Since the mid-1800s, Mormons, or also called Latter-day Saints, have been a thriving religion in the United States. Founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, it has grown from a small group of outcasts to a significant size of nearly seven million followers. Joseph Smith was the first prophet and president of the Church of Latter-day Saints. After the murder of Joseph Smith in 1844, a man named Brigham Young emigrated with most of the Mormons to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1847, where they made their home. Today, the president and prophet of the present Church is Thomas S. Manson who resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City is the location of the headquarters of the Mormon Church, just like Rome, Italy is the hub of the Roman Catholic Church. Mormons accept the basic teachings of Christianity, but like all Christian denominations, they have their own particular view of things. There is much debate and confusion on the subject regarding whether or not Mormons are related to Protestants or even Christians. The founder of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, actually came from a Protestant background, and many Protestant assumptions form part of the foundations of Mormonism. According to the Catholic Church it is not correct to call Mormons Protestants or even Christians. Gordon Hinckley, former president and prophet of the Mormon Church, claims that he and his co-religionists are "no closer to Protestantism than they are to Catholicism." The doctrines and teachings of the Church are very different from those of the Roman Catholic Church and Christianity. There are many differences between Catholicism and Mormonism. Perhaps the one thing the Mormon church deems most unique is the use of the Book of Mor... middle of the paper... the lowest level can harbor thieves, murderers, adulterers, etc. The central heaven is for good non-Mormons and for Mormons who do not have total obedience to the faith and commandments of the Church. The highest level is for devout Mormons, who become deities of their own planets and universes. All in all, the Mormon faith is very different from Catholicism. Our doctrines, teachings and traditions are very contrary to each other. It is a thriving religion in the United States (number 4 in number of members). The faith has been around for almost 200 years and continues to grow. Works Cited http://www.mormonteachings.com/ http://www.catholic.com/tracts/distinctive-beliefs-of-the-mormon-church http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t =429652 http://carm.org/mormonism http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/mormon.htmhttp://www .mormonteachings.com/