Meet Mormons

A: The official name of the church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The name comes from our understanding of Jesus Christ's ministry. We believe that while on earth, Christ organized His church the way He wanted it--He gave others authority to do the work of His church. We call this organization "The Church of Jesus Christ."

After the crucifixion, the saints (members of Christ's church), were still led by authorized leaders. Christ had left authority to do the work of His church with the Twelve Apostles and others. Eventually, though, they were killed and persecuted to the point that no one on earth had the authority to do the work of Christ's church. (For a better explanation, click here.) Essentially, the Church of Jesus Christ was no longer on the earth.

Enter Joseph Smith. In 1820 the young farm boy was confused by the many conflicting religions, faiths, and interpretations. In answer to sincere prayer, Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph. This initiated the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Today, the Church of Jesus Christ is again on the earth. In order to differentiate today's church from the church in the time of Christ, it is now called "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." "Latter-day" meaning "not in Christ's time," and "saints" referring to believers of Christ.

Next week's question: "Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?"