Middle East Information Resource
Religions/Belief Systems - Mormons
A religion founded in the United States in 1830 by Joseph Smith. As a young person Smith was exposed to many conflicting religious influences. When, in an effort to resolve his confusion he prayed for guidance, he claimed to have been met by two heavenly messengers. They forbade him to join any church, but told him to prepare to become the prophet of a new church.
Before long he experienced a series of visions. It was told of golden plates hidden in a hillside, upon which was written a holy revelation. In 1827 he uncovered the plates and with the help of `Urim and Thummin` translated them from the so called reformed Egyptian into English. The text, `The Book of Mormon` was published in 1830
At the same time, a small church was founded in Fayette, New York. At the same time the miracle of the casting out of the Devil was performed. `The Book of Mormon` is considered a record of early American history and religion. The American Indians are claimed to be from the ten lost tribes of Israel. The Mormons believe that Jesus Christ appeared in America after his resurrection.
`Doctrine and Covenants` was a book delineating the revelations that Joseph Smith claimed to have received. The Mormons are concentrated in the state of Utah in The United States, though they are active missionaries in various parts of the world. They are known for their practice of polygamy.