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Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) Best known as the Mormons, Latter-Day Saints are neither Protestant nor Catholic. Their beliefs rest on the authority provided by the discovery in the 1820's of the Book of Mormon, which details the history of God's ancient people in the Western Hemisphere between 600 B.C.E. and 400 C.E.. That book, with its distinctive message, stands alongside the Bible ("as far as it is translated correctly") as the basis of Mormon teaching. They believe that the authentic church, having gone underground for many centuries, was restored with that new revelation." Handbook of Denominations, p.165 Are Mormons Protestants? No. Joseph Smith never belonged to any other church. He claimed no authority by succession from any other church or sect. He inferred authority from the Bible. He and his associates testified that they received their authority by direct divine bestowal." Religions in American, p.132. The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1.We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 2.We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. 3.We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. 4.We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. 5.We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. 6.We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. 7.We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. 8.We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. 9.We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. 10.We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 11.We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. 12.We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 13.We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Mormons (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Adult Baptism, signifying repentance and obedience, has acquired additional importance as a ritual that may be undertaken by a proxy for the salvation of those who died without knowledge of the truth. The Mormons' interest in genealogy proceeds from their concern to save dead ancestors. Baptism for the dead, endowment, and sealing (which may also be undertaken by proxy for the dead) are secret but essential ceremonies that take place in the temple. At endowment, the person is ritually washed, anointed with oil, and dressed in temple garments. Initiates witness a dramatic performance of the story of creation, learn secret passwords and grips, and receive a secret name. The sealing ceremony, which was of special importance in the period when Mormons practiced polygamy, seals Mormon men and women in marriage for eternity. Although committed to millennialism and Spirit gifts, Mormons engage in worldly pursuits, business, and politics. Despite prohibitions (on alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee) and a vigorous work ethic, Mormonism is not ascetic; recreation, sport, and education are positive values. The positive attitude toward recreation, together with the emphasis on order and moral integrity, has been of great importance to the Mormons. To cite this page: Copyright © 1994-2000 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.  |