What is a Mormon?

define

A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Although Mormons say they prefer that the entire name be used to refer to them, or the shortened “Latter Day Saint,” the nickname Mormon is also acceptable. For many non-members, Mormons are a mysterious group of people, and misconceptions regarding their beliefs abound. It is a relatively new church, although members believe that the church is in actuality, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In the year 1820, a young Joseph Smith began the restoration of the gospel which today, has over 12 million members worldwide.

The basic beliefs of the Mormon religion are quite similar to many Christian denominations. They believe that God is man’s Heavenly Father and that he is the creator. His son, Jesus Christ is their Savior and atoned for the sins of mankind. Through repentance and adherence to God’s commandments man can return to live with God for eternity. Mormons also believe in the Holy Ghost, which guides them and gives them knowledge of the truth of the gospel. Although Mormons believe in the Godhead, they do not believe in the Holy Trinity version which claims that all three are one unified being.

Mormons believe in a living prophet, not unlike the prophets of the Old and New Testament. As of 2006, President Gordon Hinckley is one of the oldest and longest serving prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Its headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, a state where approximately 14 percent of its membership resides. According to their beliefs, members receive timely instructions from God through the prophet as to how they should live their lives and how the business of the church should be conducted.

Some people associate the Mormon lifestyle with strong family values, clean living and extensive church attendance and involvement. This is due to the fact that one of the foundational commandments of the Mormon religion is to strengthen the family emotionally and spiritually so that, as a unit, the family can live together forever with the Heavenly Father. The Word of Wisdom, which believers say came from God through Joseph Smith, outlines a strict anti-tobacco, anti-drug, and anti-alcohol code. Basically, Mormons are anti-addiction which makes drinks such as coffee and tea forbidden. Instead the Church stresses moderation.

Many a Mormon will tell you that they spend a lot of time involved in church activities and services. The Sunday service is three hours long, and members are expected to serve in a “calling.” All its clergymen are unpaid, and every role in the church, including Sunday school teachers and missionaries is unpaid, except for a few full time positions at the church’s headquarters. A full ten percent tithing is required of members, which supports the expenses of the church. Tithing is used to support the church’s infrastructure as well as missionary work and humanitarian services worldwide.

Missionaries are probably the most visible and well known members of the church. Approximately 60,000 missionaries serve worldwide. Young men in particular, but more and more young women of the church are expected to serve 18 to 24 month missions to proselytize and perform service. Above all, a Mormon is expected to endure daily trials, repent of sins, achieve his or her full spiritual and earthly potential, build a strong family, fellowship both members and non-members and attempt to determine their life's purpose.

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13
Let me first say that I am Mormon and that there is a Godhead. God the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit. The three are one but separate distinct individuals. But they are also One -- One in purpose.

-Raphael

- rmmorenoIII
12
God Bless. I would just like to say one thing. This guy Joseph Smith comes out with something similiar to what Gods word says. How to live and so on and so forth. But the true word of God has been around for thousands of years. Way before Jospeh came out with anything. Thanks to the Jew, us gentiles have a chance to get to heaven. Which is through Jesus Christ.In the Kings James Bible John 14:6 states " Jesus saith unto him, I ma the way the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Going to show you that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ.Now in the Word of God gives verses on how God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are one. They all work in one. There are 3 and all have different jobs but they are all in 1 accord. FOr instance:

In Genesis 18:1-3

“ (1) And the Lord appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the days. (2) And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, Three Men stood by him: and when he saw Them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, (3) And said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy sevant.”

* In verse 2 it says them! The man hurried to the 3 of Them and bowed to Them. It is not an angel because angels would not allow you to bow but tell you that he is a messenger.

-Matthew 3:16-17

“ (16)And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: (17)And lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

* (1)Jesus getting baptized (2)The Holy Spirit in the shape of Dove (3) Gods voice saying this is My son

-Matthew 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

* An apostolic Blessing Form

-2 Corinthians 13:14

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

-1 John 5:7-8

“7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”

* Specifically states all 3 Father, Son, Holy Spirit. For the Word of God became flesh which is Jesus Christ.

God wants us to be a follow of Him. God the Father is our creator. He knew us what we would do, say, act like, when we would be born, when we would die, how many hairs are on our head, our body, you name it God knew it waaaay before He created this earth.

I pray that the Lord Giudes you all to the truth. FOr our road must lead back to Him and no other. I Pray that God speaks to you, and confirms it to you. May God Bless You ! Search for God and His truth before it is too late. Before He sends Christ back for His people. For us gentiles should be grateful that God the Father gave us a chance to be saved. God Bless.

- anon36257
11
When are people going to realize there is no god and the bible etc are badly written books of fiction!!

We evolved from moneys end of!!

I wish people would stop wasting there lives praying and worshiping something that is obviously not in any way real.

All religion spells trouble; think of all the pointless death there has been over the years for something that anyone with half a brain understands is complete nonsense!!

- anon34597
10
The Diety of Christ or if you like, whether Jesus *is* or is *not* God is fundamental to the Bible as we have known it for thousands of years prior to Joseph Smith's new revelation in 1820. This is not a small matter, it is foundational. If you have one group claiming Christ Diety and another denouncing His Diety, it is a Big Deal. Our Faith as Christian's stands or falls on who Jesus is and who we believe He is. You can't put your faith and trust in Jesus and say, Oh he's a car salesman from Kentucky, because then it's *not* Jesus of the Bible, No matter how much you believe it is. As for myself I will worship the One true and Living God-Jesus!

I hope you will get to know Him, He is wonderful and Loves you. He loves persons of the Mormon faith and desperately wants to be their Savior!

- anon33884
9
Mormons are Christians in every way. On Sunday, members go to church with the express purpose to learn more about Christ’s teachings and to become more like him. During the week, members are encouraged to be kind, loving, patient, friendly and happy, just as Jesus was. Helping others is at the center of their faith. Becoming Christ-like is the goal because latter-day saints believe that after death, those who are worthy may return back to the presence of God and live with him. It is not easy to reach this goal considering the state of the world today. Ultimately, no unclean thing, or person, can enter the Kingdom of God. That’s why so much emphasis is given to living a pure and “saintly” life. For Mormons, it is not enough to save one’s self, or even one’s family, but each member is encouraged to help others (neighbors, friends) draw nearer to Christ, nearer to purity, nearer to happiness, nearer to the end––to qualify to live with God. There is nothing better than knowing where you are going after death and why you are here on earth. Yes, nobody is perfect, but it is so important to do good in our short sojourn on this planet. Mormons are Christians in the best sense of the term.
- laman
7
The book of Mormon is a collection of ancient writings from a few groups of people who left jerusalem to come to the new world (America). These writings were written by prophets and apostles in the americas and were given the authority to do so from god. You can read it yourself and find out. And all that crap that Joseph Smith wrote it, its a lie, he didnt write it, he translated the work. Many people confuse things in the world, just look at politics. LDS (Mormon) members are no different.
- anon19130
6
who wrote the book of mormon and where did he get the authority to do so?
- anon18972
4
The Book of Mormon is not an addition to the Bible. It is a separate account of Jesus Christ. It is composed of the testimonies and revelations of the prophets that lived on the American continents. Anyone who thinks that only those people who lived in Israel and the surrounding areas spoken of in the Bible were God's children and that Jesus would only bestow his love on those people doesn't fully understand the Bible and need to check their own "Christianity". The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints believes not only that God spoke to the prophets of the Bible but also the prophets of the Book of Mormon so that all souls globally could be saved. They are two separate scriptures yet equally loved, read and practiced by the LDS church. Those who claim that the Book of Mormon and the LDS church are false doctrine or not christian are invited to pray with real intent on the truthfulness of both. If you do not have a solid answer from God that they are incorrect, you should not condemn them. It says in the Bible that those who condemn and judge will be judged upon the same at the time of redemption. I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that if you pray for truth, you too can receive personal revelation about the fullness of the gospel and will no longer need to question as you will know of an assurity. I testify to you in the name of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
- anon12377
3
i don't believe that mormons are saved or christian. they do not follow Christ the way he says to in the bible. in the bible it says that there will not be anymore prophets. it says in revelation 22:19 if any man shall take away from this book of this prophecy God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things written in this book. the bible is the end of prophecy. there should not be anymore additions the the bible it says it is done. if you are to believe Christ then you must follow the bible completely.
- anon11692
2
If a Christian is someone that follows Jesus Christ, and Mormons believe in and follow Jesus Christ, then why the dispute as to whether they are Christians?
- anon7737

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Written by O. Wallace
Last Modified: 15 November 2009

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