Mormonism in 19th Centurty America and Falun Dafa in Modern China: A Short Comparison of Their Early Relationships to Government

Both Falun Dafa in modern China and Mormonism in 19th century America share similarities and differences with respect to their experiences as new religious movements.

A striking similarity between the two movements has been the claim of restoration to original truths and revelation. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism (alternatively known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; LDS), claimed that God was using him to reestablish God’s true church on earth. In an alleged theophany where Smith met the Father and Jesus Christ, he was told that none of the churches in America were the true Church, and that he would become the prophet who would restore the one true Church of Jesus Christ. Similarly, Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, claims that Falun Dafa is the fulfillment of and restoration of ancient principles revealed in Buddhism and Daoism, these principles and truth’s having been rejected throughout history and more recently by the ruling party of China. 

From their genesis, both Falun Dafa and Mormonism have been the recipients of polemical press coverage, with the consequence that each has been seen as villainous and dangerous. In response to negative press coverage, in 1998 through 1999 Falun Dafa followers began a series of peaceful protests throughout China. On July 21, 1999, after negotiations made it appear hopeful that Falun Dafa would acquire basic rights and recognition as a peaceful movement, the Chinese Communist Party banned the practice entirely, resulting in imprisonment, torture, and the exodus of many of its practitioners from China. 

In the mid-19th century, Latter Day Saints reacted aggressively to the negative coverage they were receiving from one of the local press shops in Nauvoo, Illinois. The reaction culminated with the destruction of the shop’s printing press, a decision ordered by the City Council (undoubtedly due to the predominant LDS population in Nauvoo). The result of this action was the imprisonment of Joseph Smith, precipitating in his death at the hands of a mob that stormed the jail.

After the death of Smith in 1844, the governor of Illinois ordered Mormons to leave the state. Facing continual persecution and hardship, many Mormons decided to leave Illinois and settle in Utah. Thus, similar to Falun Dafa’s becoming illegal under the Chinese Communist Party in modern China, Mormonism had also endured banishment under state legislation. 

An element of dissimilarity in experience between the two groups can be found in the extent of their political and social accomplishments. Falun Dafa, though growing in number of adherents and influence, has not distinguished itself through geographical markers (ex., the founding of Nauvoo and the mass migration to Utah) or political affluence to the same extent that Mormonism has. Before his death, Joseph Smith was the Mayor of Nauvoo, the commander of the largest standing militia in the United States at the time, and even ran for the presidency. Later LDS members have served in the US Senate (i.e., Reed Smoot), and a more recent LDS member, Mitt Romney, was a contender for the presidency. 

Despite having experienced persecution, state banishment, and marginalization at different times within their contexts of origin, both Falun Dafa and Mormonism have experienced momentous growth in followers and recognition worldwide.