Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, is a Christian restorationist church that is considered by its members to be the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus Christ. The church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has established congregations and built temples worldwide.

Beliefs and Practices

The LDS Church teaches that it is the only true and living church because of the divine authority restored through its founder, Joseph Smith. Central to its teachings is the Book of Mormon, which members believe to be the word of God and a companion scripture to the Bible. Other key teachings include the importance of family, modern revelation, and the Godhead being three separate beings with one purpose rather than a Trinity.

LDS members follow a code of health, often referred to as the Word of Wisdom, which prohibits the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea. They also practice tithing, where members contribute ten percent of their income to the church. The church is known for its emphasis on family history and operates the largest genealogy library in the world, known as the Family History Library.

Organization and Structure

The church is organized in a hierarchical structure primarily led by men. At the top is the President of the Church, who is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator. The President is assisted by two counselors, forming the First Presidency. Beneath them are the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a governing body of the church that operates under the direction of the First Presidency.

Local congregations are called wards or branches, depending on their size. Wards are grouped into stakes, and several stakes form an area. Leaders at all levels are lay members who serve voluntarily.

History

The LDS Church was founded by Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York. Smith claimed to have been visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820, an event known as the First Vision. He later translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates he said were delivered to him by an angel named Moroni.

The early history of the church was marked by significant persecution and migration. Members moved from New York to Ohio, Missouri, and finally to Nauvoo, Illinois, where Smith was killed by a mob in 1844. After Smith's death, Brigham Young led the majority of the followers westward, eventually settling in what is now Utah.

Cultural Impact

The LDS Church has a significant cultural impact, especially in the Intermountain Western United States. It promotes a strong sense of community and family values. The church's welfare and humanitarian efforts are widespread, including disaster relief and poverty alleviation.

Controversies

The church has faced criticism and controversy, particularly regarding its historical practice of polygamy, its role in the LGBT rights movement, and issues of racial equality, notably its previous policy regarding the priesthood ban on Black members, which was lifted in 1978.

See Also

• Plan of Salvation (Latter Day Saints)
• Temple (LDS Church)
• Missionary (LDS Church)
• General Conference (LDS Church)