Why did the Mormons encounter violent opposition to their new church in the 1800s?

Answer 1

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) were persecuted in the 1800's for many of the same reasons they are persecuted now. For the most part, they were persecuted because their beliefs were considered strange and different from mainstream culture. They believed and followed a living prophet and had different views on the trinity, The Bible, and other Christian beliefs. They were also hated for their conservative moral views and for influencing the politics of the regions they were in. From the early 1840's until 1890, a small number of Church members also practiced polygamy. Many persecuted them for this, and although the practice ended over a century ago, Mormons are still occassionally persecuted for it.

Answer 2

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) advocated the same things in the 1800's that they do today. This includes a return to New Testament Christianity, strong family values, morality, modesty, honesty, and virtue.

Answer 3

The real reason for the opposition is unknown, but it is thought it was so greatly opposed due to the fact that this religion was introducing a new religious book, The Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith Jr. claims to have received revelation from God, and was visited by angels. With these visitations, Joseph was told of a sacred record of the ancestors of modern-day Native Americans inscribed on brass plates. By proposing such a thing occurred, Joseph was called a liar, a thief, and his teachings blasphemous. They said that God no longer visited men or gave visions. Like nearly everything in the world however, none of the accusers had read the book, or learned of what Joseph was teaching.