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Mormonism
Questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormonism.
3,455 Questions
What is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and What do they believe?
Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of all mankind who sacrificed His own life so that all mankind could have eternal life. Mormons believe that Jesus is a member of the Godhead, along with God the Father and the Holy Ghost. We offer all our prayers in His name.
What kind of food did the people on the Mormon trail eat?
Pioneers on the Mormon Trail ate the same sorts of foods you would find on all pioneer trails at the time. Common provisions included flour, corn meal, potatoes, onions, apples, and dried meats. Most companies would take along some cows, chickens, or pigs to provide food along the way, and hunted for wild game to eat as well. There were several stops along the way that had stores for buying more food, and occasionally they would find wild berries or small crops of potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, and other produce planted by previous companies.
Yes. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) may dye their hair. Most try to maintain a simple and modest apppearance so they only dye their hair natural colors. Check out the "Related Links" to see photos of Mormon women who have dyed hair.
How much would an 1852 book of Mormon be worth?
It all depends on the condition. In bad condition, the book could be worth next to nothing, but in excellent condition it could fetch several thousand dollars. Antique copies of the Book of Mormon can be quite rare and are highly collectible, if you have contacts in the right circles.
Some historians and collectors may be willing to appraise your book for free if you can email them some photos of your specific copy. Check out the "Related Links" below to contact some of the most well known appraisers of historic Mormon books who should be willing to do an appraisal online.
In 1847 why did Mormons emigrate to the area betwen the rocky mountains and the great salt lake?
In a country that has one of it's rights as 'Freedom of Religion'. In 1847 the Mormons were not provided that right. The federal government under President Polk refused to protect the Mormons and Mobs & terrorist's burned their homes and forced them to flee for their lives from the state of Illinois. Just because the Mormons had some different religious beliefs than their Christian neighbors.
What was the year that the Mormon Church started?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") began on April 6th, 1830 in Palmyra, New York.
What were the problems that the Mormons had?
Because non-Mormons were threatened by their religion and that it was beginning so successfully. Also, because non-Mormons were upset with some on the Mormons beliefs. Then once non-Mormons started fighting, Mormons fought back a little, and then moved because they realized this isn't what they were all about.
What are the different Christian beliefs?
if you are refering to the different types of churches then you should read 1corinthians 3 & 4 The following religious elements and ideas, nearly all of which Christians believe to have been divinely revealed. Give or take depending on which denomination. Son of God
Messiah
Mediator
The Word
The Ideal Man
Annunciation
Immaculate conception
Divine incarnation
Genealogies showing royal descent
Virgin mother
Angelic visitants
Celestial music
Visit of shepherd
Visit of Magi
Star of Magi
Slaughter of innocents
Temptation
Transfiguration
Crucified Redeemer
Supernatural darkness
Resurrection
Ascension
Descent into Hell
Second advent
Unity of God
Trinity in Unity
Holy Ghost (Spirit)
Devil
Angels
Immortality of the soul
Last judgment
Future rewards and punishments
Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory
Fatherhood of God
Brotherhood of man
Freedom of the will
Fall of man
Vicarious atonement
Kingdom of God
Binding of Satan
Miracles
Prophecies
Obsession
Exorcism
The priesthood
Pope and bishops
Monks and nuns
Worship of Virgin
Adoration of Virgin and Child
Worship of saints
Worship of relics
Image worship
Inspired Scriptures
The cross as a religious symbol
Crucifix
Rosary
Holy water
Lord's Day (Sunday)
Christmas
Easter
Baptism
Eucharist
Washing of feet
Anointing
Confirmation
Masses for the dead
Fasting
Prayer
Auricular confession
Penance
Absolution
Celibacy
Poverty
Asceticism
Tithes
Community of goods
Golden Rule and other precepts
How many Mormon serving in military?
It is impossible to know for sure, since there are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' church) serving in the military of many nations. They are not required to disclose their religion to the military, and they are not required to disclose their military service to the church. In addition, the number is constantly changing as people are joining or leaving the military or joining or leaving the church. There are thousands of Mormons serving in militaries around the world, but it would be impossible to know exactly how many.
What time do the Christmas lights come on at Temple Square?
The Christmas lights at Temple Square are on from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve each year. The lights turn on as soon as the sun sets (usually 5 p.m.) and are on until 9 p.m. each night, when Temple Square closes for the night. Some lights may be left on later than this, but the gates to Temple Square will be closed.
Answer
It's a long list. Ready? Mormons believe
* in a Godhead, not a Trinity. In Mormon belief, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are all Gods, united (one) in purpose, but not in body.
* Adam's so-called "original sin," was covered by Christ's atonement, and doesn't stain anyone else. We're each responsible for our own sins.
* infants are born innocent and cannot sin before they're old enough to be accountable for their choices -- generally, around the age of eight.
* Christ's atonement is universal and eternal. It saves all mankind from permanent death. There will be a universal resurrection.
* Christ's atonement has the effect of reuniting us with God only to the extent that we accept it, as evidenced by faith, repentence, and obedience to God's commandments.
* baptism and certain other ordinances are necessary to live again in the presece of God. The upside is that these ordinances are universally available. If you're not baptised in life, at some point a vicarious baptism will be performed on your behalf, which ordinance you are free to accept or reject.
* your spirit is eternal. You lived before you came to earth, you're on earth to learn faith and obedience, and you'll live after you leave this earth.
* marriage can be eternal, if the parties to the marriage are faithful and obedient.
* priesthood -- the power and authority to act in behalf of God -- is real, and that those who've been given that power must use it to serve others in a Godly way, or they are deprived of it.
* the church is an ancient institution, repeatedly restored to the earth via prophets called of God, following an apostacy. The church is fundamentally the same today as it was in the time of Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ. The most recent restoration happened in the 1830s through the prophet Joseph Smith.
* prophets and apostles continue to lead the Church -- via revelation received from Christ -- as has happened throughout human history.
* spiritual gifts -- including prophecy, tongues, visions, etc. -- are still in effect in the modern church.
* the Bible is the recorded word of God. So is the Book of Mormon, and other scripture revealed to modern prophets.
* Christ will reign again on earth, following some future tragic apocalypse. During that millenial reign, both Mormons and non-Mormons will live on earth.
* each person should be allowed, by law and by other believers, to worship God in whatever way he or she sees fit. At the same time, we reserve the right to engage in conversations about religion and morality both in public forums and as individuals. We believe this fundamental human right is worth fighting for.
* we should follow and obey the law of the land. We also believe in working to change bad laws.
* truth is found in many places, and ought to be respected and honored, regardless of its source. A poet, a songwriter, a movie maker, an author, and a prophet may all be sources of truth. Those who are spiritually in tune with God will recognize truth by that Spirit.
* we are the literal spiritual offspring of God the Father. Our spriritual elder brother, Jesus Christ, volunteered to come to earth to teach us truth, set an example, and atone for our sins so that we would have the opportunity to live again in the presence of our Father.
* a third of the host of heaven fought against that plan, under the leadership of Satan, and became fallen, unfit to receive mortal bodies and learn the lessons of mortality.
* angels are messengers from God, our spiritual siblings sent to earth for specific purposes. Satan likewise has his legions of followers who strive to distract individuals from their eternal potential. We resist that temptation by seeking to live obedient to God's counsel.
* evil exists because the natural man -- the individual who serves his carnal nature over his spiritual self -- causes wickedness, sorrow, and pain. Individuals have free agency -- the option to choose for themselves their own response to temptation.
Another answer
The LDS church has the priesthood, ordained of God. We believe that, though many, many churches in this world have great truth and sound teachings, the LDS church has the priesthood, which is the power and authority to perform God's will.
What do Mormons believe happens to us when you die?
Mormons believe that after death all people will go to either spirit prison or paradise. Those in spirit prison who have not had the chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ will be given that chance. As we can here, they will have the opportunity to accept it or reject it. There are ordinances that must be performed in order for a person to progress in eternity. That is part of the reason that they have temples; to perform the necessary ordinances that are needed for those who have died without hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though those ordinances are performed for the dead, if they reject the gospel of Jesus Christ, those ordinances are null and void. When the final resurrection happens, all people will be given a degree of glory according to their works. Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ alone made the resurrection possible, but the final judgment will show what a person will deserve.
How many Mormons in the world today?
As of January 2010, there are 13,824,854 baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) worldwide. About 60% of these live outside the United States.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' Church) can smoke marijuana, but they shouldn't because is against their religion. Mormons are supposed to honor, obey, and sustain the law, and marijuana is illegal. An adult Mormon who smokes marijuana will face Church discipline.
Medical Marijuana is accepted by the church, and the question of marijuana use when it is legal is a debated grey area currently. D+C 59, especially verse 17, states that all herbs are for our benefit. It also states that those who do not confess the hand of God in all things displease him. The word of wisdom, found in D+C 89, has similar statements about herbs.
I think you can if you are willing and ready to sacrifice all modern convinces and live the 18th century style of living
You can, you must be willing to live that way. The Amish are very cautious about it. The bishops, deacons, and preachers will normally have someone live that way before baptizing them to avoid them later trying to leave and being shunned.
The above is a dry cut standard answer.
But reality is all communities are different, Elmo Stoll a post elder advice you have to find a community, that fits you personally.
There is much resistance to people wanting join Amish even more so now, the Amish are reigned over by elderly body of disagreeable elders, and I have seen a change in the Amish society characterize them as having more a cult mentality.
Best thing to do if you are thinking of joining the Amish, is visit a couple communities at least, and go off standard tour and ask questions of members they do not present to you.
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This is what normally happens to join, ever community is different, and how you present your self is crucially important.
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1. Only if you're considering joining, after long process, would they invite you for a stay.
_a. First you will have find communities by you, as you will be diving back and forth allot.
_b. You have to start conversation, usually buying product from them works.
_c. You got to make known, your desire to joining, it has to be earnest.
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2. You will be directed to talk to elders, this is important first step.
_a. You will be asked to come to services, most church services are open to the public.
_b. You will have to go many times, sitting for hours with limited personal contact.
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3. At this point, you will be asked to join in group activities, like barn raising.
_a. You will then be asked by members, to come to their house for a meal.
_b. Expect to help do work before the meal, and be asked allot religious questions.
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4. You will then be asked, to meet with all the elders of the community.
_a. They are going to talk to you, about your intentions again and their expectations.
_b. Staying in the community, means your devoting your self, and willing to give up your outside life.
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5. Becoming a member, takes years sometimes, and you most make a baptized commitment to the community.
_a. Part of the initiation into the community, is breaking your spirit and giving up free will.
_b. This means the elders have say over your life, they can even deny you from getting married.
What percent of world population is Mormon?
As of January 2010 there were 6,059,784 baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) in the United States. The US population is 307,006,550. So approximately 2% of people in the United States are Mormons.
What is the estimated wealth of Mormon church?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) does not make it's total worldwide assets publically known because it isn't required to. Some nations require religious instutitions to release financial information, and in these nations you may access the church's records for that nation, but as a worldwide whole, the numbers are simply unavailable.
We do know the approximate number of properties the church owns and operates (as of July 2012):
~29,000 congregations
4,676 Family History Research centers
~2,500 Religious Instutites
~3,000 Religious Seminaries
340 Mission offices and Mission homes
138 Temples in use
28 Temples under construction
44 Deseret Industries Thrift Stores
15 Missionary Training Centers
~7 Elementary/Secondary schools
3 Universities
1 College
Several Historical Sites and Visitor Centers
Several large farming operations
Hundreds of Family Services, Employment Services, and Humanitarian offices
Hundreds of Bishop's Storehouses for the Poor and Needy
Several food preserving and canning facilities
Several church materials distribution centers
Facilities for Printing and Manufacturing Church materials
IT Office Building
Administrative Office Building
What were the features of the early Mormon settlements?
Early Mormon settlements had many features, but not all of them were the same.
Nearly all of the cities were laid out in a grid pattern, with streets numbered out from a town center, and each block being 100. (so, 100 east, 200 east, 300 east, etc) Most cities founded by Mormons in the west still hold this pattern today.
Many early Mormon settlements contained a Tabernacle, and sometimes a Temple and a Tabernacle, near the center of town. The rest of the town was divided up into congregations which each had their own church building. Most settlements also built social halls, theatres, and schools before they focused on building stores and homes.
Most home lots were really long so that the families could provide for themselves by having a large garden and animals in the back yard.
Some early Mormon settlements practiced something called "United Order", in which everyone in the town decided how much money, food, land, etc they would need. Any additional they received over their quota would be donated to a "Bishop's Storehouse" and the Bishop would distribute the extra to those who did not acheive their quota. This practice was abandoned in the late 1800's.
Is Romney a bishop in his church?
Mitt Romney served as a Bishop (congregational leader) and a Stake President (leader of a group of congregations) in Massachusetts in the 1990's. Mormon Bishops and Stake Presidents usually serve for a period of three to seven years, because the position demands 20-30 hours each week and is entirely unpaid. There is no campaigning or applying for these positions, they are rotated and assigned by higher church leadership.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has been around since before the world was created. As an all knowing and merciful God knew those coming to earth would sin and fall short of perfection, He knew a Savior must be given to take upon Him the sins and transgressions of His people. If they would repent and come unto Him, they might be forgiven and be made clean by the blood of the Savoir.
The gospel of Jesus Christ did not start at 1 AD when Christ was born. The prophets in the Old Testament looked forward to the crowning event of the Savior and His atonement and Resurrection.
The Mormon Faith or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the church with the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ here on the earth. It is not a new faith, or a splinter group from another religion. Members of the church believe that although many good churches hold to parts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the fullness of it was lost due to the death of the original apostles, the dark ages, and other events which diminished the knowledge of many intricate and essential points of the gospel.
Members of the Mormon faith believe the church to be a full restoration of all the knowledge, ordinances, and blessings of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The following comes from a different author. The beliefs of the church are open for all to see at the Mormon website. I am posting a few notes to show the general uneducated understanding this response has with the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints (Mormons)
The Mormon Religion is the worship of their Leader, Maroni. and their bi-laws.
(Not true, Mormons worship Jesus as the only intercessor between us and God)
There is no mention of this Religion in the Bible.
(There is also no mention of Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Baptist, or any other church except the Jewish customs in the Old Testament, and the gospel of Jesus Christ)
The Mormon Religion has its own worship book.
(The church considers the Bible to be the word of God. They also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God)
Their Faith is not built on Jesus Christ or the Bible as we know it today.
(Not true. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone upon which the church is built. We study and reference our beliefs in the Standard King James version of the Bible)
When Christ had the prophets write the Bible, he said not a tittle could be added nor taken away from it.
(The Bible was not written as a book from front to back. Many prophets wrote the words of God, and many years later, some of the writings were compiled into the Bible. Many books were not included. Some of the missing books such as the Book written to the people Ladocia are mentioned in the Bible, but are not found there. John wrote the book of Revelations when he was banished to the isle of Patmos. He wrote the Gospel according to John at a later date, which would conflict with your understanding of what that verse means.)
The Mormons have their own "bible"....
(Mormons believe the Bible to be a record of God's dealings with His covenant people in the Eastern Hemisphere. They believe it to be the word of God. They also believe God had prophets who lived in the Western hemisphere, whom He also loved, and taught them of the coming of His Son. The writings of these prophets were compiled into a book called The Book of Mormon. The book serves as a companion to the Bible, not to contradict it, but to solidify it and to testify to the whole world that Jesus is the very Christ, the Savior of the world.)
How large is the Mormon tabernacle?
There are actually several Mormon Tabernacles throughout the western United States. There were originally 79 Tabernacles, but many of these were torn down or refurbished for other uses when the Church began to use Stake Centers instead.
The most famous Mormon Tabernacle is the Salt Lake Tabernacle, also known as the Tabernacle on Temple Square. The Salt Lake Tabernacle is 150 feet across and 250 feet long. It is the home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Sunday is the Sabbath day because when God created the earth, it took him six days, on the seventh day, he rested from all His labors. Sunday was chosen to be the day of rest as Jesus was resurrected on that day. It is a day, therefore, to worship Him and not labor or work. This gives people a chance to worship Him on a weekly basis.
The prime reason, then, that Latter-day Saint Christians [Mormons] don't do 'worldly' work one day per week is because they believe in following God's example. Sunday was chosen as it is the Lord's Day of becoming Immortal and receiving eternal life.
Therefore, Sunday being the Lord's Day, it is a day on which men should do the Lord's work exclusively. There should be no unnecessary work of a temporal nature, no re-creative activities, no unnecessary travel, nor joy riding, and the like. The Sabbath is a day for affirmative spiritual worship, aside from which "thou shalt do no other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart". Sabbath observance is an eternal principle, and the day itself is so ordained and arranged so that it bears record of Christ. It is a day to renew our covenants with God - that we remember the great sacrifice that Christ made for each and every one of us.
President Kimball gave a few guidelines about some of the acceptable engagements on the Sabbath: they included studying the scriptures and the Gospel together, especially as families, taking a sleep for an hour or two, searching out genealogies and family histories, Church work/callings or assignments, diary and remembrance entries, writing or reading spiritual insights, reading Patriarchal Blessings, good books and listening to spiritually-uplifting music, spiritual reflection, etc.
Of course, some LDS Christians do work on the Sabbath when their employment calls for them to do so - such as in the 'essential' services; they have a choice of observing the Sabbath on another day.
Further, it should be remembered that Jesus Himself declared: "The Sabbath was made for Man; not Man for the Sabbath." We should, therefore, realize that Sabbath day observance is for our own benefit and even for necessary balance in life.
Do Mormons believe in Evolution?
No.
Another answer:
Yes. Mormons believe that God makes Himself subject to natural law, operates by science, and that there is no conflict between science and religion.
Mormons also believe that we existed as spirit sons and daughters of God long before the world was created, and that the method by which our mortal bodies were created is nearly irrelevent. What is relevent is our ability to live by faith, and adhere to God's commandments while inhabiting these mortal tablernacles.
Evolutionary biology as understood by contemporary science is taught in biology courses at Brigham Young University. A symbolic view of the Genesis accounts of creation is easy to reconcile with Godly scientific truth.
Where is the Mormon church of later day saints?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) has practicing members in almost every country. Sunday worship services are open to the public and are held in rented spaces or Meetinghouses. Special worship services, such as weddings, are open only to Church members and are held in special buildings called Temples. There are nearly 20,000 Meetinghouses worldwide, and 130 temples.
To locate a place of worship or to learn more about practices of the Church, visit the "Related Links" below.
Why would a Mormon dress all in white?
Adult members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) who have participated in a special Temple ceremony are obligated to wear a special undergarment called the Temple Garment. The garment is worn for several reasons:
*The garment is symbolic of the covenants and promises they made with God as a part of the ceremony, and is a constant reminder of these covenants and promises.
*As Mormons have an all lay clergy, the garment serves as a sort of priestly clothing, much like priests and pastors in other Christian faiths will wear a special robe or collar to symbolize their authority.
*Mormons believe that the garment is sacred and will serve as a protection against evil to body and spirit.
*The garment enforces conservative modesty standards.
*The garment is believed to be the literal modern interpretation of the white garments placed on Aaron and his sons as they were annointed in the tabernacle of the Old Testament.
The garment is white, to symbolize purity (except in the case of combat military personel, who may special order the garment in colors to fit military standards). It is produced by the Church and comes in many fabric types and styles, but essentially is like wearing boxer shorts and a t-shirt under your regular clothes. As Mormons believe that it is sacred, they can become very offended when it is mocked or spoken of without reverence and respect.
