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 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:
- A living prophet leading the church
- Personal revelation for individual guidance
- 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.
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
- Emergency response teams
- Community development projects
- Educational initiatives
Education and Development
The church maintains several institutions:
- Brigham Young University
- 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.