Mormons—more properly referred to as Latter-day Saints or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—are well known for certain aspects of their religion and culture which are seen as unique among Christian religions. The focus on families is a well-known aspect of Latter-day Saint culture; most Church members say that marriage and being a good parent are among the most important things in life. Here are some more interesting facts about the religion:
Fact #1: Latter-day Saints believe in the Godhead.
The Godhead is made up of three unique individuals: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Though individual beings, each are united in purpose, power, and knowledge. God the Father is the father of every human spirit, and all men and women are created in His image. He has a glorified, physical body of flesh and bone. Jesus Christ is the firstborn Son of God. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Jesus Christ also has a glorified, physical body of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost does not have a physical body, but is a spirit who acts as a messenger and reveals truth to all of God's children.
Fact #2: The Restoration of the gospel was necessary for salvation.
After Jesus Christ's Crucifixion and the deaths of His Apostles, the fulness of the gospel was absent from the earth because of widespread apostasy. In 1830, Jesus Christ restored His Church through Joseph Smith. The Restoration brought back everything found in Christ's original Church, including priesthood authority from God, baptism by immersion, the gift of the Holy Ghost, temples, continuing revelation, and the pure doctrine of Christ as taught by living prophets and apostles and in additional scripture, such as the Book of Mormon.
Fact #3: Latter-day Saints accept four volumes of written scripture.
- The Holy Bible: Latter-day Saints believe the Holy Bible to be the word of God. They believe it is a collection of sacred texts that contain many of God's revelations to His children from the Creation of the earth to the ministries of Jesus and His Apostles, and they are encouraged to study and follow its teachings.
- The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with … ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness 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" (introduction to the Book of Mormon). The plates were buried by the prophet Moroni, the son of Mormon. In 1827, Joseph Smith was instructed to recover the plates and later translate them according to the gift and power of God.
- Additional Scripture: In addition to the Bible and the Book of Mormon, Latter-day Saints believe in continuing revelation and consider two additional books as scripture. The Doctrine and Covenants is composed of modern-day revelation from God. The Pearl of Great Price includes two lost books from the Bible, a translation of the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph Smith's history, and the Articles of Faith.
Fact #4: Latter-day Saints believe in modern-day prophets and apostles.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by prophets and apostles just as Christ's Church was led in ancient times. Members believe that God speaks to His prophets to teach, warn, and inspire His children.
Fact #5: Latter-day Saints grow closer to God in temples.
In the early days of the Church, its leaders were commanded to build temples. In temples, Church members draw closer to the Lord, learn about God's plan, and receive ordinances for the living and on behalf of those who have died without a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Men and women are married in temples to seal their relationships throughout eternity—not just "until death do us part."
Fact #6. The plan of salvation is God's plan of happiness.
Latter-day Saint scripture teaches that all humans are God's children and lived with Him before being born. God authored a great and merciful plan by which His children could come to earth to gain a body and become more like Him. This plan, often called the plan of salvation, helps Latter-day Saints answer important questions such as "Where did I come from?" "Why am I here?" and "Where am I going?" At the center of the plan is Jesus Christ. He was chosen as a Savior to redeem mankind from sin through His atoning sacrifice and through His followers' faith, repentance, and obedience to covenants made with Him.
Fact #7. Latter-day Saints believe in resurrection and exaltation.
Members of the Church believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, after physical death, each person's body and spirit will reunite and no longer be subject to disease or death. Latter-day Saints also believe that after the Resurrection, mankind can be exalted to the highest level of salvation. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:7).
FAQs
The LDS church typically places very high importance on families and traditional gender roles. Indeed, 81% of Mormons say being a good parent is one of the most important things in life. And 73% say the same about having a successful marriage.
What are some interesting facts about Mormons? ›
The LDS church typically places very high importance on families and traditional gender roles. Indeed, 81% of Mormons say being a good parent is one of the most important things in life. And 73% say the same about having a successful marriage.
What can Mormons do and not do? ›
Mormons are not allowed to have sex prior to marriage, consume alcohol, do drugs, swear or gamble. They also believe that families are an essential part of God's plan and therefore do not permit same-sex relationships, abortion or p*rnography use.
What do you need to know about Mormonism? ›
Beliefs. Mormons consider themselves Christians, but many Christians don't recognize Mormonism as an official denomination. Mormons believe in the crucifixion, resurrection and divinity of Jesus Christ. Followers claim that God sent more prophets after Jesus's death.
Why do Latter-day Saints not like being called Mormon? ›
This is because Latter-day Saints are devoted followers of Jesus Christ and having His name included in the name of the Church is important to them. Read more about media style for journalists reporting on the Church or any of its members. Watch a video of Latter-day Saint leader, President Russell M.
Can Mormons hug? ›
The policy of companionships staying together at all times serves to discourage these activities. While missionaries may interact with members of the opposite sex, they may never be alone with them or engage in any kind of intimate physical or emotional activity (e.g., kissing, hugging, holding hands, flirting).
Do Mormons marry a lot of people? ›
Today Church members honor and respect the sacrifices made by those who practiced polygamy in the early days of the Church. However, the practice is outlawed in the Church, and no person can practice plural marriage and remain a member.
What is the golden rule for Mormons? ›
In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior's Golden Rule: 'Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them' (Matthew 7:12).”
Can Mormons kiss before marriage? ›
Kissing. Church leaders have stated that outside of marriage prolonged and "passionate kisses" are off limits. For example, church president Spencer W. Kimball, called the "soul kiss" an "abomination" that leads to necking, petting, and "illegitimate babies".
What is forbidden for Mormons? ›
Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and drugs
These are all specifically banned in the Word of Wisdom, except for drugs. The prophets have made it clear that drugs, other than for medical use, are also banned. Mormons are also strongly discouraged from drinking soft drinks containing caffeine.
They are also sometimes called laws. Members of the faith are well known for a lifestyle that includes paying tithing, conservative dress and grooming, a law of health known as the Word of Wisdom, morality, honesty, integrity, Sunday Sabbath observance, and dedication to families and community.
What are the strict beliefs of Mormons? ›
Mormons also emphasize standards they believe were taught by Jesus Christ, including personal honesty, integrity, obedience to the law, chastity outside marriage, and fidelity within marriage.
What questions should you ask a Mormon? ›
Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions. ...
- Are Latter-day Saints Christian? ...
- What do Latter-day Saints believe about God ? ...
- Do Latter-day Saints believe in the Trinity? ...
- What is the Latter-day Saint view of the purpose of life? ...
- Do Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible? ...
- What is the Book of Mormon?
“For example: Both Latter-day Saints and Muslims have sincerely held beliefs like faith in God, prophets, scriptures and holy places. We share common values like the importance of family, chastity and helping those in need.
What do Mormons call non-Mormons? ›
In the terminology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the word "gentile" can be used to refer to people who are not members of the LDS Church, since members regard themselves as regathered Israelites.
What is the difference between Mormon and LDS? ›
Mormonism is a term defining the religious beliefs and practices of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons. Mormonism describes the doctrines of the Church that were restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
What is unique about Mormonism? ›
The LDS (Latter-day Saints) faith is a Christian religion that believes in the Bible and the Book of Mormon as sacred texts. Some of the unique tenets of this faith include the belief in modern-day prophets, the concept of continuing revelation, the importance of missionary work, and the doctrine of temple ordinances.
What are Mormons most known for? ›
Mormonism includes significant doctrines of eternal marriage, eternal progression, baptism for the dead, polygamy or plural marriage, sexual purity, health (specified in the Word of Wisdom), fasting, and Sabbath observance.
What is a fun fact about the Book of Mormon? ›
Ten Little-Known Facts About the Book of Mormon
- You will not find “Third Nephi” or “Fourth Nephi” in the first edition Book of Mormon–or any other edition of the Book of Mormon printed prior to 1879. ...
- There were five editions of the Book of Mormon printed during the life of Joseph Smith [1805-1844].
Mormons live by a health code called the "Word of Wisdom." They abstain from alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee because the body is the temple of the spirit (I Cor. 3:16-17). The study revealed Mormon males had a life expectancy of 84.1 years — 9.8 years longer than that of U.S. white males.
