0
Mormonism
Questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormonism.
3,455 Questions
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.
When does spring semester at LDS business college end?
Spring term finishes in mid-June. Summer term ends the third week of August.
Why does everyone hate Mormons?
It is unfortunate that many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) are viewed as being judgemental. The church itself teaches that we should show love to all people, to love them unconditionally as God loves them. However, the church also teaches that we should warn people to repent and turn to God. This is a difficult balance for many Mormons, and they are not equipped with the communication skills they need to be able to warn people to repent while still showing love and acceptance.
Please be assured that those Mormons who are judgemental are at a personal fault. Being judgemental or discriminatory against others is against the teachings of Jesus Christ and the official doctrines and teachings of the Mormon church. Those Mormons who are judgemental possibly don't realize that their words and actions are offending others. Try to show them respect and patience rather than getting angry, and remind them that Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
Where do mormons believe they will go when they die?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe that immediately after death, the spirit is separated from the body. The spirits of all people go to the Spirit World - the righteous who accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ will go to Spirit Paradise (heaven) and those who did not accept the gospel of Jesus Christ will go to Spirit Prison (hell). Here in the Spirit World, we may still make choices that effect our eternal reward. The spirits in paradise will teach those in prison the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and those in prison will have the opportunity to repent, accept Jesus, and change their eternal destiny.
After the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the spirits of all people, both in Spirit Paradise and in Spirit Prison, will be resurrected. Their spirits will be reunited with their bodies and they will face a final judgement by Jesus. At this judgment, the vast majority of people will end up in one of three Kingdoms (levels) of Heaven, while those who were exceptionally wicked will go to Outer Darkness or Hell.
The Celestial Kingdom of heaven will be for those who accepted Jesus Christ and were faithful in following God's commandments. Here they will spend eternity with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, united with the other members of their family who were also faithful.
The Terrestrial Kingdom of Heaven will be for those who accepted Jesus Christ but were not faithful in following His commandments or who were very righteous people but did not accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ when it was taught to them. Jesus Christ will visit those in the Terrestrial Kingdom, but He will not dwell there.
The Telestial Kingdom is for those who rejected Jesus Christ and/or lived wickedly. Despite this, the Telestial Kingdom is still thought to be more pleasant and glorious than mortal life on earth. The Holy Spirit will visit them.
Outer Darkness (or Perdition) will only be for those who apostasized from the Gospel - that is, they accepted Jesus Christ and then knowingly and purposely denied Him. They will live with Satan forever.
Check out the "Related Links" below to learn more about this subject.
What are the creedal statements of Mormonism?
The Mormon church does not have a Creed as such but there are thirteen articles which they believe in, they are as follows:-
- We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
- We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
- We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
- We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
- We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
- We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
- We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
- We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
- We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth; that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
- We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
- We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honouring, and sustaining the law.
- We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
No, lent is a Catholic tradition and Mormons are Christians!
Actually Catholics are Christians. Also Catholics along with a long line of other Christian Demoninations celebrate Lent. The Word Christian means follower of Christ and Catholics are definitely followers of Jesus Christ.
Both Catholics and Mormons are different denominations of Christianity. Catholics are not the only denomination who observes Lent, so it is conceivable that some Mormons would observe Lent (as many Lutherans, Methodists, and Anglicans do). However, most Mormons do not observe Lent, although they do celebrate Easter.
What ethnic background are most Mormons from?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) are scattered throughout the world and come from every ethnic background. The Church does not keep data on the race or ethnicity of it's members, so it would be impossible to know for sure which ethnic background most Mormons worldwide are from, but we do know that about 50% of Mormons are English-speaking. The next most popular language spoken by Mormons is Spanish.
I would estimate that in the United States, about half of Mormons are Caucasian, followed by Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans in that order. Worldwide, the race or ethnicity of Mormons could be different.
What angered many non Mormons of the Mormon way of life?
People who are angered at members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") have many reasons. Some are angered or offended by their conservative moral standards and support for conservative moral ideals, as in the recent gay marriage backlash. Others, mostly evangelical and born-again Christians, are angered about their religious doctrines and picket Mormon buildings. Some are angry when the Church proposes building a new meetinghouse or temple in their neighborhood, as is currently the case in Phoenix, Arizona. Others feel that Mormons are a cult, anti-Christian, oppressive, etc and take out their feelings by vandalizing meetinghouses.
Many of those who are angry with the Church or it's members are uninformed. Church leadership usually responds to current events at http://newsroom.lds.org to inform the public as much as possible of their stance on current controversial issues.
The simple answer is Joseph Smith, Jr. His story can be found at the chruch's official website (http://www.lds.org) at the following location. http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/background-information/joseph-smith-and-the-restoration
Why did some people not like the Mormons?
Both historically and currently, one of the top reasons that people have for not liking members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) is ignorance. People naturally don't like people that they percieve as 'different' and are generally unwilling to learn more about that person or let them explain why they do or believe that way. People hear rumors about the Church, most of which are false, and form their opinions around these lies.
Historically, Mormons would be run out of town because their population would become so high that the locals would be outnumbered and the politics and culture of their town would change. Now, people don't like Mormons simply because they don't agree with their religious beliefs or moral standards.
Do you have to be morman to work at BYU?
You don't have to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the"Mormon" church) to attend BYU, but the tuition is generally higher if you're not. Many of the athletes at BYU are not members of the Church, and many others who are not Church members but just want to attend a university with conservative values attend there.
The willful and persistent rejection of any article of faith by a baptized member of the church?
This is the definition of apostasy and is often punished by excommunication or anullment of baptism, depending on the denomination.
What is the leader of the Mormons called?
The leader of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (mormons) is called a prophet
the prophet today is Thomas Munson.
What happens to an LDS Mormon woman who has and affair or cheats on her husband?
Any member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who commits adultery should voluntarily meet with their bishop when they are ready to repent. If they discuss the situation with their bishop, he will be able to help them through the repentance process to receive forgiveness. The forgiveness process will vary depending on the exact situation of the affair.
Although the person should still be attending Sunday worship services, the bishop may ask them not partake of the sacrament (similar to communion) for a period of time.
If the member has been married or sealed in the temple, they have broken their temple covenants. This will result in a temporary revoke of their temple privileges. This will include cancellation of their temple recommend and occasionally, removal of the temple garment. They will not be eligible for the blessings promised them in their temple covenant until they have repented and had their temple recommend returned to them.
In some cases, the member may have to meet with a "Church Disciplinary Council" made up of local church leaders. This council may give the member a probation, disfellowshipment, or excommunication, depending on the severity of the affair. Probation and disfellowshipment are meant to be temporary. Those being excommunicated may be eligible for re-baptism in the future.
You can learn more about repentance, church disciplinary councils, and the church's views on adultery at the "Related Links" below.
Do Mormons believe that you can have up to 4 wives the same as Muslims?
No. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) banned the practice of polygamy (having more than one wife) over 120 years ago, in 1890. The only way that a Mormon man could have more than one wife in his lifetime is if he has been divorced or widowed then remarried - NEVER more than one wife at the same time.
Mormons are very strict about chastity and fidelity. Church members are expected to have sexual relationships only within a legal heterosexual marriage. Those who have sex outside of this context run the risk of being excommunicated from the church.
Check out the "Related Links" below to learn more.
