Religion in Utah
For many residents of Utah, religion still plays a large role in their lives. While Native Americans were already here, this region was settled in the mid-1800's by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (sometimes referred to as the LDS Church or the nickname of Mormons). Like much of the growing citizenry of the United States, many of Utah's early settlers were Christians. Most of the early pioneers were converts to the Mormon faith, many of which were recent immigrants from western Europe and the United Kingdom.
Many other religions have also established a valuable presence in the State of Utah.
As an introduction, this page will focus on the beliefs of the originating religion that still represents approximately 55% of the residents of Utah, and more information about other religions will be added in the future.
Many other religions have also established a valuable presence in the State of Utah.
As an introduction, this page will focus on the beliefs of the originating religion that still represents approximately 55% of the residents of Utah, and more information about other religions will be added in the future.
What do members of the Church of jesus christ of latter day saints believe
God Loves You and is the Creator of All
All people have been created by, and are loved by, a Heavenly Father. God knows each of us individually and is aware of our personal needs, and will assist us in this life. As we reach out to him in prayer He provides spiritual impressions, comfort, and answers to our questions. God is the father of each person's spirit and we lived with Him prior to coming to this earth. He created the earth as a place where all could learn and progress. Upon birth each person has been caused to forget their time where they lived with God, so that each of us can learn to follow Him, in faith.
Jesus Christ
Jesus is the Son of God, and was sent to this earth to teach us His Father's way to find happiness in this life, and in the world to come. The teachings of Jesus Christ, as recorded by God's prophets in holy scripture, are a guide that enables us to return to live with God after this life. Questions such as “What happens after this life?” and “Can families be together forever?” are answered by the teachings of Jesus Christ. These and other important answers are found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other scripture expressly revealed by God to his followers on the earth. Learn more...
The Purpose of Life On Earth
We were all provided an opportunity to come to this earth, to obtain a physical body, and to freely learn to make our own decisions. We are here to learn from the outcome of each choice we make. This process enables us to return to God with greater understanding of what it takes to be a stronger, more wise, and a more compassionate person.
What are the main beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is sometimes referred to as the LDS Church, or by a nickname given to them as the Mormon Church. The Church is a framework and support structure for members to more sucessfully follow the teachings of The Savior - Jesus Christ.
In addition to what is described and published as The Articles of Faith (see below), here is a brief list of some of the church's main beliefs.
In addition to what is described and published as The Articles of Faith (see below), here is a brief list of some of the church's main beliefs.
God: Members believe that God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings, but who are one in purpose. This is a distinct belief that is not common to most other Christian Churches who believe that these three individuals are all one person, or one Being.
Jesus Christ: Central to the faith of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. His atoning sacrifice enables all people to be saved - resurrected with an immortal body, and to receive eternal life in a kingdom of God. The church is referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ because of the belief that Jesus Christ is the head, or leader of the church.
All People: Members of the church believe that all people are the offspring (sons and daughters) of Heavenly Parents, that all are equal in the sight of God, and that God loves us and desires the best for all his children.
Life On Earth: Members believe that there is an important purpose to life on earth, and that preparation for this mortal experience began in a premortal existence. They believe that our purpose on earth, referred to as The Plan Of Salvation, is to obtain a physical body and to gain experience by using our own agency to choose how we will live and follow God's teachings. The choices we make will determine where we will reside after this life, and with whom we will live.
Agency and Accountability: Members believe in the principle of agency, which literally is the ability to choose and act for oneself, and that all people are accountable for their own choices and actions. To assist each individual with their ability to choose, God has given each person a conscience - referred to as The Light Of Christ, to enable each of us to know right from wrong.
Restoration of Christ's True Church: Members believe that The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the restoration of Christ's original church, and that the framework and authority to manage His church was lost from the earth after the death of His twelve apostles, and therefore needed to be restored. This restoration was initiated by a man named Joseph Smith, who was called of God to begin the process of restoration of Christ's true church again to the earth. This restoration is believed to be necessary in order to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ to the earth, an event that members and leaders anticipate will occurr in the not too distant future.
Prophets and Revelation: Members of Christ's modern-day church believe that God continues to provide divine guidance to the people of the earth through prophets who are alive today. The current church's president is also considered the prophet and leader of Christ's church on the earth and therefore receives revelation from Christ as to how to direct His church in these latter days, or the last days prior to His second coming. A prophet is also referred to as a seer, and revelator because of his God-given ability to see forward to what is coming on the earth and to reveal God's will to all who will listen.
Scriptures: Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recognize the Bible as scripture, or as a record of God's guidance to his people in what is referred to as the old-world. Additionally members believe in a similar historic record called the Book of Mormon, which is a record of God's teachings and dealings with the people that anciently inhabited the Americas, sometimes referred to as the new-world (a time-frame of approx. 2,600 years). The Book of Mormon is considered to be another testament of Jesus Christ, or a second witness that He once lived and will return again to the earth. The Book of Mormon provides an account of Jesus visiting the people in the America's, aftern his death and ressurection in Jerusalem. During the early 1800's as the church was restored to the earth, members kept record of the revelations given by Christ that clarified His teachings and provided guidance for the restoration of his church in these last days. These records along with others historic documents are compiled in a book that is known as the Doctrine and Covenants. Members believe that God continues to provide new revelation for His church on how to live, and how to best prepare for His second coming.
Note: John 10:16, in the Bible, references Christ's teaching on his followers in other parts of the world.
Note: John 10:16, in the Bible, references Christ's teaching on his followers in other parts of the world.
Temples / Ordinances: Temples are considered sacred places, the house of God, where important religious ordinances are performed. Members believe that ordinances performed in the temple, such as marriage, are binding for eternity and not until death-do-us-part as is commonly stated in many wedding vows. It is also believed that baptism, by proper authority is an essential ordinance for anyone who desires to live with God again and so baptism ordinances are performed, by proxy, for all who have lived on the earth so that they can accept this ordinance, if they so-choose.
Priesthood: Members believe that the priesthood, or the authority to act in God's name, has been restored to the earth and is conferred upon worthy male members. The priesthood is not given to an individual to bless themselves, but rather is the authority to perform ordinances and to bless and serve the needs of others. There are two levels of priesthood; the Aaronic and the Melchizedek.
Family: The family is considered the central unit of society and is eternal in nature. Members believe that those who choose to will be able to live as families forever. For this reason, the church emphasizes the importance of strong family relationships and adherring to appropriate values that will bless the lives of families and each family member.
Health: Members follow a revealed code of health called The Word Of Wisdom, which advises against the use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, and promotes the consumption of wholesome foods in their proper time or season. Blessings are promised to those who follow this guide.
Charity, Service and Welfare: Following the example of Jesus Christ, members are encouraged to serve others, provide humanitarian aid, and engage in charitable works. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is an active participant in serving the needs of the people of the world by contributing financial resources and goods, and church members are known for the providing of their time in serving the needs of people throughout the earth.
Second Coming of Christ: Latter-day Saints believe in the literal Second Coming of Jesus Christ and they strive to prepare for His return by living righteous lives and spreading His gospel. They believe that when Christ returns He will bring nearly one-thousand years of peace to those who are prepared to meet him. After that timeframe (millenium) the earth will be prepared to be the dwelling place for all who have demonstrated their desire and ability to live in God's presence.
Degrees of Glory: Members of the church believe that God has prepared at least three different realms, degrees of glory, which will be inherited by people who have lived on the earth. These levels of glory are referred to as the telestial, terrestrial, or celestial kingdoms. Members take literally the words of Christ when he said in the Bible; "In my father's house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2
Who are the mormons?
Articles of Faith
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has published this short list of their core beliefs.
1 - We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 - We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 - We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 - We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 - We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 - We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 - We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 - We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 - We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 - We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 - We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 - We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 - We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Learn more about the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints1 - We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 - We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 - We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 - We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 - We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 - We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 - We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 - We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 - We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 - We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 - We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 - We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 - We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.