1 Mormonism Introduction and Brief History Introduction The extremely aggressive evangelistic efforts of Mormonism have not been without success and will likely lead to encounters with them and those they are trying to proselytize. Consider the following statistics (according to LDS published information): Currently over 12 Million members Growth of between 800 and 1,000 thousand worldwide per day Current published growth rate would lead to around 250 million adherents within 80 years Over $30 billion in assets Mormon Church annual income of more than $6 billion would put it in the well up in the Fortune500

2 Mormons are generally well respected for their clean, honest living and strong work ethic Like other denominations, Mormon doctrine is constantly changing There exists an enduring doctrinal framework that has been and will likely continue to be at the core of Mormon beliefs for the foreseeable future These lessons will center on these fundamental teachings of Mormonism, which proof texts they use and what the Bible actually teaches regarding Mormon doctrine Mormonism Introduction and Brief History

3 Lesson Topics A Brief History of Mormonism The God of Mormonism The Apostasy's Effect the Bible and the Church Who is Jesus to Mormons? Mormon Scripture Salvation for Mormons Mormonism in the Bible? Mormonism Introduction and Brief History

4 A Brief History of Mormonism and Related Events Joseph Smith Jr. born in 1805 in Sharon, Vermont At age 14 he claims that while praying in the woods near his home, he saw a vision – thick darkness enclosed him and two personages appeared. Jesus and God the Father. He learned from that vision that all of the churches are in error The angel Moroni allegedly appeared to Joseph Smith and told him of a book written on plates of gold – the Book of Mormon. The angel then revealed to him the location of the plates – Palmyra, New York After waiting 4 years he was allowed to have the plates. Along with them were the Urim and Thummim, which he used to translate the “reformed Egyptian” writing on the plates.

5 Mormonism Introduction and Brief History 1829 – Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery purportedly received the Aaronic priesthood from John the Baptist and then baptized one another in the Susquehanna River near Harmony, Pennsylvania. About one month later, they are said to have received the “Melchizedek” priesthood from Peter, James and John Five-thousand copies of the Book of Mormon were printed. On April 6th of that year, Joseph and five other men organized the Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph declared himself a “seer, prophet and apostle.” Smith moved to Kirkland, Ohio and had around two-thousand converts within a few months. Building of the first Mormon temple was started at Kirtland. Joseph claimed a revelation that Independence, Missouri was the New Jerusalem. A temple site was dedicated.

6 Mormonism Introduction and Brief History 1833 – The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible was completed – Book of Commandments was revised and published as the Doctrine and Covenants. Twelve apostles and First Quorum of Seventy chosen. Smith purchased four Egyptian mummies and several scrolls of papyrus which he claimed to translate into the Book of Abraham (part of the Pearl of Great Price). The papyri were latter lost. Kirtland temple completed – Martin Harris (one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon) was excommunicated. One thousand conversions reported in England After a scouting trip to Missouri resulted in Smith and company being driven out at gunpoint, they settled back in Illinois and founded a city named Nauvoo. Joseph was elected mayor and the city of Mormons quickly grew to thirty-thousand. At the time it was the one of the largest cities in Illinois. Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer (two of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon) were excommunicated.

7 Mormonism Introduction and Brief History 1840 – Mormon converts from England began arriving in Illinois – Doctrine of baptism for the dead is introduced – Smith allegedly receives the revelation instructing plural marriage Joseph nominated for president of the United States. He and his Brother Hyrum were jailed in Carthage, Illinois for allegedly destroying an anti-Mormon press called the Nauvoo Expositor. The jail was stormed by a mob and Joseph and Hyrum were killed. It is generally accepted that Joseph was able to shoot and kill two of the attackers with a smuggled pistol. Brigham Young and Sidney Rigdon struggled for the leadership. Young was eventually selected in a vote by the membership – The majority of Mormons left Nauvoo with Brigham Young as their leader en route to Salt Lake City.

8 Mormonism Introduction and Brief History 1851 – The Pearl of Great Price was published. Brigham Young appointed as governor of the Utah Territory by President Fillmore – The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints set up in Amboy, Illinois with Joseph Smith III as the President and Prophet. LDS Church cited membership of 80, – Brigham Young University founded – LDS President published a manifesto instructing Mormons to follow anti-polygamy laws – LDS reported membership reached 1 million – The Egyptian papyri that were the basis for the Book of Abraham found in the New York Metropolitan Museum. Egyptologists translated these papyri and determine that they bear no resemblance to the information in the Book of Abraham.

9 Mormonism Introduction and Brief History 1978 – Revelation received allowing black men to serve in the priesthood 1982 – LDS reported membership reached 5 million 1997 – LDS reported membership reached 10 million

10 Mormonism Introduction and Brief History Questions For Which Mormons Claim Inspired Answers Where did God come from? How did Satan come to be? Who are the angels? Why did God create man? How did the American Indians get here? Are there differing levels of reward in Heaven based on people's behavior on earth? Is there life elsewhere in the universe?