God. The Church believes in God the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The three comprise the Godhead. The Church teaches that they are one in purpose, but separate in being. God is a physical, tangible Being.

Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, and the only name under heaven whereby man can be saved. Latter-day Saints try to model their lives on the principles taught by Jesus Christ. The Atonement by Jesus Christ for the sins of the world is central to the faith and is acknowledged weekly in the eating and drinking of bread and water in weekly sacrament services. Church members accept the New Testament account of His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. They also accept the account in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ of His ministry to the ancient American continent, soon after His Resurrection.

Purpose of Life. Church members believe that every person is the spirit offspring of God the Father, having lived in heaven in a premortal existence prior to birth on earth. On earth, the faithful receive a physical body through birth, experience mortal trials in life, and prove themselves worthy to return to the presence of God by following Jesus Christ’s teachings.

A Lay Ministry and Priesthood Authority. The Church emphasizes the need for divine authority in administering the Church and various religious sacraments (referred to by Latter-day Saints as ordinances). As part of the Restoration of Christ’s Church, Joseph Smith received the priesthood from those who held it anciently—John the Baptist, and apostles Peter, James and John. All worthy male members over the age of 12 are ordained to the priesthood by those who have the authority. In short, the priesthood is the authority to act in God’s name.

Scriptures. Church members recognize the Holy Bible as divinely inspired scripture—a record of God’s dealings primarily with the people of ancient Israel. They also recognize the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, as a record of God’s dealings with the people of Ancient America. These two books are supplemented with the Doctrine and Covenants, a compilation of revelations received since the time of the Restoration, and the Pearl of Great Price, a selection from the revelations, translations, and writings of Joseph Smith.

Modern Revelation. Church members believe that revelation continues to flow to the Church through its inspired leaders. The President of the Church, his two counselors, and the Twelve Apostles are considered prophets. Individual members are entitled to receive revelation for their own lives and for their own Church responsibilities.

Religious Sacraments. Entry into the Church is by baptism, defined as total immersion in water for the remission of sins by one having authority from God. Likewise, confirmation into the Church comes through laying on of hands by someone holding proper priesthood authority. Since young children are not capable of committing sin, they are not baptized until the age of eight, which is the age of accountability set by Christ. At the time of baptism, an individual covenants or promises that he or she will always remember the Savior’s atoning sacrifice and keep His commandments. The Church’s principal religious service, called sacrament meeting, is held each Sunday. In this meeting members renew their baptismal covenants by taking the sacramental emblems of bread and water, symbols of Christ’s body and blood.

Family and Marriage. Christ-centered family unity in this life and for eternity is the cornerstone of Latter-day Saint belief. Marriages performed in the Church’s temples do not dissolve at death, but continue through eternity, contingent upon individual worthiness. The Church teaches that there is no more important unit in society than family.

Temples. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that family relationships can be eternal. Marriages performed in one of the Church's temples, buildings unique in both structure and purpose from the thousands of meetinghouses or chapels, can be valid forever. Children born to parents who have been "sealed" in such a covenant marriage are likewise part of that eternal family union. For the bonds of a temple sealing to remain in effect, however, a husband and wife must love and be faithful to each other throughout their marriage and continue to follow a course of Christian service and commitment throughout their lives.

Morality. Faithful members observe the scripturally prescribed principles of honesty, integrity, obedience to law, chastity before marriage, and fidelity within marriage. The Church opposes abuse, abortion, pornography, gambling, and legal recognition of same-sex unions.

Where Does the Money Come from? Members contribute ten percent of their income—known as tithing—to support the Church and its mission, and they fast for two meals to donate the savings to the needy. These offerings enable the Church to finance worldwide humanitarian projects, construction of Church facilities, education, welfare, missionary, curriculum, humanitarian, and other programs that benefit members and nonmembers alike.

What Are Saints? A general term for members of the Church is Saints. Hence, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is used to distinguish today’s Church from that of the New Testament. The term Saint simply means a faithful member of the Church, and implies no privileged status, office, or individual. The Church does not recognize particular saints as do some other churches.