Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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The Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest attraction in the city's Temple Square.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [1], also widely known as the "Mormon Church [2]," or "LDS Church," is the largest denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism), a branch of Christian Restorationism. The Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States.

The Church was formed April 6, 1830, by Joseph Smith, Jr. and five associates in Fayette, New York. After the Church's persecution and expulsion from the state of Missouri, and the assassination of Joseph Smith by a mob in Illinois, Brigham Young led the Mormon pioneers to eventually settle in the Great Basin area (now Utah). The Church has grown to a worldwide membership of nearly 12 million [3] (with at least one-third termed "active," meaning members regularly attend weekly church meetings) and is the fourth largest religious denomination in the United States [4].

The Church has been a subject of controversy since its inception because of some of its present and former doctrines and practices that are unique within modern Christianity. Despite its being a Jesus-centered religion, traditional Christians often do not recognize this nontrinitarian church as a branch of Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize the church as Christian. See Mormonism and Christianity and Articles of Faith.

Overview

Church members--known as "Latter-day Saints"--hold that their faith is a divinely appointed restoration of the church established by Jesus Christ as depicted in the New Testament. They believe that the authority to perform baptism and other necessary ordinances was lost from the Earth with the death of the Jesus's original apostles, leading to a Great Apostasy.

Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the restored church, told of an appearance of God (the Father) and Jesus Christ (the Son), and of later visits from angels who guided him in restoring the church. In the process, he and others claimed to receive the authority to perform baptism and other ordinances. Smith also brought forth new scripture to complement and clarify the Biblical canon. These include the Book of Mormon, which they claim was a record kept by ancient prophets in the Americas, engraved on gold plates, that Smith translated into English by the power of God. Smith also recorded a number of revelations given to guide the church. See Scriptures below.

When Smith was killed by a mob, most of his followers accepted Brigham Young as the next President of the church and prophet. Faced with further persecution, Brigham Young eventually led them to the Salt Lake valley, where the church's headquarters remains. The Church in 2004 is headed by President Gordon B. Hinckley, the latest in a long succession of prophets since Brigham Young. He is assisted by two counselors and twelve Apostles, also sustained by members to be prophets.

The Church puts notable emphasis on its worldwide missionary efforts, humanitarian services, its construction of temples where ordinances are performed for the living and by proxy for the deceased, and its vast genealogy resources (used by members and non-members alike).

History

Main article: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is part of the broader Latter Day Saint movement, which originated in the 1820s and 1830s in upstate New York under the leadership of Joseph Smith, Jr.. See History of the Latter Day Saint movement. The LDS Church is the branch of this movement that followed Brigham Young after Smith's death, settling eventually in what is now Utah. Although there are several smaller Latter Day Saint churches including the Community of Christ, the LDS Church is by far the largest, and claims to be the only valid successor of the church founded by Joseph Smith.

Name of the Church

1995 logo of the church, emphasizing the words "Jesus Christ"

The Church was first called simply the "Church of Christ" due to its members' belief that it was the restored church of Jesus Christ. Four years later, in April 1834, it was also referred to as the "Church of Latter Day Saints" to differentiate the church of this era from that of the New Testament. Then in April 1838, the full name was stated as the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" to "fully reflect the Church's identity" [5] (see Doctrine and Covenants 115:3-4). In 1851, when the Church was incorporated in the United States, the official name changed slightly, picking up the additional corporate first article "The" and the British hyphenation of "Latter-day", and became "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".

The Church is also commonly referred to as the "LDS Church", and sometimes the "Mormon Church", although these designations can be confusing because groups outside the Church are sometimes also referred to as "Latter Day Saints" and "Mormons" and because there never was, strictly speaking, a "Mormon Church". The nickname "Mormon" arose soon after the publication of The Book of Mormon in 1830. Although originally used pejoratively to refer to the Church or its members, the term came to be used widely within the Church. See Mormon.

In a media guide first issued in 2001, the Church requested that the official name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", be used wherever possible, stating: "This full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838." It also encouraged the use of "the Church" or "the Church of Jesus Christ" as a shortened reference although the "LDS Church" is commonly used as shortened reference with the Church's own publications. When referring to members of the Church, it asked that the term "Latter-day Saints" be preferred, although "Mormons" is acceptable. Despite the Church's efforts over many decades to encourage use of its official name, the Associated Press has continued to recommend "Mormon Church" as a proper second reference in its influential Style Guide for journalists. Additionally, some scholars feel the term "Mormon" is useful to collectively describe all those groups which claim to descend from Joseph Smith despite the Associated Press Stylebook's guidelines to apply the term only to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Within the Church, all members are sometimes referred to as "saints" which reflects the doctrine that anyone who covenants by baptism to follow Christ is a saint. The term "Saint" is not solely a designation reserved for an especially exemplary Christian as is done in the Catholic or Orthodox churches.

First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel

Under the fourth Article of Faith, Latter-day Saints "believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Faith

Latter-day Saints believe that faith in Jesus is a fundamental requisite to salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ means the acceptance that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. This includes two parts: 1. the belief that all who live on Earth are granted salvation from death (physical resurrection) through the death of Jesus Christ and 2. that salvation from sin (or spiritual death) is obtained by obtaining forgiveness for sin through his grace and by following the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ. Latter Day Saints are encouraged by Church leaders and the LDS culture to develop their faith through study, prayer and obedience. Latter Day Saints often refer to their personal faith as their "testimony" and refer to telling others about their faith as "bearing testimony".

Repentance

Latter-day Saints believe in the principle of repentance, which for them includes a sincere regret as well as restitution when possible and reform of one's actions. Key to the repentance process is a person's personal, prayerful confession to God, which includes asking for forgiveness and resolving not to repeat the mistake. It is considered important for a person to confess serious sins to their Bishop, who can also offer advice and encouragement in less serious matters. Consistent with the meaning of the Greek word, from which it is translated, repentance denotes "a change of mind" and "a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined." Thus, one who recommits a sin shows that he or she has not yet truly completed the repentance process. Repentance is for small sins as well as large and a process which is used throughout the lifetime of the believer.

Baptism

The Church of Jesus Christ practices baptism by immersion. It is believed that baptism is symbolic of a burial and rebirth as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Through repentance and baptism, the person is believed to be cleansed of all previous sin and becomes a member of the church.

Baptism is never performed before the eighth birthday. The age of eight is considered the age when people can be responsible for their actions. The Book of Mormon and modern revelation specifically forbids the practice of infant baptism. (See Doctrine and Covenants 68:27 and Moroni 8:4-23.) Baptism is only recognized when performed by one holding the office of a Priest in the Aaronic (or lesser) Priesthood (See Priesthood (Latter-day Saint).)

Gift of the Holy Ghost

The Gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred on newly baptized members. A few Priesthood bearers (clergymen) place their hands on the head of the recipient. One of the clergymen speaks for the group confirming the recipient as a member of the Church and admonishing the recipient to receive the Holy Ghost; the speaker may also add other improvised words of blessing as he feels so inspired to speak. Latter-day Saints believe that this blessing entitles the newly confirmed recipient to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as a guide and guardian so long as the recipient lives righteously. Conversely, members believe that those who have not been given the gift may receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost but are not entitled to constant companionship.

The Priesthood and Church leadership

The Church is headed by its President whom the members sustain and revere as a Prophet, seer, and revelator whom they believe is entitled to receive revelation from God to guide the entire Church and to the rest of the world. The Other General, Area and local Authorities of the Church include Apostles, Seventies, Stake Presidents and Bishops. The President of the Church serves until his death, after which the Council of the Twelve Apostles will meet, pray, and under the leadership of the Senior Apostle will receive revelation as to who the next Prophet should be. Although not specified by revelation, the senior Apostle has historically become the new President of the Church, although this could be altered if specified by revelation (see Encyclopedia of Mormonism article on the First Presidency for additional information).

Scriptures

Under the Church's doctrine of continuing revelation (see Articles of Faith number 9), the Church has an open scriptural canon which currently includes the Bible, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. These scriptures form the Standard Works of the Church. Many of the pronouncements of general authorities, particularly the President of the Church, are also often viewed as uncanonized scripture—particularly official written pronouncements signed by the First Presidency and/or the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, such as "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" (1995), which defined the Church's vision of the ideal family (which resembles the typical nuclear family), and "The Living Christ" (2000), which commemorated the birth of Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints are also encouraged to accept the most recent statements from prophets and general authorities as modern-day scripture. Latter-day Saints are encouraged to pray to know the truthfulness of the doctrine contained in their various scriptures, especially if they have trouble living a certain principle.

English-speaking members typically use the King James Version of the Bible; Joseph Smith also translated a version of the bible, known as the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible although this bible translation is not generally used by members of the Church (owing to the fact that the copyright is owned by The Community of Christ, previously called Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), the Bible issued by the Church contains cross references to the Joseph Smith Translation (JST). Though part of the canon, members believe that the books of the Bible contain some error regarding basic principles of the gospel necessary for salvation due to numerous translations and omissions over the thousands of years since they were authored. Thus, Latter-day Saints consider the Book of Mormon to be more doctrinally correct.

The introduction of The Book of Mormon describes the book as follows:

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C.E., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians.

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of revelations given to prophets of modern times, starting with Joseph Smith. This record contains Church doctrine as well as direction on Church government.

The Pearl of Great Price contains: (1) excerpts from Joseph Smith’s translation of Genesis, called the book of Moses, and of Matthew 24, called Joseph Smith—Matthew; (2) Joseph Smith’s translation of some Egyptian papyrus (of which pages still exist rediscovered in 1967) that he claimed to acquire in 1835, called the book of Abraham; (3) an excerpt from The Documentary History of the Church containing a letter written by Joseph Smith in 1838, called Joseph Smith—History; and (4) an excerpt of another of Joseph Smith's letters called the Articles of Faith, thirteen statements of belief and doctrine.

The Godhead: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost

LDS theology states that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct personages that together form the Godhead (as distinct from the Trinity decreed by the First Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, in response to disagreement in the form of Arianism within the early church). All three members of the Godhead are eternal and equal in divinity, but they play somewhat different roles. While the Holy Ghost is a spirit who has not yet received a physical body, God and Christ are embodied spirits; that is, the spirits (or spiritual bodies) of both God and Christ are clothed in separate, distinct, perfected, glorified, physical bodies of flesh and bone. Although Mormon theology sees the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost as separate beings, they are considered to be "one" in most every other possible sense.

Mormonism posits most of the same attributes to the members of the Godhead as Christianity posits of the Trinity: omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent, eternal, immutable, immortal and immanent in the universe but not transcendent of it. However, the meaning of some of these attributes differs significantly. For example, Mormonism holds that: as creator God is the organizer of the universe since in Mormonism all matter (including sentient beings) in the universe has always existed and will exist eternally; God's omnipotence does not transcend the laws of physics or logic; and God's immutability concerns primarily his creations and his future status and not with his status prior to that time. The eternal and uncreated nature of God, matter and the spirits of mankind is referred to in the Church hymn, If you could hie to Kolob (Hymn number 284). It should be noted that the Church publishes its own hymnals in various languages, and exercises editorial control over hymn selection and content.

Although it is not directly stated in the canonical scriptures, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders have taught that God the Father is an exalted man who once lived as a man. Joseph Smith reportedly said:

These are incomprehensible ideas to some, but they are simple. It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God, and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did; and I will show it from the Bible. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-46.)

It is implied that God may have lived a mortal life passing through death and resurrection and eventually progressing to godhood. The creation story in Genesis would begin sometime after this point.

Latter-day Saints also believe, although it is not canonical, that God is eternally married to a Heavenly Mother. Heavenly Mother is believed to be entirely equal in status to Heavenly Father, a celestial Goddess and God respectively, forever married to one another and preserving differing yet complementary roles of deity, although she is not explicitly or extensively referred to in doctrine, scripture, or other Church canons. Her existence is referred to briefly in the Church hymn titled O My Father (Hymn number 292), and it is presumed from Church teachings that proclaim that each person is a "spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents" (See The Family: A Proclamation to the World). Thus, her existence is simply acknowledged by Church members and leadership, but she is not worshipped nor is made the object of prayer. It is commonly surmised that she is deliberately and safely protected in anonymity by Heavenly Father, whereby no human knows her name.

While some refer to the Church's doctrine of the godhead as polytheistic, Latter-day Saints would be more accurately portrayed as henotheistic or monolatristic. In contrast to this, Protestant, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Christians insist that their religion is monotheistic; that is, God is One in Being (ousia) and simultaneously Three, namely the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in Persons (hypostases). Though the existence of other gods is acknowledged by the Church and its members, this fact is considered almost irrelevant to salvation: the other gods—which Latter-day Saints would refer to as exalted beings—have no impact on this sphere of existence.

Despite the Church's name, its focus on Jesus as sole savior of humankind, its "family values" and many of its Gospel teachings in common with Christianity, many theologians and members of other Christian denominations consider the difference between the LDS practices and doctrines—such as the contrast between the Church's doctrine of the Godhead and the mainstream Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity—so fundamental that they do not regard Latter-day Saints as Christians. (See Mormonism and Christianity.) Latter-day Saints counter that it is mainstream Christianity that misunderstands the nature of God. They hold that the mainstream concept of God was corrupted by the introduction of Platonic realism, Neoplatonism, and extreme Asceticism into the early Christian church and that these influences continued through the Great Apostasy.

Latter-day Saints do not use the Christian cross or crucifix as a symbol of their faith. Most modern Latter-day Saints choose to focus upon Jesus' life and resurrection, not his death. Currently, one of the most commonly used visual symbols of the Church is the trumpeting angel Moroni, proclaiming the restoration of the true gospel to the Earth (usually identified as the angel mentioned in Revelation 14:6–7); and a statue depicting the angel often tops the tallest spire of LDS temples.

Salvation, Exaltation, Damnation and Eternal Progression

Latter-day Saints believe that "through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved [from sin (spiritual death) and physical death], by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (See Articles of Faith number 3.) This Plan of Salvation is God's plan for the return of mankind to live with him as glorified, eternal beings. Salvation occurs through Jesus, whom they view as the redeemer of mankind. The gift of immortality is believed to come to all through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his subsequent Resurrection. (See 1 Corinthians 15:22.) Although it is believed that immortality is a free gift to all people, entrance to the Heavenly Kingdom (referred to as the "Celestial Kingdom") (See 1 Corinthians 15:40.) comes only to those who accept Jesus through baptism by priesthood authority into the Church, follow Church doctrine, and who live righteous lives. Faith alone, i.e. dead faith, or faith without works, is not considered sufficient to gain exaltation. (See James 2:26.)

Exaltation is the reward which the Church believes is given to righteous members—including those who accept the Gospel in the afterlife. Through the process of exaltation, a person can eventually become a god and creator.

It is believed that people who do not have the opportunity to hear the Gospel while on Earth will have the opportunity in the afterlife.

The Celestial Kingdom (metaphorically glorious as the sun) is the place where righteous Saints live with God and with their families.

Those good people who choose not to be valiant in following Jesus or who do not accept the Gospel do not qualify for exaltation, and will be consigned to—and indeed find themselves more comfortable in—the Terrestrial Kingdom (metaphorically compared to the moon's brightness). This place is believed to be one of great glory, but without the presence of God the Father.

Murderers and other criminals also spend eternity with people of like intent in the Telestial Kingdom (likened to the stars). This also is considered a kingdom of glory, and is described as being much more glorious than mortal life, perhaps because it is free from the sickness and want of mortality.

These three kingdoms—the Celestial, the Terrestrial, and the Telestial—are comparable to the concept of heaven as found in most other Christian denominations in that they are places of eternal happiness. For church members the kingdoms are congruent with heaven and in accord with Christ's New Testament words "In my house there are many mansions...". These kingdoms also form a vital part of the Plan of Salvation.

A small number of truly evil people, who have a full knowledge of the Gospel and willingly reject what they know to be God's truth in its entirety, are believed to be consigned to what is commonly referred to as Outer Darkness at the final judgement—a place of no light (light being the common metaphor for truth). An individual so banished is called a Son of Perdition.

Within greater Christianity, the LDS view of salvation is most like Arminianism, a commonly held view which emphasizes the individual's free-will acceptance of the grace of God throughout life.

Chapels

Weekly worship services, including Sacrament Meetings, are held in meetinghouses, also referred to as "chapels". Everyone is welcome to attend. The Sacrament, similar to Communion or the Eucharist in other churches, is offered weekly. Typical meetings include the singing of hymns (accompanied by piano or organ) and two or three discourses by members. Although it is not required, women usually attend wearing skirts or dresses, while men wear suits or dress shirts and ties. People in different attire are also welcome.

Weekly services typically include two hours of meetings aside from the hour-long Sacrament Meeting. All children under 12 attend two hours of Primary classes. All people over 12 attend an hour of Sunday School for gospel instruction, and separate by age and gender for an hour-long meeting. Men and young men over 12 years old attend Priesthood Meeting. Young women from 12-17 attend Young Women. Women 18 or older attend Relief Society. These meetings may be held in any order.

Temples

Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hamilton, New Zealand

See: Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Other Practices

Practices more or less distinctive to Latter-day Saints include following the Word of Wisdom (eating healthy, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee and eating meat sparingly), tithing (giving 10 percent of one's income to the church), chastity, modesty in dress, lay leadership, Family Home Evenings (families are encouraged to meet weekly for prayer and other activities - typically on Monday), and home and visiting teaching (members regularly visit one another in their homes for prayer and study). Tattoos and body piercings (except for one pair of earrings for women) are discouraged. Church members are encouraged to marry and have children, and as a result, Mormon families tend to be larger than average. Because of the importance of the family, sexual--including homosexual--activity outside marriage is grounds for Excommunication.

Latter-day Saint fathers typically bless their babies shortly after birth to formally give the child a name and generate a church record for them. Various blessings may be pronounced, as the father feels inspired.

Polygamy

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint do not practice polygamy, although the Church did endorse a form of polygamy, which was called "plural marriage" at one time, it is no longer the case. Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and other early members of the Church were married to more than one wife, until the commandment was officially withdrawn in a Manifesto given by President Wilford Woodruff in 1890 (see Official Declaration 1) with the Church's position reiterated in 1910. Any members of the Church that are found to be practicing polygamy since are excommunicated, as the law forbids polygamy.

Prayers

Formal public and personal prayers are addressed to "Heavenly Father" and offered in the name of Jesus Christ, followed by amen. It is customary when a prayer is given in public that all present say amen in reply. English-speaking members generally use "thee", "thou", "thy", and "thine" when addressing God, as a form of both familiarity and respect. Members who speak other languages use similar syntax in prayer. Most prayers are extemporaneous and may be said while kneeling, standing, sitting, or any other postion. Certain prayers, however are defined and must be said verbatim, while others must follow a certain pattern. For example, the Sacrament prayer is a set prayer that is said the same every week and while kneeling. If the person deviates from the text, they must repeat the prayer until correct. The baptism prayer must be said verbatim while standing in the water with the person being baptized and the right arm is raised. Ordinations and blessings have a defined pattern and some include certain fixed phrases that are to be included in the prayer. For example, the confirmation ordinance is to begin by addressing the individual, stating the priesthood authority being used to confirm the person, confirming that person as a member of the church and saying to them "receive the Holy Ghost", followed by a blessing as led by the Spirit.

Missionaries

The LDS church has perhaps the most active missionary program of any world church. There are generally around 60,000 missionaries, generally 75% of whom are young, unmarried men aged 19-27. The remaining 25% consist of young women and senior couples, each serving 12-36 months full-time and unpaid. Contrary to popular misconception, most missionaries do not knock on doors all day and do not ride bikes for religious reasons. These are simply the most visible of the missionaries. There are "service missionaries" who solely volunteer in impoverished areas, do genealogical research, and are tour guides. In many areas, even proselytizing missionaries spend most of their day responding to incoming phone calls, queries, etc.

Education

The Church strongly emphasizes education and subsidizes Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Idaho (formerly Ricks College), and Brigham Young University-Hawaii. The Church also has a seminary program for high school students and an institute program for college students.

External links

Official websites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

LDS.org - the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mormon.org - information on basic beliefs, a meetinghouse locator, and a place to email questions
Provident Living - addresses lifestyles for spiritual and temporal welfare
The Scriptures - Internet Edition
FamilySearch.org - used for family history and genealogical research
Gospel Library - contains official publications and texts

Additional Websites

BYU Speeches - given by Latter-day Saints at Brigham Young University, Provo, addressed to BYU students
LDSresource.net - an online listing for aspects of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mormon Answers - frequently asked questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
LDS Today - news related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
FAIR - the Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research

Other Views

Exmormon.org - by former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Apologetics Index - by Evangelical Christians, provides research resources from a variety of perspectives