Explanation of Mormons Beliefs: Are They a Cult or Are They Christians?

With a presidential candidate who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, more commonly known as Mormons, many are asking what do Mormons really believe? Is it a cult? Are they Christians? I can tell you of some of their beliefs, as I was once a member.

Although many people believe that Mormonism is a cult, many disagree and feel that it does not really meet the criteria to be a cult. Some former members, however, may disagree. Mormons actively seek new members. In fact, as far as door-to-door searches for new converts, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is by far the leader. The majority of young men and many young women, in the Mormon Church go on a "mission" when they are in their late teens or early twenties. A missionary can be assigned to any part of the globe, and he or she makes a two-year commitment to evangelize the world and teach them about their beliefs. These are dedicated young men and women, who are taught the doctrine well. So well, in fact, that they can usually answer your question with a scripture to back it up without flinching, and most give the same answer, word for word. This explains, in part, why Mormonism is the fastest growing religion in the world.

Mormons believe there are two holy scriptures, the bible and the Book of Mormon, a ancient text that was given to Joseph Smith by the angel Moroni in the 1800's, on plates made of gold, to be translated by him into our language. Mormons are taught that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book of any sacred text. They also believe in the bible, "as far as it is translated correctly." Most don't actually claim the bible contains errors, nor do they believe it is as perfect as the Book of Mormon. The fact that the Book of Mormon contains pages of text that is a direct quote from the King James edition of the bible, which was certainly not around when the golden plates were engraved with this ancient text, is a question many new converts begin to ponder.

Mormons believe there are different levels of heaven, and the top level, the "Celestial Kingdom," is reserved for Mormons who have followed the tenets of the faith, including baptism, temple rites, and striving to be like God in their day-to-day life. Mormons believe that faithful members can become gods themselves, have celestial children, and populate their own worlds. But of course, this privilege comes only to those who follow the church's teaching of tithing, the Word of Wisdom (abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea), and following the teachings of their prophet, currently Gordon Hinckley. Mormons believe that families who are faithful can be sealed together for eternity, and will be family in the afterlife.

Mormons who have been a member for at least a year and have been faithful, can participate in temple rites, receive their endowments, attend weddings in the temple, have their families sealed together for eternity, and get a card, called a "temple recommend" that gives them the privilege of visiting their Mormon temples, of which the general public is not allowed (at least not allowed once it has been consecrated as a holy place after its opening). When a Mormon wedding is held in the temple, those family members who are either not Mormon or are Mormon without a temple recommend are not allowed inside to attend. The number of Mormon temples grows each year, and they are beautiful buildings to behold. Members who visit the temple must wear all white. Mormons who are endowed receive their garments, or underclothing with sacred symbols, that they must wear under their clothing at all times.

Mormons believe in food storage, preparing to be self-sufficient in case of emergencies, and are encouraged to have at least a year's food and water stored, as well as a fuel source and financial savings. Mormons are encouraged to have large enough food storage to share with their non-Mormon neighbors. Mormons have storehouses where they can purchase food in bulk and either can it themselves or buy it already in cans. Mormon storehouses are also open to the general public.

Mormons believe that men in their church who are worthy can hold the priesthood, practice the laying on of hands for their family, and lead their family into the Celestial kingdom. Women won't be allowed in without a husband, but if they find no husband in this life, one will be given them in the next. Black men have now been allowed to hold the priesthood, but this is a fairly recent event. Women are not allowed the priesthood.

Mormons believe that all members must tithe ten percent to the church to be faithful and receive blessings. Each year, there is a meeting with their bishop to go over their giving, and if they are lacking in their ten percent, are given the chance to reconcile it at that time. They have a general idea where the money goes to support the local church's expenses, but also realize the majority of the money is sent to church headquarters in Salt Lake. There is no formal accounting given to any member as how money sent to church headquarters is divided.

Mormons teach women to be good homemakers and mothers, and have a weekly enrichment meeting for women in which they are taught different homemaking and personal enrichment lessons by other women, in a church organization for women called the "Relief Society." Mormon women help each other tremendously in time of need, and they also have many ministries to help those outside the church. Mormons make good neighbors and friends, as most are honest, hard-working people.

Mormonism was once a much-persecuted religious body, but in years past, that reputation has improved, and many today include them under the term "Christian." Those who oppose Mormons being considered Christians site their doctrinal differences that set them apart. However, if you base the definition on those who strive to be Christ-like, then Mormons would be Christians.

If you have questions about other beliefs of Mormonism, ask any member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and they will be happy to share with you or send their missionaries to your house. I was once a member of the Mormon church, but my husband and I chose to leave because of our different beliefs from the Mormon doctrine. So would I vote for a Mormon for president? If I felt the person was qualified and had the same views as my family, I wouldn't withhold my vote because of his or her religion.