Joseph Smith with the Book of Mormon
So far, we have seen virtually all Christian groups or movements, in recent centuries have emerged in Europe, except in cases of certain branches of Methodism, the Baptists and Mennonites, whose doctrines were still common despite their previous sources.
However, result of the new religion born of the freedom of ideas in the newly formed American nation during the nineteenth century will be the emergence of other movements far from the classic European confessions and to arrive there in time to be an important part Christian currents.
One of the first is that we now speak, called the Church of latter-day saints, commonly known as Mormons. This movement, Christian based, but it has added three more holy books besides the Bible, and many doctrines well beyond the original writings, mobilizes several million of people today. It originated from a man named Joseph Smith, who in the form of extraordinary vision, he received the commission and not to return Christianity to its origins, but to provide a new revelation unlike anything before emerged, and with striking similarities to other past visionary on. Uncovering a new revelation, the Book of Mormon, in a mixed form of the Old Testament, but history and events in pre-Columbian America and sections and quotations from the New Testament.
Joseph Smith, born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont in the U.S.. Son of Joseph Smith and descendants Robert Smith, who came to America in 1666, among the first Puritan pilgrims who came from England to Massachusetts. In fact the ancestors of Joseph, always lived in Topsfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, it was not until 1795 that Joseph Smith's father left Massachusetts and moved to Vermont. Later in 1816, his family moved to Palmyra in Wayne and a few years later they moved to the small town of Manchester, in the same county.
The Smith's religious background are not entirely clear in his memoirs, refers to Joseph as her mother and some of his brothers became Presbyterian, while his father, a man in little religious principle, however, belonged to a Masonic lodge, the number 23 Ontario Canandaigua, New York. Apparently one of the older brothers of Joseph, Hyram, belonged to the Mount Moriah Lodge number 112, Palmyra, New York. Which would not be relevant, since Joseph Smith Sr. was to some extent tolerant of the religion of his wife and not pressured in any way to this or their children to follow certain creed.
According to Joseph Smith himself, for when I was 14 or 15 years, was religiously confused by the variety of religions who claimed to have the truth, the speech of a sort of religious revival, in which different movements, Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists were fighting to get more adept at all costs.
That made him approach the Scriptures and read, it proves that it was not bad reader, as some claim. He met with the text of James 1:5, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and will be given.
According to Joseph Smith's own account in his diary, written years later: At rest on me light, I saw in the air above me two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy description. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other: This is my beloved Son: Hear Him! ". ..... After me I had recovered enough to speak, asked the Characters were on the light above me, which of all the sects was right, and which I should join. I replied that I must join none of them, because they were all wrong, and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight, that those professors were all corrupt, that "honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. "Again he ordered me I am not affiliated with any of them, and many other things said that I can not write at this time. (Diary of Joseph Smith, pag5)
This experience made him reject any kind of religion or association, leaving even his interest in religious research, if allegedly encouraged him not to approach any of them, any religious book except perhaps the Bible was little or no no interest for him. So much so that according to the same account in his memoirs, was a selfless life, and imprudent, as just about any boy his age.
was not until almost three years after that first experience or vision, he said re-experience a new encounter, this time with an angel named Moroni said, the name does not appear in the Bible, or any other religious tradition. The only reference to the name Moroni, is a small town on the island of Comoros, under French protection since the early nineteenth century, which has the name of Arab origin, whose original meaning was, welfare or happiness. Over time the city of Moroni, has become the capital of the islands. At the time of Smith, was a small village, known for being mentioned in stories juveniles at the time, where there were the adventures of one Captain Kidd, a treasure hunter seeking a golden plates buried near the city of Moroni. Some scholars and critics contend that Smith may take these names and stories of that master, and that the use of certain names, like Moroni, the Hill Cumorah, buried gold plates, etc.
But
There is evidence to support these claims or theories, even if Joseph Smith knew the stories of Captain Kidd, in any case it may be coincidence. Either way, she says Smith, the angel named Moroni told him of some plates that were buried in a place near County village of Manchester in the state of New York.
apparently shortly thereafter found the place where the plates were gold, but on instructions from the messenger had to wait another four years to be holding them.
As time went on, knew what would be his official wife, Emma Hale, daughter of Isaac Hale, a man who had given lodging while working in a mine in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania under the command of a fighter Josiah Stoal fortunes. was not exactly discreet about what he claimed to have seen, and was always talking about their visions, which made him suffer the rejection of many who began to look like a crazy.
Finally, to Joseph Smith, was expected in 1827. In September of that year, was allowed to remove the plates, it seems, were relatively small, 15x20, as is a sheet type A5, were thin, like sheets of brass, although superimposed on each other gave a thickness of about 15 cm. No mention of how many pages made up the entire volume of plates, only a number of these could not be translated by Smith, they were sealed. Everything else took for a voluminous book (642 pages version English), known as the Book of Mormon.
COME TO LIGHT THE SACRED TEXTS OF MORMONISM
Some striking aspects of all this was the reason mysterious Some pages were not disclosed. On the other hand speaks of the instrument used to translate, too curious, she says Smith, the angel told him it was the Urim and Thummim.
On Urim and Thummim reference, if any references in the Bible, with respect to these objects that appeared to be two or three white stones and black, as in times of Israel, the priests used by way of luck to make decisions, or questions to God. Query was whether or not, and in some cases non-response. But it was never mentioned to interpret divine prophecy or decrypt messages. Apparently disappeared by the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, and make no mention of these, until the time of Ezra, when talking about a group of Levites, was not able to find their genealogy to prove they were of the priestly class and told to wait until they come a priest with the Urim and Thummim (Ezra 2:61-63), that was the last appointment is made, and not even be considered prophetic. is not clear that was the Urim and Thummim, which was given to Joseph Smith, he described as two stones in a silver bow and fitted to a shell. Some scholars claim that they were a sort of translucent stones which were fastened by a kind of frame in the form of glasses, and that when confronted with the characters from the plates gave the translation. In other cases we speak of a sort of breastplate. It is difficult to really understand how that object was used.
Another issue that remains unclear, was the fact that the principle as Smith has, reproduced the translation of a number of plates to fill about 116 pages with the help of Martin Harris, a friend who supported the project from the beginning. But for some reason thought that Harris lost the manuscripts, to show them to certain people, who apparently stole them. For that reason had to start again, but apparently in a vision he told Smith that the translation now vary in order for there were no possibility that someone showed up with the stolen manuscripts manipulated and accused them of fraud for not resemble the originals. A very strange directions, and of questionable strategy, particularly because it suggests that Smith really did not remember anything the first thing that gave Harris and after all, are known to those pages never appeared.
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Martin Harris, the first scriptural Joseph Smith
Basically the book of Mormon, tells the story written during a period of nearly a thousand years, a group of Israelis, led by a certain prophet Nephi, who the time of King Zedekiah of Judah, back in the seventh century BC, led to a few families through the desert to the coast of Africa from which sailed for America. Count as over the centuries were populating that continent, and subsequently split into two different nations: the Nephites and the Lamanites. But it also speaks of another group, called Jaredites, which according to the book, were descendants of a group of families who fled postdiluvian the confusion of tongues at Babel. None mentioned the book on the early Aboriginal inhabitants of America, only implied or understood that certain tribes of Indians were Lamanites punished with darkening of the skin.
Although later delve more deeply in the book, the culmination and perhaps that makes the religion of the Church of Saints, was the arrival of Jesus Christ to America to visit the lost tribes of Israel.
That event also is something since almost the beginning of prophesy book, with many more details and names that the Bible itself allowed to. And if the Jews had been so clear signals and data of the Messiah, as expected had the Nephites would have been much easier to accept him as such ..
massively In any case, the attraction to the new prophet as soon as Smith saw the followers was such that in a few years were tens of thousands, forming entire cities. The story of the book ends around the year 421, when the Nephites and Lamanites disappear, leaving a remnant of the past that eventually are supposed to make those American Indians.
But it was the Book of Mormon, the only holy book of the Mormons, because with the passage of time, Smith was receiving visions and messages he was writing or dictating. Thus Mormons consider five sacred books, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. "
The Bible is inspired by God and considered sacred by the Mormons, who study it, but without giving the greater importance is the book of Mormon, which incidentally is full of references to prophecies, especially Isaiah and many quotes of Jesus.
On the other hand, the Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of the messages received by Smith during the period of time that remained active from 1827 to 1844, also includes some later presidents and made by Mormon prophets. It is actually the book that contains more references to the doctrines and order and organization of the church, and assumed as divine messages, given consideration of inspired, to the extent that forms the basis of Mormon doctrine.
Finally, the Pearl of Great Price, is a kind of collection of writings revealing a bit of mystery, which according to Smith, was missing from the Bible. It is a book called Moses, another called Abraham, who give different and novel data on those patriarchs. It also contains a kind of commentary on chapter 24 of Matthew and other contemporary content, called Joseph Smith-History, part of the history of the LDS Church at the time of Joseph, and finally also contains articles Fe, thirteen statements of belief of the Church, but in reality it contains the weight of Conventions. According to Smith, Pearl of Great Price contains sacred writings have been lost from the Bible, dealing with the plan of salvation, creation and God's dealings with Adam and Enoch.
En un próximo capitulo ahondaremos en estas escrituras y su comparación con la Biblia. Por ahora seguiremos ahondando en la vida del llamado profeta del Mormonismo, pues conocer algunos detalles de José Smith, nos ayudan a saber más lo que envuelve esta religión, que hasta nuestros días pese a ser conocida, es poco comprendida y sus conceptos e ideas suelen ser mal entendidos.
ENSEÑANZAS Y PARALELISMOS
Desde un principio, a diferencia de otros reformadores o visionarios cristianos, que tan solo buscaban limpiar o purificar sus iglesias, Smith tenía claro que debía formar una religión new, distinct and distant from all other movement called Christian. This was winning converts from different branches, often faced in discussions with Baptists, Quakers, Methodists, Presbyterians, and of any movement.
Its appeal is due in part to the level of conviction that this showed that made his principal followers had. The no doubts that the Book of Mormon contained the true story of the ancient American people and was a New Testament, who came to complete the Bible, although it later had to write so many books to complete the Mormon scriptures. Eventually, by 1840 already had organized religious profiling system with Elders, bishops, presidents and apostles who ran the church. While at first everything was focused on him.
Some things that Smith wrote mainly in the Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants, we talk about how humans can become spiritual beings, including makers of universes like ours. Seeking the conversion of dead relatives have the sense to make them get to heaven and be turned into angels, why have worried about the family trees, to be baptized for those dead relatives.
On the other hand, the idea of \u200b\u200bthe Trinity is accepted for these, but differently from the common. On the one hand they speak of God the Father, who mentioned as Elohim, which would have a body made of matter, though immortal. This would be a god other than Jehovah, who became incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth. According to the Book of Abraham, which appears in the Pearl of Great Price, God lives on Kolob star system in the center of the universe and the stars would be abodes of gods.
To Mormons Creating a sense of infinite production is creating new worlds. The gods create and govern their world from their home in their star. Also speak of celestial marriage, in which include Elohim, thus also believe in the existence of God and Elohim have a wife, who is called Mother in Heaven, however, was not paying any special service.
For some of these details, it is related to the enlightened scientist Emmanuel Swedenborg, although half a century separated him from it, if you might have some inspiration from Smith. For the time that his father was a Mason and was common among the Masonic rites, one based on the philosophical work of Emmanuel Swedenborg, and his theory of correspondences, ie the parallel life of the resurrected dead in heaven as spiritual beings and converted into angels. On the other hand the writings of Swedenborg himself had spread to America, to the extent they can be purchased by almost anyone interested in these issues. For 1826 the Canandaigua newspaper advertised Swedenborg's book for sale for only 37c. So it was relatively easy to achieve and was open to any Mason, as was Smith's father or anyone inquiring mind or spiritual concerns as was his son, although that time was very young. We know for example that the book "Heaven and Hell and Its Wonders" was in the library of Smith's hometown since 1817. It is possible that Smith's interest in religious themes already been investigated in his writings in later years to his alleged vision.
In fact, as evidence of their possible contact with the Swedish scientist lit literature, the phrase through a Mormon historian-prone Mr . Quinn reached us, the writer cites the following sentence that Smith apparently told a name become Eduard Hunter who confessed Enmanuel Swedenborg had a view of the world to come, but for daily food is dead. We do not know exactly what this phrase means, but according to Quinn himself explains to Smith liked Swedenborg's concepts of life after death, but criticized him for profit from them and no disclosure to more altruistic. Emmanuel Top Swedenborg, a possible inspiration for some Mormon teachings.
What is clear is that there are several similarities in the subsequent ideology of Joseph Smith and Swedenborg, who may or may not be coincidental, even coming from a common source, some of these as the three states sky, the persistence of the family or celestial marriage, as well as the idea of \u200b\u200bconverting men into angels.
Of course, for Mormons, there is no doubt that Joseph Smith was a prophet who received direct messages from Jesus, God, and in some cases of an angel. And do not recognize any relationship or influence of another philosophy that is not the inspired to the prophet.
also been related to Joseph Smith with Freemasonry, as if nothing was a crime, being that Freemasonry is non-denominational or multi-faith, being more of a philosophy or group more associative ritualistic purposes than religious. We can accept this issue as certain, as both his father and his brother Hyram, which were from 1818, and acknowledges that fact and acknowledge its own acceptance in the lodge, although it was not until 1842. In his diary, dated March 15, 1842, writes: Office as Grand Chaplain in the facilities of the Masonic Lodge Nauvoo, in the woods near the temple. Attended the Grand Master Jonas, of Columbus, and a large congregation. It was a good day was in order, and was welcomed by all. At night I received the first degree of Freemasonry in the Nauvoo Lodge, the meeting was held in my office. ( Journal of Joseph Smith, March 15, 1842 points)
However, it seems that did not have much influence on the Mormon movement and ideology, except for certain Masonic ritual adapted by Mormons, and that what over time has received many changes. But more it seems that it was the Mormons who wanted to use its position in Masonry to attract more followers, in a Masonic society, with important personalities in politics and power. It might appear that one purpose of Smith was to have certain members of his own in positions of power, to advance and make more members to their cause. But it could also find that the authorities were more friendly with them, later that same purpose will lead to harsh enemies.
FIRST DISCIPLES
Among the early followers of Joseph Smith was Oliver Cowdery, who learned by Joseph Smith (father), of the boards and wanted to know more about the work of Joseph Smith and soon struck up a friendship that brought him become one of his most loyal collaborators, becoming who wrote in place of Martin Harris when Smith translated the gold plates. Thus became one of the first supporters of the movement, both were baptized and received as mutually Smith wrote, the Aaronic priesthood.
\u0026lt;------ Oliver Cowdery was born on October 3, 1806 in Wells, Vermont, during his youth, he worked as a clerk in a store until 1829, then taught school in Manchester. Oliver Cowdery was the home of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack, Joseph Smith's parents, and there he learned of the visions of Joseph and the manuscript he was translating. But it also said that years before he met Joseph Smith, had dreams related to the gold plates. Oliver was soon convinced of the version told by Smith and volunteered to become the scribe for Joseph Smith.
Oliver Cowdery was the first member of the Church who spoke at a public meeting after the Church had been organized, that was back April 1830. He was famous for his speeches and writings with much logic, complete mastery of the doctrine of the new church.
Shortly after the organization of the Church, Oliver was asked to lead the first expedition important mission Mormons. The mission was to organize a group to teach the American Indians, who were supposed to be the descendants of the Lamanites of the Book of Mormon. The mission with the Indians but resulted in a cordial, not had the desired effect, then that message to the Indians was so new and strange for the others, was alien to their traditions, who could not find anything that will remind some of his past course. But those missions and others that took place in Oceania and in England, it seems that proved more fruitful than expected. Through these efforts the number of members of the church doubled. From 1830 to 1831 Oliver served as the first registrar of the Church, and served as scribe for Joseph Smith while he was translating the Bible, and the messages that occurred in the Doctrine and Covenants.
The same Oliver Cowdery, with Martin Harris and David Whitmer, were those who served as witnesses to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, apparently miraculously taught them plates and the touched and seen before disappearing forever.
Thereafter begins a race to disseminate their ideas and visions from all over the story that Smith himself was writing in her journal, resembles that of George Fox, when he was establishing his Religious Society of Friends, with a zeal and a spirit that made him feel very secure in his new role of prophet.
Proof of this is that in a few years to six members spent hundreds and then thousands. In 1832 already erected temples in Kirtland and Independence and establishing the The Evening and Morning Star, first newspaper Mormon. Joseph Smith was appointed Prime Minister of the church and with her two main Elders, Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery, appoints twelve apostles in the town of Kirtland, among them was another important member, Brigham Young -> Brigham Young, was born on June 1, 1801 in Whitingham, Vermont. His parents were John and Abigail Young. His father was a veteran revolutionary war of independence. Due to family circumstances barely had a chance to go to school, but his father if he was taught to read, and was very fond of reading.
In 1823, Young moved to Puerto Byron, New York where he worked as a painter and carpenter and October 5, 1824 he married Miriam Work. At that time, both belonged to the Methodist Church and joined a local congregation. After four years, moved into their new family to Oswego, New York on Lake Ontario where he lost contact with the Methodists, but he joined a religious research group, a movement in the nineteenth century in America, men and women investigating the Bible for themselves in study groups trying to uncover the truth. But that was not successful, then had to move again, this time to Mendon, New York, where he was heavily involved in labor matters and the care of her family, because his wife became seriously ill.
And it was there in 1830 where one of the younger brothers of Joseph Smith, Samuel, preached in those places and handed a book of Mormon to the Young family. This investigated in the book and then in early 1832, says he was convinced by a young missionary who explained more about the prophet Smith.
That same year, his wife died and took the situation to see Joseph Smith in person, at that time was in Ohio, said that the meeting could not be more remarkable, because at that time accepted his conversion and was even speaking in tongues, miraculously, something unusual among Mormons, but for the time began to be common in many religions based Methodist.
Young Soon, he became one of the biggest supporters with which Smith was even in the harsh conditions suffered by the many accusations made against it, even though many prominent members rebelled and accusations against Joseph Smith, he always supported him.
at that time also joined the movement one that would soon become Smith's right hand, and his chief adviser former Baptist Sidney Rigdon.
\u0026lt;---- Sidney Rigdon was born in St Clair Township, Allegheny County in Pennsylvania, south of Pittsburgh. In March 1819, Rigdon received his license as a regular Baptist preacher among the descendants of the Particular Baptists in Ohio and remained until February 1822, when he returned to Pittsburgh after accepting the assignment as pastor of the newly founded First Baptist Church under the recommendation of Alexander Campbell. Earlier in the summer of 1821, Rigdon and a friend traveled to learn more about the Baptists and meet Campbell who defended the idea that the Christian church should give more priority to the New Testament to the Old. The long discussions on the matter culminated in the two preachers to join the Campbell movement. Soon, Rigdon had become a popular preacher Campbellites of Pittsburgh. However, because of theological differences with their own ideas Baptists, members were able to force his resignation in 1824.
So, after leaving the Baptist ministry in the next two years worked as a tanner Rigdon to support his family, preached on Sunday in favor of their new spiritual leader Campbell in Pittsburgh.
In 1826, he was invited to become the most liberal pastor of a Baptist church in Mentor, Ohio, in the region called Western Reserve.
In the mid-1830 through a prominent member of his church, Parley Pratt, who had known the Mormons in Palmyra, Rigdon received the Book of Mormon, which convinced him and became a strong supporter of the new religion. After his baptism in the church was instrumental in the conversion of hundreds of members of their congregations in Ohio.
Many of the prominent leaders of the early Latter-day Saints, including Parley P. Pratt, Edward Partridge and Isaac Morley were members of Rigdon's congregations.
In December 1830, Rigdon traveled to New York, where he met Joseph Smith. Rigdon had experience as a speaker and had a reputation as a fiery speaker. Almost immediately why he was called by Smith to be the spokesman for the church. Rigdon also served as scribe and Smith helped in the translation of the Bible, Smith began to prepare for 1832 ..
NAUVOO, POLITICS AND POLYGAMY
During the following years, while Mormons that increased in number dramatically, suffered severe persecution by the mob encouraged by minority groups of people who for some reason they kept a terrible aversion to them. In Missouri, persecution and hate almost become slaughter.
But it was the authorities who persecuted them, in many cases were individuals, religious opponents, renegades seeking prominence within the church and the not succeeded in launching attacks and hoaxes, and others who saw them as a threat to their lifestyle. Smith himself was imprisoned on charges ranging from sedition, witchcraft, fraud, even murder, but all these cases to justice in his favor, because it was accusations with little foundation. But the difficulties were increasing, that led to a large number of them decided to move to a land that allowed them to live in peace.
To this end, they settled in Illinois, bought a large plot near the small village called Commerce and founded there the city of Nauvoo, a few years later in that area by a lush forest full of wetlands was a big city, working as a municipality, which under the jurisdiction of members of the Church sessions were initiated in prayer. He even formed an army to was called the Nauvoo Legion, a matter strange, given the pacifist nature of the movement course. One brother Don Carlos Smith, was named General-in-chief of the Nauvoo Legion soldiers with 4,000 dependents.
In 1842, he published another paper in Nauvoo, called The Times Seasons, which often became important documents on the revelations of Joseph Smith and some of his writings, including the history of the church and part of his memoirs, as told by the same in 1838 and alleged translations of the facsimiles of the book called Abraham, many of these items were then considered sacred works for the Mormons, part of the book "The Pearl of Great Price."
At that time Smith was so esteemed and hated, had many friends as enemies, but until then had been untouchable, having survived more than thirty trials without any major defeat. The relevance of Smith at that time made him dine with judges and governors, meet important people from politics, according to him, in order to achieve justice and a better deal to his. As recognized by the same newspaper ran its presidential candidate for the U.S. government, but he did see the picture presented.
His religious views became cloudy to learn that the candidates for the U.S. presidency in 1844, were both the greatest enemies of the cause of Mormon, was a senator and representative for Kentucky, Henry Clay, whom he had met in seeking help and from whom he received a simple: "Go and find another place to help them." The other candidate, President Martin Van Buren, who in 1840 when he traveled to Washington for help answered contemptuously and without hint of interest: "Your cause is just but I can not do anything for you, and if I help them lose my vote of Missouri. " With that scenario, he viewed his election as a remedy to prevent further damage to your community, by the way may provide across the country a system similar to that established in Nauvoo.
But forget the principle of Jesus, my kingdom is not of this world, and you are not part of this world, especially when their own Nauvoo, went further and wanted to control the entire estate. He made a mistake similar to that of Thomas Munzer in 1525, when he wanted to establish a government opposed to the Catholic Church in Mühlhausen, Thuringia, and was crushed by their own Protestant Luther. Or like the Anabaptists of Münster also with Leiden, Hoffman and Rothmann and his kingdom which was also crushed and massacred.
when not taken into account some basic principles of Christianity tends to repeat history, and that's what happened to Joseph Smith and a good number of their own.
all happened when a group of subjects own, led by Sylvester Emmons, published on June 7, 1844, a magazine called "Nauvoo Expositor", denouncing the abuse of power on Smith, especially in what he had to do with the treatment of women. Years ago, Smith himself claimed to have received angelic messages that are supported polygamy. Although it is difficult to establish conclusively whether or not marriage was polygamous, according to some story is given to 33 women he allegedly had sex marriage or at least were given as wives, though he always spoke of a woman who only referred to the first Emma Smith, who on the other side never reported any attitude polygamy from her husband.
But the reasons for that attitude and mysterious silence that was given to the case until after the death of Joseph Smith, perhaps because he did not want to draw attention to that matter, out of respect to Emma, \u200b\u200bor perhaps to avoid the authorities against him because the U.S. Constitution never accepted polygamy among its laws, or perhaps really, everything was false and the alleged wives of Smith, were inventions of his enemies.
In any case, the acceptance of polygamy by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, is attested by the same book of organizational rules of the Church, the book Doctrine and Covenants. While the opinion or related to this article was put in writing after the death of Smith, the text acknowledges that was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1831. The book reads: And if she did not commit adultery, but he is innocent and has not broken his vow, and she knows it, and I will reveal, my servant Joseph, then you have the power, for power my Holy Priesthood, to take it and give it to who has not committed adultery but has been a faithful, because this will be made ruler over many. For I have conferred the keys and the power of the priesthood, through which restores all things and I know all things in due time. (Doctrine and Covenants 132: 44-45)
again stresses the idea more clearly in the following quotation: And also with respect to the law of the priesthood: If a man marries a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and married the second, and are virgins, and have not given his word to anyone else, then it is justified; can not commit adultery, for they are given to him, he can not commit adultery with what belongs to him and nobody else. And if you are given ten virgins by this law, can not commit adultery, because he belongs and you are given, therefore, is justified. (Doctrine and Covenants 132: 61,62)
This suggests that there may be some truth in the matter of Smith's secret marriages with as many women and not just part of it, but other group members Nauvoo Illinois. With regard to the attitude to be taken by Emma, \u200b\u200bthe wife of Joseph Smith's original, it seems that received clear instructions: And mine handmaid, Emma Smith receive all that have been given unto my servant Joseph and who are virtuous and pure before me, and those who are not pure, and have said they are pure, will be destroyed, saith the Lord God. For I am the Lord your God, and you must obey my voice, and I give unto my servant Joseph to be ruler over many things because he has been faithful over a few, and I will strengthen him hereafter. (Doctrine and Covenants 132:52,53)
Well, that often provoked the rejection of many who saw this as a humiliation for women, which in itself was of little significance for them. Although you want to argue otherwise, claiming that the actual Joseph Smith, to organize a Relief Society, directed by his first wife, Emma Smith. The case, however, apparently sparked when Sylvester Emmons, wanted to expose, not whether Smith's polygamous habit, but the way that some women chose for himself, without the approval of these and published testimony Emmons of 16 women who had been induced, without success, to be given as wives to the Prophet and the fact he tried to take his wife to several members of the church itself, and Emmons went according to one Robert O. Foster, who was also behind the publication of the Nauvoo Expositor. It was even to echo certain accusations of adultery, from none other than Oliver Crowdery, which for that reason he was expelled from the Church.
Smith interpreted this as a conspiracy against him to end his life and ruin your reputation. Why, it was a special meeting at City Hall on the tenth day to take a formal decision against the newspaper. The response was overwhelming, Smith himself acknowledges this in his diary: E l City Council passed an ordinance declaring the Nauvoo Expositor was an undesirable thing, and issued an order for me to abolish the daily charge. I sent the prosecutor to destroy it without delay and at the same time I ordered that Jonathan Dunham, Major General acting for the Nauvoo Legion, the Legion helped the prosecutor, if requested. (Diary of Joseph Smith, 170, apunt.10-January)
This led to the destruction of that property and the flight of Foster and Emmons and other opponents of Illinois, where it already has enough enemies and reasons to go against Smith and his family.
The complaint of those expelled from Nauvoo, he had almost immediate effects, because from Illinois authorities sent constables to arrest Smith and all the leaders of the movement. But this was resisted in accordance with a law that apparently allowed him to be tried in Nauvoo, where logically it would not be convicted of any judge.
While the enemies threats hanging over the Mormon city, and therefore, Smith called his own army, the Nauvoo Legion to defend with arms if necessary against the enemy. Although there was no struggle at the end, as advised by some politicians governors, judges and others, Smith was persuaded to stand trial in Illinois. That incident was the end of his career. For while in prison, with his brother Hyram and other prominent members of Mormonism, a mob of angry and uncontrolled enemies attacked prison, but the authorities could detain and killed Joseph Smith.
But this was not the end of Mormonism. After the death of Joseph, it was decided that the group of so-called apostles, would lead the movement. Young subsequently led the group that fled from Nauvoo and other places in search of a safe place in Utah, arriving in Salt Lake and founded the famous city that bears the name of that lake.
RUPTURES and CISM
But there were disagreements and disagreements among the Mormons, the first was for the same cause of death of Joseph Smith, the famous polygamy, which during the administration of Brigham Young, was established as a standard and it gave more reasons to support this habit. In fact it was Young himself who gave details of the information contained in the Doctrine and Convention No. 132, which according to him, Joseph had received in 1832, but did not want it published until after his death. Some members were separated from the majority, bearing the same name.
Then there was the schism led by one of the son of Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith III, who claimed to be the new prophet chosen by God and confrontation Young, formed his own group called: Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS. Since 1984, call themselves the Community of Christ.
Then there were other prominent members also eventually succumbed to the temptation to believe heirs of the prophet Smith. One of them was another David Whitmer, who had been one of the first converts, he had come to Mormonism about the same time that Crowdery, although named as such soon after. Had also been one of the three who witnessed the Book of Mormon, but was expelled during the so-called Mormon War, and certain financial scandals in Kirtland.
After Smith's death, and the initial leadership crisis, wanted to organize an alternative group that was called Church of Christ, better known as Whitmeritas, but it soon became bored with that and the movement disbanded in 1871 .
Whitmer was devoted to the advocacy and continued to live in Richmond, where he briefly served as mayor from 1867-1868. During those same years, Whitmer reaffirmed its claim of being the legal successor of Joseph Smith and organized a second Church of Christ. Eventually publishing a pamphlet in 1887 entitled: "A speech for every believer in Christ" in which he stated his testimony Book of Mormon but castigated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah. At the end of that year Whitmer ordered his nephew to be his successor whitmerita church, church survived until 1960.
also another important member to be separated because of the opposition to polygamy was Sidney Rigdon, who led a group called Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion.
When Smith launched the candidacy of the presidency of the United States, Rigdon was elected as its senior vice president. In April 1844, William Law, the second counselor Joseph Smith was excommunicated and his position was never replaced while Smith continued as president of the church. As a result, Smith's death in July of that year, Rigdon was the only member of the highest position and therefore was running as president of the church. During those months that followed the death of Smith, Rigdon's strong opposition to situations within the church, including polygamy, made his popularity wane among most Mormons, especially since Young with promises of a new life in Utah, was more popular.
A month later, on September 8, Rigdon was excommunicated from the church by a council chaired by the presiding bishop Newel K. Whitney. Rigdon then moved to Pittsburgh where he continued his own faction of the Church, which gave the name Church of Jesus Christ of the sons of Zion, called often, rigdonitas.
But the movement was disbanded because of disputes over the leadership of the group, and in 1847, had come to nothing, however some of these members continued to meet and in 1862, led by William Bickerton, was formed called the Church of Jesus Christ that Mormons follow the precepts, but by their own prophets, are currently around 15000 members.
As mentioned before, the issue of polygamy was controversial both inside and outside the Mormon Church. Brigham Young officially announced the practice of polygamy in 1852. While covertly allowed from the time of Smith. when the Mormons were settled in Utah, far from any pursuer, they felt free to practice polygamy without fear of being reported. Basically depended on the patriarchs and kings were polygamous biblical antiquity, from Abraham to David and Solomon were. Mormon leaders often had many wives but it seems that the core members are not always financially could afford and was not as common in the general population.
Brigham Young believes he was married with about fifty women, the next president, Heber C. Kimball was with more than forty, but the majority of Mormon polygamists, they only had two wives, and other wealthy at most three.
After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery in the U.S.. UU., the government began a campaign against polygamy. They left many laws in this regard to prevent the practice and Utah was in the crosshairs of government for its permission. In the decades seventies and eighties of the nineteenth century, Mormons were imprisoned and others hid, or concealed its true position double, to avoid problems with the state. It was in 1890 when Mormon President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation supposed to end the practice of polygamy. Many even said that the Prophet felt pressure on the U.S. government, even had some members who continued to practice despite the new revelation and eventually disintegrated formed another branch of the Mormons.
Society
Davis County Cooperative, led by Thomas R. King, commonly called the Kingston Clan. Also the United Apostolic Brethren Lorin C. Wolley, with over 8000 members just in Utah. These, along with a movement known as "True church of latter-day saints, led by a fanatic James Harmston, all identify themselves as Mormons, creating general confusion and popular that all Mormons are polygamists. Something that we see is totally false.
Another confounding issue is the issue of racism among Mormons, even though Mormons are opposed from the beginning to the use of slaves, the Mormon Church has taught from the beginning that the race of blacks out Cain, the murderer punished and cursed, and therefore, were not accepted at first as whites in Mormon temples during the first 140 years of the movement. It was not until 1978 that President Mormon, Spencer Kimball said he has another new revelation which changed this and now the blacks are accepted.
doctrine and organization
But what if it is common to all motions arising from the Mormon Church established by Joseph Smith, is its acceptance of the sacred books and Principles commodities, which could classify as "the Mormon creed" such as contained in the final part of the book The Pearl of Great Price are the following:
1 We believe in God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, not Adam's transgression
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by
obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel .
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit .
5 We believe that man must be called by God, by prophecy and the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer its ordinances.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc..
8 We believe that the Bible is the Word of God until it is translated correctly;
also believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe
yet reveal many great and important things pertaining the kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and the restoration of
Ten Tribes, that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built on the American continent, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 11
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 want.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
13 believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men
;
These are the basic beliefs of all Mormon, other differences may occur in certain details on clothing, prophecies or other minor issues between the different factions. On the other hand speak nothing neutral or pacifist commitment, in fact allow their members to participate in war if the government's request, this has led to the paradoxical situation of many churches that have members on both sides to the dispute. Seen in this way appear to be far from any other Christian confessions but in reality, the acceptance of prophets and other revelations have made this movement unique and very different from the rest.
Regarding the requirements to be accepted into the LDS Church all the way, these are relatively simple, basically the questions are related to the applicant:
1) Your moral cleansing.
2) If you support the general authorities.
3) If you pay your full tithe.
4) If you see the word of wisdom.
5) If you wear underwear rules.
6) If attempts to attend services regularly, obey the rules, laws and commandments of the gospel.
7) If a recommendation was denied on occasion.
8) If you have never been divorced.
There are some popular ideas about the Mormon dietary restrictions, especially is said not to drink Coca Cola or other soft drinks, but none of this is true in reality today the members of the Church SUD, simply do not consume Alcohol, Snuff, Tea, Coffee and harmful drugs, by express mandate of the prophet Smith. Although the Bible speaks of wine drunk in moderation is recommended.
One way to maintain compliance with this law within Mormon community is through the use of "temple garment" or "temple garment" which is a special type of underwear that has symbols and is used by all member Mormon since the time of their first access to the temple and until his death, that is applicable to both male and female underwear. The Mormon garment to symbolize the skins with which God covered the nakedness of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:21.
Tithing is considered an order within the Mormon doctrine, not a suggestion, so faithful members agree to comply with the literal tithe, which is 10% of their earnings. Some of that money goes to finance missionary work printers, employment programs and benefits and general administration and maintenance of temples and shrines.
As for the charges or the way the church is built, we will say that while many of them hold positions in the Church, including bishops, secretaries, counselors, heads of area, these are temporary and unpaid. Only the so-called Twelve Apostles and the Prophet along with his two counselors, are appointed for life and their expenses covered by the Church.
also if anything is known to the Mormons in many countries, the typical vision of two young well-dressed and carefully selected ranging from house to house preaching and carrying a flap that identifies them as Elders, that term has nothing to do with age or experience, but rather with their work as an outpost.
is
common among Mormons from the main community, the official continued headquartered in Utah, you want every young person, aged 19 to 24 years, go for two years as a missionary in any place where they send. Although there has always been missionaries, but the recruitment system for two years was devised by President Spencer W. Kimball, 1974.
place where the missionary is called, he or she trained in a missionary training center and learn the language of the country which will serve, deeply studying the Mormon scriptures and the Bible, and learn how to teach. After some weeks of training, the missionaries leave for their mission.
Each mission is headed by a Mission President. He oversees the missionaries, and assigned to work in various areas within the boundaries of the area. Each missionary is assigned a partner. Each pair of peers usually stay together for four or five months.
The missionaries have many rules, some of them may seem very restrictive to many but, knowing that they are limited to the time of missionaries, it helps them stay focused on their work. Some of the most important rules are:
"They have a duty to stay always with her partner
-Follow a daily schedule that includes getting up at 6:30 am and go to bed at 10:30 pm
-Write each week to their mission president, and parents.
strictly prohibited "They flirt, flirt or be alone with someone of the opposite sex.
"They should not watch television or media is not allowed.
Actualmente hay unos 65,000 misioneros en aproximadamente 339 misiones organizadas alrededor del mundo. Gracias en parte a esa labor misional, el principal movimiento de la Iglesia de los Santos de los últimos días, afirma tener cerca de 14 millones de miembros, de los cuales casi 7 millones residen fuera de EE.UU.
Aunque últimamente preocupa a sus líderes el hecho de la poca continuidad que consiguen fuera de Norteamérica, pues pese a conseguir adeptos, el aumento no es notable, en parte porque muchos de los que miembros que se bautizan como tal, abandonan la religión poco tiempo después de irse los misioneros.
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