Understanding the Beliefs, Purpose, and Faith of Latter-day Saints
The question “What do Mormons believe?” is often asked, but rarely answered in a clear, complete, and unbiased way. Discussions about Mormon beliefs are frequently reduced to brief summaries, cultural stereotypes, or isolated historical claims. As a result, many people encounter fragments of information without the broader theological and historical context that gives those beliefs meaning.
WhyMormons.net exists to help anyone—members and non-members alike—understand what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe, and why those beliefs matter in their daily lives. Our purpose is not simply to list doctrines, but to explain them in a way that connects theology, history, and lived experience.
This page is designed to go beyond quick summaries. Here, you’ll find context, careful explanations, and thoughtful storytelling that help illuminate not only what Latter-day Saints believe, but also the spiritual convictions and moral commitments behind those beliefs. Religion is not just a set of ideas; it shapes identity, family life, purpose, and community. Understanding Mormonism requires looking at both doctrine and devotion together.
Who Are Mormons?
“Mormons”—more accurately called Latter-day Saints—are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The nickname “Mormon” comes from the Book of Mormon, one of their sacred scriptures. While many members now prefer to be referred to by the full name of the Church, the term “Mormon” remains widely recognized.
Latter-day Saints consider themselves Christians. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and the central figure of their faith. They affirm the Bible as scripture and place strong emphasis on Christ’s atonement, resurrection, and role in salvation.
However, Mormon beliefs also include distinctive doctrines that set them apart from many traditional Christian denominations. These include belief in:
-
Continuing revelation through modern prophets
-
Additional scripture such as the Book of Mormon
-
Priesthood authority restored in modern times
-
The eternal nature of families
-
A detailed Plan of Salvation explaining life before and after mortality
Because of these differences, Mormon theology often sparks curiosity, questions, and sometimes misunderstanding. Yet for members, these beliefs form a coherent and deeply meaningful framework that shapes their understanding of God, humanity, and eternal purpose.
What Do Mormons Believe About God?
At the center of Mormon belief is faith in God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints teach that God is a loving Heavenly Father who desires the growth and salvation of His children. They believe that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God and that through His atoning sacrifice, all humanity can be resurrected and offered eternal life.
One distinctive aspect of LDS doctrine is the understanding of the Godhead. Latter-day Saints believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are distinct beings united in purpose rather than one metaphysical substance. While this differs from classical Trinitarian formulations, devotion to Jesus Christ remains central to LDS worship.
Prayer, scripture study, and personal revelation are considered vital parts of developing a relationship with God.
Why Mormon Beliefs Matter to Members
For Latter-day Saints, belief is not abstract philosophy—it shapes everyday life. Their faith influences how they approach family relationships, moral choices, community service, and long-term goals.
The doctrine of eternal families, for example, gives marriage and parenthood spiritual significance beyond mortality. The belief in modern prophets provides guidance in navigating contemporary challenges. The Plan of Salvation offers a structured understanding of life’s purpose, suffering, accountability, and hope.
Mormon beliefs also encourage active participation in church life. Members typically attend weekly services, serve in volunteer leadership roles, contribute to humanitarian efforts, and engage in missionary work.
Faith, in LDS understanding, is expressed through covenant commitment, moral discipline, and community responsibility.
Addressing Common Curiosity
Because Mormonism includes additional scripture and a restoration narrative, it is often the subject of online debate. Questions frequently arise about church history, prophetic authority, temple worship, and doctrinal development.
Rather than avoiding these topics, this page aims to approach them carefully and contextually. Understanding Mormon beliefs requires examining both theological claims and historical foundations without oversimplification.
Curiosity is natural. Honest questions deserve careful answers.
A Faith with Global Presence
While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began in the United States in the 19th century, it is now a global faith community. Members live across continents and cultures. Congregations operate in numerous languages. Temples are constructed worldwide.
This international presence reflects the Church’s missionary emphasis and organizational structure. It also demonstrates that Mormon beliefs resonate beyond a single cultural context.
Moving Beyond Assumptions
Religious understanding improves when beliefs are explored directly rather than through assumptions. Mormonism, like any religious tradition, contains theological depth, historical development, and lived experience that cannot be captured in a single sentence.
This page invites you to explore Mormon beliefs thoughtfully, respectfully, and with attention to context.
Whether you are seeking academic clarity, interfaith understanding, or personal insight, understanding begins with informed exploration.
Core Beliefs of Latter-day Saints
The core beliefs of Latter-day Saints form a coherent and interconnected theological framework centered on Jesus Christ, divine authority, covenant relationships, and eternal purpose. These doctrines are not isolated ideas but part of a larger understanding of God’s plan for humanity.
At the foundation of Mormon belief is faith in God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints believe that God is a loving Heavenly Father who knows His children personally and desires their growth, happiness, and salvation. Jesus Christ is recognized as the Savior and Redeemer of the world, whose atoning sacrifice makes forgiveness, resurrection, and eternal life possible.
The Restoration of the Gospel
A central doctrine in LDS belief is the Restoration. Members believe that after the death of the original apostles, priesthood authority and certain teachings were lost or altered over time. Through divine intervention in the 19th century, they believe God restored His Church, priesthood authority, and essential ordinances through modern prophets.
This belief explains why Latter-day Saints emphasize modern revelation and prophetic leadership. The Restoration is not seen as a rejection of Christianity, but as a continuation and renewal of Christ’s original church.
The Plan of Salvation
Another foundational belief is the Plan of Salvation. According to LDS doctrine, human life did not begin at birth nor end at death. Individuals are believed to have existed as spirit children of God before mortal life. Earth life is a period of testing, learning, and moral agency.
Through Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected. After resurrection and judgment, individuals inherit degrees of glory according to their choices and acceptance of divine truth. This framework emphasizes both justice and mercy, accountability and hope.
Agency and Moral Responsibility
Latter-day Saints place strong emphasis on agency — the God-given ability to choose between good and evil. Agency is considered essential to spiritual growth. Because individuals are free to choose, they are also accountable for their decisions.
This doctrine shapes ethical living, family responsibility, and personal commitment. Faith is expressed not only through belief, but through covenant obedience and moral integrity.
Eternal Families
One of the most distinctive aspects of Mormon belief is the doctrine of eternal families. Through sacred temple ordinances, marriage and family relationships are believed to continue beyond death. This belief gives profound spiritual meaning to family life and influences priorities within LDS culture.
Family is not merely a social structure; it is viewed as part of God’s eternal plan.
Living Prophets and Continuing Revelation
Latter-day Saints believe that God continues to guide His Church through living prophets and apostles. Just as in biblical times, prophetic leadership provides direction, doctrinal clarity, and spiritual guidance.
Members are encouraged to seek personal revelation as well, confirming truth through prayer and the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ at the Center
At the core of all Mormon belief is Jesus Christ. Members believe that:
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God
- He lived, taught, died, and was resurrected
- Through Him, all people can find forgiveness, healing, and eternal life
Everything else—teachings, practices, and organization—points back to Christ.
Scripture and Revelation
In addition to the Bible, Latter-day Saints believe in:
- The Book of Mormon – Another testament of Jesus Christ
- Doctrine and Covenants – Modern revelations
- Pearl of Great Price – Foundational writings
They believe God continues to speak today through prophets, just as He did in biblical times.
The Purpose of Life
Mormons believe life has a divine purpose:
- We lived with God before this life
- Earth life is a time to grow, learn, and choose
- Families and relationships matter eternally
This belief shapes how members approach family, service, education, and community.
Families and Eternal Relationships
Family is central to Mormon belief. Latter-day Saints believe:
- Families can continue beyond death
- Marriage and family relationships are sacred
- Love, commitment, and responsibility extend eternally
This belief explains the strong emphasis on family life within the faith.
Temples and Sacred Worship
Temples are among the most recognizable and misunderstood aspects of Mormonism. They are:
- Houses of worship dedicated to God
- Places for sacred ordinances and covenants
- Symbols of eternal perspective
Temples are not secret, but sacred—focused on commitment, purpose, and devotion.
Why WhyMormons.net Exists
There are many opinions about Latter-day Saints—often from people who are not members, or who rely on stereotypes and incomplete information.
WhyMormons.net exists to:
- Explain beliefs clearly and respectfully
- Provide accurate context
- Help people understand why Mormons believe what they believe
- Encourage thoughtful exploration, not persuasion
This site is about understanding, not conversion.
Explore Further
If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to explore:
- Explore Topics – In-depth explanations of specific beliefs
- Articles – Thoughtful essays and perspectives
- Temple Video – A closer look at temple worship
Understanding begins with curiosity—and we’re glad you’re here.
Why Mormons believe what they believe is a story of faith, purpose, and devotion. This page is just the beginning.