Dude, how weird. I have been studying the early history of Islam and find several parallels to the early history of Mormonism.
For instance, a self proclaimed prophet who denounced all other religions, yet without the proofs of Biblical prophets.
Both religions also based some of their teachings on loosely interpreted and twisted Judeo/Christian truths.
Both religions claimed to be persecuted for their faith, but they were actually confronted by their communities for deviant and violent behavior.
Both religions propagated their beliefs through perversions and violence.
In fact, the two biggest differences in the origin of these two religions is the fact that Islam sprung up in the hostile lands of the Mid-East, where there was no centralized rule of law, allowing them to propagate through violence and intimidation.
On the other hand, Mormonism sprung up in the United States, under the rule of a constitution and a society that was based on Judeo/Christian jurisprudence and morality.
Also, Mormonism was in the heartland of Christian ethics and teaching, thus forcing it into a more acceptable behavior. How weird, and for more than one reason.
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If the perversions and violence of Mormonism had not been brought under control by western values, based on Judeo/Christian teachings, Mormonism's perversions and violence could have developed in much the same way as Islam.
Mormons (LDS) moved from New York, Ohio and Missouri to Utah, because they kept running afoul of the law and social mores. The further west they moved, the more extreme they became. Remember, they settled in Utah (as a US Territory), where they practiced their own law and promoted polygamy as the Eternal Covenant (required for sainthood). Utah was denied Statehood, unless it turned from polygamy. It was at this point the Mormon god changed his mind and rescinded the "eternal covenant."
Historical documents (both Mormon and non-Mormon), the writings of descendants, as well as the research into Mormon history reveal the anti-Christian, immoral and violent direction this movement was taking until it was reined in by government and social requirements.
Also, like the Muslim world, Mormonism has practiced Historical Revisionism. They have actually collected old books about Mormonism from libraries, replacing them with newer, Mormon friendly books. They have actually replaced portions of their own religious writings, and denied their earlier beliefs and practices.
If Mormonism could have gone unfettered, we may be looking at a western version of Islam today. Look into the more primitive groups of LDS in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and other western states and you will see a little bit of its perversion and defiance.
By The Way...
I did not base my post or comment on the Mountain Meadows Massacre or the movie that depicted this Mormon atrocity. However, it is interesting to note that this deliberate act of religious violence and terrorism took place on September 11, 1857.
I would suggest you look up information concerning this tragic event, though I would warn you that the LDS puts a modern day spin on it, as it does all of its tainted history. A movie, starring Jon Voight, dramatizes the events. The story line is taken from documented history and family records. The movie is entitled, September Dawn. I saw the movie and I would recommend it as an informative docudrama.
The Mountain Meadow Massacre is only one violent event among many in the early history of Mormonism and its founders.
How totally different from the origin and early history of Christ, His apostles, followers and the early Church.
