Evidences of Mormon
A compilation and review of the claims made by the Book of Mormon compared against non-apologetic data

What do Mormons believe about evolution?

This article is a quick addition. It is very incomplete and unreferenced. It serves as a brief introduction to a topic and will be developed, edited, and referenced at a later point in time.

While these things are important they are not the primary topic of this site and therefore may take some time to complete. Resources are provided to additional information at other locations.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have a specific stance on the theory of evolution itself. Many educated members have offered their view points on the subject. You will find varying degrees of acceptance of the theory of evolution within the LDS faith.

What is fascinating about this subject is that the scriptural canon of the LDS church holds a passage that could be interpreted as support for the work of the creation being done through an evolutionary process. It is found in the book of Moses where the creation of the earth is described very similarly as found in Genesis:

And I, God, said: Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl which may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

We know of plant life that has changed it's genome structure and have been able to track and witness creatures evolve within there own species so we have a scientific witness that it does happen at least to some extent. Some members will feel that the theory of evolution fits well with their faith and others will not. Debating on whether the animals were placed on the earth as they are or whether they evolved is about as important as determining whether the "pearly gates" slide open or swing open. Knowing the how is not as critical as knowing where you stand in relation to those gates.

Regardless of whether evolution was used or not in the creation of the animal kingdom, Mormons doctrine is very clear that life on earth was carefully planned from beginning to end. Mormons also believe mankind was intentionally placed on the earth and Mormon doctrine is very clear that Adam was the first man. Mormons believe in a literal Adam and Eve.