When my neighbor Sarah joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I'll admit I was curious. She stopped drinking coffee, started wearing special undergarments, and suddenly had missionaries knocking on her door every week. It made me wonder: what does the Mormon religion believe that leads to such noticeable lifestyle changes?
Turns out I wasn't alone in my curiosity. Every month, thousands search for what does the Mormon religion believe online. Maybe you're considering conversion, dating a Latter-day Saint, or just trying to understand those clean-cut missionaries. Whatever brings you here, let's break it down without the jargon.
Core Beliefs That Define Mormonism
At its heart, Mormonism claims to restore original Christianity. Joseph Smith founded it in 1830 after reporting visions where God and Jesus appeared to him. This restoration narrative shapes everything.
Scriptural Foundations Beyond the Bible
Mormons use four holy texts:
- The Bible ("as far as it is translated correctly")
- Book of Mormon - Ancient American prophets chronicling Jesus' post-resurrection visit
- Doctrine and Covenants - Modern revelations to Joseph Smith
- Pearl of Great Price - Includes Abraham's writings on premortal life
| Key Mormon Text | Purpose | Unique Teachings |
|---|---|---|
| Book of Mormon | Another testament of Jesus Christ | America as promised land, dark skin as curse from God (now disavowed) |
| Doctrine & Covenants | Modern church governance | Polygamy (Section 132), temple rituals, Word of Wisdom |
| Pearl of Great Price | Premortal existence details | Humans as eternally existent spirits, potential godhood |
That last point about godhood? It's central. Let me explain.
The Plan of Salvation Roadmap
Mormons see life as three acts:
- Premortal Existence: All humans existed as spirit children of Heavenly Parents
- Earth Life: Testing ground to gain physical bodies
- Afterlife: Three-tiered heaven where faithful become gods
This cosmic framework answers what does the Mormon religion believe about humanity's ultimate purpose. I've always found their afterlife structure fascinating:
| Kingdom of Glory | Requirements | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Celestial Kingdom | Temple ordinances, full obedience | Eternal families, godhood |
| Terrestrial Kingdom | Good people rejecting Mormon covenants | Christ's presence but no exaltation |
| Telestial Kingdom | Sinners & unbelievers | No divine presence, described as "glory of the stars" |
Personal take: The emphasis on human divinity feels uplifting but theologically risky. During a temple tour, I asked if this meant Mormons worship humans. The guide paused before saying "We worship God who makes our exaltation possible." Still makes me wonder.
Daily Practices That Shape Mormon Lives
Beliefs translate into concrete actions. If you're researching what does the Mormon religion believe, you'll see these play out:
- Sunday Worship: 3-hour block with sacramental bread/water
- Garment Wearing - Sacred underwear reminding of covenants
- Tithing - 10% income required for temple access
- Missionary Service - 18-24 months proselytizing (age 18 for men, 19 for women)
The Word of Wisdom Diet Code
More than just "no coffee" - it's a health code revealed in 1833:
| Prohibited | Permitted | Cultural Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea | Meat sparingly, grains, herbs | Decaf coffee still banned, herbal tea okay |
| Illegal drugs | Moderate soda consumption | Caffeine pills debated (Soda streams thrive in Utah!) |
My Mormon coworker carries herbal tea bags everywhere. "People assume I'm rebellious when I order chamomile," she laughs. "They don't get the distinction."
Controversies and Common Misconceptions
Let's address the elephants in the room. When exploring what does the Mormon religion believe, you'll encounter heated debates.
Polygamy's Complicated Legacy
Officially banned since 1890, but:
- Smith had ~30 wives (including 14-year-olds)
- Brigham Young had 55 wives
- Fundamentalist splinter groups still practice
The church now distances itself from this history. At the Church History Museum in Salt Lake, polygamy exhibits felt oddly sanitized to me.
Race and Priesthood Ban
Until 1978, black men couldn't hold priesthood positions. Church statements evolved:
| Year | Official Position | Current Stance |
|---|---|---|
| 1840s-1978 | Blacks cursed through Cain's lineage | Disavowed as "theories" |
| 2013 | "We don't know why it was practiced" | Called "wrong" but never formally apologized |
Attending a predominantly black ward in Atlanta, I heard painful stories. Brother Davis recalled being barred from his best friend's temple wedding in 1975. "The reversal came too late for us," he said quietly. This remains Mormonism's deepest wound.
Mormonism vs. Traditional Christianity
Understanding what does the Mormon religion believe requires seeing how it diverges from mainstream Christianity:
| Doctrine | Mormon Belief | Traditional Christian View |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of God | Exalted man with physical body | Spirit without physical form (John 4:24) |
| Trinity | Three separate beings | Three persons in one essence |
| Salvation | Faith + works + ordinances | Grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) |
These aren't minor differences. As one Baptist theologian told me: "Mormonism isn't a denomination - it's a new religion using Christian vocabulary."
Temple Rituals: More Than Secret Handshakes
Non-Mormons can't enter working temples. Through leaked videos and ex-member accounts, we know ceremonies include:
- Washing/anointing with oil
- Endowment ceremonies with symbolic creation drama
- Special handshakes (tokens) for heaven's gates
- Baptisms for the dead using stand-ins
Why the secrecy? Mormons compare it to Jesus' private teachings. Critics call it cultish. My take? All religions have mysteries - but photographing temple robes gets you excommunicated.
Real-Life Impacts of Mormon Beliefs
So what does the Mormon religion believe that affects daily choices?
Family dynamics: Weekly "Family Home Evening" is sacrosanct. My cousin's Mormon wife cancels all Monday activities for scripture study and games. "It's sweeter than Sunday dinner," her daughter told me.
Education: BYU tuition is 70% cheaper for tithe-paying members ($6,000/year vs $12,000 for non-members).
Finances: With 10% tithing and voluntary fast offerings, average LDS families donate $8,000-$10,000 yearly.
Politics: The church campaigned heavily against same-sex marriage (Prop 8). Though claiming neutrality now, 80% of Utah Mormons vote Republican.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mormons believe in the Trinity?
No. They see Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as separate beings united in purpose. Joseph Smith called the Trinity doctrine "a strange God" in his King Follett sermon.
Can Mormons drink soda?
Yes - despite caffeine myths. The Word of Wisdom forbids "hot drinks" (interpreted as coffee/tea). Cold caffeinated sodas exploded in Utah culture (ever tried Dirty Diet Coke with coconut syrup?).
Do they still practice polygamy?
Mainstream LDS Church excommunicates polygamists. But an estimated 30,000+ fundamentalists in Utah still practice, leading to awkward family reunions.
Why so many temples?
Temples aren't regular churches - they're for sacred ordinances. With 174 operating worldwide (83 more planned), they're expanding rapidly. The Rome Italy Temple cost $50 million to build.
Converting to Mormonism: What Actually Changes
Considering conversion? Based on interviews with converts, expect:
| Before Conversion | After Conversion | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Sundays | 3-hour church + callings (volunteer roles) | 8-15 hours/week |
| Standard underwear | Garments worn day/night | Lifetime practice |
| 10% personal income | 10% to church + fast offerings | Financial adjustment |
Jen R., a convert in Boston, told me: "Nobody warned me about the endless potlucks. Or how awkward temple interviews get when they ask about your underwear compliance."
Resources for Deeper Exploration
Still curious about what does the Mormon religion believe? Check these:
- Official Sources: ChurchofJesusChrist.org (avoid old "Mormon.org" links - they rebranded in 2018)
- Critical Perspectives: MormonThink.com (independent analyses)
- Books: "Under the Banner of Heaven" (Krakauer), "The Mormon People" (Bowman)
- Documentaries: "Murder Among the Mormons" (Netflix), "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" (Netflix)
After two years studying Mormonism, I still wrestle with it. Admire their community strength? Absolutely. Wish they'd apologize for past racism? You bet. Would I convert? Probably not - but I finally understand why Sarah gives up coffee for those sacred garments.
So what does the Mormon religion believe at its core? That humans can evolve into gods through precise obedience - a vision both terrifying and exhilarating. Whether that inspires or unsettles you, at least now you know.
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