What is Mormonism_ Overview of Mormon Beliefs – Mormonism 101

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See FAQs. Mormonism is a term de±ning the religious beliefs and practices of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons. Mormonism describes the doctrines of the Church that were restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. When asked what Mormonism is, members of the Church will often speak of their love of the Savior Jesus Christ. To them, the Savior is central to Mormonism. 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 ±nd 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 Topic Mormonism 101: What is Mormonism?

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 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 o²cial 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 “di³erent” 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 re´ect 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 sacri±ce 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

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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 Are Mormons Christian? What do Mormons believe about God? Do Mormons believe in the Trinity? What is the Mormon view of the purpose of life? Do Mormons believe in the Bible? What is the Book of Mormon? What is a Mormon temple? Do Latter-day Saints believe in modern-day prophets?

Do Latter-day Saints believe that the apostles receive revelations from God? Do Mormon women lead in the Church? Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”? Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”? Do some Latter-day Saints wear temple garments? Do Latter-day Saints practice polygamy? What is the position of the Church regarding race relations? Do Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden is in Missouri? Why do you “baptize for the dead”? Why does the Church send out missionaries? Why don’t Mormons smoke or drink alcohol? 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 (1924-2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 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 glori±ed. Do Mormons believe in the Trinity? Mormons most commonly use the term “Godhead” to refer to the Trinity. The ±rst article of faith for the Latter-day Saints reads: “We believe in God,

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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 o³er 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, re´ecting 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 in´uence 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 di³erent 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 su²cient 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 ±gure 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

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