The History and Practices of Mormonism

Here is a brief overview of the history and practices of Mormonism. The Mormon Church, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days Saints or the LDS , has a rich history dating back to 1820. Joseph Smith, prophet of God and founder of the LDS church, prayed and received a vision that birthed the religion of Mormonism.

Basic Beliefs

According to Jenny Evans, author and member of the LDS church, "The Latter-day Saints believe that some of Christ's original gospel truths had been previously lost and Jesus Christ subsequently directed Joseph Smith to restore them by beginning the LDS church. This is an important distinction to Mormons because we believe the LDS church is the complete restoration of the truth and not just a well-intentioned or partial reformation. Mormons follow a living prophet today who is believed to be Jesus Christ's spokesman. "

What Mormons Believe

Mormons believe "The family is the fundamental unit in the church." To this end, fathers are expected to perform certain priestly duties and mothers are responsible for the general welfare and nurture of family members.

Fathers may be ordained into the Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthood. Members of the Mormon church model the teachings of Jesus to their family in all aspects of daily life. Here is a list of typical activities of Mormon families:

Performing service for others - feeding the poor or nursing the sick
Researching and recording family genealogies
Storing and preserving emergency food stocks
Daily family prayers
Weekly family home devotions (Bible studies and scriptural lessons)

Temple Ordinances

Members of the LDS Church believe in and practice temple ordinances, priesthood ordinances, and blessings. Some typical practices of Mormonism are:

Naming and blessing children
Salvation and baptism for deceased ancestors
Blessing and serving the sacrament
Baptism and marriage
Temple sealing to keep families intact for eternity

Missions and Doctrines - Mormon Church

In Mormon history and practice, individuals train for and perform ongoing missionary work. Young men serve two years in the mission fields and then return to their homes, but daily evangelizing and spreading the gospel message are vital responsibilities of every member of the Mormon Church.

The Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrines and Covenants comprise the canon of the religion of Mormonism. The Book of Mormon was revealed to Joseph Smith in 1823 by the angel Moroni; Smith later translated and produced the written version of the book.

Foundational Beliefs

The religion of Mormonism is based upon faith in God rather than dependence upon scientific evidence. While there are no golden plates extant to validate the reality of the Book of Mormon, it is accepted on faith.

In Moroni 10:4 it states: "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

A brief overview of the history and practices of Mormonism reveals a picture of a people with deep-seated faith in God and family, devoted to doing good works and spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Belief in Jesus Christ, and religious education and salvation being the responsibility of families rather than the church are key tenets of the religion. For more information about the Mormon Church, visit the local library, search the Internet for authoritative sources, or read articles by LDS author Jenny Evans.

Mormonism/Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints/LDS, accessed 04/15/2010

Family Guidebook, The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, accessed 04/15/2010

Mormon. Org, Membership in Christ's Church, accessed 04/15/2010

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, accessed 04/15/2010