Mormon Views on Death: Grief, Eternal Life, and Changing Perspectives
- Traci Arieli
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
What happens after we die? How does faith shape the way we grieve? For Mormons, death isn’t seen as an ending—it’s just another chapter in a much longer story.
In a recent episode of Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula, I had a conversation with Jeff Pedersen, who was raised Mormon and is now an agnostic atheist. We talked about what Mormons believe about death, how those beliefs impact grief, and how perspectives on loss can evolve.
What Do Mormons Believe When Someone Dies?
Mormons believe that we existed before we were born, as spirits in heaven. Life on Earth is a test, and after we die, we continue to exist in the spirit world until we are resurrected and reunited with our bodies in a perfected form.
Where we end up after death depends on how we lived our lives. Mormons believe in three levels of heaven:
Celestial Kingdom – The highest level, where families are reunited forever.
Terrestrial Kingdom – For good people who didn’t fully follow the Mormon faith.
Telestial Kingdom – A lower kingdom, still better than Earth, for those who lived unrighteous lives.
Mormonism doesn’t have a fiery hell in the traditional sense, but there is something called Outer Darkness—a place for those who had a full understanding of God’s plan and then completely rejected it.
For Mormons, death is a temporary separation, not a permanent goodbye. This belief helps soften the sting of loss, but it also shapes the way grief is expressed.
What Are the Traditions for Mormon Death?
Mormon funeral traditions are centered around hope and family support, rather than deep mourning. Some key practices include:
✔ Funerals in a Church Chapel – Services take place in a Mormon meetinghouse, not a temple.
✔ Community Support – It’s common for church members to bring meals, check in, and provide emotional support.
✔ Emphasis on Eternal Families – Talks and prayers focus on the idea that families will be reunited in the afterlife.
✔ Grave Dedication Ceremony – A prayer is offered at the gravesite to bless the final resting place.
Cremation is not forbidden, but burial is preferred due to beliefs in the physical resurrection of the body.
What Do Mormons Say When Someone Dies?
Because Mormons see death as a temporary separation, their words of comfort often reflect that perspective. You might hear phrases like:
“Families are forever.”
“You’ll see them again.”
“They’re in a better place with loved ones.”
This can be comforting for some but may feel unfamiliar to those from traditions that express grief more openly.
What Happens If a Mormon Gets Divorced?
Marriage in the Mormon faith isn’t just “until death do us part.” Temple marriages are considered eternal, meaning the couple stays sealed together in the afterlife.
But what happens if they get divorced?
A Mormon who divorces can apply for a temple sealing cancellation through church leadership. If one spouse remains faithful, they may still be sealed to their children and receive promised blessings in the next life.
This belief can add complexity to how Mormons process relationships, grief, and remarriage after death.
Talking about death—and the beliefs that shape how we grieve—is essential. Whether you share these beliefs or not, understanding different perspectives can help us support one another in times of loss.