In Mormonism, genealogical research is a religious duty connected to temple ordinances for the dead. Latter-day Saints believe that individuals who died without the LDS gospel must have saving ordinances (such as baptism, endowment, and sealing) performed on their behalf in the temple. To make this possible, members are encouraged to identify their ancestors through detailed family history work.
The LDS Church operates thousands of Family History Centers around the world and maintains one of the largest genealogical databases, FamilySearch.org, to assist members in finding their ancestors.
Biblical Christianity values remembering and honoring one’s family but teaches that eternal life depends on faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Each person stands individually before God, and no one can perform saving acts on another’s behalf after death (Hebrews 9:27).
