President Buchannan, anticipating Mormon opposition to a newly appointed governor to replace Brigham Young, dispatched 2, 500 federal troops to Utah to seat the new governor, thus setting in motion a series of unfortunate misunderstandings when the Mormons felt threatened in light of their past history.

Similarly, in the Book of Mormons first detailed discussion concerning the calling and ordination of high priests, the scripture states, " And this is the manner after which they were ordained —... they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling .... And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith.

Notably, juries in criminal cases are declared to be judges of law as well as fact, thus ensconcing in the constitution the right of ( what is commonly called ) jury nullification -- commonplace in the early 19th century, but by 1867 already in decline as a result of abuse ( in such conflicts as the Mormons in Nauvoo and the Fugitive Slave Law ), and today very much the minority position.

Some Latter-day Saints ( LDS or Mormons ) believe it to be the language of God.

The department's research facility, the Family History Library, which has developed the most extensive genealogical record-gathering program in the world, was established to assist in tracing family lineages for special religious ceremonies that Mormons believe will seal family units together for eternity.

Mormons believe that this fulfilled a biblical prophecy stating that the prophet Elijah would return to ' turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.

Although the Latter-day Saints believe that speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues are alive and well in the Church, modern Mormons are much more likely to point to the way in which LDS missionaries are trained and learn foreign languages quickly, and are able to communicate rapidly, on their missions, as evidence of the manifestation of this gift.

Mormons believe in the Bible, as well as other books of scripture, such as the Book of Mormon.

Mormons believe that returning to God requires following the example of Jesus Christ, and accepting his atonement through ordinances such as baptism.

Mormons also emphasize standards they believe were taught by Jesus Christ, including personal honesty, integrity, obedience to law, chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage.

: Cultural Mormons are individuals who do not believe some ( or many ) of the doctrines of LDS Church, but who self-identify as Mormon.

Mormons believe that God re-established the early Christian Church as found in the New Testament through the agency of Joseph Smith.

In particular, Mormons believe that angels such as Peter, James, John, and John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and others and bestowed various Priesthood authorities on them.

In addition, Mormons believe that Smith and his legitimate successors are modern prophets, seers, and revelators who receive revelation from God to guide His Church.

Mormons believe that, in the beginning, all people existed as spirits or " intelligences ," independent of God.

Mormons believe that one purpose of earthly life is to learn to choose good over evil — godly over worldly.

Mormons believe that Jesus paid for the sins of the world, and that all people can be saved through his atonement.

Because Mormons believe that everyone must receive certain ordinances to be saved, Mormons perform ordinances on behalf of deceased persons.

In accordance with their belief in each individuals " free agency ", living or dead, Mormons believe that the deceased may accept or reject the offered ordinance in the spirit world, just as all spirits decided to accept or reject God's plan originally.

Mormons believe in the Old and New Testaments, and the LDS Church uses the King James Bible as its official scriptural text of the Bible.

While Mormons believe in the general accuracy of the modern day text of the Bible, they also believe that it is incomplete and contains errors.

Mormons believe that Joseph Smith and subsequent church leaders could speak scripture " when moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

" In addition, many Mormons believe that ancient prophets in other regions of the world received revelations that resulted in additional scriptures that have been lost and may, one day, be forthcoming.

Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the literal firstborn Son of God and Messiah, his crucifixion as a conclusion of a sin offering, and subsequent resurrection.

Additionally, Mormons don't believe in creation ex nihilo, believing that matter is eternal, and creation involved God organizing existing matter.

Adherents, referred to as Latter-day Saints or, more informally, Mormons, view faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement as the central tenet of their religion.

* 1856 – Five hundred Mormons leave Iowa City, Iowa and head west for Salt Lake City carrying all their possessions in two-wheeled handcarts.

Mormons embraced the stereotype of Jello consumption to assert their religious and cultural identity.

Mormons have developed a strong sense of communality that stems from their doctrine and history.

Mormons dedicate large amounts of time and resources to serving in their church, and many young Mormons choose to serve a full-time proselytizing mission.

Mormons self-identify as Christian, though some of their beliefs differ from mainstream Christianity.

The word " Mormons " most often refers to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of their belief in the Book of Mormon, though members often refer to themselves as Latter-day Saints or sometimes just Saints.

In modern times, Zion is still an ideal, though Mormons gather together in their individual congregations rather than a central geographic location.

Mormons trace their origins to the visions that Joseph Smith reported having in the early 1820s while living in upstate New York.

Having failed to build Zion within the confines of American society, the Mormons began to construct a society in isolation, based on their beliefs and values.

From 1849 – 52, the Mormons greatly expanded their missionary efforts, establishing several missions in Europe, Latin America, and the South Pacific.

During the latter half of the century, there was a retrenchment movement in Mormonism in which Mormons became more conservative, attempting to regain their status as a " peculiar people ".

However, international Mormons often bring pieces of their own heritage into the church, adapting church practices to local cultures.

Isolation in Utah had allowed Mormons to create a culture of their own.

Mormons have a strong sense of communality that stems from their doctrine and history.

Engaged Mormons also contribute 10 percent of their income to the church as tithing, and are often involved in humanitarian efforts.

: Members of sects that broke with the LDS Church over the issue of polygamy have become known as Fundamentalist Mormons, and differ from mainstream Mormonism primarily in their belief in and practice of plural marriage.

However, in addition to accepting the Biblical account of Moses, Mormons include Selections from the Book of Moses as part of their scriptural canon.

Based on the name of that book, early followers of founder Joseph Smith, Jr. were called Mormons, and their faith was called Mormonism.

Mormons renew their baptismal covenants through weekly participation in the Lord's supper ( commonly called Sacrament ).