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To a nonmember, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a new faith that's less than 200 years old. But this is how Mormons see it:

"It's an older faith in the fact of what it is, because we believe in the church of Jesus Christ," says Bishop Randy Rummage. He leads the Pineville Ward- or congregation- in South Charlotte.

He says, "It's the church that he established when he was on earth. Now, through a series of things such as the death of the Apostles after the savior's crucifixion, some essential parts of the church were lost. And the church was taken away."

Mormons consider the accounts of both the Old and New testaments to be true. But they believe that after the original apostles died, the church founded by Jesus Christ was lost to the splintered factions of the Roman and Orthodox Catholic churches.

They don't believe in the Trinity. Instead they believe that God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, and they call this the "Godhead."

In 1830, Joseph Smith founded the church in New York. Church history says when Smith was a teenager he meditated over which mainline Christian church to join. During that prayer, he was visited by two ethereal beings, Jesus and his father, God.

This scene is reenacted in an educational video produced by the LDS.

Smith says in a vision an angel sent him to collect the golden plates that contained the Book of Mormon. Smith translated the book. He proclaimed these to be writings of prophets who came from Jerusalem to the Americas after being persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ.

In these latter days or modern history, the resurrected Jesus visits the Americas.

Smith was the first prophet of the church which they sometimes call the LDS. A prophet has a sacred calling to head the church until his death. During the prophet's tenure, 12 men serve as apostles. The prophet's successor is one of the 12.

Today there are more than 13 million Mormons worldwide with about 6 million in the U-S. Church leaders in the Charlotte area say there are about 10,000 members locally.

Because this faith was established in relatively recent times- compared to two thousand years ago- it's been subjected to criticism. Some leaders of other Christian denominations have derided it as a cult.

Charlotte Stake President Tom Cheney takes offense and says there's nothing secret about the church.

He says, "We're exactly the opposite of that. We're not a closed society. We don't follow blindly. We invite all to join us. We are open about our beliefs."

Mormon scholar Jan Shipps is not an LDS member. She says mainline Christians, especially Presbyterians and Evangelicals are most critical of the faith.

"Mormons are not Trinitarians. They understand that Jesus and Christ are two separate personages- anthropomorphic in beings. That is, they are similar to human beings," says Shipps.

LDS members worship at a chapel or meeting house. Each congregation is called a ward and each ward is part of a stake or region. Stakes get advice from 70 leaders who answer to church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Cheney says, "I would like for people to know of our deep faith in our lord Jesus Christ and of his divine mission on the earth, of the saving power of the atonement in his life."

Mormons learn about this by reading scripture, writings of their modern day prophets and taking numerous classes over a lifetime.

On a recent Sunday, a group of three to eight year olds at a church meeting house in South Charlotte are learning the basics.

A teacher holds up a copy of the Book of Mormon and asks the children what she's holding.

"Scripture!" shouts a small boy.

There is no Mormon theological school. Teenagers attend what's called seminary. For all four years of high school they go to religious education courses at the crack of down, five days a week. Boys as young as 12 can be called to serve as priests with a sort of junior status.

Richard Morrell is a spokesman for the Charlotte Stake. He gives a tour of Sunday activities at the meeting house that has multiple classrooms and a sanctuary.

He says, "Nobody's compelled to go to anything. You don't show up and get a certificate of completion or anything like that."

The LDS belief regarding family bonds is what attracted Laura Vire to the faith. Before joining a year ago, Vire was pregnant with her first child.

"You're sealed to your family on earth forever. So once we leave here and go and join our father in heaven we can be together as a family as we were here on earth. You are able to stay together as a family," says Vire.

Mormons believe the act of "sealing" is an ordinance of Jesus Christ. Sealing ceremonies can only take place at Mormon temples- and only Mormons deemed worthy by the church are allowed in.

Morrell, the spokesman, gives one example of the significance of "sealing":

"To a lot of people it's disconcerting to learn you're getting married, here's the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, to hear 'til death do us part.' And you say, 'Why do I want to spend the rest of my life building something that just dissolves?'… If we get married by the powers of God, then that can last forever."

According to Mormon teaching, what lasts forever is a person's spirit. In fact, it exists before a person is born.

Stake President Tom Cheney explains, "As we came here it was a uniting of spirit and body and when we part this life it will be separation of spirit and body again. During the resurrection we're promised that body will be united with that spirit."

That takes place in heaven.

This belief of what happens after death is another difference between Mormons and mainline Christians.

Mormon scholar Jan Shipps explains, "Most Protestants and Catholics have a belief in the- not in the bodily resurrection- but the endurance of the soul."

Cheney says the best way for people to wrap their minds around this concept is to learn more. And he says all they have to do is seek out members and ask.

This story was produced as part of our periodic series on the Charlotte area's faith communities. Here are some past stories:

Bible Belt shift
The Greek Orthodox church in Charlotte
Unity despite tensions in Charlotte's Episcopal community
Unitarian Universalism: Religion on your own terms

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I have been a member all of my life. My husband of 13 years recently joined The Church. I cannot tell you since the blessings that we have received. He stopped smoking cold turkey after smoking for close to 20 years. How can you condemn a church that teaches us to take care of our physical bodies, to love one another and That families are forever. and that teaches us serve each other. Even if you dont beleive,as we do. we are not hurting you. you have your free agency. to beleive what you want. so many facts about Mormons are distorted. I think its sad such a beautiful religion is hated because of ignorance.

I am grateful to the writer of this article for the accuracy and good-spirit in which it is written. There were a couple of things that were not accurate, but by-and-large it was accurate. I am grateful to be a member of the only and true Church of Jesus Christ. I have just finished reading a book titled "How Greek Philosophy Corrupted the Christian Concept of God" and it really helped to explain how today's "Christians" are not Christians at all. The idea of the Trinity is no where found in the Bible - it is a man-made idea created by those how followed Greek mystic philosophy and metaphysics. The book is full of footnotes and clearly shows how the further away you get from the actual time Christ was on the earth, and the closer you get to our day in age, the more false these "christian" philosophies got. Those who were closest to Christ had a more correct philosophy. The idea that God is "everywhere yet nowhere" and that He is nothing more than Spirit and is metaphysical and exists outside of time and space is nothing but Greek corruption. It was all made up by the Council of Nicea. Once, a long time ago, a Catholic Bishop told an LDS apostle that only the Catholic Church and the LDS Church have a leg to stand on. Why? Because all the other protestant Churches were splintered off from the Catholic Church. If the Catholic Church is truly the Church of God as it claims to be, then all those other religions are wrong for having cut off from the Catholic Church. If the Catholic Church is not the Church of God, then the Church of God would have HAD to be RESTORED, and only the LDS Church claims such a thing. Plus, all the other Churches, thought they cut off from the Catholic Church, still teach the same basic doctrines, so they are still wrong because the Catholic Church would be wrong. When I read that, it made so much sense. Either the Catholic Church is the Lord's Church, or the LDS Church is the Lord's church. Just because a person so indoctrinated by the Greek-inspired and metaphysical philosophy of today's "Christianity" thinks that what the LDS Church teaches is a bunch of garbage, then they do not understand the Bible and its teachings. Do you know where in the Bible it's to be taken literally? Do you know where in the Bible it's supposed to be taken figuratively? Do you know why the Bible teaches that you're supposed to perform Baptisms for the dead? Do you know where in the Bible it says that the Lord has "other sheep" and they, too, will hear His voice and write the things He commands? Do you know where in the Bible it says that there are two scriptures, or "books", and that one is to be from the old world (Book of Judah=Bible) and one is to be from the new world (Book of Joseph=Book of Mormon) and that they will become one in His hand in the latter-days? Do you know where in the Bible it says that God will do nothing, except it be through His prophets? If all other ages of the world needed prophets, from the time of Adam to the time after Christ's death when Peter served as the prophet... then why would God not want us to have a prophet today if we need one more than ever? When Christ was on the earth and formed His church, the "people of the world" mocked and scoffed at all the members and called them weird, and said their doctrines were of the devil. If Christ really had Church on the earth today, I would look for the one that gets mocked and scoffed at, where people claims that they're weird and that their doctrines are from the devil, and I would investigate that Church, because I know that wherever His true church is, it will be mocked. That is a given. The most beautiful thing about this, His true Church, is that NO ONE is asked to believe it just by believing other people. In fact, you are asked to NOT join the Church until you have read the Book of Mormon and gotten on your knees and asked God YOURSELF if it be true. If you are willing to be truly unbiased, and open to a new way of thinking, that maybe, just maybe God might have a real church on earth today, and you're willing to read the Book of Mormon yourself, alone, with no one there to 'brainwash' you, and you're willing to pray, alone, to God, and ask Him if all of it is true; and you're willing to accept whatever answer He gives you.... Then I can promise you that you will receive the same warm testimony in your heart and in your mind that The Book of Mormon is indeed the Word of God, and that Joseph Smith was indeed His prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, indeed, His only true Church on earth. I challenge you to do it. I did... and I found out for msyelf!

Great story. It is unusual to find such a fair and accurate report in the media regarding any church let alone the LDS Church.

After being a Baptist in my youth, in my early twenties, I read the New Testament for the first time. While I read, I compiled a list of questions, which I eventually took to the ministers of all the major churches. None of them could or would address the questions. One day a new friend told me about the First Vision. A few months later, my first LDS missionaries came to my place of work to get haircuts. Thirty-one years later, the rest is a very happy history. The only riches I have are the knowledge of who I am, where I came from, where I can go, and who I can be with throughout eternity. Ask, seek, and you will find the Truth--as I did. Our Heavenly Father lives; He knows each of us; He loves us so He sent His Son to redeem us; we can inherit all the Father is if we will receive what is offered. I regularly express my gratitude for the blessing of being in a position to say,"I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow Him in faith. I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor His name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow His light. His truth I will proclaim."

Excellent, balanced article. Thank you.

Come visit us any Sunday and see for yourself......That's what Jesus would do.

Enjoyed the article very much. Two comments: The correct name of the LDS (Mormon)Church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". Go to any official site of the church and you will see this is correct. Also, as several others have commented, Jesus and Christ are not two separate beings, but Jesus Christ (or Jesus the Christ) and God are two separate beings. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.

One more comment I wanted to make: Simone, thank you for your article. It was one of the more balanced articles I have seen, and although there were a few inaccuracies, they were very minor. That is far better than almost every report I've seen written by someone who is not a member of the church. Thank you for a job well done. I hope your bosses appreciate your careful work.

I suggest to anyone who wants to know what Mormons believe, please talk to Mormons. Most of those who have posted negative comments here, saying what "Mormons believe" have posted very inaccurate information. What they have said is far from what we believe. Their information has been twisted from the truth. Perhaps they have gleaned it from anti-Mormon literature, or heard it from their own church pastors, reverands, etc.... but what they have said here is not what Mormons believe. If you want to know, please go to the source. As for "secrecy," not so. Mormons are very quick to answer any questions you want to ask. We are careful and respectful of very sacred things, and only discuss them in circumstances where they will be treated with dignity, but they are not "secret."

To Seriously, the statement "I hate Mormons". I don't understand this. Do you know all 13 million of us and deem us to be bad people? I would be okay with it if you knew me, and because of who I am and what I do you decide you don't like me. Otherwise it is simple bigotry.

A fourteen year old boy in 1820 wanted to know the Truth. It was a simple prayer, with all sincerity, he inquired of the Lord who was right. To his utter surprise he was visited by the very being he was supplicating to and asked directly who was right. He was answered by Jesus Christ, that none were right in 1820. So this 14 year old boy, in upstate New York, received an answer to his pray and a command from God to join none of the denominations of his area. He obeyed. For three years he remained true and faithful to command given to him not to join any sect, follow any creed, or any professor. Then in 1823 while in prayer, pleading to God to help him become a better person as he said himself he played (levity) too rough sometimes, an angel of God appeared to him four times. Each time repeating instruction and giving more each time about a book. This book would be for instruction and learning, a fruit to show that Joseph Smith Jr. was called of God. For four years he was instructed once a year by an angel, the angel Moroni, who then in 1827 delivered the record, an abridged record, prepared by Mormon, the father of the angel Moroni almost 1500 years ago. In this time Joseph Smith had setbacks, courted Emma Hales who would become his wife, and worked hard to support himself and a future family. After the Book of Mormon was completed in translation and printed, the Chruch of Jesus Christ was organized in April 6th, 1830 in accordance to the laws of the United States of America. It started with 6 members and soon missionaries were called to preach the gospel to the world. The details of how the Chruch of Jesus Christ was to operate were revealed, as collectively the membership of the Church, struggled to remain valient to the testimoy of Jesus Christ. Many members fell away no longer believing Joseph Smith to be a prophet or a fallen prophet when circumstances, or cares of the world clouded their vision. Nearly all the witnesses of the Book of Mormon and those who viewed the actaul ancient record fell away. Yet they never denied their testimonies and most came back into the faith of Jesus Christ. The actual organization of The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not hard to understand. Eph. 2:19-20. There is one leader, the president of the Chruch who is called by Jesus Christ to be a prophet, seer and revalator. There are counselors like Moses who help uphold him. Then there are Twelve Apostles also prophets, seers and revalators who are special witnesses of Christ. A Quorum of Seventy who are under the direction of the Prophet and Apostles. Then to Stake Presidents of a region, then to Bishops of local congragations. In those local congragations are addtional leaders and those that support the individual members of the Chruch to having two people visit each member each month to teach and to help with their welfare. There is nothing like the organization of the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on the Earth. The Relief Society is one of the oldest womens organizations in the World. This organization works side-by-side with the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ guiding the women of the Chruch. Temples. The House of the Lord, dedicated to redeeming the dead, endowing the members of the Church with blessings and power, and sealing families for eternity. Priesthood. This is the greatest gift of God to his people and makes everything that has been done in the Chruch possible. Without an ounce of shame we can declare that by the power of God we can heal the sick, raise the dead, act in the name of Jesus Christ, receive revealation, speak in tongues, and have all the gifts of the Holy Spirt of God. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith Jr. in 1820 when he was 14 years old to later have 13 Million members world wide who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That a 12 year old boy can hold the Priesthood of God. That a 12 year old girl can have a legecy of strong women who uphold virtue, charity, and other womanly qualities unlike any organization in the world. Seven years later this boy who grows to become a man can choose to go out into the world as a missionary, called of God. Nine years later a young woman can do the same thing. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are a pecular people, who follow after Jesus Christ. This article shows that and I am grateful to the writer for their hard work. ~Rockgod28

Nice article. Thank you for getting your information from the source!

Well since I last mentioned my surprise that "most Protestants and Catholics" don't believe in a bodily resurrection I looked around a bit. It seems that Catholics do believe in a bodily resurrection as do Lutherans, Orthodox, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists and Adventists. Looks like quite a few people aside from LDS believe in a bodily resurrection. I'm not sure which of those I listed are officially "Protestant" groups but it does look like a big chunk of Christianity believes in the resurrection of the body.

Makes sense to let the Mormons say what they do and don't believe, cult accusations notwithstanding. . http://mormon.org

Truth about what mormons believe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI

When did I say you could all attack each other like this? Shame on you comment writers. I still love you though.

I hate mormons. That's why it makes sense to go to my blog to learn what they think. That way it won't be biased.

For those trying to understand what Mormons beleive...please visit the source. lds.org

A video that explains what Mormons teach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0&feature=channel_page

Here is another video about who the Mormons really are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bnhU1bh_RM&feature=channel_page

Please see the link below. No doubt Mormons are Christians: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GACIAgjUJlg&feature=channel_page

I know a couple of Mormons, they are rather nice people. It's too bad they seem to actually believe all that wierd stuff! Geneology, secret temple rituals, polygamy, blood atonement, God is just a man, special underwear, extra-biblical scripture, subtle mind control by the leaders, etc.

Yes, Mormonism does teach a different God. Their God is finite; he is only a man who has advanced to BECOME God. But Christians have a God who has always been God, who is omniscient and has no parents or wives. He's an awsome God. Come on LDS people, you've been duped by your leaders to believe in your false "Heavenly Father" who is no God at all. He's only an advanced man......

Cult? Darn right. Just ask my sister who joined last year. After finally learning the REAL doctrines, she left; and MANY people are leaving the cult. They want 10% of your money, they want you to first be "worthy" before joining or qualifying for the temple. Conversely, Christians believe that Jesus came to embrace the UNWORTHY. The Mormon temple is very secretive, and full of masonic rites & rituals. (Joseph Smith was a Mason).

Mormonism has a racist history. Blacks could not hold the LDS Priesthood unitl 1977. In the "Inspired Version" of the Bible, J. Smith adds his own name and anti-black doctrines to Genesis Chapter 50. In LDS teaching, dark skin is a sign of God's displeasure. The Book of Mormon refers to the favor of "white and delightsome" people. Under pressure, Mormon leaders changed the Book of Mormon to read "pure and delightsome" in 1985 and later versions of the book. Amazing.....

"Billy" is correct, Mormonism is cult, not Christian. They claim Jesus, but it's a whole different Jesus. They also embrace the DOCTRINE of polygamy, although don't openly practice it because it's illegal. In fact, the FLDS in Colorado City AZ and El Dorado TX are the real Mormons. They practice the faith much like Joseph and Brigham did....

Theologically, Mormonism is NOT Christian. The Mormon God used to be a man, has a body of flesh & bones, has parents, grandparents, wives, literal children, and is merely one of many in a long line of "eternal progression". Don't be fooled by terminology; they are Christians in a moral sense only. They have a Different God, different Jesus, and are not concerned with salvation, but with "exaltation" which is advancement to Godhood. Give me a break, this is a ridiculous cult.

Pretty good article; I have read hundreds if not thousands from the inside and outside LDS perspective. I hope people can be honest enough to look and consider things honestly and with faith and interest. I am a son of parents who joined right before I was born. My faith and love for Jesus and His Church means a lot to me. About believing in living with our families forever, Molly? In the temple there is priesthood authority from God to seal our marriages and families according to what we believe to be the rightful power of God. According to His rules and statutes, His sanction. Without that authority, we believe that the "forever" part of families is missing for eternity. Some of that knowledge is intimated in the Holy Bible, other parts come from modern revelation as to what the Gospel of Jesus has always tried to be for all of us, the children of God since Adam and Eve. And we are then connected all the way back to those first parents as well, one continuous chain of mankind.

Princess, the vast majority of "Mormons" are just plain middle-class folks. I've often been very thankful that the Church's finances are managed with sound business practice. When we walk into our buildings for their dedication, they are already paid for. No paid ministry, as no member or minister should "rob God". Though we have beautiful chapels around the world, no member spends time thinking about a building or its decor. If I need financial assistance, I know just where to go. The Church's funds are allocated strictly to assist the needs of members in need, in one way or another. As a ward finance clerk for 4 years, I would often issue checks for a total of sometimes up to $6,000/week to assist people who had been interviewed by our bishop with rent, utilities, a car payment, college tuition, medical/dental bills, etc. Each month, members fast (go without 2 meals) and donate the value to a fund to assist members and nonmembers around the world in need. I've never met a member in my 48 years of membership who viewed the Church as wealthy.

"the LDS church is a nothing but a business ran chruch.. aparently the only people who can be worthy is rich people , think about it" Apparently this pathetic simpleton can only back up her fabricated smears with even more fabricated smears!

Thanks for the article.

This article was not very well written. There were a number of mistakes in Mormon doctrine here, and I have to believe that they were due to the author's confusion than the interviewees' mistakes.

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an extremely dynamic, positive and exciting experience. That's what attracted me as a teenager 48 years ago. Gradually, as I learned more, I developed a testimony that (was able to "witness") it is the restored gospel and Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. It is not a church that people attend each Sunday. It is, for the most part, not entertaining. Instead, it causes me to want to live a better life, to know (without seeing) that I have a Savior who loves me, to trust in a man (Prophet) who regularly talks with God and conveys instructions that help me each day, and to really KNOW that the Savior sacrificed His life so that the things I've done in life to regret will be forgiven, and thus I will live after death, and rejoin with my family and friends. Great article!

We believe that true "Christians" who are not yet members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are people who are practicing religion in the best way they know and understand, what they have been taught, and what they've read in the Bible, and told how to interpret. They do not go about judging and ridiculing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because they live their religion the way Christ would have them do. Otherwise, they could not possibly call themselves "Christian". I have many "Christian" friends. We respect each other. We "Mormons" are taught to learn about all faiths, openly, and to respect other faiths.

Stake President Tom Cheney explains, "As we came here it was a uniting of spirit and body and when we part this life it will be separation of spirit and body again. During the resurrection we're promised that body will be united with that spirit." Furthermore, it will be a perfect body, not the one I have at age 63 (with some gray hair that's falling out, a missing finger removed by a table saw, the need to wear reading glasses, numerous fillings in my teeth, etc.), but a body that I enjoyed during its best years, a perfect body. Disabilities will be removed, by the Savior, just as He removed them during His life on earth. Nothing mysterious or odd about it. It's a matter in believing in Him.

I haven't finished reading it but, so far, it seems that the writer has no intent to mar the image of the Church. While there are a few minor discrepancies, it's mostly that the writer isn't a member. The members he is interviewing are probably just not refining their replies. They are excited about the interview, and that they know the writer has the best of intentions. Thank you!

"'You're sealed to your family on earth forever. So once we leave here and go and join our father in heaven we can be together as a family as we were here on earth. You are able to stay together as a family,' says Vire." Our 20 year-old daughter was killed in a tragic freeway accident 2 years ago. We miss her very much, and we have faith that our family will be rejoined after this life. It's not automatic, however. Every day, we look forward to that time, but we must live the best lives we can in the meantime.

"There is no Mormon theological school. Teenagers attend what's called seminary. For all four years of high school they go to religious education courses at the crack of down, five days a week. Boys as young as 12 can be called to serve as priests with a sort of junior status." Seminary (though important) is a very small part of a lifetime of training, and there is little correlation between seminary and being given the priesthood. Boys as young as 12 may not serve as priests (an office in the Aaronic Priesthood) but, instead, may be called to serve as Deacons. A Deacon simply has different responsibilities. A very large percentage of members never attend seminary because they join the Church as adults. Most of what members learn about the gospel and Church happens as a result of their own study, and lessons that are given each week.

"'Mormons are not Trinitarians. They understand that Jesus and Christ are two separate personages- anthropomorphic in beings. That is, they are similar to human beings,' says Shipps." What else should they understand? Smith saw a father and son. One said, "This is my beloved Son. Hear him." In the Bible, clearly we are told that there is a Father, and a Son. Because a group of people once got together in Italy and voted on it still doesn't negate a fact.

What President Cheney says is true, "Charlotte Stake President Tom Cheney takes offense and says there's nothing secret about the church." Members are not ignorant people. Check this out: http://www.famousmormons.net/

The article writer explains, "proclaimed these to be writings of prophets who came from Jerusalem to the Americas after being persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ." Yes, Smith did, but he was also told that this was a fact, and had no choice but to proclaim it. If a heavenly messenger came to me with this information, and told me to tell others, I think I'd probably follow his instructions, even with my Ph.D.

To clarify, Smith was the "founder" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (as a modern day organization registered and approved by the government), but certainly not the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ. He was merely an instrument to restore the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days under the direction of Jesus Christ.

Pretty good and unbiased. Something that should probably be corrected, they have to be at least 16 to be a priest, a 12 year old can be a deacon. Molly - Mormons are not the only ones who believe that you will be with your family, but several major denominations teach that there is no marriage or families in heaven.

To Molly: In the words of one of our prophets, "Bring all the good that you have," including a belief in seeing your family in heaven, "and let us see if we can add to it." - Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

Sorry "princess," but your statement that only rich people can be worthy Mormons would come as one heck of a surprise to the vast majority of the world's Mormons, myself included.

I have followed press coverage of the Mormon church for a long time, particularly as it related to the presidential campaign of Mitt Romney a year ago. I must congratulate Simone on putting together one of the most accurate representations of my faith that I have ever seen by an independent source. Good research and fair reporting sure is refreshing. Thank you.

Thanks to Jan Shipps as well as the author of this article. It's so nice to see a balanced, intelligent and mostly correct view of the LDS church. I've always appreciated Jan Shipps for her long-time efforts in promoting a genuine understanding of the church and its doctrines. Thanks!

Thank you for a fair and balanced article. With regard to the modern creedal doctrines of the Trinity, it is worth remembering that this was an innovation of the 325 AD Council of Nicea and that the Christians who participated in the events of the New Testament never heard such a creed from Christ or his apostles. They believed in three divine beings--God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Ghost--whose roles are discussed in detail by Christ in the Gospel of John. In John 17 Christ prays to the Father that the disciples may be one with him (Christ), in the same way that Christ is one with the Father. This contradicts the notion that the Father and Son are of "one substance", since Christians certainly do not believe they will merge into God. The Trinitarian creed was not required by Christ, Peter or Paul, so why is it necessary for salvation now? Bishop N.T. Wright of the Anglican Church has been attacked for his book "Surprised by Hope" because he points out that the New Testament teaches that the resurrection will be physical and that resurrected persons will inhabit a transformed but physical Earth as their eternal home. Wright was accused of sounding like a Mormon, but he responded that the Mormons simply read the Bible while others ignore its plain language. Much of the purpose of the temples, which the story did not go into, is that Mormons believe that people between death and resurrection have an opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ and exercise faith in Him. Most other churches have no idea how God can save the billions of people who never heard the gospel in their mortal lives, and therefore they consign them to hell, calling into question God's justice, mercy and love. Mormons have restored the ancient doctrine of "the harrowing of hell," that Christ opened the doors of hell and freed the dead from eternal damnation, as discussed by Peter in his First Epistle. This is referred to in the ancient Apostles Creed, but has been abandoned by the Catholic and Protestant churches. Mormons are criticized for believing that the ultimate blessing to faithful Christians is to become like Christ, but that is an ancient Christian doctrine, called Theosis, that is preserved in the Eastern Orthodox churches but was abandoned by Catholicism and its Protestant daughters. It is clear that there are several significant doctrines that were believed by the original disciples of Christ, are believed by the Mormons today, but have been abandoned by many Christians in the interim. An opportunity for the dead to hear the Gospel, a physical resurrection, and deification of the righteous who become "joint heirs with Christ" as Paul taught--these doctrines are at the core of the ancient Christian religion, but only "Mormons" still teach them.

To Molly: RE: 3 Levels of Heaven are found in 1Corinthian 15:39-41

Princess - your statement is not correct. Income does not play a part in who is eligible to go to the temple of the LDS Church. Being in a congregation in East Orange, New Jersey (where most people are extremely poor - financially speaking), many are able and do go to the temple on a regular basis. They are unemployed, on small fixed incomes or under-employed.

To Princess - Not only the rich go into the temple all who live worthily and are LDS can enter into it. I'm very poor and I go to the temple on a regular basis. In fact I'm going both tomorrow and Wednesday. You are invited to join the church and to partake of the ordinances of the gospel.

the LDS church is a nothing but a business ran chruch.. aparently the only people who can be worthy is rich people , think about it

Thank you Simone for a good attempt at explaining some of my religious beliefs. Being LDS myself, I hope that I could do equal justice to what you have attempted in this article with regard to what you may believe. Taking time to understand others is critical as those of all faiths defend their right of conscience against a growing effort to silence religion.

I've been a devout Christian my entire life, never was I tought that I wouldn't see my family in heaven. I've never understood how people can think that the LDS religion has cornered the market on that. In the Christian beleif there is one heaven, not the "levels" as taught in the LDS religion. I'm not arguing one religion over another, just never understood how someone of one of the mainstream Christian religions would convert because they didn't think they would see their family in heaven. Can anyone shed some light?

Great article. Thanks for the time you took to write it. LDS.org and providentliving.org are also websites where others can learn more.

I find the Mormon beliefs, but more importantly I'm impressed with what they stand for in regards to families.

Great article! As a member I appreciate the effort put into writing a well researched peice about my faith. Thank you!

Those of you trying to correct Jan Shipps' comment (which may have been misquoted, because I think Miss Shipps knows better) may be propagating a little unintentional confusion. Mormons believe that Jesus is God, and that his Father is also God. Mormons believe in three individual and distinct members of the godhead--God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. All three Gods, but each playing a distinct role.

Strange about the Protestants and Catholics not believing in the bodily resurrection. Seems Catholics and many Protestants voice their belief in it every time they say either the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed.

Please stop by: www.xanga.com/Avenueoflight

not often one can read a succinct clear concise honest set of statements in the news about the LDS. with tongue in cheek the only error i found was in the name of The Church. in fact, the word "the" at the beginning of the name should be capitalized - "The Church of Jesus Christ .... " thanx for doing a swell job of writing.

This was a good article giving an over view of what the Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter Day Saints is all about. If you want to know for yourself if these things are true, you should at least visit a meetinghouse near you. If you go with the right attitude I am sure you can know for your self.

Sorry about the slip of the tongue in my comment about Jesus and Christ being separate personages. Of course I know that young Joseph Smith saw Jesus and God and I thought that was what I said. :)

Wonderfule story. Thanks for sharing it.

Well done! To write a balanced article discussing differences between Mormon and traditional Christian beliefs, without vilifying either, is very commendable. Keep up the good work, NPR. To find out more about what Mormons believe go to www.Mormon.org.

NPR did it, anybody can. Go to LDS.org, select About the Church, select Find a Meetinghouse, and you'll find the nearest meetinghouse to you, complete with times of worship services. The only real way to learn what Mormons believe is to talk to Mormons: find out for yourself and don't take anyone else's word for it.

Well done article. This is a great example of fair journalism. Clearly the writer did her research and even spent time in one of the "secret" Mormon church buildings and even survived to write about it :). If you want to know more about the beliefs of the Mormon church, visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org Thanks again Simone.

"Mormons are not Trinitarians. They understand that Jesus and Christ are two separate personages - anthropomorphic in beings. That is, they are similar to human beings," says Shipps. ..... Jesus Christ and God are separate personages.....

Thank you for this story. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ or Latter-Day Saints, I want others to understand that we are Christian. Jesus Christ is the son of God. Anyone who would like to know about the LDS church or Mormons just needs to ask a member of the church. We would love to answer any questions. Thank you again!

Mormon theology is based on First Century Christianity, including some of which are at variance with Creedal (4th Century) Christianity, to which most Christian churches adhere today. For more information, please see: http://MormonsAreChristian.blogspot.com or http://NewTestamentTempleRitual.blogspot.com Mormons would be a "cult" only if you think Early Christianity is a "cult".

This is a good example of a story done with minimal mistakes or bias. I think most mormons like me would recognize themselves in this piece. Good job.

Thank you for this news article. One slight correction to what Ms. Jan Shipps explained. Instead of saying that "Jesus and Christ are two separate personages," I imagine she meant to say that Mormons believe that "God and Jesus" are two separate personages. In Mormon theology, Jesus and Christ both refer to Jesus (the Only Begotten Son of God). Thank you again -RCH