What do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe?

https://www.comeuntochrist.org/beliefs

I like this site. It has brief explanations and short videos about some of of the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also has clear, simple answers to common questions that people have about our beliefs. It also gives the option to talk with missionaries via voice or video call. Enjoy!

How Can I Still Be a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints When I Don't Have All the Answers?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2018-03-0010-joseph-smith-and-the-beginnings-of-polygamy?category=church-history-topics&lang=eng

I know that there are people who think that if I have any unanswered questions, then I should leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To me that makes as much sense as quitting using computers, because I don't know everything about them. Actually, at my age, I'm grateful that I can use a computer at all. 

But, don't unanswered questions bother me? No. I'm very used to not  knowing everything. Let's face it, only teenagers know everything. If something is of value to me and could help me in my life, then I continue to study and learn about it. I've had to accept that there are many things that I simply don't have the background to understand - yet. I also know that learning must be earned through many long hours of effort. Since my time is limited, I concede that many things simply aren't worth my time and energy to study, and many things are not known at this time. 

Still some people ask how I can remain a member of the Church when they claim that Joseph Smith did some terrible thing. In today's world where there are so many attention seekers shouting "foul play", we must be very careful to not just react and make a judgment based solely on hearsay. Through my research, I have seen how many "claims" can be understood when they are placed in their proper historical context. (see my polygamy articles)  As thinking people, instead of just mindlessly reacting, we need to do our own in depth research before we make our decision on things we hear.

Questions and Answers about Polygamy

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-11-0140-mormon-polygamy-q-and-a?category=church-history-topics&lang=eng

In connection with the publication of the first volume of the new history, Saints - The Story of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, several videos have been made dealing with Church History. In this video, two historians answer questions about polygamy.

What Does Perfection Look Like?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/youth-curriculum/10-october?lang=eng

Only one man was perfect.   

What was he like?

How Can I Become Perfect?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-08-014-daily-bread-change?category=topics/repentance-and-forgiveness&lang=eng

If you work hard enough, can you become perfect? Of course not!  Being perfect is being like our Heavenly Father and our Savior -- finished, complete, whole. It is a very long term goal that we can desire and work at in this life, and which we might reach sometime in the eternities, but only if we allow our Savior to help us. 

Why can't we become perfect on our own? The fact is that we learn by making mistakes. We do something; experience the consequences, then make a judgement on whether what we did was good or bad. Did it make us happy and bring us peace, or did it make us miserable, and fearful? This is what we are here to do: to learn and grow. Well, we certainly have  making mistakes down pat, and we can even determine if we want to continue that behavior or never do it again, but how can we grow? 

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed About Becoming Perfect?

Great video if you are feeling overwhelmed about becoming perfect from a woman who has been there and found her way out.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-10-0001-the-perfect-lie-tiffany-webster?lang=eng

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I know of no better way to reduce a group of church women into a miserable puddle of guilt, than to mention becoming perfect. Immediately, women begin bemoaning their "failures": their home isn't neat every moment, their children are not high achievers, their meals sometimes are not very nutritious, their hair has a mind of its own, their clothes aren't stylish, their weight is too much, their yard has weeds, they forget things, and worst of all, they sometimes get tired and grouchy.

What is God Like?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-06-01-joseph-smiths-first-vision?lang=eng

We all wonder what God is like. Some think He is a spirit who dwells in our hearts. Some view Him as a great Santa who grants all their wishes, but what is He really like? One of the best ways to know, of course, is through people who have actually seen God. 

What Happens When We Die?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-08-1080-what-happens-after-we-die?category=mormon-beliefs&lang=eng

When I wrote about being happy to have another birthday, I said that I wasn't afraid of dying. I thought I should explain why I said that.

I think most people are afraid of dying because they don't know what will happen to them. Some people think they will just cease to exist. Many people envision their spirit continuing in a place where there is not any suffering or pain, but where they will be single without their family. Though they have hoped and promised in this life that "their love will continue forever", they aren't sure it will.

What does happen after you die? Will you really cease to exist? Will you lose your body and be just be a spirit forever? Will your marriage and family be gone?  

Another Birthday!

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-07-001-have-i-done-any-good-in-the-world-today?category=mormon-channel-music-videos&lang=eng

My gift to you. You can download the video here. 

In a few days I'll have another birthday. I'm excited to turn 68. I know most people try and hide their age, especially women. I don't. First of all, I so grateful to have made it this far, and second, I don't think anyone would really believe me if I said I was younger.  Let's face it, no older person really looks very young if you come within twenty feet of them.

Mainly, I'm excited about another birthday, because life keeps getting better.  Yes, I have health problems which restrict the things I can do, but I find that I'm happier now than when I was younger.  Though I admit, that I was prettier back then, I worried about everything. I compared myself to other women and saw them as more attractive and talented.  I went into a deep depression if I gained a pound, or hid in shame if I had a blemish. I listed all that others could do and neglected my own unique abilities. I worried if I was being a good wife, mother and homemaker. I worried constantly over my children's health, safety, and happiness. I made a long list of other women's strengths and expected myself to perform up to those standards, and I always felt that I was not measuring up to society's expectations. In other words, I sucked the joy out of life.

Advantages of Getting Older

https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/mormon-channel-daily-quotes-meme-april-faith-1943084?lang=eng

Yes, there really are advantages to getting older. 

• I've lived long enough to see consequences of actions. Things that seemed to be bad at the moment have turned out to be good in the long run. For example, my poor health has helped my husband become very loving and supportive.

• I've learned whose advice I can follow. I've come to respect my husband's advice. I saw the counsel of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come true. They counseled for years to get out of debt, live within your means, avoid Home Equity Loans, and store food and necessities. Those that followed this advice were all right when the "Down-Turn" came. 

• I've learned not to worry if children do immature things. They are learning. Have faith in them. Give them time, love, a good example, good principles, lots of encouragement, and trust God to make up the difference. Children usually become great adults because of, and in spite of, our efforts as parents.

Did Joseph Smith Start The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christs-church

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, find that an odd question. It is like asking if Moses made up the Ten Commandments. Moses was a prophet. Prophets listen to what God has to say, then they teach it to the people. They have the assignment to help the rest of us learn how to be happy and know what we need to do to return to our Heavenly Father someday. 

Aware of our weaknesses, God has always used Prophets to help us learn and grow. The Old Testament contains the record of God's dealings with man through His prophets. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ set up His Church, gave His Apostles priesthood authority, and designated Peter to be the prophet who would continue to receive revelation for His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Early-day Saints (saints just means a church member). (see Peter receiving revelation to take Gospel to Gentiles)

How Could I Believe in Prophets?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-04-15-we-need-living-prophets?lang=eng&_r=1

When I was in my mid-teens, I met a girl who was a a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There was something different about her and her family; a sense of strength, peace, and love. After asking her many questions about her faith, she suggested that I talk to the missionaries. I did and had many, many questions for them.

One thing that I believed was that God must speak with someone. I had always assumed that at least the Pope talked with God. I was very surprised and disappointed to learn that he doesn't even claim to receive direct revelation from God.

Could I Leave My Faith?

As my father was dying, he begged me to come back to our traditional family religion. He claimed that since all religions were about the same, it wouldn't make any difference. Though I knew it would mean so much to my dad, I didn't do it. Why?

To answer, I must go back to my college days. I lived just down the hill from the University of California at Berkeley. It was in the 1970's, the age of Hippies, and "Flower Power". Youth were questioning. They were tired to just being admonished to do as you are told. They didn't want to merely follow some traditional religion. They wanted answers. They wanted to know the meaning of life. Some sought "enlightenment" in Far Eastern religions and some in LSD drug highs. For most it was just a "fad", but for me it was not.

Should Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ask Questions?

Of course!  Questioning is how we learn. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in these latter days because a young man questioned the traditional Christian teachings. Joseph Smith prayed and asked God what church was right? Which church should I join?

But many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are very concerned that they are showing a lack of faith if they question their leaders. Though we are warned to follow our leaders to help us be safe in these perilous times, that does not mean that we are to blindly follow them like unthinking robots.  We each have a responsibility to carefully study the things our leaders say, then we must pray to know what they are saying is right.  It is only after own own effort that we can gain our own testimony, our own witness from God, of the truth of what our leaders are saying.  It is only when we act on what we have learned to be right,  that we will grow and progress.

Some members can feel OK about asking for a confirmation that what leaders are saying is right, but feel that they are doing something wrong if they question Church doctrine.  What confuses members and is causing their concern is that there are seeing two different things. One is the honest questioning of a person who is looking for answers. The other is people who are looking merely for a quick way to discount the Gospel teachings and live a less demanding life.

The Tabernacle Choir -- Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-12-0050-infant-holy-infant-lowly-music-video-mormon-tabernacle-choir?category=christmas-songs&lang=eng

I was very touched by this 2015  Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square video.  It shows the hope the Savior gives to us. Though I've never been in a physical prison, I feel that wrong choices can confine us in mental prisons even more limiting. I am so grateful to be able to learn form my mistakes, to apologize, to start over. I don't think I could continue if I felt I could not improve. After a day of saying and doing the wrong things, my life is a tangled mess. The discouraging thing is that I really am trying. This is the best I can do. I am trying to learn from my experience, but I don't know how to straighten out all my learning mistakes. I don't have the power to give myself a new start. Our Savior's love, strength, and sacrifice makes it so that I can look forward each day with hope -- the hope that I can become a better person.

What Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Believe

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-02-1020-what-mormons-believe?category=missionary/introduction-to-mormons&lang=eng

Here is a great page to learn about the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has a short explanation then you can View Detail and see videos and read more about that core belief. You can even "Chat" with a Church member and discuss there beliefs. 

https://discover.mormon.org/en-us/

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what do I believe? I believe in trying each day to be a loving person by helping others. I believe that love does not die and family relationships can continue forever. I believe that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to grow and be happy. I believe that our Savior came to show us the way to happiness and to give us the strength to get there. I believe that the Atonement of our Savior allows us to live after this life, and gives us hope and peace. I believe that God loves me, answers my prayers, and helps me each day. I believe in all that is good and true.

What does a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe about Blind Obedience and Freedom

Go here to download this fun video. https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-1260-act-for-themselves?category=topics/agency&lang=eng

I have often heard, "I would never be a Mormon. They believe in blind obedience. I value my freedom and will not blindly follow some leader, some Prophet." There are dictators and cult leaders who through military force, drugs, and personal charisma are able to make others submit to their will, but they are never able to maintain this control for very long. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in 1836 nearly two hundred years ago and is now a thriving worldwide church of over 15 million people. Would so many people join and remain in a church where they were required to surrender their right to make decisions, to think for themselves? Are our eighteen year old missionaries that charismatic? Hardly!

People say, but you follow a prophet. Yes, we do. What would have happened to the people of Israel if they had not followed the prophet, Moses, who led them out of slavery in Egypt?  As one of our Apostles explained, "We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see. " 

Can We Rise From the Grave?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-06-04-we-can-live-with-god-again?lang=eng
A friend asked me how I can believe in the Resurrection. How can I not? She states that bodies decompose after death and that is that. Of course our bodies break down and return to basic elements. It would be a pretty scary (and smelly!) world if this didn't happen.  Personally, I wouldn't want my body to be preserved and just brought back to life. I'm old now. I don't want to be stuck in this aging body forever! What I want is my spirit to return to a new body, an eternal body, one that will not age or decompose. Now that would be good. Spirits can not decompose. You feel the spirits of the people around you all the time. Their spirits either attract or repel you. We've all seen people who are beautiful on the outside, but you are repulsed by their spirit, another person you just immediately trust. Why, because our spirit is sensing their spirit.

I have seen death. One moment you feel them there, then they are gone. The body is there, but they are not there anymore. We call it death when the spirit leaves the body. Even when the body is kept working by machines, you can feel a difference when the spirit leaves. The spirit enables the body to have life on its own, it is what makes you, you.  It is what makes a baby a live being, it is your personality, your thoughts, your feelings, it is you. If you have ever felt someone's presences, you have felt their spirit. The spirit is not physical and therefore can not put in the gave to decompose, but continues to live with other spirits.

I believe that a God who has the power to create this world, can recreate our bodies, make them so they will not be subject to destructive powers, and put our spirits back in them, never to suffer or die again.

Are Polygamist groups part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

My friend was still wondering why a woman who was raised in a Polygamist group would not be welcomed into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes called the "Mormon" church, if she had given up polygamy. Here is my answer to her.

I think this is the problem with the young woman who wants to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You said, "She doesn't want to give up all her Mormon training and teachings to join a church that doesn't believe in the things she was brought up to believe in, which she would have to do if she went to any regular Protestant denomination. "  The truth is that there isn't some other The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which has the same beliefs, but also believes in polygamy. I was just looking at some of the beliefs of groups who splintered off from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their beliefs are really different!! 

See https://www.mormon.org/  "Beliefs" for beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why Won't the Church Let Her Be Baptized?

A friend told me that she had seen a "reality" show on TV where a young woman wanted to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but wasn't being allowed to join. She wanted to know why. Here is my answer. 


I have no idea what is really going on with that show, but I am very suspicious of emotional pleas on "reality" shows. As long as this is a publicity item, it probably won't happen. 

Also, you can not join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just because you "are willing". You have to take a series of lessons which teach you about the principles of the Gospel. 

Next, you must have an interview with a Church leader to make sure you understand the principles and are willing to live these principles which include such things as the Word of Wisdom (laws of health) https://www.lds.org/topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng, Chastity https://www.lds.org/topics/chastity?lang=eng, and Tithing https://www.lds.org/topics/tithing?lang=eng. 

Only after you demonstrate that you understand what you are committing to and have sincerely repented of all you have done which is wrong, are you allowed to be baptized. When you are baptized you commit with all your heart to keep all the commandments of God. You are not baptized to be a member of The Church, but as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, you can be confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 


Here is a good place to learn more about the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
https://www.mormon.org/