We Believe ...

There are many ways and approaches to discuss the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For this post, I will simply provide the summary of our beliefs penned by Joseph Smith, Jr. (the first President and Prophet of the Church) in a letter response to one John Wentworth, the editor and proprietor of the Chicago Democrat paper, who, in 1842 asked Joseph what the Church believed. The summary, now known as The Articles of Faith, and canonized in one of the Church's books of scripture called The Pearl of Great Price, is as follows:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.



9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul -- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Obviously, the underlying concepts and broader implications of each of these articles of faith are not fully apparent as outlined here. As society has become more secular, or as people have attended church less, read and studied the Bible less, many of the concepts listed above may become foreign to them. Some of the ideas may even be wholly new to many people. That's OK. If you find yourself curious to learn more about anything related to the teachings and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can begin in several ways: 

  • Start exploring what the Church teaches here; 
  • Request an online or in person visit here; 
  • Talk to one of the missionaries that you see when out and about. The name tag gives them away and you will make their day!
  • Come to a Sunday meeting. Everyone's welcome. You can find a location near you here; 

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