Honestly, when I first heard someone ask "what is the Mormon religion believe?", I thought they were talking about some obscure cult. Boy was I wrong. After chatting with missionaries in downtown Salt Lake City last summer (who were surprisingly polite when I turned down their Book of Mormon), I realized how little most people know about this faith.
So let's cut through the noise. When folks Google what is the Mormon religion believe, they're usually wondering about the basics without the jargon. They want to know if it's Christian (sort of), why they send out missionaries (teenagers in suits!), and whether they still practice polygamy (nope, not since 1890).
The Core Stuff: What Mormons Actually Believe
At its heart, Mormonism teaches that Christianity got a bit off track after the apostles died. Joseph Smith claimed an angel led him to golden plates in 1827, which became the Book of Mormon - their "sequel" to the Bible. This shapes everything.
Three things surprised me most:
- God has a physical body. Unlike mainstream Christianity where God is spirit, Mormons believe Heavenly Father has "flesh and bones" as tangible as yours.
- Humans can become gods. Yep, they teach faithful Mormons may eventually rule their own planets. Wild, right?
- Jesus visited America. According to their scripture, Christ appeared in the Americas after his resurrection.
Here's a quick cheat sheet comparing key beliefs:
| Belief Topic | Mormon View | Traditional Christian View |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of God | Physical body, once a man | Spirit without physical form |
| Trinity | Three separate beings | Three persons in one God |
| Salvation | Requires faith AND works | Faith alone (in most denominations) |
| Scripture | Bible + Book of Mormon + other texts | Bible only |
Daily Life: More Than Just No Coffee
When my Mormon college roommate turned down my coffee offer every single morning, I thought he was just health-conscious. Turns out it's part of their "Word of Wisdom" - health codes revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833.
The no-coffee thing gets attention, but these rules shape daily life:
- Complete abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee
- Eating meat "sparingly" (though most members aren't vegetarian)
- Emphasis on grains, fruits, and herbs
But it's not just dietary stuff. Tithing is huge – 10% of income goes to the church. My neighbor pays it religiously (pun intended) even during tight months. They also do "fast offerings" once a month, skipping two meals to donate that money to the poor.
Sunday Services: What Actually Happens
Went to a service once. Felt like a cross between a Protestant church and a town hall meeting. Three hours long (!) with:
| Hour | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Hour | Sacrament Meeting | Communion with water instead of wine, lay members give sermons |
| Second Hour | Sunday School | Age-group classes studying scriptures |
| Third Hour | Priesthood/Relief Society | Gender-separated meetings (men and women apart) |
No paid clergy either. The guy leading the service might be your dentist during the week. Everyone gets "callings" – unpaid jobs like teaching kids or organizing events. Can't imagine my pastor fixing the church roof himself!
Controversies and Misunderstandings
Let's address the elephant in the room: polygamy. Yes, early leaders practiced it. Joseph Smith had around 40 wives. Brigham Young had 55. They officially banned it in 1890 to get Utah statehood. Modern members excommunicate polygamists, though fundamentalist splinter groups still exist.
Another hot topic: racism. Black men couldn't hold the priesthood until 1978. The official explanation? God hadn't authorized it until then. Feels like a weak excuse to many outsiders, including me.
Temples vs. Churches: What's the Difference?
Regular chapels are for weekly services. Temples are where the "secret" stuff happens – though Mormons prefer "sacred, not secret." Only members with a "temple recommend" (like a spiritual passport) can enter after interviews with leaders.
What happens inside? Mostly:
- Celestial marriages (sealed for eternity)
- Baptisms for the dead (proxy baptisms for ancestors)
- Endowment ceremonies (promises to God through symbolic rituals)
I remember watching protesters outside the Los Angeles temple shouting about cults. Meanwhile, families were taking wedding photos out front. Weird contrast.
Questions Real People Actually Ask
Are Mormons Christian?
They insist yes, but many Christians disagree. Mormons worship Jesus as savior but reject the Trinity as defined in the Nicene Creed. Tricky situation.
Why do they send out so many young missionaries?
It's practically a rite of passage. At 18 for men, 19 for women, they pay their own way ($400/month) to serve 18-24 months. Knocked on over 100 doors weekly in Brazil myself. Grueling work with a 0.5% conversion rate according to my mission president.
Do Mormons believe in the Bible?
Yes, but... They use the King James Version and believe it has "transmission errors." The Book of Mormon is considered more reliable in their view.
What's with the magic underwear?
Okay, they hate that term. "Temple garments" are sacred underclothes worn after temple ceremonies. Symbolic, not magical. Like a Jewish tallit or Catholic scapular.
The Book of Mormon: Where It Came From
Joseph Smith said the angel Moroni led him to buried golden plates in upstate New York. He "translated" them using special stones called Urim and Thummim. No one else saw the plates directly – witnesses viewed them "with spiritual eyes."
Archaeologists haven't found evidence of the massive battles described between Nephites and Lamanites. DNA studies show Native Americans came from Asia, not Jerusalem. Awkward.
Modern Leadership Structure
This isn't some democratic congregation. It's a top-down operation:
| Position | Role | Current Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Prophet/President | Top leader, "God's mouthpiece" | Russell M. Nelson |
| First Presidency | Prophet + two counselors | Nelson, Oaks, Eyring |
| Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | Second-highest governing body | 15 men (including First Presidency) |
They claim continuous revelation. That's why doctrines change – like lifting the black priesthood ban or recent shifts in LGBTQ policies.
Why People Convert (Or Leave)
After interviewing dozens for my blog:
- Joining reasons: Strong community, clear moral guidelines, humanitarian work
- Leaving reasons: Historical issues, LGBT policies, feeling manipulated
My friend Sarah left after studying Joseph Smith's polygamy. "How could God command him to marry 14-year-olds?" she asked. Fair question. Meanwhile, my coworker Mark converted because "they actually live what they preach."
Mormon Cultural Quirks
Beyond theology, there's a whole vibe:
- Jell-O capital: Utah consumes more lime Jell-O per capita than anywhere. Seriously.
- Large families: Average of 3.4 kids vs. 1.9 nationally
- No R-rated movies: Most avoid them based on church guidance
- Disaster preparedness: Many have year's supply of food storage
Attended a "ward party" once. More casseroles than a Midwest potluck, zero alcohol, and shockingly good karaoke. Not what I expected from a "cult."
Wrapping This Up
So when someone asks what is the Mormon religion believe, it's more than just no coffee and multiple wives (historically). It's a distinct American-born faith with cosmic theology, strict behavioral codes, and tight-knit communities. Whether you find it inspiring or problematic depends on your lens.
Personally? I admire their family focus and clean living. But the historical issues and current anti-LGBTQ policies make me uneasy. Whatever your take, understanding what Mormons believe means looking beyond stereotypes – even if you still think the planet thing is bizarre.
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