Have you ever seen a building with a gold statue of an angel blowing a horn on top and wondered what goes on inside? That building is likely a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church. While perhaps recognizable, the beliefs and practices of Latter-day Saints are frequently misunderstood, leading to confusion and misconceptions. Understanding the basics of this global faith, its history, its core tenets, and how its members strive to live is crucial for fostering religious literacy and promoting respectful dialogue in an increasingly diverse world.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a faith with millions of members worldwide. It offers a unique perspective on Christian theology, emphasizing continuing revelation, the importance of family, and service to others. Learning about this faith helps broaden our understanding of the rich tapestry of religious experiences that exist in our communities and globally. By gaining accurate knowledge, we can move beyond stereotypes and engage in more meaningful interactions with our neighbors.
What Do Latter-day Saints Believe and Practice?
What are the core beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The core beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints center on Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and emphasize continuing revelation, the restoration of the true Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the importance of the Book of Mormon as a companion scripture to the Bible. Members believe in a Godhead consisting of three distinct beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They strive to follow Jesus Christ’s teachings and live righteous lives, focusing on family, service, and personal spiritual growth.
Beyond these foundational principles, Latter-day Saints believe in a plan of salvation that includes a premortal existence, a mortal life filled with learning and growth, and a post-mortal spirit world before a final resurrection and judgment. This plan encompasses the possibility of eternal progression and exaltation for those who follow God's commandments. Temple ordinances, such as baptism for the dead, are seen as vital to this process, offering opportunities for all of God's children to receive the blessings of the Gospel, regardless of when or where they lived. The Church also places a strong emphasis on practical application of faith through service to others, both within and outside of the Church community. They believe in the importance of strong families and promote traditional moral values. Members are encouraged to live healthy lifestyles, including abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Regular prayer, scripture study, and attendance at church services are considered essential for maintaining a strong spiritual connection with God.How does the Book of Mormon relate to the Bible in Latter-day Saint theology?
In Latter-day Saint theology, the Book of Mormon functions as a companion scripture to the Bible, not a replacement. It is considered another testament of Jesus Christ, providing additional witnesses and clarifying doctrines found in the Bible, while also covering historical and spiritual ground not addressed within the biblical canon.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes the Bible to be the word of God "as far as it is translated correctly," acknowledging potential textual corruptions over time. The Book of Mormon, translated from golden plates by Joseph Smith, is believed to be a more pristine and accurate record of God's dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas. It reinforces biblical teachings about Jesus Christ's atonement, resurrection, and divinity, while offering a narrative of Christ's ministry to the Nephites after his ascension. It contains prophecies, histories, and moral teachings that support and expand upon biblical themes. Furthermore, the Book of Mormon addresses doctrines that Latter-day Saints believe were lost or misinterpreted over time, such as the nature of the Godhead, the necessity of continuing revelation, and the purpose of life. It clarifies and emphasizes the importance of covenants, ordinances, and the role of the Holy Ghost in spiritual growth. While the Bible is primarily focused on the Old World, the Book of Mormon presents a parallel narrative of God’s work in the Americas, demonstrating His universal love and plan for all His children.What is the role of prophets and apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today?
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prophets and apostles hold the same vital roles they did in biblical times: to lead the Church under the direction of Jesus Christ, to teach and testify of Him, to interpret scripture, to receive revelation and guidance for the Church, and to oversee the worldwide administration of its programs and activities.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in a living prophet and apostles, meaning that God continues to call and inspire individuals to act as His special witnesses and leaders in the modern day. The First Presidency, composed of the President of the Church (the prophet) and his two counselors, along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, constitute the governing body of the Church. These leaders are believed to be chosen by God and ordained to their respective offices through priesthood authority, which Latter-day Saints believe has been restored to the earth. The prophet, as the President of the Church, is considered the mouthpiece of God on earth and receives revelation and direction for the entire Church. The apostles work closely with the prophet, traveling throughout the world to minister to members, establish Church units, and ensure that the doctrines and practices of the Church are taught consistently. They also provide counsel and support to local leaders, helping to build up the Church and strengthen its members. Their collective role ensures that the Church remains aligned with God's will and continues to progress in fulfilling its divine mission.What are the main practices and ordinances performed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasizes both personal religious practices and sacred ordinances. Key practices include daily prayer, scripture study (particularly the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price), regular church attendance, tithing, and service to others. Ordinances are formal, sacred acts authorized by priesthood authority, signifying covenants made with God. These include baptism, confirmation (receiving the Holy Ghost), priesthood ordination for men, the sacrament (communion), temple ordinances (such as the endowment and sealing), and blessings for healing, comfort, and guidance.
Ordinances are considered essential for salvation and exaltation. Latter-day Saints believe these ordinances must be performed by proper authority, meaning by someone holding the priesthood—the power and authority of God delegated to man. Many ordinances, like baptism, are performed only once in a person's life, while others, like the sacrament, are repeated regularly as a means of renewing covenants. Temple ordinances are of particular significance. Latter-day Saints believe that through temple ordinances, families can be eternally united and that saving ordinances can be performed by proxy for deceased ancestors. The temple is considered the House of the Lord, a sacred place where individuals can draw closer to God and learn more about His plan for them. Regular attendance at church services and participation in these ordinances are seen as ways to strengthen faith, build community, and ultimately, progress toward eternal life.How does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints view family and marriage?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places immense importance on family and marriage, viewing them as central to God’s plan for human happiness and progression, both in this life and in eternity. Marriage between a man and a woman is considered ordained of God, and the family is seen as the fundamental unit of society.
The Church teaches that marriage is intended to be eternal, a bond that can continue beyond death through temple sealings. These sealings are sacred ceremonies performed in temples by individuals who have made covenants with God. This emphasis on eternal families underscores the belief that familial relationships are not merely temporary arrangements but are meant to endure throughout eternity. This eternal perspective influences how Latter-day Saints approach marriage and family life, encouraging them to invest in strong, loving relationships built on principles of faith, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. Furthermore, the Church encourages members to prioritize family home evening, a weekly dedicated time for families to gather together for prayer, scripture study, and activities. This practice reinforces the importance of family unity and provides opportunities for parents to teach their children gospel principles. The Church also provides extensive resources and programs designed to strengthen marriages and families, including family history research, which allows members to connect with their ancestors and foster a sense of belonging to a larger family network.What is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' stance on social issues?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes official positions on a variety of social issues, often grounded in its interpretations of scripture, prophetic teachings, and core doctrines centered on family, individual morality, and community responsibility. While emphasizing moral agency and individual accountability, the Church also advocates for policies it believes will strengthen families, promote religious freedom, and contribute to a just and compassionate society.
The Church's stances on social issues are multifaceted. On issues such as marriage and family, the Church affirms the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, while also emphasizing love and respect for all individuals, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Regarding religious freedom, the Church actively supports laws and policies that protect the rights of individuals and institutions to practice their faith without coercion. On matters of morality and ethics, the Church promotes principles such as honesty, integrity, and chastity, encouraging its members to live lives consistent with these values. Furthermore, the Church addresses issues of poverty and humanitarian aid through its extensive welfare programs and charitable initiatives. It encourages members to be actively involved in their communities, promoting service and civic engagement. The Church often releases statements on specific pieces of legislation or social trends, providing guidance to its members and clarifying its official position, which is often based on principles rather than strict partisan alignment. While the Church encourages its members to be informed and engaged citizens, it maintains political neutrality, not endorsing or opposing political parties or candidates.How is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized and governed?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized hierarchically, with Jesus Christ at the head. He leads through prophets and apostles. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a First Presidency (a President and two Counselors) and a Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Local congregations are led by lay members called as bishops and stake presidents.
The structure of the Church is designed to emulate the organization of the Church as described in the New Testament. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are considered modern-day successors to Peter and the original apostles. These leaders travel extensively, teaching and guiding the Church globally. They are supported by other General Authorities, including members of the Quorums of the Seventy, who assist in supervising geographic areas and specific Church functions. At the local level, the Church is divided into stakes (similar to dioceses) and wards (local congregations). The stake president oversees the wards within his stake, providing guidance and support to the bishops. Bishops are responsible for the spiritual and temporal well-being of the members in their ward, offering counseling, organizing activities, and administering welfare assistance. All of these positions, from the highest to the lowest, are filled by volunteer members who serve without pay, reflecting a strong emphasis on service and community involvement. Decisions are made through prayerful consideration and counsel, with a focus on seeking divine guidance.So, that's a little peek into what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is all about! Hopefully, this has answered some of your questions and maybe even sparked a little curiosity. Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit more, and we'd love to have you back anytime you're looking for more information or just want to explore further.