Latter Day Saint movement}}

[[File:Joseph Smith first vision stained glass.jpg|thumb|upright|A stained glass window of [[Joseph Smith|Joseph Smith's]] 1820 [[First Vision]]]]

The Mormon movement began with the publishing of the Book of Mormon in March 1830, which Smith stated was a translation of [[golden plates]] containing the religious history of an ancient American civilization that the ancient prophet-historian [[Mormon (Book of Mormon)|Mormon]] had compiled. Smith stated that [[Angel Moroni|an angel]] had directed him to the [[golden plates]] buried in the [[Cumorah|Hill Cumorah]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=19}}.</ref> On April 6, 1830, Smith founded the [[Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints)|Church of Christ]].<ref>Scholars and eye-witnesses disagree as to whether the church was organized in [[Manchester (town), New York|Manchester, New York]] at the Smith log home, or in [[Fayette, New York|Fayette]] at the home of [[Peter Whitmer Sr.]] {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=109}}; {{Harvtxt|Marquardt|2005|pp=223–23}} (arguing that organization in Manchester is most consistent with eye-witness statements).</ref> In 1832, Smith added an account of [[First Vision|a vision]] he had sometime in the early 1820s while living in Upstate New York.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=1, 9}}; {{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=9}}; {{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5Zx9qOay304C&pg=PA30 |title = Joseph Smith and the Origins of the Book of Mormon |first = David |last = Persuitte |page = 30 |publisher = McFarland |date = October 2000 |access-date = January 25, 2012 |isbn = 9780786484034 }}.</ref> Some Mormons regarded this vision as the most important event in human history after the birth, ministry, and [[resurrection of Jesus]] Christ.<ref name="LDS Church 2010">{{cite web |author = LDS Church |title = Joseph Smith Home Page/Mission of the Prophet/First Vision: This Is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! |year = 2010 |url = http://josephsmith.net/article/the-first-vision |access-date = April 29, 2010 }}; {{Harvtxt|Allen|1966|p=29}} (belief in the First Vision now considered second in importance only to belief in the divinity of Jesus.); {{Cite journal |title = What Are People Asking about Us? |last = Hinkley |first = Gordon B. |journal = [[Ensign (LDS magazine)|Ensign]] |issue = November |year = 1998 |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/1998/11/what-are-people-asking-about-us |access-date = May 30, 2019 |archive-date = July 5, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200705085517/http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/1998/11/what-are-people-asking-about-us |url-status = live }} ("[N]othing we teach, nothing we live by is of greater importance than this initial declaration.").</ref>

The early church grew westward as Smith sent missionaries to proselytize.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=41}} (by the next spring the church had 1,000 members).</ref> In 1831, the church moved to [[Kirtland, Ohio]], where missionaries had made a large number of converts<ref>{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=97}} (citing letter by Smith to Kirtland converts, quoted in {{Harvtxt|Howe|1834|p=111}});  {{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=41}}.</ref> and Smith began establishing an outpost in [[Jackson County, Missouri]],<ref>{{Harvtxt|Smith|Cowdery|Rigdon|Williams|1835|p=154}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=162}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=109}}.</ref> where he planned to eventually build the city of [[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|Zion]] (or the [[New Jerusalem]]).<ref>Smith said in 1831 that God intended the Mormons to "retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years." ([[Doctrine and Covenants]] 64:21); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=122}}.</ref> In 1833, Missouri settlers, alarmed by the rapid influx of Mormons, expelled them from Jackson County into the nearby [[Clay County, Missouri|Clay County]], where local residents were more welcoming.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=222–27}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=137}} (noting that the brutality of the Jackson Countians aroused sympathy for the Mormons and was almost universally deplored by the media); {{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=43–45}} (The Mormons were forced out in a November gale, and were taken in by Clay County residents, who earned from non-Mormons the derogative title of "Jack Mormons").</ref>
After Smith led a mission, known as [[Zion's Camp]], to recover the land,<ref>{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=141, 146–59}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=322}}.</ref> he began building [[Kirtland Temple]] in [[Lake County, Ohio]], where the church flourished.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=101}}; {{Harvtxt|Arrington|1992|p=21}} (by summer of 1835, there were 1500 to 2000 Saints in Kirtland); Desert Morning News ''2008 Church Almanac'' p. 655 (from 1831 to 1838, church membership grew from 680 to 17,881); {{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=310–19}} (The Kirtland Temple was viewed as the site of a new [[Pentecost]]); {{Harv|Brodie|1971|p=178}}. Smith also published several new [[revelation (Latter Day Saints)|revelations]] during the Kirtland era.</ref> When the Missouri Mormons were later asked to leave Clay County in 1836, they secured land in what would become [[Caldwell County, Missouri|Caldwell County]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=45}} (In December 1836, the Missouri legislature granted the Mormons the right to organize Caldwell County).</ref>

The Kirtland era ended in 1838 after the failure of a [[Kirtland Safety Society|church-sponsored anti-bank]] caused widespread defections,<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=328–38}}; {{Harvtxt|Brooke|1994|p=221}} ("Ultimately, the rituals and visions dedicating the Kirtland temple were not sufficient to hold the church together in the face of a mounting series of internal disputes.")</ref> and Smith regrouped with the remaining church in [[Far West, Missouri]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Roberts|1905|p=24}} (referring to the Far West church as the "church in Zion"); {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=345}} (The revelation calling Far West "Zion" had the effect of "implying that Far West was to take the place of Independence.")</ref> During the fall of 1838, tensions escalated into the [[1838 Mormon War|Mormon War]] with the old Missouri settlers.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=357–64}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=227–30}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=134}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=97–98}}.</ref> On October 27, the [[Lilburn Boggs|governor]] of Missouri [[Missouri Executive Order 44|ordered]] that the Mormons "must be treated as enemies" and be exterminated or driven from the state.<ref>{{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=367}} (Boggs' executive order stated that the Mormon community had "made war upon the people of this State" and that "the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace").  {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=398}} (In 1976, [[Missouri]] issued a formal apology for this order) {{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=47}}.</ref> Between November and April, some eight thousand displaced Mormons migrated east into [[Illinois]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=47}} ("the Saints, after being ravaged by troops, robbed by neighbors, and insulted by public officials from February to April, crossed over into Illinois").</ref>

In 1839, the Mormons purchased the small town of Commerce, converted swampland on the banks of the Mississippi River, renamed the area [[Nauvoo, Illinois]],<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=383–84}}.</ref> and began constructing the [[Nauvoo Temple]]. The city became the church's new headquarters and gathering place, and it grew rapidly, fueled in part by converts immigrating from Europe.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=409}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=258, 264–65}}; {{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=51}} (noting the city growth and missionary success in England).</ref> Meanwhile, Smith introduced temple ceremonies meant to [[Sealing (Mormonism)|seal]] families together for eternity, as well as the doctrines of eternal progression or [[Exaltation (Mormonism)|exaltation]]<ref>{{Harvtxt|Widmer|2000|p=119}} (Smith taught that faithful Mormons may progress until they become co-equal with God); {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1909|pp=502–03}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=497–98}} (the [[second anointing]] provided a guarantee that participants would be exalted even if they sinned).</ref> and plural marriage.<ref>Initially, Smith introduced plural marriage only to his closest associates.{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=334–36}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=437, 644}} The practice was acknowledged publicly in 1852 by [[Brigham Young]].</ref>
Smith created a service organization for women called the [[Relief Society]] and the [[Council of Fifty]], representing a future [[theodemocracy|theodemocratic]] "Kingdom of God" on the earth.<ref>{{Harvnb|Quinn|1980|pp=120–122, 165}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=519–21}} (describing the Council of Fifty).</ref> Smith also published the story of his [[First Vision]], in which the [[God the Father|Father]] and the [[Jesus|Son]] appeared to him when he was about 14 years old.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Shipps|1985|p=30}} The first extant account of the First Vision is the manuscript account in Joseph Smith, "[[Manuscript History of the Church]]" (1839); the first published account is [[Orson Pratt]], ''An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions and of the Late Discovery of Ancient American Records'' (Edinburgh: Ballantyne and Hughes, 1840); and the first American publication is Smith's [[Wentworth letter|letter to John Wentworth]] in ''[[Times and Seasons]]'', '''3''' (March 1842), 706–08. (These accounts are available in {{Cite book |title=Early Mormon Documents |publisher=Signature Books |year=1996 |isbn=978-1-56085-072-4 |editor-last=Vogel |editor-first=Dan |editor-link=Dan Vogel |volume=1 |place=Salt Lake City}}.) As the LDS historian [[Richard Bushman]] wrote in his biography of Smith, "At first, Joseph was reluctant to talk about his vision. Most early converts probably never heard about the 1820 vision." {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=39}}.</ref> This vision would come to be regarded by some Mormons as the most important event in human history after the birth, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.<ref name="LDS Church 2010"/>

In 1844, local prejudices and political tensions, fueled by Mormon peculiarity, internal dissent, and reports of polygamy, escalated into conflicts between Mormons and "anti-Mormons" in Illinois and Missouri.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=64–67}}</ref> Smith was arrested, and on June 27, 1844, he and his brother [[Hyrum Smith|Hyrum]] were [[Death of Joseph Smith|killed by a mob]] in [[Carthage, Illinois]].<ref>''Encyclopedia of Latter-Day Saint History'', p. 824; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=393–94}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=539–50}}; Many local Illinoisans were uneasy with Mormon power, and their unease was fanned by the local media after Smith suppressed a newspaper containing an exposé regarding plural marriage, theocracy, and other sensitive and oft misinterpreted issues. The suppression resulted in Smith being arrested, tried, and acquitted for "inciting a riot". On June 25, Smith let himself be arrested and tried for the riot charges again, this time in Carthage, the county seat, where he was incarcerated without bail on a new charge of treason. {{citation |contribution-url = http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/EoM/id/4208 |contribution = Smith, Joseph: Legal Trials of Joseph Smith |first = Joseph I. |last = Bentley |pages = 1346–1348 |editor1-last = Ludlow |editor1-first = Daniel H |editor1-link = Daniel H. Ludlow |title = Encyclopedia of Mormonism |location = New York |publisher = [[Macmillan Publishing]] |year = 1992 |isbn = 978-0-02-879602-4 |oclc = 24502140 |title-link = Encyclopedia of Mormonism |access-date = July 10, 2014 |archive-date = November 15, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141115202830/http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/EoM/id/4208 |url-status = live }}.</ref> Because Hyrum was Smith's logical successor,<ref>Brigham Young later said of Hyrum, "Did Joseph Smith ordain any man to take his place. He did. Who was it? It was Hyrum, but Hyrum fell a martyr before Joseph did. If Hyrum had lived he would have acted for Joseph." ''[[Times and Seasons]]'', '''5''' [October 15, 1844]: 683.</ref> their deaths caused a [[Succession crisis (Latter Day Saints)|succession crisis]],<ref>{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=143}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=398}}.</ref> and [[Brigham Young]] assumed leadership over most Latter Day Saints.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=556–57}}.</ref> Young had been a close associate of Smith's and was the senior [[Apostle (Latter Day Saints)|apostle]] of the [[Quorum of the Twelve]].<ref>Smith's position as [[President of the Church]] was originally left vacant, based on the sentiment that nobody could succeed Smith's office. Years later, the church established the principle that Young, and any other senior [[Apostle (LDS Church)|apostle]] of the [[Quorum of the Twelve]], would be ordained [[President of the Church (LDS Church)|President of the Church]] as a matter of course upon the death of the former President, subject to unanimous agreement of the Quorum of the Twelve.</ref> Smaller groups of Latter-Day Saints followed other leaders to form other denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=198–211}}.</ref>

=== Pioneer era ===
[[File:Mormon Pioneer handcart statue.jpg|thumb|A [[Handcart Pioneers (sculpture)|statue]] commemorating the [[Mormon handcart pioneers]].]]
For two years after Joseph Smith's death, conflicts escalated between Mormons and other Illinois residents. To prevent war, Brigham Young led the [[Mormon pioneers]] (constituting most of the Latter Day Saints) to a temporary [[Winter Quarters (North Omaha, Nebraska)|winter quarters]] in Nebraska and then, eventually (beginning in 1847), to what became the [[Utah Territory]].<ref name="emigration-religious-freedom">In 2004, the State of Illinois recognized the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints as the "largest forced migration in American history" and stated in the adopted resolution that, "WHEREAS, The biases and prejudices of a less enlightened age in the history of the State of Illinois caused unmeasurable hardship and trauma for the community of Latter-day Saints by the distrust, violence, and inhospitable actions of a dark time in our past; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we acknowledge the disparity of those past actions and suspicions, regretting the expulsion of the community of Latter-day Saints, a people of faith and hard work." {{cite web |url = http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?GAID=3&SessionID=3&GA=93&DocTypeID=HR&DocNum=0793&LegID=12984&SpecSess=&Session= |title = Official House Resolution HR0793 (LRB093 21726 KEF 49525 r) |author = Illinois General Assembly |date = April 1, 2004 |access-date = April 4, 2011 |archive-date = June 20, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220620015748/http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?GAID=3 |url-status = live }}; "The great Mormon migration of 1846–1847 was but one step in the Mormons' quest for religious freedom and growth." {{citation |url = https://www.nps.gov/mopi/learn/historyculture/index.htm |title = Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail: History & Culture |work = NPS.gov |publisher = [[National Park Service]] |access-date = July 9, 2014 |archive-date = December 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141208215457/http://www.nps.gov/mopi/historyculture/index.htm |url-status = live }}.</ref> Having failed to build Zion within the confines of American society, the Mormons began to construct a society in isolation based on their beliefs and values.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=86}} ("Having failed to build Zion within the confines of American society, the Latter-day Saints found in the Great Basin the isolation that would enable them to establish a distinctive community based upon their own beliefs and values").</ref> The cooperative ethic that Mormons had developed over the last decade and a half became important as settlers branched out and colonized a large desert region now known as the [[Mormon Corridor]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=84}} (From 1847 to 1857 ninety-five Mormon communities were established, most of them clustering around Salt Lake City); {{Cite journal |journal = Pacific Historical Review |volume = 8 |issue = 2 |title = The Mormon Corridor |last = Hunter |first = Milton |date = June 1939 |jstor = 3633392 |pages = 179–200 |doi = 10.2307/3633392 }}.</ref> Colonizing efforts were seen as religious duties, and the new villages were governed by the Mormon [[bishop (Latter Day Saints)|bishops]] (local lay religious leaders).<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=86–89}}.</ref> The Mormons viewed land as a commonwealth, devising and maintaining a cooperative system of irrigation that allowed them to build a farming community in the desert.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=87–91}}.</ref>

From 1849 to 1852, the Mormons greatly expanded their missionary efforts, establishing several [[Mission (LDS Church)|missions]] in Europe, Latin America, and the South Pacific.<ref name="ODea91">{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=91}}.</ref> Converts were expected to "gather" to Zion, and during Young's presidency (1847–77), over seventy thousand Mormon converts immigrated to America.<ref name=ODea91 /> Many of the converts came from England and [[Scandinavia]] and were quickly assimilated into the Mormon community.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=91–92}}; {{citation |url = http://welshmormon.byu.edu/ |title = Welsh Mormon History |work = WelshMormon.BYU.edu |publisher = [[BYU Research Institutes|Center for Family History and Genealogy]], [[Brigham Young University]] |access-date = July 10, 2014 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202310/http://welshmormon.byu.edu/ |url-status = live }} During the 1840s and 1850s many thousands of Welsh Mormon converts immigrated to America, and today, it is estimated that around 20 percent of the population of [[Utah]] is of Welsh descent.</ref> Many of these immigrants crossed the [[Great Plains]] in wagons drawn by oxen, while some later groups pulled their possessions in small handcarts. During the 1860s, newcomers began using the new [[First transcontinental railroad|railroad]] that was under construction.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=95–96}}.</ref>

In 1852, church leaders publicized the previously secret practice of [[plural marriage]], a form of [[polygamy]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=88}} (Plural marriage originated in a revelation that Joseph Smith apparently received in 1831 and wrote down in 1843. It was first publicly announced in a general conference in 1852); {{citation |first = Jessie L. |last = Embry |contribution = Polygamy |contribution-url = http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/p/POLYGAMY.html |editor-last = Powell |editor-first = Allan Kent |year = 1994 |title = Utah History Encyclopedia |location = Salt Lake City, Utah |publisher = [[University of Utah Press]] |isbn = 978-0-87480-425-6 |oclc = 30473917 |access-date = October 31, 2013 |archive-date = April 17, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170417163937/http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/p/POLYGAMY.html |url-status = dead }} The Mormon doctrine of plural wives was officially announced by one of the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church)|Twelve Apostles]], [[Orson Pratt]], and Young in a special conference of the elders of the LDS Church assembled in the [[Mormon Tabernacle]] on August 28, 1852, and reprinted in an extra edition of the ''[[Deseret News]]''
{{cite news |title = Minutes of conference: a special conference of the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assembled in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, August 28, 1852, 10 o'clock, a.m., pursuant to public notice |publisher = [[Deseret News]] Extra |date = September 14, 1852 |page = 14 }}.  See also [[Origin of Latter Day Saint polygamy#The 1850s: Official sanction in the LDS Church|The 1850s: Official sanction in the LDS Church]]</ref> Over the next 50 years, many Mormons (between 20 and 30 percent of Mormon families)<ref>{{cite book |last = Flake |first = Kathleen |title = The Politics of American Religious Identity |year = 2004 |publisher = University of North Carolina Press |isbn = 978-0-8078-5501-0 |pages = 65, 192 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=GLLCAB5vmMQC }}.</ref> entered into plural marriages as a religious duty, with the number of plural marriages reaching a peak around 1860 and then declining through the rest of the century.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=88}} (If asked why they entered these relationships, both plural wives and husbands emphasized spiritual blessings of being sealed eternally and of submitting to God's will. According to the federal censuses, the highest percentage of the population in polygamous families was in 1860 (43.6 percent) and it declined to 25 percent in 1880 and to 7 percent in 1890).</ref> Besides the doctrinal reasons for plural marriage, the practice made some economic sense, as many of the plural wives were single women who arrived in Utah without brothers or fathers to offer them societal support.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=88}} ("The close study of the marriages in one nineteenth-century Utah community revealed that a disproportionate number of plural wives were women who arrived in Utah without fathers or brothers to care for them...Since better-off men more frequently married plurally, the practice distributed wealth to the poor and disconnected").</ref>

[[File:Crossing the Mississippi on the Ice by C.C.A. Christensen.png|thumb|Mormon pioneers crossing the [[Mississippi]] on the ice]]

By 1857, tensions had again escalated between Mormons and other Americans, primarily due to accusations involving polygamy and the [[theocratic]] rule of the Utah Territory by Brigham Young.<ref>{{citation |last = Tullidge |first = Edward |author-link = Edward Tullidge |title = History of Salt Lake City |url = https://archive.org/details/historyofsaltlak00tull |contribution-url = https://archive.org/stream/historyofsaltlak00tull#page/n155/mode/2up |contribution = Resignation of Judge Drummond |pages = 132–35 |place = Salt Lake City |publisher = Star Printing Company |year = 1886 |oclc = 13941646 }}</ref> In 1857, U.S. President [[James Buchanan]] sent an army to Utah, which Mormons interpreted as open aggression against them. Fearing a repeat of Missouri and Illinois, the Mormons prepared to defend themselves, determined to torch their own homes if they were invaded.<ref>{{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|pp=101–02}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=95}}.</ref> The [[Utah War]] ensued from 1857 to 1858, in which the most notable instance of violence was the [[Mountain Meadows massacre]] when leaders of a local Mormon militia ordered the killing of a civilian emigrant party that was traveling through Utah during the escalating tensions.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=96–97}} (calling the Mountain Meadows massacre the greatest tragedy in Mormon history).</ref> In 1858, Young agreed to step down from his position as governor and was replaced by a non-Mormon, [[Alfred Cumming (governor)|Alfred Cumming]].<ref>To combat the notion that rank-and-file Mormons were unhappy under Young's leadership, Cumming noted that he had offered to help any to leave the territory if they desired. Of the 50,000 inhabitants of the state of Utah, the underwhelming response—56 men, 33 women, and 71 children, most of whom stated they left for economic reasons—impressed Cumming, as did the fact that Mormon leaders contributed supplies to the emigrants. Cumming to [Secretary of State Lewis Cass], written by Thomas Kane, May 2, 1858, BYU Special Collections.</ref> Nevertheless, the LDS Church still wielded significant political power in the Utah Territory.<ref>{{Cite book |last1 = Firmage |first1 = Edwin Brown |last2 = Mangrum |first2 = Richard Collin |title = Zion in the Courts: A Legal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1830–1900 |page = 140 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=9AimifP2a-4C&pg=PR7 |isbn = 978-0-252-06980-2 |publisher = U. of Illinois Press |year = 2002 }}.</ref>

At Young's death in 1877, he was followed by other [[List of presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|LDS Church presidents]], who resisted efforts by the [[United States Congress]] to outlaw Mormon polygamous marriages.<ref name="Bushman97">{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=97}}.</ref> In 1878, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in ''[[Reynolds v. United States]]'' that religious duty was not a suitable defense for practicing polygamy. Many Mormon polygamists went into hiding; later, Congress began seizing church assets.<ref name=Bushman97 /> In September 1890, church president [[Wilford Woodruff]] issued a [[1890 Manifesto|Manifesto]] that officially suspended the practice of polygamy.<ref>{{LDS|Official Declaration|od|1}}</ref> Although this Manifesto did not dissolve existing plural marriages, relations with the United States markedly improved after 1890, such that Utah was admitted as a U.S. state in 1896. After the Manifesto, some Mormons continued to enter into polygamous marriages, but these eventually stopped in 1904 when church president [[Joseph F. Smith]] [[Reed Smoot hearings|disavowed polygamy]] before Congress and issued a "[[Second Manifesto]]" calling for all plural marriages in the church to cease. Eventually, the church adopted a policy of [[excommunication|excommunicating]] members found practicing polygamy, and today actively seeks to distance itself from "[[Mormon fundamentalism|fundamentalist]]" groups that continue the practice.<ref>{{citation |url = https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide |title = Style Guide – The Name of the Church: Topics and Background |work = MormonNewsroom.org |date = April 9, 2010 |publisher = LDS Church |access-date = July 9, 2014 |quote = When referring to people or organizations that practice polygamy, it should be stated that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not affiliated with polygamous groups. |archive-date = June 13, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190613210818/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide |url-status = live }}. The church repudiates polygamist groups and excommunicates their members if discovered: {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=91}}; {{cite news |url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25396937 |title = Mormons seek distance from polygamous sects |date = June 26, 2008 |agency = [[Associated Press|AP]] |publisher = NBCNews.com |access-date = July 10, 2014 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021221253/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25396937/ns/us_news-faith/t/mormons-seek-distance-polygamist-sects |url-status = live }}.</ref>

=== Modern times ===
{{Further|Mormonism as a world religion}}

During the early 20th century, Mormons began reintegrating into the American mainstream. In 1929, the [[Mormon Tabernacle Choir]] began broadcasting a weekly performance on national radio, becoming an asset for public relations.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=103}}.</ref> Mormons emphasized patriotism and industry, rising in socioeconomic status from the bottom among American religious denominations to the middle class.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Mauss|1994|p=22}}. "With the consistent encouragement of church leaders, Mormons became models of patriotic, law-abiding citizenship, sometimes seeming to "out-American" all other Americans. Their participation in the full spectrum of national, social, political, economic, and cultural life has been thorough and sincere".</ref>
In the 1920s and 1930s, Mormons began migrating out of Utah, a trend hurried by the [[Great Depression]], as Mormons looked for work wherever they could find it.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=105}}.</ref> As Mormons spread out, church leaders created programs to help preserve the tight-knit community feel of Mormon culture.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=106}}.</ref> In addition to weekly worship services, Mormons began participating in numerous programs such as [[Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America)|Boy Scouting]], a [[Young Women (organization)|Young Women organization]], church-sponsored dances, ward basketball, camping trips, plays, and [[LDS Seminaries|religious education programs]] for youth and college students.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=53}}.</ref> During the Great Depression, the church started a [[LDS Humanitarian Services|welfare program]] to meet the needs of poor members, which has since grown to include a humanitarian branch that provides relief to disaster victims.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=40–41}}.</ref>

[[File:Mtchoirandorchestra ConferenceCenter.jpg|left|thumb|The 360-member [[Tabernacle Choir|Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square]]]]

During the later half of the 20th century, there was a retrenchment movement in Mormonism in which Mormons became more conservative, attempting to regain their status as a "peculiar people".<ref>The term ''peculiar people'' is consciously borrowed from [http://churchofjesuschrist.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/2.9?lang=eng#8 1 Peter 2:9], and can be interpreted as "special" or "different", though Mormons have certainly been viewed as "peculiar" in the modern sense as well. {{Harvtxt|Mauss|1994|p=60}}.</ref>
Though the 1960s and 1970s brought changes such as [[Women's Liberation]] and the [[civil rights movement]], Mormon leaders were alarmed by the erosion of traditional values, the [[sexual revolution]], the widespread use of recreational drugs, [[moral relativism]], and other forces they saw as damaging to the family.<ref>"Developments mitigating traditional racial, ethnic, and gender inequality and bigotry were regarded in hindsight by most Americans (and most Mormons) as desirable &nbsp;.... On the other hand, Mormons (and many others) have watched with increasing alarm the spread throughout society of 'liberating' innovations such as the normalization of non-marital sexual behavior, the rise in abortion, illegitimacy, divorce, and child neglect or abuse, recreational drugs, crime, etc." {{Harvtxt|Mauss|1994|p=124}}.</ref>
Partly to counter this, Mormons put an even greater emphasis on family life, religious education, and missionary work, becoming more conservative in the process. As a result, Mormons today are probably less integrated with mainstream society than they were in the early 1960s.<ref>"[T]he church appears to have arrested, if not reversed, the erosion of distinctive Mormon ways that might have been anticipated in the 60s." {{Harvtxt|Mauss|1994|p=140}}. "However, in partial contradiction to their public image, Mormons stand mostly on the liberal side of the continuum on certain other social and political issues, notably on civil rights, and even on women's rights, except where these seem to conflict with child-rearing roles." {{Harvtxt|Mauss|1994|p=156}}.</ref>

Although [[black people]] have been members of Mormon congregations since Joseph Smith's time, before 1978, black membership was small. From 1852 to 1978, the LDS Church enforced [[black people and Mormonism|a policy]] restricting men of black African descent from being ordained to the church's lay [[Priesthood (LDS Church)|priesthood]].<ref>{{Cite book |title = All Abraham's Children: Changing Mormon Conceptions of Race and Lineage |first = Armand L. |last = Mauss |pages = 213–215 |publisher = University of Illinois Press |year = 2003 |isbn = 978-0-252-02803-8 }}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=111–12}} ("The origins of this policy are not altogether clear. "Passages in Joseph Smith's translations indicate that a lineage associated with Ham and the Egyptian pharaohs was forbidden the priesthood. Connecting the ancient pharaohs with modern Africans and African Americans required a speculative leap, but by the time of Brigham Young, the leap was made.")</ref> The church was sharply criticized for its policy during the [[civil rights movement]], but the policy remained in force until [[1978 Revelation on Priesthood|a 1978 reversal]] that was prompted in part by questions about mixed-race converts in Brazil.<ref name="Bushman111">{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=111–12}}.</ref> In general, Mormons greeted the change with joy and relief.<ref name=Bushman111 /> Since 1978, black membership has grown, and in 1997 there were approximately 500,000 black church members (about 5 percent of the total membership), mostly in Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean.<ref>{{Cite journal |url = http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_218.html |title = 1999–2000 Church Almanac |year = 1998 |website = Adherents.com |page = 119 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604023854/http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_218.html |access-date = November 11, 2011 |url-status = usurped |archive-date = June 4, 2011 }} "A rough estimate would place the number of Church members with African roots at year-end 1997 at half a million, with about 100,000 each in Africa and the Caribbean, and another 300,000 in Brazil."</ref> Black membership has continued to grow substantially, especially in West Africa, where two [[Temple (LDS Church)|temples]] have been built.<ref name="LDS-Africa">{{cite web |url = http://www.ldsgenesisgroup.org/africagrowth.html |title = The Church Continues to Grow in Africa |publisher = Genesis Group |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105130157/http://www.ldsgenesisgroup.org/africagrowth.html |archive-date = November 5, 2012 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> Some [[black Mormons]] are members of the [[Genesis Group]], an organization of black members that predates the priesthood ban and is endorsed by the church.<ref>{{Cite book |title = Black and Mormon |author = Newell G. Bringhurst, Darron T. Smith |date = December 13, 2005 |publisher = University of Illinois Press |pages = 102–104 }}</ref>

[[File:LDS Global Distribution (2009).svg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Global distribution of LDS Church members in 2009]]

The LDS Church grew rapidly after World War II and became a worldwide organization as [[Mormon missionary|missionaries]] were sent across the globe. The church doubled in size every 15 to 20 years,<ref>{{citation |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=wTBUCGwdG8MC&q=doubled+twice+since+then&pg=PA92 |title = The angel and the beehive: the Mormon struggle with assimilation |author = Armand L. Mauss |year = 1994 |page = 92 |publisher = University of Illinois Press |isbn = 9780252020711 }}; {{citation |title = Building a bigger tent: Does Mormonism have a Mitt Romney problem? |url = https://www.economist.com/united-states/2012/02/25/building-a-bigger-tent |date = February 25, 2012 |newspaper = [[The Economist]] |access-date = February 27, 2012 |archive-date = February 27, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120227161709/http://www.economist.com/node/21548247 |url-status = live }} (In 2010 alone the church grew by 400,000 new members, including converts and newborns).</ref> and by 1996, there were more Mormons outside the United States than inside.<ref name="Todd 1996">{{cite web |last = Todd |first = Jay M. |title = More Members Now outside U.S. Than in U.S |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/1996/03/news-of-the-church/more-members-now-outside-us-than-in-us |website = [[Ensign (LDS magazine)|Ensign]] |date = March 1996 |access-date = April 29, 2018 }}</ref> In 2012, there were an estimated 14.8&nbsp;million Mormons,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2012-statistical-report-2013-april-general-conference |title = 2012 Statistical Report for 2013 April General Conference |date = April 6, 2013 |access-date = July 18, 2019 |archive-date = June 28, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190628143049/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2012-statistical-report-2013-april-general-conference |url-status = live }}</ref> with roughly 57 percent living outside the United States.<ref>In 2011, approximately 6.2&nbsp;million of the church's 14.4&nbsp;million members lived in the U.S. {{cite web |url = https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/united-states |title = Facts and Statistics: United States |date = December 2011 |publisher = LDS Newsroom |access-date = April 29, 2018 |archive-date = June 28, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190628015016/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/united-states |url-status = live }}.</ref> It is estimated that approximately 4.5&nbsp;million Mormons – approximately 30% of the total membership – regularly attend services.<ref>{{citation |url = http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/57369318-80/church-percent-lds-growth.html.csp |title = New almanac offers look at the world of Mormon membership |first = Peggy Fletcher |last = Stack |author-link = Peggy Fletcher Stack |date = January 10, 2014 |newspaper = [[The Salt Lake Tribune]] |access-date = September 24, 2014 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021204834/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/57369318-80/church-percent-lds-growth.html.csp |url-status = live }}.</ref> A majority of U.S. Mormons are white and non-Hispanic (84 percent).<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-methodology.aspx |title = Mormons in America |publisher = Pew Research Center |date = January 12, 2012 |access-date = May 13, 2012 |archive-date = May 19, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120519042958/http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-methodology.aspx |url-status = dead }}.</ref> Most Mormons are distributed in North and South America, the South Pacific, and Western Europe. The global distribution of Mormons resembles a contact diffusion model, radiating out from the organization's headquarters in Utah.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://web.natur.cuni.cz/ksgrrsek/acta/2009/2009_reeves.pdf |title = The Global Distribution of Adventists and Mormons in 2007 |author = Daniel Reeves |year = 2009 |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-date = December 12, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111212033045/http://web.natur.cuni.cz/ksgrrsek/acta/2009/2009_reeves.pdf |url-status = live }}.</ref> The church enforces general doctrinal uniformity, congregations on all continents teach the same doctrines, and international Mormons tend to absorb a good deal of Mormon culture, possibly because of the church's top-down hierarchy and missionary presence. However, international Mormons often bring pieces of their own heritage into the church, adapting church practices to local cultures.<ref name="Thomas W. Murphy 1996">{{cite web |url = https://dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V29N01_183.pdf |title = Reinventing Mormonism: Guatemala as Harbinger of the Future? |author = Thomas W. Murphy |year = 1996 |website = [[Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought]] |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-date = September 27, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927044542/https://dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V29N01_183.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

As of December 2019, the LDS Church reported having 16,565,036 members worldwide.<ref name="Statistics 2019">[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2019-statistical-report "2019 Statistical Report for April 2020 Conference"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629203050/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2017-statistical-report-april-2018-general-conference |date=June 29, 2019 }}, ''Church Newsroom'', April 4, 2020.</ref> [[Chile]], [[Uruguay]], and several areas in the South Pacific have a higher percentage of Mormons than the United States (which is at about 2 percent).<ref>{{cite web |url = https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/ |title = LDS Statistics and Church Facts – Total Church Membership |website = www.mormonnewsroom.org |access-date = September 13, 2015 |archive-date = June 6, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190606222321/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics |url-status = live }}</ref> South Pacific countries and dependencies that are more than 10 percent Mormon include [[American Samoa]], the [[Cook Islands]], [[Kiribati]], [[Niue]], [[Samoa]], and [[Tonga]].

== Culture and practices ==
{{Main|Culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}

Isolation in [[Utah]] had allowed Mormons to create a culture of their own.<ref name="Bushman47">{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=47}}.</ref> As the faith spread worldwide, many of its more distinctive practices followed. Mormon converts are urged to undergo lifestyle changes, repent of sins, and adopt sometimes atypical standards of conduct.<ref name=Bushman47 /> Practices common to Mormons include studying [[Religious text|scriptures]], praying daily, [[fasting]] regularly, attending Sunday worship services, participating in church programs and activities on weekdays, and refraining from work on Sundays when possible. The most important part of the church services is considered to be the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]] (commonly called [[Sacrament (LDS Church)|sacrament]]), in which church members renew covenants made at [[Baptism (Mormonism)|baptism]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/sacrament |publisher = churchofjesuschrist.org |title = Sacrament }}</ref> Mormons also emphasize standards they believe were taught by [[Jesus Christ]], including personal honesty, integrity, obedience to the law, chastity outside marriage, and fidelity within marriage.<ref name="StrengthofYouth">{{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth-fulfilling-our-duty-to-god |title = For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God |publisher = LDS Church }}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In 2010, around 13–14 percent of Mormons lived in Utah, the center of cultural influence for Mormonism.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/country/usa-utah |title = USA–Utah |date = July 27, 2011 |publisher = LDS Newsroom |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-date = June 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190629013943/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/country/usa-utah |url-status = live }}.</ref> [[Religion in Utah|Utah Mormons]] (as well as Mormons living in the [[Intermountain West]]) are on average more culturally and politically conservative than those living in some cosmopolitan centers elsewhere in the U.S.<ref>Mauss often compares [[Salt Lake City]] Mormons to California Mormons from San Francisco and [[East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)|East Bay]]. The Utah Mormons were generally more orthodox and conservative. {{Harvtxt|Mauss|1994|pp=40, 128}}; {{Cite report |url = http://pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/A-Portrait-of-Mormons-in-the-US--Social-and-Political-Views.aspx |title = A Portrait of Mormons in the U.S.: III. Social and Political Views |date = July 24, 2009 |publisher = Pew Research Center |access-date = September 22, 2011 |archive-date = September 10, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110910044847/http://pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/A-Portrait-of-Mormons-in-the-US--Social-and-Political-Views.aspx |url-status = dead }}.</ref> Utahns self-identifying as Mormon also attend church somewhat more on average than Mormons living in other states. (Nonetheless, whether they live in Utah or elsewhere in the U.S., Mormons tend to be more culturally and politically conservative than members of other U.S. religious groups.)<ref>{{Cite report |url = http://www.gallup.com/poll/125021/mormons-conservative-major-religious-group.aspx |date = January 11, 2010 |title = Mormons Most Conservative Major Religious Group in U.S.: Six out of 10 Mormons are politically conservative |publisher = [[Gallup poll]] |first = Frank |last = Newport |access-date = September 22, 2011 |archive-date = October 12, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111012194112/http://www.gallup.com/poll/125021/Mormons-Conservative-Major-Religious-Group.aspx |url-status = live }}; {{Cite report |url = http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1292/mormon-religion-demographics-beliefs-practices-politics |publisher = [[Pew Research Center]] |title = A Portrait of Mormons in the U.S |first = Allison |last = Pond |date = July 24, 2009 |access-date = September 22, 2011 |archive-date = October 12, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111012144516/http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1292/mormon-religion-demographics-beliefs-practices-politics |url-status = dead }}.</ref> Utah Mormons often emphasize [[Mormon pioneer|pioneer]] heritage more than international Mormons, who generally are not descendants of the [[Mormon pioneers]].<ref name="Thomas W. Murphy 1996" />

[[File:Igreja SUD uruguaiana rs.jpg|thumb|left|A Mormon meetinghouse used for Sunday worship services in Brazil]]

Mormons have a strong sense of communality that stems from their doctrine and history.<ref>Early Mormons had practiced the [[law of consecration]] in Missouri for two years, in an attempt to eliminate poverty. Families would return their surplus "income" to the bishop, who would then redistribute it among the saints. Though initial efforts at "consecration" failed, consecration has become a more general attitude that underlies Mormon charitable works. {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=36–39}}.</ref> LDS Church members have a responsibility to dedicate their time and talents to helping the poor and building the church. The church is divided by locality into congregations called "[[Ward (LDS Church)|wards]]", with several wards or branches to create a "[[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|stake]]".<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=53}} (The name "stake" comes from a passage in Isaiah that compares Zion to a tent that will enlarge as new stakes are planted); ''See [http://churchofjesuschrist.org/scriptures/ot/isa/33.20?lang=eng#19 {{nowrap|Isaiah 33:20}}] and [http://churchofjesuschrist.org/scriptures/ot/isa/54.2?lang=eng#1 {{nowrap|Isaiah 54:2}}]''.</ref> Most church leadership positions are [[Laity|lay]] positions, and church leaders may work 10 to 15 hours a week in unpaid church service.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=35, 52}}</ref> Observant Mormons also contribute 10 percent of their income to the church as [[Tithing in Mormonism|tithing]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=39}}</ref> Paying tithing is one of the prerequisites for entrance into Mormon temples. Many LDS young men, women, and elderly couples choose to serve a [[Proselytism|proselytizing]] [[Missionary (LDS Church)|mission]], during which they dedicate all of their time to the church without pay.<ref>A full-time mission is looked upon as important character training for a young man. {{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=177}}.</ref> Members are often involved in [[LDS Humanitarian Services|humanitarian efforts]].

Mormons adhere to the [[Word of Wisdom]], a health law or code that is interpreted as prohibiting the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea,<ref>{{cite news |author-link = Peggy Fletcher Stack |last = Stack |first = Peggy Fletcher |url = https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-08-31/national/35492011_1_drink-caffeine-lds-leaders-mormons |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130327204542/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-08-31/national/35492011_1_drink-caffeine-lds-leaders-mormons |url-status = dead |archive-date = March 27, 2013 |title = It's Official: Coke and Pepsi are OK for Mormons |agency = ([[Religion News Service]]) |newspaper = [[Washington Post]] |date = August 31, 2012 |access-date = September 20, 2013 }}.</ref> while encouraging the use of herbs, grains, fruits, and a moderate consumption of meat.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://scriptures.churchofjesuschrist.org/en/dc/89 |title = Doctrine and Covenants, section 89 }}</ref> The Word of Wisdom is also understood to forbid other harmful and addictive substances and practices, such as the use of illegal drugs and abuse of prescription drugs.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/word-of-wisdom |title = Word of Wisdom |year = 2004 |website = True to the Faith |pages = 186–88 |access-date = November 11, 2011 }}</ref> Mormons are encouraged to keep a year's supplies, including food and financial reserves.<ref>February 2007 [http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7585-1-4081-1,00.html All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319020514/http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7585-1-4081-1,00.html |date=March 19, 2012 }} The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</ref> Mormons also oppose behaviors such as viewing pornography and gambling.<ref name=StrengthofYouth />

The concept of a united family that lives and progresses forever is at the core of Latter-day Saint doctrine, and Mormons place a high importance on family life.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=59}} (In the temple, husbands and wives are [[Sealing (Mormonism)|sealed]] to each other for eternity. The implication is that other institutional forms, including the church, might disappear, but the family will endure); {{Cite report |url = http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx#family |title = Mormons in America |publisher = Pew Research Center |date = January 2012 |access-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120115005308/http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx#family |url-status = dead }} (A 2011 survey of Mormons in the United States showed that family life is very important to Mormons, with family concerns significantly higher than career concerns. Four out of five Mormons believe that being a good parent is one of the most important goals in life, and roughly three out of four Mormons put having a successful marriage in this category); {{Cite journal |url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700214901/New-Pew-survey-reinforces-Mormons-top-goals-of-family-marriage.html?pg=1 |title = New Pew survey reinforces Mormons' top goals of family, marriage |journal = Deseret News |date = January 12, 2012 |access-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-date = January 16, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120116100601/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700214901/New-Pew-survey-reinforces-Mormons-top-goals-of-family-marriage.html?pg=1 |url-status = dead }}; See also: [http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/family/proclamation "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"].</ref> Many Mormons hold weekly [[Family Home Evening]]s, in which an evening is set aside for family bonding, study, prayer, and other activities they consider to be wholesome. Latter-day Saint fathers who hold the [[Priesthood (LDS Church)|priesthood]] typically name and [[baby blessing|bless their children]] shortly after birth to formally give the child a name. Mormon parents hope and pray that their children will gain testimonies of the "gospel"{{vague|What is a "testimony of the 'gospel' and how does one "gain" it?|date=May 2018}} so they can grow up and marry in temples.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=30–31}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=58}}.</ref>

Mormons are encouraged to adhere to the [[law of chastity]], requiring abstention from sexual relations outside opposite-sex marriage and strict fidelity within marriage. All sexual activity (heterosexual and homosexual) outside marriage is considered a grave sin, with marriage recognized as only between a man and a woman.<ref>{{cite web |title = Chastity |website = True to the Faith |year = 2004 |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/chastity |pages = 29–33 }}; {{Cite report |url = http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx |title = Mormons in America |publisher = Pew Research Center |date = January 2012 |access-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120115005308/http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx |url-status = dead }} (79% of Mormons in the US say that sex between unmarried adults is morally wrong, far higher than the 35% of the general public who hold the same view).</ref> [[Same-sex marriage]]s are not performed or supported by the LDS Church. Church members are encouraged to marry and have children, and Latter-day Saint families tend to be larger than average. Mormons are opposed to abortion, except in some exceptional circumstances, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape or when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/official-statement/abortion |publisher = churchofjesuschrist.org |title = Topic: Abortion |date = November 8, 2012 |access-date = September 17, 2020 |archive-date = October 6, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201006032636/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/official-statement/abortion |url-status = live }}.</ref> Many practicing adult Mormons wear [[Temple garment|religious undergarments]] that remind them of [[covenant (Latter Day Saints)|covenants]] and encourage them to dress modestly. Latter-day Saints are counseled not to partake in any form of media that is obscene or pornographic in any way, including media that depicts graphic representations of sex or violence. Tattoos and [[body piercing]]s are generally discouraged.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth-fulfilling-our-duty-to-god/dress-and-appearance |title = Dress and Appearance |website = For the Strength of the Youth |publisher = LDS Church |year = 2001 |access-date = November 15, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}{{dead link|date=July 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}  {{cite web |url=https://www.ldsliving.com/whats-new-in-the-for-the-strength-of-youth-booklet/s/11043 |title=What are the biggest changes to the new 'For the Strength of Youth' booklet? |website=LDSLiving |year=2022 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026172130/https://www.ldsliving.com/whats-new-in-the-for-the-strength-of-youth-booklet/s/11043 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Homosexual Mormons|LGBTQ Mormons]] remain in good standing in the church if they abstain from homosexual relations and obey the law of chastity.<ref>Homosexual acts (as well as other sexual acts outside the bonds of marriage) are prohibited by the [[law of chastity]]. Violating the law of chastity may result in [[excommunication]]. {{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/1998/11/what-are-people-asking-about-us |title = What Are People Asking about Us? |author = Gordon B. Hinckley |year = 1998 |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-date = July 5, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200705085517/http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/1998/11/what-are-people-asking-about-us |url-status = live }}.</ref> While there are no official numbers, LDS Family Services estimates that, on average, four or five members per [[Ward (LDS Church)|LDS ward]] experience same-sex attraction.<ref>{{citation |url = http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm |title = Resources for Individuals |work = EvergreenInternational.org |publisher = [[Evergreen International]] |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121120213658/http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm |archive-date = November 20, 2012 }}.</ref> Gary Watts, former president of [[Family Fellowship]], estimates that only 10 percent of homosexuals stay in the church.<ref>{{Cite journal |url = http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_6668882 |title = Mormon church changes stance on homosexuality; New teachings say lifelong celibacy to be rewarded with heterosexuality in heaven |author = Rebecca Rosen Lum |date = August 20, 2007 |journal = [[The Oakland Tribune]] |access-date = December 20, 2007 |archive-date = May 12, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080512075347/http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_6668882 |url-status = live }}.</ref> Many of these individuals have come forward through different support groups or websites discussing their homosexual attractions and concurrent church membership.<ref>{{cite web |title = Mormons and Gays |url = http://www.mormonsandgays.org/ |publisher = The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints |access-date = February 18, 2013 |archive-date = June 16, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160616190527/http://mormonsandgays.org/ |url-status = dead }}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = North Star LDS Community |url = http://northstarlds.org/community/community-voices/ |publisher = North Star |access-date = February 18, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130404010645/http://northstarlds.org/community/community-voices/ |archive-date = April 4, 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.affirmation.org/history/in_the_beginning.shtml |website = Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons |title = In The Beginning: A Brief History of Affirmation |author = Paul Mortensen |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021171253/http://www.affirmation.org/history/in_the_beginning.shtml |archive-date = October 21, 2013 |df = mdy-all }}; See also:[[Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons]].</ref>

== Groups within Mormonism ==
{{See also|Mormon spectrums of orthodoxy and -praxy|List of denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints membership statistics}}

Note that the categories below are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

=== Latter-day Saints ("LDS") ===
{{Anchor|LDS}}

Members of the LDS Church, also known as Latter-day Saints, constitute over 95 percent of Mormons.<ref>As of the end of 2015, the LDS Church reported a membership of over 15 million ({{cite web |url = https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2015-statistical-report-april-2016-general-conference |title = 2015 Statistical Report for 2016 April General Conference |date = April 2, 2016 |access-date = July 18, 2019 |archive-date = June 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190629065405/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2015-statistical-report-april-2016-general-conference |url-status = live }}). Most other [[Brighamite|Brigham Young–lineage sects]] number in the tens of thousands. Historically, the [[Latter Day Saint  movement]] has been dominated by the LDS Church, with over 95 percent of adherents. One denomination dominates the [[Prairie Saints|non-LDS Church section of the movement]]: the [[Community of Christ]], which has about 250,000 members.)<br />Also note the use of the lower case ''d'' and hyphen in "Latter-day Saints", as opposed to the larger "Latter Day Saint movement".</ref> The beliefs and practices of LDS Mormons are generally guided by the teachings of [[general authority|LDS Church leaders]]. However, several smaller groups substantially differ from "mainstream" Mormonism in various ways.

LDS Church members who do not actively participate in worship services or church callings are often called "[[Less-active Mormon|less-active]]" or "inactive" (akin to the qualifying expressions ''non-observant'' or ''non-practicing'' used in relation to members of other religious groups).<ref name="Stack 2011-09-23">{{cite news |last = Stack |first = Peggy Fletcher |author-link = Peggy Fletcher Stack |date = September 23, 2011 |title = Active, inactive – do Mormon labels work or wound? |url = http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/52631643-80/mormon-church-lds-says.html.csp |newspaper = [[The Salt Lake Tribune]] |access-date = September 20, 2013 |archive-date = September 21, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054458/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/52631643-80/mormon-church-lds-says.html.csp |url-status = live }}.</ref> The LDS Church does not release statistics on church activity, but it is likely that about 40 percent of Mormons in the United States and 30 percent worldwide regularly attend worship services.<ref>Member activity rates are estimated from missionary reports, seminary and institute enrollment, and ratio of members per congregation – {{cite web |url = http://ldschurchgrowth.blogspot.com/2011/07/countries-of-world-by-estimated-member.html |title = Countries of the World by Estimated Member Activity Rate |date = July 11, 2011 |website = LDS Church Growth |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-date = March 22, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322135322/http://ldschurchgrowth.blogspot.com/2011/07/countries-of-world-by-estimated-member.html |url-status = live }}; See also: {{cite web |url = http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/latter-day-saint-social-life-social-research-lds-church-and-its-members/8-consequential-dim |title = The Consequential Dimension of Mormon Religiosity |author = Stan L. Albrecht |year = 1998 |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111006013004/http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/latter-day-saint-social-life-social-research-lds-church-and-its-members/8-consequential-dim |archive-date = October 6, 2011 |url-status = dead }}; {{cite news |first = Peggy Fletcher |last = Stack |author-link = Peggy Fletcher Stack |date = July 26, 2005 |title = Keeping members a challenge for LDS church |url = http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2890645 |newspaper = [[The Salt Lake Tribune]] |access-date = September 20, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054322/http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2890645 |archive-date = September 21, 2013 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> Reasons for inactivity can include rejection of the fundamental beliefs, history of the church, lifestyle incongruities with doctrinal teachings or problems with social integration.<ref>{{citation |contribution-url = https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/EoM/id/5447 |contribution = Activity in the Church |last = Cunningham |first = Perry H. |pages = 13–15 |editor-last = Ludlow |editor-first = Daniel H |editor-link = Daniel H. Ludlow |year = 1992 |title = Encyclopedia of Mormonism |location = New York |publisher = [[Macmillan Publishing]] |isbn = 978-0-02-879602-4 |oclc = 24502140 |title-link = Encyclopedia of Mormonism |access-date = September 18, 2020 |archive-date = August 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210805154721/https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/EoM/id/5447 |url-status = live }}</ref> Activity rates tend to vary with age, and disengagement occurs most frequently between age 16 and 25. In 1998, the church reported that most less active members returned to church activity later in life.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/latter-day-saint-social-life-social-research-lds-church-and-its-members/8-consequential-dim |title = The Consequential Dimension of Mormon Religiosity |author = Stan L. Albrecht |year = 1998 |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111006013004/http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/latter-day-saint-social-life-social-research-lds-church-and-its-members/8-consequential-dim |archive-date = October 6, 2011 |url-status = dead }}</ref> As of 2017, the LDS Church was losing [[millennials|millennial]]-age members,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kutv.com/news/local/losing-their-religion-millennials-including-utahns-leaving-church|title=KUTV|last=Hatch|first=Heidi|date=May 10, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=November 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122155455/https://kutv.com/news/local/losing-their-religion-millennials-including-utahns-leaving-church|url-status=live}}</ref> a phenomenon not unique to the LDS Church.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/05/12/millennials-increasingly-are-driving-growth-of-nones/|title=Millennials increasingly are driving growth of 'nones'|last=Lipka|first=Michael|date=May 12, 2015|website=Pew Research Center|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209050406/https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/05/12/millennials-increasingly-are-driving-growth-of-nones/|url-status=live}}</ref> Former Latter-day Saints who seek to disassociate themselves from the religion are often referred to as [[ex-Mormon]]s.

=== Fundamentalist Mormons ===

Members of sects that broke with the LDS Church over the issue of polygamy have become known as [[Mormon fundamentalism|fundamentalist Mormons]]; these groups differ from mainstream Mormonism primarily in their belief in and practice of [[plural marriage]]. There are thought to be between 20,000 and 60,000 members of fundamentalist sects (0.1–0.4 percent of Mormons), with roughly half of them practicing polygamy.<ref>Martha Sonntag Bradley, "Polygamy-Practicing Mormons" in [[J. Gordon Melton]] and Martin Baumann (eds.) (2002). ''Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia'' '''3''':1023–24; ''[[Dateline NBC]]'', January 2, 2001; Ken Driggs, [https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V24N04_46.pdf "Twentieth-Century Polygamy and Fundamentalist Mormons in Southern Utah"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225032210/https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V24N04_46.pdf |date=February 25, 2014 }}, ''[[Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought]]'', Winter 1991, pp. 46–47; Irwin Altman, "Polygamous Family Life: The Case of Contemporary Mormon Fundamentalists", ''[[Utah Law Review]]'' (1996) p. 369; Stephen Eliot Smith, "'The Mormon Question' Revisited: Anti-Polygamy Laws and the Free Exercise Clause", LL.M. thesis, [[Harvard Law School]], 2005.</ref> There are many fundamentalist sects, the largest two being the [[Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]] (FLDS Church) and the [[Apostolic United Brethren]] (AUB). In addition to plural marriage, some of these groups also practice a form of [[Christian communism|Christian communalism]] known as the [[law of consecration]] or the [[United Order]]. The LDS Church seeks to distance itself from all such polygamous groups, excommunicating their members if discovered practicing or teaching it,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide |title = Style Guide |date = April 9, 2010 |publisher = LDS Newsroom |access-date = November 11, 2011 |quote = When referring to people or organizations that practice polygamy, it should be stated that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not affiliated with polygamous groups. |archive-date = June 13, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190613210818/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide |url-status = live }}; The church repudiates polygamist groups and excommunicates their members if discovered – {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=91}}; {{cite web |url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25396937 |title = Mormons seek distance from polygamous sects |year = 2008 |publisher = NBC News |access-date = July 10, 2014 |archive-date = November 2, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221102040703/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide |url-status = live }}</ref> and today, a majority of Mormon fundamentalists have never been members of the LDS Church.<ref>{{Cite journal |journal = Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought |url = https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V31N02_19.pdf |author = Quinn, Michael D. |issue = 2 |date = Summer 1998 |title = Plural Marriage and Mormon Fundamentalism |page = 7 |volume = 31 |doi = 10.2307/45226443 |jstor = 45226443 |s2cid = 254325184 |access-date = February 1, 2012 |archive-date = October 29, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121029155811/https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V31N02_19.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref>

=== Liberal Mormons ===
{{anchor|Liberal Mormon}}

Liberal Mormons, also known as Progressive Mormons, take an interpretive approach to LDS teachings and scripture.<ref name="Stack 2011-09-23" /> They look to the scriptures for spiritual guidance, but may not necessarily believe the teachings to be literally or uniquely true. For liberal Mormons, revelation is a process through which God gradually brings fallible human beings to greater understanding.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.liberalmormon.net/501whl.shtml |title = LiberalMormon.net |access-date = October 27, 2011 |archive-date = December 12, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111212040004/http://www.liberalmormon.net/501whl.shtml |url-status = live }}.</ref> A person in this group is sometimes mistakenly regarded by others within the mainstream church as a [[Jack Mormon]], although this term is more commonly used to describe a different group with distinct motives to live the gospel in a non-traditional manner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1974/03/i-have-a-question/where-does-the-term-jack-mormon-come-from?lang=eng|title=Where does the term 'Jack-Mormon' come from?|website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org|access-date=2019-09-14|archive-date=March 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305033341/https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1974/03/i-have-a-question/where-does-the-term-jack-mormon-come-from?lang=eng|url-status=live}}</ref> Liberal Mormons place doing good and loving fellow human beings above the importance of believing correctly.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://latterdaymainstreet.com/2010/09/21/bringing-back-liberal-mormonism/ |title = Bringing back Liberal Mormonism |author = Chris H |date = September 21, 2010 |publisher = Main Street Plaza |access-date = October 27, 2011 |archive-date = October 16, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111016113824/http://latterdaymainstreet.com/2010/09/21/bringing-back-liberal-mormonism/ |url-status = dead }}.</ref> In a separate context, members of small [[List of denominations in the Latter Day Saint movement#Liberal Mormon|progressive breakaway groups]] have also adopted the label.

=== Cultural Mormons ===

[[Cultural Mormon]]s are individuals who may not believe in certain doctrines or practices of the institutional [[LDS Church]] yet identify as members of the Mormon ethnic identity.<ref name="Murphy">{{Cite journal |last=Murphy |first=Thomas W. |date=1999 |title=From Racist Stereotype to Ethnic Identity: Instrumental Uses of Mormon Racial Doctrine |journal=Ethnohistory – Duke University Press |volume=46 |issue=3 |pages=451–480|jstor=483199 }}</ref><ref name="Stack 2011-09-23" /><ref name="Campbell">{{Cite book |title=Mormons and American politics : seeking the promised land: Part I – Mormons as an Ethno-Religious Group |last=Campbell |first=David E. |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2014 |isbn=9781139227247 |location=New York, NY |pages=1–2 |oclc=886644501}}</ref> Usually, this is a result of having been raised in the LDS faith or having converted and spent a large portion of one's life as an active member of the LDS Church.<ref>{{citation |url = http://www.newordermormon.org/essays/faithful-unbelievers.php |title = New Order Mormon Essays: The Paradox of the Faithful Unbeliever |first = Peggy |last = Rogers |work = New Order Mormon, NewOrderMormon.org |publisher = Publisher is anonymous |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151002184908/http://www.newordermormon.org/essays/faithful-unbelievers.php |access-date = September 19, 2020|archive-date = October 2, 2015 }}.</ref> Cultural Mormons may or may not be actively involved with the LDS Church. In some cases, they may not be members of the LDS Church.

== Beliefs ==
{{Main|Mormonism|Mormon cosmology}}

Mormons have [[Standard Works|a scriptural canon]] consisting of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), the [[Book of Mormon]], and a collection of revelations and writings by Joseph Smith known as the [[Doctrine and Covenants]] and [[Pearl of Great Price (Mormonism)|Pearl of Great Price]]. Mormons, however, have a relatively [[Continuous revelation|open]] definition of [[Religious text|scripture]]. As a general rule, anything spoken or written by a [[Prophet, seer, and revelator|prophet]], while under inspiration, is considered to be the word of God.<ref>{{citation |contribution-url = http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/EoM/id/4172 |contribution = Scriptures: Authority of Scripture |pages = 1280–1281 |last = Jackson |first = Kent P. |author-link = Kent P. Jackson |editor-last = Ludlow |editor-first = Daniel H |editor-link = Daniel H. Ludlow |year = 1992 |title = Encyclopedia of Mormonism |location = New York |publisher = [[Macmillan Publishing]] |isbn = 978-0-02-879602-4 |oclc = 24502140 |title-link = Encyclopedia of Mormonism |access-date = January 19, 2016 |archive-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160203023934/http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/EoM/id/4172 |url-status = live }}.</ref> Thus, the Bible, written by prophets and apostles, is the word of God, so far as it is translated correctly. The [[Book of Mormon]] is also believed to have been written by ancient prophets and is viewed as a companion to the Bible. By this definition, the teachings of Smith's successors are also accepted as scripture, though they are always measured against and draw heavily from the scriptural canon.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=25–26}}.</ref>

[[File:Christus statue temple square salt lake city.jpg|thumb|Mormons see {{nowrap|[[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus Christ]]}} as the premier figure of their religion.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=8}} ("As the name of the church &nbsp;... suggests, Jesus Christ is the premier figure. Smith does not even play the role of the last and culminating prophet, as Muhammad does in Islam"); {{cite web |url = http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/what-mormons-believe-about-jesus-christ |title = What Mormons Believe About Jesus Christ |publisher = LDS Newsroom |access-date = November 11, 2011 }}; In a [http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx#beliefs 2011 Pew Survey] a thousand Mormons were asked to volunteer the one word that best describes Mormons. The most common response from those surveyed was "Christian" or "Christ-centered".</ref>]]

Mormons believe in "a friendly universe" governed by a God whose aim is to bring his children to immortality and eternal life.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=79}}.</ref> Mormons have a unique perspective on the [[Plurality of gods|nature of God]], the origin of man, and the purpose of life. For instance, Mormons believe in a pre-mortal existence where people were literal spirit children of God<ref name="PMGpos">{{Cite journal |title = Plan of Salvation |journal = True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference |year = 2004 |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/plan-of-salvation |page = 115 }}</ref> and that God presented a [[Plan of salvation (Latter Day Saints)|plan of salvation]] that would allow his children to progress and become more like him. The plan involved the spirits receiving bodies on earth and going through trials in order to learn, progress, and receive a "fullness of joy".<ref name=PMGpos /> The most important part of the plan involved [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus]], the eldest of God's children, coming to earth as the literal Son of God to conquer sin and death so that God's other children could return. According to Mormons, every person who lives on earth will be resurrected, and nearly all of them will be received into various [[Degrees of glory|kingdoms of glory]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=75}}.</ref> To be accepted into the highest kingdom, a person must fully accept Christ through faith, repentance, and through [[Ordinance (Latter Day Saints)|ordinances]] such as [[Baptism (Mormonism)|baptism]] and the [[Confirmation (Latter Day Saints)|laying on of hands]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=78}}; In Mormonism, an ordinance is a formal act, in which people enter into [[Covenant (Latter Day Saints)|covenants]] with God. For example, covenants associated with baptism and the [[Eucharist]] involve taking the name of the Son upon themselves, always remembering him, and keeping his commandments; {{Cite journal |title = Atonement of Jesus Christ |journal = True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference |year = 2004 |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/atonement-of-jesus-christ |page = 14 }};  {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=60–61}} Because Mormons believe that everyone must receive certain ordinances to be saved, Mormons perform vicarious ordinances such as [[baptism for the dead]] on behalf of deceased persons. Mormons believe that the deceased may accept or reject the offered ordinance in the [[Spirit world (Latter Day Saints)|spirit world]].</ref>

[[File:Latter Day Saint confirmation (Mayhew 1852).png|thumb|left|A Latter Day Saint [[Confirmation (Latter Day Saints)|confirmation]] {{circa|1852}}]]

According to Mormons, a deviation from the original principles of Christianity, referred to by them as [[Great Apostasy#Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|The Great Apostasy]], occurred after the [[ascension of Jesus Christ]],<ref name = PMG35>{{Cite book |author = Missionary Department of the LDS Church |author-link = The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |title = Preach My Gospel |publisher = [[LDS Church]], Inc |year = 2004 |page = 35 |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/lesson-1-the-message-of-the-restoration-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ |isbn = 978-0-402-36617-1 }}</ref> marked by the corruption of Christian doctrine by [[Greek philosophy|Greek]] and other philosophies,<ref name = GA2>{{Cite book |last = Talmage |first = James E. |author-link = James E. Talmage |title = The Great Apostasy |year = 1909 |pages = 64–65 |publisher = The Deseret News |url = https://archive.org/stream/greatapostasycon00atalm#page/68/mode/2up |isbn = 978-0-87579-843-1 }}</ref><ref name = MARV1>{{Cite book |last = Richards |first = LeGrand |author-link = LeGrand Richards |title = A Marvelous Work and a Wonder |publisher = Deseret Book Company |year = 1976 |page = 24 |isbn = 978-0-87747-161-5 |title-link = A Marvelous Work and a Wonder }}</ref> Members state the [[martyr]]dom of the [[Apostles in the New Testament|apostles]]<ref name = GA1>{{Cite book |last = Talmage |first = James E. |author-link = James E. Talmage |title = The Great Apostasy |year = 1909 |page = 68 |publisher = The Deseret News |url = https://archive.org/stream/greatapostasycon00atalm#page/68/mode/2up |isbn = 978-0-87579-843-1 }}</ref> led to a loss of [[Priesthood (LDS Church)|priesthood authority]] to administer the church and its ordinances.<ref name = Eyring>{{Cite journal |last = Eyring |first = Henry B. |author-link = Henry B. Eyring |title = The True and Living Church |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/2008/05/the-true-and-living-church |journal = Ensign |pages = 20–24 |date = May 2008 }}; Cf. [http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=John&verse=14%3A16-17&src=1000 John 14:16–17] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718074722/http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=John&verse=14%3A16-17&src=1000 |date=July 18, 2012 }} and [http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=John&verse=16%3A13&src=1000 16:13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021205848/http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=John&verse=16%3A13&src=1000 |date=October 21, 2013 }}, [http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=Acts&verse=2%3A1-4&src=1000 Acts 2:1–4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717004335/http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=Acts&verse=2%3A1-4&src=1000 |date=July 17, 2012 }}, and [http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=Galatians&verse=1%3a6-9 Galatians 1:6–9] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717233430/http://bibref.hebtools.com/bibref.php?book=Galatians&verse=1%3a6-9 |date=July 17, 2012 }}.</ref>
Mormons believe that God [[Restoration (Latter Day Saints)|restored]] the [[Early Christianity|early Christian]] church through Joseph Smith. In particular, Mormons believe that [[Angel#Latter Day Saints|angels]] such as [[Saint Peter|Peter]], [[James, son of Zebedee|James]], [[John the Apostle|John]], [[John the Baptist]], [[Moses]], and [[Elijah]] appeared to Smith and others and bestowed various priesthood authorities on them. Mormons believe that their church is the "only true and living church" because of the divine authority restored through Smith. Mormons self-identify as being Christian,<ref>{{Cite report |title = Mormonism in America |url = http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx |publisher = Pew Research Center |date = January 2012 |access-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120115005308/http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx |url-status = dead }} (Mormons are nearly unanimous in describing Mormonism as a Christian religion, with 97% expressing this point of view); {{citation |author = Robinson, Stephen E. |date = May 1998 |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/new-era/1998/05/are-mormons-christians |title = Are Mormons Christians? |publisher = Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints |work = [[New Era (magazine)|New Era]] }}.</ref> while many Christians, particularly evangelical Protestants, disagree with this view.<ref>{{Cite report |title = Romney's Mormon Faith Likely a Factor in Primaries, Not in a General Election |date = November 23, 2011 |publisher = Pew Research Center |url = http://www.pewforum.org/Politics-and-Elections/Romneys-Mormon-Faith-Likely-a-Factor-in-Primaries-Not-in-a-General-Election.aspx |access-date = January 16, 2012 |archive-date = January 14, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120114203658/http://www.pewforum.org/Politics-and-Elections/Romneys-Mormon-Faith-Likely-a-Factor-in-Primaries-Not-in-a-General-Election.aspx |url-status = dead }} (About a third of Americans and half of evangelical Protestants view Mormonism as a non-Christian religion).</ref> Mormons view other religions as having portions of the truth, doing good works, and having genuine value.<ref>"Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc., any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true 'Mormons'." {{Cite book |title = Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith |page = 316 |author = Joseph Fielding Smith |year = 1993 |title-link = Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (book) }}; Mormons take an [[Inclusivism|inclusivist]] position that their religion is correct and true but that other religions have genuine value. {{Cite book |title = Religions of the World: A Latter-day Saint View |last1 = Palmer |last2 = Keller |last3 = Choi |last4 = Toronto |publisher = Brigham Young University |year = 1997 }}.</ref>

The LDS Church has a top-down hierarchical structure with a president–prophet dictating [[revelation (Latter Day Saints)|revelations]] for the entire church. Lay members are also believed to have access to inspiration and are encouraged to seek their own [[Revelation (Latter Day Saints)#Personal revelation|personal revelations]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=54}}.</ref> Mormons see Joseph Smith's [[First Vision]] as proof that the heavens are open and that God answers prayers, and place considerable emphasis on asking God to find out if something is true. Most Mormons do not assert to have had heavenly visions like Smith's in response to prayers, but believe God talks to them in their hearts and minds through the [[Holy Ghost]]. According to Richard Lyman Bushman, members have some beliefs that are considered strange in a modernized world, but they continue to hold onto their beliefs because they feel God has spoken to them.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=15, 35–35}} (Outside observers sometimes react to Mormonism as "nice people, wacky beliefs." Mormons insist that the "wacky" beliefs pull them together as a people and give them the strength and the know-how to succeed in the modern world).</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Christianity|Latter Day Saint movement}}
* [[List of Latter Day Saints]]
* [[Brighamite]]
* [[List of former or dissident LDS]]
* [[Anti-Mormonism]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Sources ==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Citation |last = Allen |first = James B. |author-link = James B. Allen (historian) |title = The Significance of Joseph Smith's First Vision in Mormon Thought |journal = [[Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought]] |year = 1966 |volume = 1 |issue = 3 |pages = 28–45 |doi = 10.2307/45223817 |jstor = 45223817 |s2cid = 222223353 |df = mdy-all |doi-access = free }}.
* {{Citation
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 |author-link = Leonard J. Arrington
 |title       = The Mormon Experience: A History of the Latter-Day Saints
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 |year        = 1992
 |url         = https://books.google.com/books?id=ak64mcdZlg4C&q=The+Mormon+Experience
 |isbn        = 978-0-252-06236-0
}}.
* {{Cite book |last = Brodie |first = Fawn M. |author-link = Fawn M. Brodie |title = No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith |publisher = [[Alfred A. Knopf|Knopf]] |location = New York |edition = 2nd |year = 1971 |isbn = 978-0-394-46967-6 |title-link = No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith }}
* {{cite book |last=Brooke |given=John L. |title=The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644–1844 |year=1994 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=New York, NY |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eyvftt-1F_kC |isbn=0-521-34545-6 }}
* {{Cite book |last = Bushman |first = Richard Lyman |author-link = Richard Bushman |title = Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling |year = 2005 |place = New York |publisher = [[Alfred A. Knopf|Knopf]] |isbn = 978-1-4000-4270-8 |title-link = Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling }}
* {{Cite book |last = Bushman |first = Richard Lyman |title = Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction |year = 2008 |place = New York |publisher = Oxford University Press |isbn = 978-0-19-531030-6 }}
* {{cite book |last=Marquardt |first=H. Michael |date=2005 |title=The Rise of Mormonism, 1816–1844 |publisher=Xulon Press}}
* {{Citation
 |editor-last  = Howe
 |editor-first = Eber Dudley
 |editor-link  = Eber Dudley Howe
 |title        = Mormonism Unvailed
 |publisher    = [[Painesville, Ohio]]: Telegraph Press
 |year         = 1834
 |url          = https://archive.org/details/mormonismunvaile00howe
}}.
* {{Cite book |last = Mauss |first = Armand |author-link = Armand Mauss |title = The Angel and the Beehive: The Mormon Struggle with Assimilation |location = Urbana & Chicago |publisher = [[University of Illinois Press]] |year = 1994 |isbn = 978-0-252-02071-1 }}
* {{Cite book |last = O'Dea |first = Thomas F. |title = The Mormons |year = 1957 |publisher = [[University of Chicago Press]] |location = Chicago |isbn = 978-0-226-61743-5 }}
* {{Citation
 |last         = Quinn
 |first        = D. Michael
 |authorlink   = D. Michael Quinn
 |title        = The Council of Fifty and Its Members, 1844 to 1945
 |journal      = BYU Studies
 |volume       = 20
 |issue        = 2
 |year         = 1980
 |pages        = 163–98
 |url          = http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=5416
 |access-date  = December 22, 2023
 |archive-date = October 21, 2013
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021170030/https://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=5416
 |url-status   = dead
}}.
* {{Cite book |last = Quinn |first = D. Michael |author-link = D. Michael Quinn |title = The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power |publisher = [[Signature Books]] |location = Salt Lake City |year = 1994 |isbn = 978-1-56085-056-4 }}
* {{cite book |last=Remini |given=Robert V. |author-link=Robert V. Remini |title=Joseph Smith |year=2002 |publisher=Penguin Group |series=Penguin Lives |location=New York |isbn=0-670-03083-X |url=https://archive.org/details/josephsmith00remi }}
* {{Citation
 |editor-last  = Roberts
 |editor-first = B. H.
 |editor-link  = B. H. Roberts
 |title        = History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
 |volume       = 3
 |publisher    = Deseret News
 |location     = Salt Lake City
 |year         = 1905
 |url          = https://books.google.com/books?id=m2bEVgSvbS8C
}}.
* {{Citation
 |editor-last  = Roberts
 |editor-first = B. H.
 |editor-link  = B. H. Roberts
 |title        = History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
 |volume       = 5
 |publisher    = Deseret News
 |location     = Salt Lake City
 |year         = 1909
 |url          = https://books.google.com/books?id=m2bEVgSvbS8C
}}.
* {{Cite book |last = Shipps |first = Jan |author-link = Jan Shipps |title = Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition |year = 1985 |publisher = University of Illinois Press |location = Chicago |isbn = 978-0-252-01417-8 }}
* {{Citation
 |last1        = Smith
 |first1       = Joseph
 |author-link1 = Joseph Smith
 |last2        = Cowdery
 |first2       = Oliver
 |author-link2 = Oliver Cowdery
 |last3        = Rigdon
 |first3       = Sidney
 |author-link3 = Sidney Rigdon
 |last4        = Williams
 |first4       = Frederick G.
 |author-link4 = Frederick G. Williams
 |title        = Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God
 |place        = Kirtland, Ohio
 |publisher    = F. G. Williams & Co
 |year         = 1835
 |url          = http://www.irr.org/mit/BOC/default.html
 |access-date  = December 22, 2023
 |archive-date = May 20, 2012
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120520135750/http://irr.org/mit/boc/default.html
 |url-status   = live
}}.
* {{cite book |last=Widmer |first=Kurt |title=Mormonism and the Nature of God: A Theological Evolution, 1830–1915 |location=Jefferson, North Carolina |publisher=McFarland |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-7864-0776-7}}
{{refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Alexander |first=Thomas G. |author-link=Thomas G. Alexander |title=The Reconstruction of Mormon Doctrine: From Joseph Smith to Progressive Theology |journal=Sunstone |volume=5 |issue=4 |year=1980 |pages=24–33 |url=https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/022-24-33.pdf |access-date=April 4, 2011 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020075510/https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/022-24-33.pdf |url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bloom |first=Harold |author-link=Harold Bloom |title=The American Religion: The Emergence of the Post-Christian Nation |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |location=New York |edition=1st |year=1992 |isbn=978-0-671-67997-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/americanreligio000bloo}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bowman |first=Matthew |title=The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith |publisher=[[Random House]] |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-679-64491-0}}
* {{Cite book |contribution=Mormons |last=Epperson |first=Steven |title=A notion of peoples: a sourcebook on America's multicultural heritage |year=1999 |editor-last=Barkan |editor-first=Elliott Robert |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-313-29961-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/nationofpeopless00bark}}
* {{cite EB9 |wstitle = Mormons |volume= XVI  |last= Fraser |first= John  |author-link= | pages= }}
* {{Cite book |last=Hill |first=Marvin S. |author-link=Marvin S. Hill |title=Quest for Refuge: The Mormon Flight from American Pluralism |year=1989 |publisher=[[Signature Books]] |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |isbn=9780941214704}}
* {{Cite book |editor-last=Ludlow |editor-first=Daniel H. |editor-link=Daniel H. Ludlow |title=Encyclopedia of Mormonism |year=1992 |publisher=Macmillan |location=New York |isbn=978-0-02-904040-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofmo03ludl}}
* {{Cite book |last=May |first=Dean |author-link=Dean L. May |contribution=Mormons |title=Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups |editor-last=Thernstrom |editor-first=Stephan |publisher=Harvard University Press |location=Cambridge, Massachusetts |year=1980 |page=720}}
* {{Cite book |last=McMurrin |first=Sterling M. |author-link=Sterling M. McMurrin |title=The Theological Foundations of the Mormon Religion |publisher=[[Signature Books]] |location=Salt Lake City |year=1965 |isbn=978-1-56085-135-6}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Ostling |first1=Richard |last2=Ostling |first2=Joan K. |author1-link=Richard and Joan Ostling |author2-link=Richard and Joan Ostling |title=Mormon America: The Power and the Promise |publisher=HarperOne |location=New York |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-06-143295-8}}
* {{Cite book |last=Shipps |first=Jan |title=Sojourner in the promised land: forty years among the Mormons |year=2000 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |location=Chicago |isbn=978-0-252-02590-7}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==

{{Wikisource portal|Mormonism}}
* [http://churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng churchofjesuschrist.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603191254/https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng |date=June 3, 2019 }} and [https://www.comeuntochrist.org/ comeuntochrist.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530113715/https://www.comeuntochrist.org/ |date=May 30, 2019 }}, official websites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
* [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/mormons/ ''The Mormons''] ([[PBS]] documentary series)
{{LDSaffiliation}}
{{Latter Day Saint movement}}
{{Latter-day Saints}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Latter Day Saint terms]]
[[Category:Mormon studies]]
[[Category:Mormonism]]
[[Category:Latter Day Saints|*Mormons]]
[[Category:Religious identity]]
[[Category:Christian ethnoreligious groups]]