The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a religion founded by Joseph Smith, a prophet and American preacher, who in 1830 published The Book of Mormon . Smith said he translated the text from “golden plates” written in reformed Egyptian, an unknown ancient language, which had been donated by an angel named Moroni.
Mormons call themselves Christians, even though their beliefs set them apart from most other denominations. They finance themselves through the donation of the “tithe”, ten percent of annual earnings of each member; pay this tax is a form of sacrifice.
The highest of the Mormon hierarchy sphere is made up of a president, who has the title of “prophet, seer and revelator” and 12 Apostles, called by revelation. The headquarters of the Church in the city of Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It is estimated that in the world is 14 million.
In Italy the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is present since 1850. Divided into “poles” (the equivalent of dioceses), today has 26,000 faithful.
The meeting with some of the members of the Church of Rome and Ladispoli has allowed me to recount the private sphere, the intimate geography, in their homes, with their families. I found a religious congregation with solid rules, observed with great discipline. But although devote much of their time to numerous religious training, which also occur in the home, the relationship with the outside world exists.
The look on the Mormon youth world has revealed a particularly interesting aspect, suggesting a question. What does it mean for a boy in 2017, being part of a religious community which imposes great restrictions and precepts to which its members must adhere rigorously (do not drink alcohol, do not smoke, do not drink coffee, exciting in general, do not take substances alter their conscience …)?