Beliefs and rituals of Mormonism
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called Latter-day Saints or Mormons) believe in God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost [1, Article 1]. Latter-day Saints believe that everyone on the Earth is a literal child of God, and as such, is able to become like Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ includes the beliefs and rituals (principles and ordinances) intended to bring individuals closer to God, for "In the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest" (D&C 84:20).
Beliefs
Faith and Repentance
Latter-day Saints believe that faith in Jesus Christ is a prerequisite for salvation. Faith is described as a motivating belief, one that moves one to action. For instance, James 2:17 states that "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." A belief in Christ is necessarily linked to awareness of one's fallen condition (separation of God through the fall of Adam) and one's weaknesses (sins or transgressions) which maintain a spiritual distance between God and man. This leads to what is termed "a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3 Nephi 9:20). This sense of dependency on God leads one to repentance, or a change of heart from the carnal and sensual to the godly (i.e. Mosiah 3:19). For instance, in the Book of Mormon, a king exhorts his people to repent by saying, "Believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them" (Mosiah 4:10). Thus, faith is seen as a belief motivating one to action, including repentance.
In a sense, faith can be viewed as the motivating force behind all obedience to Gospel principles, as faith is required to accept the promises to the obedient.
Rituals
Necessity of Authority
Rituals, commonly called ordinances, are special rites performed by male members of the Church who hold the Priesthood. The Priesthood is considered the authority to act in God's name. It has been compared, metaphorically, to the power of attorney (see Stanley G. Ellis, “He Trusts Us!,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 51–52). The Priesthood is considered an absolute necessity to administer the ordinances of the Gospel (for instance, see D&C 84:19-22).
Necessity of Worthiness
Every ordinance must be performed in the name of Jesus Christ, meaning that those performing the ordinance must not only have authority to act in His name (the Priesthood) but also must be worthy to represent the Savior in an official capacity. Certain worthiness standards are therefore required of those who perform Priesthood ordinances, and is also commonly required of those receiving ordinances, especially ordinances that are necessary for salvation. These worthiness standards include the Word of Wisdom (abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, harmful drugs, and living a healthy lifestyle), the Law of Chastity (D&C 42:22-25), and the Law of Obedience (Mosiah 18:10).
Ordinances can be broken up into two broad categories:
1. Those necessary for salvation
2. Those not necessary for salvation.
The first category includes ordinances of baptism, confirmation, and temple ordinances. The second category includes children's blessings, Patriarchal Blessings, and blessings of health and comfort.
