What are the beliefs of Latter-day Saints?

Overview of Latter-day Saint Beliefs

Sometimes known as the LDS Church or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this religious movement began in the early 19th century under the leadership of Joseph Smith. Adherents affirm that they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ while also maintaining additional religious texts and doctrines beyond the Bible. As a result, these beliefs share some Christian elements yet diverge in significant ways from historical Christian doctrine.

Scriptural Foundation

Latter-day Saints consider four main texts as “Standard Works”:

1. The Bible (King James Version preferred), viewed as inspired “as far as it is translated correctly.”

2. The Book of Mormon, described as “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

3. The Doctrine and Covenants, containing revelations primarily to Joseph Smith.

4. The Pearl of Great Price, featuring additional writings such as the Book of Abraham.

While the Bible is accepted, the additional three texts carry equal or, in some cases, greater interpretive weight within Latter-day Saint teaching. Passages like Isaiah 8:20 — “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word…” — are often discussed in Christian contexts to emphasize the sufficiency and consistency of Scripture alone. Latter-day Saints, however, maintain that the Book of Mormon and other writings restore vital truths they believe were lost.

Nature of the Godhead

One of the most distinctive Latter-day Saint teachings concerns the Godhead. They typically speak of God the Father (whom they may call Elohim), Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as three separate beings, united in purpose rather than in essence. This contrasts with traditional Christian belief (cf. John 1:1–2) that teaches one eternal Being existing in three coequal, coeternal Persons.

Additionally, Latter-day Saint doctrine holds that God the Father has a glorified physical body. They also teach that each human existed in a pre-mortal state as spirits created by God, and that faithful individuals may progress to exaltation, a state sometimes described as eventual godhood.

Plan of Salvation

Central to Latter-day Saint teaching is a comprehensive “Plan of Salvation,” sometimes called the “Plan of Happiness.” This plan outlines a journey from a pre-mortal existence, through mortal life, then eventually to the afterlife. Key components include:

• Pre-Mortal Existence: Spirits dwell with God before birth.

• Mortal Life: A period of testing, physical body experience, and learning.

• Spirit World: After death, spirits await resurrection; Latter-day Saints teach that righteous spirits share the gospel with those who never had the chance to accept it.

• Resurrection and Final Judgment: All will be resurrected, and individuals are assigned to one of three “kingdoms of glory.” The highest, the Celestial Kingdom, is for those who fully accept Christ’s restored gospel, receive ordinances, and live faithfully.

Church Organization and Authority

Latter-day Saints assert a restoration of the true Church that Jesus organized in the New Testament, referencing passages such as Ephesians 4:11–14 about apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers. They claim that after the early apostles died, the Church fell into a “Great Apostasy,” losing the fullness of doctrine and priesthood authority.

Joseph Smith is regarded as the prophet called by God to restore this authority. The LDS Church then organizes itself in a hierarchical structure that features:

• The First Presidency (the President/Prophet and two counselors).

• The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

• Seventies, high priests, and other priesthood offices.

They hold that modern prophets continue to receive revelation for the Church worldwide.

Key Ordinances and Covenants

Latter-day Saints emphasize ordinances (sacred ceremonies) as channels by which believers receive saving grace. The most prominent include:

• Baptism by immersion (normally at age eight).

• Confirmation, bestowing the “gift of the Holy Ghost.”

• The Sacrament (similar to Communion), taken weekly.

• Temple Endowment, wherein members make sacred promises and learn symbolic teachings.

• Eternal Marriage (or “Sealing”), performed in temples for spouses and families.

Baptisms for the dead—practiced in LDS temples—stand out as a unique ordinance, derived from their interpretation of passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:29. Critics often highlight the distinction from mainstream Christian practice and note that scriptural references do not comprehensively support this practice in historic Christian tradition.

Continuing Revelation and Prophets

A core tenet of Latter-day Saint doctrine is that God continues to speak through living prophets, reflecting the belief that revelation did not cease with biblical prophets. They hold General Conferences twice a year, where church leaders offer formal addresses believed to contain further guidance from God. This concept is distinct from most conservative Christian traditions, which place emphasis on the completed canon of Scripture (e.g., Revelation 22:18–19).

Family Emphasis and Temple Work

The church gives considerable attention to “forever families,” believing that marriages and family bonds persist into the afterlife if properly “sealed” in the temple. This understanding motivates genealogical research, as members trace their ancestors to perform proxy ordinances on their behalf (baptisms for the dead, sealings). Over the years, the LDS Church has amassed extensive genealogical records, offering library resources worldwide.

Missionary Efforts and Global Reach

Latter-day Saints maintain one of Christianity’s most organized missionary programs. Young adults and senior couples often embark on mission assignments, teaching about restored doctrines and inviting people to read the Book of Mormon. This global outreach has fueled LDS growth, with significant membership worldwide.

Points of Distinction in Light of Biblical Christianity

While Latter-day Saints emphasize Jesus Christ as Savior, their teachings introduce significant additional points:

• Extra-biblical Scriptures: The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.

• A belief in God once being a man on another sphere, with implications about human exaltation.

• The necessity of temple ordinances absent from historical Christian practice.

• A separate and distinct view of the Trinity, diverging from the orthodox creedal statements.

Passages like Matthew 16:18 are interpreted differently, where Jesus says, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church…” Latter-day Saints see restoration through Joseph Smith as fulfilling a need to reestablish the gospel in these last days, whereas many Christian groups maintain continuity from the time of the early apostles.

Historical and Archaeological Views

The Book of Mormon’s claims about ancient civilizations in the Americas have been met with varied responses. While the LDS standpoint cites certain archaeological points they feel align with Book of Mormon geography, many outside the tradition argue that mainstream North or Central American archaeology does not corroborate these specific claims. This debate continues among scholars.

In contrast, significant archaeological findings consistently affirm the historicity of many details in the biblical text—from the existence of cities like Jericho, to inscriptions referencing the House of David. Such discoveries are widely cited in Christian apologetics to support the authority of Scripture (cf. the Tel Dan Stele or the Mesha Stele).

Conclusion

Latter-day Saint beliefs include a broad set of doctrines centered on Jesus Christ, yet supplemented by additional scriptures, prophets, and ordinances. Their worldview is a restorationist perspective that seeks to reestablish what they hold to be the original Church of Christ on the earth. This naturally creates major distinctions from most historic Christian denominations, especially regarding the Godhead, the nature of Scripture, and additional holy books.

For those researching or engaging with Latter-day Saints, understanding their scriptural framework, view of prophets, temple practices, and family-centered theology is vital in appreciating why the movement has grown worldwide. While converging in affirmation of Jesus as Savior, the theological differences surrounding the Bible, revelation, and the nature of God stand out significantly when compared to mainstream Christian traditions.