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.

In this topic, we will explore how Mormons typically relate to non-Mormons in order to understand the attitudes and experiences one can expect to face as a religious minority in Utah.

Not All Mormons Are the Same

In this series, we focus on traits that generally describe the Mormon people. But every Latter-day Saint is unique. Each one will have different personal beliefs, within the overall framework of Mormonism. Each will have a different level of identification with Mormonism or of loyalty to the LDS Church. Not all are equally assimilated into Mormon culture. People from different regions or generations may experience Mormonism differently. Converts to Mormonism often have a different outlook and experience compared to people born into it. So not all Mormons will relate to non-Mormons in exactly the same ways.

The LDS Church Wants to Convert You

The most significant way that Mormons relate to non-Mormons is that Mormonism is a missionary-minded faith. This is the major point of contention between Latter-day Saints and Christians. Mormons confidently and aggressively seek to win converts from Christian churches.

The LDS Church’s stated purpose is “to preach the gospel to the world.” To do this, they deploy over 50,000 missionaries in 350 regions worldwide. Serving a two-year proselytizing mission is an important rite of passage for LDS young adults. Missionaries seek to lead potential converts through a series of lessons designed to secure a commitment to Mormon baptism. The LDS Church baptizes over 300,000 new converts each year, making them members of the church. The missionaries rely heavily on members to refer their friends for these lessons. The lessons don’t tell the whole truth about Mormon doctrine. They minimize concepts that might be hard for investigators to accept in order to remove barriers that might prevent growth.

Mormons Are Very Sensitive About Their Public Image

Latter-day Saints are usually very conscious of what outsiders think of their church. They want to show Mormonism in only the best possible light. They want to be seen as mainstream and culturally acceptable. This carefully-crafted public image paves the way for more conversions.

Being Non-Mormon in Utah Can Be a Challenge

Beyond the attempts at conversion, other factors make it hard to be a non-Mormon within the heart of Mormon culture.

• Mormons can be insular. Mormonism creates a tightly-knit community. As a result, they can be insular and are not usually tuned in to how this comes across to neighbors or co-workers. Wrapped up in their LDS world, they can be unaware of the lives and experiences of outsiders living among them.
• Non-Mormons can experience isolation. You may be welcomed warmly to your new neighborhood by LDS neighbors until they discover you are not a prospect for conversion. Sometimes outsiders are resented. Often, they are patronized or simply ignored. For example, children can be ostracized by other neighborhood children. The public schools often run under the assumption that everyone is LDS. Of course, these attitudes vary greatly by community or neighborhood. And it can be heightened if Mormons find their Christian neighbors to be distant and unfriendly themselves.
• Others are identified in terms of Mormonism. In Utah, you are either a Mormon, a non-Mormon, an anti-Mormon, or an ex-Mormon. In other words, you will be forced into categories defined by Mormon identity and experience rather than your own.

Our Response

In response to our experience as outsiders, Christians have three options. We can attack Mormonism, as many have. But Mormonism is fueled by a persecution complex. When opposed, the Mormon people resist and grow stronger.

We can agree with Mormonism. But that’s not an option if we are committed to biblical truth.

We can do what Jesus would do. This is what we’re going to explore in our final topic – how would Jesus relate to Mormons? We have a clue in the Bible in John chapter 4.

This is part of the Living in Utah series.

Mormons Are a Lot Like Samaritans

Jesus was Jewish, while the Samaritans were members of a rival faith. They had their own rival priesthood and temple, and their own version of the scriptures. There was also a history of antagonism with the Jews. So Mormons relate to Christians much like Samaritans did to Jews. As we look at how Jesus interacted with a Samaritan woman in John 4, we learn how he might relate to Mormons.

Jesus Would Rebuke Anti-Mormons

First, notice another encounter Jesus had with Samaritans.

Luke 9:52-55 Jesus sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

Jesus’s followers were upset with the response of the Samaritans and wanted to go on the attack. Many Christians in Utah feel the same way about Mormons. We get frustrated with LDS culture and want to lash out, but Jesus rebuked that attitude.

Jesus Would Build Bridges

John 4:6-9 Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”…The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus connected with this woman in spite of the animosity between their peoples. Based on his example, we learn that we build bridges one person and one conversation at a time. Second, we build bridges by taking risks and crossing cultural barriers. Jesus risked defilement by associating with a foreigner. Third, we build bridges by authenticity. Jesus was open about his own need – his thirst. Finally, we build bridges by going where people hang out, places like the town well.

Jesus Would Bring Good News, Not Bad

John 4:10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

Jesus’s message was positive. It was an offer of a refreshing, life-giving gift. (See “Communicating Good News to Mormons“.)

Jesus Would Identify the Real Issues

John 4:19-24 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” Jesus replied, “….You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

The woman raised a question that divided Samaritans and Jews: where to worship. But she was asking the wrong question. Jesus answered, but also redirected her to the right questions: “Where does a person find salvation?” and “Who is God?” These are also the core issues between Mormonism and historic Christianity, but they are not usually the issues Mormons prefer to discuss. 

Jesus Would Make Himself Known

John 4:25-26 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”

Jesus didn’t just teach this woman some abstract truth. He pointed her toward himself. We do well not just to have the right answers about the right issues; we need to always point Latter-day Saints to the person of Jesus.

There Is a Spiritual Harvest in Utah

John 4:31-35  The disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.” But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about…. My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.”

Jesus wanted his followers to understand that God was at work even in Samaria. Likewise, Jesus might say to us, “Wake up and look around.” God is working through his people in Utah. The harvest of people here prepared to trust Jesus for salvation is riper than at any time since the Mormons arrived. So there is reason to hope that we can not only survive here but thrive here.

Finally, let’s consider some practical tips about how to make an impact for Jesus in Utah.

How to Thrive

Stay connected to other believers. Get involved in your church. Become part of a small group where you can grow and get support.

Be gracious toward your neighbors. Be friendly and patient. Don’t adopt a suspicious or insular attitude yourself.

Don’t obsess about Mormonism. It’s great to have a working knowledge, but keep your main focus on your own pursuit of God.

How to Make a Difference

Embrace your role as a missionary. As a Christ-follower, you are a missionary wherever you go – including Utah.

Care about people in practical ways. When you see a need, help out.

Don’t talk about what you are against, but who you are for.

Don’t argue. Mormons believe that “contention” comes from the devil.

Invite people into your life. Be hospitable. Have people over. Go out together.

Invite people to church. Church is still a “normal” activity for most Utahns. Many Utah churches have strategically defined their ministries with local culture in mind.

This is part of the Living in Utah series.