by dwhite | Feb 6, 2012 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often misnamed the “Mormon Church” by the media, does believe in the practice of what most Christian denominations call “Holy Communion.” Latter-day Saints, or “Mormons,” however, call this practice the Sacrament. Below are three responses to the question of “What do Mormons practice in regard to Holy Communion,” by three practicing Latter-day Saints:
Melissa says:
Mormons (as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often called by those of other faiths) believe that the sacrament is an important ordinance that gives partakers an opportunity to renew their baptismal covenants. When we are baptised, we are cleansed of sin and declare ourselves members of Christ’s church, and the sacrament gives us an opportunity to “refresh” this commitment. Other Christian denominations typically refer to the partaking of bread and wine as “Holy Communion,” and that is basically what our sacrament is. There are, however, some very obvious differences in how we go about our communion. (more…)
by | Nov 29, 2011 | About Mormons, Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
By Eric Kotter, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon“). A student at BYU-Idaho studying communications, and freelance writer.
When Jesus Christ was on the earth He gave bread and wine to His twelve apostles and said, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20).
Holy Communion: A Symbol of Jesus Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”) I participate each week during worship services in an ordinance called the sacrament. The sacrament is similar to Holy Communion which many other faiths participate in. One difference between the Holy Communion that Mormons participate in, and Catholic Communion, is that we do not believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation, which is a belief that the bread and wine literally turn into the blood and body of Jesus Christ as the person partakes. We believe that Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament, the bread and wine, to represent His body and blood, which were given to us as a sacrifice to lift the burden and judgments of our sins, trials and weaknesses as we follow Him. We partake of the sacrament as symbols of what He did for us. Partaking of the sacrament is a blessing Jesus Christ gave to His followers so they can renew their baptismal covenants to follow Him that they might become clean from their sins.
In the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of modern revelation given by God, the Lord gave us the purpose of the sacrament. The Lord said, “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:9). (more…)
by brady | Nov 18, 2011 | About Mormons
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”) are most importantly, devoted followers of Jesus Christ. As a people we believe in “in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men” (Articles of Faith 1:13). We believe in following the Savior Jesus Christ’s example in word and in deed.
Mormon beliefs include a belief in continuing modern revelation through living prophets and apostles of God just as there was in Biblical days. Living prophets and apostles speak the Lord’s will and His gospel to us. The Church of Jesus Christ, as it was when Christ was on the earth, has been restored to the earth through a living prophet, Joseph Smith, whom God called by revelation. By the power of God, Joseph Smith brought forth an ancient record of scripture titled, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, that gives an account of God’s dealings with people who lived in the America’s anciently.
In this talk given by a prophet of God, who has since passed away, President Gordon B. Hinckley addresses some of the questions that many people have about Mormon beliefs. He gives clarifications, explanations, and helps clear up misperconceptions about the Church. (more…)
