Mormons

Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are a few fundamentalist sects that call themselves "Mormons," but they are not affiliated with the real "Mormon" Church (see FLDS). When members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are called by their nickname, "Mormons," it is because of their open body of scripture, which includes the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a history of some Israelites who escaped from Jerusalem in about 600 B.C., just before the Babylonian Captivity. They were led by God to a promised land in the Americas. They established a civilization led by kings, judges, and prophets who taught them about Jesus Christ. They kept the Law of Moses looking forward to Christ, and Christ visited them after His resurrection, establishing His church among them. By about 400 A.D. the people had become so wicked that they destroyed themselves in a series of wars. Some of the American Indians are of their lineage. Mormon was a great prophet who lived near the end of this period. He abridged the record to the form in which it was given to Joseph Smith.

Before explaining what Mormons are, it is wise to explain what Mormons are not:

1. Mormons are not members of a cult, as the word "cult" is currently defined. The current connotation of the word "cult" is a group that grows up around a powerful personality. Members are in the thrall of the leader and general follow bizarre practices. Joseph Smith was the founder of the Mormon Church, and the first prophet of the "Last dispensation of time." Mormons honor him, but they don't worship him. The Mormon religion is centered on Christ. Mormon beliefs sometimes seem bizarre to those who've received a false representation of Mormon doctrine. Mormonism is not a new religion, and not an American religion, but is the restoration of Christ's original Church. All of the beliefs found in Mormon doctrine were central in the early Christian Church.

   Mormons do not dress in pioneer garb or live in secretive groups.

   Mormons do not practice polygamy.

   Mormons do not refrain from sports, dancing, singing or enjoying themselves. Many famous entertainers are Mormons.

   Mormon temple rituals are not secret. Guided tours for the public are conducted through each new temple. The covenants made in the temple are sacred and are not to be discussed outside in the world. Thus, even Mormons who have been to the temple do not discuss their covenants with other Mormons outside of the temple.

   Mormons are not polytheists. However, Mormons do not believe in the trinity -- that is, that God is a spirit who became embodied as the Christ and then went back to being a spirit containing three entities. Instead, Mormons believe that the Godhead is comprised of three separate beings, God the Father, Jesus Christ (His Only Begotten Son), and the Holy Ghost. Mormons believe that when Jesus was resurrected, He stayed resurrected, and is a resurrected being of flesh and bone, albeit glorious and powerful beyond description. This is the same belief as the very early Christian Church.

   Some people say that Mormons are polytheists, because they believe that men, in a process of eternal progression, can become like God, indeed that this is the Father's central goal for all of us, to make us like Him. This belief was also solid in the early Christian church. This does not mean that a plurality of Gods governs this world. Mormons have little information on the details of life eternal, but more than any other church.

   Mormons do not believe that non-Mormons are disqualified for heaven. The gospel is perfectly fair. All of us are judged on what we know. A person who has never heard of Christ or the commandments of God cannot sin. Virtually every person who has ever lived will inherit a kingdom of glory. Only sons of perdition (who have a sure witness of Christ and then deny Him) qualify for "hell."

   Mormons do not believe that we are saved by our works. However, the Lord judges us by our thoughts, intentions, and works. After all we can do, we cannot save ourselves. It is the grace of Christ that saves us.

   Mormons do not believe that the heavens are closed. Nor have they ever been. A constant flow of information from God has enlightened men and women of every age. All prophets, including those of the Old Testament, even Adam, knew the Plan of Salvation and taught of Jesus Christ. Modern prophets have the same connection with heaven.

   Mormons do not believe that miracles have ceased. They are commonplace where the power of God is manifest through the power of Priesthood authority and through faith of believers.

   Mormons do not believe in an impersonal God. God hears all prayers and answers those who seek Him in humility. All are privy to personal revelation when they seek it.

   Some accuse Mormons of believing in a "different Jesus." Mormons believe in the resurrected Christ as the Word, through whom God created all things that are. He is the Savior and Redeemer, the only name through whom we may be saved. Additional scripture or the belief that He is corporeal -- that we can feel the imprints in His hands and feet, should He give us that opportunity -- does not diminish Him or the power of His infinite atonement. (Read more...)