Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Latter-day Saints

## Core Beliefs ### The Godhead and Restoration Latter-day Saints believe in the Godhead, consisting of three distinct beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Unlike traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the LDS Church teaches these three are separate individuals united in purpose. The church, founded by [Joseph Smith](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics?lang=eng) in 1830, believes it represents the restoration of the original Christian church established by Jesus Christ. ### The Plan of Salvation Central to LDS theology is the Plan of Salvation, which outlines: - **Pre-mortal Existence**: Human spirits existed with God before earthly life - **Earthly Life**: A time for experience, choices, and spiritual growth - **Atonement of Jesus Christ**: Enables repentance and resurrection - **Post-mortal Life**: Spirits enter a temporary state before final judgment ### Modern Revelation and Scripture Latter-day Saints accept multiple sacred texts: * The Bible * **The Book of Mormon**: Another testament of Jesus Christ * **Doctrine and Covenants**: Collection of revelations * **The Pearl of Great Price**: Including Books of Moses and Abraham Modern revelation continues through: 1. A living prophet leading the church 2. Personal revelation for individual guidance 3. Ongoing scripture through modern prophets ## Religious Practices ### Temple Worship Temples are sacred spaces where special ordinances are performed: * Eternal marriage ceremonies * Baptisms for the deceased * Endowment ceremonies * Sealing ordinances binding families together For more information, visit the [LDS Temples page](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples?lang=eng). ### Weekly Worship Services Sunday services include: - **Sacrament Meeting**: Central worship service with sacrament ordinance - **Sunday School**: Scripture study classes - **Auxiliary Meetings**: Organizations like Relief Society and Priesthood ### Health Code The Word of Wisdom prohibits: * Alcohol * Tobacco * Coffee * Tea * Illegal drugs ## Family and Community Focus > "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan." - *The Family: A Proclamation to the World* Family emphasis includes: - Regular family home evenings - Temple marriage - Genealogical research - Family scripture study ### Service and Humanitarian Efforts The church operates extensive programs through: * [LDS Charities](https://www.latterdaysaintcharities.org/) * Emergency response teams * Community development projects * Educational initiatives ### Education and Development The church maintains several institutions: * [Brigham Young University](https://www.byu.edu/) * BYU-Idaho * BYU-Hawaii * Ensign College ### Missionary Work The missionary program involves: - Young men serving 18-24 months - Young women serving 18 months - Senior couples - Digital outreach initiatives ## Modern Adaptation Recent developments include: * Enhanced digital presence * Simplified meeting schedules * Expanded women's roles * Increased interfaith cooperation * Cultural integration while maintaining distinct practices The church continues to grow globally while adapting to contemporary challenges, maintaining its focus on family, service, and personal spiritual development.

Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Latter-day Saints

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