Step with us into the intriguing realm of beliefs of a Mormon, where the spiritual journey unfolds as an earthly odyssey. But first, some unavoidable facts should be mentioned.
Mormons are a group of people who follow the teachings of Christianity and believe in revelations given by their founder, Joseph Smith. Most of them are part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). The Church is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has over 16 million members worldwide. Another group, the Community of Christ, with about 250,000 members, is located in Independence, Missouri. The religion officially started in 1830 when The Book of Mormon was published. More: The Celtic Christian Cross: History and Meaning
Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.
Joseph Smith
Heavenly Father’s plan
Ever wondered about life’s big questions? Where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens after we die? Well, according to the beliefs of a Mormon, Heavenly Father has the ultimate game plan. We’re all spirited offspring of God, living with Him in heaven. We had grand plans to be just like Him but realized we needed a bit more preparation.
Our mission on Earth is to learn, grow, progress, and ace the test of following God’s commandments. The twist? We conveniently forgot our heavenly abode for this temporary Earthly stint. But wait, there’s more! In the grand script of life, God foresaw our plot twists – sins and all. He also threw in the curveball of physical death. More: Don`t go against your integrity to reach your dreams
Heavenly Father’s ingenious plan included the ultimate comeback – the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and his Resurrection. Christ takes the spotlight in this cosmic tale, with all other gospel doctrines and principles playing supporting roles in these core truths.
The beliefs of a Mormon
Mormons think of themselves as Christians. Some other Christians don’t officially recognize Mormonism as a specific group within Christianity. Mormons believe in important events related to Jesus, like his crucifixion, resurrection, and being divine. They also believe that God sent more prophets after Jesus died. They claim to have restored the original church in modern times.
Mormons follow four different texts: The Christian Bible, The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. According to the LDS church, they believe that Adam and Eve lived in Daviess County, after leaving the Garden of Eden.
In Mormonism, there are three levels of heaven – celestial, terrestrial, and telestial. Only those in the celestial kingdom will live in God’s presence. Unlike some other Christians, Mormons don’t see God as existing in three persons (trinity). They believe the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate gods.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints regards Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, as a prophet. Mormons stick to a healthy lifestyle that avoids alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Important values in Mormonism include family life, doing good deeds, respecting authority, and engaging in missionary work. More: Religious wisdom and spiritual interpretations of mindfulness
Mormons have special clothing rituals, including wearing sacred undergarments known as the “temple garment.” Adult members wear these garments as a symbol of promises made to God. Not all Mormon churches like to be called “Mormon”. That is because the term has been used negatively. Also, it doesn’t capture the diversity of beliefs among groups that follow the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith’s teachings. More: Integrity evaluation: Where do you stand?
Death is an inevitable part of our lives
Death is a part of life, and according to Latter-day Saints, it’s also a part of a bigger plan called the plan of salvation. When Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they became mortal and could experience death. But for Latter-day Saints, death is not the end. It’s like when we were born – it wasn’t the beginning of everything, and death is not the end either.
When we die, our spirits leave our bodies, and we enter the spirit world. This is a place of learning, repentance, forgiveness, and growth where we wait for the Resurrection, which is the next step in our journey.
Even though we die, our personalities and desires for good or bad don’t change. There’s a saying in the scriptures that the spirit we have when we leave this life is the same spirit we’ll have in the next life. Those who choose to follow God and His rules will be happy, while those who don’t change their ways will be unhappy. But this isn’t forever. Latter-day Saints believe that God’s work will continue in the spirit world. That means there is one more chance to accept or reject the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Mormons also believe that Jesus Himself started teaching those who died in the spirit world. So, even though death is a part of life, it’s not the end of the story. More: Understanding Easter: Significance, events, and traditions
The beliefs of a Mormon include people of other religions
Mormons believe that God’s plan includes everyone, whether they believe in Him, follow Jesus, or have never heard about Jesus Christ. They don’t think they’re the only ones inspired by God, and they are accepting of other faiths. Even though Mormons are sure their Church teaches true beliefs, they don’t see it as the only source of truth. They think there’s truth in many religions and philosophies. According to them, various religious leaders have helped humanity become more aware of spiritual and moral things.
Mormons view everyone as children of God, no matter their beliefs. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faced religious intolerance in the past. Now, its members strongly oppose persecuting other faiths. Mormons, including missionaries, are expected to be respectful and considerate of others’ beliefs.
When Mormons say their church is the only true church, they mean it’s the only one with the authority to perform certain religious ceremonies, and the only one led by Jesus Christ through prophets and Apostles. Mormons belive the only way to find complete happiness is through the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They also believe that everyone will have the chance to accept these teachings, either in this life or the next. More: Discover your true path with North Node
