Sam Haddad in Beliefs

Mormon beliefs | What are the core beliefs of Mormonism

Mormon Beliefs

The following is an overview of the Mormon beliefs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), more commonly known as the “Mormon” church, is a religion derived from Christianity that traces its origins to Joseph Smith. Founded by Smith in 1830 C.E. in New York, Mormonism developed as a sectarian movement in a turbulent period of American religious history. Joseph Smith claimed to have been called by God to restore the church that Christ had established on the earth, but which had been lost after the deaths of the original apostles.

Here are some of Mormon beliefs:

Following Jesus:

Jesus is the Son of God and our loving Savior. He lived to teach us, and He suffered and died to save us from sin and death. Because of Him, we can be forgiven, we can overcome challenges, and we can live with God again someday.

Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was the firstborn spirit child of the heavenly Father and a heavenly Mother.

Jesus then progressed to deity in the spirit world.

He was later physically conceived in Mary’s womb, as the literal “only begotten” Son of God the Father in the flesh (though many present-day Mormons remain somewhat vague as to how this occurred).

The book of Mormon:

Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon is a book of scripture that teaches about Jesus. Discover how you can come closer to God by reading from its pages.
In addition to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It contains the writings of ancient prophets, giving an account of God’s dealings with the peoples on the American continent. For Latter-day Saints, it stands alongside the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as holy scripture.

The Bible in Mormon beliefs:

Throughout its pages, the Holy Bible teaches that God never stops loving His children. Feel the love God has for you when you read the Bible.
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. Additional books of scripture -including the Book of Mormon- strengthen and reinforce God’s teachings through additional witnesses and 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 deemphasize the Bible. On the contrary, it expands, extends, and exalts it.”

Temple of Mormon:

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 with God to live a virtuous and faithful life. They also offer sacraments on behalf of their deceased ancestors.

Mormon temples are also used to perform marriage ceremonies that promise the faithful eternal life with their families. For members of the Church, the family is of central importance.

Eternal Families:

In addition to being the bedrock of society, the family is central to God’s plan for the eternal happiness of all His children. And He has made it possible for family relationships to last beyond this life, not merely “until death do you part.”

The Purpose of Life in Mormon beliefs:

Life has purpose and meaning. God, our loving Father, wants us to find happiness and joy. He created a plan for us to grow, live by faith, and return to live with Him someday. God’s plan, often called the plan of salvation, gives meaning and context to our life here on earth by answering the big questions: “Where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” and “What happens after I die?”

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 mankind 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.

Mormon and Trinity:

Mormons 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 one in will and purpose but are not literally the same being or substance, as conceptions of the Holy Trinity commonly imply.

Coming Closer to God:

God is real in Mormon beliefs. He knows you, and He loves you. You can develop a closer relationship through faith, prayer, and reading the scriptures. The Holy Spirit will help you as you seek to know God better.

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. 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 Mormons. Latter-day Saints believe God is embodied, though His body is perfect and glorified.

World Religions

Sources: 1, 2, 3