Mormon Church
The Mormon Church is one of the fastest growing religions in the world, with over 14 million members at the end of 2010. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as it is formally called, was founded in 1830 in the State of New York, in the United States. However, despite its rich American pioneer history, it is not an “American church.” Over half its members reside outside the United States, with very fast growth first in Europe, then in South America, and now in Asia and Africa. The Mormon Church is not a Protestant church; that is, it is not a reaction or reformation of Christian orthodoxy.
The church is founded on the belief that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, a fourteen-year-old boy, in April, 1820, and through him, restored Christ’s church upon the earth. Ancient and new scripture was restored, the Twelve apostles reorganized, and priesthood authority returned to the earth. The doctrines are the restored doctrines of Christ’s ancient church, revealed once more through revelation to modern prophets. Mormons are Christians who believe that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we might all be saved. Mormons believe that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct beings, all united in a common purpose. (See Godhead.)
Mormons believe that God constructed a Plan of Salvation before the foundation of the world that would ensure for those who follow it, that families might be able to live together forever. Mormons believe that we all are children of God, with whom we lived as spirits before we were born with physical bodies. Each of us was sent to earth with a personal mission and purpose. In order for us to learn and continue to progress, the Lord sent us to earth to be tested. In order for us to have choice during our life on the earth, opposition is necessary. Satan, who fell during pre-earth-life (Isaiah 14) because of his pride, and took a third of the host of heaven with him, seeks the downfall of men and women. We are given the agency to chose good from evil and prove our commitment to God through our thoughts and actions. Throughout our time on earth, we can learn to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ and Father in Heaven. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have the gift of immortality. The purpose of life is to follow Christ’s example and love one another throughout our lives. We are being tested by how we follow the commandments and laws given from God. We are saved through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (His grace), after we prove ourselves through our individual actions here on earth. Mormons believe that at the end of our lives, God and Jesus will judge our behavior and we will be sent to one of three varying degrees of glory, the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms. One of the most worthwhile pursuits of our lives is that of an eternal family. We are commanded to marry and bear children, teach our children correct principles, and raise up a family unto the Lord.
Knowing that there is divine purpose for our lives allows us to live more happily. By keeping an eternal perspective in our lives, we can endure life’s trials with happiness and joy. Problems and pain can be thought of as stepping-stones to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Through prayer we can receive help and comfort for any problem we have. We are not alone on earth. Through prayer and seeking comfort in the scriptures, we can be comforted in times of pain and loneliness.
Mormons believe that God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants us to return to Him. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Through him, we are redeemed from death. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, we can be saved, when we continually choose to follow His example and repent of our sins and seek to live according to His will. The first ordinances and principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Mormons believe the Bible and Book of Mormon to be scripture. Mormons believe in modern day prophets and revelators.
For more about Mormon Doctrine, go to Mormon Doctrine – An Introduction.