Mormon Church
The Mormon Church currently has over thirteen million members throughout the world. Mormons, also known as Latter-Day Saints, believe that after Christ’s ministry on the earth, the apostles were killed, the members strayed, and the Christian world fell into a state of confusion or apostasy. Rather than one true Church of Christ, such as existed under the authority of the Apostles, many sects were formed with differing beliefs. Greek philosophy and the superstitions of the times were mingled with the true gospel and dictated through the creeds of men. During this time, God discontinued revelation through prophets. In 1820, the apostasy ended when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith. Eventually, through him, the Lord would restore the true church on the earth. The people were ready for the fulness of the gospel.
Through revelation from the Lord, the prophet Joseph Smith organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormon Church. He translated the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Christ. When Joseph Smith was killed, leadership of the Church passed on to Brigham Young who led the pioneers to their new home in Salt Lake City. Mormons believe in the literal interpretation of the Holy Bible. In addition, Mormons believe in the Book of Mormon, which was published in 1830. Mormons believe in the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which includes two lost books of the Bible, a translation of the gospel of Matthew, and the 13 Articles of Faith. Mormons believe in a book called The Doctrine and Covenants, which includes revelations from God and two other official documents.
The Mormon Church teaches that everyone on earth is a son or daughter of God. Jesus Christ was sent to atone for the sins of the world, to bring to pass the eternal life and immortality of man. Mormons are Christians, and the belief in Jesus Christ is core to the faith. Mormons believe that mortal life is a test, an opportunity for man to prove his devotion to God by following the principles set forth by Jesus Christ. Mormons believe it is a commandment from God that we are to love and serve one another. They also believe that baptism with the proper authority (the priesthood) is essential to salvation.
Mormons place a great emphasis on the family. Mormons are encouraged to marry, raise families, and teach gospel principles in their homes. Mormons no longer practice plural marriage. In fact, anyone caught practicing plural marriage within the church is excommunicated. The Mormon Church believes in modern day revelation, received through a modern day prophet. He leads and instructs the members of the Church today.
The organization of the Mormon Church is unique. Mormons attend weekly services, where they attend Mormon doctrine classes, partake of the sacrament, and learn how to better incorporate the church’s teachings into their lives. Within the congregations, or “wards” as they are called by Mormons, members of the Church serve in various callings. Throughout one’s lifetime as a Mormon, he or she may be called to be the bishop, a teacher, an advisor to the teenagers, or counselor to the children. The Mormon Church has no paid clergy, and every position within the Mormon Church is voluntary, with no monetary compensation is given. Through these callings, Mormons learn and grow, as they serve each other and Heavenly Father.
The Mormon lifestyle is also unique, compared to its sister faiths within Christianity. Mormons are not to engage in the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine. Mormons are not to engage in sex outside the bonds of marriage. Mormons are encouraged to dress modestly. Throughout the world, there are hundreds of Mormon temples, which are places where members worship and make sacred covenants to the Lord. Mormons are also married and sealed to their families for eternity in the Mormon temple.
Mormons believe that if one follows these doctrines, life is more sacred and joyful, and death is conquered through resurrection and exaltation in the kingdom of God.
