Mormon Teaching and Practice
Mormonism is a denomination of Christianity that is derived from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Founded in the 1830s by Joseph Smith, Mormonism follows the teachings of the Bible and it incorporates other additional scriptures as well. A belief in living prophets, temples and ordinances, along with an emphasis on a family-centric lifestyle are all part of the Mormon faith.
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the same God of the Old Testament and that He is a personal and loving God who desires to be part of our everyday lives. Their belief in a single, personal God— the Father – opposes the traditional Christian belief in the trinity. Mormonism also differs from traditional Christianity in its teachings about salvation and baptism. According to Mormon teachings, salvation is an individual process of taking “responsibility for one’s sins and correcting them.” Furthermore, Mormonism places great emphasis on baptism as an essential saving ordinance, building off Paul’s teachings as outlined in Romans 6:3-7.
Mormonism has been criticized by some Christian denominations, who see its teachings as being fundamentally at odds with core Christian doctrines. Experts in the field have argued that Mormonism is not a denomination of Christianity, but rather its own faith. One thing that has been difficult to argue, however, is that whether or not Mormonism is an extension of Christianity or its own religion, it continues to remain a popular faith with millions of followers worldwide.
Popular Mormon practices include weekly worship service in LDS churches, frequent prayer, and a 7-day health code called the “Word of Wisdom” which recommends abstinence from alcohol and caffeine, as well as eating healthy. Mormons abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and observe the Sabbath by attending church services and participating in scripture study. Mormons also practice several belief-centric ceremonies, such as baptisms for the dead and celestial marriages for eternity, as well as twice-yearly “testimony meetings” in which members bear witness to their belief in Jesus Christ and the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Largely due to their practice of abstaining from certain activities, Mormons have often been labeled as a “moral majority” in the United States. In recent years, the Church of Latter-day Saints has become increasingly involved in public life, and has been seen as a political force, an ally to religious conservatism, and an advocate for conservative causes.
Mormon Philosophy and Spirituality
The philosophy and spirituality of Mormonism are significantly informed by its Christian roots. Like traditional Christianity, Mormonism believes that salvation is achievable through repentance and atonement of sins, and that faith and moral action can lead to salvation from sin and hence, to eternal life. Furthermore, Mormons believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and in his Atonement, something that it shares in common with other Christian denominations.
The spiritual practices of Mormonism are heavily focused on living a righteous and virtuous life, including cultivating strong families. Acting with charity, service, and obedience to God’s commandments are highly valued in the Mormon faith, and followers are encouraged to live a life of dedication and commitment to their faith.
Mormons also believe in personal spiritual experiences, such as prayer, fasting, scripture study, and temple work as essential to their faith. The temple endowment ceremony is viewed as one of the most important religious ordinances for Mormons and helps to “seal” their family relationships for eternity. These ceremonies are typically conducted in the LDS temples, which are considered the most sacred places for Mormons.
Mormonism also incorporates its own uniquely spiritual doctrines, such as its belief in contemporary prophets and apostles and its concept of continuing revelation. Mormonism emphasizes “continuing revelation” as an essential part of its faith, which entails the belief that current day prophets receive direct revelation from God, similar to the prophets of old.
Mormon Outreach and Evangelism
In keeping with their mission of spreading the Good News of the Gospel, Mormons have embraced the mission of outreach and evangelism. This has resulted in rapid Mormon expansion over the years, resulting in tens of millions of followers worldwide. Their approach to outreach and promotion can be characterized as bold yet positive, almost always emphasizing the importance of family, kindness and service in addition to religious faith.
Mormons have founded a variety of missions, charities and social programs that serve as outreach tools in communities around the world. Missionaries are encouraged to share their faith, beliefs and lifestyle with people of other faiths, and religious service and humanitarian aid are seen as a way of strengthening communities and providing relief to those in need.
In addition, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been involved in various media initiatives, such as their “Talk to a Missionary” program, which features television and radio commercials and publications that engage viewers in religious discussion. Mormons are also pushed to be a presence on social media and to share content that reflects their values and faith.
The Mormon Impact on Global Culture
Mormonism has had a significant impact on global culture and its influence can be seen in the millions of followers worldwide. Mormonism has become a considerable influence in the United States, having a significant impact on both values and politics. It is also active in several European countries, as well as in South America and Asia, and its global reach continues to expand.
In the United States, Mormons have had a profound influence on certain aspects of society and politics, especially in states such as Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Mormon values are emphasized in these states, particularly in the areas of education, public service and cultural development.
Mormons have also had an influence on literature, television, music and film. For instance, Mormons have seen a surge in representation on popular television shows in recent years. This includes the hit show, “Big Love”, which follows the lives of a polygamist LDS family, as well as the Mormon-centric dramas “The Story of Mormon” and “The Singles ward”. Movies such as “The Other Side of Heaven”, “God’s Army” and “Saints and Soldiers” have also been popular internationally.
Mormons have also had an impact on popular music, ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to popular LDS folk singers such as Ryan Shupe and Jenny Oaks Baker. Mormon authors have likewise left a mark on culture, in such works as Orson Scott Card’s Ender series and the best-selling Latter-day Saints biography, “Rough Stone Rolling”.
Mormon Role in Education and Development
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a strong commitment to education and development. Mormon believers are involved in a variety of educational initiatives, both locally and globally. This includes scholarships and grants that are available to both members and non-members, as well as various missions and initiatives that are aimed at improving educational opportunities in less developed countries.
One of the most notable education initiatives of the Church had been the establishment of the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF). This fund was a philanthropic venture initiated in 2001 with the aim of lifting the economic circumstances of Church members in less developed regions of the world. It provided students with access to interest-free loans that could then be paid back after they gained employment. The PEF was a loan program specifically designed to lift disadvantaged individuals out of poverty and great strides were made in those regions where the program was in effect. It has since been discontinued, but its impact remains evident.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has also established a variety of humanitarian initiatives. These initiatives provide aid during disasters and crisis, as well as food and other resources to areas of need in the United States and abroad. Furthermore, the Church has a strong commitment to self-sufficiency, providing education, skills and economic opportunities for individuals in impoverished areas, as well as for members of the Church itself.
Conclusion
Mormonism is a denomination of Christianity that has seen tremendous growth in the last few decades. It has a significant impact on society, particularly in the United States, and its influence is seen in culture, education and development initiatives, music and literature, as well as global outreach and evangelism. It offers followers a unique perspective on religious life, emphasizing family values and living a virtuous life according to the teachings of the Bible.
Despite the criticisms by some Christian denominations, the fact that millions of followers embrace Mormonism worldwide is testament to its continued significance. Through its teachings, beliefs and practices, it seeks to offer an individualized and personalized approach to religious life that is rooted in faith, discipline and service.
