Note: Jed Allen is an active Mormon, retired, and residing in Houston. He was a Lt Col in the US Air Force and a general manager for a major corporation. Views expressed are his.
Introduction
During the run up to the 2008 presidential election I hear quite a lot on the topic of religion. The question of whether or not a Mormon can be elected to the White House was often discussed while Mitt Romney was an active candidate. Mormon beliefs are often brought up, sometimes accurately and sometimes not. Sometimes controversial beliefs are raised in an effort to discredit the Mormon candidate.
I’ve tried to do a couple of things in the writings which follow. One is to address some of the more controversial beliefs from a Mormon point of view. I’ve been an active member of the Church for better than half a century. I’ve always believed you get the best answer to what a Mormon believes by asking a Mormon. Two, to make the concepts simple, almost conversational.
Article One of Ten: Mormons--The True Church?
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons believe the original church established by Christ changed through the millennia and in 1820 Christ called Joseph Smith to re-establish Christ's church in modern times. We believe it to be the true church of Jesus Christ.
As a Mormon, if I was asked whether I thought the Mormon church were true, I would reply, do you think people go to churches they don’t believe are true? I don’t think they do. So I suppose it’s not odd that Mormons also claim their church to be true. The concept “one true church” has a bad taste to many. Concepts that seem to taste better are “All roads lead to Rome,” “just believe in God,” or “just be good.” But what really gets peoples’ goat is that Mormons believe theirs is the only true church, and they are anxious to testify accordingly. Although this Mormon belief irks lots of folks, it is a point of conversion for others.
I suppose if the Mormon Church were the only true church, it would have originated in the great state of Texas rather than upstate New York (joking). Nevertheless, New York was the place and Joseph Smith the boy. Note, I said boy; in 1820 he was only 14 years of age when he had both the curiosity and courage to retreat to the forest and pray for an answer to which of all Christian sects was true. It hadn’t entered his mind that none might be. Would you laugh or scoff if I told you Mormons believe God and his son Jesus appeared to the boy and answered his prayer? Yet, who better to ask than God, and who better to answer? The answer, paraphrased, was that lots of things had happened to Christianity since the time of Christ’s ancient church resulting in change and adoption of ideas of men. Joseph was told not to join any church. He would learn that his life’s mission would be as the instrument of God to re-establish (Mormons often use the term "restore") the church of Christ again to the earth.
The official name of this restored church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We don’t consider ourselves saints much more than do the NFL New Orleans Saints. It’s a way of saying we are modern day members of the church of Christ, now restored. The restoration leap-frogged the religious confusion during the centuries in which the original church was lost. Pretty nice concept, don’t you think? By the way, the church is known as the Mormon Church because of belief in The Book of Mormon, a second witness of Christ, the Bible being the first. More on this in a following article.
The people of Joseph’s day largely rejected his message. They typically responded with mockery and persecution. But Joseph knew he had witnessed this divine manifestation and he would not deny it. His testimony would prevail. Obviously the church survived those early beginnings. By 1830 a small nucleus of members met to officially organize according to the laws of New York. By 1947, over a hundred years later, membership reached the one million mark. Recently, membership surpassed 13 million with about half that number residing outside the United States. This uniquely American Church is taking on a world-wide complexion. Currently some 50,000 missionaries spread the word throughout the world. You may feel that all 50,000 have knocked on your door.
Article Two of Ten: From Whence the Name "Mormon"
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons believe Bible peoples immigrated from the old to the new world and were led by prophets who kept scriptural records. These ancient records were made known to Joseph Smith in the 1820s and published as the Book of Mormon.
The official title of the Mormon Church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” So how did we get tagged as the Mormon Church?
Sharpen those darts; the history is both interesting and tantalizing to critics. In 1820 a 14 year-old boy by the name of Joseph Smith received a vision from God in which he learned that through apostasy, the ancient church of Christ no longer existed in its true form. He also learned that he would be an instrument in the restoration of the ancient church. Three years later, in 1823, Joseph was visited by an ancient American prophet by the name of Moroni. Moroni lived and died some 400 years after Christ. His progenitors had migrated to the Americas from Jerusalem nearly a thousand years earlier. One of Moroni’s last works on the earth was to gather together the records of his people which had been abridged and prepared by his father, Mormon, to become a latter-day scripture. Since Mormon accomplished the preponderance of this preparation, the book that would come forth in modern times became known as the Book of Mormon. The focal point of the book is an additional witness of Christ. The book testifies that Christ visited ancient Americans soon after his crucifixion in the old world. Mormon’s record was inscribed on golden plates and passed to his son Moroni who buried it, where it would remain waiting to be brought forth in modern times.
In 1823, as mentioned above, Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith during the night in the young man’s home in Palmyra, New York, and revealed to him the location of the record. The next day Joseph located the record in a hill near his home. Moroni prohibited Joseph from removing the plates until four years later, possibly allowing him to further mature into his life’s mission. In short, Joseph retrieved the record in 1827 and through the inspiration of God translated it into The Book of Mormon. Because members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accept the Book of Mormon as holy scripture we were soon tagged with the nickname, “Mormons.” Mormons also accept the Bible as the word of God.
Ah hah! You say. So where are the plates? The answer is Moroni took them back after the record was translated. Likely story, you say. Yeah, that’s the history. Believe me, more than once I wished we had those plates to stick under the nose of skeptics. But, I suspect, in the end and, as with the Bible, some would judge the writings to be precious while others would judge them to be only musings. All would like the gold. If it helps, at least 11 other men saw the plates and so witnessed in writing. As for the rest of us, we can read the book. A promise near the end of the Book of Mormon states that the sincere reader can know of its truth through prayerful consideration.
Article Three of Ten: Mormons on God and Man's Destiny
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons believe God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings. The father and the Son have glorified bodies in whom man is the image. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. Mormons believe, as children of God, mankind has a divine nature capable of progressing in the eternities to reach powers similar to their Heavenly Father.
In August 07 I was watching Larry King Live. His guest was Bill Maher, a comedian and political pundit of sorts. They were discussing whether or not a Mormon could be elected president of the United States--referring to Mitt Romney. Bill asked Larry whether he knew that Mormons believe that if you have a Mormon celestial marriage you will get your own planet. His implication: How stupid is that? Further, how stupid are Mormons? Further, how stupid is Mitt Romney?
Bill was partially right. Mormons do believe great things lie in store for those who do God’s will. They believe the ultimate goal of man’s existence is to return to and to become like their Father in Heaven. So, what is the Father like?
The Bible says man was created in the image of God? Conversely, does this mean God also reflects the image of man? That is to say, if God and man were to stand side by side, would they be similar in appearance? Do they both have the same bodily form? Mormons say yes. Mormons believe God has a body of flesh and bones, albeit, glorified and eternal. Further, they believe Jesus, the son, does too. We know Jesus had a body as he walked the streets of mortality, and we know He did when he showed His resurrected body to His apostles. In sum, Mormons believe God, our Heavenly Father, has a body of flesh and bones, is glorified, is all knowing and all powerful, and the resurrected Christ is like the Father.
When Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son in 1820, he saw two personages as described above. They conversed with Joseph. It seems to me most people intrinsically believe that when they think of God, or especially when they pray to God, He is there. He is real and they see him as a being with body, parts and passions. Mormons believe further, the Father and the Son are two separate beings. This concept being reinforced by Biblical references to the Son praying to the Father, and to visions of ancients seeing the Son and the Father as two separate beings.
Now to Mormons having their own planet. As noted above, Mormons believe the end of life’s journey is to become like their Heavenly Father. The detail of exactly what that entails, how it happens and how long it may take is not so clear. Certainly, lots of conclusions can and have been drawn from the concept of becoming like God. Man in his fallen state is not like God except in a very general sense. Only through Christ’s atonement and the satisfying of the demands of justice by grace and mercy can man be sanctified and become perfected. But Mormons truly believe in this possibility. This concept adds meaning to the atonement. Indeed, Mormons do believe God’s purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Does this mean learning the powers of creation? Mormons would say yes.
Do Mormons believe man existed before his life on earth? Yes. Mormons believe all men and women were created as spirits by God, making Him our Father in Heaven and all His spirit children brothers and sisters. In the pre-earth life, there was a war between these spirits. Two-thirds of the spirit children chose to follow God’s plan for the development and progression of His children. One-third rebelled and followed a plan put forth by Satan. Mormons believe all who have been or will be born upon the earth were part of the two-thirds who accepted God’s plan. The remaining third remain as spirits having never been born in mortality forfeiting opportunities for growth in this stage of existence. Those who followed Satan continue to wage war by exerting what power they can to lead the rest of us astray. Some say: “The Devil made me do it.” In fact, the Devil and his angels are trying to get you to do it, but they can’t make you.
Article Four of Ten: Mormons on the Second Coming, Judgment & Reward
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons believe Jesus Christ will come again to the earth, destroy the wicked and establish a millennium of peace. Eventually all men will be judged and rewarded according to their faith and works and be placed in a heavenly kingdom commensurate with the judgment.
As with Christians in general, Mormons believe Christ will return to the earth. The event is referred to as The Second Coming of Christ or more commonly, the Second Coming. When I was a child, I heard it referred to it as the end of the world, and I was terrified of unusual sightings in the skies or movies of aliens invading the earth. Actually Mormons believe it is not the end of the world at all, but a much looked forward to change. Major changes include destruction of the wicked, physical changes to the planet including becoming paradisiacal as in the days of the Garden of Eden, and the beginning of a joyful millennial (1000 years) period with no enmity between men or animals. The wolf will lie down with the lamb and Jesus Christ will reign. We share beliefs with others that there are many signs to precede the event including wars and tumultuous events in the Heavens and on the earth. A great war often referred to as Armageddon will be waged near Jerusalem in which Christ will intercede to stop the carnage and establish peace. The exact time of these events is unknown but appears to many to have already begun and is closing in on the end. A common philosophy among Mormons is to live each day as if it were the last and, thereby, to have no need to fear.
Sometime following the thousand year millennial period comes the final judgment where every soul meets his maker. Mormons believe to do well at the judgment one will have accepted Jesus Christ and His atonement for our sins. We further believe that we will have shown love for the Lord by striving to obey his commandments and by doing good. Both elements, accepting the Savior and doing good are essential. Mormons are often criticized as being a people who believe they can work their way to Heaven by obedience to commandments and doing good deeds. That’s at least half right. The other half is accepting Christ. I admit it appears to some we emphasize works. Actually, there is no contradiction. Those who love Christ want to keep his commandments. Mormons have accepted Christ as their redeemer and are now focused on doing his will. Christ taught that those who love him will keep his commandments.
After judgment comes reward or perhaps more commonly put, assignment to Heaven or Hell. Mormons believe in Heaven and Hell in a broad sense. It’s pretty easy to grasp the concept that if you’re good you go to Heaven and if bad you go to Hell. Actually we break down our destination in the hereafter to three kingdoms of glory—the Celestial Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom and the Telestial Kingdom. All are kingdoms of glory but the most glorious is the Celestial where God resides with the righteous and least glorious is the Telestial where liars, murderers etc. end up and is most comparable to the common concept of Hell. The glory of the kingdoms is compared in the Bible to the light of the sun, moon and stars. Mormons believe Hell is the misery associated with falling short of the expectations of God and not seeking forgiveness—disappointing God. We don’t believe Hell to be a place of fire and brimstone but rather, a sorrowful state of mind and missing the joy of living with God in the eternities.
Satan and his hosts, after a clear knowledge of God openly rebelled and waged war against Him. They don’t merit a kingdom of glory at all. According to Mormons, they are relegated to Outer Darkness. We believe Outer Darkness to be a more sorrowful state than the lowest of the kingdoms described above.
So what about all those grotesque paintings depicting Hell with people burning, being sawed in half, and tortured in numerous ways? They are false but still catch my attention.
Article Five of Ten: Mormons on Priesthood and Modern Prophets
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons believe one must possess authorization to represent God in performance of church administration and divine ordinances. This authorization is called Priesthood and was restored to modern man by ancient holders of this authority. The leader in the Priesthood is referred to as the Prophet or President of the Church.
Can it be that John the Baptist, the same that lost his head at the order of Herod, returned to the earth, Pennsylvania to be specific, and ordained Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the same Priesthood used by the Baptist to carry out the works of Christ? You might say that whoever believes such a thing has indeed lost his own head.
Mormons believe that this event happened in 1829. Joseph and Oliver were translating ancient records that eventually would become The Book of Mormon when a question arose over who has the authority to baptize. They took this question to God in prayer. On the banks of the Susquehanna River, John the Baptist returned to the earth and restored the Priesthood of Aaron by ordaining Joseph and Oliver. Further, he informed them that they would also receive the Melchizedek Priesthood in the near future at the hands of the ancient apostles Peter, James and John. The restoration of these two priesthoods returned to the earth the authority to perform works for God on behalf of those who accept the restored gospel. Priesthood continues to be conferred on worthy male members to this day. Priesthood holders in the Church can trace their lineage in the priesthood to Christ who ordained Peter, James and John.
What a claim! Certainly this doctrine of the Mormons is one that sets them apart from other religions--this belief that their authority to minister comes straight from the ancient source. Qualification to hold the priesthood is based on a man’s testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his demonstration of moral worthiness. University degrees in divinity are not required. In fact, the mission and purposes of the church are carried out by a lay ministry consisting of both men and women serving as leaders, teachers and doers of all sorts of teaching and service. Certain administrative duties and performance of ordinances are designated to be done by priesthood holders.
What about prophets? My understanding is that the common belief among Christian churches is that prophecy and prophets ended with the last period (.) in the Bible. Not so with Mormons. A basic tenant of Mormonism is that “we believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal and that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” Mormons firmly believe that with the restoration of the Church, a living prophet supported by a quorum of twelve apostles was included. Of course prophets die and must be replaced; the Church has an orderly process for doing so. Mormons believe that the current leader of their church commonly referred to as President, is a prophet, seer and revelator. Mormons don’t claim infallibility in their prophet, but they do claim allegiance and love. Today’s prophet is President Thomas S. Monson.
Article Six of Ten: Temples, Genealogy, and the Dead
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons believe all mankind will have the opportunity to know and accept Christ. They will also have the opportunity to receive required saving ordinances such as baptism. If such ordinances are not received while on the earth, they may be received by proxy (the living for the dead)--thus the great work of genealogy among Mormons. The proxy work is done in edifices called temples.
Mormons believe saving ordinances such as baptism, bestowal of the Holy Ghost, ordination to the Priesthood and ordinances performed in Holy Temples are essential to exaltation. These ordinances are performed here upon this earth as authorized by priesthood holders ordained to represent God.
Wait, what about all those have lived upon this earth and never heard of Christ? Arguably a large portion of mankind has died and not heard of Christ let alone heard of the restored church as professed by Mormons. Are they destined to Hell for lack of opportunity to receive Christian teachings and ordinances? Mormons say no. Mormons believe all who have ever lived will hear of Christ, either while living on the earth or after death in the spirit world. The Bible says every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. The Bible also says Christ preached to the spirits after his crucifixion. Mormons believe in addition to Christ, a large force of missionaries are teaching those in the spirit world. However, hearing is one thing and following another. Mormons believe all, through their own agency, will embrace or reject Christ.
Are ordinances necessary at all? Christ, although perfect, was baptized and spoke of the necessity of being born of water and the spirit—ordinances of baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. Jesus specified that such ordinances were necessary for eternal life. I believe, God provided certain milestones, represented by ordinances, which clearly define traveling the right path and associated with these ordinances are covenants to assist in holding to that path. So, how do the dead receive the ordinances? Mormons believe the living perform the ordinances on behalf of the dead. For instance, a living person can stand as proxy for a dead person in the ordinance of baptism. Mormons call it baptism for the dead. Baptism for the dead is briefly referred to by the apostle Paul in the New Testament. So does all this sound strange? It should. It is a revolutionary doctrine not found in other Christian churches. You have to get involved in the work to be converted and feel the spirit and comfort of the work. Mormons believe it is one of the ways the hearts of the children are turned to the fathers as spoken of in Malachi.
Have you ever seen a Mormon Temple? Over 120 dot the world. Did you ever try to tour one and were denied entrance? This is simply because people inside are doing the sacred work for the living and the dead. Temples are dedicated to the Lord as Holy, and a place to do most sacred work impacting both Earth and Heaven. Temples are often confused with our regular houses of worship, but, as explained, are not. Nevertheless, many temples have visitor centers where non-members can go to see films and presentations that discuss the work that is accomplished there.
One last comment regarding the dead. You may have heard Mormons are “big” into doing genealogy—tracing their dead ancestors. “Big” may be an understatement; we are huge into genealogy—from vaults of records stored in mountains near Salt Lake City to branch libraries throughout the world to an internet website. We love to share this information and welcome all to use the facilities. Mormons believe the spirit of doing this work is very contagious for the reasons shared in this article.
A final note: You might say those zealous Mormons are baptizing poor, dead Uncle Charley without his permission. Don’t worry, the decision whether or not to accept will be Uncle Charley’s.
Article Seven of Ten: Are Mormons Polygamists?
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons believe God may sanction plural marriage to raise a righteous generation. Such marriage was sanctioned with many Bible prophets. Such marriage was also practiced among Mormons in the latter half of the 19th century. Mormons believe the practice both began and ended under inspiration from God. It is no longer practiced.
Are Mormons polygamists? Not now. Previously, yes. Are Bible-believing Christians polygamists? Not now. Previously, yes—you know, Abraham, Moses, David and all those fruitful prophets.
In the early 1800s, it was this dilemma, how to rationalize the multi-wives--even concubines--of ancient Old Testament prophets, that led Joseph Smith to pray for the answer. Frankly, he didn’t like the answer received. The answer was for the reinstitution of this practice in the newly restored church. Ouch!!! How would he explain this to his wife and associates? Like Jonah who wanted to skip preaching at Nineveh, Joseph wanted to skip the issue of polygamy. After a time of excruciating personal trial, the practice finally began and was formalized in the mid 1800s.
Complicating the institution of polygamy was the doctrine in the Book of Mormon, which says that one man should have one wife, but caveats, unless commanded otherwise to build up a righteous generation. Ultimately, I believe, this was the purpose for the practice in both ancient and modern times. Otherwise, who wants the trouble? My wife, for example, says I could practice polygamy; she just wouldn’t be one of the wives. In fact, I can’t practice polygamy as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it is not sanctioned, and I would be excommunicated if I did.
What happened to the practice? After some 50 plus years, in the late 19th century, the leader of the Church was inspired by revelation to curtail the practice. Some say it was because the U.S. Government was beating up the Mormons over the practice to the point of imprisoning participants and threatening to prevent statehood. I suppose that would motivate any leader to pray. I don’t say that flippantly. Mormons believe that for the good and progress of the Church, God directed a new course.
Some of the stories you hear about some Mormons having wives in the dozens in the 1800s are founded in truth. However, a small number of wives was more commonly the case, and many never practiced polygamy at all. Some Mormons who grew up in the church can visit cemeteries, as I have, and see a progenitor’s burial stone with multiple wives listed. I remember feeling fondness for the faith and courage of my great great grandfather and his three wives who accepted the challenge. They gave birth to some pretty good folks who may not otherwise have been born. I know I’m happy to have been born and value my heritage.
Today when you see TV documentaries or dramatic shows depicting modern day polygamists, they are not mainstream Mormons. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are excommunicated if they choose to practice polygamy. The practice ended over a hundred years ago.
Now if you think polygamy was a lustful paradise, stop by and see a picture of my great great grandfather Ira in his prison stripes. You might think again.
Article Eight of Ten: Can One of Black Heritage Be a Mormon?
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons have never restricted any race from church membership. Mormons did have a policy until 1978 which restricted Blacks from holding the Priesthood. This policy was abolished after review and prayerful consideration. The change was widely celebrated among members.
Can one of Black heritage be a Mormon? The answer is yes and with all the privileges and rights of any member. No race has ever been restricted from membership in the Mormon Church. So why do I raise the question? Mainly, because while never restricted from membership, Blacks were restricted from holding the priesthood until 1978. This policy sometimes raised tones of racial accusation against the church. It was a point of controversy in Mitt Romney's 2008 bid for the presidency. Though it may seem incongruous to the reader, my experience growing up in the Church was that personal prejudice was rare; in fact, most members believed and hoped that the restriction would one day be lifted.
During the early and middle years of the Church, the practice was not a huge issue—perhaps because much of America, even religions, were also coming to terms with civil rights issues which eventually came to a boiling point in the latter half of the 20th century.
In 1978 the President of the Church, Spencer Kimball, announced that a revelation had been received directing a change in the practice. The Mormon Church announced that the priesthood would be available to all male members of the church without regard to race. Critics of the church may argue the change was due to political pressures of the day. Political pressure was likely a motivator. An additional motivation was the heart-felt concern that deserving Black members were being denied the priesthood. President Kimball had the love and courage to go to God and ask whether the practice should be changed. It was.
Among the Mormon population, the change was dramatic and highly welcomed. Many members remember where they were at the time of the announcement and the joy they felt. I was in the Air Force attending training in San Antonio, Texas. At the end of the work day I had just picked up the young daughter of a friend to give her a ride home. She jumped in the car and asked if I had heard the news. What news? “The Blacks can hold the priesthood,” she said. Immediately my heart filled with the warmth of spiritual confirmation, and I was ecstatic at the news. I believe this was a wide-felt testimony experienced by church members.
More recently, President Hinckley, the Church leader at the time, was asked about the issue of Blacks and the priesthood. I remember his saying that the issue is behind us and left it at that. Initially I felt he was skirting the issue but have come to agree that it’s the best answer.
Article Nine of Ten: Mormons and Commandments
Summary in a nutshell: Mormons are often confused with other early American religions and associated restrictions. Simply put, Mormons believe in obeying commandments as revealed in the Bible and, in additon, are widely known for a modern scriptural restriction on the use of coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco.
Mormons don’t dance, go to movies or drink. They wear long dresses, beards and hats. Well, NOT REALLY. It seems like the word Mormon often gets mixed up with other not so mainstream or foreign religions and ends up confusing those who aren’t acquainted with our faith. You know, the ones who say they have a friend who is a Mormon or Aunt Polly twice removed is Mormon. I don’t even know what twice removed means. Most people, do however, associate Mormons with restrictions, particularly in relation to drinking and smoking.
Here’s a summary on what Mormons consider to be major commandments from God.
- The preeminent belief to love and serve God, Jesus Christ and mankind.
- The Ten Commandments. You would expect a Christian group to not murder or lie. That they would respect and be honest in dealing with their God and fellow man. Mormons hold to those commandments. They also have not forgotten the importance of the Sabbath and seek to keep it a day of rest and spiritual growth. We teach respect of parents and family members. Mormons also believe fidelity in marriage is sacred and that committing adultery is a grievous transgression.
- Tithing. Mormons believe in giving 10% of their increase to God for the building of His kingdom. Tithing is a key tenant of the faith and in a way a unique test. Perhaps it’s God’s way of seeing whether we are willing to “put our money where our mouth is.” I’ve heard it said that being a member of the Mormon Church is more expensive than the country club. Kidding aside, Mormons have strong faith that the 10% will not be missed and that God will provide for faithful adherents. Note: Mormons don’t have a paid ministry. Tithing goes primarily for the building of chapels, temples and supporting missionary work.
-Possibly one of the most notable practices of Mormons is their abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee. The history is worth telling. In the early 1800s Mormon leaders met for school; during school they routinely chewed and spit tobacco. Emma, Joseph Smith’s wife, was left to the clean up and found it disgusting. She told Joseph he should ask the Lord about the filthy habit. A revelation, a health code, was revealed which encouraged the proper use of fruits, vegetables, grains and meats and the abstinence of the above. It is known as the Word of Wisdom.
- Perhaps not technically commandments but certainly other tenants of the religion required for exaltation (returning to live with God) include receiving saving ordinances: baptism, bestowal of the Holy Ghost, confirmation of Priesthood (men) and ordinances of the Holy Temple including marriage for both time and eternity.
Mormons do not consider commandments confining. Quite the opposite, obedience to the will of God results in freedom and great opportunity for growth in this life and the next and is an extreme help in avoiding much of the grief associated with wrong doing.
If you see me kicking up my heels or enjoying a movie, it’s OK.
Article Ten of Ten: Commonalities with Mainline Christians
Summary in a nutshell: Though there are important differences between Mormon beliefs and other mainstream religions, there are a great many shared beliefs as well. Among shared beliefs are Biblical teachings and tested moral tenants held by most belief systems.
In the previous articles, I have focused largely on some of the more controversial or at least unusual or different doctrines of the Mormons. In fact, commonalities between Mormons and mainline Christians are wide and many as they are with many of the world’s major religions. Consider the following:
We share the belief that God is a supreme, all knowing, all powerful being who is our creator.
With other Christians, we believe Jesus Christ is the only name under Heaven whereby man may be saved; that man is saved through the grace of Jesus Christ and His atonement for our sins.
We also share the Christian belief that Jesus Christ broke the bands of death providing the opportunity of resurrection for all mankind.
We share belief in the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) and its ability to prompt our daily living.
We share belief in the strength and good of faith, hope and charity.
We share belief that Love of God and of our fellow man is the preeminent doctrine.
We also believe the Bible to be the word of God and share common understanding of most of the Bible’s teachings.
We share belief in the importance of commandments which guide our lives from the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament to the higher law of the New Testament, particularly as expressed in the Sermon on the Mount.
We share belief in a final judgment and eternal reward based on that judgment.
Like other Christians, we believe in the second coming of Christ and the millennial reign. We also believe that signs, wonders and tumults will precede His coming.
We share the importance and responsibility of taking the message of Christ to all the earth.
We join with all peace seeking people in obeying the laws of the land and in contributing to the strength of society.
We share belief that moral, honest and virtuous behavior is essential to happiness.
Comment: In 10 short articles I’ve tried to paint a picture of the Mormons including controversial beliefs that seem to attract news commentary. The 2008 election year and the running of Mormon Mitt Romney was the catalyst for summarizing Mormon beliefs. Pundits were asking if a Mormon can be elected president. My answer is yes if he or she, like any other candidate, has the intelligence and experience to lead the nation in matters of defense, economics, crime reduction, education etc. If nothing else, hopefully the foregoing articles show there is nothing in Mormonism which would detract from a man or woman, who is a Mormon, serving as your president.
