What is Mormon Doctrine? Why this Religion is More Familiar than People Think

Despite being one of the fastest-growing faiths in the world, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—often informally called the Mormon or LDS Church—remains misunderstood by many. So what is Mormon doctrine, really?

While some associate Mormonism with strange teachings or cultural quirks, the reality is that the Church’s core beliefs are deeply rooted in biblical Christianity, family values, and personal discipleship. A person curious about the Church may find that Latter-day Saint doctrine is less alien than they might think.

Centered on Jesus Christ

What is the Mormon religion all about? At the heart of Latter-day Saint belief is the conviction that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. This central doctrine aligns with the Christian teaching that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the third day. He is worshipped by members of the Church as their Redeemer, and His life and teachings shape everything from personal prayer to public worship.

Latter-day Saints also believe in a loving Heavenly Father who knows every person individually, and in the Holy Ghost, who provides comfort, inspiration, and guidance. These three—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—are considered distinct beings, united in will and purpose as the Godhead. This differs slightly from traditional Trinitarian definitions of God being one substance. 

So what are Mormons saying here, exactly? The distinction reinforces their belief that God is approachable, familiar, and personally invested in each person’s life.

Salvation and Exaltation: The Role of Christ’s Grace

Mormon people believe that salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice makes it possible for all humankind to repent of their sins, be forgiven, and go to heaven. However, accepting this gift is not a passive process. Members believe they should respond to Christ’s unconditional grace by keeping God’s commandments, being baptized, and striving to live a godly life. This is the only way for Christ’s grace to not only save, but transform a person.

Repentance, baptism by immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are considered essential religious rituals (called ordinances) of the Gospel. These actions are not seen as efforts to “earn” salvation, but rather as expressions of commitment to Christ as a response to His mercy. 

Some of these doctrines might be familiar to many Christians, but what is a Mormon doctrine that’s more unique? Latter-day Saints make a distinction between salvation, which is available for all, and exaltation, which requires a person to make certain covenants with God and remain faithful. As Latter-day Saints make and keep covenants, they progress in light and knowledge. They believe that this progression continues after death. Jesus Christ makes it possible for a person to eventually progress to the point of becoming like God.

Eternal Families and the Purpose of Life

Another hallmark of Latter-day Saint doctrine is the belief in eternal families. Church members teach that life does not end at death and that marriages and family relationships can continue in the afterlife. Through sacred ordinances performed in temples, husbands, wives, and their children can be “sealed” together for eternity.

This teaching is part of what Latter-day Saints refer to as God’s plan of salvation—a framework that gives purpose to life and underscores the eternal significance of moral choices. Life is seen as a time of growth and learning, where individuals are refined through difficult experiences.

Modern Prophets and The Restoration

One of the defining beliefs of Mormonism is that of it being Christ’s original New Testament Church restored in modern times. While many Christian traditions trace their history through reform movements, Latter-day Saints believe that after the deaths of the early apostles, the Gospel in its purest form and the Priesthood authority of the apostles were gradually lost from the earth.

In 1830, Joseph Smith founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the belief that God had restored this lost Priesthood authority. Latter-day Saints consider Smith and subsequent leaders prophets, like those in biblical times, who guide the Church through divine revelation. 

The leadership of the Church consists of a prophet, his two counselors, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, mirroring the structure of the early Christian church (Articles of Faith, Article 6).

Scripture and Ongoing Revelation

What is the Mormon religion belief about scripture? Latter-day Saints accept the Bible as the word of God, though they emphasize the need for careful translation and interpretation. The King James Version is the preferred English translation among members. Alongside the Bible, Latter-day Saints regard the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ—meant not to replace the Bible, but to complement, clarify, and reinforce its message (Articles of Faith, Article 8).

Because the prophets and apostles are said to receive and teach the will of God in the present day, Church members believe in an open canon of scripture. This canon includes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

Moral Standards and Service

Latter-day Saints are known for living by high moral standards rooted in biblical values. Members commit to honesty, chastity, service, and kindness (Articles of Faith, Article 13). They abstain from harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco, and they focus on developing family unity and contributing to their communities. This ethic of mutual support extends not only within the Church, but to people around the world through humanitarian service and disaster relief.

Some people might wonder: what is Mormons beliefs on civil and political matters? The Church also encourages its members to be active, law-abiding citizens. Article 12 of the Articles of Faith states: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

Common Misunderstandings

Despite its Christian foundation, Mormonism is sometimes viewed with skepticism by other Christians. Some critics argue they aren’t “real” Christians because of their unique beliefs, such as the idea that God has a glorified physical body, or the doctrine of deification—that through Christ, faithful followers may one day become like God and inherit eternal life with Him.

Yet, this concept is not without precedent. Early Christian theologians like Irenaeus and Athanasius spoke of humans becoming “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). In the Latter-day Saint view, this is not about replacing God, but about growing spiritually as His children through the grace of Jesus Christ.

More Familiar Than Expected

The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may differ in some ways from other Christian denominations, but its core teachings about Jesus Christ, family, and service are both biblical and human.

As Joseph Smith put it, “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; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”Through practicing their beliefs, Latter-day Saints continue to make positive differences in their communities. Like most world religions, what is Mormon belief but a way for people to find purpose and happiness in life?

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.

Tags