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 took up residence. Today, the president and prophet of the present Church is Thomas S. Manson, who resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City is home to the headquarters of the Mormon Church, just like Rome, Italy is the hub of the Roman Catholic Church. Mormons accept the basic teaching of Christianity, but like all Christian denominations, they have their own view of things. There is much debate and confusion on the subject as to 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 foundation of Mormonism. According to the Catholic Church, it is incorrect to characterize Mormons as 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 to Catholicism." The doctrines and teachings of the LDS are very different from those of the Roman Catholic Church and Christianity. There are several differences between Catholicism and Mormonism. Perhaps the thing the Mormon church holds most dear about itself is its use of the Book of Mor...... middle of paper...... lowest level welcomes thieves, murderers, adulterers, etc. Middle heaven is reserved for good non-Mormons and Mormons who have not fully obeyed the faith and commandments of the Church. The highest level is reserved for devout Mormons, who become gods of their own planets and universes. All things considered, the Mormon faith is very different from Catholicism. Our doctrines, teachings and traditions are very opposed to each other. It is a thriving religion in the United States (number 4 in terms of members). The faith has been around for almost 200 years and continues to grow. http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=429652 http://carm.org/mormonism http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/mormon.htm http://www .mormonteachings.com/