Mormon Fundamentalism was a term first coined by journalists and scholars to describe those Latter-day Saints who continue to believe in all of the doctrines taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who consider it necessary to keep alive all of the laws and ordinances restored through him, and believe that the authority has continued to be able to administer them.
Overview
Most Fundamentalists trace their authority back to John W. Woolley, and to the authority given to him and others in 1886 in his home by LDS President John Taylor. Although characterized as polygamists many Fundamentalists have only one wife, and also put emphasis on other early Mormon doctrines, such as the Law of Consecration. Mormon Fundamentalism is as much an outlook or perspective as it is a group of people or specific beliefs.
Underlying Principles
The Gospel does not change
“The Gospel has always been the same; the ordinances to fulfill its requirements the same.”
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 264)
Saving Ordinances should not be altered
“Ordinances instituted in heaven before the foundation of this world in the Priesthood for the salvation of man, are not to be altered or changed. All must be saved on the same principles.”
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 308)
The Requirements for exaltation do not vary
“All that were ever saved, were saved through the power of this great plan of redemption, as much as before the coming of Christ as since; if not, God has had different plans in operation to bring men back to dwell with Himself; and this we cannot believe.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 59)
True prophets do not conflict
“If any man preach any other gospel than that which I have preached, he shall be cursed;”
“How, it may be asked, was this known to be a bad angel? by his contradicting a former revelation.”
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 366 & 214)
Those living a lesser law cannot preside over those living a higher laws
“For it is not meet that men who will not abide My law shall preside over My Priesthood;”
(Revelation to John Taylor, 1882)