Who Do Mormons Worship? Understanding The Core Beliefs Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints
Have you ever wondered who Mormons worship? Perhaps you've seen members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wondered about their beliefs. The answer might surprise you, as Mormon theology has some distinctive features that set it apart from traditional Christian denominations.
Mormons worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer, but their understanding of the Godhead and the nature of deity extends beyond what many might expect. This comprehensive guide will explore the core beliefs of Mormon worship, addressing common questions and misconceptions about their faith.
The Central Figure: Jesus Christ
At the heart of Mormon worship is Jesus Christ, whom they believe is the literal Son of God and the Savior of all humanity. Mormons view Jesus as the central figure of their faith, the one through whom salvation is made possible.
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ:
- Is the Only Begotten Son of God the Father in the flesh
- Created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father
- Suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and died on the cross to atone for humanity's sins
- Was resurrected on the third day, breaking the bands of death
- Will return to earth in glory to reign during the Millennium
For Mormons, Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure or a great teacher, but the divine Son of God who provides the only way for humans to return to live with Heavenly Father. His role as Savior and Redeemer is central to all Mormon worship services, prayers, and teachings.
The Godhead: Understanding the Mormon View of Deity
Unlike traditional Christian trinitarian theology, Mormons believe in what they call the Godhead - three distinct beings who are perfectly united in purpose but are separate in personage.
God the Father
Mormons worship God the Father (often called Heavenly Father) as the supreme being who created and governs the universe. They believe:
- God the Father has a glorified, perfected body of flesh and bone
- He is the literal Father of all human spirits
- He knows and loves each of His children individually
- He answers prayers and provides guidance through the Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
As mentioned earlier, Jesus Christ is worshipped as the Son of God and Savior. Mormons believe He:
- Is Jehovah of the Old Testament
- Is the God of this world and all creation
- Sits at the right hand of the Father
- Will return to earth to reign during the Millennium
The Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) is the third member of the Godhead in Mormon theology. Mormons believe the Holy Ghost:
- Is a personage of spirit without a physical body
- Testifies of truth and provides personal revelation
- Comforts and guides believers
- Is the messenger through whom God communicates with humans
Worship Practices in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mormon worship centers on weekly sacrament meetings where members partake of the sacrament (similar to communion) in remembrance of Jesus Christ's atonement. These services include:
- Prayers directed to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ
- Hymns praising Jesus Christ and His sacrifice
- Scripture readings from both the Bible and other Mormon scriptures
- Testimonies about Jesus Christ's role as Savior
Beyond Sunday worship, Mormons also:
- Pray daily to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ
- Study scriptures to learn about Jesus Christ
- Participate in temple worship, which focuses on Jesus Christ's atonement
- Serve others as an expression of worship and discipleship
Additional Mormon Scriptures and Their Role in Worship
Mormons use four main books of scripture in their worship:
- The Bible (both Old and New Testaments)
- The Book of Mormon (which they believe contains the writings of ancient American prophets)
- The Doctrine and Covenants (modern revelations given to church leaders)
- The Pearl of Great Price (select translations and revelations)
These scriptures all testify of Jesus Christ and His role as Savior. The Book of Mormon, in particular, is considered "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" and contains extensive teachings about His divinity and mission.
Common Misconceptions About Mormon Worship
There are several misconceptions about who Mormons worship:
Myth: Mormons worship Joseph Smith
Reality: Mormons worship only God the Father and Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith is respected as a prophet but is not worshipped.
Myth: Mormons are not Christians
Reality: Mormons consider themselves Christians because they worship Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer. The official name of their church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Myth: Mormons worship multiple gods
Reality: While Mormons believe in the Godhead as three separate beings, they worship only God the Father and Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost being worshipped through them.
The Role of Temples in Mormon Worship
Mormon temples play a special role in worship, focusing on Jesus Christ's atonement and the plan of salvation. In temples, Mormons:
- Make sacred covenants centered on Jesus Christ
- Perform ordinances in His name
- Learn about His role in the eternal plan of salvation
- Seek to become more like Him through sacred teachings
Temple worship is considered the highest form of Mormon worship and is entirely focused on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.
How Mormon Worship Differs from Other Christian Denominations
While Mormons worship Jesus Christ as Savior, their worship practices and theology have some distinctive features:
- Prayer practices: Mormons pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, rather than praying directly to Jesus
- Scriptures: In addition to the Bible, Mormons use other scriptures they believe complement biblical teachings about Christ
- Concept of Godhead: Mormons view the Godhead as three separate beings rather than a trinity
- Temples: Mormon temples are central to worship, providing additional ordinances and teachings about Christ
Conclusion
Mormons worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer, along with God the Father, while recognizing the Holy Ghost as a distinct member of the Godhead. Their worship is centered on the atonement of Jesus Christ and His role in the plan of salvation. While their theology includes some distinctive beliefs about the nature of deity and additional scriptures, the core of Mormon worship is focused on Jesus Christ and His divine mission to save humanity.
Understanding who Mormons worship helps clarify many misconceptions about their faith and reveals the central importance of Jesus Christ in all aspects of Mormon theology and practice. Whether you're a member of another faith tradition or simply curious about Mormon beliefs, recognizing their devotion to Jesus Christ as Savior provides valuable insight into one of America's fastest-growing religious movements.
