1) Mormons actually prefer to be called Latter-day Saints. Why? The term 'mormon' was first used around the time that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was first re-established. Mobs used the term 'mormon' when driving new members out of their homes and even out of cities. When asked if we're mormon, we'll say yes...but we prefer 'Latter-day Saint'
2) We don't worship Joseph Smith. We worship Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. It's a rather large misconception that Latter-day Saints worship Joseph Smith as if he were some type of god. We don't. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the re-established church. He translated the Book of Mormon, received vital revelation and was martryed brutally. When we think of Joseph Smith, we think of a man of God. We do not pray to him, nor worship him in any way.
3) Latter-day Saints believe that the Godhead are one in purpose, not one in body. (see Acts 7:55-56, Matthew 3: 13-17, Mark 1: 9-11, Luke 3: 21-22
4) Latter-day Saints are baptised by immersion at or after the age of accountability, which is at the age of 8. (see Romans 6 or here for more information)
5) We do NOT practice plural marriage (polygamy). Plural marriage was practiced for 50 years during the 1800s, but the practice of plural marriage was stopped after the Manifesto was issued by President Woodruff in 1890. Now, if a member is involved in the practice of plural marriage or polygamy, they are excommunicated. Groups or compounds practicing plural marriage are in no way affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (click here for more information)
6) Baptisms for the Dead- alright, let it be known that when Latter-day Saints refer to 'baptisms for the dead,' we are NOT baptising corpses. Can you say disgusting? (click here for more information)
7) Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible AND the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ documenting the history of the peoples on the American continent...which is pretty rad. (see Ezekiel 37: 15-17)
8) Latter-day Saints follow a living Prophet (President Thomas S. Monson). The prophet, although the head of the church is just the Lord's mouthpiece. Nothing happens in Christ's church unless he wants it to. (check this out!)
9) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is actually very involved in humanitarian efforts. Really, we're like the invisible man. Members around the world pay 10% of their income for tithing. The church even has a welfare program. (click here to see different humanitarian efforts by the LDS church!)
10) Last but not least...Latter-day Saints ARE Christians. Although the definition of a christian nowadays is based upon the Creeds of Christianity, if you look in the New Testament you'll find that the early christians and followers of Christ didn't follow the specific creeds. (click here to see an article I wrote about the creeds of christianity, or here for more information)
The Thirteen Articles of Faith:
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.
