Mormon Beliefs: 6 Core Beliefs & 3 FAQs
With more than 16 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide, Mormonism is a fast-growing religion. But what do Mormons believe?
Mormons have a unique set of beliefs that set them apart from other Christian denominations (yes, Mormons are Christians). In this article, we’ll get into those fundamental beliefs that the LDS church apart, and explain why members of the church hold to those beliefs.
Ten Commandments and Articles of Faith
Much like mainstream Christianity, Mormons hold in very high regard the ten commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. However, in addition to those, Mormons also hold to the Articles of Faith, a list of 13 core beliefs compiled by church founder Joseph Smith.
The Plan of Salvation
Mormons believe that before we came to earth, we lived with God as spirit beings. We chose to come to earth to gain a physical body and experience mortal life.
Mormons believe that God has a plan for each of us, and that part of that plan is to experience mortality. Through our experiences in mortality, we can learn and grow. We can also come to know God better and develop our relationship with Him.
Mormons consider salvation to be a process that begins with faith in Jesus Christ, his birth (which they celebrate at Christmas), and His Atonement. They believe that through the Atonement, all people can be saved from their sins and receive eternal life.
Mormons also believe that everyone will be resurrected from the dead, and that there is a judgment where people will be judged according to their deeds. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and obeyed His commandments will receive eternal life in heaven, while those who have not will receive damnation in hell.
Open Canon & Continued Revelation
Mormons believe in an open canon, which means that they believe that new revelation from God can and does occur. The LDS church considers both the Bible and the Book of Mormon to be scripture, and believes that modern prophets receive continuing revelation from God.
This belief in continued revelation is one of the things that sets Mormonism apart from other Christian denominations. Mormons believe that God is still speaking to His children today, and that He can continue to reveal His will to us through modern prophets.
Restoration of The Church By Joseph Smith
Mormons believe that the original Church of Jesus Christ, as established by Christ Himself, was lost following the death of the Apostles. They believe that Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the true church back to the earth.
Mormons believe that through Joseph Smith, God re-established His Church on the earth with all of the priesthood authority and power that was present in the original Church. This includes the authority to perform saving ordinances such as baptism.
Missionary Work
Mormons believe that it is their responsibility to share the gospel with others. They believe that everyone deserves to hear about Jesus Christ and His gospel, and that it is their duty to share that message with as many people as possible.
To that end, Mormons have a highly organized missionary program. Young men and women who are willing and able to serve missions are encouraged to do so. Mormons believe that missionary work is a sacred duty, and that it is one of the best ways to bring people to Christ.
Marriage & The Family Unit
Mormons believe that families are central to God’s plan, and that families can be together forever. They believe that through the sealing ordinance, which is performed in one of their temples, a husband, wife, and their children can be sealed together for eternity.
Mormons also believe that marriage is a sacred institution, and that it should be between one man and one woman. They do not condone any form of polygamy, which was practiced by some early members of their church.
Mormons place a high importance on the family unit, and believe that families can be a source of love, support, and strength. They believe that families can help us to grow and learn, and that they can be a refuge from the challenges of the world.
FAQs About Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
How is Mormonism different from Christianity?
Mormonism is a branch of Christianity, but there are some key ways in which it differs from other Christian denominations. One of the most commonly known differences is that Mormons believe in an open canon, which means that they believe that new revelation from God can and does occur. You can learn more about differences between mainstream Christianity and what Mormons belief in this article.
What are Mormons Not Allowed To Drink?
Mormons are either prohibited from or discouraged from consuming alcoholic beverages or hot drinks including coffee and tea.
Are Mormons Polygamists?
Mormons are not polygamists. While polygamy was practiced by some early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, polygamy is no longer practiced and is not condoned by the church.