Mormonism

These are the top two questions and mistakes I've seen about the LDS religion:

1. They aren't allowed to use technology

2. They are allowed to have multiple wives/practice polygamy

In answer to the first, that's the Amish, not Mormons. And, no, LDS no longer practice polygamy. True, there is a Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that practices polygamy (and has been on the news quite a bit...), it is not to be part of the original church.

Things Mormons don't do are:

practice polygamy (after 1890)

have sex outside of a legal heterosexual monogamous marriage

do drugs or drink alcohol

dress provocatively

use lots of profane language

encourage murder, violence and hate crimes

"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.

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

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.

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.