Beliefs of Mormonism

Articles of Faith

In 1842 Joseph Smith, founder of the LDS religion (or Mormonism), wrote what has come to be called the Wentworth letter and included in it a list of thirteen of the Church's basic beliefs. These are known in the church as the Articles of Faith and can now be found in Mormon Scripture. These thirteen articles briefly outline the basic principles of Mormonism. Below is a summary (for complete text see Articles of Faith):

1. Mormonism believes in God the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

2. Men and women are accountable for their own sins. While Mormons acknowledge the Fall of Adam and Eve, they do not believe in the idea of Original Sin (the notion that all mankind is cursed because of Adam and is born sinful).

3. All men and and women can be saved (restored to the presence of God) through the Atonement of Jesus Christ if they will obey the will of God and receive the necessary Ordinances.

4. The foundation of the Gospel rests on having Faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of one's sins, being baptized by immersion to be washed clean from sin, and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by having hands laid on one's head and being confirmed a member of Christ's church.

5. God grants men authority to act in his name. Such men, however must be called by Him, through prophecy or revelation, and must be ordained by having hands laid upon their heads by men who already have authority from God to administer in His name.

6. In accordance with the organization of the New Testament church, the modern Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by "apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth." Some of these church offices go by other titles.

See also What do Mormons believe