You’ve probably seen them. Two young men in white shirts and ties, biking through your neighborhood or knocking on a neighbor's door. Maybe you've seen the massive, glowing white temples on the side of the highway and wondered what actually happens inside. People have a lot of theories. Some think it’s a cult; others think it’s just another flavor of Sunday morning pews and hymns.
The truth? It’s a bit more complex.
When people ask what does the church of latter day saints believe, they usually expect a quick list of "don'ts"—no coffee, no booze, no R-rated movies. But for the nearly 17 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the theology isn't about a list of prohibitions. It’s a completely different way of looking at where we came from and where we’re headed after the funeral.
The "Godhead" vs. The Trinity
If you grew up in a traditional Christian church, you probably know the Nicene Creed. One God, three persons, one substance. Basically, the Trinity.
Latter-day Saints don’t buy that.
They believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, sure. But they see them as three physically distinct individuals. God the Father and Jesus Christ have bodies of "flesh and bones," as tangible as yours or mine, but perfected. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. They aren't "one substance" in a mystical way; they are "one" the same way a championship team is one. They have the same goals, the same mind, and the same love, but they aren't the same being.
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This isn't just a minor technicality. It changes everything about how they pray. When a member of the Church prays, they aren't talking to a nebulous force. They’re talking to a literal Father in Heaven. It’s personal.
That "Other" Bible: The Book of Mormon
Most people know about the Book of Mormon because of the Broadway musical. Honestly, the real book is a lot denser and less comedic.
Latter-day Saints love the Bible. They study the New Testament constantly. But they also believe that God didn't just stop talking to people in the Middle East 2,000 years ago. They believe the Book of Mormon is a record of ancient prophets who lived in the Americas.
Why does it matter?
It’s "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." The core claim is that after His resurrection in Jerusalem, Christ appeared to people in the Western Hemisphere. It’s the "keystone" of their religion. If it’s true, then Joseph Smith—the man who translated it in the 1820s—was a real prophet. If it’s not? Well, then the whole thing falls apart. Members don't see it as a replacement for the Bible, but as a companion. Like two witnesses in a court case telling the same story from different angles.
Families are Forever (Literally)
This is the big one. If you walk into an LDS chapel, you’ll see kids everywhere. Screaming toddlers, teenagers, the whole bit.
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In most Christian traditions, marriage is "until death do us part." For Latter-day Saints, that’s too short. They believe that through special ceremonies called "sealings" performed in those big white temples, families can be bound together for eternity. Death is just a temporary separation, like a long business trip.
This belief drives their obsession with genealogy. You’ve probably heard of FamilySearch or the massive vaults in Utah. They aren't just curious about their Great-Grandpa's middle name. They believe they can perform these "sealing" ordinances by proxy for their ancestors, giving them the choice to be part of that eternal family circle in the afterlife.
The Plan of Salvation: The Three-Act Play
Latter-day Saints view life like a three-act play.
- Act 1: The Premortal Life. You didn't start at birth. You lived as a spirit with God before the world was made. You chose to come here.
- Act 2: Mortality. This is the "test." We get bodies, we make mistakes, and we learn.
- Act 3: The Afterlife. This is where it gets interesting.
They don't really believe in a "fire and brimstone" hell for most people. Instead, they believe in "degrees of glory." Almost everyone ends up in a kingdom of heaven that is better than earth. The goal, however, is the "Celestial Kingdom," where God lives. It’s not just about "getting in"; it’s about "becoming" something better.
Living Prophets and Modern Revelation
One of the most distinct parts of what does the church of latter day saints believe is the idea that the heavens are still open.
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They have a living Prophet—currently Russell M. Nelson, a former heart surgeon who is over 100 years old. Twice a year, they hold a massive "General Conference" where they listen to him and other leaders. They believe his words are modern scripture.
It’s a "Restoration" faith. They believe the original church Christ started was lost after the apostles died and that God brought it back through Joseph Smith. Because of that, they believe they have the "Priesthood"—the literal authority from God to perform baptisms and other rites.
Common Misconceptions (The "No" List)
Let's clear the air on a few things that always come up in casual conversation:
- Polygamy: No. The Church strictly banned plural marriage in 1890. If a member tries to do it today, they get excommunicated. Those shows on TLC are about breakaway fundamentalist groups, not the mainstream Church.
- Caffeine: It’s complicated. The "Word of Wisdom" (their health code) specifically forbids "hot drinks," which has been defined as coffee and tea. For a long time, people assumed that meant caffeine, but the Church clarified a few years back that sodas like Coke or Dr. Pepper are fine.
- The Cross: You won't see crosses on their buildings. They don't hate the cross, but they prefer to focus on the living Christ—the Resurrection—rather than the Crucifixion.
What This Means for You
Understanding these beliefs helps make sense of why your LDS coworkers don't drink at the office party or why they spend so much time at church on Sundays. It's a high-demand religion, but for them, the payoff is a sense of eternal identity.
If you’re looking for actionable ways to engage with this or learn more without the pressure, here’s what actually works:
- Check out FamilySearch: It’s free and it’s the best genealogy tool on the planet. You don't have to be a member to use it.
- Visit a Temple Open House: When a new temple is built, they let the public walk through before it's dedicated. It’s the only time you’ll see the inside without a "recommend."
- Read the 13 Articles of Faith: If you want the "TL;DR" version of their doctrine, this list written by Joseph Smith covers the basics in about two minutes.
- Talk to them: Honestly, most members are happy to explain their beliefs over a plate of cookies. Just be prepared for a long answer.
The theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is built on the idea that humans are "gods in embryo," with a divine potential that stretches far beyond this life. Whether you find that inspiring or odd, it’s the engine that drives one of the fastest-growing and most organized religions in the world.