Mormonism in America - History for Genealogists
Book of Mormon
Mormonism, also known as the Latter-Day Saint movement, is a religious tradition that originated in upstate New York during the early 19th century. The movement was founded by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received revelations from God and was chosen to restore the true church of Jesus Christ.
The central text of the Mormon faith is the Book of Mormon, which Smith claimed was a translation of ancient scripture that had been hidden in the Americas for thousands of years. In addition to the Bible and the Book of Mormon, Mormons also consider other texts and revelations as authoritative, including the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.
The teachings of Mormonism emphasize the importance of family, the divine nature of humanity, and the potential for eternal progression and exaltation. Mormons believe in the concept of a pre-mortal existence, where spirits existed before being born on earth. They also believe in the existence of a "heavenly mother" in addition to God the Father, and that through eternal marriage and family relationships, humans can become like God.
Genealogy plays an important role in Mormonism, as the religion places great emphasis on the importance of family history and the eternal nature of familial relationships. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints maintains an extensive genealogical database known as the FamilySearch database, which is available for free to anyone interested in researching their family history. In addition to providing access to records and documents, the Church also encourages members to perform proxy baptisms and other ordinances for their ancestors, in order to allow them to receive the blessings of the Gospel in the afterlife.
Mormonism has had a significant impact on American religious history and culture, and continues to be a growing and influential religious tradition. Despite facing significant persecution and opposition in its early years, the religion has continued to grow and spread throughout the world, with millions of adherents and a strong missionary program. While it remains controversial in some circles, the Mormon faith has also become increasingly integrated into mainstream American culture, with a growing number of Mormons serving in political and cultural leadership positions.
