\n Amanda Casanova<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n | ChristianHeadlines.com Contributor<\/em><\/span> <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Often capturing public fascination, Mormonism can actually refer to several different groups. The most well-known group of Mormons is the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, which was founded in the early 1800s.<\/p>\n Later, branches of the original Mormon church were started with each splitting over differences in theology or conflict over certain religious practices.<\/p>\n Here are 10 things to know about Mormonism:<\/p>\n Photo courtesy: \u00a9 Getty Images\/NikonShutterman<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n Reports indicate that at 14 years old<\/a>, Joseph Smith was \u201cconfused about religion\u201d and went to the woods to pray. In 1823, Joseph Smith said the angel Moroni<\/a> visited him. The angel told him about an ancient record that detailed God\u2019s work with the former inhabitants of America. Smith said he found those records and translated them into what would become the Book of Mormon. In 1830, he organized the first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became its first president. He is believed by the church to be a prophet.<\/p>\n He is credited with establishing thriving cities in Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri, and also with growing the church<\/a> from just six members to some 26,000. He also helped organize the building of church temples. However, he was persecuted by those who opposed him and was killed by a mob in 1844.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy: [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>\/Flickr.com<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n Mormonism is the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members of the church are often called Mormons. The term was originally considered derogatory, but today it is considered acceptable. However, the LDS church has explained that the word Mormon is sometimes used to describe other splinter groups that are not affiliated<\/a> with the Church of Latter-day Saints, such as polygamist groups.<\/p>\n Mormonism is marked by several \u201csaving ordinances,\u201d<\/a> or what other religions may call \u201csacraments.\u201d These ordinances include baptism by immersion, confirmation, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, an endowment in the temples, and marriage.<\/p>\n \u201cOrdinances and covenants help us remember who we are,\u201d the LDS church says on its official site. \u201cThey remind us of our duty to God. The Lord has provided them to help us come unto Him and receive eternal life. When we honor them, He strengthens us.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo courtesy: Matthew Bembridge\/Flickr<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n The LDS church believes Jesus is the Son of God and that he was the fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament. They also believe in Jesus\u2019 life and ministry as described in the four gospels. They also believe in the virgin birth.<\/p>\n Mormonism is sometimes not considered a form of Christianity, but the LDS church has maintained that they are not heretics and believe in Jesus. However, the church does believe that the trinity is made up of three separate entities, unlike historic Christianity, which said God is all three. Also, Mormonism says that Jesus was the virgin firstborn Son of God and his death gives immortality to all people, according to the North American Mission Board<\/a>.<\/p>\n Andy Naselli provides this perspective on whether Mormonism fits with orthodox Christian doctrine:<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n1. Mormonism came out of a movement from Joseph Smith.<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n2. Mormonism is the core theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n3. Mormons self-identify as Christian.<\/h2>\n