Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), is a Christian movement founded in the United States in 1830 by Joseph Smith. Smith claimed to be a prophet of God raised to restore the original teachings of Jesus Christ, which he believed had been lost or corrupted over time. Followers of this faith are commonly known as Mormons or Latter-day Saints, and today the Church has its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, with millions of members worldwide .
The origins of Mormonism are closely tied to Joseph Smith’s religious experiences. As a young man, he reported receiving divine visions that guided him away from existing Christian denominations and toward establishing a new religious community. Central to these experiences was his claim that God had chosen him to restore true Christianity in preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ. These claims placed Smith and his followers at odds with surrounding religious communities, leading to intense persecution and repeated migrations .
A defining feature of Mormonism is its additional scripture, most notably the Book of Mormon. According to LDS belief, this book is a sacred record of ancient peoples in the Americas and another testament of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith stated that he translated the Book of Mormon from gold plates revealed to him by an angel named Moroni. Alongside the Bible, Latter-day Saints also accept Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price as authoritative scripture, collectively known as the Church’s “standard works” .
Theologically, Mormonism shares some beliefs with mainstream Christianity, such as faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and moral living. However, it also differs significantly in its understanding of God, revelation, and scripture. The LDS Church teaches that divine revelation did not end with the Bible and continues through modern prophets. This belief in ongoing revelation shapes both LDS doctrine and church organization .
