Is Mormonism a branch of Christianity?
Katie Hill
Allan
AP English
26 May 2010
Mormonism v. Christianity
The definition of religion is, “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects” (“Religion”). Many of the world religions at first glance appear to be very similar. However, on closer examination, the differences in the religions are made clear. For example, Mormonism is often described as a branch of Christianity because both religions have Jesus as a central figure. Despite this misconception, Mormonism and Christianity have major differences in their historical backgrounds, key writings, definitions of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, beliefs about salvation and what happens after death, among other differences. Therefore, Mormonism is a religion on its own and is not a branch of Christianity because of the multitude of disparities between them. One key difference between evangelical Christianity and Mormonism is the establishment of these religions. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was born in Vermont on December 23, 1805. In 1820, Smith attended a massive revival in his hometown, an event which caused him to question his church affiliation. During the same year, Smith claimed that two Personages, God and Jesus, came to him and told him to join none of the churches because they were all corrupt (Rhodes). On September 22, 1823, Joseph Smith declared that an angel, Moroni, told him that, “…there was a book deposited, written on gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent…[and] that the fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to ancient inhabitants”(Smith, The Pearl of Great Price). In 1827, Moroni finally allowed Smith to uncover the plates in a nearby hill. The writings on the plates were written in “Reformed Egyptian”, which Smith had to translate into English with the help of a magical seer stone. After translating the plates, Smith titled
Allan
AP English
26 May 2010
Mormonism v. Christianity
The definition of religion is, “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects” (“Religion”). Many of the world religions at first glance appear to be very similar. However, on closer examination, the differences in the religions are made clear. For example, Mormonism is often described as a branch of Christianity because both religions have Jesus as a central figure. Despite this misconception, Mormonism and Christianity have major differences in their historical backgrounds, key writings, definitions of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, beliefs about salvation and what happens after death, among other differences. Therefore, Mormonism is a religion on its own and is not a branch of Christianity because of the multitude of disparities between them. One key difference between evangelical Christianity and Mormonism is the establishment of these religions. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was born in Vermont on December 23, 1805. In 1820, Smith attended a massive revival in his hometown, an event which caused him to question his church affiliation. During the same year, Smith claimed that two Personages, God and Jesus, came to him and told him to join none of the churches because they were all corrupt (Rhodes). On September 22, 1823, Joseph Smith declared that an angel, Moroni, told him that, “…there was a book deposited, written on gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent…[and] that the fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to ancient inhabitants”(Smith, The Pearl of Great Price). In 1827, Moroni finally allowed Smith to uncover the plates in a nearby hill. The writings on the plates were written in “Reformed Egyptian”, which Smith had to translate into English with the help of a magical seer stone. After translating the plates, Smith titled
Cited: "History of Christianity-Fact Based Faith." Allaboutreligion.org. 2002-2010. Web. 14 May 2010. . The Holy Bible New International Version. Colorado Springs: International Bible Society, 1973, 1978, 1984. Print. Hunter, Milton R. The Gospel through the Ages. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 1958. p.104. Print. "Is Mormonism Christian?" Biblebelievers.net. Mar. 1999. Web. 16 May 2010. . King, Tamiya. Www.answerbag.co.uk. 18 Apr. 2010. Web. 14 May 2010. . McConkie, Bruce R. Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1958. Print. Rhodes, Ron, and Marian Bodine. Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons. Eugene, Or.: Harvest House, 1995. Print. Slick, Matthew J. "Joseph Smith 's False Prophecies." Carm.org. 1995 - 2010. Web. 22 May 2010. . Smith, Joseph. "2 Nephi 25:23." The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981. P. 99. Print. Smith, Joseph 1805-1844, and Orson 1811-1881. Pratt. The Doctrine and Covenants, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Containing the Revelations,. Salt Lake City, Deseret Sunday School Union: Applewood, 1904. Print. Smith, Joseph Fielding. "1:134." Doctrines of Salvation. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1975. Print. Smith, Joseph. The Pearl of Great Price;. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1957. Print. Smith, Joseph, and Joseph Fielding Smith. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 1976. P.370. Print. Wenner, Sara, and Salman Hakim. "History of Christianity." Www.mnsu.edu. 2001, 2009. Web. 14 May 2010. . Young, Brigham. Journal of Discourses. Vol. 3. Salt Lake City: Brigham Young University, 1956. p.247. Print.