What do mormons believe?

Question:
What do Mormons believe?

Response:
Many have wondered and asked what Mormons really believe in. We hear all sorts of horror stories from people of other churches trying to explain what Mormons believe. The fact is that you don’t go to A Chevy dealership to learn about Fords.

I myself was curious about what Mormons believed in. Then I took the time to find out. I discovered that the Church wasn’t made up of the crazies that people of other faiths said it was. I was always suspicious of all those pastors and preachers that fought against any church or organization so aggressively (Of course they’re going to fight against something that takes church member away from them, the bottom line is that is their source of income). I love that the Mormon Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) has an unpaid ministry. That in itself is so comforting. Even those missionaries that you see riding around on their bikes aren’t paid. In fact, THEY pay about $10,000 to go on their missions and share what has brought them so much joy. Think about that next time they knock on your door. They don’t get anything out of it when you or a friend joins the Church, just the joy of seeing someone find true happiness in life.

You’re probably thinking at this point that I have to be a Mormon. Great guess! I am. But, I have not always been. I grew up in Las Vegas. Most of you know enough about the world to know that Vegas is a crazy place. I was exposed to many different religions and many different life philosophies, but none of them ever seemed to answer the deep questions of my soul: Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? Questions that you have probably pondered. I found that the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) had the right answers.

So what do Mormons believe? In short, A lot! The most important and fundamental belief is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. Not what you expected? Many say erroneous things about the founder of the Church, Joseph Smith. These are words from his own mouth:

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, 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 the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 121

Mormons also believe that if someone goes to heaven, they do a lot more than just strum a harp and sing all day. They continue to progress and grow. We believe that we are children of God. Surely, God would want his children to accomplish more than practice music all day, for ETERNITY.

Mormons believe that there is an essential purpose in life. All of Gods children gain experience here that they could gain in no other way. Sometimes life is a school of hard knocks, sometimes it’s a little easier, but in the end, it always has a purpose.

There are many, many other things taught in the Church. I will give you a list of 13 short, main Mormon beliefs, called The Articles of Faith. Joseph Smith wrote them in response to questions like yours:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

If you have any more questions about Mormons, try visiting the official website at mormon.org.

If it is more comfortable for you, you can visit my site: Truth is Restored.

Best Wishes,
Rusty

truthisrestored.blogspot.com