One Response to “What do you believe? What are your beliefs based on? Why do …”
Ricardo Campos
2010-04-24 20:38:34
A statue of Jesus Christ at temple square in Salt Lake City.
Hi Cristiano. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a theologically complex faith community. Our beliefs are many, and it is difficult to summarize them in a single statement. Perhaps this brief summary will help you better understand our perspective. Certainly if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
Our beliefs are based on the words God has revealed to His prophets and apostles. Certainly the Bible is an important source of God's words. Mormons love the Bible and try their best to apply its teachings in their lives. Additionally, Mormons believe God revealed His word to peoples who lived on the ancient American continent as well. These words are contained in a book called the Book of Mormon. Finally, Mormons do not believe God is now silent. Just as He called prophets and apostles in ancient times, He calls prophets and apostles in our days. The words God reveals to modern-day prophets and apostles are also very important sources of doctrine.
In the Catholic Church, a saint is someone who is very holy, almost perfect. That is not what Mormons mean when they call themselves latter-day "saints" because Mormons do not consider themselves to be perfect. In the New Testament, all members of Christ's church, regardless of their holiness, were called "saints." When Mormons call themselves "saints," they mean only that they are members of Christ's church.
The real name of the "Mormon Church" is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We call ourselves the Church of Jesus Christ because we believe ours is the same church described in the New Testament. That ancient church has been restored in our modern times through a modern-day prophet named Joseph Smith, who lived in the XIX century. Finally, we call ourselves latter-day saints to distinguish ourselves from the saints (members) of Christ's original church who lived in New-Testament times.
Our beliefs are based on the words God has revealed to His prophets and apostles. Certainly the Bible is an important source of God's words. Mormons love the Bible and try their best to apply its teachings in their lives. Additionally, Mormons believe God revealed His word to peoples who lived on the ancient American continent as well. These words are contained in a book called the Book of Mormon. Finally, Mormons do not believe God is now silent. Just as He called prophets and apostles in ancient times, He calls prophets and apostles in our days. The words God reveals to modern-day prophets and apostles are also very important sources of doctrine.
In the Catholic Church, a saint is someone who is very holy, almost perfect. That is not what Mormons mean when they call themselves latter-day "saints" because Mormons do not consider themselves to be perfect. In the New Testament, all members of Christ's church, regardless of their holiness, were called "saints." When Mormons call themselves "saints," they mean only that they are members of Christ's church.
The real name of the "Mormon Church" is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We call ourselves the Church of Jesus Christ because we believe ours is the same church described in the New Testament. That ancient church has been restored in our modern times through a modern-day prophet named Joseph Smith, who lived in the XIX century. Finally, we call ourselves latter-day saints to distinguish ourselves from the saints (members) of Christ's original church who lived in New-Testament times.