Mormonism

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the LDS Church or Mormonism) is one of the most uniquely American religious movements. It was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr., in upstate New York, near the towns of Palmyra and Fayette. Today, the church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has grown into a global faith with millions of members.

Foundational Scriptures and Teachings

Latter-day Saints accept the Bible, specifically the King James Version, as part of their sacred texts. However, they also believe in additional scriptures revealed through Joseph Smith:

• The Book of Mormon
• Doctrine and Covenants
• The Pearl of Great Price

These works comprise what the LDS Church refers to as its “standard works.” In addition, official teachings and addresses by LDS Church leaders—known as prophets, apostles, and other general authorities—are considered authoritative. Church members often read from magazines like the Liahona, which contains messages from current church leaders.

God, Jesus Christ, and the Plan of Salvation

LDS theology teaches that God the Father has a physical, glorified body and is the literal Father of our spirits. Latter-day Saints believe in a Heavenly Mother as well, though she is not widely discussed in public doctrine. Unlike mainstream Christian views of the Trinity, Latter-day Saints believe that the Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Ghost are three separate beings who are united in purpose.

Jesus Christ is seen as the firstborn spirit child of God, and thus a literal spiritual “older brother” to humanity. He came to Earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and was resurrected. Latter-day Saints believe that while Christ’s atonement makes resurrection available to all, complete salvation-or exaltation-is achieved by accepting and living the restored gospel.

The Holy Ghost is also a spirit personage and a member of the Godhead, distinct from the “Light of Christ,” which is seen as a universal divine influence.

Exaltation, Eternal Life, and Temple Ordinances

LDS teachings emphasize a concept called exaltation—the idea that faithful individuals can ultimately become like God. This doesn’t imply becoming a separate deity ruling over a planet, as sometimes portrayed in pop culture, but rather sharing in divine attributes, eternal family relationships, and eternal progression.

Latter-day Saints believe that in the afterlife, most people will inherit one of three degrees of glory: the Celestial, Terrestrial, or Telestial kingdoms. Only a very small number—those who fully reject God after having received a full knowledge of Him—are said to go to Outer Darkness.

Access to exaltation requires participation in temple ordinances, including the endowment ceremony and celestial marriage (also known as eternal marriage), which is believed to seal families together forever. These rituals are reserved for baptized members who are in good standing with the church.

Practices and Lifestyle

Faithful Latter-day Saints are expected to follow a set of guidelines that reflect spiritual discipline and commitment:

• Tithing
• Observing the “Word of Wisdom”, which discourages the use of tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs
• Baptism by immersion, typically at age 8
• Missionary service, often for 18 months to 2 years (especially among young adults)
• Family and community service, with a strong emphasis on support networks and preparedness

The church also performs baptisms for the dead, a practice rooted in the belief that deceased individuals can choose to accept gospel ordinances performed on their behalf.

Historical Context and Race

From the mid-1800s until 1978, the LDS Church restricted men of African descent from being ordained to the priesthood or participating in some temple rituals. This policy was officially lifted through a formal revelation by then-president Spencer W. Kimball, and the church now teaches the full equality of all races and ethnicities in the eyes of God.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands apart from many Christian traditions in its doctrines, scriptures, and practices, yet shares a belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world. Whether viewed through the lens of theology, history, or sociology, it remains one of the most influential religious movements to emerge from the American continent.

Until Next Time, Knowledge is Power