(Unashamedly copied from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-101#C3 )
Members
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be found at
every level of society — in business and charity, education and the
sciences, political parties and government, the entertainment industry
and news media.
Describing the character of Latter-day Saints,
Newsweek
magazine wrote: “No matter where Mormons live, they find themselves
part of a network of mutual concern; in Mormon theology everyone is a
minister of a kind, everyone is empowered in some way to do good to
others, and to have good done unto them: it is a 21st century covenant
of caring. This caring is not limited to Church members alone, but
extends far beyond.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints is the fourth largest Christian church in America. More than half
of its 14 million members live outside the United States. Yet despite
the faith’s growth and presence, survey results continue to show that
relatively few people are familiar with Mormon beliefs.
As an
institution, the Church has the responsibility to publicly and clearly
articulate its official teachings. In turn, reporters can help inform
the public by accurately reporting on these doctrines. But in doing so
journalists should be aware of some common pitfalls. For instance,
reporters pressed for time tend to take peripheral aspects of the faith
and place them front and center as if they were vital tenets of belief.
Additionally, sincere commentators often overemphasize what others see
as “different” about Latter-day Saints at the expense of highlighting
the Church’s most fundamental doctrines in their reporting.
Unfortunately, as many members attest, this kind of journalism paints a
distorted picture of the Church and continues to confuse the public.
Despite
these complications, the Church welcomes honest inquiry from all types
of media outlets. The Church expects journalists to be accurate and
honest and to focus on the faith as it is lived and believed by its
members. The Church discourages sensationalized and misleading
journalism that accentuates abstract ideas that do not reflect the
beliefs, teachings and practices of the Church’s global membership.
What Are the Core Beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The
founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph
Smith, wrote, “The fundamental principles of our religion are …
concerning Jesus Christ that He died was buried, and rose again the
third day, and ascended into heaven; all other things which pertain to
our religion are only appendages to it.”
In addition to the above, Latter-day Saints believe unequivocally that:
1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of our loving Heavenly Father.
2. Christ’s Atonement allows mankind to be saved from their sins and return to live with God and their families forever.
3. Christ’s original Church as described in the New Testament has been restored in modern times.
1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of our loving Heavenly Father
Latter-day Saints believe God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save all mankind from their sins (see
John 3:16).
God is a loving Heavenly Father who knows His children individually,
hears and answers their prayers, and feels compassion toward them.
Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate beings but
along with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) are one in will, purpose and love.
Latter-day
Saints worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. He is central
to the lives of Church members. They accept His grace and mercy; they
seek to follow His example by being baptized (see
Matthew 3:13-17), praying in His holy name (see
Matthew 6:9-13), partaking of the sacrament (communion) (see
Luke 22:19-20), doing good to others (see
Acts 10:38) and bearing witness of Him through both word and deed (see
James 2:26).
2. Christ’s Atonement allows mankind to be saved from their sins and return to live with God and their families forever.
Latter-day Saints believe that God has a plan for His children to return to live with Him and become “joint-heirs with Christ” (
Romans 8:17).
For members of the Church, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is central to God’s
plan for our happiness. Although humans make mistakes and sin, Mormons
view this mortal life as an opportunity to progress and learn. By
following Christ’s teachings, embracing His mercy and accepting baptism
and other sacraments, Mormons believe they are cleansed from sin through
Christ’s grace and can return to live with God and their families
forever.
3. Christ’s original Church as described in the New Testament has been restored in modern times.
Members believe that Christ established His Church anciently on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets” (
Ephesians 2:20; see also
Ephesians 4:11-14) with “one faith, [and] one baptism” (
Ephesians 4:5).
They believe this foundation of “one faith” was gradually undermined
after the death of Christ’s apostles. As a result, the original
foundation of authority to lead the Church was lost and needed to be
restored (see
Acts 3:21). Today, members preach that the Lord has indeed
restored
His Church with living apostles and prophets, starting with the
founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
Joseph Smith.
Church members understand that families are the most
important unit of society. Accordingly, those who follow Christ and
keep His commandments are promised to live with their families forever
in divinely instituted eternal relationships.
FAQs
Introduction
The religious experience of Church members is
based on a spiritual witness from God that inspires the heart and mind,
creating an interpersonal relationship directly with God. The Church’s
role is to help aid its members in their quest to follow Christ’s
teachings. Therefore, the Church’s core doctrines strive in every
instance to align with Christ’s teachings as outlined in the Bible and
other sacred scripture, including the Book of Mormon.
Latter-day
Saints believe that the Church’s scripturally-based teachings change
lives by motivating people to become more like the Savior.
President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.”
With
this understanding in mind, the following series of answers to
frequently asked questions about the Church’s teachings should help
further illuminate what Latter-day Saints believe. The list of questions
is not comprehensive but represents some of the most common inquiries
from news media.
Are Mormons Christian?
Yes. The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian church but is neither
Catholic nor Protestant. Rather, it is a restoration of the Church of
Jesus Christ as originally established by the Savior in the New
Testament of the Bible. The Church does not embrace the creeds that
developed in the third and fourth centuries that are now central to many
other Christian churches.
Latter-day Saints believe God sent His
Son, Jesus Christ, to save all mankind from death and their individual
sins. Jesus Christ is central to the lives of Church members. They seek
to follow His example by being baptized (see
Matthew 3:13-17), praying in His holy name (see
Matthew 6:9-13), partaking of the sacrament (see
Luke 22:19-20), doing good to others (see
Acts 10:38) and bearing witness of Him through both word and deed (see
James 2:26). The only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ.
·
Read more about Latter-day Saint Christianity
What do Mormons believe about God?
God is often
referred to in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as our
Heavenly Father because He is the Father of all human spirits and they
are created in His image (see
Genesis 1:27). It is an appropriate term for God who is kind and just, all wise and all powerful. God the Father, His Son,
Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost constitute the
Godhead or Trinity for Mormons. Latter-day Saints believe God is embodied, though His body is perfect and glorified.
Do Mormons believe in the Trinity?
Mormons most
commonly use the term “Godhead” to refer to the Trinity. The first
article of faith for the Latter-day Saints reads: “We believe in God,
the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy
Ghost.” Latter-day Saints believe God the Father, Jesus Christ and the
Holy Ghost are one in will and purpose but are not literally the same
being or substance, as conceptions of the Holy Trinity commonly imply.
What is the Mormon View of the purpose of life?
For
Latter-day Saints, mortal existence is seen in the context of a great
sweep of history, from a pre-earth life where the spirits of all mankind
lived with Heavenly Father to a future life in His presence where
continued growth, learning and improving will take place. Life on earth
is regarded as a temporary state in which men and women are tried and
tested — and where they gain experiences obtainable nowhere else. God
knew humans would make mistakes, so He provided a Savior, Jesus Christ,
who would take upon Himself the sins of the world. To members of the
Church, physical death on earth is not an end but the beginning of the
next step in God’s plan for His children.
Do Mormons believe in the Bible?
Yes. The Church reveres the
Bible
as the word of God, a sacred volume of scripture. Latter-day Saints
cherish its teachings and engage in a lifelong study of its divine
wisdom. Moreover, during worship services the Bible is pondered and
discussed. Additional books of scripture — including the
Book of Mormon—
strengthen and reinforce God’s teachings through additional witnesses
and provide moving accounts of the personal experiences many individuals
had with Jesus Christ. According to Church apostle
M. Russell Ballard,
“The Book of Mormon does not dilute nor diminish nor deemphasize the
Bible. On the contrary, it expands, extends, and exalts it.”
What is the Book of Mormon?
In addition to the
Old and New Testaments of the Bible, the Book of Mormon is another
testament of Jesus Christ. It contains the writings of ancient prophets,
giving an account of God’s dealings with the peoples on the American
continent. For Latter-day Saints it stands alongside the Old and New
Testaments of the Bible as holy scripture.
·
Read more about the Book of Mormon
What is a Mormon temple?
Temples existed throughout Biblical times. These buildings were considered the house of the Lord (see
2 Chronicles 2:1-5). Latter-day Saint temples are likewise considered houses of the Lord by Church members.
To
Latter-day Saints, temples are sacred buildings in which they are
taught about the central role of Christ in God’s plan of salvation and
their personal relationship with God.
In temples, members of the
Church make covenants with God to live a virtuous and faithful life.
They also offer sacraments on behalf of their deceased ancestors.
Mormon
temples are also used to perform marriage ceremonies that promise the
faithful eternal life with their families. For members of the Church
family is of central importance.
·
Learn more about why Mormons build temples
Do Latter-day Saints believe in modern-day prophets?
Yes. The Church is governed today by apostles, reflecting the way Jesus organized His Church in biblical times. Three
apostles constitute the
First Presidency (consisting of the president or prophet of the Church and his two counselors), and, together with the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
they have responsibility for leading the Church worldwide and serving
as special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each is accepted by
Church members in a prophetic role corresponding to the apostles in the
Bible.
Do Latter-day Saints believe that the apostles receive revelations from God?
Yes.
When Latter-day Saints speak to God, they call it prayer. When God
responds through the influence of the Holy Spirit, members refer to this
as revelation.
Revelation,
in its broad meaning, is divine guidance or inspiration; it is the
communication of truth and knowledge from God to His children on earth,
suited to their language and understanding. It simply means to uncover
something not yet known. The Bible illustrates different types of
revelation, ranging from dramatic visions to gentle feelings — from the
“burning bush” to the “still, small voice.” Mormons generally believe
that divine guidance comes quietly, taking the form of impressions,
thoughts and feelings carried by the Spirit of God.
Most often,
revelation unfolds as an ongoing, prayerful dialogue with God: A problem
arises, its dimensions are studied out, a question is asked, and if we
have sufficient faith, God leads us to answers, either partial or full.
Though ultimately a spiritual experience, revelation also requires
careful thought. God does not simply hand down information. He expects
us to figure things out through prayerful searching and sound thinking.
The First Presidency (consisting of the president or prophet of the Church and his two counselors) and members of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
receive inspiration to guide the Church as a whole. Individuals are
also inspired with revelation regarding how to conduct their lives and
help serve others.
·
Learn more about revelation
Do Mormon women lead in the Church?
Yes. All
women are daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Women and men are equal
in the sight of God. The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye
are all one in Christ Jesus” (
Galatians 3:28). In the family, a wife and a husband form an equal partnership in leading and raising a family.
From
the beginning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints women
have played an integral role in the work of the Church. While worthy men
hold the priesthood, worthy women serve as leaders, counselors,
missionaries, teachers, and in many other responsibilities— they
routinely preach from the pulpit and lead congregational prayers in
worship services. They serve both in the Church and in their local
communities and contribute to the world as leaders in a variety of
professions. Their vital and unique contribution to raising children is
considered an important responsibility and a special privilege of equal
importance to priesthood responsibilities.
Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”?
Latter-day
Saints believe that God wants us to become like Him. But this teaching
is often misrepresented by those who caricature the faith. The
Latter-day Saint belief is no different than the biblical teaching,
which states, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that
we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God,
and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we
may be also glorified together” (
Romans 8:16-17). Through following Christ's teachings, Latter-day Saints believe all people can become "partakers of the divine nature" (
2 Peter 1:4).
Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?
No.
This idea is not taught in Latter-day Saint scripture, nor is it a
doctrine of the Church. This misunderstanding stems from speculative
comments unreflective of scriptural doctrine. Mormons believe that we
are all sons and daughters of God and that all of us have the potential
to grow during and after this life to become like our Heavenly Father
(see
Romans 8:16-17).
The Church does not and has never purported to fully understand the
specifics of Christ’s statement that “in my Father’s house are many
mansions” (
John 14:2).
Do some Latter-day Saints wear temple garments?
Yes.
In our world of diverse religious observance, many people of faith wear
special clothing as a reminder of sacred beliefs and commitments. This
has been a common practice throughout history. Today, faithful adult
members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wear temple
garments. These garments are simple, white underclothing composed of two
pieces: a top piece similar to a T-shirt and a bottom piece similar to
shorts. Not unlike the Jewish
tallit katan (prayer shawl),
these garments are worn underneath regular clothes. Temple garments
serve as a personal reminder of covenants made with God to lead good,
honorable, Christlike lives. The wearing of temple garments is an
outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.
Biblical
scripture contains many references to the wearing of special garments.
In the Old Testament the Israelites are specifically instructed to turn
their garments into personal reminders of their covenants with God (see
Numbers 15:37-41).
Indeed, for some, religious clothing has always been an important part
of integrating worship with daily living. Such practices resonate with
Latter-day Saints today.
Because of the personal and religious
nature of the temple garment, the Church asks all media to report on the
subject with respect, treating Latter-day Saint temple garments as they
would religious vestments of other faiths. Ridiculing or making light
of sacred clothing is highly offensive to Latter-day Saints.
Do Latter-day Saints practice polygamy?
No.
There are more than 14 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints and not one of them is a polygamist. The practice of
polygamy is
strictly prohibited in the Church. The general standard of marriage in the Church has always been monogamy, as indicated in the Book of Mormon (see
Jacob 2:27).
For periods in the Bible polygamy was practiced by the patriarchs
Abraham and Jacob, as well as kings David and Solomon. It was again
practiced by a minority of Latter-day Saints in the early years of the
Church. Polygamy was officially discontinued in 1890 — 122 years ago.
Those who practice polygamy today have nothing whatsoever to do with the
Church.
·
Read more regarding this question
What is the position of the Church regarding race relations?
The
gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Book of Mormon states,
“Black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto
God” (
2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching.
People
of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church
since its beginning. In fact, by the end of his life in 1844 Joseph
Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, opposed slavery. During this time some black males were ordained
to the priesthood. At some point the Church stopped ordaining male
members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is
not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the
Church, but it has ended. Church leaders sought divine guidance
regarding the issue and more than three decades ago extended the
priesthood to all worthy male members. The Church immediately began
ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended
throughout the world.
The Church unequivocally condemns racism,
including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside
the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared
that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another
race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider
himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Let us all
recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven,
who loves all of His children.”
Do Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden is in Missouri?
We
do not know exactly where the original site of the Garden of Eden is.
While not an important or foundational doctrine, Joseph Smith
established a settlement in Daviess County, Missouri, and taught that
the Garden of Eden was somewhere in that area. Like knowing the precise
number of animals on Noah’s ark, knowing the precise location of the
Garden of Eden is far less important to one’s salvation than believing
in the Atonement of
Jesus Christ.
Why do you “baptize for the dead”?
Jesus Christ taught that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (
John 3:5).
For those who have passed on without the ordinance of baptism, proxy
baptism for the deceased is a free will offering. According to Church
doctrine, a departed soul in the afterlife is completely free to accept
or reject such a baptism — the offering is freely given and must be
freely received. The ordinance does not force deceased persons to become
members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or
“Mormons,” nor does the Church list deceased persons as members of the
Church. In short, there is no change in the religion or heritage of the
recipient or of the recipient's descendants — the notion of coerced
conversion is utterly contrary to Church doctrine.
Of course, proxy baptism for the deceased is nothing new. It was mentioned by Paul in the New Testament (see
1 Corinthians 15:29)
and was practiced by groups of early Christians. As part of a
restoration of New Testament Christianity, Latter-day Saints continue
this practice. All Church members are instructed to perform proxy
baptism only for their own deceased relatives as an offering of familial
love to one’s ancestors — any other practice is not sanctioned by the
Church.
·
Read more on this subject here
Why does the Church send out missionaries?
The
missionary effort of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is
based on the New Testament pattern of missionaries serving in pairs,
teaching the gospel and baptizing believers in the name of Jesus Christ
(see, for example, the work of Peter and John in the book of Acts). More
than 52,000 missionaries, most of whom are under the age of 25, are
serving missions for the Church at any one time. Missionary work is
voluntary, with most missionaries funding their own missions. They
receive their assignment from Church headquarters and are sent only to
countries where governments allow the Church to operate. In some parts
of the world, missionaries are sent only to serve humanitarian or other
specialized missions.
Why don’t Mormons smoke or drink alcohol?
The
health code
for Latter-day Saints is based on a teaching regarding foods that are
healthy and substances that are not good for the human body.
Accordingly, alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and illegal drugs are
forbidden. A 14-year UCLA study, completed in 1997, tracked mortality
rates and health practices of 10,000 members of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints in California, indicating that Church
members who adhered to the health code had one of the lowest death rates
from cancer and cardiovascular disease in the United States. It also
found that Church members who followed the code had a life expectancy
eight to 11 years longer than the general white population of the United
States.
