Genealogy and family history research have long been important practices in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church. There are several doctrinal reasons why Mormons place such a strong emphasis on researching their ancestry and performing temple ordinances for their deceased ancestors:
Belief in Eternal Families
One of the core tenets of LDS theology is a belief in the eternity of the family unit. Mormons believe that through sacred temple ordinances such as baptism, confirmation, marriage sealing, and other ordinances of the gospel, families can be bound together eternally. This eternal union allows family relationships to continue beyond death into the afterlife. As it says in Matthew 16:19, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Mormons believe they have a responsibility to identify their deceased ancestors and perform proxy ordinances on their behalf in LDS temples. This allows even those who were unable to receive the ordinances during their mortal lives to receive them by proxy and be exalted with their families in the hereafter.
Belief in Baptism for the Dead
A related LDS doctrine is the belief in baptism for the dead, as mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:29 – “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” Mormons believe baptism is a requirement to enter the Kingdom of God, but understand many people have died without the opportunity to be baptized. Therefore, Mormons perform baptisms in temples on behalf of their deceased ancestors who did not receive this essential ordinance during life. This requires them to extensively research their family tree to identify ancestors in need of proxy baptism.
Importance of Temple Work
In LDS temples, Mormons perform “saving ordinances” considered necessary for exaltation in the afterlife. This temple work can only be done on behalf of those who have passed away. Mormons believe these sacred ordinances allow the dead an opportunity to accept the gospel in the spirit world. Without identifying deceased ancestors through genealogy work, Mormons would be unable to perform these vital ordinances for the salvation of their kindred dead. The Book of Mormon teaches that “the dead which died in their sins without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets…These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, [and] the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:32-33).
Belief in a Personal Savior
While temple ordinances are essential, Mormons emphasize that each person must accept their ordinances and actively choose to follow Jesus Christ. Genealogy work simply allows the opportunity; salvation is still dependent on individual faith, repentance, and righteous living. As stated in Articles of Faith 1:3 – “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” Temple work for the dead allows the deceased to learn of Christ and choose to follow Him if they so desire.
Commandment to Record and Remember
Mormons also cite prophets in ancient and modern scripture who commanded record keeping and remembrance of ancestors and family. In the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi declared that God would “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6). Mormons believe this prophecy is fulfilled through their intense focus on ancestral research and temple work. It is seen as a way to strengthen familial bonds on both sides of the veil. Mormon leader Russell M. Nelson also taught “Without the family, there can ultimately be no exaltation” (The New Era, Oct 1980). Keeping detailed genealogical records is a way to preserve familial ties for eternity.
Technology to Assist in Genealogy
With the advancement of technology, the LDS church has invested heavily in online databases and tools to assist members in performing genealogical research. The Granite Mountain Records Vault contains over 2.4 million rolls of microfilm and 1 million microfiche containing genealogical records. The FamilySearch website contains over 5 billion searchable historic records from around the world. And FamilySearch Centers with interactive learning tools exist throughout the world to assist members in utilizing these resources. Mormons believe God inspired these technological developments to help fulfill prophecies regarding turning hearts to ancestral connections.
Finding Joy in Redeeming the Dead
On a more personal level, Mormons describe profound joy in doing the hard work necessary to find information about deceased ancestors, many of whom are unknown. Genealogy work allows them to create bonds with those who came before them as they learn their ancestral stories. Bringing their ancestors’ names to the temple provides Mormons with a transcendent, almost indescribable spiritual experience as they participate in ordinances they see as redemptive. Mormons see genealogy as an act of love and compassion which unites families across generations and provides deceased ancestors with opportunities to progress in the hereafter.
Obedience to Counsel from LDS Leaders
Mormons sustaining current prophets and apostles as God’s spokesmen on earth strive to be obedient to their counsel. LDS leaders frequently advise the members to participate actively in family history and temple work for their kindred dead. Members see obedience in this matter as a demonstration of their faith. Leaders promise blessings and spiritual rewards to those who sacrifice time and means to research their family tree and perform saving temple rites for their ancestors. For devout members, following this frequent counsel shows their commitment to the faith.
Not a Focus on Death, But on Eternal Life and Purpose
While temple work involves those who have passed on, Mormons do not see genealogy as morbid or death-focused. Instead, it represents the hope and light of Christ’s Atonement extending beyond mortal life. Members testify it instills their lives with greater purpose and meaning. When faced with universal challenges like death, Mormons find peace in their conviction that families can be forever. Genealogy work is an act of faith that binds generations and turns hearts to one another through Christ’s redemptive power. In the words of apostle Russell M. Nelson, “Our doctrine of eternal families helps us see the vital relationships between generations. It shows us dramatic differences between our perspective and that of the world” (Liahona, Nov 2010).
In summary, Latter-day Saints are devoted to family history work because of their doctrinal beliefs around eternal families, proxy temple ordinances, personal salvation for the dead, and obedience to prophetic direction from both ancient and modern scripture. Mormons find great spiritual meaning in identifying ancestors and performing redemptive temple rituals on their behalf. They testify it binds families together eternally across generations through Christ’s Atonement. While genealogy holds deep religious significance for Mormons, they emphasize it ultimately revolves around personal choice – they simply seek to offer their kindred dead an opportunity to receive essential gospel ordinances and choose to follow Jesus Christ.
