Todd Noall
Fact Checked by Kevin Prince
Last Updated: August 6, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States. Still, more than half of the Church’s membership now lives outside the US, making it a truly global faith. But some people still wonder: what is the Mormon religion? Members of this church are often called “Mormons,” but that name is not completely accurate. The real name of the Church is meant to emphasize how important Jesus Christ is to its teachings.
So what is a Mormon, really? Here’s a summary of what Latter-day Saints believe and how it affects their lives.
Where the “Mormon” Nickname Came From
Some people wonder where the “Mormon people” got that nickname in the first place. It comes from the Book of Mormon, a book of scripture that members believe goes along with the Bible. It tells about people who lived long ago on the American continent and how Jesus Christ visited them after He was resurrected.
The Book of Mormon is subtitled “another testament of Jesus Christ.” It mainly teaches about how to follow His gospel and how people can change because of Him. Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon is a legitimate record from ancient American people that was miraculously translated into English in the 19th century.
Latter-day Saints Consider Themselves Christians
What is Mormonism compared to Christianity? Latter-day Saints believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world, and that He died for humanity’s sins and was resurrected. Members believe the only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ.
However, the Church is not Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox. Latter-day Saints believe that after Jesus and His apostles died, important parts of His original Church were lost, but in the 1800s, God restored that original Church through a young man named Joseph Smith.
The Restoration and the Role of Joseph Smith
People sometimes ask: what is Mormons origins? Joseph Smith is the founder of the Church. In 1820, he said he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in a vision. Later, he and several companions stated they’d been visited by angels, including John the Baptist and the apostles Peter, James, and John. These heavenly visitors gave him knowledge and authority to lead and baptize.
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and started the Church in 1830. Latter-day Saints believe he was a prophet, just like Moses or Isaiah in the Bible. They also believe the Church has a living prophet today who continues to reveal God’s will.
What God Is Like
What is Mormon doctrine about God? Latter-day Saints believe that God is the literal Heavenly Father of our spirits. They believe He has a glorified physical body that He created humanity in the image of. He loves all His children perfectly. They believe Jesus Christ also has a body, and the Holy Ghost is a spirit who helps guide and comfort individuals.
Together, they are called the Godhead. This belief is different from most other Christian churches that teach the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all one being. Latter-day Saints believe they are three distinct beings who work together with one purpose.
The Plan of Salvation
What are Mormons beliefs about the purpose of life? Latter-day Saints believe that all people lived with God as spirits before they were born. Life on Earth is taught as a time to learn, grow, and make choices. This is part of God’s plan, which is called the Plan of Salvation.
Latter-day Saints further teach that after people die, their spirits continue to live. Everyone will be resurrected one day with their bodies and spirits joined again forever. Then, they will be judged by God. Because Jesus died on the cross, nearly everyone will be saved with at least some degree of heaven. However, the reward for the most faithful is exaltation. This means living with God and one’s family forever, eventually becoming like the Father and inheriting what He has.
Baptism and the Holy Ghost
To join Mormonism, a person must be baptized by being fully immersed in water. This baptism is done by an authorized person who has been ordained to the Priesthood. Baptism is said to “wash away” past sins. After baptism, the person is confirmed a member of the Church and receives the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide and comfort them.
Living Prophets and Revelation
A unique part of this Church is its belief in living prophets. Latter-day Saints believe that like Abraham or Jeremiah, today’s prophet receives messages from God for the world. The Church is led by the prophet, his two counselors, and twelve apostles. This is meant to follow the pattern of the original Christian Church in the New Testament.
Strong Families and Eternal Marriage
Families are very important to Mormon people. Latter-day Saints believe that marriage between a man and a woman is part of God’s plan. They also believe that families can be together forever, not just in this life. In Latter-day Saint temples, marriages are sealed for eternity, meaning their family relationships can continue in heaven.
Healthy Living: The Word of Wisdom
The Church teaches a health code called the Word of Wisdom, which members follow to take care of their bodies. They don’t drink alcohol, tea, or coffee, and they don’t smoke or abuse drugs. This law was given to Joseph Smith in 1833 and is still followed today.
Tithing, Service, and Missionary Work
Latter-day Saints give 10% of their income to the Church. This is called tithing, and it helps support Church buildings, missions, and programs that help people in need.
Most people who help run the Church do so as volunteers. Members are often asked to serve in different roles, like teaching or leading groups. Many spend several hours each week serving others in their church community.
The Church is also known for its missionary program. Over 70,000 missionaries serve around the world, teaching people about Jesus Christ and inviting them to learn more about Mormonism explained.
A Faith Centered on Jesus Christ
So what is a Mormon? They’re a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a faith that teaches love, service, and strong family values. Even though some of its beliefs are different from other Christian churches, it is deeply centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings.
Members try to follow Jesus by being kind, honest, and helpful. They believe God has a plan for everyone and that through Christ, people can return to live with Him one day. As the Church continues to grow around the world, its message is one of hope, purpose, and faith in Christ.
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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