Do Mormons believe that they can become gods?
Mormons, also known as Latter-day Saints, hold a unique belief system that includes the concept of eternal progression and the potential for individuals to become like God. This belief is rooted in the teachings of their founding prophet, Joseph Smith, and is a central tenet of Mormon theology.
The Mormon doctrine of eternal progression posits that all human beings have the potential to progress and evolve spiritually after death. This progression is not limited to reaching a higher level of heaven but extends to the possibility of becoming like God. According to Mormon teachings, God once was a human being who progressed to His current state of glory and perfection. Mormons believe that through faith, obedience, and the grace of God, they too can achieve this divine status.
This belief in the potential for deification is grounded in several scriptural passages and teachings within the Mormon faith. For instance, the Book of Moses, a part of the Pearl of Great Price, states, “For as I am, even so I became; and as I am now, so I was then; and as I shall be, even so must ye be.” This passage suggests that God has always been in a state of progression, and Mormons believe that they can follow a similar path.
Additionally, the Doctrine and Covenants, another sacred text of the Mormon faith, teaches that through faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, individuals can receive eternal life and ultimately become like God. This process is known as exaltation and is considered the highest degree of glory in the afterlife.
Mormons believe that the potential for deification is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are willing to live according to God’s commandments. This belief has profound implications for Mormons’ daily lives, as they strive to live virtuously and seek to improve themselves and their relationships with God and others.
However, it is important to note that the concept of becoming like God is often misunderstood and misinterpreted by those outside the Mormon faith. Critics sometimes portray this belief as polytheistic or as a belief in multiple gods. In reality, Mormons believe in one God, who is an eternal, omnipotent being. The concept of becoming like God is more about achieving a state of perfection and divinity within the context of the one true God.
In conclusion, Mormons do believe that they can become gods, but this belief is rooted in the doctrine of eternal progression and the potential for spiritual growth and development. This unique aspect of Mormon theology has shaped the faith’s understanding of God, humanity, and the afterlife, and has influenced the lives of millions of Mormons worldwide.
