Why Mormons

Category: Misunderstandings and Common Questions

  • Why did the church change its name usage?

    Why did the church change its name usage?

    Why did the church change its name usage?

    Why Do Mormons Believe They Are the True Church?

    Introduction

    The idea of a church claiming to be “the true Church.” often makes people uncomfortable. In a world shaped by religious diversity, interfaith dialogue, and personal spirituality, such a claim can sound arrogant, dismissive, or even divisive. When Latter-day Saints say they believe they belong to the true Church of Jesus Christ, many assume this means they see themselves as morally superior or believe everyone else is wrong.

    For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however, the meaning of “true Church” is far more specific and theological than personal or cultural. It is not a statement about who is good, sincere, or loved by God. Instead, it is a belief about authority, divine organization, restored ordinances, and God’s active involvement in guiding His church on earth.

    Latter-day Saints believe they belong to the true Church of Jesus Christ because they believe that Jesus Christ Himself restored His original church through divine revelation, priesthood authority, and living prophets. This belief centers on continuity with the New Testament church, not superiority over other Christians.

    In this context, “true” refers to divine authorization and completeness of doctrine, not to the value or sincerity of individuals in other faith traditions. Understanding this belief requires unpacking what Latter-day Saints mean by “true,” why they emphasize restoration rather than reformation, and how this doctrine coexists with respect, humility, and compassion toward others.

    What Does “True Church” Mean to Latter-day Saints?

    In Latter-day Saint belief, the true Church is defined by its origin and authority, not by the moral perfection of its members. A true church is one that Jesus Christ personally established, authorized, and continues to guide.

    This definition includes several essential elements. First, the church must possess priesthood authority—the divine right to act in God’s name. Second, it must administer ordinances that are valid and binding in God’s eyes. Third, it must receive ongoing revelation so that God can guide His people in changing circumstances.

    Truth, therefore, is institutional and doctrinal rather than personal. Latter-day Saints do not believe that membership automatically makes someone righteous, nor do they believe that people outside their church lack faith or goodness.

    Authority and Ordinances

    A central feature of what makes a church “true” in Latter-day Saint belief is authority. Authority is understood as power delegated by God, not assumed by individuals or institutions.

    This authority is required to perform ordinances such as baptism, confirmation, and other sacred rites believed to be necessary for salvation. Without proper authority, ordinances may be sincere and meaningful, but they are not believed to be divinely binding.

    For Latter-day Saints, authority connects modern religious practice directly to Jesus Christ and His apostles.

    Completeness of Doctrine

    Another defining feature of the true Church is doctrinal completeness. Latter-day Saints believe all essential teachings and ordinances must be present, not partially recovered or symbolically preserved.

    This includes teachings about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, covenants, priesthood, and eternal family relationships. Completeness does not mean that every truth is fully understood, but that the core framework God intends for His church is in place.

    From this perspective, truth is cumulative and revealed progressively through divine guidance.

    Restoration Rather Than Reformation

    One of the most distinctive beliefs of Latter-day Saints is that the true Church did not simply evolve or reform over time, but was restored by God after a period of apostasy. Apostasy refers to the loss of divine authority and doctrinal clarity following the deaths of Christ’s original apostles.

    Rather than believing the true Church continued uninterrupted through history, Latter-day Saints believe it was lost and later restored through revelation.

    This belief sets the Restoration apart from movements that sought to reform existing Christian institutions.

    Divine Initiative

    According to Latter-day Saint belief, the Restoration began with God reaching out to humanity, not humans rediscovering truth on their own. God initiated the process by calling a prophet and restoring authority, doctrine, and ordinances.

    This emphasis on divine initiative reinforces the belief that the Church exists because of revelation rather than historical development.

    The Restoration is understood as an act of divine mercy rather than human correction.

    Not a Human Movement

    Because the Church is believed to have been restored by God, not created by reformers, its authority does not rest on tradition, scholarship, or popular support.

    Latter-day Saints believe this explains why new scripture, modern prophets, and continuing revelation are necessary. A restored church must be guided the same way the original church was guided—by God speaking to chosen servants.

    Role of Priesthood Authority

    Priesthood authority is one of the strongest reasons Latter-day Saints believe their church is the true Church of Jesus Christ. They believe this authority was originally given by Christ to His apostles and later restored through heavenly messengers.

    Authority is transmitted through ordination, not assumed through position or education.

    Without this authority, ordinances are believed to lack eternal binding power.

    Authority Passed by Ordination

    Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority is passed from one person to another through ordination, following a chain that traces back to Jesus Christ.

    This belief mirrors New Testament patterns in which apostles conferred authority through the laying on of hands.

    Authority is therefore something received, not claimed. This transmission ensures continuity between Christ’s original church and the restored Church today.

    Living Prophets and Ongoing Revelation

    Another defining belief is that a true church must have living prophets. Latter-day Saints believe God continues to speak and guide His church in modern times.

    Revelation did not end with the Bible. Instead, it continues according to God’s will and humanity’s needs.

    This belief allows the Church to remain responsive to contemporary issues while remaining anchored in eternal principles.

    God Still Speaks

    Latter-day Saints believe a silent God would contradict the idea of a living church. If God is actively involved in human history, He must be able to guide His people today.

    Living prophets provide direction, correction, and reassurance. They do not replace scripture but help apply eternal truths to modern contexts.

    Guidance for a Living Church

    A living church faces challenges unknown to ancient societies. Ongoing revelation allows God to address new circumstances without abandoning core doctrine.

    This balance between continuity and adaptation is seen as evidence of divine guidance rather than institutional rigidity.

    Respect for Other Christian Churches

    Despite believing they belong to the true Church, Latter-day Saints emphasize respect for other Christian churches. They believe truth, goodness, and inspiration exist throughout Christianity.

    Other churches are seen as sincere, faithful communities that teach moral truth and devotion to Jesus Christ.

    Claiming institutional truth does not mean denying spiritual value elsewhere.

    Truth Exists Elsewhere

    Latter-day Saints believe God works through many people and institutions. Inspiration, moral goodness, and spiritual insight are not limited to one church.

    This belief encourages humility and cooperation rather than hostility or isolation.

    Members are taught to honor faith wherever it is found.

    Individual Salvation and God’s Mercy

    Latter-day Saints strongly reject the idea that salvation is limited only to members of their church. They believe God judges individuals based on their hearts, actions, and opportunities—not solely on church affiliation.

    They also believe God provides opportunities for all people to accept truth, either in this life or the next.

    This belief balances claims of institutional truth with divine compassion.

    God Is Just and Merciful

    God’s justice ensures fairness, while His mercy ensures opportunity. Latter-day Saints believe no one is condemned for circumstances beyond their control.

    This view prevents the doctrine of the true Church from becoming a tool of condemnation.

    Personal Confirmation Through Revelation

    Latter-day Saints are not asked to accept the Church’s truthfulness blindly. Members are encouraged to seek personal confirmation through prayer and spiritual experience.

    Faith is meant to be grounded in individual revelation, not only institutional claims.

    Ask and Receive

    Individuals are encouraged to ask God directly whether the Church is true. This personal confirmation is considered essential to genuine conviction.

    Truth, in this sense, is both revealed and experienced.

    Common Misunderstandings

    A common misunderstanding is that claiming to be the true Church means rejecting all others. Latter-day Saints explicitly reject this interpretation.

    Another misunderstanding is that this belief promotes arrogance or exclusivity. Church teachings emphasize humility, service, and respect.

    The doctrine is about God’s actions, not human superiority.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Believing the Church is the true Church gives meaning to ordinances, authority, and revelation. It explains why Latter-day Saints emphasize covenants, priesthood, and prophetic guidance.

    For believers, this doctrine affirms that God has not abandoned humanity. He continues to speak, guide, and organize His church through Jesus Christ.

    Ultimately, the belief is not about winning arguments, but about trusting that God is still involved in human history and invites all people to come unto Christ.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: The Church of Jesus Christ
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Joseph Smith Papers – Restoration and Authority
    https://www.josephsmithpapers.org

    Doctrine and Covenants Central – Restoration Doctrine
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why Do Mormons Emphasize Obedience to Church Leaders?

    Why Do Mormons Emphasize Obedience to Church Leaders?

    Why Do Mormons Emphasize Obedience to Church Leaders?

    Introduction

    In cultures that highly value individual autonomy, skepticism toward authority is common. Many people are cautious—sometimes rightly so—about institutions or leaders claiming influence over belief or behavior. Because of this, outsiders often notice that Latter-day Saints speak frequently about sustaining and following Church leaders and wonder what that obedience really means. Is it blind loyalty? Is questioning discouraged? Are leaders placed above personal conscience?

    Latter-day Saints generally understand obedience to Church leaders very differently from these assumptions. For them, obedience is not about surrendering thought, conscience, or personal responsibility. It is rooted in a belief that God actively guides His Church through inspired servants and that following that guidance—when confirmed personally—leads to unity, protection, and spiritual growth.

    Importantly, obedience to leaders is not viewed as replacing obedience to God. In fact, Latter-day Saints believe obedience to leadership is meaningful only insofar as it reflects trust in God’s direction. Leaders are seen as instruments, not objects of devotion. Christ, not any human leader, is believed to be the head of the Church.

    Understanding why Mormons emphasize obedience to Church leaders requires examining how they understand divine calling, agency, imperfection, unity, accountability, and personal revelation within a faith community.

    Belief in Divine Calling

    A foundational reason Latter-day Saints emphasize obedience to Church leaders is their belief that leaders are divinely called. Leadership is not viewed as a career path, political victory, or result of ambition. Instead, leaders are believed to be chosen through revelation.

    Church leaders are selected through a process that includes prayer, spiritual confirmation, and sustaining by the membership. This process reinforces the belief that leadership is a sacred responsibility rather than a position of power.

    Called, Not Chosen by Ambition

    In Latter-day Saint culture, leadership is understood primarily as service. Leaders are expected to sacrifice time, energy, and personal comfort to care for others. Most leaders serve voluntarily, without pay, alongside full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

    This understanding helps frame obedience not as submission to authority figures seeking power, but as cooperation with servants called to minister.

    Leadership is associated with accountability, not privilege.

    Sustaining as Support

    Members “sustain” leaders through a public expression of support. Sustaining is not merely symbolic; it represents willingness to cooperate, pray for leaders, and work alongside them.

    Sustaining does not mean believing leaders are perfect or agreeing with every decision instinctively. It means supporting their calling and trusting God’s process.

    Obedience Rooted in Agency

    A key distinction in Latter-day Saint belief is that obedience is voluntary. Members are not expected to follow leaders mechanically or unthinkingly. Instead, they are encouraged to seek personal spiritual confirmation.

    Personal revelation is viewed as an essential safeguard that balances leadership authority.

    Personal Confirmation

    Latter-day Saints are taught to pray about counsel they receive from leaders. If guidance aligns with God’s will, they believe individuals can receive confirmation through personal revelation.

    This expectation preserves moral agency and individual accountability. Members are responsible for their own choices, even when those choices involve following counsel.

    Obedience without personal conviction is considered spiritually hollow.

    Faith and Choice

    Faith-based obedience requires choice. Latter-day Saints believe God honors agency so deeply that He does not compel obedience.

    When members choose to follow leadership counsel, they do so as an act of faith, not compulsion. This preserves dignity and moral responsibility.

    Obedience is meaningful precisely because it is chosen.

    Leaders as Imperfect Servants

    Another essential aspect of Latter-day Saint belief is the acknowledgment that leaders are human and imperfect. Obedience does not imply belief in infallibility.

    Leaders are expected to rely on God because they lack personal perfection.

    Humility in Leadership

    Church leaders regularly acknowledge their limitations. They emphasize prayer, counsel, and reliance on revelation rather than personal expertise.

    This humility is built into Church culture. Leaders are encouraged to listen, seek guidance, and correct mistakes when necessary.

    Members are taught to respect leaders while recognizing human weakness.

    Unity and Order

    One of the practical reasons obedience to leadership is emphasized is unity. With millions of members worldwide, shared direction allows the Church to function cohesively.

    Unity is not seen as organizational convenience alone, but as a spiritual principle.

    One Church Worldwide

    Shared guidance helps ensure that members across cultures worship with common purpose. While local customs differ, core practices and teachings remain unified.

    This unity reduces fragmentation and doctrinal confusion. It allows a global faith community to act together rather than splinter.

    Unity is viewed as a strength that magnifies individual efforts.

    Leadership and Accountability

    Contrary to assumptions about centralized power, Church leadership operates within councils and systems of accountability. Decisions are rarely made by one individual alone.

    Leadership is collaborative.

    Counsel Together

    Leaders at every level are encouraged to counsel together, listen to multiple perspectives, and seek consensus. This process reduces personal bias and increases humility.

    Councils are designed to ensure that no single voice dominates decision-making.

    Structure limits authoritarianism rather than enabling it.

    Obedience and Personal Growth

    Latter-day Saints also believe obedience contributes to personal growth. Acting on inspired counsel can develop trust, patience, and humility.

    Growth often comes through practice rather than understanding alone.

    Learning Through Action

    Some spiritual lessons are learned only by acting in faith. Following guidance can stretch comfort zones and refine character.

    Members believe that as they act on counsel, understanding often follows.

    Obedience becomes a learning process rather than blind submission.

    Compassion and Flexibility

    While obedience is emphasized, compassion is central. Leaders are taught to apply policies with sensitivity and awareness of individual circumstances.

    Rules are not meant to override human needs.

    Christlike Leadership

    Leaders are instructed to lead as Christ would—through love, patience, and understanding. Mercy is considered essential to righteous leadership.

    Obedience does not replace empathy. Structure does not eliminate compassion.

    People are always prioritized over policies.

    Common Misunderstandings

    A common misunderstanding is that obedience suppresses critical thinking. In reality, Latter-day Saints emphasize personal revelation, conscience, and moral responsibility.

    Another misunderstanding is that Church leaders replace Christ. Members believe Jesus Christ remains the head of the Church and the ultimate source of authority.

    Leaders point to Christ, not themselves.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Emphasizing obedience to Church leaders fosters unity, trust, and spiritual growth. It helps align personal faith with collective discipleship.

    For Latter-day Saints, obedience to leaders reflects confidence that God continues to guide His Church through inspired servants.

    This belief is not about surrendering thought or conscience. It is about choosing trust, unity, and growth within a community striving to follow Jesus Christ together.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Sustaining Leaders
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Doctrine and Covenants Central – Leadership and Revelation
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central – Authority and Discipleship
    https://scripturecentral.org