What Is Church Of The Latter Day Saints Beliefs?

What Is Church Of The Latter Day Saints? WHAT.EDU.VN provides a comprehensive explanation, exploring its core beliefs and historical context, offering clarity and understanding. Delve into the doctrines, practices, and community aspects, uncovering the significance of Latter-day Saint teachings. Explore the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, and modern-day prophets.

Table of Contents

What Are the Core Beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
FAQs

1. What Are the Core Beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often informally known as the Mormon Church, centers its faith on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Members, found globally and across all societal levels, actively engage in various fields, demonstrating a commitment to service and community. To understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s essential to grasp its fundamental beliefs.

Newsweek magazine aptly captured the essence of Latter-day Saints, highlighting their interconnectedness and commitment to mutual support, embodying a modern covenant of care. This caring extends beyond the Church community, reaching all individuals. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints boasts a significant global presence, with over 17 million members worldwide. However, despite its widespread presence, many are unfamiliar with its specific doctrines.

The Church recognizes the importance of openly communicating its official teachings. In turn, media outlets play a crucial role in providing accurate information to the public. It is vital to avoid misrepresenting secondary aspects as core doctrines. Often, differences are unduly emphasized, overshadowing the fundamental beliefs of the Church. Such skewed reporting can distort the Church’s true image and cause public confusion.

The Church welcomes genuine inquiry from all media sources. Accuracy, fairness, and objectivity are expected in reporting, reflecting the lived faith and beliefs of its members. Sensationalism and misleading representations of abstract ideas are discouraged, as they do not accurately portray the global membership’s beliefs and practices.

Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized the centrality of Jesus Christ: “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” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 49).

In addition to this core belief, Latter-day Saints firmly believe:

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of our loving Heavenly Father.
Christ’s Atonement allows humankind to be saved from their sins and return to live with God and their families forever.
Christ’s original Church as described in the New Testament has been restored in modern times.

1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of our loving Heavenly Father.

Latter-day Saints believe that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save all humankind from their sins (see John 3:16). God is a loving Heavenly Father who knows His children individually, hears and answers their prayers, and feels compassion toward them. Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate beings but, along with the Holy Ghost (Spirit), are one in will, purpose, and love.

Latter-day Saints worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. He is central to the lives of Church members. They accept His grace and mercy, and they seek to follow His example by being baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17); praying in His holy name (see Matthew 6:9–13); partaking of the sacrament, or communion (see Luke 22:19–20); doing good to others (see Acts 10:38); and bearing witness of Him through both word and deed (see James 2:26).

2. Christ’s Atonement allows humankind to be saved from their sins and return to live with God and their families forever.

Latter-day Saints believe that God has a plan for His children to return to live with Him and become “joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). For members of the Church, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is central to God’s plan for our happiness. Although humans make mistakes and sin, Latter-day Saints view this mortal life as an opportunity to progress and learn. By following Christ’s teachings, embracing His mercy, and accepting baptism and other sacraments, Latter-day Saints believe they are cleansed from sin through Christ’s grace and can return to live with God and their families forever.

3. Christ’s original Church as described in the New Testament has been restored in modern times.

Members believe that Christ established His Church anciently on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20; see also Ephesians 4:11–14) with “one faith, [and] one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). They believe this foundation of “one faith” was gradually undermined after the death of Christ’s apostles. As a result, the original foundation of authority to lead the Church was lost and needed to be restored (see Acts 3:21). Today members preach that the Lord has indeed restored His Church with living apostles and prophets, starting with the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith.

Church members understand that families are the most important unit of society. Accordingly, those who follow Christ and keep His commandments are promised that they will live with their families forever in divinely instituted eternal relationships.

The religious experience of Church members is rooted in a personal spiritual connection with God, inspiring both the heart and mind. The Church supports members in their pursuit of Christ’s teachings. Thus, its core doctrines are aligned with Christ’s teachings in the Bible and other sacred scriptures, including the Book of Mormon.

Latter-day Saints believe that the Church’s teachings, grounded in scripture, have the power to transform lives, motivating individuals to emulate the Savior. President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior” (“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

Understanding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

To fully understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, consider these key aspects:

Restoration Theology: The belief that the original Church of Jesus Christ, established in the New Testament, was lost and has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The Book of Mormon: A companion scripture to the Bible, providing additional witness of Jesus Christ and God’s dealings with ancient American civilizations.
Modern Prophets and Apostles: The Church is led by living prophets and apostles, who receive revelation and guidance from God to direct the Church today.
Temple Worship: Sacred buildings dedicated to performing special ordinances, including marriages for eternity and baptisms for the dead.
Family Focus: A strong emphasis on the importance of families and eternal relationships, with the belief that families can be together forever through temple sealings.
Missionary Work: A global effort to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, with young members serving full-time missions around the world.
Health Code (Word of Wisdom): A guideline that promotes physical and spiritual health by abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs.

Understanding these elements provides a foundation for grasping the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Alt text: The vibrant lights illuminate the Provo City Center Temple at night, showcasing its majestic architecture.

Do you have questions about religious beliefs and practices? Are you seeking a deeper understanding of different faiths and their significance? At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide a platform to explore these topics, offering insights and answers to your questions.

Navigating the complexities of religious beliefs can be challenging, especially when seeking reliable and unbiased information. Many people face the following challenges:

Difficulty finding clear and accurate information: It can be hard to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation.
Lack of understanding of different religious traditions: Many people are unfamiliar with the nuances of various faiths, leading to misunderstandings.
Concerns about asking sensitive questions: Some hesitate to inquire about religious topics due to fear of causing offense or appearing ignorant.
Overwhelmed by the amount of information available: The abundance of resources can make it difficult to find the specific answers needed.

At WHAT.EDU.VN, we understand these challenges and offer services to help:

Providing a free platform to ask any question: You can ask questions about any religious topic without fear of judgment.
Offering quick and precise answers: Our team is dedicated to providing accurate and concise responses to your inquiries.
Delivering understandable and helpful information: We break down complex concepts into simple terms for easy comprehension.
Connecting you with a community for knowledge exchange: Engage with others to share insights and learn from different perspectives.
Offering free consultation services for simple questions: Get personalized guidance on specific religious topics.

WHAT.EDU.VN is committed to promoting understanding and providing reliable information on religious beliefs and practices. Contact us at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States, or via WhatsApp at +1 (206) 555-7890. Visit our website at WHAT.EDU.VN to explore and learn more.

Ready to have your questions answered? Visit WHAT.EDU.VN now to ask your questions and gain new insights for free] Let us assist you in navigating the world of religious understanding with ease and confidence. Don’t let your curiosity wait – explore, ask, and discover today!

2. FAQs

Are Latter-day Saints Christian?

Yes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian church. It is a restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ as originally established by the Savior in the New Testament of the Bible. Latter-day Saints believe God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save all humanity from death and their individual sins. Jesus Christ is central to the lives of Church members. They seek to follow His example by being baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17), praying in His holy name (see Matthew 6:9–13), partaking of the sacrament (see Luke 22:19–20), doing good to others (see Acts 10:38), and bearing witness of Him through both word and deed (see James 2:26). The only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. To further explore Latter-day Saint Christianity, visit WHAT.EDU.VN for additional details.

What do Latter-day Saints believe about God?

God is often referred to in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as our Heavenly Father because He is the Father of all human spirits and they are created in His image (see Genesis 1:27). It is an appropriate term for God, who is kind and just, all-wise and all-powerful. God the Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost constitute the Godhead, or Trinity, for Church members. Latter-day Saints believe God is embodied, though His body is perfect and glorified. For more information on this topic, visit WHAT.EDU.VN.

Do Latter-day Saints believe in the Trinity?

Latter-day Saints most commonly use the term “Godhead” to refer to the Trinity. The first article of faith for the Latter-day Saints reads, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” Latter-day Saints believe God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate personages but one in will and purpose — not literally the same being or substance, as conceptions of the Holy Trinity commonly imply. Understanding the distinct yet unified roles within the Godhead is key to grasping Latter-day Saint theology.

What is the Latter-day Saint view of the purpose of life?

For Latter-day Saints, mortal existence is seen in the context of a great sweep of history, from a pre-earth life where the spirits of all humankind lived with Heavenly Father to a future life in His presence where continued growth, learning, and improving will take place. Life on earth is regarded as a temporary state in which men and women are tried and tested — and where they gain experiences obtainable nowhere else. God knew humans would make mistakes, so He provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would take upon Himself the sins of the world. To members of the Church, physical death on earth is not an end but the beginning of the next step in God’s plan for His children.

Alt text: A grandfather and his grandchildren explore family history records together, fostering intergenerational connections and learning.

Do Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible?

Yes. The Church reveres the Bible as the word of God, a sacred volume of scripture. Latter-day Saints cherish its teachings and engage in a lifelong study of its divine wisdom. Moreover, during worship services, the Bible is pondered and discussed. Members are encouraged to include the Bible in their family and personal daily scripture study. Additional books of scripture — including the Book of Mormon — strengthen and reinforce God’s teachings through additional witnesses, and they provide moving accounts of the personal experiences many individuals had with Jesus Christ. According to Church apostle M. Russell Ballard, “The Book of Mormon does not dilute nor diminish nor de-emphasize the Bible. On the contrary, it expands, extends, and exalts it” (“The Miracle of the Holy Bible,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 82).

What is the Book of Mormon?

In addition to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, named after one of its ancient prophets, is another testament of Jesus Christ. It contains the writings of prophets, giving an account of God’s dealings with the peoples who lived anciently on the American continent. For Latter-day Saints, it stands alongside the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as holy scripture. The Book of Mormon complements and enhances the teachings found in the Bible.

What is a temple?

Temples existed throughout biblical times. These buildings were considered the house of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 2:1–5). Latter-day Saint temples are likewise considered houses of the Lord by Church members.

To Latter-day Saints, temples are sacred buildings in which they are taught about the central role of Christ in God’s plan of salvation and their personal relationship with God.

In temples, members of the Church make covenants, or promises, with God to live a virtuous and faithful life. They also participate in ordinances on behalf of their deceased ancestors.

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also used to perform marriage ceremonies in which the faithful are promised eternal life with their families. For members of the Church, family is of central importance.

Alt text: The sacred interior of the Palmyra New York Temple, adorned with beautiful details and serene lighting, provides a space for spiritual reflection.

Do Latter-day Saints believe in modern-day prophets?

Yes. The Church is governed today by apostles, reflecting the way Jesus organized His Church in biblical times. Three apostles constitute the First Presidency (consisting of the president, or prophet of the Church, and his two counselors), and together with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, they have responsibility to lead the Church worldwide and serve as special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each is accepted by Church members in a prophetic role corresponding to the apostles in the Bible.

Do Latter-day Saints believe that the apostles receive revelations from God?

Yes. When Latter-day Saints speak to God, they call it prayer. When God responds through the influence of the Holy Spirit, members refer to this as revelation. Revelation, in its broad meaning, is divine guidance or inspiration; it is the communication of truth and knowledge from God to His children on earth, suited to their language and understanding. It simply means to uncover something not yet known. The Bible illustrates different types of revelation, ranging from dramatic visions to gentle feelings — from the “burning bush” to the “still, small voice.” Latter-day Saints believe that divine guidance generally comes quietly, taking the form of impressions, thoughts, and feelings carried by the Spirit of God.

Most often, revelation unfolds as an ongoing, prayerful dialogue with God. When a problem arises, we study out its dimensions and we ask God our questions. If we have sufficient faith, God leads us to answers, either partial or full. Though ultimately a spiritual experience, revelation also requires careful thought. God does not simply hand down information. He expects us to figure things out through prayerful searching and sound thinking.

The First Presidency (consisting of the president or prophet of the Church and his two counselors) and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receive inspiration to guide the Church as a whole. Individuals are also inspired with revelation regarding how to conduct their lives and help serve others.

Do Latter-day Saint women lead in the Church?

Yes. All women are daughters of loving Heavenly Parents. Women and men are equal in the sight of God. The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). In the family, a wife and a husband form an equal partnership in leading and raising a family.

From the beginning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, women have played an integral role in the work of the Church. While worthy men hold the priesthood, worthy women serve as leaders, counselors, missionaries, and teachers, and in many other responsibilities. They routinely preach from the pulpit and lead congregational prayers in worship services. They serve both in the Church and in their local communities and contribute to the world as leaders in a variety of professions. Their vital and unique contribution to raising children is considered an important responsibility and a special privilege of equal importance to priesthood responsibilities.

Alt text: A Relief Society group engages in a compassionate service project, assembling hygiene kits to support local community needs.

Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”?

Latter-day Saints believe that God wants us to become like Him. But this teaching is often misrepresented by those who caricature the faith. The Latter-day Saint belief is no different than the biblical teaching, which states, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16–17). Through following Christ’s teachings, Latter-day Saints believe all people can become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Understanding this concept requires delving into the nuances of Latter-day Saint theology, which emphasizes growth and progression toward godliness.

Do some Latter-day Saints wear temple garments?

Yes. In our world of diverse religious observance, many people of faith wear special clothing as a reminder of sacred beliefs and commitments. This has been a common practice throughout history. Today, faithful adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wear temple garments. These garments are simple, white underclothing composed of two pieces: a top piece similar to a T-shirt and a bottom piece similar to shorts. Not unlike the Jewish tallit katan (prayer shawl), these garments are worn underneath regular clothes. Temple garments serve as a personal reminder of covenants made with God to lead good, honorable, Christlike lives. The wearing of temple garments is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.

Biblical scripture contains many references to the wearing of special garments. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are specifically instructed to turn their garments into personal reminders of their covenants with God (see Numbers 15:37–41). Indeed, for some, religious clothing has always been an important part of integrating worship with daily living. Such practices resonate with Latter-day Saints today.

Because of the personal and religious nature of the temple garment, the Church asks all media to report on the subject with respect, treating Latter-day Saint temple garments as they would religious vestments of other faiths. Ridiculing or making light of sacred clothing is highly offensive to Latter-day Saints.

Do Latter-day Saints practice polygamy?

Not one member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a polygamist. The practice of polygamy is strictly prohibited in the Church. The general standard of marriage in the Church has always been monogamy, as indicated in the Book of Mormon (see Jacob 2:27). For periods in the Bible, polygamy was practiced by the patriarchs Abraham and Jacob, as well as kings David and Solomon. It was again practiced by a minority of Latter-day Saints in the early years of the Church. Polygamy was officially discontinued in 1890. Those who practice polygamy today have nothing whatsoever to do with the Church.

Alt text: Cheerful Latter-day Saint missionaries connect with individuals, embodying their commitment to spreading goodwill and building positive community relationships.

What is the position of the Church regarding race relations?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Book of Mormon states, “Black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching.

People of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church since its beginning. In fact, at the end of his life in 1844, Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opposed slavery. During this time, some black males were ordained to the priesthood. At some point, the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how, or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended. Church leaders sought divine guidance regarding the issue and in 1978 extended the priesthood to all worthy male members. The Church immediately began ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended throughout the world.

The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ. … Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children” (“The Need for Greater Kindness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 58).

Why do you “baptize for the dead”?

Jesus Christ taught that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). For those who have passed on without the ordinance of baptism, proxy baptism for the deceased is a free-will offering. According to Church doctrine, a departed soul in the afterlife is completely free to accept or reject such a baptism — the offering is freely given and must be freely received. The ordinance does not force deceased persons to become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor does the Church list deceased persons as members of the Church. In short, there is no change in the religion or heritage of the recipient or of the recipient’s descendants — the notion of coerced conversion is utterly contrary to Church doctrine.

Proxy baptism for the deceased is nothing new. It was mentioned by Paul in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 15:29) and was practiced by groups of early Christians. As part of a restoration of New Testament Christianity, Latter-day Saints continue this practice. All Church members are instructed to submit names for proxy baptism only for their own deceased relatives as an offering of familial love.

Why does the Church send out missionaries?

The missionary effort of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is based on the New Testament pattern of missionaries serving in pairs, teaching the gospel, and baptizing believers in the name of Jesus Christ (see, for example, the work of Peter and John in the book of Acts). Missionary work is voluntary, with most missionaries funding their own missions. They receive their assignment from Church headquarters and are sent only to countries where governments allow the Church to operate. In some parts of the world, missionaries are sent only to serve humanitarian or other specialized missions.

Alt text: Latter-day Saint volunteers assemble hygiene kits, demonstrating their commitment to humanitarian aid and community support.

Why don’t Latter-day Saints smoke or drink alcohol?

The health code for Latter-day Saints is based on a teaching regarding foods that are healthy and substances that are not good for the human body. Accordingly, alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and illegal drugs are forbidden. A 14-year UCLA study, completed in 1997, tracked mortality rates and health practices of 10,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California, indicating that Church members who adhered to the health code had one of the lowest death rates from cancer and cardiovascular disease in the United States. It also found that Church members who followed the code had a life expectancy 8 to 11 years longer than the general white population of the United States. The “Word of Wisdom” promotes overall well-being and a closer connection with God.

Are you still curious about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Do you need answers to specific questions that you can’t find elsewhere? WHAT.EDU.VN is here to help.

Many people struggle with:

Finding reliable information: It can be difficult to sort through the vast amount of information available online to find trustworthy sources.
Understanding complex doctrines: Religious teachings can be confusing and hard to grasp without clear explanations.
Getting unbiased answers: Many sources have their own agenda, making it challenging to find objective information.
Feeling comfortable asking questions: People may hesitate to ask questions due to fear of judgment or ridicule.

WHAT.EDU.VN offers solutions to these problems:

A free platform to ask any question: You can ask any question about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without cost or obligation.
Quick and precise answers: Our team is dedicated to providing accurate and concise responses to your inquiries.
Understandable and helpful information: We break down complex concepts into simple terms for easy comprehension.
A community for knowledge exchange: Connect with others to share insights and learn from different perspectives.
Free consultation services for simple questions: Get personalized guidance on specific topics.

WHAT.EDU.VN is committed to providing reliable and understandable information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Contact us at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States, or via WhatsApp at +1 (206) 555-7890. Visit our website at WHAT.EDU.VN to explore and learn more.

Ready to get your questions answered? Visit what.edu.vn now to ask your questions and gain new insights for free. Explore, ask, and discover today!