Baptism for the Dead

Shawn McCraney explains the Mormon practice of "Baptism for the Dead," which was introduced by Joseph Smith as a means to secure salvation for those who died without water baptism, like his older brother Alvin. Smith's initiation of this ritual addresses the dilemma of posthumous salvation and is supported by a single Bible reference, with faithful LDS members partaking in temple rites on behalf of the deceased to ensure their spiritual progression in the afterlife.

Latter-day Saints (LDS) emphasize the importance of "work for the dead," particularly through the practice of baptism by proxy, which they believe is essential for the salvation of deceased individuals and deeply rooted in their theology as expressed by founder Joseph Smith. This practice is considered so integral that neglecting it endangers the member's own salvation, underscoring its significance compared to other religious obligations, and is often justified to potential converts using a specific interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15:29.