Understanding Equality and Freedom of Belief in the Mormon (LDS) Church

The Mormon (LDS) Church acknowledges a deep belief in the autonomy and freedom of individual spiritual inquiry. This article aims to clarify the concept of personal belief within the context of the LDS doctrine and explore common questions surrounding the nature of God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ.

Individual Spiritual Autonomy in the LDS Church

Unlike traditional hierarchical religious structures, the LDS Church allows for a degree of personal belief that goes beyond official doctrines. The concept of ‘allowed to believe’ does not exist in the organization; rather, individuals are encouraged to study the scriptures, pray for guidance, and receive personal manifestations from the Holy Spirit.

In the LDS culture, there is a lay ministry that permits a great variation in privately held beliefs. These beliefs can be vastly different from the official LDS doctrines, but they are respected as long as they are not promulgated from pulpits or used to form a substitute church or to persuade others to leave the Church.

Expressing One’s Beliefs and Living Confidently

Despite the potential diversity in thought, every member of the LDS Church is inherently free to choose their path. The spiritual leader encourages members to live their lives based on the truths they have discovered, even if it may seem difficult to accept standard doctrines. Why would someone choose to defy God when they have direct revelation about the truth? It is a deeply personal decision.

Every child of God has the freedom to choose between returning to the Father and choosing Hell, but why choose the latter when you have the divine truth revealed to you?

Addressing Common Questions on the Nature of God and His Creation

Many people struggle with concepts like the Trinity, which states that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three persons in one Godhead. One might question, 'Can a man be his own father?' or 'Where does Jesus keep his physical body after resurrection?' These questions often stem from a lack of understanding rather than insincere intent.

The LDS perspective embraces a different theological framework. According to the LDS belief, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct individuals, though united in purpose and spirit. When Jesus was resurrected, his spirit entered back into his body and raised it from death, giving him a physical form of flesh and bone.

Jesus is also seen as a created being, derived from Father and joined to the Father in purpose but not in substance. The Holy Ghost, on the other hand, is a distinct personage who speaks in His own name and does not have a physical body.

Regarding Stephen, the martyr in Acts, when he was filled with great glory and saw Jesus at the right hand of God, the scene is thought to be a manifestation of truth rather than a comedic sketch. The scriptures recount this event as a profound moment of divine revelation, not a joke or triviality.

Conclusion

Understanding the core beliefs of the LDS Church requires a strong commitment to study, prayer, and personal revelation. Embracing the freedom of belief that is cherished within this faith can lead to a profound connection with the divine and a more authentic spiritual journey.

Beliefs are like treasures; they should be commensurate with knowledge and not unduly influenced by the whims of others. By embracing the richness of the scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, members of the LDS Church can wage their personal battles against ingrained ignorance and promote their spiritual growth.