Tobeloved

I have heard that prospective, yet I believe (correct me if I am wrong) that the Mormon church has had a lot of splinters and offshoots in only about 160 years. Such as: List of Latter Day Saint movement churches Era of Joseph Smith Joseph Smith's original church,[4] and those bodies which broke with him during his lifetime. Original church within movement The original organization, founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, later called the Church of the Latter Day Saints and then Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.[7][8] Name Organized by Date Current status Notes Church of Christ[4] Joseph Smith April 6, 1830 Smith's original organization; multiple sects currently claim to be its true successor In 1834, official name changed to "Church of the Latter Day Saints". In 1838, official name changed again to "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints".[7][8] Unofficial names included Church of God and Church of Jesus Christ.[9] Churches that separated from Smith's organization prior to 1844 Other small churches formed on the basis of disagreements with Smith prior to his murder in 1844 (including church established by William Law within 1844), all of which are now defunct. Church name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Pure Church of Christ[10] Wycam Clark 1831 Church of Christ Defunct First schismatic sect in the Latter Day Saint movement. Independent Church[11] – Hoton[12] 1832 Church of Christ Defunct Little is known about this second schismatic sect apart from the date of establishment, the surname of its founder, and that Hoton denounced Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.[12] Church of Christ[4] Ezra Booth 1836 Church of the Latter Day Saints Defunct Taught that Joseph Smith was not a prophet, and the Book of Mormon was not scripture. Church of Christ[13] Warren Parrish 1837 Church of the Latter Day Saints Defunct Also referred to as the Church of Christ (Parrishite). Believed that Smith was a "fallen prophet". Rejected the Book of Mormon and parts of the Bible. Alston Church[10] Isaac Russell 1839 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Taught that the Latter Day Saints should remain in Missouri, and not emigrate to Illinois. Church of Christ[4] William Chubby Late 1830s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Established with the special mission of ministering to African Americans. Church of Jesus Christ, the Bride, the Lamb's Wife[10] George M. Hinkle 1840 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Taught that Smith was not a prophet, and the Book of Mormon was not scripture. Church of Christ[4] Hiram Page 1842 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Little is known concerning this sect, except that its founder was one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon's golden plates True Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints[10] William Law 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Opposed plural marriage; published the Nauvoo Expositor. Charges levied against Smith over the destruction of this periodical led to his assassination. Lineage of Brigham Young Sometimes called "Rocky Mountain Saints," "Brighamites," or "Mormons", tracing their leadership or influence through Brigham Young. LDS Church By far the largest and best known Latter Day Saint church, which is colloquially, but imprecisely, referred to as the "Mormon Church". Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[4][14] Brigham Young and Quorum of the Twelve 1844 (trust reorganized); 1851[15] (incorporated) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 15 million members as of 2013[16] The largest Latter Day Saint denomination. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Often colloquially referred to as the Mormon Church. Adherents are popularly called Mormons or Latter-day Saints. Resulted from Latter Day Saints that followed Brigham Young after succession crisis. Practiced plural marriage until it was discontinued in 1890. Disincorporated in 1877 by the Edmunds–Tucker Act, reorganized in 1923 as the Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LDS-derived churches upholding polygamy after the Manifesto of 1890 Main article: Mormon fundamentalism Churches that believe they are strictly following the revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, including the practice of plural marriage, which was discontinued by the LDS Church in the late-19th century after the Manifesto. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Council of Friends[17] Lorin C. Woolley 1920s The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Multiple sects claim to be true successor Also known as the Priesthood Council, this group was originally headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Short Creek Community. One of the earliest Mormon fundamentalist groups, originating at end of plural marriage in LDS Church. Later splintered into several groups, particularly upon death of Joseph W. Musser in 1954. Most modern Mormon fundamentalist groups may be traced back to this organization. Latter Day Church of Christ[18] Elden Kingston 1935[18] Council of Friends[17] Roughly 2,000 members Headquartered in Davis County, Utah. Commonly known as the "Kingston clan" and the "Davis County Cooperative Society". Apostolic United Brethren[18] Rulon C. Allred 1954 Council of Friends Approximately 10,000 members (1998)[19] Headquarters in Bluffdale, Utah. Organized during schism between two groups over issue of presiding authority between Rulon C. Allred and Leroy S. Johnson, upon death of Joseph W. Musser.[18] Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints[18] Leroy S. Johnson 1954 Council of Friends 8,000–10,000 members[20] Traditionally headquartered in Colorado City, Arizona, with a community of roughly 700 members near Eldorado, Texas. Also called "FLDS Church" and is the largest group of Latter Day Saints who practice plural marriage and Mormon fundamentalism. Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times[18] Joel F. LeBaron 1955 Apostolic United Brethren[21] Precise continuity unknown, several hundred believers' following one or another putative successors to sect leadership Headquartered in Colonia Lebaron, Mexico[22] Established in northern Mexico, this group claims a priesthood line of authority through Benjamin F. Johnson, a member of the Council of Fifty. Church of the Firstborn[23] Ross Wesley LeBaron 1955 Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times Defunct Headquartered in Salt lake City, Utah. Within months of the organization of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times, Ross LeBaron broke with his brothers and formed his own sect calling it simply, “"The Church of the Firstborn." Ross believed he was sent to prepare the way for the One Mighty and Strong, who would be "an Indian prophet"[24] Three notable early followers were Fred Collier, Tom Green, and Robert Black.[23] Church of Jesus Christ in Solemn Assembly[25][26] Alex Joseph 1974[26] Apostolic United Brethren Approximately 400 headquartered in Big Water, Utah In conjunction with the Church of Jesus Christ in Solemn Assembly, Alex Joseph group created the Confederate Nations of Israel in 1977, a Hybrid church–political organization patterned after the Council of Fifty. Members can be from any religious denomination or atheist. Around one-quarter of members practice plural marriage. Church of the First Born of the Lamb of God[18] Ervil LeBaron 1972 Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times Current status unknown, may continue in LeBaron family in Los Molinos, Baja California Ervil LeBaron split with his brother, Joel F. LeBaron in 1972. Ervil then ordered his brother Joel killed in 1972, and Apostolic United Brethren leader Rulon C. Allred killed in 1977. LeBaron was extradited to the United States and sentenced to life in prison where he died in 1981. Church of the New Covenant in Christ[10] John W. Bryant 1975 Apostolic United Brethren Headquartered in Salem, Oregon Previously called the "Church of Christ Patriarchal" and the "Evangelical Church of Christ". One of Bryant's estranged wives says Bryant converted temple ordinances into sexual rites and that he authorized a type of "free love" among the members. Righteous Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[18] Gerald Peterson, Sr. 1978 Apostolic United Brethren Approximately 100-200 members. Headquartered in St. George, Utah. This small group of about 100–200 people was founded by Gerald Peterson Sr. They claim Gerald Peterson Sr. was the rightful successor to Rulon C. Allred and Spencer W. Kimball. They claim Allred and others, including the God and Jesus, visited Peterson, who held and exercised all priesthood responsibilities and keys. School of the Prophets[10][27] Robert C. Crossfield 1982 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Salem, Utah In 1968 Crossfield published the Book of Onias which, among other things, condemned many LDS Church leaders and was excommunicated in 1972.[28] Through associations, and initially well received, with Mormon fundamentalists in Creston, British Columbia, Canada, in 1982 Crossfield established his own "School of the Prophets", presided over by a President and six counselors.[28]Ron and Dan Lafferty, convicted of the 1984 murder of their brother's wife and infant daughter, served as counselors in the Provo, Utah, School of the Prophets in 1984.[27] Centennial Park[18] Marion Hammon and Alma Timpson 1984 Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Roughly 1,500 members[18] Also known as the "Second Ward". Organized by group who broke from Leroy S. Johnson over questions regarding presiding authority.[18] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Kingdom of God[18][29] Frank Naylor and Ivan Neilsen 1990 Centennial Park 200–300 members. Headquartered in Bluffdale, Utah[30] Also known as the "Naylor group" and the "Third Ward".[18] Organized by group who broke from Centennial Park over conflicts in the leadership of Alma Timpson. True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days[18] James D. Harmston 1994 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 300–500 members (2004)[31] Headquartered in Manti, Utah. Also called "TLC Church" and formed independent of the Woolley or the LeBaron priesthood lineages. The Church of the Firstborn and the General Assembly of Heaven[32] Terrill R. Dalton 2001 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Currently headquartered in Fromberg, Montana Originally organized in Magna, Utah, by former members of the LDS Church. Practice polygamy and the law of consecration. Dalton purports to be the Holy Ghost and the Father of Jesus.[33] Church of Jesus Christ (Original Doctrine) Inc.[34] Winston Blackmore 2002 Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Headquartered in Bountiful, British Columbia with approximately 700 members Also known as the Blackmore/Bountiful Community, this schism from the FLDS Church occurred when church president Warren Jeffs excommunicated Blackmore, causing the community of Bountiful to split nearly in half. Left-of-center LDS-derived churches The defunct Godbeites and a few other small churches that broke with the LDS Church to pursue a more liberal, inclusive, or rationalist theology. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes The Church of Zion[35] William S. Godbe 1868 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Also known as "Godbeites". United Order Family of Christ[36] David-Edward Desmond 1966 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lasted until at least 1973, probably until 1974. Founded in Denver, Colorado; the church was founded specifically for young gay men only, ages 18 to 30; members practiced the United Order. Restoration Church of Jesus Christ[36] Antonio A. Feliz 1985 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dissolved in 2010. Majority of members were LGBT. Commonly called the "Gay Mormon Church" or the "Liberal Mormon Church". Originally called the "Church of Jesus Christ of All Latter-day Saints". Additional churches claiming lineage through Brigham Young and/or founded in the U.S. Intermountain West Several small churches rooted in Mormonism; formed under the belief that their leader was inspired to restore a new religious tradition in the mold of Joseph Smith Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Church of the Potter Christ[37] Arnold Potter 1857 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Potter wore a long beard and white robes; his followers wore black robes; followers emigrated from California to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1861. Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite)[38] Joseph Morris 1861 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Assumed defunct Remnants of this organization survived into the mid-20th century. Involved in the Morrisite War; believe in reincarnation. Morris claimed to be the successor of James Strang, though his organization broke from the LDS, not the Strangite, church. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Gibsonite)[39] Walter M. Gibson 1861 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Organized in Pacific Islands; sold leadership offices to native peoples; gathering place established on Lanai, Hawaii. Kingdom of Heaven[40] William W. Davies 1866 Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Defunct Lived a communal life near Walla Walla, Washington, from 1867 to 1881. Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Most High[41] John R. Eardley 1882 Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Disbanded in 1969 The last known surviving remnant of the "Morrisites". Order of Enoch[42] James Brighouse 1884 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Continues into the 21st century Believe in reincarnation; rejected plural marriage; believe that Jesus reincarnated as Brighouse and again in 1909 as Dr. Dahesh and that the millennium will commence in the 24th century. Third Convention[43] Abel Páez 1936 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Continued into the 21st century[44] Formed by Abel Páez and a dissident group of Mexican Latter-day Saints who broke away from the main body of church authority in 1936 over a dispute about local governance and autonomy of the church in Mexico. House of Aaron[40][45] Maurice L. Glendenning 1943[45] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Less than 1,000 members Also called "Aaronic Order" and the "Order of Aaron". Religious researchers have categorized The House of Aaron as part of the Latter Day Saint movement, which this sect disputes.[40][45][46] Zion's Order, Inc.[40] Merl Kilgore 1951 Aaronic Order and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Mansfield, Missouri; approximately 100 members Formerly known as Zion's Order of the Sons of Levi; use all of the scriptures of the LDS Church except section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, plus 650 revelations to Kilgore. Perfected Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints[40] William C. Conway 1955 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Unknown Also called "Restored Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints"; Conway claimed to be the reincarnation of Moroni and to have been visited by a reincarnation of Joseph Smith. Church of Jesus Christ (Bullaite)[40][47] Art Bulla 1983 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah Bulla taught other Latter-day Saints that he was the "One Mighty and Strong" that Joseph Smith prophesied would come to set the church in order. Bulla was interviewed in the anti-Mormon movie The God Makers II with the title "Mormon Prophet" under his name. Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ[48] Matthew P. Gill 2007 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Derbyshire, England Met informally as "The Latter Day Church of Christ" until formal organization. Added the Book of Jeraneck to scriptural canon.[49] Other lineages Those churches rejecting Brigham Young's leadership, in favor of some other claimant. These adherents are occasionally referred to, collectively, as "Prairie Saints." Reorganized Church and other followers of Joseph Smith III ("Josephites") The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and related churches tracing their leadership through Joseph Smith III. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Community of Christ[50] Joseph Smith III 1860 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; some early members came from Strangite church More than 250,000 members as of 2006[51] Second-largest Latter Day Saint denomination. Headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Previously known as the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (RLDS Church); organized by Joseph Smith III in 1860. Church of the Christian Brotherhood[52] R. C. Evans 1918 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Split with RLDS Church due to their belief that Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage; Evans published a book documenting evidence that Smith was a polygamist, then went on to reject most of the tenets of Mormonism. Church of Jesus Christ Restored[53] Stanley King 1960s Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Headquartered in Ontario, Canada Fundamentalist church that split from the RLDS Church and instituted polygamy and the United Order; has about 40 members Church of Jesus Christ (Toneyite)[40] Forrest Toney 1980 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Headquartered in Independence, Missouri Left RLDS Church in 1980; claimed to be "Elijah and only prophet" of his organization. Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches[54] Various local leaders of the RLDS church 1980s Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints As of 1993, 15,000–30,000 sympathizers who yet retained membership in the RLDS Church (Community of Christ);[55] as of 2011, c. 10,000 members attending several hundred distinct congregations.[56] Affiliated branches and study groups, with each branch relatively autonomous and the movement as a whole centered in Independence, Missouri.[54][57] RLDS Church branches that became independent of the RLDS Church individually throughout the 1980s, due to opposition to changes in church doctrines and practices. Most priesthood holders of these branches soon became affiliated with the "Conference of Restoration Elders". At a three-day conference in November 2005, the "Joint Conference of Restoration Branches" was formed,[58] which had 6,000 to 7,000 members as of 2010.[59] Members consider themselves members of the [historical] RLDS Church, in a direct line of succession from those who dissented following doctrinal changes roughly coinciding with the church's name change to Community of Christ.[60] Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830[40] Nolan W. Glauner Mid-1980s Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Members in Missouri and Africa; headquartered in Tarkio, Missouri Regards Wallace B. Smith as a "fallen prophet" of the RLDS Church for his opening the priesthood to women and for choosing to build the Independence Temple as opposed to the city of Zion. Church of Christ[61] David B. Clark 1985 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Headquartered in Oak Grove, Missouri Also known as "Lion of God Ministry". Clark broke from the RLDS Church in November 1985. In May 1987, Clark began to issue a newsletter, "The Return". Group adheres closely to the King James Version of the Bible and "The Record of the Nephites" [Book of Mormon], but does not consider other Mormon scripture to be authoritative. They keep annual feasts, including Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, etc.[61] Church of Jesus Christ (Zion's Branch)[4] John and Robert Cato, among others 1986 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 200 or so members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri Largely composed of former members of the RLDS Church who oppose what they consider to be recent doctrinal innovations, especially the giving of the priesthood to women in 1984. Lundgren Group[62] Jeffrey Lundgren[63] 1988 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct; appropriately 20 followers; headquartered in Kirtland, Ohio [64] The sect broke off from the RLDS Church when Lundgren dismissed from the church on October 10, 1988. Lundgren was executed by the state of Ohio on October 24, 2006, for the murder of Dennis Avery and four of his family members.[64] Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints[65] Several RLDS entities 1991 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Headquartered in Independence, Missouri The church broke off from the Community of Christ because of its belief that women should not hold the priesthood. Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints[66] Frederick N. Larsen 2000 Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches[67] 1,000–2,000 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri Chiefly composed of former members of the RLDS Church who were part of the Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches.[67] They oppose what they consider to be recent doctrinal innovations, especially the passing of the church presidency to someone not descended from Joseph Smith (Larsen is a descendant of Smith through his grandson Frederick Madison Smith).[67] Followers of Granville Hedrick ("Hedrickites") The Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and related churches tracing their leadership through Granville Hedrick. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Church of Christ (Temple Lot)[68] Granville Hedrick 1863 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; some members from Gladdenites 5,000 members; headquartered on the Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri Owns the Temple Lot; adherents commonly referred to as "Hedrickites." Church of Christ (Fettingite)[69] Otto Fetting 1929 Church of Christ (Temple Lot) Sect divided into various factions A denomination which split with the Temple Lot church over reported revelations from John the Baptist to its founder, Otto Fetting; adopted seventh day sabbatarianism under Apostle S.T. Bronson in 1950s. Church of Christ at Halley's Bluff[70] Thomas B. Nerren and E. E. Long 1932 Church of Christ (Temple Lot) Headquartered at Schell City, Missouri; less than 100 members Members originally believed Otto Fetting's revelations but did not join the Church of Christ (Fettingite). Formally named "Church of Christ at Zion's Retreat" until a 1972 schism in which Dan Gayman led most of its followers away to his Church of Israel. Church of Christ (Restored)[71] A.C. DeWolf ca. 1937 Church of Christ (Fettingite) Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri;approx. 450 members Split from Fettingite organization in late 1930s when that sect initially accepted William Draves' "messages"; claims to be the true continuation of Fetting's church. Non-sabbatarian. Church of Christ with the Elijah Message[72] Otto Fetting and William Draves 1943 Church of Christ (Fettingite)[69] c. 12,500 members worldwide as of 1987.[73][74] Headquartered in Independence, Missouri Split with the Church of Christ (Fettingite) when that sect rejected revelations from John the Baptist given to its founder, William Draves, following the death of Otto Fetting. Church of Christ (Hancock)[4][75] Pauline Hancock 1946 Church of Christ (Temple Lot) Defunct as of 1984 First Latter Day Saint denomination to be established by a woman; accepted KJV Bible and Book of Mormon only; later rejected Book of Mormon and dissolved itself in 1984. Among its former members were Jerald and Sandra Tanner, opponents of the Latter Day Saint movement and founders of the Utah Lighthouse Ministry. Church of Christ[10] Howard Leighton-Floyd and H. H. Burt 1965 Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Around 35 members Leighton-Floyd and Burt split with the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message during the reincorporation of that church under its present name. Leighton-Floyd left shortly after the formation, with Burt assumed leadership of the group. The membership is centered on an agricultural cooperative near Holden, Missouri.[76] Church of Israel[40] Dan Gayman 1972 Church of Christ at Halley's Bluff Headquartered in Missouri Name was "Church of Our Christian Heritage" until incorporation in 1981. The church has been accused of being a Christian Identity church, a charge which is denied by Gayman. Few Latter Day Saint beliefs or practices remain in the church. The Church of Christ With the Elijah Message, The Assured Way of the Lord, Inc.[77] Leonard Draves 2004 Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Headquartered in Independence, Missouri Split from the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, Inc., which in turn split from the Church of Christ With the Elijah Message; founders claim that they are the legitimate continuation of William Draves' organization. Followers of Sidney Rigdon or William Bickerton ("Bickertonites") Churches tracing their leadership through Sidney Rigdon or William Bickerton. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion[4][5] Sidney Rigdon 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dissolved by 1847 Originally also used the name "Church of Christ". Also known as Rigdonites. The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)[5] William Bickerton 1862 Organized by former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion (Rigdonites), by then defunct 19,029 as of Dec. 31, 2012;[78] headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania Adherents commonly referred to as Bickertonites (church actively opposes use of this term). Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)[40] Half of the Bickertonite Quorum of Twelve Apostles 1907 Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Defunct Dispute over nature of life in the millennium split Bickertonite Quorum of the Twelve in two; later merged with the Primitive Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite). Primitive Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)[40] James Caldwell 1914 Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Defunct Rejected the First Presidency as a valid leadership organization of the church; later merged with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite). Followers of Alpheus Cutler ("Cutlerites") The Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) and related churches tracing their leadership through Alpheus Cutler. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite)[6] Alpheus Cutler 1853 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Approximately 12 members (2010);[79] headquartered in Independence, Missouri Adherents commonly called "Cutlerites"; practice "United Order"; retains Nauvoo-era Temple endowment and Baptism for the Dead. True Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite)[80] Clyde Fletcher 1953 Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) Never more than 10; headquartered in Clitherall, Minnesota Split from Cutlerites over presidential succession issue; church folded with death of its founder in 1969 and schism was subsequently healed. Restored Church of Jesus Christ[40] Eugene O. Walton 1980 Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) 25 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri Split from Cutlerites when they rejected Walton's claim to be the "One Mighty and Strong". Followers of James J. Strang ("Strangites") The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) and related churches tracing their leadership through James Strang. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite)[4] James J. Strang 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints A few hundred members; headquartered in Voree (now Burlington), Wisconsin Currently split between proponents and opponents of incorporation in 1961. Anti-incorporation factions headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana and Independence, Missouri Church of Christ (Aaron Smith)[81] Aaron Smith 1846 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Defunct Short-lived sect formed in Voree, Wisconsin. Church of the Messiah[82] George J. Adams 1861 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Defunct Led followers from Maine to Palestine; attempt to establish mission there failed. Holy Church of Jesus Christ[40] Alexandre R. Caffiaux 1964 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Defunct Caffiaux claimed to be the rightful successor to James J. Strang. Church headquartered in France. Church of Jesus Christ (Drewite)[40] Theron Drew 1965 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Extant; one congregation led by Richard Drew, Theron's son Drew organized the church after being excommunicated from the Strangite church, on account of Drew's promotion of Merl Kilgore as the "One Mighty and Strong" and a potential successor to James Strang. True Church of Jesus Christ Restored[83] David Roberts 1974 Church of Christ with the Elijah Message and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Headquartered in Independence, Missouri Difficult to categorize; Roberts claimed to be Strang's successor. Additional Latter Day Saint churches (usually headquartered in U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains) Other "Prairie Saint" branches of the movement, such as the Church of Christ (Whitmerite), none of which is known to be extant. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Church of Christ (Wightite)[84] Lyman Wight 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Extant until around 1858 Wight rejected the claims of leadership made by Brigham Young, William Smith, and James Strang. He moved a group of Latter Day Saints to the central Texas frontier. He accepted Joseph Smith III as his father's successor, but did not live long enough to join the RLDS Church (though most of his followers later did). Church of Christ (Whitmerite)[10] William E. M'Lellin and David Whitmer 1847 and 1871 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Extant until around 1925 William E. McLellin claimed that Joseph Smith had designated David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses, as his successor. By 1925, most remaining members of the Whitmerite church had united with the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). Church of Christ (Brewsterite)[10] James C. Brewster and Hazen Aldrich 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Published a periodical entitled The Olive Branch. The Bride, the Lamb's Wife[85] Jacob Syfritt 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Syfritt claimed to have been taken to heaven to converse with Joseph Smith, who designated him as his true successor. Congregation of Jehovah's Presbytery of Zion[10] Charles B. Thompson 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Also called Baneemyites and Conjespresites. Thompson claimed to be "Baneemy" mentioned in The Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 105:27. Said the church had been rejected by God following Joseph Smith's death, and he had been called to renew the priesthood among the gentiles. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Gladdenite)[10] Gladden Bishop 1851 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dissolved after Bishop's death in 1865 Many members later helped to form the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[86] Mike Bethel 1994 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[87] Extant as of 1998; status currently unknown The sect holds to the canonicity of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, but does not accept other texts in the Latter Day Saint movement such as the Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants.[87] Spontaneous or unknown lineage Those sects which originated independent from other organizations and do not trace their doctrinal or priesthood lineage to any 19th-century Latter Day Saint factions, but still hold Latter Day Saint beliefs. Name Organized by Date Split off / Continuation of Current status Notes Independent Latter Day Saint congregations in Nigeria[88] Anie D. Obot ca. 1953 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (with LDS Church influences) Extant until around 1978 After LDS Church missionaries visited the town of Uyo in 1953, Obot decided to form unauthorized branches of the church in Nigeria and wrote for more information to church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, due to Nigerian government visas restrictions and the absence of church leadership, these branches deviated from LDS Church doctrine. This included some practicing of polygamy and establishing their own black priesthood hierarchy, both of which were prohibited at the time by church doctrine. Independent Latter Day Saint congregations in Ghana[89] Joseph W. B. Johnson 1964 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (with LDS and RLDS influences) Extant until around 1978 Upon receiving a copy of the Book of Mormon, Johnson started "Latter day Saint" congregations in Ghana independent from any Latter Day Saint sect. In 1976, Johnson went to find "The Mormons" (i.e., the LDS Church) and found the RLDS Church instead. However, no further contact was established with the RLDS Church. Upon the announcement of the 1978 Revelation of Priesthood, allowing those of black African descent into the priesthood, Johnson and most of his group were baptized into the LDS Church.[89] Apostolic Divine Church of Ghana[89] Cape Coast group of the independent Latter-Day Saint congregations in Ghana 1976 Independent Latter-Day Saint congregations in Ghana Extant for only a few months The Cape Coast group of the independent Latter Day Saint congregations in Ghana (Johnson) schismed when ongoing contact was not established with the LDS Church or RLDS Church in 1976. Some of the individuals in this group formed the Apostolic Divine Church of Ghana, however, this sect lasted only a few months.[89] With that, I find it hard to say what is said about Christian denominations.

Yes. I understand. This is a very clear difference between much of the Protestant church and Mormonism. But the point I was trying to make is that baptism by water is not in Romans 5, 6, or 7 which is details of salvation. So the lack of it (water baptism) in Romans is also key to my position as these three chapters talk about the details of salvation w/ no water baptism.

Just to be clear. * Baptism is not a mandatory part of salvation in Jesus Christ, which effects eternity. * Baptism is a command that we are commanded to do and that 96% of Christians have done. I just don't want anyone mis-stating what I said. The overall point is that salvation is gotten by the person (individual) and what Jesus Christ gives them (ie.. Justification, Holy Spirit, death to sin, ect). Period. But baptism is very, very good and commanded of us. Is that clear?

My thoughts 100% There is something about the Bible that many people do not see if they do not study it fairly well. It is a common perception by many that the Bible reads like a novel. You go straight through, you start at the beginning and read to the end. But the Bible is so much more complicated than that. For instance, Acts is a summary overall and details Paul's journeys and the churches he started (Rome, Corinth, Phillipi, Galatia, Ephesis, Colossae, Thessolonia, and he also wrote Hebrews and Philimon. So much of the basic information about Paul is in Acts, but then all of the Epistles are written back to the churches he started in the above locations. I guess what I am saying, is that it is important that scripture references scripture and that no verse really stands alone. Took me a while to get that out.

Ritual baths were always part of Jewish life in the Old Testament. That is very different from one act, being a baptism. I would like to stick with the original KJV. Going all around with all these Bibles will really confuse you. Most Christians have two versions, like NASB and KJV, or NIV and ESV There are only about 6 translations that are highly used. I use the NASB and KJV, besides the original Bible languages of Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic.

It was a reply to a post that was discussing baptism, though. John 3:5 which another poster referenced.

And I am trying. I am also trying to not to let the thread go off to other topics. So let's just leave that all in the past and move forward as of right now, ok?

Now this is a great verse. Because when we are saved by Jesus Christ He sends us His indwelling Holy Spirit, forever. It is our seal of the New Covenant, God's promise to us (not our promise, but God's) UNTIL the Day of Redemption (which is after death). The Holy Spirit indwelling a believer is part of (our down payment) of our inheritance in Christ that we are His heirs as well as co-heirs of the Father. If you go back to the text I wrote (earlier) in Romans 5 and 6 you will see the Holy Spirit as part of our salvation.

I'm just saying that it was part of the entire situation. One of the things, that then the total of is my experience. So it was a lot of issues together. Not just one thing and as a FIRST TIME here person, how was I to know. It was later explained, but with all the 'you are so rude not answering my question, you don't want to .....". It was part of the whole. Does that make sense? It's like you are trying to tell me I have no reason to feel like I felt. What kind of words were people using with me? Maybe go back and read those and get an idea from my perspective. That is the fair thing to do.

That could really send us down a rocky road because it is opinion. I don't think we should do that because that could get ugly very quick. I really do not want opinion because then it opens the conversation up to anything. Can we stick to the Bible?

Why are you throwing Calvinism and so much other information into our conversation? That is what people are getting upset about, that it doesn't stay on topic. I've never heard of these people and I surely do not get my theology from them. So if we can keep it to the Bible, that would be best.

Lehi, let's look at it Titus 3:5 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, It is the regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, it is not a physical baptism with water.

Goodnight all. I don't have a problem with who joins or posts. I will say this only one more time. That's it. My issue is with all the issues I had being a first time poster, web site issues all day, logging me out, refresh, my not knowing how to use quote and reply and trying to keep up with the thread. I think that it is very rude and not Christ-like to give me a chance and not take EVERY word in the most negative way possible. Most sites, give someone a chance at least.

I've never heard of that guy.

Why do you not ask a moderator to make me leave or else just leave me alone? What is your issue with me? I really would rather not talk with you. I am having a good conversation with someone else.

Now Titus 3:5 is not about baptism with water, but baptism of the Holy Spirit. That's a whole other thing.

Everyone else called it a misunderstanding, it was. I explained I was having trouble logging in and keeping up. You are trying to bake a cake with no oven.

You do not think there is an 'also' in there to show comparison?

I said that if there was someone or a church that was between you and Christ that you needed another step to do I didn't think it was a trick question. It was not stating that you do not rely on Christ, it was asking if there was something that had to be done in between. If it was my doctrine I would own it. If it is what you believe than what's to hide? I didn't expect that everything was defensive, as I said Christians debate and discuss much more, so we own our beliefs readily.

How is it when I looked at the original Greek, that would not be a translation at all..

Because I think that the word "The like figure" is directly referring between the water between the two. You said 'as a witness to a clean conscience' which agree's with me. That it is a public declaration that does not save.

That is interesting, I thought all baptisms were in the Temple. I think I need to clarify, note the word 'thought', as in a thought that I had, for all the hater's. I'm sure it'll be twisted

Like I said I disagree. It says in good conscience to God using the comparison of Noah being saved in water and baptism. I don't see it as a st

I would ask a question, but since you cannot be civil, nevermind.