You’ve seen the missionaries in their white shirts and ties, or maybe you’ve caught a glimpse of those massive, castle-like temples while driving through a new city. Most people have a vague idea of what they see on the surface, but when you actually ask, what does the mormon faith believe, you tend to get a mix of urban legends and half-truths.
Some think it’s just "vaguely Christian with extra books." Others think it’s a total departure from everything you know about the Bible.
Honestly, the reality is a lot more layered. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called Mormons, though they prefer the full name) see themselves as a "restoration." They don't think they're starting a new religion; they believe they're bringing back the original version of Christianity that got lost over the centuries.
The Core Concept: A Living God and a Restored Church
At the heart of everything is Joseph Smith. In 1820, as a 14-year-old kid in upstate New York, he claimed to have seen God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees. This "First Vision" is the bedrock. According to their history, Joseph was told that the existing churches had drifted away from the truth and that he was being called to bring back the "fullness of the gospel."
This leads to a massive H2-sized point: what does the mormon faith believe about authority? They believe in modern-day prophets.
Think about that for a second. While most Christian denominations believe the heavens closed after the New Testament, Latter-day Saints believe God is still talking. There is a living prophet today—currently Russell M. Nelson—who they believe receives direct revelation for the world. It’s a "living" religion, not just a historical one.
The Book of Mormon vs. The Bible
You’ll often hear it called "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." That’s not just a catchy subtitle.
They use the King James Version of the Bible. They love it. They study it. But they believe the Book of Mormon is a companion piece that clarifies things the Bible might leave fuzzy. It tells the story of ancient civilizations in the Americas and a visit from the resurrected Jesus to those people.
It’s like having two witnesses in a court case. One witness (the Bible) says "This happened." The second witness (the Book of Mormon) says "Yep, I saw it too, and here are the details you missed."
The "Plan of Salvation": Where We Came From and Where We’re Going
Most religions focus on the "now" or the "after." The Latter-day Saint view is a literal timeline that stretches way back.
- Pre-Earth Life: They believe we all lived as spirit children with "Heavenly Parents" before we were born. You weren't just a blank slate; you were you.
- The Fall was... Good? This is a huge curveball for traditional Christians. They don't see Adam and Eve’s choice as a tragic mistake that ruined everything. They see it as a necessary step. Without the Fall, we wouldn't have been born, wouldn't have "agency" (the power to choose), and wouldn't be able to grow.
- The Three Kingdoms: They don't really do the "binary" heaven and hell thing. Instead, they believe in degrees of glory—the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms. Basically, almost everyone ends up in a state of happiness, but the "best" version (living with God) is reserved for those who make and keep specific promises, called covenants.
Jesus Christ: The Centerpiece
If you ask a member, "Are you Christian?" they’ll likely point to the title of their church. It’s right there in the name.
However, their version of the "Godhead" is different from the traditional Trinity. Most Christians believe in one God in three persons (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who are of one "substance."
Latter-day Saints find that confusing.
They believe the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct, separate individuals. They are "one" in purpose, heart, and mind, but they aren't the same literal being. Also, they believe God the Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies of "flesh and bones," while the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit.
The "Mormon Lifestyle" and the Word of Wisdom
You probably know about the "no coffee" rule. That comes from a 1833 revelation called the Word of Wisdom.
It’s a health code. No alcohol. No tobacco. No "hot drinks" (which they’ve interpreted as coffee and tea). No illegal drugs.
But it’s also about what you should do. Lots of grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s why you often see them as being health-conscious or into "clean living." It’s not just a set of arbitrary bans; they believe the body is a temple and you should treat it like one.
The Elephant in the Room: Polygamy
Let’s address it. Does the faith still believe in or practice polygamy?
No.
The Church officially banned plural marriage in 1890. If a member tries to practice it today, they get excommunicated. Period. The groups you see on reality TV or in the news (like the FLDS) are tiny break-away sects that have nothing to do with the main Utah-based church.
Families are Forever: The Temple Connection
If you see a Latter-day Saint temple, know that it’s not a regular chapel. They don't go there for Sunday services.
Temples are for "ordinances." The big one is "Sealing."
They believe that marriages performed by the "proper authority" don't end at death. They believe you can be sealed to your spouse and children for eternity. "Till death do us part" is a bit too short for them. This is also why they are so obsessed with genealogy—they want to find their ancestors and perform these sealings for them by proxy.
Actionable Insights: How to Navigate the Conversation
If you’re trying to understand this faith—whether for a project, a neighbor, or just personal curiosity—keep these three things in mind:
- Terminology Matters: They prefer "Latter-day Saints" over "Mormons." Using the full name or the shortened "Saints" is a sign of respect for their current branding.
- Focus on Jesus: If you want to find common ground, start with the New Testament. Despite the extra books and different views on the Godhead, Jesus is the literal "cornerstone" of their worship.
- Visit an Open House: When a new temple is built, it’s open to the public for a few weeks before it’s "dedicated." It’s the only time non-members can go inside. If one opens near you, go. It’s the best way to see the craftsmanship and feel the vibe of the faith without any pressure.
Understanding what does the mormon faith believe isn't about agreeing with it; it's about seeing the internal logic. To them, the world isn't a random accident—it's a school where we're learning to become like our Heavenly Father. Whether you find that inspiring or unusual, it certainly makes for a unique perspective on the human experience.
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To dig deeper, you can read the "Articles of Faith," which are thirteen points Joseph Smith wrote to summarize the religion. They are the closest thing the church has to a "creed" and provide a quick snapshot of their worldview.