Real Life Answers

One of the current Twelve Apostles (governing council in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Jeffrey Holland, gave a “Mormonism 101″ talk at Harvard Law School last week. With only a few minutes to summarize for the audience the essence of his faith, he distilled Mormonism into these eight points (I’m paraphrasing him here):

• Every human being is a spirit son or daughter of a loving Heavenly Father, created in His own image, and with the potential to become like Him
• Starting with Adam and Eve, people go through life in order to learn, grow, and gain experience
• God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of humankind by atoning for the mistakes and transgressions people inevitably make which would otherwise prevent them from progressing and gaining happiness
• Life continues after death
• Salvation is offered to all humankind universally, but each must choose to accept it
• God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are separate and distinct beings with glorified bodies of flesh and bone
• God continues to reveal truth to us today, as in biblical times
• God has restored the authority baptize and administer other saving sacraments (ordinances) in His name

I found this an excellent summing up of what we believe. Would someone who wants the elevator pitch on what Mormons believe feel like they have a good handle on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints based on these eight points? Is anything crucial left out? Based on these eight points, are Mormons Christian?

Within a one-mile radius of my Boston apartment, there are literally dozens of churches. The buildings are each unique and beautiful, and the names they bear are equally diverse. On my regular walks around the neighborhood, I pass by the Chinese Christian Church of New England, First Church in Chestnut Hill, All Saints Parish, and Temple Bnai Moshe, among others. I often wonder what significance the names of the churches have for the worshippers within.

The church I attend is often known by its nickname (the Mormon church), but its true title is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’ve been a member of the church since I was baptized at age eight, so its name is not something I think about frequently. But I believe my commitment to God and my behavior toward others would improve if I regularly pondered the significance of the church’s name. Here is its condensed history:

With God directing his actions, Joseph Smith reestablished Jesus Christ’s original church in 1830. (Feel free to read the full story of the restoration here.) God also told Joseph Smith what to name his church. Hundreds of years prior, God had instructed another group of followers in the naming of his church. As recorded in the Book of Mormon, the resurrected Jesus Christ visited the people of the ancient American continent. Eager to worship as He would have them do, the people asked Christ what they should name the church. Here is his response, as found in 3 Nephi chapter 27, versus 7-8.

“Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.”

This shows that Christ’s church must not only be built upon his gospel, it must bear his name. So it makes sense that Joseph Smith would receive a revelation from the Lord in the 1830s with a similar message about the name of the reestablished church of Christ. It’s recorded in verse 4 of section 115 in the Doctrine & Covenants (a book of compiled modern-day revelations): “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

So now we know how the name came to be. But what does it mean? For me, there are three separate elements. The first, calling it Jesus Christ’s church, reminds me that he is the focus of it all. Jesus Christ is the son of God, and the savior of the world. His death and resurrection, and his mercy and grace, are what will allow us to return to live with God.

The second element – the “latter-day” part of the name – places the church in this modern era. After Christ’s death, his church gradually fell away. Apostles were martyred, and followers were persecuted for their beliefs. This period lasted hundreds of years and is known as the apostasy. Because Jesus Christ’s gospel is now on the earth again, it is fitting that its name designates the current dispensation of time.

The final word in the name, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” is one that really makes me stop and think. Am I a saint? What can I do to become more saint-like? One of the apostles of our Church summed it up nicely in a sermon he gave: “In the Lord’s Church, the members are Latter-day Saints, and they attempt to emulate the Savior, follow His teachings, and receive saving ordinances in order to live in the celestial kingdom with God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. The Savior said, ‘This is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do.’”

The name of the church is much more than a string of words on the front of a building. Each part of the name reminds me of my purpose on the earth – to live as a saint, following the example of Jesus Christ, in order to gain access to his atoning sacrifice.

This week there is cause for much celebration. It is the Holy Week, when we reflect on the final days of Jesus Christ’s life on earth, culminating with His ultimate resurrection. Celebrate with us this week on www.RealLifeAnswers.org as we recount events that occurred hundreds of years ago — events that allow us, today, to be saved by Christ’s merciful sacrifice and Atonement.

In most ways, this day is like any other. I will go to work and edit financial research reports. I will vacuum my floors and clean my kitchen. I will meet friends for dinner in the North End.

But in one way, this day is very different. It is the day I reflect on Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem many years ago — a sort of commencement to a week of holy events that leads to Christ’s gruesome crucifixion then contrastingly beautiful resurrection.

It begins at the Mount of Olives, when Jesus sends two of his disciples to the next village to fetch a particular colt — one that has never before been ridden. They return with the animal, then spread their coats upon its back in preparation for their Master’s ride into Jerusalem.

The city was more full than usual on that day; many people had come early for the Passover rites that would take place in the days following. Word of Christ’s departure preceded Him, and as He began his journey into Jerusalem there were large crowds in place to witness the occasion. The people blanketed His path with their garments and with palm fronds and other foliage. Their actions and vocal praise prove their view that Jesus was their Master. “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they cried. “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21).

I sometimes wonder why Jesus entered the city in this way. Throughout his life, He avoided fanfare and recognition. He was rarely recognized as the King and Master we now know Him to be. It was a joyful celebration, yet many sad events would take place over the next few days. In less than a week, He would be killed.

But I believe this triumphal entry serves as a symbol of an event that is yet to occur — the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. When our Savior returns to earth, as prophesied in Acts 1:11, it will be a joyful occasion for those who have prepared for His coming.