Ever wonder what your Mormon neighbors actually believe?
You’ve probably seen missionaries in white shirts cycling through your neighborhood. Maybe you’ve chatted with LDS coworkers who won’t grab coffee. But what do Mormons believe that makes their faith so distinctive?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn’t your typical denomination. With over 15 million members worldwide, this American-born religion has sparked both fascination and controversy since Joseph Smith founded it in 1830.
Let me walk you through the core Mormon beliefs that define this remarkable faith tradition.
Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism
Picture upstate New York in the 1820s. Religious fervor swept through towns and villages during the Second Great Awakening. Preachers shouted from makeshift pulpits. Families debated which church held truth.
Young Joseph Smith Jr. lived right in the thick of it.
Born in 1805 to a poor Vermont farming family, Smith grew up in Palmyra, New York. Locals called this region the “Burned-Over District” because revival fires blazed so intensely there. His parents dabbled in folk magic and searched endlessly for spiritual answers.
At 14, Joseph retreated into the woods to pray. He claimed God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared before him. They told him every existing church had strayed from true Christianity. This First Vision became the cornerstone of Mormon doctrine.
Three years later, something stranger happened.
An angel named Moroni allegedly visited Joseph’s bedroom. The heavenly messenger revealed golden plates buried near his home. These plates contained ancient writings in an unknown language. Alongside them sat two stones the Urim and Thummim divine tools for translation.
But Moroni didn’t let Joseph take the plates immediately. Not until 1827 did the angel permit retrieval.
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Here’s where things get interesting for historians.
Three witnesses Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris signed statements claiming they saw Moroni and the golden plates. They heard God’s voice confirming the plates’ authenticity. Later, all three left the Mormon Church. Yet none ever recanted their testimony.
Dr. Bart D. Ehrman notes this creates a fascinating parallel. Christian apologists argue Jesus’s resurrection is well-attested. But we only have Paul’s firsthand account of seeing the resurrected Christ. Other resurrection narratives come from anonymous authors writing decades later.
Meanwhile, Joseph Smith’s angel encounter has three signed eyewitness statements.
Apply the same evidentiary standards to both claims? A Pandora’s box opens wide.
Joseph translated the golden plates into the Book of Mormon. Published in 1830, it claimed to document ancient prophets in America. These prophets witnessed Jesus Christ. Native Americans descended from Israelites, the book asserted.
Scholars have questioned this narrative vigorously. Richard Abanes points out that no professional archaeologist supports the Israelite ancestry theory. Zero archaeological evidence backs Smith’s claims about Native American origins.
Nonetheless, 1830 marked the formal establishment of the LDS Church. Joseph Smith became its first prophet and leader.
The Church of Mormons: Initial Establishment and Challenges
Early Mormons faced brutal persecution.
They settled in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1839. The community flourished under Smith’s leadership. Thousands joined, including many from England. They even organized their own militia.
But controversy brewed beneath the surface.
Joseph Smith introduced plural marriage polygamy. This revelation strained relationships with outsiders. Many found the practice abhorrent. Even Smith’s wife Emma Smith initially protested, trying to mobilize Mormon women against it.
In 1844, an angry mob murdered Joseph Smith. The Church lost its founder.
A succession crisis followed. Emma led some followers to form what’s now the Community of Christ. But Brigham Young rallied most Mormons westward. They trekked to Utah, settling near the Great Salt Lake. There they hoped to build their Zion.
The LDS Church eventually renounced polygamy in 1890. They integrated into American society. Today, they’ve grown into a global community exceeding 15 million members.
Thomas F. O’Dea observed something remarkable. Among American social groups, Mormons “came closer to evolving an ethnic identity on this continent than any other group.” Their cultural cohesion remains extraordinary.
Mormon Beliefs: An Introduction
A couple years back, I met a young Mormon missionary in Zagreb, Croatia. He introduced himself as Christian, emphasizing shared beliefs with Catholics.
This claim unsettles many Christians.
Trent Horn, speaking from a Catholic perspective, argues Mormons are “so alien to Christian belief that they essentially belong to another religion.” Critics cite three main reasons:
- Mormons accept additional sacred texts beyond the Bible
- They historically practiced polygamy
- Mormon doctrine diverges sharply on God’s nature, humanity, and salvation
But let’s pause here.
How did ancient Jewish leaders view early Jesus followers? “They still visit the Temple but with their Christology? They aren’t Jews!” History repeats when drawing religious boundaries.
Whether Mormonism counts as Christianity depends on who’s defining terms. What matters more? Understanding what Latter-day Saints actually believe.
What Do Mormons Believe? Scripture, Tradition, and Salvation
Most Christians rely solely on the Bible. Mormons embrace four sacred texts:
- The Bible (King James Version preferred)
- Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
- Doctrine and Covenants: Modern revelations and church organization
- Pearl of Great Price: Additional revelations and translations
Douglas J. Davies explains the progression. The Book of Mormon, published in 1830, expressed general Christian salvation doctrine. It emphasized repentance, faith, baptism, and Christ’s imminent return.
Later texts took different directions.
Doctrine and Covenants (1835) and Pearl of Great Price (1851) introduced temple rituals. They emphasized covenant-making ceremonies. Most radical? The doctrine of apotheosis humans becoming divine.
The LDS Church also believes its leaders are modern prophets. They can issue teachings equivalent to scriptural revelation. This continuing revelation contrasts sharply with Protestant sola scriptura and Catholic views of closed Scripture.
Polygamy remains Mormonism’s most controversial chapter.
Around 1831, Joseph Smith claimed divine instruction to marry multiple wives. He cited Israel’s patriarchs as precedent. Smith secretly entered polygamous marriages before announcing the practice publicly. He allegedly took 30 to 40 wives some already married, others very young.
Thomas F. O’Dea notes polygamy’s theological importance. It “set them apart from gentiles more definitely than anything else.” Mormon doctrine made sexuality a path to celestial glory.
Emma Smith’s resistance was fierce initially. But the practice became official church policy. Richard S. Van Wagoner traces its evolution. The church publicly announced polygamy advocacy in 1852. Government pressure mounted. President Wilford Woodruff issued an 1890 announcement advising against new plural marriages.
Yet church-sanctioned polygamy continued covertly until 1904. President Joseph F. Smith finally authorized excommunication for practitioners.
The association between Mormonism and plural marriage still shapes public perception today.
What Do Mormons Believe About Jesus and Salvation?
Traditional Christianity teaches God as wholly separate from humanity. The Trinity exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit one essence.
Mormon beliefs depart dramatically here.
Joseph Smith taught that God was once mortal. He achieved exaltation and became an “exalted man” with a physical body of flesh and bone. Not some ethereal spirit actual flesh.
This challenges orthodox Christian theology fundamentally.
What do Mormons believe about Jesus specifically? He’s central to their faith, yes. But their understanding differs. Mormons view Jesus as God’s literal Son. He’s the most exalted of God’s spirit children. He holds a unique salvation role.
Unlike mainstream Christianity’s paradoxical “fully God and fully man,” Mormon theology presents Jesus as divine yet distinct from God the Father.
His atoning sacrifice matters immensely. But salvation doesn’t depend on faith alone. Personal righteousness and specific practices are equally essential.
The Mormon plan of salvation reflects this complexity:
- Faith in Jesus Christ (foundational)
- Righteous living guided by LDS teachings
- Following the Word of Wisdom (no alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco)
- Treating the body as a sacred temple
- Tithing (donating 10% of income)
- Performing temple rituals
Temple ordinances aren’t open to public view. They include the “endowment” where members learn about salvation and make covenants with God. Also “sealing” uniting families for eternity.
Richard Abanes explains the endowment’s secretive nature. Until April 1990, the ceremony contained death penalty oaths against revealing secrets. Similar to Freemason vows. The Salt Lake Tribune exposed these bloody oaths in 1906.
Through these distinctive beliefs and practices, the Mormon Church blends ancient traditions with modern revelations.
What Do Mormons Believe About Women?
Women’s role in Mormon beliefs sparks ongoing debate.
LDS theology emphasizes “eternal families.” Women as wives and mothers play essential roles. They raise children, maintain households, and support husbands spiritually and practically.
However, women cannot hold the priesthood. This authority performs sacred ordinances, leads congregations, and administers church functions. Men exclusively hold this power.
Douglas J. Davies notes this imbalance. LDS history is “a faith history of great men, and of some great women, but the men predominate.”
Recent years have brought some progress. Leaders emphasize spiritual equality between men and women within God’s plan. Women possess unique spiritual gifts. They’re integral to the church’s mission.
Mormon women serve as teachers, missionaries, and leaders within women’s and youth organizations. But debates about ordination persist.
Terryl Givens from the University of Richmond describes the paradox perfectly:
“The role of women in the LDS Church and LDS theology is something of a paradox. To an outsider what is most immediately apparent is that the priesthood is limited to men… Yet at the same time, there are many threads in Mormonism that move very sharply in the opposite direction.”
Givens notes Mormons championed women’s education early. Utah women received voting rights before most states. Congress revoked it when they didn’t like how women voted.
The situation remains complex and evolving.
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Do Mormons Have Any Crazy Beliefs?
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
Are Mormon beliefs “crazy” or “weird”? That depends entirely on perspective. “Crazy” is highly subjective shaped by cultural norms, personal experiences, individual worldviews.
Sociologists call such labels “emic terms.” Outsiders create them to describe groups they perceive as “other.” These descriptions hold little scholarly value. Objective understanding beats personal bias.
Consider mainstream Christianity through an outsider’s eyes:
- A talking serpent in Genesis?
- Saints rising from graves in Matthew’s Gospel?
- A man resurrecting after three days dead?
For someone with a strictly materialistic worldview? These concepts sound implausible. Millions of Christians consider them sacred truths.
Non-religious ideologies inspire strange practices too.
Mihail Riklin’s book Komunizam kao religija (Communism as Religion) explores Soviet rituals and symbols. To outsiders, communist quasi-religious practices seemed as “crazy” as any religious doctrine.
A scholarly approach categorically rejects such judgments.
Scholars strive to understand religious beliefs from multiple perspectives. Both from inside as believers experience them and from a broader view considering cultural, historical, social contexts.
As a historian of religion, I reject labeling any belief system inherently “crazy.” Mormonism represents a fascinating aspect of America’s religious landscape.
It’s often called “the most American religion.” A pioneering faith emphasizing free will, personal revelation, family values.
Whether you agree with Mormon beliefs or not? They deserve study and respect. What seems “strange” to one person is deeply meaningful to another.
The Growth of Mormonism: Sociological Perspective
Mormon beliefs emphasize missionary work intensely.
Going on a mission isn’t just encouraged. It’s a rite of passage. Every healthy young man serves a two-year mission starting at age 18. Similar to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ approach.
From humble beginnings with a handful of followers, the LDS Church exploded. By the 20th century’s end? Over 10 million members worldwide. Today they exceed 15 million with presence in nearly every country.
How do we explain this extraordinary growth?
Leadership quality played a crucial role. Joseph Smith possessed remarkable charisma. He connected with people on deeply emotional and spiritual levels. After his death, Brigham Young emerged as a skilled organizer. He guided the church westward, establishing a cohesive Utah community.
Missionary devotion drives growth significantly. Missionaries go to extraordinary lengths sharing Mormon doctrine. They foster an outreach culture that brings countless converts.
Distinct cultural identity inspires deep loyalty. Being Mormon isn’t about attending church twice yearly. British sociologist Grace Davie calls that “believing without belonging.” Mormonism is a full identity permeating every life aspect.
Sociologists Rodney Stark and William S. Bainbridge studied Mormon conversions. Their research in The Future of Religion reveals fascinating dynamics. Conversion rarely results from random door-to-door encounters.
Instead, personal connections matter most.
When missionaries made initial contact in Mormon friends’ or relatives’ homes? Conversion likelihood skyrocketed to 50%. Strong personal attachments to LDS members outweigh outside relationships. This paves the way for successful conversion.
A 2014 PEW study confirms Mormonism’s vitality. Over 80% of members state religion is very important to them. Compare that to 58% of Catholics saying the same.
Douglas J. Davies summarizes growth factors:
“The birth of the Church lay in Joseph Smith’s prophetically charismatic millenarian message… the Church’s survival and subsequent flourishing were fuelled by a growing population who were sustained by values generated by formal ritual.”
10 Key Mormon Beliefs: Chart
Let’s consolidate everything into a quick reference guide. Understanding religious doctrines can feel overwhelming. This table highlights 10 key Mormon beliefs concisely:
| Belief | Description |
|---|---|
| Scriptures Beyond the Bible | Mormons accept the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as holy scriptures alongside the Bible. |
| God Was Once a Human Being | Joseph Smith taught that God was once mortal but achieved exaltation and now has a physical body of flesh and bone. |
| The Social Trinity | Unlike traditional Christian denominations, Mormons believe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct beings, united in purpose but not essence. |
| Jesus as the Literal Son of God | Mormons view Jesus as the literal Son of God, a distinct divine being who enables humanity’s salvation. |
| Salvation Through Faith and Works | Salvation requires faith in Jesus but also living a righteous life, following particular rules, and performing specific rituals. |
| Eternal Families | Families are central to Mormon theology; temple rituals seal families together for eternity, uniting them beyond this life. |
| The Word of Wisdom | The LDS Church teaches a health code prohibiting alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco. |
| Modern Prophets and Revelation | Mormons believe in continuing revelation, where modern-day prophets, starting with Joseph Smith, guide the church. |
| Temple Ordinances | Key temple rituals include endowment (spiritual teachings and promises) and sealing (eternal marriage and family unity). |
| Missionary Work | Missionary work is an obligatory cornerstone of Mormon practice, with young men serving two-year missions. |
Conclusion
Reflecting on that conversation with the young Mormon missionary in Zagreb brings clarity. Mormonism’s appeal lies in its unique history and distinctive theological framework.
The LDS Church has carved out significant space in the global religious landscape. It blends 19th-century American revivalist enthusiasm with teachings that continue inspiring millions.
Understanding Mormon beliefs from their expanded scripture canon to their emphasis on eternal families and missionary work offers valuable insights. This religion has evolved and thrived despite challenges and controversies.
What do Mormons believe that sets them apart? Everything we’ve explored here.
They accept modern prophets and continuing revelation. They view God as an exalted being who was once human. They emphasize works alongside faith for salvation. They practice secret temple ordinances. They send young people on obligatory missions worldwide.
Are these beliefs strange? That depends on your perspective.
To Latter-day Saints, these doctrines represent ultimate truth about God, Jesus, and human destiny. To outsiders, they may seem unusual or controversial.
But here’s what matters: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown from six members in 1830 to over 15 million today. Their cultural cohesion, missionary zeal, and distinctive identity have fueled remarkable expansion.
Whether you view Mormonism as a Christian denomination or a separate religion entirely? Understanding what they believe helps us appreciate America’s diverse religious landscape.
And who knows? Your Mormon neighbors might surprise you with their depth of conviction and the richness of their faith tradition.
It’ll be fascinating watching sociological trends and LDS membership curves in the years ahead.
