The Strange World of Mormonism: 15 Weird Facts

Introduction:

Mormonism is a unique religion that has fascinated and perplexed many people around the world. With its beliefs and practices that are often seen as unconventional, it’s no wonder that there are plenty of weird facts surrounding this faith. In this article, we will explore 15 strange and intriguing facts about the world of Mormonism that will leave you scratching your head in wonder.

Fact 1: The Golden Plates

One of the most well-known aspects of Mormonism is the story of Joseph Smith and the golden plates. According to Smith, he discovered these ancient plates buried in a hill in upstate New York and translated them into the Book of Mormon. While many Mormons believe in the authenticity of these plates, skeptics have questioned their existence and origins.

Fact 2: The Three Nephites

In Mormon folklore, there are stories of three ancient apostles who were granted immortality by Jesus Christ and continue to roam the earth, helping and guiding those in need. Known as the Three Nephites, these mysterious figures have become the subject of many tales and legends within the Mormon community.

Fact 3: The Word of Wisdom

Mormons adhere to a strict dietary code known as the Word of Wisdom, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. While these restrictions may seem odd to outsiders, Mormons believe that following these guidelines will lead to better health and spiritual well-being.

Fact 4: Baptism for the Dead

One of the unique practices of Mormonism is the ritual of baptism for the dead, where living members of the church are baptized on behalf of deceased individuals. Mormons believe that this act allows the dead to receive the blessings of baptism and acceptance into the faith in the afterlife.

Fact 5: The Seer Stone

Joseph Smith claimed to use a seer stone to help translate the golden plates into the Book of Mormon. This mystical stone, which he found while digging a well, was believed to have special powers that aided Smith in his translation work. While this may seem like a bizarre practice to some, it is an integral part of Mormon history.

Fact 6: Celestial Marriage

Mormons believe in the practice of celestial marriage, also known as eternal marriage, where couples are sealed together for eternity in a sacred ceremony performed in Mormon temples. This belief in eternal unions has led to the misconception that Mormons practice polygamy, although the mainstream church officially banned the practice in the late 19th century.

Fact 7: The White Horse Prophecy

One of the more mysterious aspects of Mormonism is the White Horse Prophecy, a prediction attributed to Joseph Smith that foretells of a time when the United States government will collapse, and Mormons will come to the rescue, establishing a theocratic government. While this prophecy is not officially endorsed by the church, it has gained traction among some Mormon fundamentalists.

Fact 8: The Book of Abraham

Joseph Smith claimed to have translated the Book of Abraham from an ancient Egyptian papyrus that he purchased in the 1830s. However, modern Egyptologists have debunked Smith’s translation, stating that the papyrus is actually a common funerary text and has nothing to do with Abraham or his teachings.

Fact 9: The Kinderhook Plates

In the 1840s, a set of brass plates known as the Kinderhook Plates was discovered in Illinois, purportedly containing ancient Egyptian writing. Joseph Smith examined the plates and claimed to translate some of the characters, leading some to believe that they were authentic records. However, later analysis revealed that the plates were a hoax, undermining Smith’s claims of translation.

Fact 10: The Council of Fifty

In the mid-19th century, Joseph Smith established a secret council known as the Council of Fifty, with the intention of creating a theocratic government in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. This council was tasked with governing both spiritual and temporal affairs and played a crucial role in the early history of Mormonism.

Fact 11: Blood Atonement

One of the controversial teachings of early Mormon leaders was the concept of blood atonement, where certain sins could only be forgiven through the shedding of the sinner’s blood. While the mainstream church has disavowed this doctrine, it remains a dark chapter in Mormon history that has raised questions about the faith’s practices and beliefs.

Fact 12: The Adam-God Doctrine

Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church, taught a doctrine known as the Adam-God theory, which posited that Adam, the biblical figure, was actually God the Father in human form. This unorthodox teaching was later disavowed by the church, but it remains a curious footnote in Mormon theological history.

Fact 13: The Lost Tribes of Israel

Mormonism teaches that Native Americans are descendants of the lost tribes of Israel, who purportedly migrated to the Americas thousands of years ago. This belief in a Hebrew ancestry for indigenous peoples has been a subject of debate among scholars and has raised questions about the historical accuracy of the Book of Mormon.

Fact 14: The City of Enoch

According to Mormon scripture, the city of Enoch was a righteous community that existed in ancient times and was eventually translated to heaven without experiencing death. This mythical city has captured the imagination of believers and serves as a symbol of the ideal society that Mormons strive to emulate.

Fact 15: The Moon Quakers

One of the more obscure beliefs in Mormon history is the idea that the moon is inhabited by a group of Quakers who live in peace and harmony. This strange notion, stemming from the teachings of early Mormon leaders, has been largely forgotten but remains a curious example of the eccentricities within the faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of Mormonism is filled with strange and enigmatic facts that challenge our understanding of religion and spirituality. From golden plates and seer stones to celestial marriage and moon Quakers, the beliefs and practices of this faith can seem perplexing and bewildering to outsiders. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, exploring the strange world of Mormonism can offer a fascinating glimpse into a unique and complex religious tradition.