The Strangest 15 Facts About Mormonism

Introduction:

Mormonism, a branch of Christianity that originated in the United States, has gained notoriety for its unique beliefs and practices. From its early beginnings in the 19th century to its present-day global reach, Mormonism has evolved into a complex and fascinating religion. In this article, we will explore some of the strangest and most intriguing facts about Mormonism that you may not have been aware of.

Fact 1: The Book of Mormon was translated from golden plates.

One of the foundational texts of Mormonism is the Book of Mormon, which believers consider to be a sacred record of ancient American civilizations. According to Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, he translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates that were delivered to him by an angel named Moroni. The plates, written in an unknown language called “Reformed Egyptian,” were said to be buried in a hill in upstate New York.

Fact 2: Mormons believe in a form of baptism for the dead.

One of the most unusual practices in Mormonism is the belief in baptizing the dead. Mormons believe that deceased individuals who did not have the opportunity to receive the gospel in their lifetimes can be baptized by proxy, allowing them to accept the teachings of Mormonism in the afterlife. This practice has been controversial and misunderstood by many outside the faith.

Fact 3: Mormons wear special undergarments called “temple garments.”

In the Mormon faith, members who have received temple ordinances wear special undergarments known as “temple garments.” These garments are considered to be a symbolic protection against evil and a reminder of the covenants made in the temple. While temple garments are not visible to the public, they hold special significance for Mormons and are worn as a sign of devotion.

Fact 4: The Mormon Church owns vast amounts of land in Florida.

Many people are surprised to learn that the Mormon Church owns significant amounts of land in Florida, including vast citrus groves and real estate holdings. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has invested heavily in agricultural and commercial properties in Florida, contributing to its economic influence in the state.

Fact 5: Mormons believe in the concept of “eternal progression.”

One of the unique teachings of Mormonism is the belief in “eternal progression,” the idea that humans can continue to grow and develop spiritually in the afterlife. Mormons believe that through obedience to God’s commandments and adherence to the teachings of the church, individuals can become more like God and eventually achieve exaltation in the highest level of heaven.

Fact 6: There are over 16 million Mormons worldwide.

Despite being a relatively small religious group compared to other major world religions, Mormonism has a significant global presence. With over 16 million members worldwide, the Mormon Church has a diverse and growing membership base that spans continents and cultures.

Fact 7: Joseph Smith claimed to have seen God and Jesus Christ in a vision.

One of the defining moments in Mormon history is the First Vision, in which Joseph Smith claimed to have seen God the Father and Jesus Christ in a vision in the early 19th century. This supernatural encounter laid the foundation for the restoration of the gospel and the establishment of the Mormon Church.

Fact 8: Brigham Young led the Mormons on a trek to Utah.

After facing persecution and violence in the eastern United States, Brigham Young led a group of Mormons on a perilous journey to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah in search of religious freedom and a place to establish a new Zion. This journey, known as the Mormon Trail, was a test of faith and endurance for the early pioneers.

Fact 9: Mormons believe in the existence of three degrees of glory in the afterlife.

According to Mormon theology, the afterlife consists of three degrees of glory: the Celestial Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, and the Telestial Kingdom. Each degree of glory corresponds to different levels of righteousness and obedience, with the Celestial Kingdom being the highest and most desirable.

Fact 10: The Mormon Church is known for its genealogical research efforts.

One of the unique aspects of Mormonism is its emphasis on genealogical research and the importance of family history. The Mormon Church has one of the largest genealogical databases in the world and encourages members to research their family roots and perform proxy baptisms for their ancestors.

Fact 11: Mormons participate in temple ordinances such as sealing ceremonies.

In Mormon temples, members participate in sacred ordinances such as sealing ceremonies, which unite families for eternity. These ceremonies are considered essential for achieving exaltation in the afterlife and strengthening familial bonds across generations.

Fact 12: The Mormon Church has its own version of the Bible called the Joseph Smith Translation.

In addition to the Book of Mormon, the Mormon Church recognizes a unique version of the Bible known as the Joseph Smith Translation. This revised edition of the Bible incorporates changes and clarifications made by Joseph Smith to align with Mormon teachings and restore missing or corrupted passages.

Fact 13: The Mormon Church prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.

As part of their health code known as the Word of Wisdom, Mormons are advised to abstain from consuming alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. These substances are considered harmful to the body and spirit and are strictly prohibited for faithful members of the church.

Fact 14: Mormons believe in the potential for humans to become gods.

A central tenet of Mormon theology is the belief in the divine potential of humanity. Mormons believe that through obedience to God’s commandments and progression in the afterlife, individuals have the opportunity to become gods and goddesses, creating and ruling over their own worlds.

Fact 15: Mormon missionaries are known for their distinctive black name tags.

One of the most recognizable aspects of Mormonism is the distinctive black name tags worn by missionaries when they go out to proselytize and spread the teachings of the church. These name tags identify the missionaries as representatives of the Mormon Church and are a familiar sight in communities around the world.

Conclusion

The world of Mormonism is rich with strange and fascinating facts that shed light on the beliefs and practices of this unique religious tradition. From the translation of ancient golden plates to the belief in eternal progression and the practice of baptizing the dead, Mormonism offers a plethora of intriguing details that invite deeper exploration and understanding. By delving into these 15 strange facts about Mormonism, we have only scratched the surface of this complex and compelling faith. As the Mormon Church continues to grow and evolve, its mysteries and peculiarities will undoubtedly continue to captivate and perplex those who seek to learn more about this fascinating religion.