How
do Latter-day Saints believe they should live their lives?
"We
believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing
good to all men." Joseph Smith wrote this in 1842 in response to a journalist's
inquiry concerning the beliefs of Latter-day Saints. "If there is anything
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these
things" (Articles of Faith 1:13). Latter-day Saints do not claim that they
are all virtuous, without exception, nor that others do not display great
virtue as well. Latter-day Saints do, however, believe that their religious
beliefs must be translated into daily living.
The
Articles of Faith
"These include fundamental and characteristic
doctrines of the gospel as taught by this Church; but they are not to be
regarded as a complete exposition of belief ... " Elder James E. Talmage,
Articles of Faith
The
Purpose of Life
"Latter-day Saint prophets have affirmed the purpose of
life within the framework of three questions: (1) Whence did we come? (2)
Why are we here? (3) What awaits us hereafter? The scriptural context of
these questions is assurance of the eternal character of the soul and of
the creation of the earth as a place for the family of God." Encyclopedia
of Mormonism
Teachings
About Jesus Christ
"Jesus Christ is the central figure in the doctrine of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith
explained that "the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony
of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was
buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all
other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it" (TPJS,
p. 121). Latter-day Saints believe that complete salvation is possible
only through the life, death, resurrection, doctrines, and ordinances of
Jesus Christ and in no other way." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Scriptural
Writings
In one of its religious senses, the term "canon" refers
to the literary works accepted by a religion as Scripture. The word
derives from the Hebrew qaneh (reed), which came to mean "measuring rod"
and then "rule." It thus indicates the norm or the standard by which all
things are measured. Latter-day Saints accept a more extensive and more
open canon of scripture than those accepted by other Christians and by
Jews. Latter-day Saints accept, in addition to the Bible, the Book
of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great
Price. These four scriptural collections are called the Standard
Works.
The Gospel
of Jesus Christ
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of salvation. It
embraces all of the laws, principles, doctrines, rites, ordinances, acts,
powers, authorities, and keys necessary to save and exalt men in the highest
heaven hereafter. It is the covenant of salvation which the Lord makes
with men on earth." Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine
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Teachings
About the Family
The Church proclaims that marriage between
a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to
the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
Teachings
About Temples
"Holy sanctuaries wherein sacred ordinances,
rites, and ceremonies are performed which pertain to salvation and exaltation
in the kingdom of God are called temples." Elder Bruce R. McConkie,
Mormon Doctrine
Teachings
About the Godhead
"Latter-day Saints believe in God the Father;
his Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost (A of F 1). These three Gods
form the Godhead, which holds the keys of power over the universe. Each
member of the Godhead is an independent personage, separate and distinct
from the other two, the three being in perfect unity and harmony with each
other (AF, chap. 2)." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Church
Organization and Priesthood Authority
"Jesus Christ is the great
High Priest of God; Christ is therefore the source of all true priesthood
authority and power on this earth (Heb. 5- 10). Man does not take such
priesthood power unto himself; it must be conferred by God through his
servants (Heb. 5:4; D&C 1:38)." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Teachings
About the Afterlife
"A purpose of the final judgment is to judge every person,
to provide a separation of the faithful from the wicked, and to make available
the promised blessings of eternal reward to God's faithful children. Jesus
Christ is the judge." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Teachings
About Our Premortal Existence
The term "pre-existence," or more accurately,
"premortal existence," refers to a period of individual conscious and accountable
life before birth into mortality on this earth.
Doctrines
of the Gospel
"Doctrines are teachings. They are classified as true or
false. True doctrines come from God, the source and fountain of all truth,
and are the teachings and concepts found in the gospel. False doctrines
are from beneath. Their effect is to pervert, change, and alter revealed
truth, so that by obeying false directions men will fall short of salvation
in the celestial world." Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine |
