Mormon -Mormons follow both the Bible and the Book of Mormon
Mormon Religion
What's a Mormon?
Basic Beliefs and Facts about the Mormon Faith The official
name of the "Mormon Church" is The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints.
As a church, they have been around since 1830, but believe
that they are a restoration of the church as it was originally
established by Jesus Christ when he was on the earth. The
best description of this comes from Mormon.org:
"When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He organized His Church
so that all people could receive His gospel and return one
day to live with God, our Heavenly Father. After Jesus Christ
ascended to heaven, His Apostles continued to receive revelation
from Him on how to direct the work of His Church. However,
after they were killed, members changed the teachings of the
Church that He had established. While many good people and
some truth remained, this Apostasy, or general falling away
from the truth, brought about the withdrawal of the Church
from the earth. The Apostle Peter prophesied that Jesus would
restore His Church before His Second Coming (Acts 3:19–21).
Jesus Christ began to restore His Church in its fullness to
the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. It has
grown to become a worldwide Church with over 12 million members.
It has the same teachings and basic organization as the Church
established by Jesus in New Testament times."
The name "Mormon" comes from a book of scripture called
the Book of Mormon which they believe is another testament
of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon documents the descendents
of an ancient prophet, Lehi, who took his family from Jerusalem
and was led to what is now North and South America. The highlight
of the book is a visit by the Savior after his death and resurrection
in Jerusalem. The book contains the doctrines and teachings
that were followed by these ancient people. Their religious
beliefs stemmed from a book of scripture they brought with
them from Jerusalem called the Brass Plates and from continuing
revelation from God. Today, members of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to study the Book
of Mormon and the Bible to understand the life and teachings
of the Savior. They are also encouraged to seek out answers
for themselves through study, fasting and prayer. Their Church
is led today by a prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley and a quorum
of twelve Apostles who continue to receive revelation and
are considered the Lord's mouthpieces on the earth.
More information from Mormon.org:
- Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
is a worldwide religion.
- The Church: Has over 12 million members, more than half
of whom live outside the United States.
- Is represented by over 50,000 missionaries in 162 countries.
- Has published more than 100 million copies of the Book
of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, in over 93
languages.
- Has more than 100 temples worldwide.
- Has congregations throughout the world where members and
visitors meet each Sunday to worship and learn.
- Prints monthly magazines in 50 languages for adults,
youth, and children.
Some of the basic beliefs of the Church are:
- God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants us to
return to Him.
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
- He is our Savior. He redeems us from death by providing
the Resurrection.
- He saves us from sin as we repent.
- Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can return
to live with God if we keep His commandments.
- The Holy Ghost helps us to recognize truth.
- The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are
faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism and receiving
the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth.
- The priesthood authority of God exists in His Church today,
just as it did in the original Church.
- The Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God.
- God reveals His will to prophets today, just as He did
anciently.
- Our life has a sacred purpose.
- Families can be together forever.
- Through serving others, we can experience joy and draw
closer to God.
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