1818–1915

New religious movements in America: Mormons, Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science

In 1827–1830 Joseph Smith claimed revelations that formed the basis of the Book of Mormon, published in 1830. This launched the Mormon movement. The group was driven out of Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois, and in 1844 Smith was killed by a mob. Brigham Young then led the Mormons to Utah. There they practiced polygamy until officially renouncing it in 1890.

William Miller, from chronological calculations, predicted Christ's second coming for 1843–1844. The prophecy failed. Some "Millerites," under the prophetess Ellen White, then united in 1868 into the Seventh-day Adventist movement. It was marked by sabbath-keeping and an interest in medicine and diet.

From 1872 Charles Russell taught of an invisible coming of Christ and an end of the world in 1914. In 1931 Joseph Rutherford gave the movement the name "Jehovah's Witnesses."

In 1875 Mary Baker Eddy published Science and Health, declaring illness an illusion. In 1879 she founded the Church of Christ, Scientist.