The Church's official
13 ARTICLES OF FAITH, or Fundamental statements of belief are:
- We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
- We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
- We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
- 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.
- 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.
- We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
- We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
- 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.
Joseph Smith Here is the Church's website built to answer those sorts of questions: http://www.mormon.org (see links)
There is a Basic Beliefs link up at the top of the page, as well as a link where questions can be asked directly.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) have many beliefs, some of which are unique and others which fit in with mainstream Christianity. The following is just a summary of their basic beliefs, you can visit the "Related Links" below to learn more details or to ask questions to Church representatives.
First and foremost, Mormons believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. God is the Father of our spirits, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the Holy Ghost bears witness of both the Father and the Son. These three are each separate beings, working together in perfect harmony.
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may receive salvation, if they accept Jesus Christ and obey His commandments.
Mormons do not put a heavy emphasis on the "original sin", because they believe it was nullified by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Men will be judged according to their own sins, not Adam's transgression.
Mormons believe that to fully accept Jesus Christ, they must first have faith in Him, then repent of their sins, be baptized by immersion, and finally receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
Those who are called to teach, preach, and lead in the Church are called of God and receive their authority by the laying on of hands, not from a seminary or ministerial degree.
The Church believes that it is the restoration of the original New Testament Christian Church and strives to follow the same organization, including the use of Prophets and Apostles.
Mormons believe in the gifts of tongues, prophesies, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. These are gifts of faith and may come to anyone in time of need.
The Church uses the King James Version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture. The King James Bible is considered the most correct English translation of the Bible, but it is not perfect.
The Church is founded on revelation. Revelation is given to both Church leaders and individuals to assist them both personally and in building the Kingdom of God. The leader of the Church is considered a Prophet who receives direct communication from God, the same as the Prophets of the Old Testament.
Church members believe in a literal gathering of the Ten Tribes of Israel from the four corners of the earth. They believe that Zion, the New Jerusalem, will be built in America, and that Christ is soon coming to reign personally upon the earth.
Mormons are strong supports of religious rights and fight for freedom of religion for all people. They hope that they may have the ability to worship God according to their beliefs, and grant all other religious groups the same opportunity. They are very active in interfaith coalitions in their communities.
Mormons believe obeying the law and in showing respect to national and local civic leaders. They are encouraged to vote and participate in the democratic process.
Mormons strive to model their lives after Jesus Christ. They try to be honest, chaste, and charitable in all things. They avoid vulgar, immoral, and objectionable entertainment. They respect their bodies by avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and other harmful substances. They are also very active in spreading their faith and are happy to share their beliefs with others.
Mormons believe the family is the fundamental unit of society and the Church. They emphasize strengthening families (both within and outside the Church) as a primary function. The family is responsible for raising and teaching children.
Mormons also believe in offering salvation to those who have died without the opportunity. Within temples (different than typical meetinghouses, where Sunday services are held), Mormons can perform baptisms for ancestors who have died. They believe that this gives the deceased individual the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ in the afterlife before they are judged.