Who are Latter-day Saints?

Answer 1

"Mormon" is a nickname given to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They are called Mormons because of their beliefs in the Book of Mormon, which is named after one of the prophets in the Book of Mormon. They use both the Book of Mormon and the Bible as scripture.

Mormons believe in God the Father, His only Begotten son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three are individual beings, rather than one 'Trinity'. They go to church every Sunday to preach and learn about Jesus Christ. They are also followers of modern prophet named Joseph Smith, who was lead by God to buried golden plates in the 1820's and translated what they said into 'the Book of Mormon'. You can check out their beliefs at mormon.org.
A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (usually abbreviated to LDS). An organisation founded by the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. The main differences between them and the more common views of christianirty include the belief that scripture is still being revealed, the acceptance of three additional books in their primary canon of scripture (The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, Doctrines & Covenants), An edition of the King James Bible that has been extensively edited by Joseph Smith with his revalations. They also believe that Jesus Christ, after his death and resurrection passed over the ocean to the Americas in order to preach the Gospel to them.

Mormons accept the concept of baptism by proxy, in which someone who has long since been dead can be baptised in the present time by a member of the church by baptising someone else in their name. They worship in the highest sense in temples in a ceremony known as the endowment ceremony. However to a lower level they are able to worship in LDS churches, in which case their worship takes the form of readings, extempore prayer and hymn song.

Whilst they acknowlege the Holy Trinity their concept is different. The three persons in the trinity are separate deities, as opposed to a unity one god in three different parts. They also accept a doctrine which teaches that as children of God we must, in the course of our spritual lives, become gods ourselves. In this sense a man must be married in the temple and sealed in the temple ceremony in order to be married celestially. The belief that once one has passed from this life into the next one becomes a deity is integral, and those who become deities are then able to populate planets of their own. This is how Adam (Father God) was able to populate our world.

Mormons believe..

A few hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ, people had fallen into apostasy?. When the Savior began His mortal ministry, He restored His gospel and established His Church again on the earth. He built His Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, He himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

Jesus Christ called twelve men to be His Apostles?-including Peter, James, and John-and laid His hands on their heads to give them priesthood authority (Matthew 10:1; John 15:16; Matthew 28:19-20). Before the Savior's death and Resurrection?, He gave His Apostles priesthood authority? to teach His gospel?, perform the ordinances? of salvation?, and continue to establish His Church in the world.

The Savior's coming fulfilled prophecy. He set a godly example and showed men what Heavenly Father was like. Yet He was rejected of men and crucified. He made the Atonement? by suffering for the sins of all men. After His Resurrection?, Jesus Christ guided His Apostles through revelation?, making the Church of Jesus Christ a church led by God and not by men (Acts 10; Revelation 1:1).

In addition to the Twelve Apostles, Christ appointed other leaders to assist the Apostles in the work of His Church. These included:

• Seventies (missionaries)
• Evangelists (patriarchs)
• Pastors (presiding leaders)
• Elders?
• Bishops?
• Priests?
• Teachers?
• Deacons?

These officers were given the authority (or priesthood) necessary to do the work of Christ's Church. They did missionary work, performed ordinances such as baptism?, presided over congregations, and instructed and inspired Church members. As long as those who had the priesthood were alive, the Church grew and prospered.

When His followers asked Jesus Christ what kind of people He wanted them to be, His answer was simple: "Even as I am" (3 Nephi 27:27).

Jesus showed you by His example and His teachings how you should live to be able to return to your Father in Heaven. Although you make mistakes, as you sincerely repent of your mistakes and try to follow the example of Jesus Christ, your life will be filled with peace and inner joy, regardless of the circumstances around you.

From the beginning, God has called special witnesses, known as prophets, and commanded them to keep records of His dealings with His children. Both the Holy Bible? and the Book of Mormon? are such records. The Holy Bible contains a record of Jesus Christ's dealings with and ministry to the people in the Holy Land. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a record of Christ's dealings with and His appearance to the people of ancient America. Both books teach about our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and of Their love for us.

Following the death of Jesus Christ, wicked people persecuted and killed many Church members, and other Church members drifted from the principles taught by Jesus Christ and His Apostles?. The Apostles were killed and the priesthood authority-including the keys to direct and receive revelation? for the Church-was taken from the earth (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). Because the Church was no longer led by priesthood authority and revelation, error crept into Church teachings. Good people and much truth remained, but the gospel? as established by Jesus Christ was lost, resulting in a period called the Great Apostasy?.

This apostasy led to the formation of many churches with conflicting teachings. Without the full gospel or the priesthood authority, people relied on human wisdom to interpret the scriptures? and the principles and ordinances? of the gospel of Jesus Christ. False ideas were taught as truth, and much of the knowledge of the true character and nature of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost was lost. The doctrines of faith? in Jesus Christ, repentance?, baptism?, and the gift of the Holy Ghost? became distorted or forgotten. Each generation inherited a state of apostasy, as people were influenced by what previous generations passed on, including changes to Christ's gospel. Some inspired people, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, recognized that practices and doctrines had been changed or lost and tried to reform the churches to which they belonged. Without the priesthood authority, however, Christ's gospel could not be returned to its original form.

After centuries of spiritual darkness, a restoration? of truth was needed. Under the Direction of our Heavenly Father, the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored on the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. God has promised it will never be taken from His children again.

In 1820, as He had done throughout history, Father in Heaven again chose a prophet? to restore the gospel? and the priesthood? to the earth. He called a young man named Joseph Smith, and through him, the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth.

Joseph Smith lived in the United States, which was perhaps the only country to enjoy religious freedom at the time. It was at a time of great religious excitement in the eastern United States, and Joseph Smith's family members were deeply religious and constantly sought for truth. The Holy Bible? taught that there was "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5), but many ministers claimed to have the true gospel. Joseph attended different churches, but he was confused about which church he should join and desired "to know which of all the sects was right" (Joseph Smith-History 1:18). He later wrote:

"So great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was . . . to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong. . . . In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?" (Joseph Smith-History 1:8, 10).

As Joseph sought truth among the different faiths, he turned to the Bible for guidance. He read, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Because of this passage, Joseph decided to ask God what he should do. In the spring of 1820 he went to a nearby grove of trees and knelt in prayer. He described his experience: "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. . . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17). In this vision God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith. The Savior told Joseph not to join any of the churches, for they "were all wrong." The Savior stated, "They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof" (Joseph Smith-History 1:19).

Although many good people believed in Christ and tried to understand and teach His gospel, they did not have the fulness of truth or the priesthood authority to baptize and perform other saving ordinances? at that time. They had inherited a state of apostasy?, as each generation was influenced by what the previous one passed on, including changes in the doctrines and in ordinances, such as baptism.

Joseph Smith's First Vision? marked the beginning of the Restoration? of Jesus Christ's Church to the earth. In subsequent years, Christ restored His priesthood and reorganized His Church. He has continued to reveal truths to His prophets and to restore the blessings that were taken from the earth for a time.

The Apostle Peter prophesied of the "restitution of all things" before Christ's Second Coming (Acts 3:19-21). The Restoration of Christ's Church on the earth has made available the opportunity for all to once again receive all of the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As part of the Restoration? of the gospel?, God brought forth the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ?. By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated this book from an ancient record written on gold plates?. The Book of Mormon is "a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible?, the fulness of the everlasting gospel" (Introduction to the Book of Mormon).

The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. It helps us understand His teachings, including those in the Bible. Examples of Book of Mormon witnesses of Christ include:

• Nephi, who saw the birth and death of Christ in a vision (1 Nephi 11:13-15).
• The brother of Jared, who saw the Lord because of his great faith (Ether 3:7-16).
• The prophet Samuel the Lamanite, who prophesied of Christ's coming and gave the signs of His birth and death (Helaman 13-14).
• Christ Himself, who, after His Resurrection, appeared to the people of ancient America and invited them to come forward one by one to see and touch Him until "they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves" (3 Nephi 11:13-17).

In the Bible, Jesus told His Apostles?, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (John 10:16). Soon after He was resurrected, the Lord visited these "other sheep"-the inhabitants of ancient America. During this visit to the American continent (recorded in the Book of Mormon), Jesus Christ:

• Invited people to feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side.
• Taught His gospel.
• Called twelve disciples to teach His gospel.
• Healed the sick.
• Prayed for the people.
• Performed miracles.

In September 1823, Joseph Smith was visited by a heavenly messenger named Moroni?, in the same way that angels often appeared to Church leaders in the New Testament. Moroni informed Joseph that God had a work for him to do and told him that a record of the ancient inhabitants of the American continent was buried in a nearby hill. He stated that the record contained the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Joseph Smith-History 1:27-34).

In September 1827, Joseph received the record, which was written on thin plates of gold. Joseph translated the book into English by the inspiration? of God and called the book the Book of Mormon. It is named after Mormon?, an ancient prophet who compiled the sacred? record. The book verifies, as another testament of Christ, the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ. It is, then, a second witness that affirms the truth of the Bible. Since its publishing in 1830, the Book of Mormon has blessed the lives of millions of people through its powerful message about Jesus Christ and His gospel.

AnswerA Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which can also use the secondary name of Church of Jesus Christ. Mormons also refer to themselves as Latter Day Saints. Alternate AnswerThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is commonly known as the Mormon Church. Its members are frequently referred to as Mormons. The term can also be reasonably applied to other restorationists who believe in and follow the teachings of the Book of Mormon.

Being a Mormon has a significant amount to do with engaging in a lifestyle that is associated with, but not subsumed in, membership in the LDS Church. Many, many people have been baptized and confirmed, conferring nominal membership in the Church but have not engaged in the lifestyle involved with being Mormon to any significant degree. Being a Mormon involves things like:

• Making a noticeable effort to show respect for, it not obedience to, the teachings of the Church, particularly on matters of sexual morality, use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea, and illegal drugs, and the making and keeping of covenants in temples.
• Being involved in a culture that traces its way through Mormon communities back to Joseph Smith, including those who crossed the plains to join those communities in the Intermountain West, especially prior to the rail service to those areas, usually identified as "the Pioneers."
• Accepting an identity as a Mormon and a loyalty to the LDS Church that supersedes all other identities and loyalties, but which will be compatible with almost all family and national identities and loyalties.

One raised in a Mormon family has at least some claim to being a Mormon even if not currently active in the Church or after rejecting the validating claims of the Church. This is akin to being a Cradle Catholic or a non-religious Jew

Mormons do not worship Joseph Smith, by the way. Just wanted to make that more clear.

A Mormon is a person who belongs to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints; who believes in Christ, the bible, the Holy Ghost, and the Book of Mormon.

The word 'Mormon' is an adopted name often made by non-church members due to the church believing in the second book, 'The book of Mormon' and a character in that book known as Mormon.

For more detailed information please visit web sites;

lds.org/?lang=eng

Mormon.org/ Mormons (/ˈmɔrmənz/) are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity, which began with the visions of Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the 1820s.
a Mormon is a member of the church of Jesus christ of latter day saints. fo rmore info about this religion you can visit Mormon.org or lds.org

Answer 2

"Mormons" are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are almost 14 million of them around the world, so they all have different cultural backgrounds, economic statuses, interests, hobbies, and personalities, but they are united by their religious beliefs.

They are Christians who believe that Jesus also lived among the Native Americans and that his time with them is documented in the Book of Mormon, which was inscribed on gold tablets and was found and translated, with divine aid, by Joseph Smith in upstate New York in the early 1800s.

You can learn more about Mormons, who they are and what they believe, at the "Related Links" below.

Answer 3

The Mormon Church is a nickname for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is usually considered a Restorationist Christian denomination. It is a Christian church based on The Bible and the Book of Mormon. The church was organized in 1830 in Palmyra, New York by Joseph Smith, Jr. and now has over 14 million members worldwide. Its headquarters are in Salt Lake City, Utah. Please see the related links for more information about the Mormon Church. For residents of the United States and Canada who would like to learn more about the church, there is a related link that gives you the option of chatting live with a church representative or calling a toll free phone number to speak with a church representative over the phone.

Answer 4

The term Mormons is a nickname for members that belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The church was founded in 1832 in upstate New York and has grown now to a worldwide population of 14 1/2 million members.

Their nickname comes from their belief of a book of scripture called The Book Of Mormon. Members of the church consider both, the Bible and the Book of Mormon to be inspired, sacred scripture.

Answer 5

The Latter-day Saints are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They believe in God the Father, in His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost, and that they are three distinct beings united in a common purpose, but with different roles in the carrying out of that purpose.

They believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, that He suffered and died that those who would come unto Him might be saved from Sin. They believe that Jesus was Resurrected on the third day after Crucifixion. They believe that He gave the Apostles Authority to administer the Gospel to the members of His Church, which authority came from Him and was called the Priesthood.

They believe that the people eventually rejected the prophets, and that the world fell into a state of Apostasy, or a time in which the priesthood was not on the Earth.

They believe that the Apostasy was ended as a prophet was called in our time by the name of Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was a boy who wanted to know which of all the churches was right, so he went to a Grove of trees to pray about it, and was visited by God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. They told him not to join any of the churches. Eventually Joseph was prepared to be called as the first Prophet closing the doors of the Apostasy. Joseph was directed by the Lord to Restore the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter-days with the Priesthood of God, and all of the correct principles and ordinances pertaining thereto.

They believe that the Priesthood Authority which was taken during the Apostasy was restored through Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey.

They believe that Joseph is a Prophet because of His Fruits. To prove the validity of the Prophet, and to provide another Witness of Jesus Christ other than the Bible, Joseph was presented an ancient record which was engraven upon plates of brass called the Book of Mormon. It contained the writings of the Prophets that God had called on the American Continent, among which where the descendants of the American Indians. Joseph Smith was called to translate the work, so that, among other reasons, the world might know that Joseph was a Prophet, and that God does call men to His holy work, and that Jesus is the Christ.

They believe that after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the authority and mantle of the Prophet fell upon Brigham Young, who as Prophet was inspired and compelled to take the Saints across the plains to the Rocky Mountains, where they would be able to live in peace, away from the persecutions which did plague them from the beginning of the restoration of the church.

The Latter-day Saints believe that the authority to act in God's name, or the Priesthood, has been Restored to the Earth, and any worthy man may hold the Priesthood.

The Latter-day Saints believe that there is a Prophet today, whose authority comes in direct succession from Jesus, to the Prophet Joseph Smith, down the line to Him. The Prophet is not only the Prophet for the Church, but for the entire world at this time. The Prophet today is Thomas Spencer Monson. He also has two counselors who are also apostles and prophets and the three make up the first presidency of the Church. There are also Twelve Apostles and Quorums of the Seventy as commanded by the Lord and in conjuction with the ancient Church of Jesus Christ.

The Latter-day Saints believe that the traditional family, consisting in the most basic form as a Father and a Mother, is the basic unit of society, and that the desecration thereof in any form is wrong.

The Latter-day Saints believe in sexual abstinence before marriage and complete fidelity afterwards.

The Latter-day Saints believe in the importance of becoming well-educated.

The Latter-day Saints believe that families can be sealed together for time and all eternity.

The Latter-day Saints believe in being kind; they believe in all that is good and virtuous, and they are encouraged to seek after those things.

The Latter-day Saints believe in following the laws of the land, and they believe that we are subject to them.

The Latter-day Saints believe in sexual abstinence before marriage and complete fidelity afterwards.

At the center of the Doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is Jesus Christ himself. As a person comes to know Him, he will gain greater happiness.

There are many other beliefs that the Latter-day Saints hold dear. For more information, you may visit www.mormon.org, or talk to a missionary near by.

Don't believe everything you hear about mormons, however. The church, just like any organization, has antagonists and people who are just misinformed. The best source for correct information is the website provided above, a missionary, or an active member of the church in good standing.

Answer 6

Mormons were and are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

(different user answer)

If this question is about whether or not Mormons are a branch from another church, like the Lutherans branching off and separating themselves from the Catholics, then the answer is that Mormons did not come from any previously existing church/religion. Mormons believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the official name) is Christ's restored church brought back through a prophet of God. This means that Christ's true church was lost through unbelief of the early members, believed to be sometime around 100 A.D. While some truth remained on earth and Christian churches were established, Christ's true church directed by prophets and apostles (see Ephesians 4:11), men that were chosen by God and given authority by God to lead the church in Christ's absence as was done anciently, were not on the earth. This had to be restored by God, Himself, which was done by calling Joseph Smith as a prophet and giving him the authority to restore truths and Christ's church back to the earth.

Answer 7

"Mormon" is a nickname for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church is a restorationist Christian denomination with just over 14 million members worldwide.

You can learn more about Mormons, chat with Mormons, or locate a nearby Mormon worship service at the "Related Link" below.