Articles of Faith (Mormonism)

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The Articles of Faith are 13 statements that for an early creed of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a.k.a. Mormonism). They were authored by Joseph Smith, although they existed in an earlier form, written by Oliver Cowdery.

The 13 Articles of Faith[edit]

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

This is contradictory with the Mormon view of the Fall. Even if God doesn't hold all humans responsible or Adam's transgression, all humans still suffer from the effects of that sin, which is still a punishment.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

As we see here, Mormons do believe in a theocracy. Some of them are waiting until Jesus comes again to rule over the Earth, but some aren't, as evidenced by Mormon involvement in politice, including the church's effort to pass Proposition 8 in California in 2008.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

While they say they want to "allow men the same privilege," the actions of Mormons indicate otherwise. For example: Mormons are big proponents of abstinence-only education. They not only want the option to opt out of sex education in public schools, but want to ban it altogether.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing egood to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we fhope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Joseph Smith