Mormon cosmology refers to the doctrines and theological concepts concerning the origin, structure, and ultimate destiny of the universe as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and related Latter‑Day Saint movements. The term is employed in academic scholarship on Latter‑Day Saint theology to denote the system of beliefs that integrates scriptural teachings, prophetic revelations, and church teachings about creation, the nature of God, human pre‑mortal existence, the organization of the afterlife, and the eternal progression of souls.
Core Elements
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre‑mortal existence | Latter‑Day Saints teach that all human beings existed as spirit children of God before being born on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50‑70; Pearl of Great Price, Book of Abraham 1:16‑23). This pre‑earth life is considered part of the broader cosmological framework. |
| Creation of the world | The universe is believed to have been created under the direction of God the Father (referred to as Elohim) and Jesus Christ (Jehovah). Pearl of Great Price, Genesis 1:1‑5 and the Doctrine and Covenants 88 describe a literal creation of the earth and a "plurality of worlds." |
| Structure of the heavens | LDS teachings describe a hierarchical organization of heavenly realms, commonly identified as the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms (see Doctrine and Covenants 76). These kingdoms represent different degrees of glory that individuals may inherit after resurrection, based on moral living and acceptance of ordinances. |
| Plan of Salvation | Central to Mormon cosmology is the Plan of Salvation (also called the Plan of Happiness), which outlines the purpose of mortal life, the role of ordinances (baptism, temple rites), and the potential for eternal progression, including the possibility of becoming like God (exaltation). |
| Eternal Progression | The doctrine holds that individuals can continue to advance spiritually after death, potentially achieving godhood and creating their own worlds, thereby participating in an ongoing, potentially infinite, cosmology. |
| Multiple worlds | The LDS scriptural corpus references a "plurality of worlds" (e.g., Doctrine and Covenants 42:5‑7). While the church does not provide scientific detail, it affirms that God's creations are not limited to Earth. |
| Modern theological discussion | Contemporary Latter‑Day Saint scholars have examined Mormon cosmology in relation to modern cosmology, metaphysics, and comparative religion, noting both unique elements (e.g., eternal progression) and parallels with broader Christian eschatology. |
Scriptural Foundations
- Book of Mormon: Provides insights into the purpose of mortality and the afterlife (e.g., 2 Nephi 9:18‑21).
- Doctrine and Covenants: Contains revelations on the organization of the afterlife (e.g., sections 76, 88, 130).
- Pearl of Great Price: Includes the Book of Abraham and Moses sections that discuss creation and the pre‑mortal existence.
Scholarly Usage
The phrase “Mormon cosmology” is used in academic literature to analyze how LDS teachings articulate a comprehensive worldview that integrates spiritual and temporal dimensions. Works such as Mormon Cosmology: Heavenly Life and the Plan of Salvation (edited by John W. Welch) and articles in journals like Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought address the theological implications and historical development of these concepts.
Variations and Interpretation
While the core elements described above are widely accepted within mainstream LDS doctrine, there are variations among different Latter‑Day Saint denominations (e.g., Community of Christ, Fundamentalist groups) regarding specifics such as the number of heavens, the nature of exaltation, and the interpretation of “plurality of worlds.” Official LDS Church publications (e.g., Gospel Principles, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith) present a standardized view for members.
Relation to Scientific Cosmology
The LDS Church states that religious teachings about the universe are not in conflict with scientific explanations of physical cosmology, and it encourages members to pursue scientific understanding while maintaining doctrinal beliefs about spiritual realities. This position is expressed in church statements on science and faith, emphasizing that the two domains address different aspects of truth.
