What do Mormons believe?

So... What do Mormons believe? 

This is definitely the most common question I get asked about my faith, and honestly I'm always excited when someone actually asks me. There's so much stuff on the internet about Mormons that it can be confusing as to what's true and what's not. I've found that when researching any topic, going to the source and finding primary resources whenever possible is always the best way to find the truth.

So where to start... I could jump in by myself and try to muddle my way through, but fortunately I don't have to. We have what is called the Articles of Faith. They consists of 13 principles that outline the basics of Mormon beliefs. I could simply recite them off and leave it at that, but I'm much too talkative for that. So my plan is to introduce what the Articles of Faith are in this post, and then give one post to each article so I can get into more detail with each one.

I've found that understanding the background story of anything is always a good place to start, so here's a short history lesson:

It all began in 1842 with a man named George Barstow and his editor friend, John Wentworth, who asked the same question: "What do Mormons believe?" Mr. Wentworth wrote a letter to the Prophet Joseph Smith, asking him about the beliefs and history of the Latter-Day Saints. Joseph answered with a letter where he talked about the First Vision, how he received and translated the gold plates, the organization of the Church, as well as the persecution and history of the Saints. In the conclusion Joseph created a list of the basic beliefs of the Church. This list became known as the Articles of Faith.

"Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to help people who are not members of the Church understand how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is different from other churches. The Articles of Faith do not contain all of the teachings and beliefs of the Church, but they do explain some of our most important beliefs." 

(Primary Lesson #5)

So get ready for 13 future posts (spread out through the weeks, of course) that will hopefully explain, clearly and in just enough detail, more about what I believe as a Mormon!

For quick reference:
{Article of Faith #1} Mormons believe in—The Godhead

{Article of Faith #2} Mormons believe in—Personal Agency

{Article of Faith #3} Mormons believe in—Christ's Atonement

{Article of Faith #4} Mormons believe in—Baptism by Immersion

{Article of Faith #5} Mormons believe in—Priesthood Authority

{Article of Faith #6} Mormons believe in—Christ's Church

{Article of Faith #7} Mormons believe in—Gifts of the Spirit

{Article of Faith #8} Mormons believe in—Scripture

{Article of Faith #9} Mormons believe in—Continuing Revelation

{Article of Faith #10} Mormons believe in—The Gathering of Israel
{Article of Faith #11} Mormons believe in—Freedom of Religion
{Article of Faith #12} Mormons believe in—Patriotism
{Article of Faith #13} Mormons believe in—Doing Good to All Men