Mormonism

Mormons believe that a person must:

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

2. Repent of their sins

3. Be baptized into Christ's church by someone holding God's authority known as the Priesthood

4. Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, also by someone holding the Priesthood

They also believe that after these things are done that they must "endure to the end" which means they must continue to have faith in Christ, repent of any mistakes, and live their lives like Christ as best they can for the remainder of their life.

Additional:

There are several "ordinance for salvation" to obtain the "highest degree of exaltation" (i.e. the "highest heaven").

They are:

1) Baptism, by immersion by one having authority from God (i.e. "the priesthood")

2) Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost (confirmation)

3) "The endowment" - be worthy to enter a "Holy Temple" and receive further ordinances

4) Temple Marriage - Marriage in the temple not only for time, but for "all eternity." This is between a man and woman.

5) Sealing to parents and children - If a man and woman are married in the temple prior to the birth of their children they are automatically "born in the covenant" or sealed to them for eternity. Otherwise all children may be sealed at any time afterwards to a mother and father (whether living or dead). A legally adopted child may be sealed to parents, or a step child, or any children born prior to the parent's temple marriage.

Also, all the above ordinances may be done by proxy after death. This is the reason for the emphasis on Genealogy and Family history. They believe the the concept of vicarious (or proxy) work on behalf of another. The person for whom the work is done still has free agency to accept or reject any ordinance performed on their behalf.

The church has several websites and the principle one to explain and teach the "basic beliefs" is mormon.org. The other one, geared towards members of the church is lds.org.

Yes. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attend church worship services on Sunday as well as Sunday School and Womens/Mens groups. Sunday church meetings generally last three hours.

Some Church members also choose to attend other worship services or meetings held on weekdays.

In relation to the world population, there really aren't that many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church). There are about 14.5 million Mormons worldwide (as of January 2013) and about 7 billion people in the world. So only 0.2% of the world population is Mormon. Compare that to 17% of the world being Catholic, or 20% of the world's population being Muslim, and Mormons are hardly worth mentioning. However, 14.5 million members is quite a large number considering the relatively recent and humble beginnings of the Mormon church, not to mention the high standards that are expected of it's membership. Of course there are many reasons why there are 'so many' Mormons: -For one, they have an actively proselyting missionary force of approximately 60,000 young people, going door to door around the world seeking anyone interested in hearing their message. These missionaries bring in an average of 250,000 new converts per year. -Most converts join because they are touched by the message of the Gospel of Christ and desire to join with others who have a similar faith. The Mormon church has some unique doctrines which many prospective converts realize they cannot find in other religions. Of course there are always some who join because the Church will assist them with food, housing, and other necessities if they are not able to provide it for themselves. -In addition to converts joining due to the missionary efforts, Mormons also have strong family values and place a high emphasis on marriage and children. The average Mormon family has more children than the average non-Mormon family, and in a typical year over 100,000 new children are born into the Mormon church.

Of course. It depends on the person's individual choice. Although members can and do marry outside the church, they are strongly discouraged from doing so because the authority for this marriage lasts only 'til death do us part'. The problem is Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe that marriage is Forever, but that these Eternal marriages can only be performed in holy edifices called, 'Temples' by proper authodity from God. To be worthy to enter the temple, one needs to be temple worthy and temple ready, having been interviewed by their bishop and stake president for active Church membership and testimony.

When the "Mormon" (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) settlers first arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in what is now Utah, there was nothing there. The entire area was untamed wilderness, and practically a desert. They built Salt Lake City from scratch, but visitors to the settlement later on spoke well of it.

In the very old days (before Christ was even born), Mormon and Christian mean had more than one wife. But, in more recent doctrine (the Book of Mormon), in 2 Nephi of the Book of Mormon, a revelation came unto Nephi that God frowned upon those with multiple wives and exclaimed that that "was not His way". (This is coming from a member of the Mormon church). The above answer is exactly right because God allows free agency (A prophet CAN lead you astray) and polygamy has always been an "abomination" unto God. The early "saints" were led astray by Joseph Smith who was warned not to "follow his own will and carnal desires" (D&C 3:1-11). He later repented just before he was assassinated Masonically (research book written on this~find it on the internet)."This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David and Solomon his son. Behold David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord" (Book, Jacob 2:23-24). Further research into the writings of D. Michael Quinn, an award winning historian, other credible resources, and even altered LDS scriptures yielded confirming answers. D. Michael Quinn's historical research into the early years of the church found that Joseph Smith repented of polygamy weeks prior to his assassination by burning the original polygamy manuscript with his first wife Emma and telling the Quorum to burn their Masonic temple garments and to stop practicing polygamy. J June 10, 1844: "Hyrum (Joseph's brother) tells Nauvoo City Council that the 1843 revelation pertains to ancient polygamy, not to modern times…" J June 20, 1844: "Smith writes the apostles to return to Nauvoo immediately and probably on this occasion, instructs them to destroy their endowment undergarments." Ju June 23, 1844: "…Joseph and Emma Smith burn the original manuscript of the 1843 polygamy revelation, presumably on this evening…" (Quinn 645-46). After the Masonic murder of Joseph Smith, D&C Section 132 is politically added to LDS scriptures to justify polygamy. Is this why Joseph Smith was murdered? Brigham Young Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards (unharmed at Carthage Jail and later wrote about it ~?) early leaders, were 33rd degree Masons who had infiltrated the church (Quinn 114-5). (also see HCK's autobiography pg. 11) The book, "Wife No. 19…," written in 1875 by Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of President Brigham Young gives her description of the "bondage" of women in polygamy (Young). The women believed that their eternal salvation rested on their obedience and willingness to share their husband with other wives. And what was the attitude of polygamous wives as reported by their husbands? "…they have not seen a week's happiness since they became acquainted with that law [plural marriage] or since their husbands took a second wife" (Johnson). Historical research shows that polygamy is an abomination to most women including those who live it for their "salvation" (Young). Ten of Brigham Young's wives divorced him, even though he was the "Prophet and President" of the LDS Church (Young, chapter 37). The control of satanic Masonry and continued belief in polygamy with the suppression of women in the LDS church could well account for depression in Utah being the highest for many years (U.S. Census 2003) including the latest poll of 2007 reported by the Church-owned newspaper; The Deseret News (Thalman). Utah also leads the nation in abuse and pornography! (Deseret News) "All is not well in Zion" as warned of in the Book of Mormon with the Saints believing that Zion is where they dwell: "they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth…and thus the devil…leadeth them away carefully down to hell" (Book, 2 Nephi 28). Works Cited Quinn, Michael D. The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power. Salt Lake City: UT Signature Books. 1995. Young, Ann Eliza. Wife No. 19 or The Story of a life in Bondage being a Complete Expose` of Mormonism and Revealing the Sorrows, Sacrifices and Sufferings of Women in Polygamy. 1875.

As of January 2010, there are 13,824,854 baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) worldwide. 6,058,907 of those members were in the United States.

To compare the size, there are approximately as many Mormons as there are Jews worldwide.

You can see a great interactive map showing the membership numbers of the Church at the "Related Link" below.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) consider fornication a serious sin. A Mormon who commits fornication is expected to voluntarily confess this sin to their Bishop when they feel the desire to repent of this sin. The Bishop will guide and support them throughout the repentance process. For some, especially those in leadership positions, a probationary period may occur in which they are removed from leadership and have certain privileges - such as leading congregational prayer or attending special Temple services - temporarily revoked. Exactly what happens will depend on the individual situation, but for most Mormons they will simply go through a period of repentance with the support of their Bishop, and then life will continue on as normal.

Those Mormons who fornicate and decide not to confess or repent of their sins will await God's judgement in the afterlife. The Book of Mormon has strong words against those who 'procrastinate the day of their repentance', saying that they will become subjected to the devil. (see Alma 34:35)

Mormons believe that hiding one's sins or postponing repentance will bring more guilt and pain, but that God as our loving creator desires us to confess and repent so that He may, through His grace, forgive us and restore our personal peace.

The vast majority of the followers of Joseph Smith believed that Brigham Young was his successor. Today about 15 million people believe that Brigham Young was appointed by God to be Joseph Smith's successor. They are the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) and a handful of offshoot branches.

Another group thought that Joseph Smith's young son, Joseph Smith III, should be the successor. There are about 500,000 people today who believe Joseph Smith III was Joseph Smith's successor. They are members of the Community of Christ and a handful of offshoot branches.

A third group believed that James Strang was appointed by God to be Joseph Smith's successor. There are about 300 people today who adhere to this belief; they are often called "Strangites".

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) does not interfere in the marital relationships of it's members. Interracial couples are becoming increasingly common among Mormons, and they are treated exactly the same as couples who are of the same race.

I am assuming by "Mormon Underwear" you are referring to the Temple Garment. The Temple Garment is considered extremely sacred to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is not generally discussed in casual conversation or shown to those outside of the faith.

The Garment is received after one is washed and anointed in the Temple, in a ceremony similar to the one found in Leviticus 8 in the Old Testament. This ordinance is usually administered to those preparing to leave on missions ( usually ages 19 to 25), those preparing to be married in the temple, or to converts one year or more after their baptism. Church members who do not fall under one of these categories are usually recommended by their Bishop to receive it in their late 20's. Once receiving their washing and anointing, they are obligated to wear the Garment throughout their lives because of certain covenants they have made in the Temple.

The Garment serves to remind the wearer of the covenants they have made with God. It serves as an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow Jesus Christ, as a sort of protection, and as a promoter of modesty. Also, as Mormons have an all-lay ministry, the Temple Garment is considered a sort of 'priest's robe', just as some other religions minsters or pastors wear a special collar or robe to signify their authority to preach.

In short, there is no set age. The youngest age someone might start wearing the garment is 18, but only if they are leaving on a mission or getting married. Most who do not serve missions or marry young begin wearing it in their late 20's, and most converts do within a year or two of their baptism.

You can learn more about the Temple Garment at the "Related Links" below.

Thank you for your question. That's an old rumour, the substance of which changes from time to time from Pepsi to Coca Cola to RJ Reynolds (tobacco manufacturing) to breweries to casinos and to any other business that appears to conflict with the Church's standards.

The short answer is No. The church has investments in enterprises that further its mission. It also responsibly holds funds temporarily in various savings accounts, money markets, mutual funds, and other temporary financial instruments while those funds await assignment to some other expense.

According to 2008 church records, there are 13,806,509 baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) worldwide. You can find that information here: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/statistical-information

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) does not and has never had a secret police. They are a religion, not a government, and therefore cannot operate a police force.

I encountered them today at the Lion House, which is where Brigham Young lived in Utah while he was president of the church and Governor of the Utah Territory. These guys are dressed immaculately, hair freshly groomed, and they don't usually look like your typical mormons -- although they're very nice, unless provoked.

I don't know much about them, but I'd like to know more. I do, however, know that they exist. I have been confronted by them several times.

The Latter Day Saints have some beliefs that differ from the rest of Christianity, but there is nothing bad or evil about the church.

Additional Answer:

Like any other large group of people, there will be good and bad members. The word bad means having undesirable or negative qualities. The LDS Church has none of these. As it is a Restored church guided by revelation, and as revelation from God is all truth(Though the truth may hurt some people), the church cannot be bad.

Another View:

The church's teaching will come into conflict with the teachings of other churches, this is so with most religions. But truth will prevail, truth cannot be changed. The LDS church is guided by revelation and not by man, therefor it is not bad. The idea that some religion is bad is a personal opinion. Jews thought christianity was bad.

Another Answer:

It seems as though many people have created this impression that mormons are bad because they come to your house trying to convert you and they are at times quite annoying, but as far as saying they are bad people because of what they believe is again a personal opinion.

Thomas S. Monson has accomplished many things not only in his church, but has also helped in some governmental policies and has helped advise in some movements with Bush and Obama personally.

Some of his accomplishments in the church has been building temples, humanitarian efforts, (particularly with the recent hurricanes and earthquakes in Haiti and other places), Scout program movements, Youth activities in the church and etc.

In all, he has accomplished so much, I can't name all of his achievements. You could go to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; it can tell you a whole bunch of accomplishments.

The most well known city founded by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") is Nauvoo. Other smaller settlements began near Nauvoo but most no longer exist as their own town.

It was not Joseph who founded the Mormon religion, he was only an instrument in Gods hands. When a boy of about 14 years of age Joseph Smith became confused as to there being so many religions all professing to be Gods church. There was a passage in James chapter 1 verses 5 and 6 which caught his eye. "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God..."

Joseph did just that, he went to a wood near his home and prayed that he might know which church was the right one. He was visited by God the father and His son Jesus Christ, and was told not to join any of them for they were all wrong.

Joseph was told of very ancient writings contained upon thin gold plates. It was the history of early American peoples who came out from Jerusalem and settled the Americas. It told of Gods dealings with these people, of their wars and contentions, until finally after many years only one people were left. The remnant of these people are the American Indians.

These golden plates which Joseph was allowed to translate by the power of God later became known as The Book of Mormon, Mormon being the last prophet to edit the records of these early American peoples.

The Book of Mormon goes hand in hand with the Bible, and confirms many truths which are contained in the Bible, but also adds to it many other precious truths which have been left out.

It was Christ who named the church as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, He being the head of the church. Joseph was the first prophet in this last dispensation. To this day the church has never been without a prophet to lead the church through inspiration from on high.

Robert

Addition from another user on 4/9/2012: It should be noted that the above answer is not the only potential answer to this question. Joseph Smith's motivations have been questioned widely. He was brought to court and convicted of money-digging (a con that involved charging people to tell them where they could find treasure), meaning that he was actively working as a con man at the time he was "creating" this new religious sect. It is interesting, and perhaps telling, that this type of "envisioning" is similar to how Joseph Smith allegedly heard the word of God. Although I am far from an authority on this subject, 10 minutes of research were all it took to find preliminary evidence that casts serious doubt on Robert's response. I'm not saying I'm right, but I think it is fair for anyone who sees the above response to know that there are varying opinions and they should research them further. Regardless of what you ultimately conclude for yourself, this should not be your last stop in answering this question.

That is for you to decide. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church), including myself, do believe that it is.

To learn more about the Church and make the decision for yourself, visit http://www.mormon.org. Here you can learn about the basic doctrines of the church, learn how you can discover for yourself if it is true, and chat with church representitives about any questions you have. You can also find the location of a congregation near you to attend worship services.

You might also want to visit http://scriptures.lds.org to read the books that the Church uses as scripture. (The Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price)

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) believe that the Church is lead by Jesus Christ through modern prophets. The first of these prophets was Joseph Smith. After the Church was officially organized in 1830, he was the president of the Church until his murder in 1844. After he was murdered there was some controversy over who should succeed him, until Brigham Young was appointed the president after the Church had arrived in Salt Lake City in 1847. Brigham Young died in 1877, and John Taylor was appointed Church president in 1880. After John Taylor's death in 1887, Wilford Woodruff served until 1898. At Wilford Woodruff's death, Lorenzo Snow became president. He died in 1901.

Church presidents during the 1900's and 2000's are:

Joseph F. Smith (1901-1918)

Heber J. Grant (1918 - 1945)

George Albert Smith (1945 - 1951)

David O. McKay (1951 - 1970)

Joseph Fielding Smith (1970 - 1972)

Harold B. Lee (1972 - 1973)

Spencer W. Kimball (1973 - 1985)

Ezra Taft Benson (1985 - 1994)

Howard W. Hunter (1994 - 1995)

Gordon B. Hinckley (1995-2008)

Thomas S. Monson (2008 to present)

There will be Mormons, Jews, baptists & Muslims in hell. I don't believe that anyone practicing faith sincerely will go to hell. Just as there are many languages, i believe god speaks to different people in different ways and grants them different experiences with him.

The Mormon Pioneer Trail is a 1,300-mile travelled by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1846 to 1868. The Mormon Trail extends from Nauvoo, Illinois on the Mississipi river, passing through Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Eastern Utah to Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Mormon pioneer movement began in 1846 when, after having been driven once again by mob violence from their settled home, the Saints decided to establish a new home for the church outside the established boundaries of the United States. The trail was used for more than 20 years, until the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869.

Among the emigrants were the Mormon handcart pioneers of 1856-1860. Two of the handcart companies, led by James G. Willie and Edward Martin, met disaster on the trail when they departed late and were caught by heavy snowstorms in Wyoming.

Once the Mormons arrived in Salt Lake, some were asked by the Prophet Brigham Young to go settle other places such as Genoa, Nevada; St. George, Utah; Cardston, Alberta, Canada and many other settlements in the territory of Deseret.

See Related Links for more information.

Individual general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) may own whatever stock they wish as independent indivduals. It would be impossible to know what stock every general authority has ever owned.