What Do Mormons Believe?

What Mormons Selieve The term "Mormon" is often used in reference to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While those who practice the faith don't typically refer to themselves as "Mormons" (rather, they prefer to be called "LDS" or "latter-day saints"), the terms "Mormon" and "Mormonism" have become common cultural labels when referring to members of the church and the church's doctrine. God >The Godhead God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate, distinct beings. Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father have physical bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost has only a spirit body and can be present anywhere. Matthew 3: 13 -17 Acts 7: 55 - 56 Articles of Faith 1:1 Jesus Christ Holy Ghost Heavenly Father Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is the central figure and the Church bears His name in its title: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ suffered for the sins of all mankind and was crucified on Calvary. He is the son of Mary and of Heavenly Father. It is through faith in him and obedience to his gospel that mankind may return to live again with him and with Heavenly Father. Matthew 26; 27; 28 1 Corinthians 15: 20 - 22 Alma 22:14 History Creation Jesus Christ, under the direction of Heavenly Father, created the earth as a place for Heavenly Father's children to obtain a body, learn good from evil, develop faith, and do good works. Genesis 1;2 Moses 2 Adam and Eve God created Adam and Eve, the first parents of the human family, in His image. Adam and Eve were commanded to bear children and raise a family and instruct them in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Adam is known as the first prophet to have lived on the earth. Prophets and the Gospet Prophets were called to establish Christ's church on the earth. Peopl were taught the gospel by prophets and other church leaders. (years approximate) Adara 4000 BC Enoch 3000 BC Noah Dispensalions 2000 BCAbraham Moses Periods of time on earth can be divided into what the scriptures refer to as "dispensations" (Ephesians 1:10), a time where the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who 1000 BC bears the priesthood and has a divine commission to dispense the gospel on the earth. While there have been scores of prophets on the earth since the time of Adam, only a few are known as having led a dispensation. O BC - Jesus Ghrist 1000 AD Ephesians 1: 10 D&C 107 Joseph Suaith 2000 AD 3000 AD The Great Kpostary Each dispensation had periods of "apostasy," or times when people revolted against the teachings of the prophets and the gospel on earth suffered. After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in 34 A.D. and the death of His apostles shortly thereafter, the "Great Apostasy" occurred. This was a time when no official authority from God was left on earth to direct Christ's church and people were left to man's interpretation of God's will through scriptural debate. INTERPRETATION Amos 8: 11 - 12 Matthew 20: 28 - 30 Matthew 24:4 - 14. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Ntcene & Prolestant Christianily With no official (Christ-directed) church on earth, and no prophets to serve as God's mouthpiece, Christianity was placed in the hands of faithful Christians who, though well-intentioned, were left to their own interpretation of doctrine and God's law. By default, much truth was lost or misinterpreted-even simple truths about the nature of God, where we came from, life's purpose, and so forth. In AD 325, the Nicene Creed was developed by the Council of Nicea, out of which Catholicism and Christianity as much of the modern world knows it was born. Protestant churches were established over 1,000 years later to reform much of what they felt went awry with Christianity. Although the leaders of this movement were also well-intentioned, they lacked the revelatory authority directly from God to guide his church. Mormons are grateful to the many leaders of these movements and churches, for they kept fundamental Christian doctrines and faith in Jesus Christ alive after Christ's death. Joseph Suatth Joseph Smith, raised in a poor farming family, was taught, as most Americans were in the early 1800s, the gospel according to Protestant traditions. While his parents were very religious, and his mother leaned toward Presbyterianism, his family was undecided about which church held the most truth. At age 14, in 1820, Joseph Smith walked alone into a grove of trees in New York and prayed to know which of all the churches was true. To his amazement, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him that none of the churches was true, that they all held many true and good traditions but they lacked full knowledge of the gospel. Amidst much ridicule by the community (and later world) for sharing what denied this heavenly visitation. At age 17, he was later visited by an angel who instructed him that he had a great work to do on this earth and that his name would be had for good and evil among all nations. e saw, young Joseph Smith never Joseph Smith History (Pearl of Great Price) Restoration In subsequent heavenly visitations by God's ministering angels between ages 17 and 24, Joseph Smith was given instruction about how he was to assist in restoring Jesus Christ's church on earth in the dispensation of the fullness of times. This restoration would bring back on earth all of God's priesthood authority and lost or misinterpreted truths in preparation for His second coming. Joseph Smith then re-established the Church of Jesus Christ in these, the latter-days, by restoring what had been lost from the ancient church. Things restored included the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, baptism by authority, temple worship, and revelation to God's ministers on earth. Daniel 2: 31- 45 Acts 3: 21 D&C 4 Scriptures Unlike most Christian faiths, Mormons use more than just the bible as their scripture reference. Because God is a god of all people and reveals His truths and commandments to prophets and leaders in different times and places, the bible isn't believed to contain all that God has or will reveal. In fact, the bible itself mentions many books that have been lost: the book of Jasher (Josh. 10: 13); the book of Samuel (1 Chr. 29:29); the book of Shemaiah (2 Chr. 12:15); an earlier epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 3:3); and many others. Mormons use the bible, both the New and Old Testaments as faithful any Christian, but they also use the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and a book entitled Pearl of Great Price. Scripture is believed to have been and to be continually revealed to prophets throughout all times. Amos 3: 7 Holy Bible The bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. Some translated versions of the bible are better than others; where available, the King James Version of the bible, both New and Old testaments, is considered one of the better translations and is used by most Mormons. Boox of Mormon The Book of Mormon was translated from a language described as "reformed Egyptian" by Joseph Smith. With only a fourth grade education, Smith relied on heavenly guidance to dictate the text from inscribed ancient plates and have it written down. The 530+ page book contains a historical record of peoples who migrated from the Middle East and lived on the American continents between roughly 600 BC and 400 AD. The book receives its name from one of the many prophets in the book, named Mormon, who abridged the books into the version that Joseph Smith received nearly 1,400 years later. While the Book of Mormon is filled with stories and sermons throughout-very similar to the Bible-one of the key experiences detailed in the book is when Jesus Christ, after His resurrection in Jerusalem, visited the people in the Americas. Dochtne & Covenanls The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations given mostly to Joseph Smith by God in relation to the establish of His church in modern times. Many of the sections in the book detail church organization, priesthood delegation, and use of funds, though there are many sections that address other, more doctrinally dense subjects. Pearl of Great Price The Pearl of Great Price is a book that contains two major sections: the writings of Abraham and the writings of Moses, both of which were lost in the translations and creation of the bible over the thousands of years that it was compiled. These books clarify some of the Creation and the pre-mortal and post-mortal worlds-where we came from and where we go when we die, among other typical bible-like historical events. Afterlife The afterlife is often discussed in relation to God's greater plan for His children, which is frequently referred to as "the plan of happiness." Our Heavenly Father's ultimate goal is for us to become happy through living good lives of service, charity, faith, hard work, and overcoming adversity. This earth life is one small part of the bigger picture. Jeremiah 1:5 Revelation 12:9- 11 2 Timothy 3: 16- 17 Moses 4:1-4 Abraham 3: 22 - 26 2 Nephi 2:1-11 Alma 34: 32 Alma 40 Pre-mortal Life DEC 76 Before coming to earth, we were created as spirit children. We were given the option to either come to earth and be tested using our free will (Jesus Christ's plan) or to follow Satan and lose the ability to choose for ourselves. Satan's plan would have been easier, but we wouldn't have had the ability to progress or experience true happiness. Veil In order to make free will truly possible, it was necessary that we forget the pre- Earth Life mortal world. As we were sent to earth, a veil of forgetfulness was placed over us. In this life, our spirits received physical bodies so that we may become more like our Father in Heaven. We have been given the ability to choose right from wrong, to leam from our mistakes, and to become better. Because no one is perfect, Jesus Christ was sent to this earth by the Father in order to assume our pain and sin so that, through faith in Him and through good works, we could return to live with our Heavenly Father. This life is a chance to be tested, to do good, and to prepare for an eternity of happiness. Dealh spirit body When we die, our physical bodies are returned to the earth for a time while our spirits go to the Spirit World. In the Spirit World, those who knew and accepted Jesus Christ and Paradise Prison His teachings go to paradise. The rest go to "prison." Those who were never taught about Jesus Christ and/or His teachings on earth will be taught there and will have an Grave Spiril World opportunity to accept His gospel. Resurrection After the second coming of Christ, of God's children that came to earth will be resurrected, reuniting the spirit with the body. A final judgment will be given to all of God's children based on their faith, obedience, good works, and intentions in the pre- mortal, mortal, and spirit worlds. Final Judguent The judgment will determine where God's children will live in the eternities. The "Celestial" kingdom is the highest degree of glory and reserved for those who were faithful to God's teachings. Celestial Kingdora To enter the Celestial Kingdom, one must receive the ordinances of salvation (baptism is one), keep the commandments, and repent of their sins. Outer Darkness The Terrestrial Kingdom is reserved for honorable people who were "blinded by the craftiness of men" (D&C 76:75). Terrestrial Kingdou The Telestial Kingdom is reserved for those who did not or were unwilling to receive the gospel of Christ or a testimony of Jesus or who disobeyed without repentance His commandments. This is the kingdom commonly referred to in the scriptures as Telestial Kingdom "hell." Outer Darkness, or Perdition, is reserved for those who 1 Corinthians 15: 40 - 42 D&C 76 D&C 88: 20 - 39 knew and understood God and his power, who partook of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet still chose to follow Satan and denied and defied the truth. Organization Lay Leadershtp Because duty and commitment to God is considered a calling for all of God's children, leadership is not determined by education, training, or advancement. Rather, leaders are called by their faithfulness and righteous living and voluntarily choose to serve without pay. Global Leadership The president of the Church, also known as the living prophet, presides over the Church around the world. He is assisted by two counselors. As a "First Presidency," they oversee the Twelve Apostles, who oversee the quorums of the Seventy. Currently, there are eight quorums of the Seventy. As the Church grows, new quorums are created; each quorum of the Seventy can have up to 70 members. Seventies preside over designated areas in countries around the world. Prophet/President 1st Counselor 2nd Counselor Apostie Apostle Apostle Apostle Aposte Apostie Apostie Apostie Apostie Apostle Apostle Apostle Seventy Seventy Seventy Seventy Seventy Seventy Seventy Seventy Local Leadershtip Local congregations gather in cities and communities around the world known as "wards." Wards generally have between 100 and 600 members in the congregation. There are typically 5 - 10 wards in a "stake" and several stakes in an "area." While areas of stakes are overseen by area Seventy, stake presidents oversee a single stake. Bishops oversee wards and within each ward is a ward council. Under the direction of the ward council are Sunday school teachers, activity leaders, and so forth. Because of the structure of the church, nearl every Church member has a role to fill and the roles change frequently. Stake President 1st Counselor 2nd Counselor Bishop Bishop Bishop Bishop Bishop Ward Council High Priest Leader Elders President Relief Society Pres. Young Men President Young Women Pres. Mission Leader Primary Pres. Family The family is central focus in God's plan of happiness and it is through strong family relationships that we can find the most joy in this life and in the life to come. Mormons are taught in their childhood to get married and raise children in good homes where the gospel of Jesus Christ is taught. Families are taught to pray together (and individually), work together, and play together. After death, families will be reunited and can live together forever. Because strong family relationships are central to God's plan and because they foster healthy, caring societies, the establishment of strong families is one of the most prominent doctrines taught in the faith. The Family: A Proclamation to tH World (1995) Marriage Critical to the family is the necessity to be married. Marriage, by God's design, is intended to be between one man and one woman. Marriage, like baptism, is considered an essential saving ordinance. Those who are not married in this earthly life will have the opportunity to marry after death in the Spirit World. Marriage, done appropriately, is performed in sacred temples; couples are "sealed" together for time and all eternity, meaning they will be together in this life and the next. Divorce Under God's design, marriages are meant to last through the eternities. Commitment to spouse and to children is an essential doctrine in the church and couples are encouraged to work through difficulty and make marriages succeed. Only under circumstances of abuse or other serious and detrimental concerns is divorce considered acceptable. Lifestyle Dief and Evercise Our physical bodies are a gift from our Father in Heaven and should be treated with dignity and respect. Mormons are taught to steer clear of substances that can be addictive, such as coffee, alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, and excessive intake of caffeine. Care should be taken to eat well and only consume unhealthy food in moderation. A scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants even instructs members to rise early and to go to bed early "that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated" (D&C 88: 124). Mormons are actively involved in scouts and service projects and are taught to enjoy the outdoors. Dress and Appearance In showing respect to our physical bodies, Mormons wear clothing that is not too revealing. Men and women are encouraged to wear shirts with sleeves (short sleeves are fine) and shorts or pants that reach the knee. Excessive piercings or piercings in places other than the ears is frowned upon. Tattoos are also strongly encouraged against. Media and Addielions Media that we consume should be uplifting and not drive away feelings of good. As such, films or music that use excessive profanity, violence, or sexual references should not be viewed or listened to. Most members stay away from films that are rated 'R' altogether and are very cautious of PG-13 films. Gambling and addictive gaming is considered detrimental to a person's well-being. Pornography is strongly prohibited. The Church has established many programs to help members steer clear of and recover from addictions of any kind, be it substance abuse, pornography, gambling, gaming, or even social media addictions. FAQ Do Mormons practice polygamy? No. Both the Bible and Book of Mormon teach that marriage between one man and one woman is God's standard. However, under certain circumstances, God has requested certain people to practice polygamy for different purposes. In the bible, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses were all given order to practice polygamy for a time. Joseph Smith and a few other leaders were given instruction to practice polygamy; it is believed that one of God's purposes at this time to practice polygamy was to help increase the number of children born into the Church to help raise more people in the gospel. Once the need for polygamy was gone, God gave strict com- mand to banish the practice. Are Mormons taught to be homophobic? No. Mormons are taught from a very young age that love for all people is an essential characteristic that we are to achieve in this life- time. While marriage is taught to be between only a man and a woman and the family dynamic according to God's will requires this, Mormons believe that all people should have the right to live as they choose, to make their own decisions, and to worship whomev- er or whatever they wish. Regardless of sexual orientation, race, cultural upbringing, religion, or other, Mormons are taught to love and respect all people. Are Mormons Christian? Yes. As the points above might clarify, Mormons believe strongly in Jesus Christ and His mission. At the time the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in 1830, it was the only Christian church to actually bear Christ's name. Because Mor- mons use the Book of Mormon and because their interpretation of the Godhead (rather than a Trinity) differs from other Christian faiths, mainstream Christian churches often try to deny that Mormons are Christians. But if you ask a Mormon, they will, without hes- itation, say they are Christian. Is Mormonism a Cult? No. By definition, a "cult" is "a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister." While some Christians have attempted to use some doctrinal points to label Mormons as "strange," the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is actually the fourth-largest denomination in the United States (behind only the Catholic, Baptist, and Methodist churches) and nearly 1 in every 50 Americans is Mormon. Do Mormons Discriminate against Women? No. As has been the practice throughout bible history, God's priesthood is only obtained by men. However, women hold very high offices in the church and play integral and important roles in leading local and regional congregations. Women speak in church, teach courses, lead prayers, and are hired by religious institutes and seminaries around the world. Are Mormons Mostly in Utah? No. While Utah's demographics are such that roughly 60% are Mormon (in larger cities, it's about 50%), that accounts for only slightly more than one million members. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global church and actually has more members outside of the United States than within it. TheVisualCommunicationGuy.com | 2015 %24