Category Archives: Mormonism

Museum of Church History and Art

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The Museum of Church History and Art provides numerous historical exhibits as well as art galleries. The museum receives more than a quarter of a million visitors every year. Exhibits are changed on a regular basis, so there is always something new to see.

Joseph Smith mormonThe historical exhibits trace the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (casually known as the Mormon Church) from its beginnings in the 1830s to the present day Church. Some of the artifacts displayed in the history museum are an original covered wagon, some of Joseph Smith’s original transcripts, an original 1830 Book of Mormon, an 1847 log home, displays about the Presidents of the Church, exhibits about the Mormon Trail, and how early settlements were started.

The museum also features artwork from Latter-day Saints around the world. The artwork is submitted as a part of an international art competition the museum sponsors every three years. The gallery and displays offer visitors a chance to see religious viewpoints from all over the world.

The museum address is 45 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150, just across the street from Temple Square. It is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and most holidays 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The museum is closed only on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission is free, and forty-minute tours are available if desired. Patrons may also see the exhibits at their own pace.

Mormon Miracle Pageant

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The Mormon Miracle Pageant is run by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is held near the Manti Temple in Utah. It begins by depicting the events in the Book of Mormon when Christ came to visit the people of the New World. It then skips forward to the 1800’s and tells the story of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, how he became aware of the Book of Mormon, the translation of the Book of Mormon and continues to follow his life until his death. The story then follows the Saints as they move to the West and ends with the story of a fictional couple who find the Church and the blessings of the gospel. The cast consists of over eight hundred volunteers.

book mormonThe Mormon Miracle Pageant had its beginnings in 1967, when a small crowd gathered to watch the first pageant. It was a small production with 25 local musicians providing the music and just a few actors. Although the first production was nothing like today’s pageant, those who saw it were impressed and more people wanted to get involved. A committee was organized to help raise funds for the pageant. The next year the pageant was moved onto the temple grounds with permission from the temple president and has remained in this area since. The pageant is now one of the largest and most attended pageants in the United States.

The pageant is usually performed in June and runs for eight nights. The pageant provides 14,000 seats and the area is open for seating beginning at 6:00. The pageant starts at about 9:30 and lasts about ninety minutes. Admission is free.

Conference Center

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On April 6, 1996, Gordon B. Hinckley, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to construct, a new house of worship to replace the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The new building would be much larger, and able to accommodate three or four times the number as could be seated in the old tabernacle. The building became known as the Conference Center.

temple mormonOn July 24, 1997 ground was broken and the construction of the Conference Center began. During construction, nearly 750,000 cubic yards of dirt were excavated and 15,000 tons of concrete steel, and 10,000 tons of structural steel were used to build the building. Church leaders wanted the outside of the building to made of granite, similar to the Salt Lake Temple . Granite was quarried from Little Cottonwood quarry and used to make the exterior of the building.

In terms of size, the Conference Center is huge. It has 1.4 million square feet of floor space, and covers 10 acres or an entire city block (and the same amount of space that all of Temple Square sits on). The Center can seat 21,000 people, more than any other religious auditorium in the world and there are 13,000 parking spaces. It also houses an 850 seat theatre. There are also no visible pillars inside, so there are no bad seats. The organ in the Conference Center has 7,667 pipes. About 50,000 miles of electrical wire, enough to wrap around the world twice, were used to wire the Conference Center.

The building was completed in Spring of 2000, just in time to hold April Conference in the building. About 370,000 people inquired about tickets for this first General Conference in the Conference Center. The Conference Center was formally dedicated on October 8, 2000. It is mostly used for General Conference meetings which are held each year on the first weekends in April and October. However it is also sometimes used for concerts and other large meetings. Free tours are given daily.

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.

Why Do Mormons Keep Journals?

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Members of the Mormon Church are constantly asked by the leaders of the Church to keep a journal. President Spencer W. Kimball once said, “We urge our young people to begin today to write and keep records of all the important things in their own lives.” This urging extends beyond just the youth to all members of the Church. But why is this Mormon belief so important?

book mormonA few scriptures give some of the reasons why members of the Church are asked to keep journals. In the Book of Mormon it says, “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). This scripture illustrates one reason why members are encouraged to keep journals and records; because they can be an inspiration to your children, grandchildren and others. Keeping a journal also helps those who will come in later generations feel a link to their ancestors, thus fulfilling the scripture, “and the hearts of the children will turn to the fathers” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:16).

Another reason to keep a journal is that it can be a personal inspiration. Numerous Church leaders have explained that those who keep journals are more likely to remember God in their daily lives, and that a journal can be a source of strength when things are not going well.

Another main reason is that a journal can provide historical insight and be a historical source for future generations. One example of this in the Mormon Church is Wilford Woodruff. He faithfully kept a journal for 63 years and the information found in his journals provides a detailed record of the history of the Church during that time. If President Woodruff had not kept a journal many of the things known about the Church and life in Utah during that time would be lost. Journals also help maintain family history knowledge and may help future generations who are doing genealogical work for your family.

Get answers to your questions about Mormonism at: www.askgramps.org

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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Dispensation

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In Mormon doctrine, a dispensation of the gospel is a time period, of no particular length, during which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who holds the keys of the holy priesthood and who has a divinely appointed commission to “dispense” the gospel to mankind. When a new dispensation is organized, the Lord reveals the gospel anew, so that mankind is blessed with current revelation and does not have to depend upon previous dispensations for their knowledge of the gospel and the plan of salvation.

Dispensations are often associated with the servant who stands at the head of it. In Old Testament times, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses are all considered heads of new dispensations. When Jesus Christ came to earth He ushered in another dispensation. In the last days,Mormons believe the Lord called the Prophet Joseph Smith to usher in what is known as the “dispensation of the fulness of times.”

Joseph Smith mormonThat in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. (Ephesians 1:10)

Each of the dispensations has been characteristic in some way or other. Adam, for instance, opened the way for man to come to the earth; In Enoch’s time, the righteous people were taken to heaven; Jesus atoned for mankind and was resurrected; and Joseph Smith laid the foundation for a culmination God’s work on the earth.

For it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. (D&C 128:18)

Latter-day revelation clearly shows that the leaders of former dispensations all had the gospel of Jesus Christ and were called and ordained of Him.

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.

ex mormon

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Mormon FamilyEx-Mormon, also written as exmormon or exmo, generally refers to those persons who have voluntarily chosen to leaven the Mormon Church because they disagreed either with its teachings, or with the practices of the Church. While technically anyone who has left Mormonism may be termed anEx-Mormon , the term is usually reserved for those who, after leaving, oppose Mormonism. Ex-Mormons do not constitute a single group and are only defined by what they oppose: the Mormon Church,Mormon beliefs, and its members. Some ex-Mormons join other churches, such as Evangelical Christian or Catholic, and some become agnostic or secular humanist. Their only common factor is opposition and hostility to Mormonism. As such, they can be classified as Anti-Mormon.

Because Mormonism is distinct subculture with its own traditions and even vocabulary, transition out of Mormonism can represent a very real culture shock. A similar problem confronts those converting to Mormonism. Ex-Mormons feel that this means Mormonism is a cult, but really it only shows that Mormonism has a unique culture that separates it in some aspects from the broader American culture. Also, sinceMormonism is very family oriented , transition from the Mormon Church can also mean a painful break with family. The emphasis Mormons place on cooperation means that they frequently work together communally to help one another. In modern American culture, which is highly individualistic, such communal cooperation is viewed negatively. Among Ex-Mormon, such cooperation is portrayed as “group think,” whereas for Mormons it represents fulfilling Jesus’ admonition to serve one another.

mormonMany ex-Mormons feel that faithful members must be brainwashed or easily duped to continue being Mormons. In chat rooms and in ex-Mormon literature, Mormons are invariably portrayed as incapable of free-thought. This is obviously untrue as the many examples of faithful Mormons in every conceivable field at various universities, businesses, and governments throughout the world show. The truth is that ex-Mormons, having rejected as foolish what they once believed, must find someone to blame and so they inveigh the Mormon Church and its members for supposedly tricking them. Ex-Mormons do this to preserve their own sense of pride and to find an excuse for their behavior.