Mormonism

Upon his birth, Joseph Smith was named Joseph Smith. Throughout his life he was called Joseph Smith, Jr. because his father's name is also Joseph Smith. His son was named Joseph Smith, III. His enemies often referred to him as Joe Smith. This was intended to be very disrespectful, and it was often offensive.

No. Brigham Young University, although owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. In fact, many of the students, especially the athletes, are not members of the Church. They simply wanted to go to a good school where they could be surrounded by students of high morals. All students at the university, regardless of their faith, must follow a strict code of conduct and take a religion class in order to qualify for graduation.

No. The LDS Church (commonly called the "Mormon} Church) believes, as per its 12th Article of Faith, in honouring and sustaining the Law. The Church outlawed the practise of polygamy amongst its adherents more than 120 years ago, in 1890. Any person found practising it today is excommunicated from the Church.

There are various break-away churches that do practice polygamy, and have been on the US news quite a bit in the recent past. They are not part of the LDS Church. Many people make the mistake of categorizing these various practices and churches as one religion. However, such beliefs and churches are, in fact, entirely their own distinct religions.

However, the LDS Church does believe that marriages solemnized in its temples can be for 'time' on earth and for all eternity, rather than just ending at the death of either spouse (as in the typical "til death do you part" ceremony), in a process referred to as "sealing." A man sealed to a wife who has died may be sealed to another wife, which, if Mormon understanding is correct, can result in him having more than one wife in the next life.

Some of those who disagreed with the Church ending the practice left the Church to form their own groups. These groups are NOT affiliated with the Church in any way and are NOT considered "Mormons". The polygamist groups and the Church do not want to be affiliated with each other, and operate entirely as their own distinct entities.

Some of the major polygamist groups include the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the FLDS), the True and Living Church (TLC), the Latter Day Church of Christ (the Kingston Clan), the Blakemore Group, the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), The Centennial Park Group, the Davis Co-operative Society, and The Church of the Lamb of God (the LeBaron Group). There are also many independent polygamist families that do not associate with any of these organized polygamist groups.

So, it is no wonder that the whole issue can become quite confusing.

For more information on the Church's doctrines about polygamy or about the Church itself, see the "Related Links" below.

No. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) banned the practice of polygamy or plural marriage over 120 years ago in 1890. Anyone found participating in that practice is excommunicated from the Church.

Those whom you hear of practicing polygamy (such as those featured on the news or on TV series such as 'Big Love' and 'Sister Wives') are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but belong to offshoot groups which have broken off from the Church long ago.

Check out the video under "Related Links" below to hear a statement from the past president of the Mormon Church regarding polygamists.

The reason polygamy is illegal in some countries because it is seen as immoral and unfair against women, the laws regarding polygamy tend to relate to the historical traditions of the area or country. Most Christian religions forbid bigamy and polygamy, others have seen to harm in it for hundreds of years. The role of religion in opposing polygamy is important but should not be overstated. The ancient Greeks outlawed polygamy long before the spread of Christianity. While not actually illegal in the early Roman Empire, it was strongly discouraged. Modern secular societies with no heritage of Christianity, such as China, also outlaw polygamy. Even some Islamic countries have moved to limit the rights of Muslim men to practise polygamy. So, while religion plays a part, the prohibition of polygamy is clearly more broadly based than religious beliefs. A further, credible reason for the widespread prohibition is the public good. Polygamy inevitably results in lowering the status of women, since women in plural marriages have a lower status than their shared husband, while female polygamy (polyandry) is seldom permitted and even more seldom practised. Also, the rich and powerful can corner the supply of eligible young women, leaving a proportion of other men unable to legally have intimate relations with a woman. This creates the circumstances for infidelity, rape and general crime born out of frustration and resentment.

Yes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) is one of the five fastest growing religions in the United States and has been for several years. In 2009, Church membership increased by about 250,000 members worldwide.

Brigham Young is generally attributed as the leader of the Mormon exodus from the midwest to what is now Utah. He didn't personally lead every company but he is largely responsible for choosing where they ended, appointing trail leaders, and organizing assistance for those in need.

I'll assume you are referring to the church itself and not the individual members, as most Mormons are not rich. One reason the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) has quite a bit of money is because it saves money by having a lay ministry. This means that none of the religious leaders are paid - everyone in a congregation is given a responsibility and they volunteer their time to teach, preach, and even clean. Money donated to the church through tithes and offerings goes to paying for building construction (the church has a policy of never going into debt to build a new building) and maintenance as well as charitable and humanitarian efforts.

The Church believes that by living debt free and donating a sizeable portion of your time and money to charitable efforts, you will be blessed with all that you need temporally. They teach this principle by example to their members.

* Technically no. Mormons are Henotheists in that they recognise the existence of more than one God but worship only One. Incidentally this also seems to have been the ancient Jewish POV as well. * No. They believe in the one true God.

Many things , but one major requirement is for youth to work in the mission field evangelizing.

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Many things, in fact, each adult member of a congregation is given a 'calling' or duty within the congregation. These responsibilities rotate every couple of years. 'Callings' can be anything! They range from cleaning the meetinghouse, teaching Sunday School, being a youth group leader, giving sermons, leading music, leading study groups, administering the sacrament/communion, planning congregation activities or leading the congregation as a bishop.

All members of the Church are called to be disciples of Christ and share the gospel both by serving the needy and by evangelizing. It is not a requirement to serve as a missionary, but quite common for college-age Mormons to do so.

You can learn more about 'callings' within the church at the "Related Links" below.

Early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) practiced polygamy because they believed that God had revealed to Joseph Smith that the Biblical practice of polygamy was to be restored. They ended the practice in 1890 after a later prophet, Wilford Woodruff, said he had received a revelation from God to end the practice.

You can read the official answer to this question from the Church, as well as answers from Mormon church members at the "Related Links" below. You can also read the revelations restoring and ending the practice of polygamy in the Church.

There are no secrets. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church), like Christ, invites all to "come and see."

You can learn about their beliefs and find out how you can "come and see" at the "Related Links" below.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) have never considered themselves to be a Protestant tradition.

The Church considers itself to be a Restorationist Christian tradition. They believe that true Christianity had to be restored directly by God, rather than reformed from existing faiths, as the Protestants believe.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) can be found in nearly every nation of the world.

To see how the membership of the Church is distributed worldwide, visit the "Related Link" below for an interactive map.

Please note that this map goes by citizenship, not actual location... for example, there ARE Mormon congregations in mainland China, but they are only attended by expatriates (citizens of other nations - mostly U.S., Australian, and Taiwanese businessmen) - the Chinese government does not allow Chinese citizens to practice Mormonism in China.

Currently they are not, however Joseph Smith (the first Prophet of the restoration) was, and maybe some other early Prophets and members as well. I hear that Mormon Temple rituals contain similarities to free mason rituals, (but i do not know either.)

Mainly because no other group of people wanted to live in the Salt Lake basin area. Most settlers went to California or Oregon. The Salt Lake area was considered a inhabitable desert. Therefore, left to themselves they thrived.

"Mormon" is a nickname for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For information about what members of this religion believe, you can visit www.Mormon.org.

"Mormon" is a nickname for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church is a Restorationist Christian denomination which has some key differences from most mainstream Christian churches. The Church began with six members in New York in 1830, and now has about 14 million members worldwide.

Obviously everything that Mormons believe can't fit into one answer here. Visit the "Related Links" below if you want to learn more about what Mormons believe, visit Mormon worship services, or ask questions to Church representatives. Mormons tend to be very friendly and love to share their faith with others.

Yes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) ordains Priests. A Priest is the highest office in the Aaronic Priesthood, following Deacons and Teachers. Most men are ordained Priests at age 16 or upon baptism into the Church. A Priest has the authority to perform baptisms and to bless the Sacrament (communion or Lord's supper).

After becoming a Priest, a man may be ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood, usually to the office of an Elder or a High Priest.

The leader of a congregation is called a Bishop, not a Priest.

In American there are several groups of polygamists.

There are tens of thousands of Mormons in small sects like FLDS. They are based in the Intermountain West and British Columbia.

There are uncountable numbers of Christian groups and families and non religion based families as well. These people are widely spread.

More and more immigrant men are importing extra wives from their home country. Estimates begin in the tens of thousands. They are mostly in large cities.

Since polygamy is illegal in the US, these people live under the radar and don't stand up to be counted.

Genesis 4:19 And Lamech took unto him two wives. Genesis 16:1-4 Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai ... gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived. Genesis 25:6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had.... Genesis 26:34 Esau ... took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. Genesis 28:9 Esau .. took ... Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael ... to be his wife. Genesis 31:17 Then Jacob rose up, and set ... his wives upon camels. Genesis 32:22 He [Jacob] ... took his two wives, and his two womenservants. Ex.21:10 If he take him another wife.... Dt.21:15 If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated.... Judges 8:30 And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. 1 Sam.1:1-2 Elkanah ... had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. 2 Sam.12:7-8 Thus saith the LORD God of Israel ... I gave thee ... thy master's wives.... 1 Kg.11:2-3 Solomon ... had seven hundred wives ... and three hundred concubines. 1 Chr.4:5 And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 2 Chr.11:21 Rehoboam ... took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines. 2 Chr.13:21 But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives.... 2 Chr.24:3 Jehoiada took for him two wives.... Mt.25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Early Mormon Pioneers moved to the western U.S. because they had been kicked out of New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. They chose to live in a place that nobody else wanted so that they could be free of persecution.

Today there are nearly 14 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) worldwide. They are in every U.S. state and nearly every nation of the world.

The word "Thanks" appears 167 times according to word counting software lds.org/scriptures/search?lang=eng&type=verse&query=thanks

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) teaches that women are equal to men, although given different roles. Men are consistantly reminded that women are to be treated with respect - any form of abuse is absolutely not tolerated and is grounds for excommunication. Objectification of women (through pornography and other means) is also grounds for excommunication. Women and men are instructed to work together "equally yoked" to serve their families and the Church. While men oversee the Church generally, women are essentially responsible for making it happen - they organize congregation and community activities, service and humanitarian projects, provide Sunday School lessons, youth groups, and other worship meetings. Women provide sermons and prayers in Sunday Services regularly. In fact, the Church's women's organization, the Relief Society, is one of the largest women's groups in the world.

See the "Related Links" below for more information on women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There aren't any official sources listing his height, but we do know that he was shorter than 5'11. See the "Related Link" below to see a photo of President Hinckley standing next to President George W. Bush. George Bush is 5'11, so judging by the photo I'd guess that President Hinckley was about 5'7.

All branches of Christianity share a basic belief in Jesus Christ, his atonement, and his position as savior and redeemer. They all believe in the Bible, follow the commandments, and worship as a community. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' church) is no exception. There are a handful of groups which split from the Mormon church (such as Community of Christ, FLDS, and Apostolic United Brethren), so these denominations are similar in history, up to the point of their departure.

Other Christian branches that grew out of the Second Great Awakening with Mormonism (such as Adventists and Disciples of Christ) share more similar ideas than the older branches (such as Lutherans, Catholics, and Episcopalians). Like all Christians, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is their Savior and that the Bible is the Word of God. They also share similar traditions such as Baptism, Communion/Lord's Supper, and blessing by laying on hands, as well as Christmas and Easter.

Mormonism does have unique features which are found in few, if any, other Christian denominations, such as a rejection of the Nicene Creed, belief in modern prophets and an open scriptural canon, salvation for the dead, eternal families, and lay clergy.

Check out the "Related Links" below to learn more about Mormons.