Articles of Faith (Latter Day Saints)

Within the Latter Day Saint movement, the "Articles of Faith" are a creed composed by Joseph Smith as part of an 1842 letter sent to "Long" John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, and first published in the Latter Day Saint newspaper Times and Seasons. It is a concise listing of thirteen fundamental doctrines of Mormonism. Most Latter Day Saint denominations view the articles as an authoritative statement of basic theology. Some denominations, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), have adopted the articles as scripture (see Pearl of Great Price). For some sects, the Articles of Faith are known collectively as "An Epitome of Faith and Doctrine".

The full text is reproduced here. Later alterations to the text made by the LDS Church are indicated by strikethroughs and brackets.

Articles one through four read as follows:

The first four articles state basic doctrines of the Latter Day Saint movement. The first is often understood to state the doctrine of the Godhead, the second specifically denounces original sin, the third states belief in the atonement of Christ and the fourth states the core principles and ordinances of faith, repentance, baptism and confirmation for the gift of the Holy Ghost.