Mormon Explained: A List of Basic Beliefs

What is the Mormon religion? Many people are unfamiliar with the real beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Misinformation abounds about this polarizing faith, and it can be hard to know where to look to find the truth. In reality, Mormons are Christians who hold to profound doctrines of Jesus Christ, the purpose of life, and the eternal nature of families.

Founded in 1830, the Church has grown into a global faith community with millions of members. For those who are new to the topic, here’s a Mormon explained overview.

1. A Restoration of Original Christianity

Some people wonder, what is Mormons origins? Latter-day Saints believe that after the deaths of Jesus Christ’s original apostles, divine priesthood authority and many important parts of the gospel were eventually lost. They call this the Great Apostasy. 

In the early 19th century, they believe God restored this priesthood authority through revelations and divine visitations to a farmer called Joseph Smith in upstate New York. This restoration included the re-establishment of the Christ’s New Testament church, with living apostles, prophets, and new scripture.

2. The Godhead: Three as One

Traditional Christian doctrine typically believes in a Trinitarian God, or one entity that manifests in three persons. However, Latter-day Saints believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct beings who make up the Godhead. God the Father and Jesus Christ are glorified, resurrected beings with perfected physical bodies. The Holy Ghost is a spirit. While completely united in purpose and love, they are separate individuals.

This belief allows for a deeply personal relationship with God. Mormons usually refer to Him as Heavenly Father, as in the literal Father of all spirits.

3. Jesus Christ is the Way

What is a Mormon belief shared by the rest of Christianity? Jesus Christ is at the center of all Latter-day Saint belief. Church members worship Him as the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He died on the cross for all people and defeated death by being resurrected. Because of Him, humanity can be forgiven of sin, overcome spiritual and physical death, and return to live with God.

Worshipping Christ and having faith in Him means following His instructions. In Mormonism, these include being baptized, partaking of the sacrament (communion), praying to Heavenly Father in His name, and doing good to others. Through his perfect example of kindness, service, boldness, and forgiveness, Jesus showed people the best way to live.

4. Modern Prophets and Revelation

Mormon explained beliefs say that God continues to speak to His children through living prophets and apostles, just as He did in biblical times. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the modern Church, and today the Church is led by a president who is regarded as a prophet.

These prophets receive ongoing revelation to guide the Church and its members. Because there’s more prophetic revelation, there’s more scripture beyond the Bible, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

5. God’s Plan of Salvation

The Plan of Salvation is a comprehensive doctrine explaining God’s purpose for creating the world and humanity.

Key components of the plan include:

• Premortal Life: Before birth, all people lived as spirit children of God in His presence.
  
• The Creation: With God’s instruction, Jesus Christ created the world as a place for us to gain bodies and be tested.
  
• The Fall: Adam and Eve’s choice to partake of the forbidden fruit introduced mortality, adversity, and freedom of choice. Because suffering and sin exist, forgiveness and joy can exist also.
  
• Mortal Life: This life is a time of growth, learning, service, and spiritual testing.
  
• The Atonement: Jesus Christ’s Atonement and grace make it possible to overcome sin and death.
  
• The Spirit World: After death, spirits go to a state of peace or learning, awaiting resurrection and judgment.
  
• Resurrection and Judgment: Because Jesus was resurrected, all people will eventually be resurrected, too. Then they will be judged by God. Because of Jesus Christ’s suffering, He understands them perfectly and personally. He will be their advocate. 
• Kingdoms of Glory: People will inherit a degree of glory that depends on their faithfulness to God’s commandments. Jesus Christ’s mercy and love make it possible for all but a very small few to have an afterlife so wonderful, we can hardly imagine it. Those who repent of their sins and are faithful to God’s commandments will be exalted, receiving all that God has and eventually becoming like Him.  
  

6. Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost

What are Mormons beliefs about baptism? Baptism is required for membership in the Church. It is done by immersion, and must be done by someone with priesthood authority. Following baptism, new members receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through a priesthood blessing known as confirmation.

7. Temples and Eternal Families

Temples are sacred places of worship distinct from regular meetinghouses. In temples, members participate in sealing ordinances that bind families together after death. These ordinances can also be performed on behalf of deceased ancestors, reflecting the Church’s belief in universal salvation and eternal family connections.

Mormonism teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is the fundamental unit of society and eternity.

8. Health and the Word of Wisdom

Latter-day Saints follow a health code called the Word of Wisdom, which encourages a balanced diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and misuse of drugs. This health law was revealed in 1833 and is considered a commandment today. The emphasis on physical well-being reflects the belief that bodies are sacred gifts from God.

9. Tithing and Generosity

Members of the Church are encouraged to pay a tithe of 10% of their income as an act of faith and humility. These funds support the Church’s global operations, humanitarian aid, and the construction of temples and meetinghouses. 

10. Missionary Work and Volunteer Service

The Church is known for its extensive missionary program. Tens of thousands of missionaries serve around the world, sharing the message of Jesus Christ and answering questions about what is Mormonism. 

In addition to formal missionary work, the Church operates on a lay ministry model. Members voluntarily take on responsibilities in their congregations, dedicating time each week to teaching, leading, and serving.

What Mormonism is All About

So when it comes down to it, what does Mormon explained mean? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a unique and hopeful worldview centered on Jesus Christ and families. Its teachings emphasize personal responsibility, ongoing revelation, and the eternal nature of the human soul.

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