What Even is Mormonism?

Purpose and Intent

One often hears in Utah the remark, "Speak to ten Mormons, and you will hear ten different versions of Mormonism." A Mormon, naturally, will reply by pointing out the fractured state of Christianity itself—particularly Protestantism. And we can learn from this comparison itself: are these differences within the two belief systems of the same kind and cause? What are their consequences?

Looking first at the LDS Church, we see several major points of difference: largest between generations, especially when looking at the beliefs of those under 21, and also often a great difference between individuals.

The difference between generations arises most obviously from the principle of progressive revelation—magnificent in intent, but often confusing in its effect. Imagine two people separated by decades, each raised upon the teachings of a different prophet. We see in the 2017 General Conference the talk Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. In 1995 was the talk Perfection Pending by Russell M. Nelson. Comparing these to the statements of Spencer W. Kimball during his tenure as Prophet and President, we see a gradual relaxation of this necessity "to measure up to a perfect, Christlike life of self-mastery" ("We Need a Listening Ear," Kimball, 1979). Whether this is actually a change in doctrine or merely a change in interpretation, it is understandable that the older generations are far more concerned with their actions, intents, and complete purity than those younger. Similar effects can be seen with other changes over time within the LDS Church.

The second major point that causes substantive difference between individuals is the doctrine of personal revelation. If the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet, and personal revelation were to all conflict, a Mormon is expected to follow the personal revelation. This is revealed by the burning of the bosom: a strong, inward confirmation (often an intense feeling) that is believed to originate from the Holy Spirit. Because of this, individuals may in some cases believe drastically different doctrine than the official statement made by the LDS Church.

Further, the views of those who are younger typically include less of the more "difficult" teachings of the LDS Church - especially when it comes to matters of Church History. Contrary to Christian understandings of these passages, they derive this concept from Doctrine and Covenants 19:21-22, which <<TODO: Finish paragraph>>. Biblical understanding: 1 Corinthians 3:2 ("I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it...") and Hebrews 5:13-14 ("...But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.").

In response to these differences of opinion within the LDS Church, as well as its failure to educate its young, I aim to present the views of the LDS Church as succinctly as possible, as accurately as possible, and with as many official sources as possible. In Ronald Huggins' book, Lighthouse: Jerald & Sandra Tanner, Despised and Beloved Critics of Mormonism, he writes about the Tanners' ethic:

"If attacks on Mormonism were based on forgeries, misinterpretations, or made-up stories about the occult, then it allowed LDS apologists to dismiss all criticisms as false. At the very least, it allowed LDS defenders to spend their time ridiculing sensationalized and false accusations against the church while ignoring more substantive criticisms." (261-262)

In this same way, it is always better to provide accurate information on what the LDS Church has said and is saying, and sometimes what Mormons typically believe (though always noting it as "unofficial"), than to provide damning conjecture. I do not claim to always find the right sources, nor to always have perfect analysis; I am not a news agency or a paid researcher, but merely a hobbyist interested in the peculiarities of Mormonism. I do, however, intend to put in a good-faith effort to accurately represent the views of the LDS Church, whether modern or historical, and to check my sources accordingly.

As a final note - in response to the difference of opinions within the Christian Church, these differences are what we call "heterodoxical" or "non-salvific," meaning they are not necessary beliefs to be saved. This is in contrast to differences termed "heretical": meaning to be of a different sect or school entirely. LDS beliefs of exaltation and theosis are heretical, whereas two believers who proclaim an Arminian versus a Calvinistic understanding of soteriology are simply heterodoxical. Even if the Arminian and Calvinist are both wrong, both agree on the fundamentals of Christianity, and are therefore both saved.

If there is a problem with one of my sources, please email me at .netbleyker@denttenneb. Please check my FAQ page first to see if this problem has already been answered. Then, please be clear on what content is specifically affected, what source is specifically affected, and how this cannot therefore represent a past or present view of the LDS Church as revealed by their Prophets.

Truth emerges most vividly when challenged. May we all remain vigilant against the temptations to reshape the divine into a form more comfortable to our own imaginations than faithful to its reality.

On Definitions

Note on the Use of the Term "Mormons"

On this website, I will use the term "Mormon" to refer to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Unfortunately, when my audience may include those outside of the State of Utah, simply referring to "Members" or "the Church" is too vague, while saying "Members of the LDS Church" gets extremely lengthy. So, in order to reduce confusion, I will use the term "Mormon" when referring to members of the LDS church, by which I intend no derogation or ill will. I will, however, prioritize the term "LDS Church" over "Mormon Church." Though to truly prevent offense, I should exclusively use the full name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," its unwieldy-ness prevents me from doing so. I hope that in so abbreviating for the sake of readability, I may be excused.

For the confused reader, in spite of the LDS Church's "I'm a Mormon" campaign under Prophet Thomas S. Monson from 2010 until his death in 2018, the current Prophet Russell M. Nelson stated in 2018 that the use of nicknames such as "Mormons" or abbreviations such as "LDS Church" are offensive and "is a major victory for Satan."^[1] Despite this, I find calling them, every time, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" or "Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" to be extremely unwieldy, and causes what could be described in two words ("LDS Church" or "Mormons") to suddenly take up most of the sentence. As much as we, as outsiders, may find the offense taken to be confusing in light of their past campaigns, it is a fact of communicating with Mormons, and as such I include this note to prevent any misunderstandings. I suggest, in your conversations, that you do the same.

Note on the Use of the Term "Christian"

Another common point of contention is whether or not the term "Christian" can/should apply to Mormons (see above for use on the term "Mormon"). I will not try to argue for or against it, but rather define what exactly I mean why I say "Christian." For the sake of this website, when I use the word "Christianity," I am referring to orthodox Christianity: orthodox being defined as "Adhering to the accepted or traditional and established faith, especially in religion." This will also hopefully reduce confusion when I try to speak about Christian beliefs, and their contrast with the beliefs of the LDS Church.