The Diversity of Mormon Churches: Understanding Branches and Beliefs
Early Christians often found themselves part of different sects, and today, the Christian faith encompasses a multitude of denominations and sects. Similarly, the Mormon faith, formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), has experienced splits and divergences over time.
Understanding the Terminology
When one asks, “Are there multiple Mormon churches?” the answer is nuanced. In most contexts, the term “Mormon Church” refers to the main body of the LDS Church, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, the Mormon faith has experienced various splits, leading to the formation of smaller, distinct groups.
Counting Sects and Denominations
A simple online search reveals that Christian denominations can multiply quickly. For example, there are over 40,000 recognized denominations and sects within Christianity. When it comes to Mormonism, different branches emerged from the original movement founded by Joseph Smith Jr. in 1830. As of recent times, these branches can be easily distinguished by their beliefs, practices, and organizational structures.
Branches of the Mormon Faith
The LDS Church, the most prominent group, traces its lineage directly to Joseph Smith Jr. Following his death in 1844, the largest segment under the leadership of Brigham Young moved west to Utah, forming the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other groups emerged separately, often over differing views on polygamy and other religious doctrines.
Polygamy and the Emergence of New Groups
One significant division was driven by the issue of polygamy. Several groups that maintained this practice saw differences from the mainstream LDS Church, leading to their own independent organizations. For example, the Strangites, who believe in Joseph Strang as a leader, constitute one such group. There are also smaller groups like the Cutlerites, who follow Alpheus Cutler, or the "Sidney Rigdonites," named after another leader who disagreed with the direction of the main church.
The Reorganized Church and Its Splits
Beyond the mainstream LDS Church, the Reorganized Church, which recognized Joseph Smith III as its leader, has also undergone multiple splits. The Community of Christ is the primary descendant, maintaining a more unified structure compared to other groups. However, internal conflicts, such as the ordination of women to the priesthood, have led to further schisms within the Community of Christ.
Distinguishing Mormon Churches
Even without knowing the specific beliefs and practices of each group, one can generally identify Mormon churches by their distinct characteristics and organizational structures. HERE ARE SOME INDICATORS:
Facility Names: The name on the door often provides a clue. For example, the main LDS Church might be called "The LDS Meeting Hall" while smaller groups might have more unique names like "The Community of Christ Temple." Belief Statements: Mormons may have varying views on key doctrines. For instance, some churches practice polygamy, while others do not. Similarly, some adhere strictly to Joseph Smith’s teachings, while others incorporate modern spiritual experiences. Worship Practices: Each church has its own unique rituals and prayer methods. For example, the prayer over the sacrament in the Community of Christ is the same as in the LDS Church, though sung at different tempos.Conclusion
While all Mormon churches share a common root in the teachings of Joseph Smith, the diversity in beliefs and practices among these groups makes them distinct. Recognizing these differences helps in understanding the variety within the broader Mormon movement.