Category Archives: Book of Mormon

The Jaredite People of The Book of Mormon

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Joseph Smith mormonThe Jaredites were a people whose history is given in the Book of Mormon, an ancient record kept by the people of the Americas and then later translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Jaredites were descendants of Jared, his brother, and other righteous people of their family. They were led to the Americas, by God, at the time of the Tower of Babel. Their history is found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Following is a short chronology of their history. The civilization existed between 2700 B.C. and 600 B.C. There is an error of between 50 and 150 years on either end. In the chart there are some gaps because no information is given in the Book of Mormon about that time.

Years (B.C.)

Jaredites

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The Jaredite People of The Book of Mormon

The Jaredites were a people whose history is given in the Book of Mormon, an ancient record kept by the people of the Americas and then later translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Jaredites were descendants of Jared, his brother, and other righteous people of their family. They were led to the Americas, by God, at the time of the Tower of Babel. Their history is found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon.

book mormonZzA group of Nephites eventuall found the Jaredite record and their were kept with the records of the Nephite people. Later, the last Nephite prophet, Moroni, abridged the record of the Jaredite people and included it in his record. Hundreds of years later, the ProphetJoseph Smith was visited by the angel Moroni and told where to find these records. Joseph found the records and translated them. These records are now known as the Book of Mormon.

The Jaredites and the Olmecs

There are shocking similarities between the Jaredite civilizations and the civilization called the Olmecs by archeologists.

Until about 2000 B.C. the Jaredites struggled to establish survival. Archeological findings support that the Olmec people until this point were unsophisticated.

From 2000 to 1500 B.C. the Jaredites made significant advances, built many cities, and a highland capital called Moron. A site with similar characteristics exists in the valley of Oaxaca and archeology has found such things as pottery, farming areas, and settled villages from this time period.

In 1500 the Jaredites built up a city called Lib. Olmec archeological finds have discovered a city near San Lorenzo beginning at the same time with the same social organization and the makings of monuments that coincide with the account in the Book of Mormon.

In 1070 there was a civil war in the time of Com mentioned in the Book of Mormon. This coincides exactly with a civil war that archeologists say destroy the city at San Lorenzo.

The following years of the Jaredite culture were decadent and wicked. The Olmecs during this time period developed a culture focused on riches and wealth. They enslaved many people to build massive monuments.

By 600 B.C. the Jaredite culture was destroyed in one last battle. Archeologists put the destruction of the Olmec people at 601 B.C.

The last battle of the Jaredite people is described as being on a hill. The last battle of the Olmecs was at Cerro Vigia and is consistent with the description of the site given in the Book of Mormon.

Alma The Younger Prophet in the Book of Mormon

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The Book of Mormon is an ancient text that was recorded and then hidden by the prophet Moroni. Later Moroni, as a heavenly messenger visited the Prophet Joseph Smith and told him where to find the records. Joseph Smith then translated the Book of Mormon with divine help. Alma the Younger is one prophet whose story is related in the Book of Mormon.

book mormonAlma the Younger, lived in the lands of the Book of Mormon. The history of Alma begins when he is a youth sometime between 100 and 92 B.C. Alma and his friends including the four sons of King Mosiah, were working to destroy the Church of Christ. Alma the Younger’s father, Alma the Elder, was the leader of the Church and he was very worried about his son and prayed that the Lord would somehow help his son change. Alma and the four sons of Mosiah were traveling when an angel appeared to them. They were scared and fell to the ground.

The angel then spoke to Alma, “Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: ‘This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.’ Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith. And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God. Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.” (Mosiah 27:14-16)

The angel left, and Alma was so overcome with the spirit that he could not speak, or move. The sons of Mosiah carried him to his father’s house. When Alma the Elder heard what had happened he knew that his prayers had been answered. He asked members of the Church to fast and pray for Alma so that he could again move and speak. They fasted for two days and nights. During this time, Alma was repenting of his many sins. Afterwards Alma recorded, “Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God. My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.” (Mosiah 27:28-29)

After being unable to move for three days and nights Alma got up and told the people what he had learned and that he knew that Christ was the Redeemer and that the Church he had been trying to destroy was Christ’s Church. After this Alma and the sons of Mosiah changed, they went throughout the land teaching the people about the gospel and trying to undo the damage they had done.

The account of Alma’s conversion is found in two places in the Book of Mormon; Mosiah 26-28 and Alma 36, where Alma the Younger recounts his conversion to his son. For a long time Alma taught the people, he converted many to the truth. The sons of Mosiah were so devoted to teaching the gospel that none wanted to take his place as King, so a judging system was set up, and Alma the Younger was voted in as the first chief judge. He was also the prophet and leader of the Church. Later, Alma gave up the position of chief judge to go out and preach again to the people.

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beliefs of mormonism

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jesus christ mormonThe basic beliefs of Mormonism are that God is our Father and the Creator of the world, Jesus Christ is his Son and the Savior of mankind through whom alone we can be saved, and that the Holy Ghost testifies of God and Jesus Christ and guides men on earth. The path that leads to salvation through Jesus, which He described as the straight and narrow path, consists of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism in His name, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end in faith and righteousness relying wholly upon the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. This path, along with the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was resurrected is, according to the beliefs of Mormonism, called the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel means good news and the good news is that Jesus Christ has overcome physical and spiritual death, both of which prevented us from returning to live with our Heavenly Father again.

These represent the fundamental beliefs of Mormonism about God and salvation. Mormonism’s beliefs about life also include the Plan of Salvation, also called the Plan of Happiness, which includes the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also explains where we came from,why we are here ( the Purpose of Life), and where we are going. According to Mormon beliefs, all mankind lived before this life as spirit children of our Heavenly Father. God presented us with a plan which included life on this earth and the mission of Jesus Christ. We accepted it and have been sent down here to live and grow. Only by making choices and learning from own mistakes can we grow to become more like God. We live in a world where good and evil coexist and we can be tempted to do both wrong and right. This ability to choose, called agency, is essential for growth. Because God knew we would all make mistakes, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of the whole world and enable us to return to God’s presence where we will be judged according to our works. The path which leads to salvation in the Kingdom of God is the gospel of Jesus Christ. After death, according to Mormon beliefs, we will return to the Spirit world and there await the resurrection and the judgment. Jesus Christ will be the ultimate judge and will assign to each person a kingdom according to their works and faith on Him.

mormonAnother important belief of Mormonism is that God sends prophets to make His plan and His Gospel known. The Bible contains the records of the ancient prophets who taught the people of Israel and Judea and later the whole world.Mormons believe that God still sends prophets today, who have authority from God to teach and baptize people in His Name. The first of thesemodern prophets was Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon and received many important revelations which help us understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The most important role of a prophet is to testify of Jesus Christ. The Mormon Church still has prophets today who continue to be guided by revelation from God.

mormon religion

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Mormon FamilyMormon religion, or Mormonism, consists of the beliefs, traditions, and religious rites practiced by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The nickname, Mormon, comes from the Mormon belief in the Book of Mormon as a second witness to Jesus Christ and as Holy Scripture comparable to the Bible. The Mormon religion is centered on Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world and Mormons believe that His sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross as the pivotal event in man’s relationship to God. Unlike most other Christian religions,Mormons believe thatJesus Christ still speaks to prophets on the earth today and that scripture is still being revealed. The first of the modern day prophets was Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon.

Mormon beliefs and practices encompass the whole of life. Mormons believe that the family is sacred and that marriage can last throughout mormoneternity if it is bound by God’s power, called priesthood, in Mormon temples. Mormon beliefs also include the importance of faith, baptism in Jesus’ name for those old enough to understand and choose for themselves, and the power of the Holy Spirit in one’s every day life. Mormons believe that everyone should be anxiously engaged in doing good and in helping others. Mormons teach that the purpose of life is to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally through our experiences and that difficulties are part of God’s plan to help us learn how to become more like Him: more humble, loving, and patient. Mankind is by nature good, for we are made in God’s image, but we are weak because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, but through Jesus Christ all mankind can be saved if they obey God by being baptized and striving to keep the commandments.

anti mormon

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Brigham Young MormonAnti-mormon, also spelled antimormon, refers to those who actively oppose the mission of the Mormon Church by spreading innuendo, hate literature, and misinformation. While not everyone who disagrees with Mormonism is automatically an anti-Mormon, the term is often used that way among Mormons who, because of their history of persecution, are sometimes overly sensitive to such criticism.

The most vocal anti mormonism revolves around the anti-cult movement among evangelical Christians who seek to portray Mormonism as counter to Christianity, a dangerous cult, and a threat to their own congregations because of Mormonism’s active missionary efforts. Secularists are also alarmed at the growth of Mormonism, though they are less likely to publish hate literature attacking Mormonism and its beliefs, though some groups, often comprised of disillusioned exmormons turned natural humanists, do actively oppose Mormonism.

mormonMost anti-Mormon attacks center on one of very few areas of disagreement: Mormon temples, Mormonism’s historical practice of polygamy, the characters of the prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, or the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Anti-Mormons attempt to portray Joseph Smith as disreputal or the Book of Mormon as contradictory to the Bible.

While undoubtedly these have had some effect on Mormons, one of the most interesting reactions to anti-Mormonism has been the growth of the Mormon apologetic community, especially since the growth of the Internet. This includes FARMS, FAIRLDS, Jefflindsay.com, SHIELDS, and a host of other smaller sites and organization who defend Mormon beliefs and the Mormon Church.

Mormon History

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jesus christ mormonMormon history is nearly two hundred years long now, but the term ‘Mormon history’ usually refers to the tumultuous origin of Mormonism, beginning with Joseph Smith and ending with the Mormons settling in Utah–a period of about thrity years.
Mormon history begins with Joseph Smith’s First Vision and the events surrounding it. In 1820 there was a substantial religious revival occurring in the area around Manchester, New York, where Joseph Smith lived with his family. He participated in many of the meetings and showed desire to know which church was correct. While praying about this question Joseph Smith was visited by two personages, God the Father and Jesus Christ. Joseph was told none of the churches were the true church. Three years later he experienced another visitation from an angel who told him God had a work for him to do. Joseph was to translate an ancient record written on gold plates that told of the people of God on the American continent. The angel returned annually until 1827, when the record that was buried in a nearby hillside was entrusted the Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith had been ridiculed for claiming to see visions, but when rumor spread that he had gold plates, opposition turned dangerous. There were many efforts made to steal the plates from Joseph. Translation was also difficult at first. It was done by the use of a Urim and Thummim buried with the plates. The first 116 pages of manuscript went missing when the acting scribe, Martin Harris, took them home to show his wife. This stalled translation for awhile, but it eventually resumed with a new scribe, Oliver Cowdery. The translating was forced to move to neighboring Pennsylvania to escape frequent disturbance by persecutors, and was finished at a remarkable pace.

The first printing of the Book of Mormon happened in 1830, and shortly thereafter Joseph Smith organized the Church of Christ in Fayette, New York. Soon after the organization, missionaries travelled around preaching the restored gospel. In order to escape the opposition that Joseph had faced in New York for the past ten years, he gathered all the converts in Kirtland, Ohio. Kirtland became the first headquarters for the Church in Mormon history. Joseph Smith had been receiving many revelations concerning the establishment of the Church and he recorded them. One of them identified Missouri as the location for Zion and another commanded a temple be constructed for higher worship. The revelations concerning the Church were eventually published as the Book of Commandments, which is now the Doctrine and Covenants.

Mormon history is plagued with persecution, and as the Mormon population rose, hatred intensified. Joseph Smith had sent some ahead to Missouri to prepare for the immigration of the Church. For a few years the Mormon population was split between Kirtland and Jackson County, Missouri. Only a year after the first Mormon temple was dedicated in Kirtland, the Mormons were commanded to gather together in Missouri. However, the hatred in Missouri was worse than Ohio. The settlers were not happy with the perceived Mormon take over of their land and contention often turned violent. Mormons were driven from their homes more than once and were finally driven from the state by an extermination order. They fled to Illinois.

mormonOn the banks of the Mississippi River Mormonism flourished. Joseph Smith named the city Nauvoo and it soon became the largest city in the state due to the success of Mormon missionaries in Europe and the U.S. Construction on another Mormon temple began and Mormon doctrine matured. Many of the unique doctrines of Mormonism were introduced in Nauvoo; baptism for the dead, polygamy, and eternal marriage. The practice of polygamy rekindled hatred among the enemies of Mormonism and ultimately resulted in the imprisonment and murder of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum in Carthage Jail in 1844.

When Mormonism didn’t end with the death of Joseph Smith, as many thought it would, they were forced out of Illinois and led by Brigham Young to the Utah territory. The Mormons had to settle their own land to find peace, and the Mormon pioneer crossing the plains to Utah is a revered symbol of Mormon history. The peace of Utah would be threatened by the public announcement of the practice of polygamy by the Church. The conflict between the Mormons and the U.S. government resulted in the Utah War. However, the more pressing matter of the Civil War eased tensions until its conclusion. The eradication of polygamy became a political rallying point again and forced Mormons to abandon the practice in 1890.

The end of polygamy brought statehood for Utah and the stabilizing of Mormon history. Mormonism now had a home and a central location for expansion. For many years converts migrated to Utah from the eastern states and Europe. Mormon leaders eventually asked converts to remain in their home lands to help build up the kingdom of God throughout the world. The latest chapter of Mormon history has been an international one. With 12 million members, more than half now live outside the United States.

Mormon beliefs

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jesus christ mormonThe basic Mormon beliefs are those doctrines believed by members of the Mormon Church, properly called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. First and foremost, Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the World. Some other Christians do not believe that Mormons are Christians, since some doctrines of Mormonism differ from those of other Christian denominations.

Central to Mormon belief is the Godhead: God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They are three distinct persons united in power, glory, and attributes. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfect. He is the creator of the world. Humans are the spirit children of God, the Father, and He has created this earth and placed mankind upon it as a place for testing and personal growth. God has a plan to provide mankind with experiences and growth, but because we all sin during this process, Jesus Christ came as Savior to redeem mankind from the Fall and to save us from death. This plan is called the Plan of Salvation.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is central to man’s relationship to God and is an integral part of the Plan of Salvation. The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ’s mission to save mankind from the physical and spiritual deaths which are the result of our sins. Through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, baptism by immersion in His name, laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end by following the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, a person will be saved from their sins. All mankind will be resurrected. This constitutes the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is the core of Mormonism.

mormonMormons have many other beliefs, some of which are shared by other Christians and some of which are not. Some of the more notable differences are that Mormons believe in continuing revelation through living prophets.Joseph Smith was the first prophet since the days of the Bible. Mormons believe that there are other scriptures besides the Bible; the Book of Mormon is one of them. Mormons also believe in Eternal Marriage, a ceremony performed in Mormon temples. Also in Mormon temples, baptism for the dead is performed to give those who died without it a chance for salvation.

A summary of basic Mormon beliefs was written by the Prophet Joseph Smith and is called, the Articles of Faith.

Mormon

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mormonThe word Mormon has multiple meanings. First, it is a nickname for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This nickanme comes from the fact that Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon is a volume of scripture in addition to the Bible. It was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith by the power of God. From this comes Mormon, Mormon Church, and Mormonism, all refering to the membership and beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Book of Mormon, in turn, gets its name from a prophet/historian named Mormon . Mormon lived on the American continent sometime in the late fourth century A.D. (ca. A.D. 311-385). During his life he kept the records of his people, called the Nephites, and eventually creating an abridement of their history which is the record now called theBook of Mormon . In addition to being a prophet and historian, he was also a great military leader for his people, but because of their wickedness and rebellions, they were destroyed in a major war sometime around A.D. 385. Mormon’s son, Moroni, who escaped the general slaughter of his people, completed the record after his father’s death and buried the record, which was engraved on Golden plates, in a hill in what is now upper state New York. Hundreds of years later,Moroni returned as an angel of God and appeared to Joseph Smith to show him where the records were buried.

In addition to these, the word Mormon appears in other places within the text of the Book Book of Mormonof Mormon. Two books within the Book of Mormon, have it as part of their title. “The Words of Mormon,” and the “Book of Mormon,” were written primarily by the prophet Mormon and deal with Mormon’s own time period and teachings. Finally, in another section within the Book of Mormon, called the Book of Mosiah, Mormon refers to an oasis where a prophet named Alma baptized followers of Jesus Christ on the American continent.

When asked once what the word “Mormon” meant, Joseph Smith speculated that it could be tranlated as “More Good” (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp 299-300).

Mormon church history

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The history of the Mormon Church is one of faith and sacrifice. From the earliest days of Mormonism’s history until today, faithful Mormons have had to overcome tremendous obstacles to remain faithful. While Mormons do not face violent mobs today as they once did, members must confront a busy, secularized world that attacks the core values of faith in God.

joseph smith mormonJoseph Smith was the first prophet of the Mormon Church and its founder. In 1820, the young Joseph was troubled by how to come closer to God and Jesus Christ. He saw much confusion in the world and prayed to God. In response to this pray he experienced his First Vision in which God and Jesus appeared to him. Later he was called to a prophet.Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and received revelations just as biblical prohpets did. He organized the Mormon Church with priesthood authority from God.

Over the next several years, the Mormon Church was forced to move, first to Ohio, then to Missouri, Illinois, and finally to Utah. Joseph Smith received many revelations from God before his murder in 1844. He revealed the plan of salvation,the need for Temples, the eternal nature of the family, and the destiny of mankind. After his death, Brigham Young led the Mormon pioneers to Utah where they Church headquarters remains today.

In Utah, the Mormons faced intense persecution because of Mormon polygamy. Thousands of Mormons were jailed or forced to flee. Finally, a revelation from God ended polygamy and the persecution subsided. Since then, Mormonism has grown throughout the world. In the twentieth century,Mormon missionaries took the Church to every continent and the Book of Mormon was translated into dozens of languages. Today, more Mormons live outside the US than within. In the late 1970s arevelation on blacks and the priesthood was received that permitted all worthy men to hold the priesthood and allowed the Mormon Church to grow in Africa. Today, the Mormon Church is growing in South America, Africa, and Asia at record setting pace.