Latter Day Saint movement
The Latter Day Saint movement (also called the LDS movement, LDS restorationist movement, or Smith–Rigdon movement) is the collection of independent church groups that trace their origins to a Christian Restorationist movement founded by Joseph Smith in the late 1820s.
Collectively, these churches have over 17 million nominal members, including over 17 million belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), 250,000 in Community of Christ, and several other denominations with memberships generally ranging in the thousands of members. The predominant theology of the churches in the movement is Mormonism, which sees itself as restoring again on Earth the early Christian church; their members are most commonly known as Mormons. An additional doctrine of the church allows for prophets to receive and publish modern-day revelations.
A minority of Latter Day Saint adherents, such as members of Community of Christ, have been influenced by Protestant theologies while maintaining certain distinctive beliefs and practices including continuing revelation, an open canon of scripture and building temples. Other groups include the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which supports lineal succession of leadership from Smith’s descendants, and the more controversial Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which defends the practice of polygamy. One source has estimated that over 400 denominations have sprung from founder Joseph Smith’s original movement.
The Latter Day Saint movement is a Christian restorationist movement that began in the early 19th century with Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received divine revelation, leading to the translation of the Book of Mormon. The movement encompasses numerous independent churches, the largest of which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church. Key aspects include a belief in continuing revelation, a focus on family life and missionary work, and a goal to restore the early Christian church as it was believed to have been.
- Joseph Smith: is considered the founder, who started the movement in upstate New York in the 1820s and 1830s.
- The movement emerged during the Second Great Awakening, a period of religious revival in the United States.
Theology and Beliefs
- Restorationism: The core belief that Christianity had deviated from its original form and needed a complete restoration, rather than just reforms.
- Continuing Revelation: A belief that God continues to communicate with humanity through prophets and apostles, providing ongoing divine guidance.
- Book of Mormon: A sacred text believed to be a chronicle of ancient people in the Americas and their dealings with God, which Smith translated from golden plates.
- Unique Godhead: Members believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God but hold a different view of the Godhead than traditional Christian creeds.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)
- This is the largest denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement.
- The church prefers its full name to emphasize its worship of Jesus Christ and discourages the use of “Mormon”.
- The LDS Church is known for its emphasis on family life, missionary work, strict moral codes (prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea), and a strong work ethic.
The Broader Movement
- The movement led to the formation of many independent denominations after Smith’s death, though the LDS Church is the most prominent.
- Other groups include the Community of Christ and various smaller denominations, some of which have different interpretations or historical connections.