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Mormonism

Questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormonism.

3,455 Questions

Do Mormons fight in wars?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) tend to be quite patriotic and loyal to their home countries. There are thousands of Mormons serving in the military of their home countries all over the world. Most large military bases are home to a Mormon congregation.

You can learn more about Mormons in the military at the "Related Links" below.

How many people leave the Mormon church?

The Church doesn't release records on how many people have their names officially removed from Church records. Also, many people who 'leave' the Church simply stop going to Church, but still have their names on Church records and are technically considered baptized Mormons. Retention rates depend on the area, but in most places in the U.S., about 50% to 75% of baptized Mormons are actively practicing the religion. In other countries the number is usually lower, about 30-60%. The Church has 13,824,854 members worldwide, and 28,424 congregations. This would mean each congregation should have about 486 members. In reality, the average congregation size is about 250-300. That means that only about 50-60% of baptized Mormons actively participate in their congregations.

Quite a small number of people actually leave the Church and have their names taken off the records of the Church. For example, in 2009, Church membership increased from 13,508,509 to 13,824,854. That's an increase of 316,345 people. There were 280,106 converts baptized and 119,722 children born. That is 399,828 people. So we can assume 83,483 people left the Mormon Church in 2009.

How many Mormons are there in France?

Membership numbers, including convert numbers, are never reported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) for any geogrpahical area smaller than a state. Therefore, the Church will not report how many members are in Paris, so we can't determine how many recent converts are in Paris.

Most European missions haven't had big convert numbers for a century, so chances are, very few.

Your best bet would be to contact the France Paris mission and see if they can release the numbers to you. They may have restrictions that do now allow them to. The Contact Information is located at the "Related Link" below.

Are Mormons allowed to drink?

Mormons are allowed to drink anything that is not harmful to the body. Anything that is beneficial to ones well being is acceptable in moderation. You might ask is beer or spirits harmful? In and of themselves no they are not, it is when one becomes addicted to such drinks that the harmful affects will be felt. It is, as far as Mormons are concerned, better to be a total abstainer than to be a moderate drinker.

Can Mormon women remarry after their spouse dies?

Definitely! Many Mormons remarry after their spouse has died.

However, a Mormon woman cannot be sealed to a second husband for time and all eternity if her first husband dies. A Mormon man can be sealed to a second wife.

Are mormans racists?

Mormons as a whole are not racist and are taught to show compassion and tolerance to all people

OFFICAL ANSWER FROM MORMON CHURCH: Absolutely not! We believe that we are all Heavenly Father's children, thus this religion is for all of us!

Thinking about joining mormonism? Visit mormon.org and meet with missionaries!

Is a born again believer of Mormon belief?

Most people who would call themselves "Born Again" are nondenominational or evangelical Christians, not Mormons.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") believe that a person "must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God" (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 27:25), but do not often call themselves "Born Again" because the term generally referrs to the other Christians who use it often. A Mormon would more commonly use the word "Converted" in it's place.

What state has the highest lds population?

States with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") as a large amount of their population are:
Utah: 68% of the population are Church members
Idaho: 27% of the population
Nevada: 7%
Arizona: 7%
Hawaii: 6%

There are a significant number of church members in California as well, but the population of that state is so great that it isn't a large percentage of the total population.

States with the lowest Mormon populations (as a percent of the whole population) include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

To see a map of the Mormon population of each state, click the "Related Link" below.

What happens in a Mormon temple?

Those ordinances or ceremonies that Mormons perform in their temples are:

Baptisms for the Dead, Confirmations, Washings, Annointings, Endowment Ceremonies and Marriages or Family Sealings.

Based on the Bible's John 3:5 which states: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. " 1 Corinthians 15:29 of the Bible speaks of baptisms for the dead in a manner implying they were also practised at the time of the Apostles. Baptisms for the Dead are performed for those who have died and not had the opportunity to be baptized (as a Mormon) in this lifetime. Any 'worthy' member 12 years or older can obtain a 'temple recommend' from his Bishop and perform these baptisms for the dead in a temple. Mormons are very dedicated to geneology and hope to baptize all people who have lived on this earth some day. Mormons believe that those who have passed on have a choice whether to accept this baptism into the church or not.

When a man or woman are older (usually 19 for a male and 21 for a female) they are eligible to receive their 'Endowment' and 'Washing and Annointing'. These are highly sacred rituals where covenants (promises) are made to live a righteous life.

Sealings are simply sealing of one person to another for 'time and all eternity'. Parents are sealed to each other when they first get married. Children are then classified as automatically sealed to their parents if they are born after the temple marriage occurs. Otherwise, any children must be sealed to parents as a separate ordinance - each and every child individually.

All of these ordinances of exaltation ("eternal life") are performed in these holy temples for both, the living and the dead. Their essential portions have been the same in all dispensations when the fulness of the sealing power has been exercised by the Lord's prophets. Families are literally sealed for time and all eternity, this is how the Lord has so deemed it. In temples, the righteous are taught all they need to do to enter the gates of heaven.

A ceremony may be a procedure (like a baptism) or it may be an experience in which you make promises (Covenants) to live God's commandments in exchange for different kinds of blessings... an example might be 'sealing' yourself to your spouse--you promise to live God's commandments and, in exchange, your marriage will not end 'until death do you part', but still exist in Heaven Forever.

** Just as a minor note: Mormons do not refer to the ordinances in the Temple as "secretive" but "sacred." They are not keeping these things secret. But rather, they do not give details about them in order to keep them sacred and holy. They only discuss the ordinances in detail while in the walls of the Temple.

What type of wagons traveled on the Mormon trail?

They traveled with either covered wagons (wagons with a semicircle frame on the top and covered by canvas material) or by handcart.

What is fabric is Mormon underwear made of?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) can wear any type of underwear they choose. Those Mormon adults who have participated in an endowment ceremony in the Temple typically wear a garment under their outer clothing to remind them of the commitments they made in the ceremony. This garment is produced by the church and sometimes referred to by outsiders as 'Mormon underwear', however most Church members find this term offensive, preferring the term "Temple Garment" or "Priesthood Garment".

The styles and fabrics of the garment have changed and been modernized over the years. While historically they were made from white muslin, modern elastic and more breathable materials have been adopted, but the fabric is almost always white. (They only exception is military personnel who are required to wear tan undershirts. They may special request tan-colored garments.) Currently, the garment is available in the following fabrics:

Carinessa II - 91% microfiber polyester and 9% spandex. This blend creates a comfortable, stretchy fabric that allows the garment to stay in place better, move and stretch with the wearer, and conform to individual body styles. Outer clothing glides over Carinessa easily.

Corban - a medium weight, dull-finish 100% nylon fabric. Corban has a smooth feel and is a good choice for men who prefer a garment that is almost frictionless under outer clothing. Corban is a durable nylon fabric; however, some find it warm.

Cotton-Poly Jersey - a lightweight 50% cotton, 50% polyester blend fabric. This fabric has a cottony feel and good moisture absorption. The polyester in the fabric helps garments to retain their shape and reduces shrinkage compared with 100% cotton fabrics. This is a good all-weather fabric and works well for many people who prefer a cotton-feel garment.

Cotton-Poly Rib Knit - a 50/50 cotton and polyester blend. Rib Knit has more stretch and durability than jersey fabric. A lightweight rib knit is used in women's unstructured chemise tops. A medium weight is used in men's garment bottoms.

100% Cotton Jersey fabric - used for women's two-piece garments and men's crewneck tops. Cotton breathes well and absorbs moisture but does not dry quickly. These garments are for those who want an all-cotton garment or those who have particular need, medical, work-related, or otherwise, for a natural fiber garment.

100% Cotton Rib Knit rib knit - used in men's one- and two-piece garments. Rib knit has more stretch and durability than jersey. Cotton breathes well and absorbs moisture but does not dry quickly. These garments are for those who want an all-cotton garment or those who have particular need, medical, work-related, or otherwise, for a natural fiber garment.

Dri Lux - a soft and comfortable fabric that helps keep the body dry. It is made from Dri-release fibers, which wick moisture away from the body. This wicking ability is a characteristic of the fibers and will not wash out. Dri Lux fabric is comfortable in many environments and may be especially wearable where it is hot and humid. Dri Lux garments dry quickly and resist odor. They are made in jersey and rib knit fabrics.

DriSilque - a high-filament count nylon fiber that makes into a lightweight fabric. DriSilque dries very quickly, is more breathable than other nylon fabrics, is quite stretchy, and has a silky feel while wearing. Its breathability is unusual in a nylon fabric and this makes it more comfortable in warm climates. (If you're hot and it clings, pull it away from your body, give it a shake and see how quickly it becomes comfortable again!) Garments made from DriSilque are more comfortable and wear better if the fit is fairly loose. DriSilque may not wear as long as other fabrics if worn snugly or cared for harshly. Feels similar to other silky/satin underwear fabrics.

Nylon Mesh - a lightweight 100% nylon fabric. It has an open-weave construction that makes it a comfortable fabric for many people, including those in humid climates. This mesh fabric allows for easy evaporation and dries quickly. Like other nylon fabrics it reduces friction between garments and outer clothing. It is a durable nylon that does not stretch as readily as DriSilque. Similar to the feel of a basketball or football jersey.

Thermax - a thermal, rib knit polyester fabric. The fibers are hollow so they trap body heat to warm the wearer. Thermax garments are made in only long sleeve tops and ankle length bottoms. Similar to the fabric used in regular thermal underwear.

The fabric descriptions above come from the online store where Mormons may purchase their garments.

When the Mormons went west where did they settle?

Mormons eventually settled everywhere! There are over 14 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) all over the world, and Mormon congregations are found in almost every nation.

The headquarters of the Church has been located in Salt Lake City, Utah since 1847. At the time church headquarters moved there, nearly all Mormons moved there as well. However, since that time, the Church has continued to grow and expand. Approximately 10% of all Mormons live in Utah today.

What is the difference between Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter Day Saints?

Although both groups are considered by most to be "Christian" faiths and are identified to a greater or lesser degree with a public preaching work, there are many notable doctrinal differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

Jehovah's Witnesses believe only the Bible to be God's inspired word (1 Tim 3: 16).

The Mormons use the Bible and "The Book of Mormon" which they also view as God's inspired Word.

Mormons believe that God still calls prophets and apostles to guide his people.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was the last prophet.

Mormons believe that Jesus is Jehovah in the Old Testament.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the name of Almighty God, the father of Jesus Christ.

Mormons often refer to God (the Father of Jesus) as Heavenly Father, and believe his name is Elohim.

Jehovah's Witnesses call him by his personal name, Jehovah (Psalms 83:18) .

Mormons believe "that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent."

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that New Jerusalem is a heavenly Kingdom (government) established, not in America, but in the heavens.

Mormon missionaries (mostly young men and women, some retired couples) preach for a set period of time, usually 2 years.

All of Jehovah's Witnesses (male & female, young & old) preach the gospel for the rest of their lives, as did the apostles & Christians in the first century.

Mormons believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that because of their rejection of Christ, the nation of Israel permanently lost its privileged position as God's special people. Thus the nation of natural Jews no longer figure as a people in Bible prophecy, but God's anointed ones (from all nations) are designated as "spiritual" Israelites.

Mormons believe "that Christ will reign personally upon the earth."

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Christ will rule from heaven as a spirit king.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that death is the result of Adamic (from Adam) sin. Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 5:12

Mormons do not believe that Adam & Eve sinned, and that "men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression".

Mormons believe that after resurrection, we will be assigned to one of three 'levels' of heaven.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the resurrection of the dead (John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15), the majority living on the earth forever, but a select few (144,000) ruling in heaven with Christ. (Psalm 37:9-11, 29; Matthew 5:5, Revelation 5:10; 20:4)

Mormons believe that our "spirits" were created long before our bodies, and that our spirits existed in heaven with God in a "pre-mortal" life.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe one's existence begins at conception.

Mormons believe that all Christians receive the gifts of the holy spirit through "the laying on of hands" (gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues).

Jehovah's Witnesses believe this was a first century arrangement limited to the period of the apostles and as such, these miraculous gifts have ceased. (1 Corinthians 13: 8, 9.)

Mormons use the King James Version Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture.

Jehovah's Witnesses use many different Bible translations but mainly bring the New World Translation to their worship services.

Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus died on an upright stake.

Mormons do not have any restrictions or teachings regarding common medical practice.

Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from blood & do not accept blood transfusions. Acts 15:28,29

Mormons are encouraged to be active in politics, the military, & government to support and defend liberty & democracy of their own countries.

Jehovah's Witnesses follow Jesus' example and do not participate in the military or political affairs of any country.

Mormons celebrate most "Christian" and national holidays as well as birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays or any holidays associated with pagan origins, spiritism, or nationalism.

Mormons believe in performing ordinances (baptism, etc) in behalf of those who have died. These ordinances are performed by proxy in Temples. They believe this provides the deceased with the opportunity to accept Christ and be saved.

Jehovah's Witnesses have no such practice.

Mormons count their total membership number as anyone who has been baptized into the faith and has not requested their name to be taken off the records, even if those baptized are not 'active' or practicing in the faith. They do not report the numbers of those whom have been baptized posthumously.

Jehovah's Witnesses count their total membership number only from those who are regular and active in the public preaching & teaching work.

Mormons hold Sunday worship services in meeting houses, while additional (optional) worship services are held throughout the week in temples.

Jehovah's Witnesses hold public worship services in Kingdom Halls at least twice a week.

Mormons expect all members to tithe one tenth of their income to the church. This income goes to humanitarian work, printing supplies, building maintenance, etc. Mormon clergy is unpaid.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not tithe or take up collections; all contributions are anonymous and voluntary, and all of their Kingdom Halls are built and maintained by unpaid volunteers.

Mormons' standard worship service is similar in format to most Protestant churches, with hymns, prayers, the Sacrament ('Communion' or the 'Lord's Supper'), and a couple of short sermons.

Jehovah's Witnesses' standard worship services include prayers, singing, and study directly out of the Bible, sometimes using other theocratic books as study aids.

Both Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons claim their organizations reflect the "Primitive Church" (follow the first century Christian model).

Both churches seek to spread their word abroad and are known for going door-to-door to do so. Their intent is not to convert or baptize every person they speak to, but to give everyone in the world an opportunity to hear their message & the good news about God's Kingdom. Matthew 24:14

Both faiths have heath codes which outline proper diet, etc, but what these codes contain differs.

How many Mormons are living in the US today?

According to The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 1.7% of Americans are of the Mormon tradition.

U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population of United Sates at 304,059,724. Therefore, 1.7% of 304,059,724 equals 5,169,015.

The answer is approximately 5 million Mormons live in the United States today.

What percentage of Eagle Scouts are Mormons?

The BSA has not released detailed statistics on Eagle Scouts by age, race, ethnicity or religion.

Brigham young established this Mormon settlement in Utah?

The first thing he did was he traveled west with the LDS Saints. Once in the area now considered Utah, he assigned several families to settle certain areas throughout Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. Those families would travel to those areas and work to build a thriving community. Many of those communities continue to this day. Spanish Fork and Salt Lake City are just a couple that have grown into large cities.

Do Mormons believe in Thanksgiving?

Yes. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving, as well as all other National Holidays. It is popular for Mormon congregations in the US to focus on a theme of giving thanks in the month of November.

How did the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints get its name?

This name was officially confirmed by Jesus Christ himself when, on April 26, 1838, at Far West, Missouri, in a revelation addressed to the presiding officers of the Church, he said---and this is Christ himself speaking:

"Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and also ... unto all the elders and people of my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scattered abroad in all the world;

"For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (D&C 115:1, 3--4; italics added.)

This declaration by the Lord is reminiscent of the account the Book of Mormon gives of Christ's statement to his disciples in America as he ministered among them immediately following his resurrection.

"And it came to pass [reads that record] that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus ... that the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting.

"And Jesus [this was the resurrected Jesus, in America] again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?

"And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.

"And the Lord said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?

"Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;

"And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.

"Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

"And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.

"Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;

"And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.

"But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.

"For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.

"Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you---[this is the Christ, now defining his gospel] that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

"And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil---

"And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.

"And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.

"And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.

"And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.

"And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

"Now this is the commandment [by the risen Redeemer to the ancient Americans, and it is still his commandment]: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (3 Ne. 27:1--20.)

Such is the name and such are the basic doctrines taught by the Church sometimes referred to as the Mormon Church.

Not only did the Redeemer personally name his Church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" as recounted already in these remarks, he also declared it to be "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased" (D&C 1:30).

Read More Here:

Visit the web site for more insight and learning first hand, don't listen to the rumors.

We, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

lds.org/ensign/1979/05/we-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng&query=name+church

Do Mormons kill in war?

Not at all. They don't believe in killing. Part of their religion in following the ten commandments. One of them is, "Thou shall not kill". In the original hebrew, it says "murder". Consequently, soldiers killed as required, they did not murder.

Is mitt Romney the first Mormon to run for president?

No, the first Mormon to run for president was Joseph Smith, during the 1844 election. Mitt Romney's father, George, ran for president in the 1968 election, Mitt Romney ran in 2008 and 2012, and another Mormon, Jon Huntsman, also ran for president in 2012. Mitt Romney is the first Mormon to be chosen as a major party candidate.

Do Mormons wash their garments?

Yup! They are always supposed to be kept clean, it would be wasteful and expensive if you couldn't re-use them! They are made in a variety of machine washable fabrics, so they are usually just thrown in with the regular laundry.

Why do Mormons think black people are cursed?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe that the curse given to Ham for revealing his father's nakedness in Genesis 9 was dark skin. Ham's children then went on to populate Africa and Arabia. Mormons do not believe that modern African or dark-skinned people themselves are in any way cursed, but that their black skin is the result of a curse on their common ancestor, Ham.

Similarly, Mormons believe that the Native Americans have dark skin also as the result of a curse on their common ancestors the Lamanites, found in the Book of Mormon. This does not mean that modern-day Native Americans or Africans are cursed, only that their distant ancestors were.

People of all races are welcomed with open arms within the church and all are treated equally. The Book of Mormon says that the Lord "denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (See 2 Nephi 26:33)

Do Mormons believe in the entire New Testament?

Yes. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "the 'Mormon' church) believe that the Bible - Old and New Testaments - is the Word of God. English speaking Mormons use the King James Version of the Bible.

The Church is currently producing a series of short films depicting scenes from the New Testament.

Check out the "Related Links" to learn more about what Mormons believe about the Bible and to see the videos made by the church.

What is the role of the Pope in the Mormon religion?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon Church") does not have a pope, the Catholic Church does.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is lead by a 'president' or 'prophet'. Church members believe that he receives direct revelation from God in how to direct the members and affairs of the Church. The prophet is assisted by twelve Apostles.