Although Mormons do not claim to be part of Judaism, Mormon theology claims to situate Mormonism within the context of Judaism to an extent that goes beyond what most other Christian denominations claim. The faith incorporates many Old Testament ideas into its theology, and the beliefs of Mormons sometimes parallel those of Judaism and certain elements of Jewish culture. In the earliest days of Mormonism, Joseph Smith taught that the Indigenous peoples of the Americas were members of some of the Lost Tribes of Israel. Later, he taught that Mormons were Israelites, and that they may learn of their tribal affiliation within the twelve Israelite tribes. Members of the LDS Church receive Patriarchal blessings which declare the recipient's lineage within one of the tribes of Israel. The lineage is either through true blood-line or adoption. The LDS Church teaches that if one is not a direct descendant of one of the twelve tribes, upon baptism he or she is adopted into one of the tribes. Patriarchal blessings also include personal information which is revealed through a patriarch by the power of the priesthood.
Although Mormons do not claim to be part of Judaism Mormon theology claims to situate Mormonism within the context of Judaism to an extent that goes beyond what most other Christian denominations claim The faith incorporates many Old Testament ideas into its theology and the beliefs of Mormons sometimes parallel those of Judaism and certain elements of Jewish culture In the earliest days of Mormonism Joseph Smith taught that the Indigenous peoples of the Americas were members of some of the Lost Tribes of Israel Later he taught that Mormons were Israelites and that they may learn of their tribal affiliation within the twelve Israelite tribes Members of the LDS Church receive Patriarchal blessings which declare the recipient's lineage within one of the tribes of Israel The lineage is either through true blood-line or adoption The LDS Church teaches that if one is not a direct descendant of one of the twelve tribes upon baptism he or she is adopted into one of the tribes Patriarchal blessings also include personal information which is revealed through a patriarch by the power of the priesthood