Understanding the Basics of Mormonism

By Carol Johnson

Virtually all Americans have now heard the word "Mormon," usually in reference to Mitt Romney, one of the candidates hoping to be elected President this year. The word most often refers to a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, or LDS Church. Decades ago many people associated the Mormon church with the Mormon Tabernacle, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Salt Lake City, or the Osmonds. But nowadays Mormons have a much more mainstream role in society, and most people can name at least one or two prominent Mormons, from politicians (Orrin Hatch, Romney) to celebrities (Aaron Eckhart, Gladys Knight), to global business leaders (J. Willard Marriott, Kevin B. Rollins) and even notorious outlaws (Billy the Kid).

The word "Mormon" comes originally from the Book of Mormon, which is believed by LDS to be a collection of writings by ancient prophets and followers of Jesus Christ who lived in North America from approximately 600 B.C. until A.D. 421. Mormons believe that Joseph Smith, Jr., translated the book from golden plates into English by divine inspiration given to him by the angel Moroni. LDS members believe that, like the Bible, the Book of Mormon is a scriptural witness of the life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. They believe in and follow the teachings of both books.

According to the LDS Church, it is incorrect to use the term "Mormon" to refer to fundamentalist groups founded after the death of Joseph Smith, some of whom continue to practice polygamy, a belief that was abolished by the LDS Church in 1890. Although such groups continue to call themselves Mormons and claim to practice "true Mormonism" as taught and practiced by Joseph Smith, they are looked down upon by the LDS Church, who works to distance themselves from the negative aspects of such fundamentalist groups.

The official name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although most people consider the term "Mormon Church" to be interchangeable, the church discourages such use. Leaders of the LDS Church encourage church members to user the church's full name in an effort to call attention to the religion's focus on Jesus Christ.

Some people believe that Mormons are in some way associated with or akin to other Christian religions such as the Quakers, Amish, Mennonites, or Jehovah's Witnesses. However, Mormonism is rooted in different theology and beliefs, and has its own distinct culture, practices, and worship observances. In some countries the word Mormon and phrases that include it are registered trademarks. The LDS Church applied for a trademark of "Mormon" in the United States as it applies to religious services, but the United States Patent Office rejected their application, saying that the word was a generic term understood by the general public to refer to a particular denomination, such as Baptist or Presbyterian.

In the United States there has rarely been a more public discussion about the Mormon faith than there is now, with one of the major presidential candidates openly and unabashedly defending his beliefs. But despite the fact that the Mormon faith is primarily known for being family-centric, focused on clean living and hard work, many Americans still have reservations about the LDS Church and its followers. In fact, a poll conducted by the Los Angeles Times last summer found that 35% of registered voters said they would not consider voting for a Mormon for President.

It remains to be seen whether those statistics hold up when November rolls around, but the bottom line for any candidate should always be how qualified and committed their commitment is to their country. When John F. Kennedy was campaigning for election, he told the Greater Houston Ministerial Association, "I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who also happens to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my Church on public matters, and the Church does not speak for me." The same should hold true for any political candidate, regardless of race, gender, heritage, or religion.