2. History of Mormonism - Paul M. Williams

Part 2 Like every movement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has had a beginning, a period of development, and a time of stability.  The LDS Church has typically been separated into three distinctive periods. 1.    "Early History" under the leadership of Joseph Smith, Jr.  2.    "Pioneering era" under the leadership of Brigham Young. 3.    "Modern Era" beginning around the turn of the 20th century The purpose of this second teaching part is to explore this history.  To understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today, one must first understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it began and developed.  The Church makes great claims for itself and prides itself on outlandish doctrines which run counter to the Word of God.  It had a founding prophet who claimed to be visited by God the Father and  Jesus Christ His Son, along with a whole host of biblical characters who have long departed from this world – John the Baptist, Peter, James and John.  It claims to have restored the fullness of the lost Gospel, even though it was never lost.  It has three additional books of authority besides the King James Bible  -- The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price.  This is more sources of extra-biblical revelation than any other cult.  Such claims call for a thorough examination, and what better way to begin to do this than to start at the beginning.   Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/2_History_of_Mormonism.pdf