History UsefulNotes / Mormonism

There has been a slowly growing industry of Mormon filmmakers who are producing movies that are unabashedly made for the LDS culture. They are not directly connected to the church, and individual quality varies from film to film as well as the ability to connect to viewers not familiar with that culture. For more information on that, see UsefulNotes/MormonCinema.

The author Creator/OrsonScottCard is also a practicing Mormon who has also written some Mormon fiction, and Mormon themes and ideas show up in a lot of his speculative fiction works. Literature/TheTalesOfAlvinMaker is a fantastic retelling by Card of Joseph Smith Jr.'s life, and some of the metaphysics of [[Literature/EndersGame the Enderverse]] are lifted directly from Mormon doctrine. His Homecoming series is more or less a [[RecycledInSpace space-faring]] adaptation of specific sections of the Book of Mormon.

While [[http://www.lds.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], aka "LDS Church" (or "Mormonism") is the largest denomination of Mormonism, there are many Mormon splinter-groups. Consider it a parallel to ChristianityIsCatholic: Mormons Are Latter-day Saints.[[note]] Other significant Mormon denominations include the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (known for polygamy, a practice condemned by the LDS Church). The Community of Christ (formerly Reorganized Latter Day Saints) which split from the LDS Church over a succession dispute after Joseph Smith, Jr's death, and other smaller sects[[/note]] Wiki/{{Wikipedia}} has an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Latter_Day_Saint_denominations extensive list]] of other smaller Mormon splinter groups as well. However, around 99% of Latter-day Saints are LDS; it outnumbers the next-largest denomination by over ten million.[[note]] (LDS are generally reluctant to refer to non-LDS as "Mormon", primarily because they resent the association with the Fundamentalist version. This treatment varies among non-LDS groups, which may or may not refer to themselves as "Mormon".)[[/note]] The majority of this article is focused on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The LDS Church has had something of a mixed record on social issues. Current issues aside (which [[Administrivia/RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment we will not discuss here]]), the Church has been at times surprisingly progressive and alarmingly backwards. On the one hand, women's rights were strongly advocated in the Territory of Utah. Utah would become the second territory (after Wyoming) to grant full suffrage to women in 1870. However, in 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act, which aimed to disenfranchise the Church and curtail its power in the territory, stripped this right from women. They would not regain voting rights until the admission of Utah as a state in 1896 (which enshrined the right of women to vote in the state constitution, about which the federal government could not do a thing).

At one time the LDS Church forbade people of African descent from holding the priesthood or participating in temple ordinances. The exact reasons for this position are a point of some debate, and some of the statements made by Church leaders justifying it would certainly be viewed as racist today. The policy was officially changed in 1978, with "every worthy male" now being eligible to be ordained to the priesthood and participate in temple ordinances. Since this is a particularly controversial matter--even within the Church--we will [[Administrivia/RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment leave it at that]].

Literature/TheBookOfMormon is a religious text written in the ancient Americas that Joseph Smith claimed to have translated from Hebrew written in Reformed Egyptian to English. More information is available in its Wiki/TVTropes page. The Church offers it as tangible proof that Joseph Smith, Jr. was given power to be a prophet of God, for if the book is not the work of God, then neither is the Church; equally, if the Book of Mormon is the work of God, then the Church and Joseph Smith, Jr., and presumably all subsequent prophets, are God's chosen servants on Earth. The book itself invites all people to read the Book of Mormon and to ask God to know that the book is His. Practicing members of the Church testify that they have received revelation from God indicating that this is true, which stands as an anchor to their faith in the Church.

There has been a slowly growing industry of Mormon filmmakers who are producing movies that are unabashedly made for the LDS culture. They are not directly connected to the church, and individual quality varies from film to film as well as the ability to connect to viewers not familiar with that culture. For more information on that, see MormonCinema.

The LDS Church has had something of a mixed record on social issues. Current issues aside (which [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment we will not discuss here]]), the Church has been at times surprisingly progressive and alarmingly backwards. On the one hand, women's rights were strongly advocated in the Territory of Utah. Utah would become the second territory (after Wyoming) to grant full suffrage to women in 1870. However, in 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act, which aimed to disenfranchise the Church and curtail its power in the territory, stripped this right from women. They would not regain voting rights until the admission of Utah as a state in 1896 (which enshrined the right of women to vote in the state constitution, about which the federal government could not do a thing).

At one time the LDS Church forbade people of African descent from holding the priesthood or participating in temple ordinances. The exact reasons for this position are a point of some debate, and some of the statements made by Church leaders justifying it would certainly be viewed as racist today. The policy was officially changed in 1978, with "every worthy male" now being eligible to be ordained to the priesthood and participate in temple ordinances. Since this is a particularly controversial matter--even within the Church--we will [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment leave it at that]].

Mormons believe in an open canon, presently including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Literature/TheBookOfMormon and other Mormon scriptures might be considered the Christian ExpandedUniverse material. See "Standard Works" below for more details.

Members of the Church believe in active revelation from God to man of what the person has stewardship over, with the prophet over the whole world. A living prophet, who has been given the Priesthood, the authority of God given to mankind, continually guides the members of the Church in both practical and spiritual matters. Members of the Church believe that the prophet receives revelation from God for the benefit of the whole human family, and that a living prophet's words are as valuable as scripture. The current living prophet is named [[http://www.thomassmonson.org/ Thomas S. Monson]]. However, all human beings can receive guidance from God if they pray for it with faith. Further detail about the current Presidency of the church can be found [[http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/background-information/organizational-structure-of-the-church here.]]

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostels is a governing body considered equal in authority to the First Presidency which acts under their direction. These positions are generally for life - once appointed an apostle serves until his death. The President of the quorum of the twelve apostles is the senior apostle (from the time he was called as an apostle, not in age), and when the President of the church dies the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the new President of the church, choosing his counselors from quorum members.[[note]]This has been the order of succession since Joseph Smith's time, but theoretically any of the 12 apostles could become the new president of the Church[[/note]]

The main body of the Church resettled in Illinois, in and around a small town named Commerce. Eventually, the town grew to become one of the largest cities in Illinois at the time and was renamed "Nauvoo" (nah-VOO - said to mean "beautiful"). Joseph Smith would become mayor and a militia leader sanctioned by the state government, but bloc-voting and rumors of polygamy caused violence to flare up once more. Smith was arrested for destroying the press of an anti-Mormon newspaper on the basis that it was inflaming local prejudice. He was taken to nearby Carthage Jail. Soon, it was assaulted by a mob, and Smith was shot and killed, along with his brother Hyrum.

Literature/TheBookOfMormon is a religious text written in the ancient Americas that Joseph Smith claimed to have translated from Hebrew written in Reformed Egyptian to English. More information is available in its TVTropes page. The Church offers it as tangible proof that Joseph Smith, Jr. was given power to be a prophet of God, for if the book is not the work of God, then neither is the Church; equally, if the Book of Mormon is the work of God, then the Church and Joseph Smith, Jr., and presumably all subsequent prophets, are God's chosen servants on Earth. The book itself invites all people to read the Book of Mormon and to ask God to know that the book is His. Practicing members of the Church testify that they have received revelation from God indicating that this is true, which stands as an anchor to their faith in the Church.

One popular television series with Mormon influences was ''Franchise/BattlestarGalactica'', created by Glen A. Larson, a member of the LDS Church. This is seen with the Quorum of Twelve, the ruling council of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, which references the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church, and Kobol clearly being inspired from Kolob, the star near which God is said to dwell. Commander Adama is a Moses figure, but also somewhat reminiscent of Brigham Young. SufficientlyAdvancedAliens in the [[Series/BattlestarGalacticaClassic original series]] were also depicted which somewhat resembled Mormon angels, and the phrase used by those aliens: "what you are now we once were. What we are now you may one day become" is straight out of Mormon theology.

One popular television series with Mormon influences was BattlestarGalactica, created by Glen A. Larson, a member of the LDS Church. This is seen with the Quorum of Twelve, the ruling council of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, which references the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church, and Kobol clearly being inspired from Kolob, the star near which God is said to dwell. Commander Adama is a Moses figure, but also somewhat reminiscent of Brigham Young. SufficientlyAdvancedAliens in the original series were also depicted which somewhat resembled Mormon angels, and the phrase used by those aliens: "what you are now we once were. What we are now you may one day become" is straight out of Mormon theology.

The LDS Church is well known for its missionary efforts and they have 65,000 full-time missionaries serving in most countries of the world as of 2013 (with most missionaries serving in the United States or various nations of South America, but they can be found almost everywhere - the Islamic nations in the Middle East are a notable exception). Within the USA most people's image of the LDS Church may be a pair of polite young teenagers in white shirts and ties, knocking on your door and wanting to share some unspecified 'good news' with you and give you a free book. (Though they could just as easily be Jehovah's Witnesses, especially outside the USA). The LDS Church expects and encourages every worthy male member to prepare for and serve a 2-year mission, usually starting at age 19. Young women members are not commanded, but sometimes encouraged, to serve an 18-month mission beginning at age 18.[[note]] (It is believed by the members of the LDS church that all young men are commanded by church doctrine to serve a full time mission. Certain extenuating circumstances sometimes apply, such as physical or mental health, but barring one of these, all young men are taught from a young age that they are expected to go on a mission. Most young women, however, never serve a mission. Most women within the church are married by the time they hit 21 and it isn't considered a commandment for them to go.) [[/note]]

The LDS Church is well known for its missionary efforts and they have 65,000 full-time missionaries serving in most countries of the world as of 2013 (with most missionaries serving in the United States or various nations of South America, but they can be found almost everywhere - the Islamic nations in the Middle East are a notable exception). Within the USA most people's image of the LDS Church may be a pair of polite young teenagers in white shirts and ties, knocking on your door and wanting to share some unspecified 'good news' with you and give you a free book. (Though they could just as easily be Jehovah's Witnesses, especially outside the USA). The LDS Church expects and encourages every worthy male member to prepare for and serve a 2-year mission, usually starting at age 19. Young women members are not commanded, but sometimes encouraged, to serve an 18-month mission beginning at age 21.[[note]] (It is believed by the members of the LDS church that all young men are commanded by church doctrine to serve a full time mission. Certain extenuating circumstances sometimes apply, such as physical or mental health, but barring one of these, all young men are taught from a young age that they are expected to go on a mission. Most young women, however, never serve a mission. Most women within the church are married by the time they hit 21 and it isn't considered a commandment for them to go.) [[/note]]

--> ''"11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."''

Another temple-related item is the wearing of the ''temple garment'' or "Mormon underwear" as it is commonly known (it's basically a white t-shirt and white boxers that extend to the knee). Much like a priest's collar or cardinal's vestments, the garment is an article of sacred clothing (almost exclusively simple white cotton/poly) [[note]] There are other materials available, all in white. The only exception is for military personnel, who have the option of wearing brown shirts designed to aesthetically match the shirts worn wih uniforms [[/note]] worn under regular clothing to remind practicing members of the covenants they have made. It is sometimes believed to provide spiritual and/or physical protection, much in the same way that other Christians might view a cross/crucifix or pocket bible. Another purpose is to maintain modesty; the general rule is that if one's outfit would expose the garment, it's too skimpy (the outfit, not the garment).

The new territory had a bumpy relationship with the Federal government, owing to disputes over the amount of influence Brigham Young wielded over the population as both political and spiritual leader and the LDS practice of polygamy. Poor communication and disgruntled federal officials who found it difficult to work with unresponsive LDS citizens caused the brief but highly-publicized Utah War in 1857-58, when an entire Army division was sent to remove Young as governor because President James Buchanan had been led to believe that Utah was in open rebellion. Sensationalist media reports, pumped by allegations of heathen polygamy, predicted a bloodbath when the division reached Salt Lake City. In the end there were no actual battles fought. It was in this climate, however, that a band of LDS militiamen waylaid a pioneer wagon train from Arkansas as it was passing through southern Utah. In an event known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, they killed most of the travelers, sparing their children under 8 years old (the age of accountability in Mormon doctrine, mentioned above) and sending them to be raised by local families. John D. Lee, the militia leader, was executed by the territorial government twenty years later after being excommunicated by the Church. He was the only participant to be convicted. Allegations have been made that high officials in the Church (including Brigham Young himself) sanctioned the massacre, but they remain unproven.

Eventually, a non-LDS governor was installed in Young's place, as Young continued to lead the Church. During this time, the building of settlements went on, including the construction of more temples (including the iconic [[http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/ Salt Lake Temple]]). They also continued the practice of polygamy until after the deaths of Young and his successor, John Taylor, despite the passage of several Acts of Congress that explicitly outlawed it and even took steps to curtail LDS power in the territory. Wilford Woodruff became prophet in 1887. Faced with the arrests of dozens of practitioners of polygamy and the probable seizure of all Church property by the federal government, he issued the 1890 Manifesto, which declared that no marriages against the law of the land would be recognized by the Church. In response, several fundamentalist groups broke away from the LDS Church and fled to isolated areas in the US, Canada, and Mexico in order to continue practicing polygamy (some of which continue doing so today).

At one time the LDS Church forbade people of African descent from holding the priesthood or participating in temple ordinances. The exact reasons for this position are a point of some debate, and some of the statements made by Church leaders justifying it would certainly be viewed as racist today. The policy was officially changed in 1978, with "every worthy male" now being eligible to be ordained to the priesthood and participate in temple ordinances. Since this is a particularly controversial matter--even within the Church--we will [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment leave it at that]].

One popular television series with Mormon influences was BattlestarGalactica, created by Glen A. Larson, a member of the LDS Church. This is seen with the Quorum of Twelve, the ruling council of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, which references the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church, and Kobol clearly being inspired from Kolob, the star near which God is said to dwell. Commander Adama is a Moses figure, but also somewhat reminiscent of Brigham Young. SufficientlyAdvancedAliens in the original series were also depicted which somewhat resembled Mormon angels, and the phrase used by those aliens: "what you are now we once were. What we are now you may one day become" is straight out of Mormon theology.

Most of the LDS leadership were in polygamous marriages up until the cessation of the practice, and much of the core church membership in the Western US today have polygamist ancestors. Records of plural marriages are available in the Church's genealogical records, which are freely available to non-members, and despite the cessation of the practice they are still considered "valid" marriages to Church members. Due to current shame over the practice, it is hard to get any solid information from the Church.

Most of the LDS leadership were in polygamous marriages up until the cessation of the practice, and much of the core church membership in the Western US today have polygamist ancestors. Records of plural marriages are available in the Church's genealogical records, which are freely available to non-members, and despite the cessation of the practice they are still considered "valid" marriages to Church members. Even at its height in the late 1800s it seems that only a minority of Church membership ever actually practiced plural marriage. Members considered exceptionally faithful were invited by Church leadership to select plural wives when they were considered able to support additional wives. The consent of the first wife on a specific potential second wife was required before a second wife could be chosen, consent of the first and second wives was required for a third, etc.

"Mormons", or, to use the faith's true name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are a Restorationist-Christian[[note]] Mormons claim that Joseph Smith restored the original Church of Jesus Christ, having received new revelation to do so, and do not consider themselves Protestants[[/note]] religious group, with approximately 15 million members as of 2013. Though the group is commonly thought of as a US sect, more members currently live outside of the United States than in it.

Mormons are a Restorationist-Christian[[note]]Mormons claim that Joseph Smith restored the original Church of Jesus Christ, having received new revelation to do so, and do not consider themselves Protestants[[/note]] religious group, with approximately 15 million members as of 2013. Though the group is commonly thought of as a US sect, more members currently live outside of the United States than in it.

The LDS Church is well known for its missionary efforts and they have 65,000 full-time missionaries serving in most countries of the world as of 2013 (with most missionaries serving in the United States or various nations of South America, but they can be found almost everywhere - the Islamic nations in the Middle East are a notable exception). Within the USA most people's image of the LDS Church may be a pair of polite young teenagers in white shirts and ties, knocking on your door and wanting to share some unspecified 'good news' with you and give you a free book. (Though they could just as easily be Jehovah's Witnesses, especially outside the USA). The LDS Church expects and encourages every worthy male member to prepare for and serve a 2-year mission, usually starting at age 18. Young women members are encouraged to serve an 18-month mission beginning at age 19.

[[AC:Local Organization]]

The Church geographically organizes its membership across the world into "wards" and "stakes". In areas with less members, the resulting smaller groups are called "branches" and "districts", respectively. A ward is what other denominations frequently refer to as a "congregation"; each ward covers a certain area, and members living in that area are assigned to a specific building to meet in on Sundays at a fixed time. A ward is presided over by a bishop ("branch president" in branches), who calls counselors to aid him in his duties as bishop, which include the spiritual and temporal welfare of both members and non-members of the Church. The ward is further divided into more specific groups for children, adults, and adolescents, and between male and female in order to provide more applicable teachings to each stage of life. These smaller organizations report to the bishop for his oversight. None of these leaders in the Church receive compensation for the work they do; they hold regular jobs outside of their "callings". A "stake" is composed of several wards, and a stake has a stake president and his two counselors to preside over it. The bishops within the stake report to the stake president. The stake president supervises the activities and well-being within his stake and reports the status of his stake to the general authorities of the Church.

The Church has a distinctive organization for its singles ministry. Whenever enough singles are in a specific geographic area, one or more "singles wards" (or "branches", as applicable) may be formed. Singles wards usually cover the geographic area of several regular wards, and can even cross stake boundaries. Singles wards are divided into two types—Young Single Adult (YSA) for those between 18 and 30, and Single Adult (SA) for those over 30. If a singles ward in the appropriate age group is available in a person's geographic area, that member may attend either the assigned YSA/SA ward or the regular ward. At one time, YSA wards were further divided between student YSA wards (for college/university students of the targeted age group) or "regular" YSA wards for non-students, but that distinction ended in 2011.

In addition, "language wards" may also be formed in areas with large populations of Church members whose native language is different from the local language—such as areas adjacent to US military bases overseas, or in metropolitan areas with large populations of immigrants. "Deaf" wards for the hearing-impaired can be found in some places; the locally predominant sign language is used in these congregations (such as American Sign Language in the US and English-speaking Canada). In all such cases, services are held exclusively in the target language. Colloquialisms to describe these wards, such as "Spanish ward", refer solely to the language used, and not to the ethnicity of people welcome there—for example, there are no "Mexican wards".

[[AC:Missionary Work]]

The Church sends out missionaries in teams of two (occasionally three) to share the church's message with others. These missionaries are volunteers and receive no compensation from the Church or from the people they teach. They are primarily young male adults, between the ages of 18 to 25 years of age; however, older married couples and female adults over the age of 19 can also serve as missionaries of the Church. Unless they are married, men are always paired with men, and women with women. The world is divided geographically into "missions," such as the California San Fernando mission and the Mexico Tijuana mission, which are each presided over by an individual Mission President. The Mission President receives revelation from God about what needs to be done within the mission he presides for the benefit of the people living therein.\\
\\
Missionaries share the message that Jesus Christ has restored His ancient Church on the Earth through modern prophets that He has called. They invite those they are teaching (sometimes referred to as "investigators") to learn more, to read the Book of Mormon and to pray to God to know the truth of their message, and to make commitments correlating to the principles of repentance. Because the authority to perform saving ordinances is held only within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they invite the investigators to be baptized and confirmed once they have come to believe the message is true, and to continue on to other saving ordinances as well as membership in the Church.\\
\\
Male missionaries serve for at least two years, and are referred to as "Elder". Female missionaries serve for at least eighteen months and are referred to as "Sister". They refrain from any non-spiritual activities (such as hobbies and dating) during their mission so they can fully concentrate on their service. The exception for this is older missionaries, who serve for anything from a few months to several years, and often have very specific jobs, such as helping set up farms in impoverished areas, or being Mission President.

For starters, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints no longer practices polygamy. In fact, being married to more than one living wife is grounds for excommunication (being kicked out, with all saving ordinances rendered null and void). The only "Mormons" who do practice it are splinter groups such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who have a history of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FLDS#Legal_trouble_and_leadership_struggles legal trouble]] involving forced marriages and abuse. The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Jeffs previous leader]] is currently serving 10 years for being an accomplice to the rape of a minor, and no successor has been officially confirmed. Naturally, the FLDS is strongly denounced by the LDS church.

Polygamy was introduced in 1842 by the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. but not practiced openly until the migration to Utah in 1847. Members of the church accepted it as a revelation of God. The practice was officially terminated in 1890 by a declaration (often called "the Manifesto" by Church members) by Wilford Woodruff, the then President of the Church, that he had recevied a revelation that if the Church did not stop the practice it would be destroyed. The LDS Church had attempted to overturn anti-polygamy laws by claiming freedom of religion, but had lost their final appeal before the US Supreme Court, and the court was about to legally disincorporate the Church.

Most of the LDS leadership were in polygamous marriages up until the cessation of the practice, and much of the core church membership in the Western US today have polygamist ancestors. Records of plural marriages can be easily located in the Church's genealogical records, which are freely available to non-members, and despite the cessation of the practice they are still considered "valid" to Church members. It seems that only a minority of Church membership ever actually practiced plural marriage. Members considered exceptionally faithful were invited by Church leadership to select plural wives when they were considered able to support additional wives. The consent of the first wife on a specific potential second wife was required before a second wife could be chosen, consent of the first and second wives was required for a third, etc.

In 1839, Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued an extermination order for all members of the Church in Missouri, forcing the saints to move ''again'' or be killed.

After a hard winter in Nebraska, the first wagon train, led by Young himself struck out across the Plains. Speaking with many trappers familiar with the region, Young decided to make for the Great Basin on the assumption that it would be too arid for anyone else to want. In July of 1847, the train reached Salt Lake Valley. Young proclaimed the site to be "the right place." The valley would become the destination of some 70,000 people for the next twelve years.

One popular television series with Mormon influences was BattlestarGalactica, created by Glen A. Larson, a member of the LDS Church. This is seen with the Quorum of Twelve, ruling council of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, which references the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church, and Kobol clearly being inspired from Kolob, the planet or star near which God is said to dwell. Aliens in the original series were also depicted strongly resembling Mormon angels.

While [[http://www.lds.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], aka "LDS Church" (or "Mormonism") is the largest denomination of Mormonism, there are many Mormon splinter-groups. Consider it a parallel to ChristianityIsCatholic: Mormons Are Latter-day Saints.[[note]] Other significant Mormon denominations include the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (known for polygamy, a practice condemned by the LDS Church). The Community of Christ (formerly Reorganized Latter Day Saints) which split from the LDS Church over a succession dispute after Joseph Smith, Jr's death, and other smaller sects[[/note]] Wiki/{{Wikipedia}} has an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Latter_Day_Saint_denominations extensive list]] of other smaller Mormon splinter groups as well. However, around 99% of Latter-day Saints are LDS; it outnumbers the next-largest denomination by over ten million.[[note]] (LDS are generally reluctant to refer to non-LDS as "Mormon", primarily because they resent the association with the Fundamentalist version. This treatment varies among non-LDS groups, which may or may not refer to themselves as "Mormon".) Most of this article is focused on the first group listed - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[[/note]]

The LDS Church believes in an "open canon". This means that scripture that is considered as authoritative as the Bible can be received by the leaders of the Church through revelation.

The rest of the Standard works might be considered Christianity's own "ExpandedUniverse" material.

The D&C is a collection of 138 revelations received mostly through Joseph Smith during the early years of the Church. It covers church organization and reveals the Plan of Salvation as outlined above. It is also the source of the Word of Wisdom. Two "Official Declarations" are appended to the regular sections, these concern the cessation of polygamy and the opening of the priesthood to all worthy male members of the Church.

* '''God''', or '''Heavenly Father''', is an all-knowing, all-powerful being with a body of flesh and bone, and has been from all of our known existence. However, "What man is, God once was. What God is, man may become." This means that God was once a mortal being that had to go through temptations, but He was able to keep His god's commandments and become a God to rule over his own domain.

Mormons are a Restorationist-Christian religious group, with approximately 15 million members as of 2013. Though the church is commonly thought of as a US sect, more members currently live outside of the United States than in it.

While [[http://www.lds.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], aka "LDS Church" (or "Mormonism") is the largest denomination of Mormonism, there are many Mormon splinter-groups. Consider it a parallel to ChristianityIsCatholic: Mormons Are Latter-day Saints.[[note]] Other significant Mormon denominations include the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (known for polygamy, a practice condemned by the LDS Church). The Community of Christ (formerly Reorganized Latter Day Saints) which split from Mormonism over a succession dispute after Joseph Smith, Jr's death: although it is viewed to be part of the Latter-day saint movement, it does not consider itself to be Mormon, and belief in the historicity of the Book of Mormon is not a requirement.[[/note]] Wiki/{{Wikipedia}} has an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Latter_Day_Saint_denominations extensive list]] of other smaller Mormon splinter groups as well. However, around 99% of Latter-day Saints are LDS; it outnumbers the next-largest denomination by over ten million.[[note]] (LDS are generally reluctant to refer to non-LDS as "Mormon", primarily because they resent the association with the Fundamentalist version. This treatment varies among non-LDS groups, which may or may not refer to themselves as "Mormon".) Most of this article is focused on the first group listed - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[[/note]]

The LDS church itself prefers the term "Latter-day Saints" or just "Saints" (meaning, in this context, "disciples", or "followers"), for while Mormon is the name of both a key holy text and prophet it isn't and has never been the Church's official name. "Mormon" was originally a derisive term used by the church's critics, but nowadays LDS frequently refer to themselves by the term too. The adjective "LDS" is common among the membership, as in "LDS culture" or "LDS fiction".

The LDS Church is well known for its missionary efforts and they have 65,000 full-time missionaries serving in most countries of the world as of 2013 (with most missionaries serving in the United States or various nations of South America, but they can be found almost everywhere - the nations in the Middle East are a notable exception). Within the USA most people's image of the LDS Church may be a pair of polite young teenagers in white shirts and ties, knocking on your door and wanting to share some unspecified 'good news' with you and give you a free book. (Though they could just as easily be Jehovah's Witnesses, especially outside the USA). The LDS Church expects and encourages every worthy male member to prepare for and serve a 2-year mission, usually starting at age 18. Young women members are encouraged to serve an 18-month mission beginning at age 19.

Despite what others may think, Mormons believe in Literature/TheBible. However, due to changes made by "the great and abominable church" (as recorded in the First Book of Nephi, in the Book of Mormon), they believe that many "plain and precious truths" were removed from the Bible before it was assembled. As such, they view the Book of Mormon is a more complete record of the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus the Bible is subject to more arguments of interpretation than the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith, Jr. made a ''Joseph Smith Translation'' by rewriting, expanding, and explaining the King James Version, claiming that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, this "translation" (from English to English by direct power of the Holy Spirit, not a translation from the original languages) was never completed (although several parts of it went through many revisions) and the LDS Church does not use it as their official version, although excerpts from it are included in LDS-published versions of the King James Bible as footnotes. Part of it is used as scripture, in Joseph Smith-Matthew, a rewriting of the 24th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, as part of the Pearl of Great Price. The Community of Christ (RLDS) publishes the Joseph Smith Version, the manuscripts of which were in the possession of Emma Smith (Joseph's wife) and his son, Joseph Smith III, founders of the RLDS Church (since 2001 known as Community of Christ). It is sometimes entitled the "Inspired Version".
* For clarification, that "great and abominable church" is not a reference to the medieval church, but was a symbol for man's pride and avarice in a parable/vision. It is thought that as the bible was copied down by hand, people would read doctrine that might've contradicted or confused their personal beliefs and values, and would've had the text altered slightly to more closely read to what they believed. This could have been done to justify a man's actions, or less malevolently, the copier thought that the slight alteration would make the scripture easier to understand, unknowingly altering the meaning.

The rest of the Standard works might be considered Christianity's own "ExpandedUniverse" material. The LDS Church believes in an "Open Canon", meaning that revelation on the same level of authority as the Bible is recognized by the Church and can continue to be added.

Literature/TheBookOfMormon is a religious text written in the ancient Americas that Joseph Smith claimed to have translated from Hebrew written in Reformed Egyptian to English. More information is available in its TVTropes page. The Church offers it as tangible proof that Joseph Smith, Jr. was given power to be a prophet of God, for if the book is not the work of God, then neither is the Church; equally, if the Book of Mormon is the work of God, then the Church and Joseph Smith, Jr., and all subsequent prophets, are God's chosen servants on Earth. All people are invited to read the Book of Mormon and to ask God to know that the book is His. Practicing members of the Church testify that they have received revelation from God indicating that this is true, which stands as an anchor to their faith in the Church.

The subtitle of the Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ", and Mormons feel it testifies of Christ as much as the Bible does.

The Pearl of Great Price is the fourth book in the LDS canon. It is the shortest of the four, containing portions of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, a translation of the Book of Abraham, and extracts of the official History of the Church detailing Joseph Smith's first vision and his obtaining the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. It also contains the Articles of Faith, which is the source of the page quote.

Mormons believe in an open canon, presently including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Literature/TheBookOfMormon and other Mormon scriptures might be considered the Christian ExpandedUniverse material.

The Book Of Mormon is primarly a 'historical' text. It has its own page for more details.
The 'Doctrine and Covenants' contains the basic information on church organization and some doctrinal points, most of which are transcribed revelations received by Joseph Smith. [[note]] These contain 138 sections of varying length, from several sentences to several pages and two "Official Declarations;[[/note]]
The Pearl of Great Price contains selections of Joseph Smith's writings and translations [[note including the Book of Abraham, the Book of Moses, Joseph-Smith-Matthew, Joseph Smith History, and the Articles of Faith [[/note]], which are considered by some critics of the movement to be the most controversial in origin and doctrine.
Together these are considered "The Standard Works" and, along with the King James Version of the Bible, they comprise the current Mormon Canon of Scripture. The Standard works are subject to further addition by the Church's President and Apostles, provided it has a sustaining vote from the membership, as the Mormon canon is considered open, though the last major addition was made in 1978.

[[AC:Literature/TheBible]]

Despite what others may think, Mormons believe in Literature/TheBible. However, due to changes made by "the great and abominable church" (as recorded in the First Book of Nephi, in the Book of Mormon), they believe that many "plain and precious truths" were removed from the Bible before it was assembled. As such, they view the Book of Mormon is a more complete record of the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus the Bible is subject to more arguments of interpretation than the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith, Jr. made a ''Joseph Smith Translation'' by rewriting, expanding, and explaining the King James Version, claiming that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, this "translation" (from English to English by direct power of the Holy Spirit, not a translation from the original languages) was never completed (although several parts of it went through many revisions) and the LDS Church does not use it as their official version, although excerpts from it are included in LDS-published versions of the King James Bible as footnotes. Part of it is used as scripture, in Joseph Smith-Matthew, a rewriting of the 24th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, as part of the Pearl of Great Price. The Community of Christ (RLDS) publishes the Joseph Smith Version, the manuscripts of which were in the possession of Emma Smith (Joseph's wife) and his son, Joseph Smith III, founders of the RLDS Church (since 2001 known as Community of Christ). It is sometimes entitled the "Inspired Version".
* For clarification, that "great and abominable church" is not a reference to the medieval church, but was a symbol for man's pride and avarice in a parable/vision. It is thought that as the bible was copied down by hand, people would read doctrine that might've contradicted or confused their personal beliefs and values, and would've had the text altered slightly to more closely read to what they believed. This could have been done to justify a man's actions, or less malevolently, the copier thought that the slight alteration would make the scripture easier to understand, unknowingly altering the meaning.

[[AC:Literature/TheBookOfMormon]]

Literature/TheBookOfMormon is a religious text that was translated from Hebrew written in Reformed Egyptian to English. More information is available in its TVTropes page. The Church offers it as tangible proof that Joseph Smith, Jr. was given power to be a prophet of God, for if the book is not the work of God, then neither is the Church; equally, if the Book of Mormon is the work of God, then the Church and Joseph Smith, Jr., and all subsequent prophets, are God's chosen servants on Earth. All people are invited to read the Book of Mormon and to ask God to know that the book is His. Practicing members of the Church testify that they have received revelation from God indicating that this is true, which stands as an anchor to their faith in the Church.

The subtitle of the Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ", and Mormons feel it testifies of Christ as much as the Bible does.

[[AC:The Doctrine & Covenants]]

The D&C is a collection of revelations received mostly through Joseph Smith during the early years of the Church. It covers church organization and reveals the Plan of Salvation as outlined above. It is also the source of the Word of Wisdom.

[[AC:The Pearl of Great Price]]

The Pearl of Great Price is the fourth book in the LDS canon. It is the shortest of the four, containing portions of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, a translation of the Book of Abraham, and extracts of the official History of the Church detailing Joseph Smith's first vision and his obtaining the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated.