Mormonism

Yes. In order to be a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, you must be a baptized, practicing member of the Church living within 100 miles of the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. There are many other requirements as well. If you'd like to learn more about what it takes to become a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir you can check out the "Related Links" below.

For local Mormon choirs, generally no, you do not need to be a baptized member of the church. Many congregations have a choir which will periodically perform in worship services, in which anyone (church member or not) may participate.

The same as in other Protestant baptisms. And commences in this manner:

Usually family members, invites and other interested congregational member will assemble at the church building and is generally not performed during normal services. Two talks are usually, one prior to the baptismal ordinance. One topic is on baptism and the other on "the Gift of the Holy Ghost" is given after. Both given by lay members and often by invitation. The baptismal ordinance is done by full immersion and performed by one whom has priesthood authority. There is a stance taken by both people and the priesthood holder's arm is held at a "square" to symbolize the authority and by practice of ordinance. A basic statement is declared as part of the ordinance and the baptismee is submersed. After the ordinance and the second talk given to the attendees, there is a special blessing given by those holding the "Melchizedek" priesthood authority by laying their hands upon the persons head. Calls their name and asks for the Gift of the Holy Ghost to be received. Which signified by the symbol of the dove in the New Testament. Is the promise of the constant companionship by the Holy Ghost contingent upon the holders righteousness and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. In stark contrast to the "Power of the Holy Ghost" which is an intermittent affectation by the Holy Ghost, which in Mormon beliefs is a sentient and separate spirit being that is part of the polytheistic godhead that comprises of God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

The blessing also conveys anything as so inspired by the spirit for the future and personal benifit of the new convert. The convert is also declared a member of the church. The new member is added to the membership roster.

The baptism of a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" is concidered sacred and a turning point by which sins are remmited and and new covenants are made that is looked upon later as a pennical moment in their conversion. We do things a little different. We don't sprinkle water on babies. Members of our church get baptised at the age of 8, if they were born into the church. If they weren't they get baptised at whatever age they are when they convert. Instead of sprinkling water, we submerge the person who is getting baptised in water.

Book of Mormon 6607 verses

Doctrine and Covenants 3654 +3.5 pages of text not found in verse format

Pearl of Great Price 635 + a little more than a page of text not in verse format

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) believe in the Biblical account found in Genesis, which says that the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, lived in the Garden of Eden. After eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they were cast out of the Garden.

Joseph Smith said in 1832 that the land where Adam and Eve lived after being cast out of the Garden was called Adam-ondi-Ahman (roughly translated to mean "Adam with God" or "Adam in the valley of God"). In 1838 the location of Adam-Ondi-Ahman was revealed as a place then called Spring Hill (or Wight's Ferry) in Missouri. After the Mormons were kicked out of Missouri it was renamed Cravensville.

Now, most of the site that Joseph said was Adam-ondi-Ahman is owned by the Church and is used as farmland and a visitor site. It is about 3000 acres and is located on the bluffs above the Grand River in Daviess County, Missouri. You can learn more about the site at the "Related Links" below.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") follow what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 which says "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

Since Church members respect their bodies as a creation and temple of God, they dress modestly and avoid tattoos and piercings. If women desire to have their ears pierced they are advised to have only one piercing in each ear and stick to wearing 'modest' earrings. Not all members follow this council, and that is their choice, but for the most part church members frown upon tattoos and piercings.

The wealthiest Mormons are:

R. Earl Holding

Jon M. Huntsman (father of former presidential candidate with same name)

James Sorenson family

Bill Marriott

Kevin Rollins

Nolan Archibald

Today there are nearly 15 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) living all around the world. They do not live in 'groups' but out in regular society.

Historically, Mormons did tend to live in more of a group or community settings. This is because they had faced much opposition from outsiders. Most of these communities were in the western United States, and area which still has a high concentration of Mormons.

No, not while she is serving her mission. She needs to be free from any distractions, plus mission rules do not allow a missionary, male or female, to engage in romantic physical contact with anyone.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) adhere to a health code called the "Word of Wisdom". This health code prohibits the use of strong drinks, saying alcohol is to be used for cleaning, not drinking. If members desire to attend temple worship services (seperate from Sunday worship services) they must be striving to live this health code. If a Church member does drink alcohol regularly, they will not be admitted into temple worship services but may continue to participate Sunday worship services and other congregation activities. In order to qualify for baptism into the church, you must abstain from alcohol for a certain period of time.

To learn more about the "Word of Wisdom", the Mormon health code, see the "Related Links" below.

No. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) are encouraged to marry those of the same religion because having similar values and beliefs in the home typically promotes a more peaceful and cohesive environment in the home. It is not a requirement to marry someone in the Church, but is strongly encouraged.

If a Mormon marries someone who is not a member of the Church, they may have a church wedding or a secular wedding, but they cannot marry in the temple. Temple marriages are very important to Mormons, as it is believed that Temple marriages last throughout eternity, but church and secular weddings are only 'until death do us part.'

You can learn more about Mormons and marriage at the "Related Links" below.

This is a matter of opinion, but surveys have shown that most people who know a Mormon (thats a nickname for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) think so. Mormons tend to be quite conservative, deeply religious people that are very family and community oriented. They tend to be very friendly and honest.

If you'd like to learn more about Mormons or meet some in your area to see for yourself if they are "good people", you can check out the "Related Links" below.

Some of the more well known members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints include: (for a larger list, check out www.famousmormons.net)

Music:
Gary Allen (country singer)
Chrstian Jacobs and Chad Larson of The AquaBats (ska band)
David Archuleta (2nd place on American Idol's 7th season)
Alex Boye (pop and gospel singer)
Scot Alexander of Dishwalla (alternative rock band)
Arthur "Killer" Kane of The New York Dolls (70's glam rock band)
Brandon Flowers of The Killers (modern rock band)
Gladys Knight (gospel, soul, and pop singer)
Donny and Marie Osmond (rock, pop, country singers)
Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco (rock band)
Brook White (top 5 finalist on American Idol season 7)

Reality T.V.:
Derek and Julianne Hough (Dancing with the Stars)
Todd Herzog (winner of Survivor China)
Fab Five (America's Got Talent season 5)
Carmen Rasmusen (American Idol season 2)
Julie Stoffer (Real World, New Orleans)
Benji Schwimmer, Lacey Schwimmer, and Heidi Groskreutz (So You Think You Can Dance?)

Actors/Actresses:
Amy Adams (Enchanted) [no longer practicing]
Corbin Allred
Wilford Brimley
Eliza Dushku [no longer practicing]
Aaron Eckhart
Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite)
Katherine Heigl [no longer practicing]
Rick (Rickey) Schroder
Paul Walker [no longer practicing]

Media:
Glenn Beck
Jane Clayson
Ken Jennings (biggest winner in Jeopardy game show history)
Jill Stevens (America's Choise semi finalist in Miss America 2007)

Sports:
Danny Ainge (baseball and basketball)
Harmon Killebrew (baseball)
Ty Detmer (football)
Steve Young (football)
Johnny Miller (golf)
Mike Reid (golf)
Thurl Bailey (basketball)
Shawn Bradley (basketball)

Authors:
Stephen R. Covey
Orson Scott Card
Richard Paul Evans
Stephanie Meyer

No. Matt Stone, creator of South Park, could not have served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" or "LDS" church) because he has never been a Mormon. The Mormon Church only allows baptized members to serve as missionaries, and Matt Stone has never been a baptized Mormon. Matt Stone has said that he considers himself ethnically Jewish, but that he grew up agnostic, has never been a member of any organized religious group, and currently identifies himself as an atheist.

One of the Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) says, "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression."

Mormons believe that because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, mankind became subject to sin and death. Therefore, all mankind has need of a Savior, Jesus Christ, to atone for their sins and allow them to enter into the presense of God. Mormons believe that the atoning power of Jesus Christ will cover this transgression of Adam for those who hear and accept it, those who never hear it, and little children who are too young and innocent to understand it. (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3:11-17) Only those who hear and reject the gospel of Jesus Christ are at risk of not being covered by the atonement of Christ.

This is slightly different from the traditional Calvinist doctrine of Original Sin, which states that men inherit guilt from the sins of Adam and are guilty from the moment of conception.

Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, most certainly has opinions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church).

However, he has not published these opinions online, and possibly has never shared them publically.

Polygamists have more than one spouse. Typically they are male with multiple wives.

See polygamy.

I don't know of any official statistics, but one can assume that they were Independents. They had been harassed by both Democratic and Republican governments in Washington D.C. and probably wanted nothing to do with either party at that time. Joseph Smith ran for President of the United States under an Independent platform in the 1844 election, and Brigham Young ran for territorial governor of Utah apparently without stating a party and received 100% of the 10,000 votes.

They were Anti-Slavery, Pro-State's Rights, Pro-Women's Sufferage, and deeply rooted in the defence of the Constitution and the Founding Fathers.

Almost half of US states do allow first cousins to marry-- and not just the ones that show up in bad jokes about the rural south. But that still only applies to government laws, and has no bearing on whether LDS (Latter Day Saints) allows it.

The state of Utah allows marriage of first cousins only in very limited circumstances: both parties must be over 65 or at least 55 and one is unable to reproduce. But once again, this is state law and not Mormon doctrine.

The first temple in Illinois was in Nauvoo, which was built in the 1840's. It was destroyed by fire in 1848 and rebuilt in 2002. There is also a temple near Chicago. You can read about the Navuoo temple here:

www.ldschurchtemples.com/nauvoo and the Chicago temple here:

www.ldschurchtemples.com/chicago

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) is unique in that it lies somewhere in between traditional and contemporary.

For example, Mormon meetinghouses themselves are quite contemporary. Rather than large ornate cathedrals, Mormons tend to build smaller buildings with a focus on simplicity and utility. Even the architecture and building materials tend to look more like a home than a religious building.

Mormon worship services follow a more contemporary pattern. They are much less ceremonial and rigid than the services found in more traditional faiths such as Catholicism and Anglicanism. However, while the pattern is contemporary, the worship is not. Mormons use traditional-style hymns and sermons - there are no bands, pop/rock style worship music, or power-point sermons like you would find in a 'contemporary' Christian church. Mormons also stick to the traditional King James Version Bible rather than the more contemporary English versions.

Mormons are more traditional in their values and beliefs. They actively preach about things such as modesty, traditional gender roles, sexual abstinence, tithes, diet, and other traditions that are often ignored in contemporary churches.

Unlike traditional faiths, Mormons have strong focus on lay leadership. Nearly all the leadership of the Mormon church are volunteers with little or no formal training. There are no priestly robes, no parsonages, seminary degrees, etc. Every congregation member is given a chance to preach, rather than having one pastor or priest preach each week.

Another contemporary characteristic of Mormonism is their focus on media. The Church has many media outlets on television, radio, internet, and mobile. Mormons believe that the media is the best way to stay unified and spread their message abroad. Therefore they provide sermons, lesson manuals, music, films, mobile apps, and other resources free online. This keeps the general membership engaged and involved, unlike many traditional faiths where the general membership is simply expected to show up and listen.

Also like many contemporary religions, Mormonism focuses on having a personal relationship with God. Many traditional faiths have the view of the pastor or priest 'leading the flock'. Mormons take the approach of 'everyone helping everyone' - each person is expected to develop a relationship with God and share their knowledge and faith with each other.

Both Mormons and Jews believe in the passover (when God sent a plague to Egypt which passed over the Hebrews, who were currently slaves there, if they would put a sheep's blood on their doors), though only Jews celebrate it. Mormons and Jews both worship only one god. They also both believe in the Old Testament, but Mormons also believe in the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Mormons and Jews have a lot more different than they have in common. Mormons are Christian - they believe in Jesus Christ. In fact, their real name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jews, however, are definitely not Christian. They celebrate Hanukkah, while Mormons and other Christians celebrate Christmas .