Mormons, also known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), are followers of a Christian denomination that originated in the early 19th century in the United States. The LDS Church, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of the largest and most well-known religious organizations in the world, with over 16 million members worldwide.
Mormons believe in the Bible and other sacred texts, including the Book of Mormon, which they consider to be an additional testament of Jesus Christ. They also believe in the ongoing revelation of God's will through living prophets and apostles, a practice known as continuing revelation.
To better understand what it means to be a Mormon, let's explore some of the beliefs, practices, and unique aspects of the LDS Church and its members.
What is a Mormon
Mormons, also known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are followers of a Christian denomination with unique beliefs and practices.
- Christian denomination
- Latter-day Saints
- Sacred texts: Bible and Book of Mormon
- Continuing revelation through prophets and apostles
- Family-centered
- Missionary work
- Temples for sacred ordinances
- Strong community and service
- Worldwide membership
These points provide a concise overview of the key aspects that define what it means to be a Mormon.
Christian denomination
Mormons are a Christian denomination, meaning they believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and follow his teachings. They consider themselves to be part of the Christian community, although they have some unique beliefs and practices that set them apart from other Christian groups.
Mormons believe in the Bible as the word of God, and they also believe that God has revealed additional scripture in modern times, including the Book of Mormon. They believe that the Book of Mormon is a record of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent, and that it contains teachings of Jesus Christ that are relevant to our lives today.
Mormons also believe in the ongoing revelation of God's will through living prophets and apostles. They believe that God continues to guide his church through these chosen leaders, and that they receive revelation to help the church navigate the challenges of our time.
Mormons strive to live their lives according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, which they believe include being honest, compassionate, and loving towards others. They also place a strong emphasis on family values and believe that families can be together forever through temple ordinances.
While Mormons may have some unique beliefs and practices, they share many common values and beliefs with other Christians, such as the importance of faith, repentance, and striving to live a Christ-like life.
Latter-day Saints
The term "Latter-day Saints" is used by Mormons to describe themselves as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It refers to their belief that they are living in the latter days, or the time period leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
- Restoration of the gospel
Mormons believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. They believe that Joseph Smith was called by God to be a prophet and that he received revelations from God, including the Book of Mormon and other scriptures.
- Continuing revelation
Mormons believe that God continues to reveal his will to his church through living prophets and apostles. They believe that the President of the Church is the prophet of God on the earth today and that he receives revelation to guide the church.
- Gathering of Israel
Mormons believe that one of the signs of the latter days is the gathering of Israel, which refers to the gathering of God's covenant people from all nations. They believe that this gathering is taking place through missionary work and the building up of the church.
- Preparation for the Second Coming
Mormons believe that the latter days will culminate in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They believe that they are preparing for this event by living righteously, studying the scriptures, and serving others.
These beliefs are central to the identity of Latter-day Saints and help to define what it means to be a Mormon.
Sacred texts: Bible and Book of Mormon
Mormons consider the Bible to be the word of God, and they believe that it contains teachings that are essential for salvation. However, they also believe that the Bible is not the only scripture that God has revealed to mankind.
- Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text that Mormons believe to be another testament of Jesus Christ. They believe that it was written by ancient prophets who lived on the American continent, and that it contains teachings that are relevant to our lives today.
- Restoration of the gospel
Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon was restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. They believe that Joseph Smith was called by God to be a prophet and that he received revelations from God, including the Book of Mormon and other scriptures.
- Study and application
Mormons are encouraged to study the Bible and the Book of Mormon regularly and to apply their teachings to their lives. They believe that these scriptures can help them to grow closer to God and to become better disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Unity of scripture
Mormons believe that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are in harmony with each other and that they both testify of Jesus Christ. They believe that these scriptures work together to provide a more complete understanding of God's plan for our salvation.
The Bible and the Book of Mormon are central to the beliefs and practices of Mormons, and they play an important role in their daily lives.
Continuing revelation through prophets and apostles
Mormons believe that God continues to reveal his will to his church through living prophets and apostles. This practice is known as continuing revelation, and it is a distinctive feature of the Mormon faith.
- Role of prophets and apostles
Mormons believe that prophets and apostles are called by God to lead his church and to receive revelation for the benefit of all mankind. They believe that the President of the Church is the prophet of God on the earth today and that he receives revelation to guide the church.
- Revelation for our time
Mormons believe that continuing revelation is necessary because the world is constantly changing and new challenges and opportunities arise. They believe that God reveals his will to his prophets and apostles so that the church can adapt to these changes and continue to fulfill its mission.
- Open canon of scripture
Mormons believe that the canon of scripture is open, meaning that God can continue to reveal new scripture through his prophets and apostles. They believe that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are two examples of scripture that have been revealed in this way.
- Sustaining the prophet
Mormons sustain the prophet of God as their leader and follow his teachings and counsel. They believe that by doing so, they are following the will of God and will be blessed for their faithfulness.
Continuing revelation is a vital part of the Mormon faith, and it helps to keep the church dynamic and responsive to the needs of a changing world.
Family-centered
Mormons place a strong emphasis on family and believe that the family is the most important unit in society. They believe that families can be together forever through temple ordinances and that eternal families are one of the greatest blessings that God can bestow upon his children.
- Importance of marriage
Mormons believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. They believe that children should be raised in a two-parent home and that parents have a sacred responsibility to teach and nurture their children.
- Family home evening
Mormons are encouraged to set aside one night each week for family home evening, a time when families can come together to study the scriptures, pray, and participate in wholesome activities. This practice helps to strengthen family bonds and teach children about the importance of family.
- Extended family
Mormons value their extended families and believe that these relationships are important for providing support and encouragement. They often hold family reunions and other gatherings to stay connected with their extended family members.
- Eternal families
Mormons believe that families can be together forever through temple ordinances. They believe that when a man and a woman are married in the temple, they are sealed together for time and all eternity. This means that their marriage and family relationships will continue after this life.
The family is central to the Mormon faith, and Mormons strive to create strong and loving families that can withstand the challenges of life.
Missionary work
Missionary work is an important part of the Mormon faith. Mormons believe that they have a responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others and to invite them to come unto Christ and be baptized. They believe that this is a commandment from God and that it is a way to show their love for others.
Mormons typically serve missions when they are young adults, between the ages of 18 and 25. Men serve for two years, and women serve for 18 months. During their missions, missionaries travel to different parts of the world to teach the gospel, serve others, and invite people to come unto Christ.
Missionaries are unpaid volunteers, and they rely on their own resources and the support of their families and local congregations to fund their missions. They live simply and devote their time to studying the scriptures, praying, and serving others.
Missionary work is a challenging but rewarding experience for young Mormons. It helps them to grow spiritually, to learn about different cultures, and to develop a lifelong commitment to serving others. It also helps to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all parts of the world.
Mormons believe that missionary work is a vital part of their faith and that it is a way to share the blessings of the gospel with others.
Temples for sacred ordinances
Temples are sacred buildings in the Mormon faith where members can participate in sacred ordinances, including baptism for the dead, marriage for time and all eternity, and the endowment, which is a special ceremony that helps members prepare for eternal life.
Mormons believe that temples are essential for their salvation and that they provide a place where they can commune with God and receive his blessings. Temples are also a place where members can make sacred covenants with God and receive ordinances that will help them to progress spiritually.
Temples are different from regular meetinghouses where Mormons typically attend church services. Temples are considered to be holy places, and only members who are in good standing with the church are allowed to enter.
Mormons believe that temples are a blessing to all mankind and that they are a place where people can find peace, healing, and guidance. They also believe that temples are a symbol of their faith and a reminder of their eternal goals.
Temples are an important part of the Mormon faith and play a vital role in the spiritual lives of its members.
Strong community and service
Mormons are known for their strong sense of community and their commitment to service. They believe that they are all brothers and sisters in the gospel of Jesus Christ and that they have a responsibility to help and support one another.
- Local congregations
Mormons typically belong to local congregations called wards or branches. These congregations are like extended families, and members support and serve one another in a variety of ways. They may visit the sick, help with household chores, or provide financial assistance to those in need.
- Welfare program
The Mormon Church has a comprehensive welfare program that helps members who are struggling financially or otherwise. This program includes food pantries, thrift stores, and employment assistance. The church also provides humanitarian aid to people around the world who have been affected by natural disasters or other crises.
- Missionary work
Mormon missionaries are unpaid volunteers who serve for two years or 18 months, sharing their beliefs with others and inviting them to come unto Christ. Missionaries are often the first point of contact that people have with the Mormon Church, and they play an important role in building relationships and strengthening communities.
- Temple service
Mormons believe that temples are sacred places where they can receive special ordinances and blessings. They also believe that temple service is a way to serve God and to help others. Mormons often volunteer their time to help maintain temples and to perform ordinances for the living and the dead.
Mormons believe that service is a fundamental part of their faith and that it is a way to show their love for God and for others. They are encouraged to serve in their local communities, in their church congregations, and in the world at large.
Worldwide membership
The Mormon Church has a worldwide membership of over 16 million people, making it one of the largest Christian denominations in the world. Mormons live in over 150 countries and territories, and they come from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
- Missionary work
One of the reasons for the Mormon Church's rapid growth is its strong emphasis on missionary work. Mormon missionaries serve in all parts of the world, sharing their beliefs with others and inviting them to come unto Christ. Missionaries are often the first point of contact that people have with the Mormon Church, and they play an important role in introducing people to the gospel.
- Family-centered culture
Mormons place a strong emphasis on family, and they believe that families are the most important unit in society. This focus on family has helped to attract many people to the Mormon Church, who appreciate the church's strong support for families and its teachings on family values.
- Service and humanitarian aid
Mormons are known for their commitment to service and humanitarian aid. The church has a comprehensive welfare program that helps members who are struggling financially or otherwise. The church also provides humanitarian aid to people around the world who have been affected by natural disasters or other crises. This service and humanitarian work has helped to build goodwill towards the Mormon Church and has attracted people to its message.
- Cultural diversity
The Mormon Church is a diverse community, with members from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the church's teachings, which emphasize the importance of unity and respect for all people. The church's emphasis on diversity has helped to attract people from a variety of backgrounds and has made it a truly global religion.
The Mormon Church's worldwide membership is a testament to the church's strong missionary work, its focus on family, its commitment to service, and its emphasis on cultural diversity.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mormons and their beliefs:
Question 1: What is the difference between a Mormon and a Christian?
Answer: Mormons are Christians, but they have some unique beliefs and practices that set them apart from other Christian groups. For example, Mormons believe in the Bible and other sacred texts, including the Book of Mormon. They also believe in the ongoing revelation of God's will through living prophets and apostles.
Question 2: Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?
Answer: No, Mormons do not worship Joseph Smith. They believe that he was a prophet of God, but they do not worship him as a god. They worship Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
Question 3: Do Mormons practice polygamy?
Answer: No, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) officially discontinued the practice of polygamy in 1890. Today, any member of the LDS Church who enters into a polygamous marriage is subject to excommunication.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a Mormon temple?
Answer: Mormon temples are sacred buildings where members can participate in sacred ordinances, such as baptism for the dead, marriage for time and all eternity, and the endowment. These ordinances are considered to be essential for salvation and for eternal progression.
Question 5: Do Mormons drink alcohol?
Answer: Mormons are taught to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances. However, they are not forbidden from consuming alcohol in moderation on special occasions.
Question 6: How do Mormons view other religions?
Answer: Mormons believe that there is truth in all religions and that all people are entitled to their own beliefs. They respect the religious beliefs of others and encourage interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Question 7: Are Mormons a cult?
Answer: No, Mormons are not a cult. They are a recognized Christian denomination with a long history and a global presence. Mormons are known for their strong families, their commitment to service, and their emphasis on education.
These are just a few of the many questions that people have about Mormons and their beliefs. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are a few tips for interacting with Mormons:
Tips
Here are a few tips for interacting with Mormons:
Be respectful. Mormons are a diverse group of people, but they all share a common belief in Jesus Christ and his teachings. It is important to be respectful of their beliefs, even if you do not agree with them.
Be open-minded. Mormons are often eager to share their beliefs with others, and they appreciate it when people are open-minded and willing to listen. If you have questions about their beliefs, feel free to ask. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you understand their faith.
Be friendly. Mormons are friendly and welcoming people. They are always happy to meet new people and make new friends. If you meet a Mormon, don't be afraid to say hello and introduce yourself.
Be yourself. Mormons come from all walks of life and have a variety of interests. Don't try to be someone you're not just to impress a Mormon. Just be yourself, and they will appreciate you for who you are.
These are just a few tips for interacting with Mormons. By following these tips, you can help to build bridges of understanding and friendship between different faiths.
Mormons are a unique and interesting group of people with a rich history and a strong faith. By learning more about their beliefs and practices, we can gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of religious beliefs in the world.
Conclusion
Mormons are a diverse and fascinating group of people with a rich history and a strong faith. They are Christians who believe in the Bible and other sacred texts, including the Book of Mormon. They also believe in the ongoing revelation of God's will through living prophets and apostles.
Mormons place a strong emphasis on family and believe that families can be together forever through temple ordinances. They are also known for their commitment to service and their humanitarian efforts around the world.
While Mormons have some unique beliefs and practices, they share many common values and beliefs with other Christians, such as the importance of faith, repentance, and striving to live a Christ-like life.
By learning more about Mormons and their beliefs, we can gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of religious beliefs in the world and build bridges of understanding and friendship between different faiths.
Ultimately, what defines a Mormon is their belief in Jesus Christ and their commitment to following his teachings. Mormons strive to live their lives according to the principles of love, compassion, and service, and they believe that by doing so, they can become more like Christ and return to live with God after this life.