answersLogoWhite

0

🕯

Mormonism

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

3,455 Questions

Who are Latter-day Saints?

"Mormon" is a nickname given to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They are called Mormons because of their beliefs in the Book of Mormon, which is named after one of the prophets in the Book of Mormon. They use both the Book of Mormon and the Bible as scripture.

Mormons believe in God the Father, His only Begotten son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three are individual beings, rather than one 'Trinity'. They go to church every Sunday to preach and learn about Jesus Christ. They are also followers of modern prophet named Joseph Smith, who was lead by God to buried golden plates in the 1820's and translated what they said into 'the Book of Mormon'. You can check out their beliefs at mormon.org.
A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (usually abbreviated to LDS). An organisation founded by the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. The main differences between them and the more common views of christianirty include the belief that scripture is still being revealed, the acceptance of three additional books in their primary canon of scripture (The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, Doctrines & Covenants), An edition of the King James bible that has been extensively edited by Joseph Smith with his revalations. They also believe that Jesus Christ, after his death and resurrection passed over the ocean to the Americas in order to preach the Gospel to them.

Mormons accept the concept of baptism by proxy, in which someone who has long since been dead can be baptised in the present time by a member of the church by baptising someone else in their name. They worship in the highest sense in temples in a ceremony known as the endowment ceremony. However to a lower level they are able to worship in LDS churches, in which case their worship takes the form of readings, extempore prayer and hymn song.

Whilst they acknowlege the Holy Trinity their concept is different. The three persons in the trinity are separate deities, as opposed to a unity one god in three different parts. They also accept a doctrine which teaches that as children of God we must, in the course of our spritual lives, become gods ourselves. In this sense a man must be married in the temple and sealed in the temple ceremony in order to be married celestially. The belief that once one has passed from this life into the next one becomes a deity is integral, and those who become deities are then able to populate planets of their own. This is how Adam (Father God) was able to populate our world.

Mormons believe..

A few hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ, people had fallen into apostasy?. When the Savior began His mortal ministry, He restored His gospel and established His Church again on the earth. He built His Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, He himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

Jesus Christ called twelve men to be His Apostles?-including Peter, James, and John-and laid His hands on their heads to give them priesthood authority (Matthew 10:1; John 15:16; Matthew 28:19-20). Before the Savior's death and Resurrection?, He gave His Apostles priesthood authority? to teach His gospel?, perform the ordinances? of salvation?, and continue to establish His Church in the world.

The Savior's coming fulfilled prophecy. He set a godly example and showed men what Heavenly Father was like. Yet He was rejected of men and crucified. He made the Atonement? by suffering for the sins of all men. After His Resurrection?, Jesus Christ guided His Apostles through revelation?, making the Church of Jesus Christ a church led by God and not by men (Acts 10; Revelation 1:1).

In addition to the Twelve Apostles, Christ appointed other leaders to assist the Apostles in the work of His Church. These included:

  • Seventies (missionaries)
  • Evangelists (patriarchs)
  • Pastors (presiding leaders)
  • Elders?
  • Bishops?
  • Priests?
  • Teachers?
  • Deacons?

These officers were given the authority (or priesthood) necessary to do the work of Christ's Church. They did missionary work, performed ordinances such as baptism?, presided over congregations, and instructed and inspired Church members. As long as those who had the priesthood were alive, the Church grew and prospered.

When His followers asked Jesus Christ what kind of people He wanted them to be, His answer was simple: "Even as I am" (3 Nephi 27:27).

Jesus showed you by His example and His teachings how you should live to be able to return to your Father in Heaven. Although you make mistakes, as you sincerely repent of your mistakes and try to follow the example of Jesus Christ, your life will be filled with peace and inner joy, regardless of the circumstances around you.

From the beginning, God has called special witnesses, known as prophets, and commanded them to keep records of His dealings with His children. Both the Holy Bible? and the Book of Mormon? are such records. The Holy Bible contains a record of Jesus Christ's dealings with and ministry to the people in the Holy Land. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a record of Christ's dealings with and His appearance to the people of ancient America. Both books teach about our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and of Their love for us.

Following the death of Jesus Christ, wicked people persecuted and killed many Church members, and other Church members drifted from the principles taught by Jesus Christ and His Apostles?. The Apostles were killed and the priesthood authority-including the keys to direct and receive revelation? for the Church-was taken from the earth (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). Because the Church was no longer led by priesthood authority and revelation, error crept into Church teachings. Good people and much truth remained, but the gospel? as established by Jesus Christ was lost, resulting in a period called the Great Apostasy?.

This apostasy led to the formation of many churches with conflicting teachings. Without the full gospel or the priesthood authority, people relied on human wisdom to interpret the scriptures? and the principles and ordinances? of the gospel of Jesus Christ. False ideas were taught as truth, and much of the knowledge of the true character and nature of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost was lost. The doctrines of faith? in Jesus Christ, repentance?, baptism?, and the gift of the Holy Ghost? became distorted or forgotten. Each generation inherited a state of apostasy, as people were influenced by what previous generations passed on, including changes to Christ's gospel. Some inspired people, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, recognized that practices and doctrines had been changed or lost and tried to reform the churches to which they belonged. Without the priesthood authority, however, Christ's gospel could not be returned to its original form.

After centuries of spiritual darkness, a restoration? of truth was needed. Under the Direction of our Heavenly Father, the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored on the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. God has promised it will never be taken from His children again.

In 1820, as He had done throughout history, Father in Heaven again chose a prophet? to restore the gospel? and the priesthood? to the earth. He called a young man named Joseph Smith, and through him, the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth.

Joseph Smith lived in the United States, which was perhaps the only country to enjoy religious freedom at the time. It was at a time of great religious excitement in the eastern United States, and Joseph Smith's family members were deeply religious and constantly sought for truth. The Holy Bible? taught that there was "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5), but many ministers claimed to have the true gospel. Joseph attended different churches, but he was confused about which church he should join and desired "to know which of all the sects was right" (Joseph Smith-History 1:18). He later wrote:

"So great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was . . . to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong. . . . In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?" (Joseph Smith-History 1:8, 10).

As Joseph sought truth among the different faiths, he turned to the Bible for guidance. He read, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Because of this passage, Joseph decided to ask God what he should do. In the spring of 1820 he went to a nearby grove of trees and knelt in prayer. He described his experience: "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. . . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17). In this vision God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith. The Savior told Joseph not to join any of the churches, for they "were all wrong." The Savior stated, "They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof" (Joseph Smith-History 1:19).

Although many good people believed in Christ and tried to understand and teach His gospel, they did not have the fulness of truth or the priesthood authority to baptize and perform other saving ordinances? at that time. They had inherited a state of apostasy?, as each generation was influenced by what the previous one passed on, including changes in the doctrines and in ordinances, such as baptism.

Joseph Smith's First Vision? marked the beginning of the Restoration? of Jesus Christ's Church to the earth. In subsequent years, Christ restored His priesthood and reorganized His Church. He has continued to reveal truths to His prophets and to restore the blessings that were taken from the earth for a time.

The Apostle Peter prophesied of the "restitution of all things" before Christ's Second Coming (Acts 3:19-21). The Restoration of Christ's Church on the earth has made available the opportunity for all to once again receive all of the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As part of the Restoration? of the gospel?, God brought forth the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ?. By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated this book from an ancient record written on gold plates?. The Book of Mormon is "a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible?, the fulness of the everlasting gospel" (Introduction to the Book of Mormon).

The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. It helps us understand His teachings, including those in the Bible. Examples of Book of Mormon witnesses of Christ include:

  • Nephi, who saw the birth and death of Christ in a vision (1 Nephi 11:13-15).
  • The brother of Jared, who saw the Lord because of his great faith (Ether 3:7-16).
  • The prophet Samuel the Lamanite, who prophesied of Christ's coming and gave the signs of His birth and death (Helaman 13-14).
  • Christ Himself, who, after His Resurrection, appeared to the people of ancient America and invited them to come forward one by one to see and touch Him until "they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves" (3 Nephi 11:13-17).

In the Bible, Jesus told His Apostles?, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (John 10:16). Soon after He was resurrected, the Lord visited these "other sheep"-the inhabitants of ancient America. During this visit to the American continent (recorded in the Book of Mormon), Jesus Christ:

  • Invited people to feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side.
  • Taught His gospel.
  • Called twelve disciples to teach His gospel.
  • Healed the sick.
  • Prayed for the people.
  • Performed miracles.

In September 1823, Joseph Smith was visited by a heavenly messenger named Moroni?, in the same way that angels often appeared to Church leaders in the New Testament. Moroni informed Joseph that God had a work for him to do and told him that a record of the ancient inhabitants of the American continent was buried in a nearby hill. He stated that the record contained the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Joseph Smith-History 1:27-34).

In September 1827, Joseph received the record, which was written on thin plates of gold. Joseph translated the book into English by the inspiration? of God and called the book the Book of Mormon. It is named after Mormon?, an ancient prophet who compiled the sacred? record. The book verifies, as another testament of Christ, the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ. It is, then, a second witness that affirms the truth of the Bible. Since its publishing in 1830, the Book of Mormon has blessed the lives of millions of people through its powerful message about Jesus Christ and His gospel.

AnswerA Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which can also use the secondary name of Church of Jesus Christ. Mormons also refer to themselves as Latter Day Saints. Alternate AnswerThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is commonly known as the Mormon Church. Its members are frequently referred to as Mormons. The term can also be reasonably applied to other restorationists who believe in and follow the teachings of the Book of Mormon.

Being a Mormon has a significant amount to do with engaging in a lifestyle that is associated with, but not subsumed in, membership in the LDS Church. Many, many people have been baptized and confirmed, conferring nominal membership in the Church but have not engaged in the lifestyle involved with being Mormon to any significant degree. Being a Mormon involves things like:

  • Making a noticeable effort to show respect for, it not obedience to, the teachings of the Church, particularly on matters of sexual morality, use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea, and illegal drugs, and the making and keeping of covenants in temples.
  • Being involved in a culture that traces its way through Mormon communities back to Joseph Smith, including those who crossed the plains to join those communities in the Intermountain West, especially prior to the rail service to those areas, usually identified as "the Pioneers."
  • Accepting an identity as a Mormon and a loyalty to the LDS Church that supersedes all other identities and loyalties, but which will be compatible with almost all family and national identities and loyalties.

One raised in a Mormon family has at least some claim to being a Mormon even if not currently active in the Church or after rejecting the validating claims of the Church. This is akin to being a Cradle Catholic or a non-religious Jew

Mormons do not worship Joseph Smith, by the way. Just wanted to make that more clear.

A Mormon is a person who belongs to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints; who believes in Christ, the bible, the Holy Ghost, and the Book of Mormon.

The word 'Mormon' is an adopted name often made by non-church members due to the church believing in the second book, 'The book of Mormon' and a character in that book known as Mormon.

For more detailed information please visit web sites;

lds.org/?lang=eng

Mormon.org/ Mormons (/ˈmɔrmənz/) are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity, which began with the visions of Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the 1820s.
a Mormon is a member of the church of Jesus christ of latter day saints. fo rmore info about this religion you can visit Mormon.org or lds.org

Do the Mormons own Walgreen's?

Nah, I don't think we do. It doesn't even have pictures of the temple or of the Savior or anything.


Richard King, former president of Albertsons was a Mormon, but no it is not owned by Mormons.

How many mormans are there?

"Mormon" is a nickname for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which is commonly called the "Mormon" church). There are not really different "kinds" or classifications of Mormons - you either are one, or you aren't one. Although Mormons often classify each other as 'active' (practicing), 'non-active' (not practicing) or 'less-active' (somewhere in between). Of course every Mormon is different and so you could also argue that there are as many kinds of Mormons as there are Mormons (which, as of 2013, is 14.5 million).

There are also those who may call themselves "Mormons" or members of the larger "Mormonism Movement" who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "LDS Church"). These often belong to some breakaway group or sect (such as the Community of Christ, Apostolic United Brethren, or True and Living Church of Christ) which has separated itself from the mainstream LDS Church over some smaller doctrinal detail, while their main beliefs about Jesus as Savior, Joseph Smith as a Prophet, and the Bible and Book of Mormon as scripture remain common.

Do Mormons say the pledge of alligence?

Yes. Most American members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the 'Mormon' church) have no problem saying the pledge of allegiance. There are a few who do not think it is appropriate to say the pledge allegiance because allegiance should be only to God, so they might not say it, but the majority don't have a problem with it. The Church itself has no official stand on the matter.

What is the Mormons motivation?

Motivation for what?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) are motivated to do many things and for many reasons. Some that I could think of are:

Mormons are motivated to serve others and the Church. This is because they are striving to become like Jesus Christ, who spent his life serving those he came in contact with.

Mormons are motivated to prepare for disasters. This is because they believe in taking care of themselves and because they believe in the Biblical prophesies of calamaties, natural disasters, wars, etc as a signal of Christ's Second Coming.

Mormons are motivated to share their faith with others. This is because they believe that they are to futher the work of God on earth, to bring others to Jesus Christ, and to make sure that all people have had an opportunity for salvation.

Mormons are motivated to have large families with strong values. This is because they believe that the family is the fundamental unit of society - strong families build strong communities.

You can learn more about Mormons at the "Related Link" below.

Do Mormons accept birthday gifts?

Yes! Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) celebrate birthdays and other major National and Christian holidays. (such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter) Birthdays are usually celebrated by gathering with friends and family and exchanging gifts. A birthday gift would be accepted and appreciated.

Was Jesus Christ the Savior of all worlds?

Yes.

Many of the everyday people that meet Jesus recognised this. For example the Samaritan woman who had an encounter with Jesus by a well and the people of her village:

John 4:42 Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

Jesus' disciples acknowledged that He is the saviour. In the book of second Peter, Peter uses this title of Christ five times, for example:

2Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Does the Mormon church celebrate marriage?

Yes. Marriage is very sacred and important to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church). They believe that marriage is a part of God's plan and that marriage and parenthood are part of the purpose of life. They also believe that marriage is for eternity and that married couples continue together in heaven after death. Marriage is so special that according to some Mormon scriptures marriage in the Mormon Temple will allow some to become gods, although interpreting these scriptures is not easy. Mormons are taught to look forward to marriage from the time they are children.

Typically, a Mormon wedding ceremony is very small and limited to only close family and friends. However, Mormons are notorious for holding huge wedding receptions. It is customary to invite extended family (even in very large families) from both sides, friends, and even the entire congregation for the reception. Many Mormon couples (especially in Utah where congregations can be very large) expect a thousand guests at their receptions. (as an example, I had 15 guests at my ceremony and 700 at my reception)

Mormon churches and temples will perform and host weddings and receptions at no charge, so many Mormons (and even non-Mormons) choose to hold their wedding celebrations at a church building.

Check out the "Related Links" to learn more about Mormon marriage.

Do Mormons believe in the resurrection?

If the presumed context of "ghosts" are lost souls, then no. We believe that after death, the soul goes out of the body and go to either Heaven or Hell as it's final destination.

On the other hand, if the presumed context of "ghosts" are evil spirits/demonic beings, then yes. We believe that these are fallen angels that manipulate the minds of people.

What happens in the Mormon temple on Saturdays?

Temples are where people can get away from the busy and sometimes sinful world and worship their god. In the LDS church we believe that temples are houses of God and you have to be worthy to enter. In a LDS temple there are baptism for the dead. This is where we baptize people, by proxy, who have already died and gone into heaven into our church. We also have weddings in our temples. As i said before not all people can enter in a temple, only the ones with a temple recomend, so the weddings aren't open to non-members. In the weddings we get sealed to our spouse for time and all eternity. This means that after death we are still married in heaven. I've never attended a temple wedding because, of course, i wasn't born when my parents got married and haven't had the chance to go to one because i wasn't old enough to get a temple recomend. you have to be at least 12 years old and worthy. These are just some of the things that go on in LDS temples.

How do Mormons live their lives?

Mormons have many strong values that they try to use to make themselves better people. Some of those are like how they try to dress modestly, and they don't drink like coffee or alcohol, and they try not to date before they are sixteen. But those are just a few.

What present day states run through the Mormon trail?

Technically, none. The Mormon pioneers founded thousands of cities scattered throughout the Western United States, mostly concentrated in present-day Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada, and California. They proposed a state called "Deseret" to the United States government, which covered all of Utah, parts of Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. The United States government drew their own borders to found the states that exist today.

So, the Mormons had nothing to do with deciding the current states names or borders, but they did found many of the cities within those states.

Is God Mormon?

Mormons belive in the same God that other Christians believe in.

----------

Like traditional Christians, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe in God the Father and Jesus Christ; but unlike most traditional Christians do not believe in the concept of the Trinity. Rather, they believe that the Father and Son are two separate personages united in purpose, not person. They refer to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as the "Godhead", rather than the Trinity.

You can learn more about what Mormons believe about God at the "Related Links" below.

Are LDS people allowed to date other non-LDS?

Yes it is allowed. Each member makes their own choice of who they do and do not date.

The reason why many LDS singles choose to date only other members of the LDS church is because they wish to date someone who lives by the same righteous standards they do. They date members who, if they fall in love, they can be married to in an LDS temple for time and all eternity. Only LDS members of the church who live righteous LDS standards can enter the temple.

It's really very romantic. These members choose to find a love that can last forever, not just 'till death do they part'.

Who was the leader of the Mormons?

  1. The first leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) was Joseph Smith. Mormons believe that he received a special calling from God to re-establish the true Church of Jesus Christ.
  2. When Joseph died, Brigham Young became the leader of the Mormons. He lead the Mormons across the plains to the Great Salt Lake Valley.
  3. -John Taylor was the only Church president who was not born in the United States. He was born in England.
  4. -Wilford Woodruff is known as the Church president who cancelled the practice of polygamy in 1890.
  5. -Lorenzo Snow is known for emphasizing tithing and missionary work.
  6. -Joseph F. Smith emphasized Church History by developing several historic sites, as well as expanded missionary efforts and the Church Education System.
  7. -Heber J. Grant developed the extensive Church Welfare program during the Great Depression.
  8. -George Albert Smith had bad health and terrible eyesight, but sent Church Welfare to Europe following World War 2 and encouraged Scouting among the boys in the Church.
  9. -David O. McKay is often thought of as the president that 'modernized' the Church and brought it out of obscurity. He is known for internationalizing the Church and emphasizing family values and education.
  10. -Joseph Fielding Smith was already known as a great LDS doctrinal writer before becoming the president of the Church. He restructured much of Church Administration to help it meet the needs of the growing membership.
  11. -Harold B. Lee made many changes that prepared the Church for the rapid expansion of coming decades, following in the footsteps of Joseph Fielding Smith.
  12. Spencer W. Kimball was an unusually broadly traveled president. He was also unusually old. He was quite beloved by his people.
  13. Ezra Taft Benson was secretary of agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
  14. Howard W. Hunter was in poor health. He was almost completely paralyzed from the waist down. He served the shortest term as president.
  15. Gordon B. Hinckley was the most widely traveled president ever. He had worked in the field of communications, and he made himself available to the press in an unprecedented fashion.
  16. Today, Thomas S. Monson is the leader of the Mormons. He is well known and a very tender-hearted man who always has something nice to say about the elderly widows in the Church.

The leader of the Church is sustained as a prophet, seer and revelator. He is assisted by two counselors. These three men and the Twelve Apostles are considered the governing body of the Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) is lead by Jesus Christ, who directs the affairs of the Church through a living prophet and twelve Apostles. The Prophet is also referred to as the President of the Church. He has two counselors to assist him.

The current Prophet/President is Thomas S. Monson. His Counselors are Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The current Twelve Apostles are Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffery R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, and Neil L. Anderson.

Previous prophet/presidents are: Joseph Smith, Jr., Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, George Albert Smith, David O. McKay, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Bensen, Howard W. Hunter, and Gordon B. Hinckley.

As there have been over 100 Apostles since the founding of the Church, they will not be listed here.

You can learn more about past and present leaders of the Church at the "Related Links" below.

What percentage of faculty at the University of Utah are Mormon?

90%

Correction - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not track where LDS students choose to attend schools, colleges, and/or universities.

The only way this question could be answered with any accuracy would be if Utah State University tracked the information and released the information to the public - which is not likely to happen.

What did Mormons practice polyamy?

YES and NO. Polygamy has been officially denounced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Nevertheless, members of the LDS church continue to practice polygamy today in the sense that if a man and woman are sealed in the temple, and the woman dies, the man can marry another woman and be sealed to her while he is still sealed to the first. The LDS church teaches that marriage is eternal. Thus, in heaven, the man continues to be married to both women. The LDS church teaches that faithful members will become gods, create worlds, and have spirit children. Therefore, a man sealed to two women on earth will have two wives in heaven. No LDS member or General Authority can deny this fact. Therefore, based on LDS doctrine, polygamy is still practiced in 2008 according to church doctrine. Yes, it is true that radical factions not associated with the LDS church practice polygamy. This is an irrelevant fact related to whether members of the LDS church practices polygamy. Answer: The previous (top) statement is fraught with argumentative speculation… The answer to the question is a resounding NO. LDS (Mormons) do not practice polygamy. The RLDS does. They are a faction that broke away from the church when polygamy was stopped by the LDS (proper). At this time, the church does not recognize polygamous relationships, yet at one time they did. The information provided above is accurate in that Mormons do believe that once sealed in the temple, they are bound to that person in death. (Afterlife) If a widowed Mormon man re-marries and that marriage is sealed in the temple too, then that woman also becomes that man's partner in heave as well. (Hence the idea of polygamous relationship as described by the writer above) The writer above also implies through his writing that there is a heaven and as such, Mormons are going there, because through his/her interpretation, if they are dead and sealed to more than one, then they are continuing their polygamous relationship. (IE; 2008) As of this writing, there are no Mormon polygamists recognized by the authoritarian Mormon Church. (The original Mormon Church)

Is Satan Mormon?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe that Satan is Lucifer, or the Devil. Prior to the creation of the earth, he was a son of God and dwelled with God. Satan disobeyed God and by so doing became evil. He was cast out of heaven and a third of the hosts of heaven followed him. Satan now tries to lead men away from God. Because Satan has no body, he has no physical power over mankind, but he is cunning and understands how to trick and decieve men into following his will.

At the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Satan will be bound for the thousand year Millennial Reign. Following the Millennium, Satan will be loosed for a little season before mankind is judged. Those who were evil and rejected God will be sentenced to dwell in "outer darkness" or hell with Satan for eternity.

How do Mormons think they are going to heaven?

LDS (Mormon) scripture, via the 'Doctrine and Covenants' [D & C], teaches that there are 4 major divisions of people; most concerning this entry will be found in D&C section 76:

Sons of perdition, for whom there is no forgiveness - not in this world, nor in the world to come, go into Outer darkness and remain with Satan and his angels for all eternity. These are they who have denied the Holy Ghost wherein they have assented unto Jesus Christ's death. As members of His Church, after having received the wonderful Gift of the Holy Ghost, they have then turned against that same Holy Spirit and actively fought against God, against the Holy Ghost and all that is holy and righteous.

The next lowest level - referred to as "telestial" - are those who have lived murderous, adulterous lives - thieves, liers, whoremongers, and those who make lies and love trouble, etc. These will go down to hell with Satan for at least 1000 years before redemption. They will eventually go into a kingdom of lower glory, but "not until they have paid the uttermost senine" in hell with Satan and all the hosts of hell for their evil ways. "There shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth" - hell fire, basically. After they have been delivered up to the buffetings of the devil, they shall be 'redeemed' to the lowest of kingdoms - the telestial. But they will always have in mind what could have been had they lived honest, moral lives.

The next general level is called, the Terrestrial Kingdom.

These were good, honest people, but were not perfected through faithfulness to the Covenants of God available in His holy temple. They were misled by various 'ideas and the craftiness of men', even religious ideas, into accepting something less than what God truly had in mind - the Father's Kingdom.

The Highest Kingdom of God are those who rightly live in Heaven, and enjoy the presence of the Father, as well as of the Son and the Holy Ghost.

These are they who were valiant and noble in following the teachings of Jesus and in receiving and being faithful to the highest covenants Man can make with God.

This is a Kingdom of sealed families. Its highest level, which Mormons call, "Exaltation" or Eternal Life, is God's life. These are they who continue to procreate into the Eternities and who live and create as gods in their own right and who live together with their families forever.

They believe that we should try to learn as much as we can and be the best people that we can learn to be, so that we can go to the highest level (the Celestial Kingdom), where we can be with our families forever.

But not everyone will be saved in Heaven for Matthew 7:21 states, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." The verse clearly commands people to follow God's will and clearly states that not everyone will enter Heaven, or what Latter-Day Saints ["Mormons"] often call, the Celestial Kingdom. Entering Heaven depends on your religious beliefs and your obedience to do the right, making solemn covenants before God. Most religions believe that only those of their religion will go to heaven. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe that almost everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, will eventually be 'saved' from death and hell, but the wicked must pay the uttermost senine in hell first.

Mormons believe that eternal hell or 'perdition' is reserved only for those who knowingly denied salvation through Jesus Christ after having received it, committing the 'unpardonable sin' - blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (see Matthew 12:31). Essentially, Mormons believe that only apostate Mormons are eligible to live in hell Forever: all others will be saved eventually, from the eternal grasps of Satan, though only the righteous - faithful to their temple covenants - will live with God, the Father eternally.

How are Mormon holidays celebrated?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas and his Resurrection on Easter. Many members also celebrate "Pioneer Day" on the 24th of July, as that is the day when the first group of Mormon Pioneers arrived at what is now Salt Lake City. Some members observe April 6th as well, which is the day the Church was officially organized. Church members also regard each Sunday as the Sabbath and keep that day holy by spending time with family, worshipping Jesus Christ, studying scripture, and visiting the sick. They do not seek entertainment, go shopping, participate in sporting events, or work on Sunday.

What is the rank in size of Mormons?

I'm not quite sure exactly what you are asking, so hopefully I can answer your question...

There are about 14 million baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) worldwide, with about 6 million of those members being in the United States. Most studies show that this makes the "Mormon" Church the third largest religious denomination in the United States, behind the Roman Catholic Church (68 million Americans) and the United Methodist Church (8 million Americans). To help you compare size, there are about as many Mormons as there are Jews in the world.

What happens if a Mormon became president?

If a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) became President of the United States, he/she would probably attend church at the Washington DC 3rd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rather than in the Presidential Pew at St. John's Episcopal Church like every other president has (although in keeping with tradition he/she would probably attend at St. John's occasionally). There would probably also be less coffee and alcohol served in the White House.

What does sealed mean to a Mormon?

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church), "sealing" is a sacred Temple ceremony in which you are 'sealed' or connected to your spouse, parents, or children eternally. To be sealed to someone means that your relationship with them will continue in heaven.

The sealing ceremony is a very simple ceremony that only takes place inside Mormon Temples. Those being sealed will kneel at an altar and a 'sealer' (someone ordained to perform sealings) will bless their relationship to last throughout eternity if they live faithful to God's commandments. A sealing ceremony can also be performed to seal deceased people to their spouse, parents, and children as well.

When a Mormon couple says that they are being married in the Temple, what they are really doing is being 'sealed'. When a couple is sealed, any children born to them afterward will automatically be sealed to them.

You can learn more about "sealing" in Mormonism at the "Related Links" below.

Is the LDS Church true?

Yes. But then, all churches believe theirs is the true church of God, so my opinion on this question doesn't much matter.

The only way to know for yourself which church God believes is true is to ask Him. If you do so with sincerity and humility you will -- if my own experience is anything to go by -- receive a response. It might take time to hear the answer, but God always responds to the prayers of humble sincere seekers.