Introduction to LDS Culture and Beliefs

This topic provides a brief summary of what Mormons believe and how they live, to help non-Mormons understand how our neighbors think and what matters to them.

Living as a religious minority in Utah, we need to understand how our neighbors think and what matters to them. This topic provides a brief summary of what Mormons believe and how they live.

Mormon Beliefs

We can only give a very brief overview in this topic. To learn more, see the series What Mormons Believe on pursueGOD.org. But here is a short summary of what the LDS Church teaches:

• God was once a man who became god, like many others. God once lived on an earth like ours. As such, he had a god before him to whom he answered. He is now an exalted man with a physical body of flesh and bones. There are potentially many other beings like him, but God is the only one of these gods that Mormons have a relationship with. (See “The Trinity: God Is One“)
• The Bible is corrupted, so more scripture and revelation are needed- it alone cannot be trusted because it has been tampered with through the ages. God has given other scriptural books to go along with the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon. God continues to speak today through modern prophets who lead the LDS Church.
• Humans are literal children of God, the same kind of being as him. Humans are eternal, uncreated beings who were given their current form by God. As such, we each have divine potential. We may commit sins, but we’re not sinful by nature.
• Everyone goes to some level of heaven. Even the worst sinners go to the lowest of the three levels. The highest level of heaven is reserved for worthy Mormons who obey all the required laws and rituals. Everyone gets a second chance after death to pursue that goal. (See “The Mormon View of Atonement“)
• Righteous people can become gods. As exalted beings, they can create and populate their own worlds. This happens in the highest level of heaven, and only in eternal family relationships.

Mormons believe that these teachings represent original Christianity. The church Jesus founded was lost through a great apostasy after he died. This one true church and its teachings were restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith.

All this may seem strange to us, but it makes sense to Latter-day Saints. (See “How Christians Should Engage Latter-day Saints“.) Yet be aware that an individual Mormon may not believe all of this doctrine or may believe it in unique ways. Mormons also believe many things that are not part of official LDS doctrine. We call this “folk Mormonism.” You won’t know what they believe until they tell you.

Is Mormonism a Cult?

This is a fair question in light of Mormon beliefs. To answer it, consider three common definitions of a “cult.”  First, a cult is a group that is outside the mainstream. In Utah, traditional Christians are outside the mainstream. Second, a cult is a sinister religious group that controls and exploits people, like the groups associated with Jim Jones and David Koresh. This is not really an accurate description of Mormonism. Third, a cult is a group that deviates doctrinally from the biblical norm. In this sense, Mormonism can be called a “cult.”
But the word “cult” is extremely unhelpful in Utah. First, it is limiting. It only deals with ideas or doctrine, not culture and identity. Second, it raises a lot of misunderstandings. Third, people find it offensive. The word has a very negative connotation, so it makes people defensive and they stop listening. If we want to actually make an impact, it’s far more helpful to think of Mormonism as a culture, rather than a cult.

Mormonism Is a Culture

Culture is a way to talk about the particular ways of thinking, speaking and living that are shared by people with a common past and identity. Every one of us is shaped by our culture or subculture. Latter-day Saints think of themselves as a distinct people. They have shared customs, values, lifestyle and identity. They have a unique vocabulary and folklore. They share distinctive rituals and practices. They have unique art, architecture, and music.
As a culture, Mormonism creates a sense of personal identity. Being Mormon is not just what people believe, but who they are. As with any culture, Mormonism defines life for its people. Mormons always know what to do and what is expected because of the norms of their culture.

Traits of Mormon Culture

Of course, no two Mormons are alike. But they do share general cultural traits like these:

• Mormons understand truth through experience. They will encourage their youth to pray about the Book of Mormon, expecting a spiritual experience to verify its truth. This “testimony” experience is very powerful. LDS also often “feel the Spirit” as confirmation of truth or of personal decisions.
• Mormonism is driven by activity, not theology. The LDS Church has no real statement of faith. Membership is more about loyalty than beliefs. It matters more to do the right things than to believe all the right things.
• Mormonism promotes personal achievement. This is rooted in the foundational principle of progression toward godhood. Thus, Mormons usually have a strong work ethic and a drive toward advancement. They are more educated than the norm and embrace self-reliant living. Advancement in church life is important, as is perfecting personal worthiness.
• Mormons tend to be socially and politically conservative. They are more likely to be Republican. They are less likely to engage in sexual activity before or outside of marriage. They are more likely to be married and stay married. In marriage, they tend to practice male authority and traditional marriage roles.
• Mormons are very family oriented. They have larger-than-average families and believe in strong family ties.
• Mormons practice unique dietary restrictions which prohibit the use of tobacco, alcohol and coffee.
• Mormons are fiercely loyal to their church and its leaders. They can be very defensive if they feel the church or its prophets have been attacked or denigrated.

Much more could be said about the Mormon culture. To learn more, we recommend the book Understanding Your Mormon Neighbor by Ross Anderson.

In the next topic, we will explore how Mormons interact with non-Mormons. How can you expect to be treated by your LDS neighbors?

This is part of the Living in Utah series.