...Mormons What is Mormonism? Who is a Mormon? And what place does Mormonism have in the religious tradition of the United States today? This paper will attempt to give readers a better understanding of the Mormon religion by detailing the history of the religion from its beginnings to today. It will also describe what a typical church or “temple” (as Mormons call their place of worship) service is like. It will also describe any holidays the Mormon people celebrate that correspond with the Christian holidays of other Christian sects. It will not attempt to judge the Mormon religion, as either good or bad, as has been so frequently done in the popular media. Rather than judging it, this paper will attempt to achieve a greater understanding of the religion in its context in the Christian religious tradition and the American religious tradition. In 1820, according to the Mormon faith, Joseph Smith (1806-1844) prayed to God to ask him for a sign that would tell him what church he ought to join. Instead, Jesus Christ and God appeared to the young man and told him he ought to found what the Mormon Church is today. Smith was fourteen at the time, a farmer from the region of western New York known as the "burned-over district" because of its unrelenting religious enthusiasm. (All About Mormons Website) Mormons believe that this revelation to Smith was similar to that of God to Saul. They refer to Smith as “The Prophet” because his revelation was transmitted to...
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...The Mormons Originally, I had intended to attend a Catholic mass and write about my experience with it but, after going to the meeting, I didn’t feel like I had enough to write about. There just didn’t seem to be a whole lot to really base an opinion on it for me because I didn’t really have any pre or misconceived ideas about the religion going into it. It has been around for much longer than many other Christian denominations and so it just wasn’t exciting enough for me. After I attended the mass I really felt like I should find something more interesting or controversial, so this time I attended a Mormon meeting and I found that experience to be more in line with what I was looking for. Misconceptions First, let me just say that this meeting was far longer than I had expected. It was three hours to be exact, broken into three meetings. I hadn’t expected anyone to really enjoy going to church on their day off from work, let alone spend three hours there. Although it was long, it was extremely informative and the speakers were quite impressive given the fact that they were not paid for their time spent preparing or giving their sermons. This was one of the things that really blew all my preconceived ideas about religious worship. I thought that all religious clergy were in it for the money but, in fact, no Mormon clergy are paid for their service. And another thing I learned from my time spent in the church was that the “Mormons” prefer to be referred to as...
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...The Mormon Faith Robin Miller Strayer University World Religions 212, Professor Keyes The Mormon Faith The Mormon faith founded by Joseph Smith in 1844 is considered a new religion. The Mormons believe in the Bible, but they also believe in another scripture that was found in New York by Joseph Smith. I have discovered that the Book of Mormons is supposedly written accounts taught by Jesus to several lost tribes from Israel who had crossed the ocean beforehand. Jesus showed himself to them after his death and resurrection. He told them how to live and it was recorded in the Book of Mormons. This book was accepted as authentic by Joseph Smith and he began his quest to teach true Christianity as opposed to the apostasy which he and his followers felt characterized the Christian churches. The Mormons believe that all people, including Jesus, lived in a premortal existence before birth. One thing that I have learned about the Mormon Faith after listening to the Podcast “Inside Mormon Faith” with Krista Tippet and her guest Mormon scholar, Mr. Robert Millet, is that this theory makes family ties and all ties to all people very important to the Mormons. Since they believe that everyone lived a premortal existence, they also believe that everyone continues to exist after death. Because of this, deceased relatives are not gone and children are highly respected because, in sense, they are not actually children. Everyone is a brother or a sister to everyone else before birth,...
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...The Mormon Culture ETH-123 The Mormon Culture I decided to do my final report on the Mormon religion “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” I myself and not Mormon and don’t really have a religious preference, I find myself fascinated with the religion. One of the things that I find fascination is The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Not only is the one of the oldest choirs it is also one of the more famous as well. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs in more than 28 countries and in multiple cities around the US. One of the biggest things the Mormon religion tried to instill on every member is leading by example. This is a practice that most members of the church try to follow. Some of the things include cursing, drinking, smoking and pretty much anything that is bad for their bodies. Mormons believe that by leading by example they are spreading good to others so that they make the right choices. I feel that the reason that the Mormon religion is criticized so much is due to the face that people that practice other religions take this as a threat to try to change what they believe in. Food supply is another very big part of the Mormon culture. For years the Church has counseled their members to build a year supply of food and other necessary supplies in case of emergencies or if tragedy were to strike. To prepare for this there are certain guideline that need to be followed. These include mostly of nonperishable items like grains and other dried foods such...
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...Mormon Exodus Since the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830, its members were often treated harshly by others, due to their beliefs. Such persecution followed the church as they were forced to vacate one state after the next leading to the members settling in and founding Nauvoo, Illinois. Having a population rivaling Chicago at the time, the financial success of the church and its members, polygamy, and a well-armed militia, fueled the intolerance of Mormons in the region. Church leadership was forced to announce they would leave Nauvoo and go west, after the burning of two hundred Mormon homes and farm buildings in 1845, and mob violence in 1846. Due to unforeseen difficulties the trek west was split off into two sections: they would travel in wagon trains from Nauvoo, Illinois to Omaha, Nebraska in 1846; and, Omaha to the Salt Lake Valley of Utah in 1847. By 1856, the number of converts traveling to the valley reached a point that wagon trains were too expensive and the church leader at the time, Brigham Young, decided that handcarts would be cheaper, and faster for such a large number of converts to reach the valley. The first trek starting in February of 1846 from Nauvoo, Illinois to Omaha, Nebraska was much harsher due to death and tragedy resulting from black scurvy, Cholera, Typhoid Fever, Tuberculosis, and maternal deaths, and the weakening of the body and mind by stress, while February marked harsh weather and...
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...Justin Dosey Mormons in the 1830’s and 40’s The United States of America is said to be an “International melting pot,” inhabited by a number of culturally diverse people. Each and every distinct group has played their part in the development of nation whether ‘twas good or bad. I believe that the members of “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” (otherwise known as Mormons) have proved to be crucial to the growth of the U.S.A. in every aspect. After the establishment of religion in 1827, Mormons have been the target of persecution and discrimination by many. The bulk of this persecution occurred in 1836 when a group of rebel militia attacked Mormon headquarters located in Northern Missouri. This ambush against the Mormons sparked an onslaught of hate crimes to come. After being exiled from Missouri and Illinois, Brigham Young led an intrepid party of immigrants into the Great Salt Lake valley in 1847. The population grew rapidly, and by 1849, the Mormons had managed to form a civil government with Young at the helm. This brief summary has set the stage for this report, where I will evaluate Mormons of the 1830’s and 40’s and enlighten you on their beliefs, culture, and impact throughout American History. Establishment of Religion The establishment of the LDS church is a very interesting story that many people do not understand. “In the spring of 1820, a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees near his home in Palmyra, New York...
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...The Missouri Mormon War of 1838 was one of the saddest in Missouri history; it was a period or confrontation and violence. The Mormon War of 1838 between Latter Day Saints and their anti-Mormon Missouri neighbors lasted from August 8, 1838 until November 1, 1938. Although a short war, it affected more than ten thousand Mormons in Missouri. The war or some call it a conflict, may have lasted only four months but skirmishes continued to break out between Mormons and anti-Mormons for several years. As I researched books and articles for my paper, I found blame for this war could be placed on either side depending on the author’s opinion. Most of the research indicated this war was a matter of fear, fortitude, power, and politics on both sides. In my opinion we cannot in good conscience say one side or the other started the war. It may not be clear who actually started the war but, the anti-Mormons appeared to have a political reason to get the Mormons out of Missouri. I did find several reasons for the war and it appeared the anti-Mormons had the most to gain. One such reason I found was Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Smith believed and reveled to the Latter Day Saints the second coming of Christ would happen near the town of Independence, Missouri. It wasn’t long after Mormons from across the country descended on Jackson County. Causing a rapid growth of Mormon settlements in this area, they came to build up what they...
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...Mormons – The Latter-day Saints Many new groups have arisen within Christianity, while some claim to be Christian they are not recognized as such by other traditions. These groups often take a Christian idea or teaching and develop their own ways that differ greatly from traditional Christianity such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known as the Mormons. The founder of the Mormons was Joseph Smith. Mormonism began with one family, that family was the family of Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith of Vermont and New York. Joseph Smith, Jr. was the fourth child among eight other siblings. Joseph Smith, Jr. known as Joseph Smith became the Prophet and First Elder of the Church of Christ during its organization of April 6, 1830. Joseph Smith had a series of visions where he received spiritual instruction from God the Father; Jesus Christ; John the Baptist; the Apostles Peter, James, and John; and from an angel known to the church members as Moroni. He also had a revelation in which he was told that all existing Christian traditions were corrupt and he was to responsible for keeping the true word of God alive and bring people to salvation, therefore, he established a new Church of last day saints (Latter-day Saints). It was Moroni that revealed to Joseph Smith the where about of a set of gold tablets and bestowed upon him the ability to interpret their...
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...are found guilty of the killing. So in other words murdering someone is a taboo. Sometime the defendant would pled either not guilty, or guilty, on rare occasion they would pled insanity or self-defense. Self-defense stood out the most for me and it was the Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander case, Was it really self-defense or was it just pure jealousy? To start with, I was channel surfing when I stopped on CNN news channel. Nancy Grace was shouting at someone giving their opinion about something as she always do. I was about to change the channel when I saw a gruesome crime scene photo of a shower filled with blood. I wanted to know more about the bloody shower. Come to find out the shower and the blood in it belongs to Travis Alexander, a Mormon. Travis Alexander was murdered on June 4, 2008 by his ex-girlfriend Jodi Arias in his house. Alexander was stab nearly around 30 times and was shot in the head and his throat had been slit. Travis’s body was left in that shower for five days, decomposing and was later found by his friend. Jodi Arias was suspect for the killing of Travis’s death. Arias had three scenarios she told the cop when she was being...
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...Lake City a news reporter went around to public places in Utah and interviewed as many Mormons as he could to try and get an idea of what Mormons “really believe.” I distinctly recall how surprised I was when everyone he interviewed, despite all being Mormon, described beliefs that were very different from my own and even different from each other. My mom, sister and I stood around the TV frustrated. How could these people get it so wrong? Didn’t any of them pay attention in church? This was a lesson I wouldn’t internalize until years later. Like many ex-Mormons, I’m guilty as charged when it comes to digging up amusing, factually wrong or plain absurd things that Mormon leaders have said or comment on absurd or destructive teachings. Even so, just because the church teaches something doesn’t mean all Mormons believe a certain way. A really poignant example is the godmakers cartoon, which I should point out is not and never was “banned.” The cartoon suffers from two problems. First, it’s old, and reflects teachings of the church from the 1960s and 70s. It was released in 1982, and of course the exact date that any given teaching was abandoned is rather fuzzy since the leaders don’t exactly go to the pulpit and say “we no longer believe this.” They just stop talking about it. The second problem with that cartoon is that while the church did legitimately teach everything they mention, even Mormons that are old enough to remember being taught the abandoned beliefs and might remember...
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...involves the Mormon religion and the assumption that anyone from Utah is Mormon. Studies indicate there are not nearly as many Mormons in Utah as most people think. When developing stereotypes, one must be able to recognize traits and characteristics of a group. Stereotypes are not permanent and do have the potential to be changed. This process does take time since they are developed through experiences and observation. Individuals are not always aware of their participation in the use of stereotypes. Many people associate individuals with them unconsciously. Stereotypes are not always negative and can often benefit social situations when used in a positive manner. Stereotyping A stereotype is a belief developed regarding people in general. These beliefs result in categorizing people based on assumptions and the beliefs do not allow for individuality. Stereotypes can be positive or negative depending on the situation. These beliefs result from consistent traits that are noticeable in a group and which are easily recognizable. Stereotypes can be changed, but this can take a great amount of time and convincing. Many people have opinions related to stereotypes without the realization they are contributing to said stereotype. Stereotypes take time to develop and result in social experiences and exposure over time. Utah Stereotype The most common stereotype individuals are faced with in Utah is the Mormon stereotype...
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...Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent Abstract This paper will identify how Mormons differ from other religious groups. Enlightening of the subject matters that pertain to their beliefs, practices, and how this religion group contributes to the American culture is the bases of the first part of the paper. This paper will also describe the discrimination and prejudice that the Mormons have to deal with because of their religion choice. This paper will also describe the African decent experience with discrimination and prejudice as well. Discrimination and prejudice takes place in all cultures and religions. People who are unwilling to understand and accept the difference that people share are going to allow this behavior to continue and pass it down from generation to generation. America is the melting pot for all ethnic backgrounds, including religions. Being more open minded and having understanding will allow us to break the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination that we all have towards one another. Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent The United States, throughout history, has been a country of immigrants and a country of religion diversity. Discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping in the Mormon and Black decent groups have been displayed throughout the changing times. The Mormons, who emerged after the discovery of The Book of Mormon in 1830, were run out of several states before settling in Utah. Blacks who were brought...
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...http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/affiliations-all-traditions.pdf) Christianity Evangelical Protestant Mainline Protestant Historically Black Churches Roman Catholic Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) Jehovah’s Witnesses Orthodox (Greek, Eastern) Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform) Buddhism (Theravada or Mahayana) Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufism) Hinduism Racial/ethnic groups (based on divisions in U.S. Census Bureau documents) Asian (Asian descent) Black (African descent) Hispanic and Latino (South or Central American descent) Pacific Islander (Polynesian descent) White (European descent) Part II Write a 750- to 1,400-word paper in which you consider the following regarding the religious group and racial/ethnic group you selected: Religious group: How does your selected religious group differ from other religious groups (such as in their beliefs, worship practices, or values)? According to social and political views, the Mormon religion is different and therefore, is most noticeable than that of the population in general, and other religions. Their conservation towards political and culture issues are different. A vast amount of Mormons say that definite rulings of right and wrong are strongly held. The Mormons feel that the values they have are felt threatened often by Hollywood. The Mormons are considered to be Republican a lot more when it comes to other traditions of important religions. This includes members of the Evangelical Protestant churches. They seem to involve...
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...Axia College Material Appendix B 7 Question Final Project Plan |What religion would you like to consider for your final project? | | |Describe the place of worship you will visit. |Mormonism and I would look around t find the closest Mormon | | |church to visit. | | | | |What do you already know about this topic? | | | |I have a friend who is Mormon and his family practices the faith.| | | | |What resource will you use to find a place of worship for this | | |religion? | | | |I will use the internet since it the best updated resource | | |available to me...
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...Part 1: Sociological imagination refers to the ability for people with similar problems to bring these problems together and create change by making it a public issue. For example, the McDonald’s on the corner of my block is constantly giving bad service. I know that I am not the only one receiving bad service there. In talking with my neighbors, they too have had problems with bad service at this same McDonald’s. We have two options: either we stop going to this McDonald’s altogether, or as a group, we can come up with a way to improve the quality of service. We can say something to the store manager directly, and hope that if enough of us speak up that change will happen, or if that doesn’t work, we can take it to the next level of authority. Sooner or later, the noise we make will cause a change. The previous example might seem small compared to other examples that I could have used, but the point still stands. According to our textbook, C. Wright Mills coined the term “sociological imagination.” His definition of sociological imagination is: the ability to create change by transforming personal problems into public issues (Macionis, page 7). Understanding the concept behind this term is very important for several reasons. First if we don’t understand that our problems are shared by many other people, we will start to feel lost and alone. This could lead to any number of outcomes: mental illness, and or even suicide. Secondly, once we do understand that our problems...
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