by Jean Daniel

Created on: January 03, 2011   Last Updated: February 05, 2011

The problems facing Mormonism are the same problems that faced the church built by Jesus Christ during his ministry around 27 A.D. to 30 A.D.  Unbelief, taking offense, hatred, mockery, persecutions, even physical abuse, beset Jesus Christ and his followers.  Mormonism has faced the same challenges.

The word “Mormonism” evolved from the word “Mormons” which is a nickname given to the people who believe in the Book of Mormon or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, defines “Mormonism” as comprising the religious, institutional, and cultural elements of the most populous branch of the Latter Day Saint movement. The Catholic dictionary defines Mormonism as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a religious body which has its origin during the early part of the nineteenth century with Joseph Smith, the founder and first president of the sect.

Searching deeper into the aspects of Mormonism, one will find something purer and greater than just a movement, a religious body, or a sect.  Behind Mormonism are people who gained testimonies of a loving Father in heaven, His plan of happiness and in the Savior Jesus Christ. Christ has the greatest role in the plan of happiness because He provides a way out for people who are trapped in sin.  These testimonies were built and strengthened through the sweet and peaceful witness and assurance from the Holy Ghost, a member of the Godhead.

The challenges and problems facing Mormonism are not unique.  They are exactly the same challenges and problems which beset the church built by Jesus Christ during his ministry.  Religious scholars did not believe the teachings of Jesus.  They questioned His doctrines and did not understand His parables and teachings. His apostles suffered death from the hands of those who hated the church.  Many were offended by the gospel of repentance taught by Jesus.  People ridiculed and mocked Him and laid their hands on Him.   The early days of Mormonism were very difficult for the pioneers of the church.  They suffered hard yet they bore all things, just as Jesus did. Joseph Smith, Jr., whom the Mormons believe as God's instrument in restoring the true gospel, was shot to death.

Joseph Smith Jr. left this statement: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Whatever challenges or problems face Mormonism,  the Latter-Day Saints continue to sing, “All is well, all is well.” 

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