Mormonism

The term "Mormonism" is used to describe the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the Mormon Church (officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and its members.

Mormonism was founded in 1830 upon the religious doctrines set forth by the prophet Joseph Smith as he received them through divine revelation. Unlike other Christian denominations, Mormonism believes in modern prophets and ongoing revelation from God. One of the fundamental beliefs of Mormonism is that it is Christ's church "restored" to the earth. This is based on the belief that after Christ's apostles were killed, the proper authority to act in the name of Christ (the Priesthood) was no longer on the earth. Mormonism refers to this time period as the Great Apostasy. After hundreds and hundreds of years, the Heavens once again opened and the Priesthood of God was restored to Joseph Smith by the same Peter, James, and John that Christ had ordained during His ministry. With the priesthood restored, Joseph Smith was authorized to build up the Kingdom of God on earth.

In conjunction with its belief in modern prophets and revelation, Mormonism teaches that the Bible is not the sum total of God's words to man, though it is certainly one major portion. The canon of scriptures in Mormonism contains the Bible and three other books: the Book of Mormon (a record of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas whom Christ visited after His resurrection), the Doctrine and Covenants (revelations given to Joseph Smith and his successors concerning Church policy and doctrine), and the Pearl of Great Price (which includes additional writings by Moses and Abraham as well as a section that outlines the basic tenets of Mormonism).

Another major teaching of Mormonism concerns the Godhead. Mormonism teaches that God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct individuals united in purpose.

• God the Father: God the Father (often known as Heavenly Father in Mormonism) is the spiritual Father of all mankind; has a glorified, tangible body; is all-powerful and all-knowing; and is both just and merciful in all His dealings with men.
• Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten of the Father, the literal Son of God; He came to earth to serve as a Savior to all mankind and is their Mediator with the Father; He lived a sinless life, atoned for the sins of the world, died, and was resurrected.
• Holy Ghost: The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit without a body; as a spirit the Holy Ghost can influence and speak directly to the spirits of men and women; it is the Holy Ghost's duty to reveal truths, comfort, teach, and eventually sanctify the worthy; as a member of the Godhead, He cannot dwell with unclean people.

Mormonism also teaches that as in Old Testament times, temples are a necessary part of God's Kingdom and are the only place where men and women can perform certain ordinances and make sacred covenants. Mormonism also teaches that God is merciful to all His children, including those who died without knowing Him. Mormonism thus believes in performing saving ordinances for the dead through living representatives (the deceased may either accept or reject the ordinance). All worthy adult members can attend any one of the 122 temples the Mormon Church has built around the world.

Teachings of Mormonsim

Mormonism also has many teachings regarding the personal lives of those who live by it.

• Family: Family is very important in Mormonism and members of the Mormon Church are encouraged to love their families and strengthen their relationships with them. Through temple work, Mormonism teaches that families and marriages can remain intact after death and throughout eternity.
• Physical and Mental Health: Mormonism has a health code, known as the Word of Wisdom. Mormonism teaches against smoking, drinking alcohol, tea, or coffee, and the use of harmful drugs. It also promotes eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Mormonism also stresses the importance of everyone receiving the best education they can.
• Missionary Work: Like the Church in Christ's day, the Mormon Church sends missionaries to teach that Christ lives and spread the joyful truths to be found in Mormonism. Over 50,000 full-time missionaries are sent to over 160 nations around the world. Members are also encouraged to be missionaries by living righteous lives and sharing what they believe with those around them.


Also Check out:
The Plan of Salvation in Mormonism
Mormon Missionaries