Modern Faiths of Continuing Revelation: Parallels Between Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith

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Key Takeaway

While Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith differ sharply in theology (Trinity, view of Jesus, afterlife details), they share striking structural and spiritual parallels:
modern origin, belief in ongoing revelation, a mission to renew faith and unify humanity, and a commitment to strong moral and communal life.

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68ca2b84266081919b0c89c8ed9bd3df

Modern Faiths of Continuing Revelation: Parallels Between Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith

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1. Origins in the 19th Century

✴️ Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) arose in the 1820s–30s in the United States (Joseph Smith’s revelations).

✴️ Bahá’ís arose in the 1840s–60s in Persia (Iran) with the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

✴️ Both are modern, post-Christian movements responding to a sense that traditional religion needed renewal.

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68ca2b84266081919b0c89c8ed9bd3df

Modern Faiths of Continuing Revelation: Parallels Between Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith

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2. Continuing Revelation

✴️ Both reject the idea that God stopped speaking after the Bible or Qur’an.

✴️ Mormons accept modern prophets and ongoing revelation through their President/Prophet and additional noscripture (e.g., the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants).

✴️ Bahá’ís believe God reveals new guidance every few centuries through Manifestations of God (Báb, Bahá’u’lláh), with writings regarded as noscripture.

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68ca2b84266081919b0c89c8ed9bd3df

Modern Faiths of Continuing Revelation: Parallels Between Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith

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3. Restoration / Renewal of Religion

✴️ Mormons frame their church as a restoration of original Christianity.

✴️ Bahá’ís see their faith as part of a progressive revelation that renews the core truths of past faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.) for a new era.

✴️ Both emphasize unity of previous revelations and believe older religions became corrupted or incomplete.

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68ca2b84266081919b0c89c8ed9bd3df

Modern Faiths of Continuing Revelation: Parallels Between Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith

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4. Global Mission and Universalism

✴️ Both are missionary and global in outlook.

✴️ Mormons send thousands of missionaries and stress a worldwide church.

✴️ Bahá’ís teach the oneness of humanity, aiming for world unity and peace, with communities in nearly every country.

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68ca2b84266081919b0c89c8ed9bd3df

Modern Faiths of Continuing Revelation: Parallels Between Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith

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5. Distinctive Scripture Beyond the Bible

✴️ Mormons: Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price.

✴️ Bahá’ís: Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (e.g., the Kitáb-i-Aqdas), Báb’s writings, and authoritative interpretations.

✴️ Both give their new noscripture equal or greater authority than older texts.

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68ca2b84266081919b0c89c8ed9bd3df

Modern Faiths of Continuing Revelation: Parallels Between Mormonism and the Bahá’í Faith

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6. Ethical Emphasis and Communal Life

✴️ Both stress family life, moral discipline, and service.

✴️ They encourage education, community service, and avoidance of harmful substances (Mormons: Word of Wisdom; Bahá’ís: prohibitions on alcohol/drugs).

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68ca2b84266081919b0c89c8ed9bd3df

Trinity

The Trinity is a core Christian doctrine that defines God as one being existing in three co-equal, co-eternal, consubstantial persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. While distinct in their personhood, these three divine persons share a single divine essence or substance, meaning they are not three separate gods but one God. This complex concept is affirmed in the Bible and was formalized in the 4th century, though its full understanding remains beyond human comprehension.

Starting a new religion is a profound and complex undertaking. Below is a neutral,
educational overview of how many faith traditions historically have taken shape, highlighting
the practical, legal, and philosophical steps that people typically consider.
(This is denoscriptive—not a recommendation—and nothing here should be read as legal or tax
advice.)

https://news.1rj.ru/str/documentariesnow/4877

Similarities Between Mormonism and Freemasonry

Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Freemasons share some historical and cultural similarities, though they are distinct organizations with different purposes. Below is a list of key similarities based on available information:

1. Ritual and Ceremony: Both groups incorporate rituals in their practices. Mormonism includes temple ceremonies, such as the Endowment, which involve symbolic acts and covenants. Freemasonry also uses elaborate rituals, including initiation ceremonies, with symbolic gestures, clothing, and oaths.

2. Emphasis on Secrecy or Sacredness: Certain aspects of both organizations are kept private. In Mormonism, temple ceremonies are considered sacred and are not discussed in detail outside the temple. Freemasonry has secret rituals, signs, and passwords shared only among members, though they emphasize these are symbolic, not secretive for nefarious purposes.

3. Moral and Ethical Teachings: Both emphasize personal improvement, morality, and charity. Mormonism teaches principles like honesty, integrity, and service, aiming to guide members toward godliness. Freemasonry promotes virtues such as brotherly love, relief (charity), and truth, encouraging members to live ethically.

4. Historical Overlap in Early America: In the 19th century, particularly in the United States, there was historical interaction between the two groups. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, joined Freemasonry in 1842, and several early Mormon leaders were Masons. This led to some shared cultural influences in the early development of Mormon temple practices.

5. Symbolic Use of Architecture and Imagery: Both groups use symbolic architecture and imagery. Mormon temples are designed with symbolic elements (e.g., celestial and terrestrial rooms), and Freemasonry uses symbols like the square, compass, and all-seeing eye in its rituals and teachings.

6. Fraternal and Communal Bonds: Both foster a sense of community and brotherhood. Freemasonry is explicitly a fraternal organization, emphasizing bonds among members. Mormonism, while a religion, also creates strong community ties through shared beliefs, congregational worship, and mutual support.

7. Hierarchical Structure: Both have structured organizations. Mormonism has a clear hierarchy with prophets, apostles, and local leaders. Freemasonry has a lodge system with degrees (e.g., Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason) and governing bodies like Grand Lodges.

8. Focus on Personal Improvement: Both encourage members to strive for self-betterment. Mormonism teaches progression toward eternal life and godliness, while Freemasonry uses its degrees and teachings to guide members toward personal and moral growth.

### Notes:
- While there are similarities, the purposes of the two groups differ significantly: Mormonism is a religion focused on salvation and divine revelation, while Freemasonry is a fraternal organization focused on moral philosophy and brotherhood, not a religion.
- Some similarities, especially regarding rituals, are debated among scholars, with some arguing that Joseph Smith’s exposure to Freemasonry influenced early Mormon temple practices, though the church emphasizes the divine origin of its rituals.
- For further details, you can explore historical records or primary sources from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (churchofjesuschrist.org) or Masonic literature (e.g., texts from Grand Lodges).