Beliefs:
Mormons rely on the Holy Spirit to help them make decisions and determine the truth of important matters. The Holy Spirit is considered a separate entity from the Father and the Son, who are also separate entities of flesh and bone. However, the three are considered "one in purpose." This information was revealed to Joseph Smith in a vision in which he saw God and Christ. The Holy Spirit guides people to act morally, with the exception of people who are so far gone that they cannot be saved.

Mormons believe that people enter several different states of existence, beginning with pre-mortal, when people reside with God in Heaven. After a person has lived a life on earth and died, there are different levels of Heaven he or she may go.

The highest level is referred to as "exaltation," and is considered accessible by all believers--that is, if they have kept all of god's commandments. Where a person will actually end up depends on a bunch of factors: knowledge of and belief in Christ, good works, and "Mormon Ordinances they have completed."

There is also the possibility of going to Hell, which Mormons believe is a place where sinners are punished. It's also possible, through "vicarious ordinances" for the dead ancestors of Mormon to be baptized as a Mormon. They believe that through this process, they give their ancestors a choice about whether to join the Mormon faith or not.

History:
Joseph Smith, who wrote the "Articles of Faith," is considered the founder of the Mormon faith. Mormons believe that true Christianity was lost during the second century, and that it was restored when Smith started the Church of Latter Day Saints.

On the issue of polygamy: Joseph Smith Jr. did believe that he had been instructed by God to practice polygamy. This idea was however never taught by Joseph Smith and it did not become a practice of the Church until 1852, when a church leader declared that it could practice polygamy to follow a commandment of God. The practice has, for the most part, gone out of practice.

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