What's this website about?
Mormon Fundamentalists believe in those doctrines and practices that the LDS (Mormon) Church no longer teaches or practices.
Independent Mormon Fundamentalists are not affiliated to the LDS Church or to any other organized groups: they obey the dictates of their own conscience, their understanding of the Scriptures and the promptings of the Spirit.
The 'Independent Mormon Fundamentalist Friends' provides useful resources for (and about) Mormon Fundamentalists. Over the last ten years it has offered tools for men and women of all kinds and all climes who aim to live a life incorporating the original teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and the early brethren.
We aim to support Independent Mormon Fundamentalists and to welcome investigators, enabling us all to progress together as individuals.
"I found this page by accident. What's Mormonism?"
Mormonism is the religion followed by Mormons.
Although a "new" religion, Mormonism supposedly upholds the correct tenets revealed by God through His prophets since "the beginning".
Indeed, Mormons believe their religion is pure Christianity restored by God after centuries of apostasy through Joseph Smith, a man called of God to do so.
The restoration was set in motion in upstate New York in the 1820s. In March 1830, Joseph published the Book of Mormon, said to be a translation of sacred texts compiled by a man named Mormon in 600 C.E. Those nicknamed "Mormons" accepted that record to be as authoritative as the Bible.
On April 6, 1830, Joseph Smith officially founded what became the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mormons believe God continues to manifest Himself today.
"What are the differences between Mormons and Christians?"
Most Mormons consider themselves Christians.
Mormons believe Jesus is the Son of God who was sent to minister to mankind and shed his blood for the remission of sins.
However, some tenets set Mormons apart:
Mormons believe God called Joseph Smith to be His prophet like the prophets of old. Therefore, their religion is not solely based on the Bible but relies on additional records, such as the Book of Mormon and revelations received through Joseph Smith (and others). The canon of Scriptures remains open.
Mormons believe the religion of Christ sank into apostasy after the death of his Apostles. Consequently, Mormons reject the Councils that defined the Christian faith in the third and fourth centuries, including the doctrine of the Trinity, so essential to most Christians.
Instead, Mormons believe God the Father is an embodied person and that Jesus was and is a distinct person. They believe that all men and women are the offspring of the Father.
As for the Fall of Adam and Eve, Mormons consider it a positive event that enabled our spirits to become embodied. We are on Earth to learn from experience, to progress, and, by making the right choices, become like Jesus Christ and the Father.
For Mormons, salvation comes through grace as well as through personal works.
"What's Mormon Fundamentalism?"
Fundamentalists believe some essential teachings of their religion have been modified or abandoned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in order to comply with society or become more popular.
Today, between 75,000 and 100,000 so-called Fundamentalists continue to defend, practice and believe in a variety of "fundamental" doctrines no longer taught or practiced by the LDS Church.
Some communities, like the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), often seen in the media, are quite radical whilst others, such as the Apostolic United Brotherhood (AUB), with members in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe are more progressive.
About 15,000 Fundamentalists around the world are not related to any group and have no "Prophet". Those Independent Fundamentalists' beliefs and practices are varied. They rely on their own understanding of Scriptures and revelations as well as personal inspiration to guide themselves.
"What do Mormon Fundamentalists believe in?"
Mormon Fundamentalists' beliefs and practices differ from one organized group to another and even from one family to another.
However, all believe in fundamental principles (hence the label of "Fundamentalist") that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) no longer teaches or practices.
Fundamentalists often express a commitment to the doctrines revealed and taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and John Taylor.
Consequently, Fundamentalists tend to reject the teachings of the new Presidents of the LDS Church that contradict those of the early leaders.
Still unsure what Mormon Fundamentalism is?
See what Wikipedia has to say!
Want more information on early Mormon teachings?
Visit our Beliefs and Resources sections, or join our Yahoo Discussion Group.
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