Mormon Beliefs About the Holy Spirit

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a highly developed theology about the Holy Ghost. Members believe that the Spirit is capable of directing their lives on a daily basis, as long as they live in a way that's worthy of his companionship.

Characteristics of the Holy Ghost

Latter-day Saints believe that the Holy Ghost, also called the Spirit or Holy Spirit, is the third member of the Godhead. He is a separate and distinct person from God and from Jesus Christ, but functions in perfect unity with them to bring about the eternal purposes of God. The Holy Spirit, as his name implies, does not have a physical body.

Role of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost speaks to people with a "still, small voice" (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 17:45.) Usually this voice is felt rather than heard, although inspiration can come in many ways. Mormons believe that the Holy Ghost performs several functions.

1. He testifies of truth. If one asks God in prayer with sincere intent, individuals can receive confirmation of spiritual principles from the Holy Ghost. If the doctrine is true their "bosom shall burn," meaning that they will feel intense joy and clarity; if it is false they will have "a stupor of thought," meaning that they will become confused or feel dark inside. (Doctrine & Covenants, 9:8-9)
2. He guides and directs. When people have a significant choice to make, they can study out the issue, make a decision, and pray about it. The Holy Ghost will often "tell" whether their choice is a good one by them by giving one of the two feelings mentioned above.
3. He inspires. Solutions to personal or family problems are often found in an unexpected thought or feeling, which may be inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Mormons often call this a "prompting."
4. He comforts. When they are depressed or scared, people can ask for the peace and reassurance that the Holy Ghost brings.
5. He warns. The Holy Ghost sometimes warns people of physical or spiritual danger that is about to occur unless they change their path.

All people are eligible to receive witnesses of the Holy Ghost comforting, warning, guiding, and testifying to them at times in their lives. But Mormons believe that when people are confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they are given the gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion.

Gift of the Holy Ghost Given at Confirmation

The scriptures talk about two baptisms: baptism by water and a second baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost (Bible, Matthew 3:11.) After a person is baptized by immersion into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they are then confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost (baptism by fire). This is done by having the hands of one or more priesthood holders laid on their heads.

Conditions for Companionship of the Holy Spirit

Once members receive the Holy Ghost as their constant companion through confirmation, they need to strive continually to be worthy of his guidance. The Holy Ghost is sensitive to his surroundings, and does not stay in unholy places. If people are acting unrighteously - by yelling angrily at someone else, for example - the Holy Ghost will leave.

Mormons often talk about "living worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost" or "being in tune with the Spirit" because they place great emphasis on trying to invite the Holy Ghost to be with them through the way that they live.

Light of Christ is Given to Everyone

There is another inner guide called the "light of Christ" in Mormon doctrine. Everyone on earth is automatically given the light of Christ, and it should not be confused with the Holy Ghost or the gift of the Holy Ghost. Most people call it a "conscience." It is because of the light of Christ that everyone seems to know, for instance, that harming people is wrong and that helping them is right. Of course it is possible for a person to continually disobey his or her conscience, thereby desensitizing themselves and overriding the light of Christ.

Mormons believe that the Holy Ghost helps communicate God's will to people on earth. His role includes comforting, warning, guiding, inspiring, and testifying. Latter-day Saints are generally careful not to offend the Spirit by allowing impure things into their lives, and believe that "by the power of the Holy Ghost [they] may know all things" (Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:5.) The light of Christ is a separate gift given to everyone automatically.

Other articles on Mormonism by Jenny Evans include: "Are Mormons Christian?" and "The Book of Mormon."