Beliefs
Mormons, like most other Christians, believe in the creation of the earth by God, the creation of Adam and Eve and their life in and expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and the story of Noah's flood.
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/5/1/23511764/5239857.jpg?364)
Mormons take a slightly different approach to some of these stories than many other traditions, however. For example, in the Mormon version of the sacred creation narrative, Jesus Christ, who before his birth was the Jehovah of the Hebrew Bible, created the earth and all things on it at the direction of God the Father. Jehovah was assisted in this by other "noble and great" spirits, most notably the angel Michael. Michael, according to the Mormon narrative, was born on earth as Adam, the first mortal man.
The story of the fall of humankind, Adam and Eve's sin, is also somewhat different within Mormonism. Rather than a tragic event that had to be rectified, Mormons believe that the fall was always part of God's plan and that it was necessary in order for humans to reproduce and to experience the necessary mortal experiences that would allow them to return to the presence of God.
Mormons share with other Christians the sacred narrative of Christ's life as presented in the New Testament. Mormons tend to be conservative in their reading of scripture, and tend toward an acceptance of the stories of Jesus' life, teaching, death, and resurrection as historical truth. In this, they remain quite close to conservative Christian groups in their reading of these narratives.
Other major Mormon beliefs:
The story of the fall of humankind, Adam and Eve's sin, is also somewhat different within Mormonism. Rather than a tragic event that had to be rectified, Mormons believe that the fall was always part of God's plan and that it was necessary in order for humans to reproduce and to experience the necessary mortal experiences that would allow them to return to the presence of God.
Mormons share with other Christians the sacred narrative of Christ's life as presented in the New Testament. Mormons tend to be conservative in their reading of scripture, and tend toward an acceptance of the stories of Jesus' life, teaching, death, and resurrection as historical truth. In this, they remain quite close to conservative Christian groups in their reading of these narratives.
Other major Mormon beliefs:
- Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of our loving Heavenly Father
- Christ’s Atonement allows mankind to be saved from their sins and return to live with God and their families forever
- Mormonism's founder, Joseph Smith, taught that absolute creation and destruction were impossibilities, because the elemental substance at the heart of all things existed eternally, as long as God
- Human beings once lived as spirit children of God. Before that, they existed as "intelligences," beings of undefined substance, that would one day be organized by God into sentient spiritual beings
- Mormons view mortal life as a time of learning and testing, as well as an opportunity to develop the godlike traits that they will need if they hope to live as a god in the next life
- Believe strongly in education because of the emphasis on God’s knowledge, “the glory of God is knowledge”
- Devout Mormons follow the "Word of Wisdom," a health code revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833
Practices
Mormons focus their worship in Sunday meetings but then attempt to reinforce their faith daily through a series of recommended practices. Sunday worship services consist of a three-hour block of meetings. If you want to learn more about Sunday worship click on the, “Interview” tab.
One Sunday a month, usually the first Sunday, is set aside for fasting. The Sacrament meeting (the first part of general Sunday worship) on Fast Sunday consists of the sharing of testimonies by any members of the Church who choose to participate. The Sabbath functions for Mormons as a sacred period designed to renew and refresh religious commitments and teachings before they return to their regular lives of work during the week.
Twice a year, in April and October, members of the LDS Church gather for General Conference. During this two-day series of meetings, members of the Church are instructed on religious through sermons delivered by more educated members of the Church.
One Sunday a month, usually the first Sunday, is set aside for fasting. The Sacrament meeting (the first part of general Sunday worship) on Fast Sunday consists of the sharing of testimonies by any members of the Church who choose to participate. The Sabbath functions for Mormons as a sacred period designed to renew and refresh religious commitments and teachings before they return to their regular lives of work during the week.
Twice a year, in April and October, members of the LDS Church gather for General Conference. During this two-day series of meetings, members of the Church are instructed on religious through sermons delivered by more educated members of the Church.
Traditions
Funeral Traditions
- Traditionally buried
- Buried temple garments
- Deceased should be dressed in temple clothing by an endowed family member of the same gender
- Funeral service is usually lead by a bishop
- After the interment there is usually a reception consisting of a meal called the "Mercy Meal."
- A woman's primary role is to have children (no set amount of children)
- Woman follow the "Word of Wisdom" which encourages healthy exercise, nutrition, and abstinence from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco
- Many woman request priesthood blessings during pregnancy
- After childbirth, Mormon woman are relieved of household and child care responsibilities until they heal; other family/ church members help the mother while she heals
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/5/1/23511764/2098629.jpg?202)
Baptism
- Mormons are usually baptized around age 8
- When they're baptized they are immersed in water
- It is necessary for an individual to become a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- It necessary to receive eternal salvation
- May only be performed with someone who has been called/ordained by God with priesthood authority
Holy Days
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/5/1/23511764/1689474.jpg?411)
Christmas
- Celebrates Jesus’ birth on December 25th. → Like Christianity
- Celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from dead on a Sunday.
- This is specifically a Mormon holiday. It is celebrated on July 24th. Pioneer Day celebrates the first entry of Mormons into Salt Lake Valley in 1847, after moving west to escape religious persecution.
Rites of Passage
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/5/1/23511764/8439472.jpg?436)
- 2-year missions
- Blessing as an infant
- Men receiving priesthood at age 12
- Receiving different offices of priesthood at the ages of 14,16, and 18 (or 19)
- Getting married in temple
- Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost (post baptism)
- “Going through the temple” before a mission or getting married
- Receive a patriarchal blessing (you can receive this at any age)