Why do the LDS baptize the dead?

Answer 1

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) practices baptism for the dead. This practice is performed in the Church's temples in a special baptismal font modeled after the one described in 1 Kings 7:23-25. The font rests on the back of twelve oxen representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Members of the Church practice baptism for the dead because they believe that all must accept Jesus Christ and be baptized in order to enter the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5) They believe that once a baptism is performed, the person has the opportunity in the afterlife to accept or reject this baptism before the final judgment.

As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims to be the restored first century Christian Church, they argue that this practice of baptism for the dead is based on 1 Corinthians 15:29. They believe this verse clearly states that first century Christians were baptized for the dead.

In order to perform a baptism for the dead, one must be at least twelve years of age and have been found worthy by their congregation leader to enter the Temple. Upon entering the temple to perform baptisms, they may choose to perform baptisms for their own ancestors names or names that have been submitted to the temple by others. After changing into a white baptismal suit, the person is then baptized by immersion in behalf of the person who has died. It is common for a Temple visitor to perform several baptisms in one visit. Following the baptism, the person also will receive the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost (also referred to as "confirmation") as a proxy for those who have just be baptized.

Temple trips to do baptisms for the dead are a popular youth group activity in most Mormon congregtions.

You can see photos of a temple baptismal font where baptisms for the dead are performed, as well as photos of what a Mormon baptism looks like, at the "Related Links" below.

Answer 2

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) practice baptism for the dead because they believe that all people must be given the opportunity to accept or reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while most Christians believe that those who never heard the Gospel have no chance of getting to heaven.

Members of the Church believe that all must accept Jesus Christ and be baptized in order to enter the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5) They believe that once a baptism for a deceased person is performed, that person has the opportunity in the afterlife to accept or reject this baptism before the final judgement. As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims to be the restored first century Christian Church, they argue that this practice of baptism for the dead is based on 1 Corinthians 15:29. They believe this verse clearly states that first century Christians were baptized for the dead.

Baptisms for the Dead are performed in the Church's temples in a special baptismal font modeled after the one described in 1 Kings 7:23-25. The font rests on the back of twelve oxen representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

In order to perform a baptism for the dead, one must be at least twelve years of age and have been found worthy by their congregation leader to enter the Temple. Upon entering the temple to perform baptisms, they may choose to perform baptisms for their own ancestors names or names that have been submitted to the temple by others. After changing into a white baptismal suit, the person is then baptized by immersion in behalf of the person who has died. It is common for a Temple visitor to perform several baptisms in one visit. Following the baptism, the person also will receive the laying on of hands by proxy for those who have just be baptized.

Temple trips to do baptisms for the dead are a popular youth group activity in most Mormon congregations.

Performing Baptisms for the Dead is considered a selfless act in which you are doing something for someone else that they could not do for themselves.

You can see photos of a temple baptismal font where baptisms for the dead are performed, as well as photos of what a Mormon baptism looks like, at the "Related Links" below.

Answer 3

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe that one must be baptized by the proper authority to in order to receive salvation and exaltation through Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that they can offer baptism (and therefore, the opportunity of salvation) to those who have died by performing a baptism in their behalf. Once a baptism has been performed for a deceased person, it is believed that the deceased person is then given the opportunity to accept or reject that baptism in the afterlife. This baptism ceremony may take place only in a dedicated Temple, while baptisms of living people may take place in any body of water. Mormons view the act of vicarious baptism as a selfless service and love- a way to offer the blessings of eternal life with God to their ancestors.

Answer 4

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) don't have strong beliefs or doctrines about burial, but they do have some traditions and customs.

First, Mormons are encouraged to be buried rather than cremated. The church simply considers burial to be more appropriate than cremation. However, many Mormons, especially in Asian cultures, prefer cremation.

Mormons are traditionally buried in white clothing. Mormons who have been endowed in a Temple ceremony are typically buried in their temple clothing. A family or congregation member dresses them for burial.

Most Mormons also choose to have the gravesite dedicated by a member of the priesthood. This is typically done during a graveside service held after a traditional funeral.