Leading Up to Mormonism...

Asuncion, Paraguay Temple

First of all, can I just say that some days don't turn out as you plan. Some days it all rolls downhill and others have unappreciated surprises, while still others surprise you will blessings when you felt unseen. Can I hear it for those kind of days (and weeks and months and lifetimes like that)?

Anyway....moving on to the topic at hand. The evolution of new religions in the 1800's, particularly focusing on that of Mormonism. I am Mormon- if you did not know that up til now. And I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with all my heart. But the purpose today is to step back a little a view objectively how the movements in the time before lends itself to the creation of a new religion and how the Church today has embraced the digital revolution. To make it easier, I've made some lists (muhaha)

Helpful Ideas/Movements Leading to Mormonism

• The Printing Press- the evolution of the printing press that enabled the Protestant reformation of the 16th century formed the foundation upon a new book of scripture could be produced and distributed without the consent of "popular" religions.
• Renaissance Humanist- At least in their respect for the art of rhetoric and language, so came a respect found in the Mormon religion and culture for the language of the scriptures and the rhetoric of a modern prophet.
• Martin Luther- His precedence for breaking away from respected authority to follow personal beliefs and ideals opened the entire religious sphere to interpretation and questioning that Joseph Smith saw in 1820.
• Milton/Censorship- Milton argued against the censorship of any knowledge, and Mormon culture perpetuates that idea through preaching to all cultures and peoples- that everyone deserves the chance to have this knowledge.
• Enlightenment/Scientific Method: Joseph Smith had a question about the truth of various churches so he followed a familiar logical path through studying, pondering, questioning, asking ministers/preachers, and finally turning to prayer.
• Personal Verification- This ideas was first presented by Descartes when talking about method and basing observations and discoveries on personal understanding. So the LDS culture encourages investigators, converts, and member to seek to verification from the Spirit on questions or concerns.
• American Revolution/Democracy- The establishment of a nation with explicit religious tolerance set a unique stage for the development of new ideas and splitting of previous institutions without government persecution. Though it did not always hold true (mobs and the exile of Mormons from Missouri), the religious freedom was able to prevail in America.
• Wealth of Nations- Adam Smith's ideas of economics feed directly into the pioneer work ethic and determined creation of industry wherever the Saints traveled. They created cities and communities full of competition and division of labor for efficiency.
• Romanticism- Several ideas of this movement fed into the Mormon ideologies such as the importance of nature as a place to find God and oneself, the concept of emotion over reason at certain times, and the importance of relationships and communities.

Ways the LDS Church has embraced the digital era:

• Creation of websites such as the official church website, the new website, mormon.org website and many other off-shoots of these.
• The use of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir around the world, in person and online, to spread the gospel message.
• Mormon Messages- Short commercials and videos have been circulating for the past couple years to promote the values embraced by our religion.
• Stakes and wards across the world now have websites and information online.
• Temple and meetinghouse locator online.
• General Conference- Held twice a year it is broadcast around the world and made available in over one hundred languages.
• Missionaries online now can chat with investigators, email, and even skype!

The digital era has opened up the avenues the Church can use to expand and reach more audiences and will continue to do so.