The Philosophical Basis of Permit me to explain that the term "Mormon” with its several derivatives, is no part of the name of the Church with which it is usually associated. It was first applied to the Church as a convenient nick-name, and had reference to an early publication, "The Book of Mormon"; but the appellative is now so generally current that Church and people answer readily to its call. The proper designation of the so-called "Mormon" Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The philosophy of its religious system is largely expressed in its name. The philosophical foundation of "Mormonism" is constructed upon the following outline of facts and premises: 1. The eternal existence of a living personal God; and the preexistence and eternal duration of mankind as His literal offspring. 2. The placing of man upon the earth as an embodied spirit to undergo the experiences of an intermediate probation. 3. The transgression and fall of the first parents of the race, by which man became mortal, or in other words was doomed to suffer a separation of spirit and body through death.. 4. The absolute need of a Redeemer empowered to overcome death and thereby provide for a reunion of the spirits and bodies of mankind through a material resurrection from death to immortality. 5. The providing of a definite plan of salvation, by obedience to which man may obtain remission of his sins, and be enabled to advance by effort and righteous achievement throughout eternity. 6. The establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ in the "meridian of time", by the personal ministry and atoning death of the foreordained Redeemer and Savior of mankind, and the proclamation of His saving Gospel through the ministry of the Holy Priesthood during the apostolic period and for a season thereafter. 7. The general "falling away" from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by which the world degenerated into a state of apostasy, and the Holy Priesthood ceased to be operative in the organizations of sects and churches designed and effected by the authority of man. 8. The restoration of the Gospel in the current age, and the reestablishment of the Church of Jesus Christ by the bestowal of the Holy Priesthood through Divine revelation. 9. The appointed mission of the restored Church of Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof amongst all nations, in preparation for the near advent of our Savior Jesus Christ, who shall reign on earth as Lord and King. 1. The eternal existence of a living personal God; and the preexistence and eternal duration of mankind as His literal offspring. As its principal cornerstoneMormonism" affirms the existence of the true and the living God: WIDENER LIBRARY |