$\huge{Christianity}$
Christianity is, without a doubt, the largest and most influential religion in the world. It is an Abrahamic religion practiced mostly in the Americas, Europe, South Africa, and Australia.
Christians follow the teachings of a savior named Jesus, who is believed to be the son of God and the savior of humanity. According to Christian teachings, Jesus was crucified and killed. He was believed to have been resurrected after his death and then ascended to Heaven.
There are thousands of branches, or denominations of Christianity. The most notable denominations include Catholics and Protestants.
Catholics: Catholics follow the Catholic Church and the Pope. They are commonly called Roman Catholics.
Protestants: Protestantism was a movement in response to Catholicism. Martin Luther, writer of the Ninety-Five Theses, criticized the Church for its repeated abuses of power. Protestants do not follow the Catholic Church.
For a complete list of Christian denominations, $\href{https:///en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations_by_number_of_members//}{click~here}$

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 31.5%
Population (U.S): 70.6%
Growth (Worldwide): Slight growth, although relatively stable
Growth (U.S.): Rapid decline (-7.8%)
In 2007, 78.4% of Americans identified as Christian. In 2014, only 70.6% did.
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$The Bible may be a bestseller, but it is also the world's most stolen book.
$\bullet$When most people imagine angels, they think of a halo, a flowing white gown, and a pair of wings. But in the Bible, angels are described as having four faces: one of a cherub, the second of a human being, the third of a lion, and the fourth of an eagle.
$\bullet$Jesus' real birthday is unknown, but it is celebrated today on December 25th.
$\bullet$The main symbol of Christianity is the cross. The second most popular symbol is a 'fish' (often seen on bumper stickers). This symbol was adopted from pagan religions, and is actually supposed to be a symbol for fertility. The two crescents are supposed to symbolize female genitalia.
$\bullet$Jesus is often portrayed as a white man in Western countries. However, he was dark-skinned.

$\huge{Islam}$
Islam is the second largest religion in the world. It is an Abrahamic religion practiced mostly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Indonesia.
The followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims follow the Koran (alternative spellings include Quran and Qur'an). Muhammad, known as the "Holy Prophet" is believed to have been visited by the angel Gabriel, who revealed revelations to him. Later, these revelations were recorded and compiled into the Koran.
There are two main branches of Islam: Sunnism and Shi'ism. Sunni Muslims believe that the successor of Muhammad should be elected. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of all Muslims. Shi'ites believe that the successor of Muhammad should be blood-related to Muhammad. Disagreements between these two groups has led to violence.
Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam:
Shahadah - The declaration "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet."
Salat - Five prayers a day
Zakat - Charity, usually given to the poor, especially poor Muslims
Sawm - Fasting during Ramadan
Hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 23%
Population (U.S): 0.9%
Growth (Worldwide): Moderate growth
Growth (U.S.): Slight growth (+0.5%)
In 2007, 0.4% of Americans identified as Muslim. In 2014, 0.9% of Americans identified as Muslim.
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Muslims are supposed to learn Arabic to read the Koran in its original form.
$\bullet$In Saudi Arabia, a Muslim country, women are not allowed to drive.
$\bullet$Mary is mentioned more often in the Koran than in the New Testament.
$\bullet$Alcohol and pork are forbidden.
$\bullet$More than 2.5 million people travel to Mecca each year.

$\huge{Nonreligious}$
Although not technically religions, atheism and agnosticism are the third most common 'belief-systems' in the world. There is no particular region where atheism and agnosticism are common, however, it is found most often in Westernized areas and in some East Asian countries (especially China).
Atheists do not believe in the existence of a god or gods. Agnostics are unsure as to whether a god or gods exist. Many agnostics believe that the existence of a god or gods can not be proven or disproven. Due to these reasons, atheist and agnostics are labeled as non-religious.

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 13-22% (exact value unknown)
Population (U.S): 22.8%
Growth (Worldwide): Unknown, although likely experiencing moderate growth
Growth (U.S.): Rapid growth (+6.7%)
In 2007, 16.1% of Americans identified as atheist, agnostic, or unaffiliated. In 2014, 22.8% of Americans did.
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Atheists and agnostics scored highest on the Pew Research Center's U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey
$\bullet$Atheists, on average, have a higher IQ than religious persons.
$\bullet$Atheists only make up 0.07% of the prison population.
$\bullet$Buddhists and Satanists are considered atheists.

$\huge{Hinduism}$
Hinduism is the fourth-largest religion in the world. Unlike the previous three belief systems, Hinduism is polytheistic. Hinduism is common in Nepal and India.
Hinduism is a complex religion. It is one of the oldest known religions and is made up of a blend of different Indian beliefs. Hindus believe that multiple gods and goddesses make up the universal soul, Brahman. Brahman encompasses everything in the universe: Brahman is all-inclusive and limitless. There are many important gods and goddesses in Hinduism; I may add them later.
Hindus believe in the caste system and reincarnation. The caste system splits Hindus into four categories: priests and teachers, warriors and rulers, 'middle-class' workers (merchants, farmers, traders, etc.), and labourers. After death, Hindus are reincarnated back into the caste system. Their position depends on the karma from their previous life. Enough good karma, and they will move up in the caste system. Too much bad karma, and they will move down in the system. If a Hindu achieves moksha, they exit this system and are freed from the system of death and rebirth.

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 15%
Population (U.S): 0.7%
Growth (Worldwide): Slight increase
Growth (U.S.): Slight growth (+0.3%)
In 2007, 0.4% of Americans identified as Hindu. In 2014, 0.7% of Americans identified as Hindu
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Hinduism is the world's oldest organized religion
$\bullet$Cattle wander the streets in India; Hindus consider them as sacred and usually refuse to eat beef
$\bullet$The Rig Veda, a sacred Hindu text, is widely considered to be the world's oldest book.
$\bullet$The Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage to the bank of the river Ganges. Tens of millions attend the festival, making sanitation a massive problem.

$\huge{Buddhism}$
Buddhism is the sixth-largest religion in the world. It is found most commonly in East Asia.
Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of this religion. He was a prince that gave up everything he had in an attempt to end suffering. His teachings emphasize the elimination of suffering via the elimination of desire.
Buddhists follow the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts.
The Four Noble Truths:
1. Life involves suffering
2. Suffering is due to attachment and desire
3. Elimination of desire ceases suffering
4. The Eightfold Path is the path to end suffering

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 7-8%
Population (U.S): 0.7%
Growth (Worldwide): Slight decline
Growth (U.S.): Stable (-)
In 2007, 0.7% of Americans identified as Buddhist. In 2014, 0.7% of Americans identified as Buddhist
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Statues of a happy fat man (often found in restaurants) are not actually Buddha. Instead, they are actually of Hotei a Budai.
$\bullet$Buddha's tooth was recovered from his body and eventually became a royal possession. It is now housed in the Temple of the Tooth.
$\bullet$The Spring Temple Buddha is the tallest statue in the world (for now). It is 128m tall, not including a 20m pedestal

$\huge{Mormonism}$

Mormonism is a branch of Christianity based on the writings of Joseph Smith. It is commonly referred to as the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). Supposedly, Smith was visited by an angel that led him to a location of golden plates. Using a magical stone, he translated the plates into the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe in both the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible. However, many believe that the Bible is not inerrant.
Mormonism has been heavily criticized due to its origins. Smith is known to have an extensive criminal record (30-40+ arrest records). Some of these acts include fraud, conspiracy to murder, illegal banking, inciting a violent riot, treason, adultery, etc. He also has had over 30 wives.
Mormonism also faces criticism due to its homophobic stances. Homosexuals can be excommunicated. Children with homosexual parents can not become members of the church unless they move away from home and condemn same-sex marriage. Many see this rule as a method to rip families apart.
Mormonism is most common in the United States where the religion was founded.

$\huge{Judaism}$

Judaism is known as the world's oldest Abrahamic religion. The followers of Judaism, Jews, follow the Torah. The Torah is known to many as the first five books of the Old Testament. However, they also follow a variety of other texts. Jews do not believe Jesus was the Messiah because he did not fulfill the requirements set in the Old Testament.
Jews are split into three main groups: Orthodox Jews, Reform Jews, and Conservative Jews. Each have different views on how literally their religious texts should be taken.
Judaism used to be criticized heavily until the Holocaust during WWII, an event in which over 100,000 Jews died. Now, criticism of Judaism is taboo, and often labeled as "anti-Semitic."

$\huge{Satanism}$

Wait...what?! Satanism is not a religion, but it is an organization. Satanists are atheists, and neither believe in God nor Satan. The word "satanism" is merely used to disconcert people who are uninformed. It is symbolic. In fact, many Satanists call themselves "Satanists" as a type of satire. Satanism is based off of Anton LaVey's book, $The~Satanic~Bible$. Satanists do not believe in anything supernatural and do not perform any rituals. Satanism is focused on indulgence and wisdom. Satanism should not be confused with devil-worship. Devil worshippers actually believe in and worship Satan.

Question

$\huge{Christianity}$
Christianity is, without a doubt, the largest and most influential religion in the world. It is an Abrahamic religion practiced mostly in the Americas, Europe, South Africa, and Australia.
Christians follow the teachings of a savior named Jesus, who is believed to be the son of God and the savior of humanity. According to Christian teachings, Jesus was crucified and killed. He was believed to have been resurrected after his death and then ascended to Heaven.
There are thousands of branches, or denominations of Christianity. The most notable denominations include Catholics and Protestants. 
Catholics: Catholics follow the Catholic Church and the Pope. They are commonly called Roman Catholics.
Protestants: Protestantism  was a movement in response to Catholicism. Martin Luther, writer of the Ninety-Five Theses, criticized the Church for its repeated abuses of power. Protestants do not follow the Catholic Church.
For a complete list of Christian denominations, $\href{https:///en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations_by_number_of_members//}{click~here}$

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 31.5% 
Population (U.S): 70.6%
Growth (Worldwide): Slight growth, although relatively stable
Growth (U.S.): Rapid decline (-7.8%)
In 2007, 78.4% of Americans identified as Christian. In 2014, only 70.6% did.
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$The Bible may be a bestseller, but it is also the world's most stolen book.
$\bullet$When most people imagine angels, they think of a halo, a flowing white gown, and a pair of wings. But in the Bible, angels are described as having four faces: one of a cherub, the second of a human being, the third of a lion, and the fourth of an eagle.
$\bullet$Jesus' real birthday is unknown, but it is celebrated today on December 25th.
$\bullet$The main symbol of Christianity is the cross. The second most popular symbol is a 'fish' (often seen on bumper stickers). This symbol was adopted from pagan religions, and is actually supposed to be a symbol for fertility. The two crescents are supposed to symbolize female genitalia.
$\bullet$Jesus is often portrayed as a white man in Western countries. However, he was dark-skinned.

$\huge{Islam}$
Islam is the second largest religion in the world. It is an Abrahamic religion practiced mostly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Indonesia.
The followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims follow the Koran (alternative spellings include Quran and Qur'an). Muhammad, known as the "Holy Prophet" is believed to have been visited by the angel Gabriel, who revealed revelations to him. Later, these revelations were recorded and compiled into the Koran.
There are two main branches of Islam: Sunnism and Shi'ism. Sunni Muslims believe that the successor of Muhammad should be elected. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of all Muslims. Shi'ites believe that the successor of Muhammad should be blood-related to Muhammad. Disagreements between these two groups has led to violence.
Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam:
Shahadah - The declaration "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet."
Salat - Five prayers a day
Zakat - Charity, usually given to the poor, especially poor Muslims
Sawm - Fasting during Ramadan
Hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 23%
Population (U.S): 0.9%
Growth (Worldwide): Moderate growth
Growth (U.S.): Slight growth (+0.5%)
In 2007, 0.4% of Americans identified as Muslim. In 2014, 0.9% of Americans identified as Muslim.
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Muslims are supposed to learn Arabic to read the Koran in its original form.
$\bullet$In Saudi Arabia, a Muslim country, women are not allowed to drive.
$\bullet$Mary is mentioned more often in the Koran than in the New Testament.
$\bullet$Alcohol and pork are forbidden.
$\bullet$More than 2.5 million people travel to Mecca each year.

$\huge{Nonreligious}$
Although not technically religions, atheism and agnosticism are the third most common 'belief-systems' in the world. There is no particular region where atheism and agnosticism are common, however, it is found most often in Westernized areas and in some East Asian countries (especially China).
Atheists do not believe in the existence of a god or gods. Agnostics are unsure as to whether a god or gods exist. Many agnostics believe that the existence of a god or gods can not be proven or disproven. Due to these reasons, atheist and agnostics are labeled as non-religious.

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 13-22% (exact value unknown)
Population (U.S): 22.8%
Growth (Worldwide): Unknown, although likely experiencing moderate growth
Growth (U.S.): Rapid growth (+6.7%)
In 2007, 16.1% of Americans identified as atheist, agnostic, or unaffiliated. In 2014, 22.8% of Americans did.
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Atheists and agnostics scored highest on the Pew Research Center's U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey
$\bullet$Atheists, on average, have a higher IQ than religious persons.
$\bullet$Atheists only make up 0.07% of the prison population.
$\bullet$Buddhists and Satanists are considered atheists.

$\huge{Hinduism}$
Hinduism is the fourth-largest religion in the world. Unlike the previous three belief systems, Hinduism is polytheistic. Hinduism is common in Nepal and India.
Hinduism is a complex religion. It is one of the oldest known religions and is made up of a blend of different Indian beliefs. Hindus believe that multiple gods and goddesses make up the universal soul, Brahman. Brahman encompasses everything in the universe: Brahman is all-inclusive and limitless. There are many important gods and goddesses in Hinduism; I may add them later.
Hindus believe in the caste system and reincarnation. The caste system splits Hindus into four categories: priests and teachers, warriors and rulers, 'middle-class' workers (merchants, farmers, traders, etc.), and labourers. After death, Hindus are reincarnated back into the caste system. Their position depends on the karma from their previous life. Enough good karma, and they will move up in the caste system. Too much bad karma, and they will move down in the system. If a Hindu achieves moksha, they exit this system and are freed from the system of death and rebirth.

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 15%
Population (U.S): 0.7%
Growth (Worldwide): Slight increase
Growth (U.S.): Slight growth (+0.3%)
In 2007, 0.4% of Americans identified as Hindu. In 2014, 0.7% of Americans identified as Hindu
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Hinduism is the world's oldest organized religion
$\bullet$Cattle wander the streets in India; Hindus consider them as sacred and usually refuse to eat beef
$\bullet$The Rig Veda, a sacred Hindu text, is widely considered to be the world's oldest book.
$\bullet$The Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage to the bank of the river Ganges. Tens of millions attend the festival, making sanitation a massive problem.

$\huge{Buddhism}$
Buddhism is the sixth-largest religion in the world. It is found most commonly in East Asia.
Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of this religion. He was a prince that gave up everything he had in an attempt to end suffering. His teachings emphasize the elimination of suffering via the elimination of desire.
Buddhists follow the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts.
The Four Noble Truths:
1. Life involves suffering
2. Suffering is due to attachment and desire
3. Elimination of desire ceases suffering
4. The Eightfold Path is the path to end suffering

Statistics
Population (Worldwide): 7-8%
Population (U.S): 0.7%
Growth (Worldwide): Slight decline
Growth (U.S.): Stable (-)
In 2007, 0.7% of Americans identified as Buddhist. In 2014, 0.7% of Americans identified as Buddhist
$\href{http:///www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape//}{Source}$

Fun Facts
$\bullet$Statues of a happy fat man (often found in restaurants) are not actually Buddha. Instead, they are actually of Hotei a Budai. 
$\bullet$Buddha's tooth was recovered from his body and eventually became a royal possession. It is now housed in the Temple of the Tooth.
$\bullet$The Spring Temple Buddha is the tallest statue in the world (for now). It is 128m tall, not including a 20m pedestal

$\huge{Mormonism}$

Mormonism is a branch of Christianity based on the writings of Joseph Smith. It is commonly referred to as the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). Supposedly, Smith was visited by an angel that led him to a location of golden plates. Using a magical stone, he translated the plates into the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe in both the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible. However, many believe that the Bible is not inerrant.
Mormonism has been heavily criticized due to its origins. Smith is known to have an extensive criminal record (30-40+ arrest records). Some of these acts include fraud, conspiracy to murder, illegal banking, inciting a violent riot, treason, adultery, etc. He also has had over 30 wives. 
Mormonism also faces criticism due to its homophobic stances. Homosexuals can be excommunicated. Children with homosexual parents can not become members of the church unless they move away from home and condemn same-sex marriage. Many see this rule as a method to rip families apart.
Mormonism is most common in the United States where the religion was founded.

$\huge{Judaism}$

Judaism is known as the world's oldest Abrahamic religion. The followers of Judaism, Jews, follow the Torah. The Torah is known to many as the first five books of the Old Testament. However, they also follow a variety of other texts. Jews do not believe Jesus was the Messiah because he did not fulfill the requirements set in the Old Testament. 
Jews are split into three main groups: Orthodox Jews, Reform Jews, and Conservative Jews. Each have different views on how literally their religious texts should be taken.
Judaism used to be criticized heavily until the Holocaust during WWII, an event in which over 100,000 Jews died. Now, criticism of Judaism is taboo, and often labeled as "anti-Semitic."

$\huge{Satanism}$

Wait...what?! Satanism is not a religion, but it is an organization. Satanists are atheists, and neither believe in God nor Satan. The word "satanism" is merely used to disconcert people who are uninformed. It is symbolic. In fact, many Satanists call themselves "Satanists" as a type of satire. Satanism is based off of Anton LaVey's book, $The~Satanic~Bible$. Satanists do not believe in anything supernatural and do not perform any rituals. Satanism is focused on indulgence and wisdom. Satanism should not be confused with devil-worship. Devil worshippers actually believe in and worship Satan.

nnesha · Answer

ohhh i see..

aveline · Answer

Planning on adding Judaism, Mormonism, and Satanism~

kenljw · Answer

You left out Anglican Catholic Church which when founded was identical to the Roman Catholic Church except their Pope, the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, was appointed by the Monarch of Britain not elected and they allowed divorce.  Their text became the KJB and was used by the English speaking for their source of Religious truth.  Actually it is the Anglican that are Protestant in that they opposed the pope on divorce, and those religions that use the KJB may be somewhat contrary to both Anglican and Roman Catholics or take no stance on such matters and just follow the scriptures.

aveline · Answer

Ok, I'll add that.

kenljw · Answer

The Anglican Catholic Church within the U.S. is known as the Episcopal Church which in modern times may be somewhat separate but originally same principles.  Catholic means Universal or Comprehensive and I know of three, Roman, Orthodox, and Anglican all of which have a hierarchy where the top is the authority which may exert controls on their laity.  In recent times political parties and government's  have supplanted them using science and  denying or not revealing the miraculous.  This has come to be known as the religion of Statism.

anonymous · Answer

Pwetty great! @Aveline

aveline · Answer

I'll post some more branches of Christianity by the end of today.

tanner23456 · Answer

I have to say some of these are quite biased. Particularly the one mormonism. A good chunk of that information is highly inaccurate. I suggest you check your sources. In fact why not go to the source itself. Studying a church through the eyes of it's defectors is like interviewing Judas to understand Jesus. Defectors always tell us more about themselves than about that from which they have departed.

aveline · Answer

Let me know which information I can change, although I am sure it is highly accurate.

tanner23456 · Answer

It's entirely erroneous. The only thing solidly factual is maybe the first Paragraph.

Try these. They are our published Articles of Faith:

 1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

 2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

 3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

 6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

 7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

 8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

 9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

 10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

 11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

 12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

 13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

aveline · Answer

Again, let me know which info is inaccurate so I can fix it.

tanner23456 · Answer

Again, basically the entire summary is inaccurate. They are either lies or half truths.

"Mormonism is a branch of Christianity based on the writings of Joseph Smith."

- Technically this is inaccurate. Joseph Smith only translated the writings. They were originally written nearly 600 years before Jesus Christ in the ancient America's. And the religion isn't based off of that. It's certainly and extremely important part but the religion is based off of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

" Supposedly, Smith was visited by an angel that led him to a location of golden plates. Using a magical stone, he translated the plates into the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe in both the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible. However, many believe that the Bible is not inerrant."

- Aside from the fact that this statement is quoted in a biased context beginning with the word "supposedly" as if there's not evidence to support it, this statement is only partly true.
Joseph Smith was indeed divinely lead to the location of ancient records of the Americas written on gold plates, but he translated them by the power of God through divine revelation. The implied "magical stone" was in fact a Seer Stone which was used to aid him until is faith was sufficient to translate through revelation alone.

"Mormonism has been heavily criticized due to its origins. Smith is known to have an extensive criminal record (30-40+ arrest records). Some of these acts include fraud, conspiracy to murder, illegal banking, inciting a violent riot, treason, adultery, etc. He also had over 30 wives. "

-Joseph Smith was told his name would be slaughtered as people conjured up lies and half-truths about him. He was arrested but the charges and figures included are highly erroneous. The people of the time had such resentment towards the mormons, particularly the government, that they fashioned lies about him in order to bring them down. Joseph Smith was a good man. I know that to be true
As for polygamy, this is quite a hot topic for those apposing the church but they seem to be totally fine with reading about it in the old Testament. There was a time in the beginning of the Restored church that people were selected and called upon to take on the responsibility of having more than one wife. The prophet Joseph Smith was included in those people selected, but it wasn't a carnal thing to gratify the needs of the natural man. They raised multiple families to be respectable citizens in the community. It was a huge undertaking for them. It should also be importantly noted that this is no longer practiced in the LDS church as the need was revoked through divine revelation from a later prophet.

"Mormonism also faces criticism due to its homophobic stances. Homosexuals can be excommunicated. Children with homosexual parents can not become members of the church unless they move away from home and condemn same-sex marriage. Many see this rule as a method to rip families apart."

- This statement might be the most biased of them all. We are hardly homophobic. We condemn the sin as we would any other sin but certainly not the person. We welcome all people. Imperfections and all. Aren't we all trying to improve to be better. Excommunication is only in extreme cases where a person has violated serious laws of God. But simply having those feelings and tendencies doesn't qualify a person for excommunication. And for that matter excommunication isn't even as horrific has people make it sound. It's simply a way for people to make reconciliation and repent, but are always meant to come back when they have sufficiently repented of whatever it is they've done and that certainly doesn't mean that we stop helping them. 

If you talk to anyone in the church they will tell you that our aim has never been nor will it ever be to rip families apart. In fact, it's just the opposite. We believe that families need to be "sealed" together in the temple. That means they can be together for eternity, forever. This rule that was announced about children in same sex families is only meant to keep harmony at home. Can you imagine if a child joined the church and started learning about the importance of chastity and marriage between a man and a woman and the contention that would cause in the home? They simply want there to be peace in the home. It's very hard for a child to be taught two different things. They simply must wait until they are of age and can make that decision for themselves.

You wanted me to be specific. So I was.

aveline · Answer

@tanner23456
Unfortunately, your post has nothing to do with the accuracy of my original post. 
It just looks like you are unable to face criticism. 
For this reason, I will be keeping the information as it is.

tanner23456 · Answer

You're lack of maturity is stifling to say the least. Can you not see the biased statements rampant throughout this summary? And when did you decide this was a criticism of religions? I thought your post was meant to be an education for those who don't understand these particular religions. Including your opinion is no way to provide unbiased information. It's honestly in very poor taste.

Whether or not you change this post doesn't really bother me as long as people recognize that this is your point of view dripping with biases and opinions that alter the truth to a point of hard hearted insult.

aveline · Answer

"You're lack of maturity is stifling to say the least"
First of all, you're 21. Get off Open Study and get a life.
I've looked through your questions; all you want to do is argue with teenagers. In fact, I've gotten three messages from people laughing at you and your comments on this thread.

Your profile even says:
"It's just my opinion and no matter how true it may be, you don't have to believe it if you don't want to.

 Wow. Just wow. I think I know who the immature one really is. It's you. If you actually were mature, you would try to look at things from other views rather than your own, which is believe is quite biased.

aveline · Answer

"Can you not see the biased statements rampant throughout this summary?"
Sometimes the truth can be hard to face

aveline · Answer

"And when did you decide this was a criticism of religions?"
It is essential to understand why some people disagree with the religions of others. I'm sure that if I wrote something biased about Muslims or Hindus, you wouldn't care.

aveline · Answer

All you care about is that people don't criticize your religion: Mormonism.
You don't even try to defend yourself. All you do is scream that everything is biased.
All you care about is that people don't criticize your religion.
You have to be right all the time, don't you?
You're 21. You're in college. You only post on this website so you can argue with kids. 

Get a life. If you want to argue about magic stones, find a religious forum.

emily61499 · Answer

looks like someones upset about a magic stone

tanner23456 · Answer

Wow, cool your jets with the personal attacks. The fact that you care enough to look through my information and everything I've posted is kind of hilarious. It's ok to have differing opinions. Why is it so out of line that I voice mine?  

" I'm sure that if I wrote something biased about Muslims or Hindus, you wouldn't care."
I would care if I knew enough about those religions, but I don't. Sorry

I just don't really understand why you feel it necessary to attack this religion and then get upset when I resist. It's kind of the way the world works in case you didn't notice.

It's also funny that people think it's so strange that Joseph Smith used a Seer Stone. When events in the bible far surmount that in strangeness.

I'm sorry if I offended you, that was never my intend. I only wanted to correct what I saw to be in error.

anonymous · Answer

Oooohhhh snap!

13ziar · Answer

@Aveline very good information. well done for the hard work :)

roxy.girl · Answer

Nice!

jumperman · Answer

First, on the Christianity: Can you actually prove Jesus was dark-skinned? I think you should provide a credible source on that or remove it completely if no source is found. Also, the main symbols of Christianity are a bit skewed. Also, you should add that they don't follow Torah and firmly believe that only faith and belief in Jesus will get them into heaven.

The Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah, and followed an oral law, which is now the Talmud, (I believe). Jews were required to learn the Torah/Tanakh in Hebrew. To successfully memorize the passages in Hebrew, they would sing them in Hebrew. 

Hindus believe in a Trinity composed of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Christians also believe in a Trinity. 

Mormonism also denied black people from churches because they were believed to be descendants of Cain, which was a part of Cain's curse for killing his brother. Also, Mormons are polytheists, while Christians and Jews are not. 

Could you also add one for Messianic Judaism? If you need help for references, I'm a Messianic Jew myself... kind of.

jumperman · Answer

The Hindu Trinity is called the Trimurti