A - Z: Introduction to Terms and Issues Related to Mormonism

A

Aaronic priesthood. Known as the lesser of two priesthoods held by Mormon males (Priesthood and Church Government, p. 106). It is taught that Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were visited by John the Baptist on the bank of the Susquehanna River on May 15, 1829; he laid hands on them and ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood. The Mormon Aaronic Priesthood holds the "keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins" (Doctrine and Covenants 13:1). According to the Bible, the Aaronic priesthood is reserved only for those who were direct descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses. Numbers 3:6-12 makes it clear that only those in the line of Aaron were to hold the Levitical Priesthood.

Adam. Known in the pre-existence as Michael. Adam "sat in the council of the gods in the planning of the creation of this earth" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 16). According to Joseph Smith, Adam participated in the creation of the earth and occupied a position of authority next to Jesus Christ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 158). Smith also taught Adam was the Ancient of Days, the father of all (D&C 27:11; 138:38). Second Mormon President Brigham Young taught that Adam was not created from the dust of this earth but rather from the dust of an earth (Journal of Discourses 3:319). He referred to the biblical account of the creation of Adam as found in Genesis 2:7 as one of many "baby stories" (Journal of Discourses 2:6). In the Bible, Adam is first human created by God and formed "of the dust of the ground" (Genesis 2:7). It was through Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden that sin entered into the world (Romans 5:12). The consequence of that sin was death. "For the wages of sin is death ..." (Romans 6:23).

Adam-God. First taught openly in a conference message by second President Brigham Young on April 9, 1852, Young claimed that Adam was Michael the Archangel, the Ancient of Days, and that Eve was "one of his wives." Young also said Adam "is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do" (Journal of Discourses 1:50). This teaching has been the source of much controversy and has since been denounced. In 1976, President Spencer Kimball referred to the Adam-God "theory" as false doctrine (Church News, October 9, 1976). Young claimed this to be a doctrine when he said, "How much unbelief exists in the minds of the Latter-day Saints in regard to one particular doctrine which I revealed to them and which God revealed to me--namely that Adam is our father and God" (Deseret News, June 18, 1873, emphasis ours). Heber C. Kimball, first councilor to Brigham Young, concurred with Young's assessment when he said, "The first man sent his own son to redeem the world" (Journal of Discourses 4:1).

Adam-Ondi-Ahman. Supposedly taken from the "pure Adamic language" meaning "the place or land of God where Adam dwelt." Mormonism teaches Adam-Ondi-Ahman was located in Daviess County, Missouri (Mormon Doctrine, p. 20), showing that Adam lived on the North American continent.

Age of accountability. The age of a child when he has "sufficient mental, spiritual, and physical maturity to be held accountable before God for his acts" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 852). Normally this is the age of eight (D&C 68:27).

Agency. The ability to choose right from wrong, which goes back to man's pre-existence. "Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing to see whether we are worthy to become like our Heavenly Father.... Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all that he commanded us" (Gospel Principles, p. 19).

Ancient of Days. Adam. Joseph Smith stated, "Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 157).

Anti-Mormon. Mormon J. Nelson-Seawright writes that "the terminological sleight of hand involved in the label ‘anti-Mormon’ allows [Mormons] to ignore the differences between honest and honorable men and women who oppose us, on the one hand, and unprincipled villains, on the other." Mormon Joni Hilton advises fellow members: "First of all, anti-Mormon literature, Internet sites, conversations, ideas, etc. are like spiritual pornography. Once they are in the mind, they are very difficult to get rid of. As you try to reach out to your husband, I would advise you to avoid any material, even if you think it might help you understand him better. You don’t want those seeds of doubt planted in your own mind, because no one is immune to them."

Apostasy, Complete. True Christianity is said to have ceased after the death of Christ's apostles. This made it necessary for God to restore the true church through Joseph Smith in 1830. Without this belief, there is no reason for the Mormon Church to exist. The History of the Church declares, "Nothing less than a complete apostasy from the Christian religion would warrant the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (1:XL).

Apostate. Ex-members of the Mormon Church who believe doctrines contrary to the current teachings of the LDS Church or those whose lifestyle does not reflect that of a Latter-day Saint (Finding fault with the LDS leadership, drinking alcohol, smoking, etc.). According to D&C 41:1 apostates will receive the heaviest of God's cursings. Can also include those who align themselves with Apostate Christianity.

Apostle. A member of the Council of the Twelve, the second level in the Mormon hierarchy. The twelve apostles are also known as the Traveling Presiding High Council and officiate under the direction of the First Presidency in all parts of the world. In Christianity, apostle usually refers to one of a number of specific disciples of Christ, named in the New Testament, who were called and commissioned by Him with special authority to be the foundation of the Christian church (Ephesians 2:20). The inspired teachings of the Apostles are recognized as authoritative in the Church and are the Christian rule of faith and life.

Articles of Faith. A list of thirteen fundamental and characteristic doctrines of the Mormon Church. Originally known as the Wentworth Letter, it was intended to briefly outline the basic tenets of the Mormon faith. The Articles of Faith is also a book written by Mormon Apostle James Talmage.
B

Baptism for the dead. Also known as baptism by proxy or vicarious baptism, performed in Mormon temples. It is believed that the deceased for whom the ritual is performed will have an opportunity to receive the Mormon gospel in the spirit world though acceptance of such an act is not guaranteed.

Although Paul mentions a practice known as baptism for the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29, little is really known on the subject other than he appears to exclude himself from such a practice by using the word they. The Mormon interpretation is rejected as are all ideas of a post-mortem salvation. Hebrews 9:27 clearly shows "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." This makes an after-death restitution with God an impossibility. Ironically, this same idea is taught in the Book of Mormon in Alma 34:34, 35.

Bible. One of the four standard works considered to be scripture. Of these, only the Bible is considered to be mistranslated and cannot be fully trusted. Article Eight of the Articles of Faith reads, "We believe the Bible as far as it is translated correctly." The King James Version is the official LDS Bible text.

Bishop. Non-paid leader of a Mormon ward. His duties are similar to a Christian pastor.

Bishopric. "Any office or position of major responsibility in the (LDS) Church, any office of overseership under the supervision of which important church business is administered." A ward bishopric consists of an individual ward's bishop and his two counselors, all of whom belong to the Melchizedek priesthood (Mormon Doctrine, p. 89).

Blood Atonement. A doctrine that stems from the belief that the blood of Christ does not cleanse all sins; therefore, one who sins a sin beyond the cleansing power of Christ must atone for his own sins by having his blood shed. While current Mormon leaders may deny the blunt description of this practice as taught by their predecessors, tenth LDS President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote, "man may commit certain grievous sins--according to his light and knowledge--that will place him beyond the reach of the atoning blood of Christ. If then he would be saved, he must make sacrifice of his own life to atone--so far as in his power lies--for that sin, for the blood of Christ alone under certain circumstances will not avail.... Joseph Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that men may commit, that they will place the transgressors beyond the power of the atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent" (Doctrines of Salvation 1:134, 135).

In Christianity, blood atonement is Christ's death on the cross as the Great Sacrifice that provides cleansing for all mankind who place their trust in Him. The Bible maintains that the blood of Christ is powerful enough to cleanse from all sin. 1 John 1:9 reads, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Book of Abraham. Included in the Pearl of Great Price. Joseph Smith claimed to translate the Book of Abraham from papyrus found on Egyptian mummies he purchased from Michael Chandler in 1835. Smith said the "rolls contained the writings of Abraham" (History of the Church 2:236). Later examination from qualified Egyptologists showed Smith was totally incorrect concerning his alleged translation. Despite this refutation, many Mormons insist the Book of Abraham is authentic and Joseph Smith a true prophet.

Book of Commandments. A collection of Joseph Smith's early revelations, printed in 1833. These were edited, added to other revelations, and renamed the Doctrine and Covenants in 1835.

Book of Mormon. One of Mormonism's standard works. It contains the story of a group of Jews led by a man named Lehi who left Israel and sailed to the American continent around 600 B.C. with, among others, his sons Nephi and Laman. The book records the wars and ultimate demise of their followers known as Nephites and Lamanites. The narrative also includes the story of a group of people known as the Jaredites whom God spared from having their language confused at the Tower of Babel. Joseph Smith claimed the Book of Mormon was "the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 194).
Book of Moses. Found in the Pearl of Great Price, one of Mormonism's standard works. Mormon scholars claim the Book of Moses was given to Joseph Smith by direct revelation in June of 1830. Its purpose was to restore many "lost truths" that are not included in the Pentateuch. Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie claimed the Book of Moses "is one of the most important documents the Lord has ever revealed" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 564).

Branch. Mormon congregations that are not large enough or stable enough to form wards. These are divided into two categories: independent branches, which comprise larger and more powerful branches; and dependent branches, usually smaller in size and "less endowed" with local leadership. Several branches comprise a district.

Brethren. Mormons in general. It is also used to denote the Mormon leadership. "When we speak of following the Brethren, we mean particularly the First Presidency and the Twelve." (Apostle Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 102).

BYU. Brigham Young University. A college and graduate school located in Provo, Utah, owned by the Mormon Church. Extension campuses are located in Hawaii, Idaho, and Israel.
C

Celestial kingdom. The highest kingdom of glory in the LDS concept of heaven, available only to Mormons who exhibited complete obedience to LDS laws and ordinances during their entire lifetimes. This is the only kingdom of glory where one may enjoy the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Within the Celestial kingdom there are three levels, the highest reserved for those who were married in the temple and subsequently obtain Godhood.

Celestial marriage. Marriages performed in Mormon temples, which are not only binding in this life but also in the next. Celestial marriage and plural marriage (polygamy) meant the same thing in Mormonism's earlier years.

Child of God. In LDS thought all humans are the literal children of God, born in the pre-existence as offspring of Heavenly Father and one of his heavenly wives. In the Bible, the children of God are those adopted by faith. They are sinners who have trusted in Christ for their salvation. Galatians 3:26 says, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." John 1:12-13 says, "To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

Church News. A weekly, tabloid-sized periodical reporting LDS Church news and events.

Church of the Firstborn. The highest of three levels in the celestial kingdom. Only Mormons who keep all the commandments of God will enter this heaven and become Gods (or exalted) in eternity (The Way to Perfection, p. 206). "Eternal life is life in the presence of the Father and the Son. Those who receive it become members of the "Church of the Firstborn" and are heirs as sons and daughters of God. They receive the fulness of blessings. They become like the Father and the Son and are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ" (Doctrines of Salvation 2:9).
Community of Christ. Previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on January 1, 2001 the church officially changed its name to the Community of Christ (COC). It is the second largest splinter group of the Latter-day Saint movement. Headquartered in Independence, Missouri, this group historically has been led by direct descendants of Joseph Smith, whereas the Utah Mormons take their leaders from the Quorum of the Twelve, or twelve Apostles. A comparison between COC and LDS teachings show the COC to be less controversial than their LDS counterparts.

Comprehensive History of the Church. A six-volume history of the Mormon Church compiled by Mormon Seventy/historian Brigham H. Roberts.

Council in heaven. A council of the gods held in the pre-existence to arrange for the creation and peopling of the earth. This council was called by Elohim, the "head of the Gods" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 349). Also present were Jehovah, Michael, and Lucifer. This council also determined how mankind would be saved.

Creation. Joseph Smith taught that matter is eternal and God had no power to create out of nothing. God reorganized already present elements, which have no beginning or end and cannot be destroyed (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 350-352). “Since Mormons believe that the elements are eternal, it follows hat they deny the ex nihilo creation” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism 1:400).

In Christianity, since there are no actualities that are coeternal with God, it is understood that God created all things "ex-nihilo," or out of nothing. God made the world without any use of pre-existent materials. God is the primary cause of all things (Psalm 33:6; John 1:3; Romans 4:17; Hebrews 11:3).

Cumorah. Traditionally the hill in upstate New York located south of the town of Palmyra. Moroni buried the golden plates in this hill and appeared to Joseph Smith fourteen centuries later to reveal their whereabouts. Mormon scholars today are divided on the actual location of the Hill Cumorah. Many believe the hill was located in Central America.
D

Danites. A title attributed to Sampson Avard, a Mormon, who described the Danites as a band of armed men formed into companies of tens and fifties who were bound by secret oaths never to discuss their activities which they carried out against those unfriendly to the Mormon cause. Mormon historians and leaders have since tried to distance themselves from this objectionable organization, which was also known as the Destroying Angels. In October 1838, Joseph Smith claimed that this illegal group had nothing to do with a Church-ordained Council of Fifty, which was set up as a defense mechanism against mob attack (Documentary History of the Church 3:178-182). Joseph Smith later denied that the Danites ever existed (Documentary History of the Church 6:165).

Deacon. Chosen from among 12- to 14-year-old boys. His job is to "watch over the Church and to be a standing minister to the Church" (Priesthood and Church Government, pp. 164-165). In the Bible, deacons are men chosen as subordinate officers in the church. Their qualifications include not being greedy, being sound in the faith, and able to rule their children and houses well. They are also to be the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:8-12).

Deseret. According to Ether 2:3 in the Book of Mormon, Deseret means honey bee. It was also the name given to the territory settled by the Mormon pioneers in the late 1840s. The name was changed to "Utah" when the Deseret Territory became a state in 1896.

Doctrine and Covenants. One of Mormonism's standard works. Also known as the D&C. Printed in 1835, the D&C is primarily a collection of supposed revelations given to Joseph Smith by God. Parts of the D&C were printed in 1833 under the title Book of Commandments.

Doctrines of Salvation. A three-volume set of doctrinal writings authored by tenth LDS President Joseph Fielding Smith. Compiled in 1954, the jacket of this set reads, "His [Smith] teachings are the Doctrines of Salvation as they have been made known by revelation. He is universally esteemed as the chief doctrinal authority of the Church."

Documentary History of the Church. Also known as the History of the Church or DHC. A seven-volume set expounding on the history of the Mormon Church.
E

Elder. The lowest ordained office of the Mormon Melchizedek Priesthood (Priesthood and Church Government, p. 111). By this office Mormons feel they have the authority to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church, etc. Also known as a standing home minister.

Elder Brother. Jesus Christ. Mormonism teaches that Jesus was the firstborn to Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. Since all humans are God's literal offspring, He is by birth our Elder Brother.

Elohim. God the Father. The literal father of Jesus Christ. "Elohim is literally the Father of the spirit of Jesus Christ and also of the body in which Jesus Christ performed His mission in the flesh ..." (The Articles of Faith, pp. 466-467). Elohim was once a mortal man who progressed to the level of God. In the words of Mormon Apostle James Talmage, Elohim is a "Being who has attained His exalted state" (Ibid., p. 430).

Endowment. "Certain special, spiritual blessings given worthy and faithful saints in the temples are called endowments, because in and through them the recipients are endowed with power from on high" (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 226-227). In order to enter the celestial kingdom and become a God, it is necessary for a Mormon to participate in the endowment ceremony. These ordinances are administered for both the living and the dead. Those who participate must swear to never reveal what they have learned in the ceremony. The endowment ceremony includes a film depicting the Mormon view of the creation and fall of man, the great apostasy of Christianity, the restoration of the gospel "with all its ancient powers and privileges," as well as the absolute conditions of personal purity and strict compliance with Mormonism's requirements.

Ensign. A monthly magazine published by the LDS Church covering Mormon news, events, and doctrinal and policy issues.

Eternal increase. The ability to procreate throughout eternity. This is reserved for Mormon couples who have complied with all the requirements for exaltation. "Those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 301).

Eternal life. Being exalted to the level of God. "Only those who obey the fulness of the gospel law will inherit eternal life ... Thus those who gain eternal life receive exaltation; they are sons of God, joint heirs with Christ, members of the Church of the Firstborn; they overcome all things, have all power, and receive the fulness of the Father. They are gods" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 237).

Eternal life is described in the New Testament as living eternally with God in heaven. Also referred to as everlasting life. Eternal life is obtained when one places his faith in the Jesus Christ of the Bible. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). John the Baptist concurred when he said, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36). First John 5:11, 12 adds, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."

Eternal progression. The progressive life-cycle of humans: beginning as unorganized eternal intelligences; being organized (created) by God into spirit-beings; becoming mortal; and ultimately attaining Godhood where the life-cycle repeats with the new God(s) organizing eternal intelligences into spirit-beings who become mortal and eventually become Gods, etc., throughout all eternity. Eternal progression had no beginning and has no end; all Gods that ever were or ever will be must achieve their exalted state in this way.

Exaltation. The attainment of Godhood. It is the continuation of the family unit throughout eternity in the Celestial kingdom. Those who are exalted will create worlds and populations, receive the worship of those people, and rule as Gods and Goddesses over their creations.

Excommunication. A process by which an LDS Church membership is terminated. " ... Unless the excommunicated person repents and gains his church status again, he cannot be saved in the celestial kingdom.... Apostasy, rebellion, cruelty to wives and children, immorality, and all crimes involving moral turpitude, are among those which warrant excommunication" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 258).
F

Fall of Adam. According to the Book of Mormon, "Adam fell that men might be" (2 Nephi 2:25). "The fall of Adam and Eve was no tragedy. It was a blessing in disguise, for without it none of us would have been born, since Adam and Eve, in their original state, were not able to have children, as the Book of Mormon explains" (Apostle Mark E. Petersen, Adam: Who Is He? p. 4). Adam's fall is considered to be a transgression, not sin. "The 'fall' of Adam and Eve was not a sin but an essential act upon which mortality depends" (Tenth President Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions 5:15). In Christianity, the fall of Adam was the result of sin against God's command to not eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Adam's disobedience caused death to enter the world. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).

Fast offering. An offering designated to be given to the poor, contributed during a fast and testimony meeting. "These contributions come from members of the Church, who abstain from two meals per month and pay the equivalent amount of these meals in cash to the bishop. The bishop uses these funds to provide for the cash needs of welfare recipients and to pay rent, utilities, hospital and medical bills" (Elder Henry D. Taylor, May 16, 1962, BYU Speeches of the Year, 1962, p. 7).

First Presidency. Consists of the Prophet/President and his two counselors. "Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church" (Doctrine and Covenants 107:22).

First Vision. Occurred in 1820 (officially) when Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was 14 years old. Confused about religion, Smith retired to the woods to pray and ask God which church to join. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him: "I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt" (Joseph Smith – History 1:19). It was this vision that ultimately led Joseph Smith to organize what is today known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The historic reality of the First Vision is extremely important to Latter-day Saints. Gordon B. Hinckley, fifteenth President of the Church, said, "Upon that unique and wonderful experience stands the validity of this Church. ... The truth of that unique, singular, and remarkable event is the pivotal substance of our faith" (Ensign, November 2002, p. 80). Though the official version of the First Vision is contained in the Pearl of Great Price, there are at least nine different versions of this vision, each of which differs in the more significant parts of the story.
G

Garments of the holy priesthood. Sacred underwear worn by faithful temple Mormons which, they are told in the temple, "will be a shield and protection to you against the power of the destroyer until you have finished your work here on earth." Sewn into the garments are markings that resemble the compass, square, and level of Freemasonry. Mormons are told these garments are symbolic of the covering God gave Adam and Eve after their fall.

General authorities. Men "called to serve in the highest levels of leadership" in the LDS Church (Encyclopedia of Mormonism 2:538). These offices include the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, quorums of the Seventy, and Presiding Bishopric.

General Conference. An assembly of LDS membership held in Salt Lake City, Utah each April and October. These meetings are for official instruction, announcements and teaching given by General Authorities and other LDS leaders.

Gentile. Basically non-Mormons, but also understood to include non-Jews. “Like Israel of old, the Saints also referred to themselves as a ‘covenant people,’ and often concluded correspondence with phrases such as ‘yours in the everlasting covenant.’ In thinking of themselves as Israel, they began to refer to non-Mormons as ‘gentiles,’ not in derision but as a symbol of their own special status” (The Story of the Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed., p.149). In Christianity, gentile simply refers to non-Jews.

Golden contact. A person who knows little or nothing about Mormonism but is eager to learn and may possibly join the LDS Church.
Golden Plates. An historical record of American peoples written on plates of gold. In A.D. 421, Moroni, a Nephite warrior and son of Mormon, buried the plates in the Hill Cumorah. In 1823, as a resurrected being, Moroni revealed the whereabouts of the plates to Joseph Smith who was permitted to retrieve them in 1827. The Book of Mormon was supposedly translated from these plates. They were returned to Moroni and taken to heaven following the translation.
H

Heavenly Father. Also referred to as God the Father or Elohim, a created being who was originally a mortal man and became God at a certain point in time (The Gospel Through the Ages, p. 104). God is the offspring of another god who was also once a man, ad infinitum (The Seer, p. 132). Heavenly Father is but one of many gods.

In Christianity, God the Father was God from all eternity to all eternity (Psalm 90:2; John 8:41). He is self-existent and independent of any external cause. He always was God and always will be God. He alone is God and knows no others. Isaiah 44:8 says, "Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any."

Heavenly Mother. The wife of "Heavenly Father." Early Mormon leaders openly taught that Heavenly Father was a practicing polygamist making Heavenly Mother merely one wife among many (The Seer, p. 172). Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie claimed the teaching of a Heavenly Mother is an "unspoken Truth" not mentioned in the standard works (Mormon Doctrine, p. 516).

Hell. Also called Spirit Prison. "That part of the spirit world inhabited by wicked spirits who are awaiting the eventual day of their resurrection...Hell will have an end...After their resurrection, the great majority of those who have suffered in hell will pass into the telestial kingdom; the balance, cursed as the sons of perdition, will be consigned to partake of endless wo (sic) with the devil and his angels" (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 349-350).

In the Bible hell is a place of eternal punishment. Jesus used the perpetual fire of Jerusalem’s garbage dump in the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) as a vivid illustration of what he called “hell fire” (Matthew 10:28; 18:9; 23:33; Mark 9:23).

High priest. An office within the Melchizedek Priesthood that operates under the direction of the presidency. In the Mormon Church there are many individual men who hold this office of authority.

In the Bible, only one man at a time held this office of high priest under the Old Covenant. Numbers 3:6-10 states only those of the lineage of Aaron could officiate in this capacity. Hebrews 4:14 states that Jesus Christ is now the great high priest and that this office does not transfer to another.

Holy Ghost. Third member of the godhead sometimes described as the Holy Spirit and sometimes described as distinct from the Holy Spirit. Mormon Apostle John Widtsoe stated, "The Holy Ghost, sometimes called the Comforter, is the third member of the Godhead, and is a personage, distinct from the Holy Spirit. As a personage, the Holy Ghost cannot any more than the Father and Son be everywhere present in person" (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 76-77). The LDS Bible Dictionary claims the Holy Ghost is another name for the Holy Spirit (p. 704). Heber C. Kimball, first counselor to Brigham Young, taught, "The Holy Ghost is a man; he is one of the sons of our Father and our God; and he is that man that stood next to Jesus Christ, just as I stand by brother Brigham" (Journal of Discourses 5:179).

Holy Spirit. "The agent, means, or influence by which the will, power, and intelligence of God, and the Godhead ... may be transmitted through space" (John Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, p. 76). Mormon Apostle Parley P. Pratt taught the Holy Spirit was a "divine substance or fluid," which filled Jesus Christ (Key to the Science of Theology, 1855 edition, p. 29). In Christianity, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and is synonymous with Holy Ghost. The word "Spirit" comes from the Greek word pneuma, translated both spirit and ghost in the King James Version of the Bible.

Home teachers. Members of the LDS Church who are given the responsibility of visiting the homes of assigned members once a month. Their job is to encourage members to grow spiritually through prayer, study, and performance of their church duties (D&C 20:42-54).
I

Immortality. Living forever in the resurrected state. "Now there is a difference between immortality and eternal life. Immortality is the gift to live forever. It comes to every creature" (Doctrines of Salvation 2:9). Mormonism teaches that everything will become immortalized, including the earth (D&C 77:1; 88:16-26).

Inspired Version. Otherwise known as the Joseph Smith Translation (JST). According to Doctrine and Covenants 73, Smith was commanded by God to work on a new translation of the Bible. It is said this was accomplished by way of revelation. While Mormon leaders have argued that the translation was not finished, the History of the Church reports that Smith finished his translation of the Bible in 1833. In a personal letter dated July 2, 1833, Smith wrote, "We this day finished the translating of the Scriptures, for which we returned gratitude to our Heavenly Father" (DHC 1:368). The Inspired Version is really not a translation at all because Smith did not use ancient manuscripts in his rendition. He merely changed the King James Version of the Bible wherever he saw fit and even inserted a prophecy concerning his own birth in Genesis 50:33 (JST).

Institute of Religion. An LDS school offering college-level classes on various subjects of Mormonism, often found on or near major university campuses.

Intelligences. Mentioned in the standard works only in Abraham 3:21-22, this word can refer to either the pre-existent spirit offspring of God or individual eternal entities that existed before the pre-existence. At one time every person existed as an intelligence. Joseph Smith stated, "Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be" (D&C 93:29). Twelfth LDS President Spencer W. Kimball said, "Our spirit matter was eternal and co-existent with God, but it was organized into spirit bodies by our Heavenly Father" (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 5). Former BYU professor W. Cleon Skousen added that if God "should ever to do anything to violate the confidence or `sense of justice' of these intelligences, they would promptly withdraw their support.... He would cease to be God. Our Heavenly Father can do only those things that the intelligences under Him are voluntarily willing to support Him in accomplishing" (The First 2000 Years, pp. 355-356).

Investigator. A person taking the Mormon missionary lessons, said to be investigating the LDS Church.