Basic questions for Mormons

July 18, 1:03 PMSan Jose LDS Church ExaminerMark Andrus

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Q: Do Mormons believe in the Trinity?

A: Yes, Mormons believe in the reality and divinity of the trinity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost; however, Mormons believe that the trinity is composed of three separate and distinct beings with individual bodies. As seen in Matthew 3:16-17 the Son “was baptized” and “went straightway out of the water…and he saw the Spirit…descending like a dove…And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Thus the three divine beings that constitute the trinity are separate beings, yet one in purpose.
 

Q: Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

A: Absolutely not! Mormons worship Jesus Christ! Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” and that “no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Christ]” (John 14:6). Joseph Smith is revered by Mormons as a prophet of God who taught them correct principles and was instrumental in restoring many sacred truths regarding the nature of God and God’s plan of happiness for man.
 

Q: Do Mormons believe in Heaven and Hell?

A: Yes. Mormons believe that the spirit of man and woman is eternal and never dies; however, the body is mortal. After men die they will go to a spiritual paradise (heaven) or a spiritual prison (hell) where they will await the resurrection (when they will receive immortal bodies), and a final judgment (based on their knowledge of Christ and their obedience to His commandments).
 

Q: Where did Mormons get the authority to baptize in the name of Christ?

A: Baptism is an essential ordinance to enter spiritual paradise after one dies, and Mormons received the authority to baptize from God’s authorized servant John (the same that is known as John the Baptist). As a heavenly messenger John brought the Priesthood of God, or the authority to baptize in God’s name, to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Since Joseph Smith this power has been passed down from generation to generation.
 

Q: Why do Mormons build temples?

A: One of the primary purposes of Mormon temples is to perform sacred ordinances, through the authority of the priesthood, that allow many of the men and women who never had an opportunity to receive baptism in this life to receive it vicariously through willing and worthy members, or those members who keep the basic commandments of Jesus Christ. This allows those who dwell as spirits to progress to spiritual paradise.
 

If you have additional questions please contact Mark Andrus at Mark.Andrus@Gmail.com or visit www.lds.org, the official website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.