What do Mormons teach?

Question

I'm learning about them and am curious as to what exactly are there beliefs.

Answer 1

We teach Christ-like behaviors. plain and simple.
Others have mentioned our beliefs. Others have slandered our beliefs.

Just a comment about the Book of Mormon. I find it interesting that few have a problem agreeing that the Bible is the word of God...which we also believe. The bible was written by ancient prophets and translated and re-translated and re-translated, yet is very much accepted as the word of God. There are no witnesses as to the genuineness of the bible, other than our own consciences and feelings.
The Book of Mormon is the same. It is a record of people in the Americas that was translated by only one man. The fact that people "cannot believe" that God and Christ would actually speak to a man in our day is so beyond comprehension to them...why could God NOT talk to us in our day??? What makes our time and our lives so good or bad for that matter that God would leave us alone? He wouldn't. He loves us and wants us to know his will. His will is taught through scripture, prophecy, revelation, and yes even the current day prophets. God used prophest in the bible days to spread his word, why would he not also do that now?
I challenge you to attend an LDS meeting, speak with the missionaries, prayerfully read the Book of Mormon and I promise you your life will be blessed in so many more ways than you ever thought possible.
Good luck.

Answer 2

"The Mormon religion was founded less than two hundred years ago by a man named Joseph Smith. He claimed to have received a personal visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ and told that all churches and their creeds were an abomination. Joseph set out to impose a brand-new religion that claims to be the 'only true church on earth.'

Mormons believe that there are in fact four sources of divinely inspired words, instead of just one. 1) The Bible “as far as it is translated correctly.” Which verses are incorrectly translated are not always made clear 2) The Book of Mormon was “translated” by Smith and published in 1830. Smith claimed it is the “most correct book” on earth, and that a person could get closer to God by following its precepts, “than by any other book.” 3) The Doctrine and Covenants is considered scripture by Mormons, containing a collection of modern revelations regarding the 'Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored.' 4) The Pearl of the Great Price is considered by Mormons to 'clarify' doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and adds its own information about the earth's creation."

P.S. Although I am not a Mormon and don't ever plan on converting, I have encountered a few. If you actually get to know a Mormon, their belief system is not as cult-ish as so many would have you believe. They are a close knit group of people who sincerely care about having strong families. I never forget that every religion and sect has it's own group of "crazies." I've met some strong, very likeable Mormons in my time.

Answer 3

I am a Mormon and am holding out for the day when they throw out the crap about polygamy and one day becoming gods. They just can't get the concept that Joseph Smith was a prophet but he got really screwed up for a while--He said more wonderful things than outlandish, but when he went into left field he decided to run around before coming back out. There has never been a good reason given for the polygamy-well the polygamy is for more offspring for the male god(I hate even repeating that)
That statement just does not represent what the members of the church act like---I might be lucky but the ward I belong to is amazing--very kind and very educated and constantly giving time and effort to people in need. This side is never shown or spoken about------Belief in Jesus is absolute, He is our Savior--the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three different beings working towards the same goal.
Research the church for yourself----read their books and books from the critics. Then speak with the missionaries from your area--they will amaze you. They are very good and very devoted. But don't let anyone tell you that Joseph Smith wasn't just a man with some good things to say--Yes, he was a prophet but he was not perfect, no way.
I recommend that you go to a few services and see for yourself.

Answer 4

If I were you, I'd do a lot of research before chosing ANY religion. I have numerous family members that are Mormon, and my family knew Brigham Young. But, I'm not Mormon. I read the book of Mormon. I have also read the Bible. I found a lot of things that didn't add up. For example, Mormons believe that Jesus has already come for the second time, appearing to Indians in the Americas. But, they don't consider this the Second Coming for reasons that I was unable to figure out.
Also, the way the book of Mormon was written seems a little shady to me. Joseph Smith was a known con-man in the state of Missouri (I think it was Missouri), and had been arrested on several occasions before fleeing to Utah. Once there, he claims that an angel of the Lord appeared to him and showed him some golden plates which had upon them another gospel of the Lord. But, supposedly the angel told Smith that these plates were not to be seen by anyone else, nor was he to tell anyone about them. This just seems to go against the God that I have read about in the Bible. And the way he translated them is suspect, too. He had to look at them in the dark (in a hat or under a sheet) with a special translating stone. He would then dictate what he read to a transcriber. This transcriber tested Smith one day to see if he would repeat exactly the translation by telling him that he lost the pages from the day before. Smith, "praying" about the matter, told him that God was angry with him for losing the translation, and as punishment, would not let Smith read from that plate again. Honestly, that seems a little fishy to me.
Anyway, back to my original point: Research. Read about Mormonism. Get books going both ways, for and against. Maybe you'll learn something.

Answer 5

It's not so much what they "teach" as what they *believe* that you probably should be concerned with. As well as other aspects of their religion. While you're investigating the "church" you'll be subjected to the policy of "Milk before meat". The Milk is the happy, feel good stuff; "Families are forever", etc. The Meat is the so-called "deep doctrine". Unfortunately, most members simply do not know what the "deep doctrine" is and will frequently assert that these very truthful aspects of their religion are being made up by the "Anti-Mormons".

For example, it is a fact that Joseph Smith didn't "translate" the Book of Mormon by looking at the plates but by looking at his seer stone (the same one he used for "treasure hunting") in a hat to "block out all light".

The Mormons believe that God lives on a planet near a star called Kolob and that he has a body of flesh and blood. They even have a hymn about it, "If I Could Hie to Kolob"

Brigham Young taught that there were men living on both the moon and the sun.

Several "eye witnesses" to the Gold Plates were excommunicated from the Church.

Several "eye witnesses" to the Gold Plates explained that they saw them not with their physical eyes but with their "Spiritual Eyes".

They still believe and practice "spiritual polygamy". A man who is all ready sealed "For time and all eternity" to a wife can be sealed to another wife if the first wife dies. That first sealing isn't "undone".

They believe that men can become gods and rule over their own planet.

You get assigned friends, "Home Teachers" and "Visiting Teachers". They are obligated to visit you once a month. Rarely, do they do so of their own desire to see you.

They believe in three different levels of heaven, the Terrestial, Telestial and Celestial Kingdoms. God (Heavenly Father) and Jesus (and presumedly the Heavenly Mother) live at the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom.

You MUST pay a full tithe (10% of your *gross* income) to be "worthy" of attending the temple. You MUST attend the temple to acheive the highest level of Heaven and dwell with God and Jesus.

You will be required, once a year, usually in December, to meet with your Bishop and account for your full 10% "donation" of tithing to the church.

Temple ceremonies, despite their revealed "perfect" nature have changed and evolved over the decades. Most recently, the "Shield" has been eliminated. (The "Shield" was a poncho-like length of white fabric under which you were naked. The "Temple Worker" would then symbolically "Wash" you by touching various spots on your bare skin underneath the "Shield" with water and then "Annoint" you in those same spots with consecrated oil.)

Previously removed aspects were the symbolic slashing of throats and vowing to avenge the death of Joseph Smith.

(Since Mormons won't discuss the temple ceremony *at all* it's usually a huge -- and often disturbing -- surprise.)

There are MANY other aspects of the church which you won't be taught while you're an "Investigator". Yes, you do owe it to yourself to fully investigate the religion you're thinking of joining--regardless of which religion that is.

And, remember, a statement isn't slander nor libel if the statement is true. *ALL* of these statements I make in this post are indeed factual and true.

(And, Joseph Smith, after being told to join no church, applied to join the Methodists.)

Answer 6

A second good website is www.lds.org

Also, I see the issue of polygamy has been brought up. That was a temporary principle (with emphasis on temporary), and I answered a similar question quite a while ago. See link below.

Answer 7

Mormons, First of all I know because I am one. Do Not believe in multiple wives, any one that says otherwise is either lying or ignorant of the facts. Second of All we are the most strict religion when it comes to sexual misconduct, we believe in abstanence from sex before marriage and complete fidelity after. real plain and simple We believe in the bible. We Believe In God the Eternal Father and in His son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. And We Believe That Families are Eternal. everything else we Believe are appendages to that.

Answer 8

The Mormons have a very nice website at www.mormon.org

Basically they believe that God is the father of all people on the Earth and that he has a plan for us while we live our lives.

Answer 9

we believein God the eternal father, his son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost.We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adams transgression. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obeidence to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. 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. 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.We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, apostles,prophets,pastors,teachers, evangelists, and so forth. We believe in the gift of tounges,prophecy, revelation, visions,healing, interpretation of tongues,and so forth. 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. 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 thing pertaining to the kingdom of God. We believe in the literal gathering of Isreal 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 receive its paradisiacal glory. We claim the privilege of worshipping 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. We believe in being subjest to kings,presidents,rulers,and magistrates,in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 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 any thing virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
I know this church is the true church and that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that if you read it and pray about it, you will know for yourself the truthfulness of that book. I know that Jesus is the savior and that Gordon B. Hinckley is hi current prophet. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you want to know more you can check out the following websites or contact the missionaries in your area.
http://www.lds.org
http://www.mormon.org
By the way , we have been counseled by the prophet to use the official name of the church, which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Answer 10

First off I am LDS (Mormon)

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
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.
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.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
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.

We do not have more than one wife. Do have kids do not belive in abortion Do believe in a livening prophet
That God is our literally are father and we are his spiritual off spring We believe in God The Father God the Son and Holey ghost all sepreate, but one in purpouse.
When we pray we pray to the father In the name of Jesus Christ by the power of the holey ghost

After Joseph smith had questions about religion he was reading in the bible and praying if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally and abraded not. He chose to join no religion
The Book of Mormon was found on a hill in Palmyra New York after Joseph smith had a vision and was told where to find it on the smith property it is a testament of the people on the American continent.
We believe when Jesus died and when he said I have other sheep which are not of this fold they were talking about them. the people here in America