Introduction to Mormon doctrine
Understanding what Mormons believe, also called Mormon doctrine, is a difficult road to travel. Not only is there a vast history, but despite what some say, Mormon doctrine has been an ever-changing topic of study. Mormonism has nailed down what it believes morally, however, it has yet to spell out what it fully believes theologically, that is, concerning God - who he is, how he got here (if he did), what he knows, how he knows it etc... These questions are fundamental to any religion, especially one that claims that "the fulness of the gospel was taken from the earth because of widespread apostasy," (True to the Faith, p. 136). The result is that Mormonism claims to be restored Christianity - the true Christianity.
Contents |
[edit] The basics
[edit] Bible
Since the beginning, Mormonism has made it clear that they believe there are problems with the Bible. Most of these issues derive from skepticism related to how the Bible was copied and handled. They argue that because we do not have any original manuscripts, and because humans can error in their copying, the Bible cannot be relied upon to have correct and historical information regarding God and his gospel. Furthermore, they argue that many truths have been taken out, and thus the Bible is lacking in what it originally said.
- See main page: Bible
[edit] God
Fundamental to Latter-day Saint (LDS) beliefs is that the Godhead consists of three beings. Thus, Mormonism denies monotheism (mono = one, theism = belief in God) and affirms polytheism (poly = many, theism = belief in God). Mormonism has also struggled to define the nature of God (who he is). The problems arise with statements made by past Prophets (those who lead the Mormon religion) that made it sound as if God has not always existed. In their attempts to appear Christian and to systematize their beliefs, Mormonism has avoided these statements and tried to conjure up a different understanding of God. This has resulted in their modern day prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, when asked by Time magazine if "the LDS Church holds that, 'God the Father was once a man, he sounded uncertain, "I don’t know that we teach it. I don’t know that we emphasize it ... I understand the philosophical background behind it, but I don’t know a lot about it, and I don’t think others know a lot about it.’" [1]
- See main pages: God and Heavenly Father
[edit] Jesus
Fundamental to belief-system that claims to be Christian is it's view of Jesus. According to Mormon beliefs, Jesus was literally born in heaven by Heavenly Father and Mother. Being the first born, Jesus took on the role of saving humanity from the effects of the fall, being chosen of Lucifer (Satan), his brother. Jesus' atonement took place in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. His atonement secures everyone the right to be resurrected, however, depending on one's works and worthiness, not everyone will end up in the same place.
- See main page: Jesus Christ
[edit] Salvation
This section is a stub. Please edit it to add information.
[edit] Heaven
Mormonism believes there are "three degrees of glory." The majority of this idea stems from Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) 76. The lowest degree is the Telestial Kingdom, following after it the Terrestrial Kingdom and the Celestial Kingdom. Those in the Telestial (the lowest) will only be visited by the Holy Ghost. Those in the Terrestrial Kingdom will be visited by Jesus, while those in the highest kingdom, the Celestial, will live forever in the presence of both Jesus and Heavenly Father. Mormons also refer to 1 Corinthians 15:39-41 for support of this view.
[edit] References
- True to the Faith, published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2004
