Mormonism

2012 marked a historic year for the United States presidential campaign. As with all elections, a candidate’s religion is brought to light and their personal faith becomes a matter of question. Mit Romney was the first president to follow the belief system known as Mormonism. While many religions are surrounded in secrecy, Mormonism is known for its extreme views and vague beliefs shrouded in mystery. Mormonism share common ground with the view of Christianity but share no unity among believers. Relationships among different religions are few and far between. Why would two belief system based on the same principles be so different? Why Mormonism is often referred to as a cult is a question often raised and the mystery behind the church is something to be investigated. Around 1820 a young man named Joseph Smith began a search for a religion in which he could call his own and would be a source of truth during a time he felt was full of religious corruption. Joseph Smith lived in the state of New York during this time of his life. Smith went to the Bible to search for answer and found James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God”. Smith prayed to God and asked for wisdom. According to the book of Mormon, Smith saw a pillar of light that came around him and consumed him. Two men appeared before him and it is said that two men were God the Father and Jesus Christ. Smith was told that all churches at that time were wrong and corrupt and that he would lead the creation of the rebirth of the new church. After this vision Smith is said to have encountered an angel Moroni who aided in the discovery of golden tablets which Smith spent the next few years translating. According to truthnet.org, Smith’s father in law questioned the validity of Smiths claim and caused Smith’s wife to doubt her husband and eventually leave him. Although Smith encountered issues, the book of Mormon went to printers and was published for sale around 1830 even though it was labeled as