03/07/2013
Religion
Mormonism: Comparisons to Monotheism and if it is truly monotheistic
Mormonism is the predominant religious tradition of the Latter Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity. This movement was founded by Joseph Smith, Jr., in the 1820s. During the 1830s and 1840s, Mormonism gradually distinguished itself from traditional Protestantism. Mormonism today represents the new, non-Protestant faith taught by Smith in the 1840s. Mormonism in itself is its own religion. It has its own beliefs and customs. But it has some connections to other mainstream monotheistic religions. These religions are Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Mormonism shares some commonalities with these religions and some differences.
For example Mormonism shares some similarities with Judaism. Both Jews and Mormons are members of the twelve families of Israel who were under the Abrahamic Covenant. Both groups believe in and worship the same Heavenly Father, also the belief in angels, and holy visitations. Also the Jewish Tanakh scriptures have parallels and similarities to the LDS “bible” in subject matter, wisdom, and purpose. Mormons and Jews both believe in revelation and prophecy that is available to anyone. There are some connections that can be drawn from Mormonism to Judaism but ultimately it comes down to the differences. A main difference is that Jews do not believe that the messiah has come yet Mormons believe he already has and he was Jesus Christ. This is one key difference that sets the two apart.
Whether Mormons should be considered "Christians" is a controversial and rather complicated issue. Many Catholics and Protestants do not consider Mormons to be Christians because they believe the differences in doctrines are larger and more fundamental than those between Christian denominations. On other hand, religious studies books tend to group Mormons in with Christians because, Mormons regard themselves as Christians. Mormonism emerged in a Christian