What Are the Core Beliefs of Mormons?
Mormons believe Jesus Christ was resurrected, that he is the son of God and savior of the world and that his atonement permits humanity to be saved from its sins and return to the love and grace of God. They also consider themselves the original New Testament church restored. Also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormon church believes it was restored through the doctrines presented by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was born in 1805 in Vermont.
Based on Smith’s “Book of Mormon,” which he said he transcribed from the writings of the Angel Moroni, and his preaching, Mormons believe that they should follow Christ’s example by being baptized, partaking in communion and doing good to others. Mormons believe that by being baptized and taking communion, they are cleansed from their sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, allowing them to eventually live with God forever. They cite the New Testament book of Romans, chapter eight, verse 17 in contending they will eventually be “joint heirs” with Christ.
Just as Joseph Smith was called to restore the original church of Christ, Latter Day Saints believe that God continues to call new apostles and prophets. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ and the Doctrine and Covenants formally incorporate the revelations received by Joseph Smith and those who followed him as president of the Latter Day Saints into new volumes of scripture. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not ordain professional clergy, but rather recognizes Church members, called as full-time apostles, to serve as congregational leaders.
Uniting families is recognized as the primary purpose of Mormon temples, within which Mormons worship. Family members who have died, because they will ultimately be reunited with living members of their family, receive the same temple rites as those that are alive.
The Latter-Day Saints believe that the foundation of the original Christian church was compromised as the initial apostles died off. The Mormon church, they say, is that church restored.
