This section is intended to help people who want to know the basic principles of the gospel as explained by the Mormon Church. Soon after the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Prophet Joseph Smith detailed thirteen Articles of Faith, which are straightforward enumerations of basic beliefs in the Mormon Church, many of which set the Church apart from other religious denominations. In a similar effort, we have chosen to divide Mormonism into a few basic groups of beliefs which will increase your understanding of the Mormon Church.
By reading the articles on each basic belief, you can begin to better understand the scriptural foundations and latter-day revelations that make Mormonism what it is today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded on the same principles and doctrines of the Church that Jesus Christ Himself established when He lived on the Earth. After the death of the Apostles, the Authority to lead the Church was lost and many important doctrines were changed. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—what we also refer to as the Mormon Church—is Jesus Christ’s Church, again established upon the earth. Its restoration began through the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805-1844). We will discuss this Restoration at length later.
“In contrast, the core of the gospel—the doctrine and the principles—will never change. Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength, and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints.” (Uchtdorf, Dieter F., Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings, CR October 2005).
“We are taught principles such as love, honesty, kindness, patience, trust, sharing, repentance, obedience, faith, baptism, prayer, and a host of other eternal principles. These are taught in a family setting by diligent and loving parents and reinforced by kind brothers, sisters, and friends. These normal procedures come as basic training in the Lord’s plan of salvation.” (Elder Duane B. Gerrard, The Plan of Salvation: A Flight Plan for Life, Ensign (CR), November 1997, p.77).