Mormon Church

The Mormon Church is an unofficial name used to refer to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The term Mormon derives from the Book of Mormon, translated by Joseph Smith in 1829. The Church was formed by Smith a year later, in 1830. The nickname has been commonly used, especially by those outside the Church, to refer to the Church since that time.

What is the Mormon Church? Joseph Smith received visions and revelations from God from 1820 until the end of his life. The Church is built upon these revelations, the word of the Bible, and also the word of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is an ancient record, translated by the power of God, which the Church proclaims is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Persecution followed Joseph Smith, and those who believed him, even before he organized the Church in any kind of formal way. In the early years of the Church, its members were driven out of one place and then another. It wasn't until they settled in Utah that they were able to actually settle for any length of time. Despite persecution and Joseph Smith’s murder, the Church managed to flourish and has approximately 12.5 millions members today. Most of them live outside the United States. There are Church members in 160 countries.

Although many misconceptions about the Church still exist and people still spend a lot of time trying to prove it wrong, unchristian, or evil, Mormons (also called Latter-day Saints) as a people are fairly well-respected and well-represented in the United States and in many other countries.

The core of Mormon belief is a belief in Christ. Christ is the center of their church, which is a Christian one. In fact, Mormons believe that their church is the restored church of Christ. They believe that after the apostles of Christ died, Christ’s church fell slowly into apostasy. The authority to act in the name of God (the priesthood) was lost. The keys of this priesthood were restored to Joseph Smith and he handed them down to others. These keys have been handed down in an unbroken line since. The Church also holds as one of its core tenets that God speaks to man today. He spoke to Joseph Smith, and to prophets living today. The Church, since its founding, has always had prophets. Modern revelation and modern scripture go hand-in-hand. The Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of revelations.

The Mormon Church is well known for its missionary work as well. Since the members of the Church claim that it is the one true church, it should be no surprise that they would wish to share this truth with others. They believe that we are all children of God and that God would have us all hear His message and His plan for our eternal salvation. Over 50,000 Mormon missionaries are sent out a year to preach the gospel.

Another unique belief of the Mormon Church is that temples are essential. Indeed, in their beliefs, certain truths and certain ordinances can only be found, or be performed, in Mormon temples. These truths and ordinances are considered essential for salvation. All worthy adult members of the Church can attend any of the 122 temples the Church has built. There, they can have these ordinances performed, or perform them on the behalf of others. Since Mormons believe that the gospel of God is for all, they also believe that those who have died should and do also have the opportunity to receive these sacred and essential ordinances. This is an opportunity. They do not have to accept these ordinances, any more than they would have to in life.

Families are very important in the Mormon Church. The Church asserts that, through temple work, marriages and families can last forever. Children are seen as a sacred blessing and marriage, likewise, is sacred and should not be treated lightly.

The Church is also well known for its health code, the Word of Wisdom. Members of the Church do not drink alcohol or coffee, smoke, or use illegal drugs. The Word of Wisdom also encourages them to eat nutritiously, with a strong emphasis on grains and fruits, and to live healthy, both in body and mind. Education is also a virtue in the Church and a strong priority.

Because the Church emphasizes the importance of healthy living, families, service, and education, among other virtues, its members tend to be happy people, good citizens, and good neighbors, and have a reputation for honesty and selflessness.

See The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more complete information about the Church.