Todd Noall
Fact Checked by Kevin Prince
Last Updated: April 7, 2025
What is Mormonism all about? Known officially as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormonism is a Christian faith that emphasizes devotion to Jesus Christ, service, family unity, and personal spiritual development. With millions of members around the world, the lifestyle and practices of the Church are distinct and deeply rooted in faith. In this post, we’ll explore Mormonism through its core practices—from Sunday worship to sacred temples, from health principles to Mormon garments.
Sunday Worship & Sacrament Meeting
One of the most important aspects of Mormonism is the observance of the Sabbath. Each Sunday, members gather in chapels for worship services centered on Christ. The central meeting is called Sacrament Meeting, which includes hymns, prayers, and talks from fellow members. The highlight is the sacrament, where bread and water are blessed and shared as a way to remember Jesus Christ.
For anyone wondering what is Mormonism, Sunday worship is a foundational part of the answer. It is not just a routine—it is a sacred renewal of promises made with God. ChurchofJesusChrist.org teaches that this weekly gathering allows members to strengthen their faith and recommit to living the gospel.
After the main meeting, members break into smaller classes, such as Sunday School or youth groups. The Sabbath in Mormonism is also observed at home, through prayer, gospel study, and family time.
Missionary Work
Another defining feature of Mormonism is its robust missionary program. From a young age, many Latter-day Saints feel a deep desire to share the message of Jesus Christ with the world. Missionaries, both young and old, voluntarily serve for 18 to 24 months, preaching the gospel and serving others.
For someone seeking Mormon explained, missions are one of the clearest windows into the faith’s values. Missionaries are often seen wearing formal attire and name tags, and they travel in pairs for safety and support. They leave behind school, work, and family to focus fully on bringing others to Christ.
According to MormonismExplained.org, this missionary work is rooted in the biblical command to “go… and teach all nations.” Missionaries teach about the Restoration of the gospel, the Book of Mormon, and how following Christ brings peace and purpose.
Temples & Family History
Temples are some of the most sacred places in Mormonism. Unlike meetinghouses used for regular worship, temples are reserved for sacred ordinances that strengthen a member’s relationship with God and their family. Within these holy spaces, members participate in ordinances like eternal marriage and baptisms for the dead, which are essential for salvation and eternal family unity.
To better understand what is Mormonism, one must look to the temple. It symbolizes eternal perspective and commitment. Only members who meet certain spiritual standards, such as living the health code and paying tithing, can enter.
Because many of these ordinances are performed on behalf of deceased ancestors, genealogy—or family history—is a huge part of Mormonism. The Church operates FamilySearch, a global resource that helps people trace their lineage so that temple ordinances can be performed for them.
As Mormon explained, the temple is not just about ritual—it’s about redemption, unity, and eternal life.
Word of Wisdom – The Health Code
A unique and recognizable teaching in Mormonism is the Word of Wisdom, a health code revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833. Found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, this code teaches members to avoid substances like alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs. Instead, it emphasizes eating grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat sparingly.
Obedience to the Word of Wisdom is a requirement for entering the temple and is central to what defines the Mormon lifestyle. For those unfamiliar with what is Mormonism, this health code shows the practical application of faith in daily life.
As MormonismExplained.org notes, this principle brings “physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual strength.” Members who live by this standard often report increased well-being and a sense of closeness to God.
The Word of Wisdom is not just a checklist—it’s a spiritual guide that reflects personal discipline and respect for the body, which is considered a temple in Mormonism.
Tithing & Service
Tithing and service are also central to Mormonism. Members are asked to donate 10% of their income to support the work of the Church. This principle, rooted in ancient scripture, allows the Church to build chapels, fund missionary work, produce materials, and provide aid globally.
In addition to tithing, members participate in fast offerings—donating money saved from skipping two meals each month. These funds go directly to help the poor and needy in their local areas.
Anyone asking what is Mormonism will quickly see that it’s a religion deeply committed to humanitarian efforts. The Church has donated millions to global relief projects, clean water initiatives, and food security programs.
Service is more than occasional volunteer work; it’s a way of life. Through a program called ministering, members are assigned to care for one another, offering friendship and help when needed. It’s another example of how Mormonism translates belief into action.
Garments – Sacred Religious Clothing
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood aspects of Mormonism is the wearing of temple garments. Known as Mormon garments, these are sacred underclothes worn by faithful adult members who have made covenants in the temple. The garments symbolize purity, devotion, and the sacred promises made with God.
What are garments in the Mormon religion? They are not outer clothing, nor are they meant for display. Instead, they are daily reminders of a member’s spiritual commitments. According to ScriptureCentral.org, garments in Mormonism serve as “a symbol of protection and a constant reminder of covenants.”
What are Morman garments used for? They are worn under regular clothing and are treated with respect and reverence. While they may draw curiosity, they are similar in purpose to religious clothing found in many faiths, such as yarmulkes or habits.
The Mormon sacred garment is deeply personal. It is not magical or superstitious but is viewed as spiritually significant. Members wear them during daily life except when impractical, such as while swimming or exercising.
Understanding Mormon garments is key to understanding Mormonism itself. These garments are physical expressions of invisible faith—symbols of the commitment to live a Christ-centered life.
Conclusion
So, what is Mormonism? It’s a vibrant, Christ-centered faith that blends spiritual devotion with everyday practice. Whether it’s attending weekly services, serving missions, worshiping in temples, following a health code, paying tithing, or wearing Mormon sacred garments, every aspect of Mormonism points back to Jesus Christ.
For those looking to understand Mormonism explained, consider the unity of belief and action: the way faith informs health, family, work, and worship. The lifestyle is one of purpose, commitment, and joy.
From sacred ordinances to service-based living, from deep reverence for family history to the daily wearing of what are Morman garments, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to follow Christ in all things. It is a holistic, meaningful approach to faith—one that transforms lives and communities worldwide.If you’re seeking to know what is Mormonism, you’ll find it in the everyday devotion of its members and the eternal promises they strive to live by.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
About Mormonism Explained
Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
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