Why Mormons?

Mormons, or Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Mormons — more accurately known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — are often described as a peculiar people.

The word peculiar can mean unusual, distinct, or different. In some contexts, it may even suggest something strange or unfamiliar. Yet in a biblical sense, the word carries a different meaning. In the New Testament, believers are described as a “peculiar people,” meaning a people set apart — a people belonging to God.

In many ways, Latter-day Saints embrace that meaning.

We are not peculiar because we seek to be strange. We are distinct because our beliefs, practices, and worldview are shaped by convictions that differ in important ways from broader Christian traditions. These differences are not accidental. They come from our understanding of divine restoration, continuing revelation, covenant discipleship, and the central role of Jesus Christ in God’s plan.

Yet for many outside the faith, the term “Mormon” carries layers of confusion. Some associate it primarily with missionaries wearing name tags. Others think of temples, large families, or abstaining from coffee and alcohol. Still others encounter discussions online that focus almost entirely on controversial moments in history.

But who are we really?
What do we actually believe?
And why do we believe it?

Those questions deserve thoughtful answers.

What Is WhyMormons.net?

WhyMormons.net exists to answer a simple but important question:

What do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints actually believe — and why?

In today’s digital landscape, information about religion is abundant. Yet abundance does not always equal clarity. Conversations about Latter-day Saints frequently occur in media, academic discussions, podcasts, online forums, and social commentary. Some of these discussions are respectful and well-researched. Others are incomplete, outdated, or shaped by misunderstanding.

This website was created to provide something different.

Rather than speaking about Latter-day Saints from the outside, this site allows members to speak for themselves.

We believe that when people want to understand a religious tradition, the most responsible starting point is to hear how its adherents describe their own beliefs. Every faith deserves to be understood on its own terms.

WhyMormons.net is not a debate platform. It is not an apologetic battlefield. It is not a space for attacking other religious traditions. It is not a forum for rehearsing grievances.

It is a place for explanation.

Here, you will find clear and structured descriptions of Latter-day Saint beliefs, drawn directly from:

• The Holy Bible

• The Book of Mormon

• The Doctrine and Covenants

• The Pearl of Great Price

• Official teachings of modern prophets and apostles

• Public statements and doctrinal clarifications issued by the Church

Our aim is not to reinterpret our faith through critics’ language. Our aim is to present it as believers understand it.

Letting Members Speak in Their Own Words

Many discussions about Mormonism are framed by people who are not members of the Church — or by individuals who once believed but no longer do. Their perspectives are part of the broader conversation. However, they do not represent the lived faith of practicing Latter-day Saints.

WhyMormons.net exists to ensure that the voice of believing members is heard clearly.

When someone asks:

• “Do Mormons believe in Jesus?”

• “Do they consider themselves Christian?”

• “Why do they believe in modern prophets?”

• “What is the Book of Mormon?”

• “Do they believe the Bible?”

• “What happens after death?”

These questions deserve answers grounded in doctrine, scripture, and faithful understanding — not assumptions.

We believe that accurate representation is a matter of fairness.

Just as no one would want their own beliefs summarized inaccurately, we seek to explain ours responsibly.

What We Believe

At the center of Latter-day Saint belief is Jesus Christ.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, and the Savior and Redeemer of the world. We believe that through His atoning sacrifice — His suffering in Gethsemane, His death on the cross, and His resurrection — all humanity may overcome sin and death.

We believe salvation is made possible because of Him.

Everything else we believe is connected to that foundation.

The Restoration of Christ’s Church

We believe that the original Church established by Jesus Christ in the New Testament included apostles, prophets, priesthood authority, revelation, and sacred ordinances.

We believe that after the deaths of the original apostles, certain truths and priesthood authority were lost or altered over time. This period is often referred to as the Great Apostasy.

We believe that in the early 19th century, God restored His Church through a modern prophet, Joseph Smith. Through divine revelation, priesthood authority was reestablished, sacred ordinances were restored, and additional scripture was brought forth.

This belief in restoration is central to our identity. It explains why we have modern apostles. It explains why we build temples. It explains why we emphasize continuing revelation.

Continuing Revelation

We believe God has not ceased to speak.

Just as He called prophets in ancient times — Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul — we believe He continues to call prophets today. These leaders do not replace the Bible, nor do they compete with it. Rather, they testify of Jesus Christ and guide the Church according to divine direction.

We believe individuals can also receive personal revelation through prayer and the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Truth, in our understanding, is not merely inherited. It can be confirmed spiritually.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It does not replace the Bible. It complements it.

We believe it contains the writings of ancient prophets who lived in the Americas and who testified of Jesus Christ both before and after His resurrection. We believe it was translated by the gift and power of God through Joseph Smith.

Its central message is clear: Jesus is the Christ.

For Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon strengthens faith in the Bible, clarifies doctrine, and invites readers to seek personal revelation regarding its truth.

The Nature of God

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

We believe they are three distinct beings united in purpose. We believe God is our literal Father in Heaven. We believe human beings are His spirit children.

This understanding shapes our view of identity, purpose, and destiny.

We believe life has eternal meaning.

Why We State These Beliefs Plainly

Because these beliefs matter, we state them clearly.

We do not hide behind vague language. We do not reduce our doctrine to generalities. We do not avoid distinctive teachings simply because they are unfamiliar.

Clarity builds trust.

Some of our beliefs differ from traditional Christian theology. Rather than minimizing those differences, we explain them respectfully.

We believe transparency is a form of integrity.

Addressing Misunderstandings

Many misunderstandings arise from:

• Historical events presented without context

• Doctrinal statements quoted without explanation

• Cultural practices mistaken for eternal doctrine

• Outdated policies confused with current teachings

WhyMormons.net seeks to clarify these distinctions.

History includes complexity. Like all religious traditions, our history includes growth, migration, hardship, institutional development, and refinement.

We do not claim that history is simple. We do claim that it deserves careful explanation.

Who This Site Is For

WhyMormons.net is open to anyone with honest questions.

You may be:

• A friend of a Latter-day Saint

• A family member seeking understanding

• A student researching religion

• A Christian exploring theological differences

• A skeptic wanting accurate information

• A seeker searching for spiritual direction

You do not need to agree with what you read here.

Agreement is not required for understanding.

We only ask that our beliefs be read as they are intended — as a faithful explanation of what Latter-day Saints believe and why we believe it is true.

Our Approach

We aim to present information that is:

• Scripturally grounded

• Historically aware

• Doctrinally accurate

• Respectful in tone

• Clear in structure

We avoid sensationalism.
We avoid caricature.
We avoid hostility.

Religious belief is deeply personal. It shapes identity, family life, moral decision-making, and eternal hope. For that reason, it deserves to be discussed with seriousness.

A Peculiar but Devoted People

Returning to the word “peculiar” — perhaps Latter-day Saints are peculiar in this sense:

We believe God still calls prophets.
We believe ancient scripture was restored through divine means.
We believe temples connect families eternally.
We believe obedience and covenant discipleship matter deeply.
We believe revelation is real.

In a world increasingly skeptical of divine communication, such beliefs may seem unusual.

But they are held sincerely.

Latter-day Saints are not defined merely by cultural habits or historical headlines. They are defined by faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to live according to His teachings as they understand them.

A Faith Centered on Covenants and Commitment

To understand Latter-day Saints, it is not enough to examine isolated beliefs. It is necessary to understand the framework through which those beliefs are lived. At the heart of that framework is the concept of covenant.

A covenant, in Latter-day Saint theology, is a sacred promise between God and His children. It is not a casual agreement. It is not symbolic language alone. It is a binding spiritual commitment entered into willingly and prayerfully.

From baptism to temple worship, covenant-making shapes the spiritual journey of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We believe that throughout biblical history, God has worked with His people through covenants. He made covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others. These covenants were not merely ritualistic. They established identity, responsibility, and divine promises.

Similarly, Latter-day Saints believe that entering into covenants today connects believers to that same divine pattern.

Baptism, for example, is more than a public declaration of faith. It represents a covenant to follow Jesus Christ, to keep His commandments, and to take His name upon oneself. In return, God promises the companionship of the Holy Ghost and spiritual renewal.

Temple ordinances are also understood within this covenant framework. Temples are not simply buildings of aesthetic beauty. They are sacred spaces where covenants are made that focus on eternal commitment — to God, to family, and to discipleship.

This covenant-centered worldview influences daily life. Faith is not seen as passive belief alone. It is active commitment. It involves moral accountability, personal discipline, and service.

To some observers, this emphasis may appear rigorous. Yet to believers, it is liberating. Covenants provide direction. They clarify purpose. They establish spiritual identity.

Latter-day Saints do not view obedience as a means of earning God’s love. Rather, obedience is understood as a response to divine grace — an expression of trust in God’s wisdom.

This perspective shapes how members approach decisions regarding family, career, ethics, and community involvement. Faith is not confined to Sunday worship. It extends into everyday living.

Understanding Mormon belief requires recognizing that it is not merely doctrinal — it is covenantal. It is structured around sacred promises that shape both present discipleship and eternal hope.

A Global Church with a Shared Spiritual Identity

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often associated with its early American history. While its restoration began in the United States in the 19th century, it is no longer geographically or culturally limited to one nation.

Today, the Church is a global faith community, with members across continents, languages, and cultures.

This global expansion is not viewed merely as institutional growth. It is understood as part of a divine commission to share the message of Jesus Christ with all nations.

Missionary work plays a visible role in that effort. Young men and women, as well as senior couples, volunteer to serve missions around the world. They do so at personal expense and often forgo educational or career advancement during that period of service.

The purpose of missionary work is not coercion. It is invitation.

Missionaries teach about Jesus Christ, the Restoration, and the Book of Mormon. They invite individuals to pray and seek personal confirmation through the Holy Ghost. Conversion, in Latter-day Saint understanding, must be voluntary and spiritually confirmed.

Beyond missionary work, the Church operates humanitarian initiatives, educational programs, and local congregations that emphasize community support.

One distinctive feature of LDS congregations is lay leadership. Local bishops and other leaders are typically not paid clergy. They serve voluntarily while maintaining careers and family responsibilities. This structure reinforces the belief that discipleship is shared responsibility.

Despite cultural differences across nations, Latter-day Saints share a unified doctrinal foundation. Scriptures are translated into numerous languages. General conferences are broadcast globally. Teachings of modern prophets are disseminated worldwide.

This shared spiritual identity transcends nationality.

Members in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and North America study the same foundational doctrines and look to the same central leadership for guidance.

At the same time, cultural expression varies. Music styles differ. Local customs influence congregational life. Yet these differences exist within a shared theological framework.

Understanding Latter-day Saints requires recognizing both dimensions: the global scope of the Church and the personal devotion of individual members.

The faith is not confined to historical origins. It is lived daily by millions across diverse societies, united by belief in Jesus Christ and commitment to restored doctrine.

Faith, Agency, and Personal Revelation

One of the most defining principles in Latter-day Saint theology is agency — the God-given ability to choose.

We believe that moral agency is essential to God’s plan. Human beings are not compelled into righteousness. They are invited to choose it.

This belief shapes our understanding of accountability, repentance, and spiritual growth.

Agency also connects closely to the principle of personal revelation.

While the Church is led by prophets and apostles, individual members are encouraged to seek divine guidance for their own lives. Prayer is central. Scripture study is essential. Reflection and spiritual sensitivity are cultivated intentionally.

We believe that the Holy Ghost can confirm truth to the sincere seeker. This confirmation is not understood as emotional excitement alone, but as spiritual clarity, peace, and conviction consistent with revealed doctrine.

This emphasis on personal revelation explains why missionaries invite individuals to pray about the Book of Mormon rather than relying solely on argument or persuasion. Faith, in our view, must be spiritually anchored.

Agency means individuals are free to accept or reject that invitation.

This theological commitment to agency also informs the Church’s stance on religious freedom. Faith cannot be authentic if it is coerced. Belief must be voluntary.

At the same time, agency implies accountability. Choices have consequences — both temporal and eternal. This understanding reinforces the seriousness with which Latter-day Saints approach moral decisions.

Repentance, in this framework, is not punishment but opportunity. Because of Jesus Christ’s atonement, individuals can change, grow, and return to covenant faithfulness.

Faith, then, is dynamic. It involves learning, choosing, repenting, recommitting, and progressing.

Latter-day Saints do not claim perfection. They claim reliance on Christ.

Understanding Mormon belief requires recognizing this balance: institutional leadership guided by prophetic revelation, and personal discipleship guided by individual spiritual confirmation.

The two are not seen as contradictory. They are complementary.

God speaks to His Church through prophets.
God speaks to individuals through the Holy Ghost.

Both forms of guidance point toward Jesus Christ.

An Invitation to Understand

WhyMormons.net is not a demand for agreement. It is an invitation to understanding.

We believe conversations improve when people understand one another’s beliefs accurately. Even when disagreement remains, clarity reduces hostility.

If you read this site with curiosity, you may discover that Latter-day Saint belief is more structured, more Christ-centered, and more theologically intentional than you expected.

If you are skeptical, you are still welcome.

If you are searching, you are welcome.

If you simply want clarity, you are welcome.

Understanding begins with asking sincere questions.
Faith begins with seeking truth.
Dialogue begins with listening.

We invite you to explore, to read carefully, and to consider what Latter-day Saints actually believe — and why those beliefs matter so deeply to millions of people around the world.

That is the purpose of WhyMormons.net.