and a comparison to Native (Indian) beliefs
 
As stated in other papers, Latter Day Saint (LDS) understandings and those of Traditional Natives are mostly compatible though the emphasis is frequently different. At first glance, this compatibility just seems moderate. It is deeper LDS doctrine that is shared with Natives. This commonality of understanding is shown in a book by Dr. Hugh Nibley entitled: Brother Brigham (Young) Challenges the Saints. Part 1: Environment. pp. 3-104. Deseret Book Co., Salt Lake City, Utah.

Basic Native beliefs

 
The outward Native practices can be summarized as follows. Natives teach great respect for the Creator, most teach high moral standards, learning to love deeply, and how to relate one to one with the spirits in Nature to obtain their help and cooperation. Some Traditional Natives have dreams and/or visions of Jesus Christ.
 
Basic LDS practices:

1) Developing a strong faith in the Creator and His teachings (the Saints understand Him to be Jesus Christ);
2) Living as the Creator asks the Saints to live, including developing a great capacity to love and forgive, in order to qualify for the best post death life in the spirit world (heavens);
3) Obtaining help in this life from the Creator and Nature, by appealing to the Creator for this help, including working through Him for help from Nature;
4) Through a special covenant with the Creator and by living very righteously, to qualify for extra guidance from the Holy Spirit to help develop high qualities.
 
The rise of the LDS Church and its practices

The founder of the LDS Church started on his journey when as a young man, he was confused by the conflicting teachings of various Christian denominations. After reading James 1: 5 in the Bible, which says: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God'.  Joseph Smith realized that he must ask God if he was to have his concern answered. On an early spring morning in 1820 at the age of fourteen, he went into the woods to pray. In answer to his prayer, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph. The Father said: This is my beloved Son. Here Him. Joseph asked which Church he should join. To his surprise, he was told to join none of them for they all had shortcomings in their doctrine and teachings. He, Joseph, was to be the means of restoring lost truths.
 
A few years later, John the Baptist and Peter, James and John visited Joseph Smith to restore the authority of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, respectively, which grants authority to baptize, heal, perform sacred ordinances, etc., in the name of Jesus Christ (see Hebrews Chap 7). Joseph also received the Golden Plates that contain the teachings of the ancient prophets of the Americas plus what Christ taught when He visited the inhabitants of this continent. Joseph was given means of translating the Gold Plates, the translation becoming The Book of Mormon, which contains the full gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon goes hand in hand with the Bible to establish the teachings of Jesus (see Ezekiel 37:15-17).  The Book Mormon is the stick of Ephraim and the Bible is the stick of Judah. Joseph received revelations for organizing and running the Creator's Church-- these are contained in Doctrine and Covenants. Additional scripture is contained in The Pearl of Great Price. On 6 April 1830, Joseph Smith under direction from Jesus Christ organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Joseph Smith is the Prophet of our age, as Mosses was for ancient Israel. The Saints understand that subsequent leaders of the Church are the Creators Prophet for their time in leadership. Members are grateful that they have a Prophet to guide them in these turbulent times.
 
Among the specific practices of the Saints, are the following:

1) They are to live a high moral standard;
2) At baptism, they covenant with the Lord to live His commandments and to always remember Him;
3) The Saints are given a special gift-- the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit if they live righteously;
4) LDSaints covenant in Temples to vigorously serve God and in return, if you keep these covenants, you are promised life in the highest heaven-- the Celestial Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15: 40-44.);
5) In the temples, LDSaints do work for the dead so they can have the same Blessings in the heavens as the Saints, provided they accept Jesus as the Creator, the temple covenants and live them in the spirit world.
 
LDSaints focus on living as described above so that the Lord and Holy Spirit can help them become refined, loving spirits that enable them to qualify for the best life in the spirit world. This is enough for most to accomplish in their Earth life. Later they will learn the special knowledge Natives have in regard to how to relate to the spirits in Nature. However, a good living Saint generates positive energy that buoys Nature. Saints are to be grateful for beautiful Mother Earth and everything on Her, are to be respectful, and grateful for all we receive from Nature. Saints are encouraged to hunt only when food is needed and they are to use the entire animal.
 
LDSaints understand that Native people are a Lost Tribe of Israel. The Iroquois and Hopi know thisthey are of the Tribe Joseph. Soon they will accept the full teachings of Jesus Christ. This is already happening on a large scale in Latin America. LDS people, in turn, will learn Native understandings of how to relate to Mother Earth and Nature! The Saints realize that ignoring the Lords commandments hurts Mother Earth (see Moses 7: 48 in the Pearl of Great Price).
 
For more information on LDS beliefs please feel free to visit their official website at http://www.lds.org/