Chances are you’ve heard about Mormonism and its growing visibility in the West. Mormonism, also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a movement and religion founded in the 19th century.
Over time, it has become prominent, with over 16 million members worldwide. The Mormon Church is also one of the fastest-growing religions in the Western world. It has an estimated 67,000 members joining each year.
Mormons have differing beliefs from traditional Christians, such as their views on the Holy Ghost, the Trinity, and even beings such as Satan. Many different creeds have formed throughout the original message of the Mormon religion.
In this article, you’ll get a closer look at the best books on Mormonism.
What is Mormonism?
Mormonism refers to the faith and practices belonging to Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). However, it also includes sub-denominations. The religion started less than 200 years ago when their prophet Joseph Smith was said to have received a revelation from God and Jesus Christ.
In the revelation, God the Father and Jesus Christ told Joseph Smith that all churches had become an abomination. Mormons believe that the meaning of the original Bible (the Old Testament and the New Testament) is corrupted due to many translations from the original Hebrew.
It was then that the angel Moroni led Smith to golden tablets written in an ancient Egyptian language. Through the gift of translation, Joseph Smith received The Book of Mormon.
The golden tablets tell the story of an ancient people that lived in North America during the time of Jesus Christ. It was in 1830 when The Book of Mormon was first published. This led to the establishment of the LDS church in New York.
Mormons believe in the Bible and additional scripture, including The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. They follow the tenets of Mormon beliefs in Mormon temples such as the Kirtland temple in Ohio.
The Mormon Church reveres church leaders such as Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.
Best books about Mormonism
Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman
This is a biography of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. The book covers his life from childhood to death and explores his visions, teachings, and controversies. It delves into his personal struggles and relationships with others, as well as his impact on American religious history.
Kingdom of Nauvoo: The Rise and Fall of a Religious Empire on the American Frontier by Benjamin E. Park
The Kingdom of Nauvoo revolves around the history of Nauvoo, Illinois, a city founded by the Mormons in the 1830s. The book covers the city’s rise as a religious and political center, as well as its eventual downfall due to conflicts with non-Mormon residents and the legal system.
No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith by Fawn M. Brodie
No Man Knows My History tells the biography of Joseph Smith and challenges many of the traditional narratives about his life and teachings. It explores themes of myth-making, interpretation of religious texts, and the complex relationship between Smith and his followers.
The book also addresses controversies and criticisms of Smith’s character and actions.
Doctrine and Covenants by Joseph Smith
The book covers a range of topics, including the organization of the church, principles of faith and repentance, the priesthood, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and the importance of temples. It serves as a guidebook for members of the church and is considered one of the standard works of Mormon scripture.
The Pearl of Great Price by Joseph Smith
A collection of writings that were canonized by the Mormon Church in 1880. It includes several books, including the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith’s personal history, and the Articles of Faith. The Pearl of Great Price also contains additional scripture for the practitioners of the Mormon faith.
The Articles of Faith summarize some of the basic beliefs of the Mormon Church. The Pearl of Great Price is considered one of the standard works of Mormon scripture, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants.
The Kingdom of the Saints: Political Authority, Religious Identity, and the Mormon War for America’s West by Timothy Egan.
This book explores the history of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Mormon Church. It includes the early struggles of the pioneers who settled in the region and the development and history of the church with its impact on the area. Many Mormons moved to Missouri after being persecuted in Protestant states before finding Salt Lake City.
Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction by Richard Lyman Bushman
This book provides a concise overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of the Mormon Church. It gives the reader a better grasp on important aspects such as tithing, apostasy, the Deseret, the Mormon plan of salvation, and quorums of priesthood such as the Aaronic priesthood.
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FAQ
How is Mormonism different from Christianity?
Mormons have added scripture and specific ordinances. The Mormon Doctrine differs from the Christian Church about the nature of God. This includes believing that God the Father and Son were flesh while the Holy Spirit was not.
What are Mormons known for?
Mormons are known for the emphasis they place on family and missionary work. Some branches of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still practice polygamy. However, mainstream church members don’t practice it anymore.
What are the beliefs of Mormons on the afterlife?
Mormons do believe in the concept of the afterlife. However, it is a bit more complicated regarding the Kingdom of God. Mormons believe individuals will be judged by their deeds and then be assigned to one of three kingdoms, such as the telestial kingdom.
Who are the most successful Mormon men?
Some successful Mormon men include Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman Jr., and Stephen Covey.
