How Well Do You Know Mormon History?

Becky

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About This Quiz

How many Mormons do you know or have you met? Even if you do not personally know even one member of the Mormon faith, you have probably heard a bit about their history and religious practices. But do you think you know enough about Mormons and their history to ace this quiz? Give it a try to find out how much you know.

Every religion has had a start somewhere. The history of the Church of Latter Day Saints began in the United States in the early 19th century. As followers of a relatively new religion, Mormons have had to deal with a great deal of bias and discrimination. The Church has been at war with the people of the United States, worked to integrate into mainstream society, and then closed ranks again to protect their tradition of religious and cultural teachings.

This quiz is all about Mormon history, and it's going to take a bit of real knowledge for you to get even half of these 35 questions right. Just in case, you might want to brush up on your Mormon history, but if you think you know enough to get a passing score on this quiz, let's get started.

Who founded the Mormon church?

Joseph Smith Jr. founded the Mormon church. The church is known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mormons practice what religion?

Mormons practice Mormonism. Catholics and Protestants practice Catholicism and Protestantism, respectively.

Joseph Smith Jr. believed the Mormon church should be based on what concept?

Joseph Smith Jr. believed the Mormon church should be based on the concept of Restorationism. This is the belief that religion should promote the purest version possible.

Which of the following does Mormonism NOT prohibit?

Mormonism does not prohibit pork. The Mormonism health code does, however, prohibit any substance that may be addictive.

Where does The Mormon Tabernacle Choir call home?

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is at home in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The structure took three years to build.

True or False? Mormons do not believe in the Bible.

Mormons do believe in the Bible. However, they also incorporate other religious texts into their faith.

True or False? Mormons believe in polygamy.

Mormons do not believe in plural marriage. In the church's early years, polygamy was common, but it was outlawed by the mainstream church in 1890. However, several fundamentalist groups split from the church to continue the practice of polygamy.

The Book of Mormon was translated from what?

The Book of Mormon was translated by Smith from the Golden Plates. Smith found the plates with help from an angel.

What is the name of the Mormon utopian society?

The utopian society promoted by the Mormons is called Zion. The concept behind Zion was a community for the righteous that promoted equality.

True or False? The LDS Church has only U.S. members?

The LDS Church has members all over the world. After World War II, the Church grew rapidly.

The Book of Mormon was first published in what year?

The Book of Mormon was first published in 1830. Joseph Smith translated the Golden Plates into the Book.

What was Joseph Smith's cause of death?

Joseph Smith was murdered, along with his brother, Hyrum, by an anti-Mormon mob in 1844.

Who took over the church's leadership after Joseph Smith's death?

Brigham Young took over leadership of the church after Joseph Smith was murdered. Did you know that Brigham Young was the founder of Salt Lake City?

Which U.S. president went to war with the Mormons?

James Buchanan sent troops to Utah to deal with the Mormons. The Mormons were not popular among U.S. citizens.

What was the name of the war that took place between the Mormons and the U.S. government?

The Utah War was a conflict between the Mormons and the U.S. government. This war has also been referred to as The Mormon War and Buchanan's Blunder.

In addition to leading the LDS church, Brigham Young served in what political post in the Utah Territory?

Brigham Young served as the governor of the Utah Territory. He stepped down in 1858, but the church still maintained a great deal of control over the law in the territory.

What U.S. governing body put pressure on the LDS church to end polygamy?

The U.S. Congress put pressure on the LDS church to end polygamy. The Supreme Court also ruled that plural marriages were not legal.

In what year was the Utah Territory admitted as a state?

The Utah Territory was admitted to the Union in 1896. This also signaled a lessening of the tensions between the Mormons and the U.S. government.

In what year was the The Mormon Tabernacle Choir founded?

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was founded in 1847. It has 360 members.

In what year did The Mormon Tabernacle Choir begin a public radio broadcast?

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir began a public radio broadcast in 1929. The broadcast was part of the church's efforts to improve its public image in the nation.

True or False? LDS members who practice polygamy may be excommunicated.

Church members who practice polygamy are excommunicated. However, some fundamentalist sects still believe in the practice.

Mormons lean mostly in what political direction?

Mormons tend to lean toward conservative politics. They are often cited as the most conservative religious group.

Which of the following practices is NOT part of the Mormon religion?

Sacrifice is not a practice promoted by the LDS Church. Fasting and daily prayer, however, are encouraged for its members.

What are local LDS congregations called?

Local LDS congregations are called wards. Congregations band together to form a "stake."

Mormons are expected to contribute what percentage of their income to the Church?

Mormons are encouraged to contribute 10 percent of their income to the church. Like in other religions, this is called tithing.

What is the name of the health code that Mormons follow?

Mormons follow the Word of Wisdom. This health code is a list of dos and don'ts regarding the consumption of foods and other substances.

Mormons may have tendencies to prepare. How many reserves are members encouraged to have?

Mormons are encouraged to maintain at least a one year's supply of food and money. These encouragements are part of the Doctrine and Covenants.

What is the name​ of a Mormon game night?

Family Home Evening is the Mormon practice of spending one night a week with family. The night is used for fun, family togetherness, and to teach children the principles of the church.

Which of the following is NOT a book of Mormonism?

The Torah is a Jewish religious book. The Bible and The Book of Mormon are two accepted Mormon religious texts.

Do Mormons believe in the Old Testament or the New Testament of the Bible?

Mormons believe in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Like other religions, they also have texts that clarify the meanings of the Bible.

For Mormons, The Book of Mormon is considered to be the word of _______?

The Book of Mormon is considered to be the word of God. For Mormons, anything written by an prophet is considered to be the word of God.

The Articles of Faith are part of what LDS religious text?

The Articles of Faith are part of the Pearl of Great Price. The Articles are a list of the 13 fundamental doctrines of Mormonism.

True or False? Mormons seek to integrate into general society?

Mormons do not often seek to become part of mainstream society. Although there was once a push to integrate, the church soon realized that outside influences may be damaging to church teachings, so there has since been a trend toward isolation.

According to Mormons, who is the eldest of God's children?

According to the LDS Church, Jesus is the eldest of God's children. Mormons believe that all people are God's spirit children.

Mormons self identify as being which of the following?

Mormons self identify as being Christian. However, some "mainstream" Christians reject this identification.

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