Mormonism

The Book of Mormon

Mormonism is a heretical sect (or even a distinct false religion) originating from the United States in the 1800s. It is based off the teachings of false prophet Joseph Smith and the pseudepigraphal text forged by him known as the Book of Mormon.

Most Mormons are organised in either the mainstream "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)" or the fundamentalist "Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)". The former association has been accused of promoting a revisionist history of its early years, downplaying or altering controversial aspects of its past, such as polygamy and racial teachings, to align more closely with modern societal norms. The latter association has been accused of cultic practices, as well as child marriages, child abandonment, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

The religion is often criticized by true Christian denominations for its theology, which diverges significantly from true Christian doctrine. It is often labelled as a modern tritheist heresy due to its belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as three separate gods, rather than one God in three persons as in orthodox Trinitarianism. This belief, along with teachings such as the potential for humans to become gods, is viewed by many Christians as heresy. Mormonism's historical practice of polygamy, though officially abandoned by the mainstream LDS Church, has also drawn significant condemnation. Additionally, some critics accuse Mormonism of idolatry for venerating Joseph Smith and other church leaders to a degree that seems to elevate them beyond mere prophets.

Mormon leadership is centred around one leader, officially called President of the Mormons but also called the Prophet of the Mormons. He plays a similar role to the Popes of the Roman Catholic Church, as both are viewed as the divinely-appointed highest authority within their respective institutions.