Many people are not sure about what Mormons believe. We want you to know what Mormons believe . . . and that the Mormon Church is a family centered Church. Mormons believe that the family was established by God and that it has an eternal purpose.
“Mormon Church” is an unofficial name for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormonism refers to the doctrines taught by Joseph Smith and succeeding prophets and leaders of the Church. These doctrines are believed to be eternal, and part of the original gospel preached by Jesus Christ. The word “Mormon” comes from the Book of Mormon, an ancient compilation of scripture, and a record of the visit and ministry of the resurrected Jesus Christ to remnants of the people of Israel who had migrated to the American continent. Mormon, an ancient prophet and general, abridged and organized the book.
In 1842, the Chicago Democrat’s editor, John Wentworth, requested information about the Mormon Church from its founder, Joseph Smith. A reply was sent, in which the Mormon prophet outlined key points pertaining to the history of said Church and included a list of 13 main beliefs of members of the Mormon Church. In time, this collection of beliefs was formally adopted into the standard scriptures of the Church, and is known today as the Articles of Faith. Though not a summation of every doctrine adhered to by Mormons, the Articles of Faith nonetheless provide great insight into the basic theology that motivates actions of the Church.
Click on the following links to gain access to detailed articles describing many basic Mormon teachings and practices.
Articles of Faith
1st We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2nd We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3rd We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4th 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.
5th 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.
6th We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7th We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8th 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.
9th 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.
10th 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.
11th 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.
12th We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13th 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.
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