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Mormonism
Questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormonism.
3,455 Questions
How do Mormons feel about black and white people marring?
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.
What age do Mormons start wearing Mormon underwear?
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.
Is there a relationship between coca cola and the Mormon church?
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
What was the mormans secret police called?
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.
What are some Mormon accomplishments?
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.
City in Illinois founded by Mormon's?
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.
Why do Mormons believe in spiritual underwear?
In Exodus 40:13 it says:
13 And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
Mormons put on these "special underwears", aka: the holy garments, as an outward sign of a commitment to God. The garment is white and represents purity, and by wearing it the person commits to Jesus Christ that he/she will follow whatever the Lord commands of them, just as people did in the Old Testament (the Jews).
These garments serve not only as a reminder, but as a protection from God. Not necessarily from physical harm, but spiritual harm as well. Some people have reported that their garments have protected them from physical harm.
Regardless, this is the purpose of the garment, and these holy garments are worn in conjunction with the restoration of the Lord's true church here on the Earth as a commandment from the Lord.
AnswerI was about to say that we don't when I realized what you were talking about. The temple garments right? I'm not exactly sure how to word the answer, but if you found a member and asked they might be able to give you a more accurate answer than mine. The garments are used to enter the temple. The temple is a super sacred place and to honor that everything we wear and do there is special. AnswerThey then put on the "authorized pattern" undergarment with another ceremony. This is the garment devout Mormon men and women wear nearly all of the time - day and night, summer and winter. They are told it will be a shield and protection against the power of the destroyer until their work on earth is completed. Many Mormons have testified of physical and spiritual protection by wearing the garment. Non-Mormons (Gentiles) sometimes refer to this garment as "Mormon armor" or "bullet-proof underwear" because of the dramatic stories Mormons tell about its protective power. The original undergarment was full length with a large collar, but dress styles have changed and the garment has been greatly abbreviated. However, President Joseph F. Smith said:The Lord has given unto us garments of the Holy Priesthood, and you know what that means. And yet there are those of us who mutilate them, in order that we may follow the foolish, vain and (permit me to say) indecent practices of the world. In order that such people may imitate the fashions, they will not hesitate to mutilate that which should be held by them the most sacred of all things in the world, next to their own virtue, next to their own purity of life. They should hold these things that God has given unto them sacred, unchanged and unaltered from the very pattern in which God gave them. Let us have the moral courage to stand against the opinions of fashion, and especially where fashion compels us to break a covenant and so commit a grievous sin (Improvement Era, 9:813, August, 1906).
Why did Joseph Smith create Mormonism?
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)
Who were the key people in the creation of the Mormon church?
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)
Do Baptists believe the Mormons are going to Hell?
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.
How does the Mormon migration differ from that of others travelers west?
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.
What are the major sects of Mormonism?
"Mormonism" generally refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also called the "Mormon" church. This group has over 15 million members worldwide, which is 97-98% of the larger "Mormonism Movement".
There are other groups and sects within the Mormonism Movement, laregely coming out of two major contoversial events in Mormon history. However these generally do not wish to be called 'Mormons' in an attempt to separate themselves from the well-known Mormon church.
The largest groups within the Latter-day Saint or Mormonism Movement are:
"Josephite" groups: (formed because of a dispute over who should take control of the church after the murder of Joseph Smith in 1844.)
The Community of Christ, based in Missouri. Probably the most similar to mainstream Protestant Christianity, and one of the most liberal Mormonism sects. This group has a lesser focus on the Book of Mormon, does not have a tradition of Temple ceremonies, and has been ordaining women to the priesthood since 1985. The Community of Christ claims 250,000 members worldwide. Several groups have broken off of the Community of Christ, forming what are called Restoration Branches. There are approximately 7,000 members of the various Restoration Branches.
Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite), based in Pennsylvania. These followed Sidney Rigdon aand William Bickerton after the death of Joseph Smith. Claims 12,000 Members.
Church of Christ (Temple Lot), based in Missouri. These followed Granville Hendrick after the death of Joseph Smith. Claims 2,400 members.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) based in Wisconsin. These followed James Strang following the death of Joseph Smith. Claims 300 members.
Church of Christ with the Elijah Message based in Missouri. Claims 12,000 members.
"Fundamentalist" groups: (formed because of a disagreement over discontinuing the practice of polygamy in 1890.)
Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in Utah. Is somewhat well known due to the raid on their Texas ranch in 2008. Perhaps one of the most exclusive and closed-off of the Mormonism movement groups, has approximately 10,000 members.
Apostolic United Brethren, based in Utah. Another somewhat well-known group, due to the Brown Family of the TLC hit show 'Sister Wives' being members. Claims approximately 10,000 members.
Several other fundamentalist/polygamist groups exist, most with between 200 and 2,000 members. There are also several thousand independent fundamentalists which do not claim membership in any organized church but practice the tenets of Fundamentalist Mormonism individually or in small groups.
Have Mormon general authorities ever owned stock in union pacific railroad?
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.
Why do Mormons have lots of children?
Most Mormons have big families and have many children. However, this is not always the case for some Mormons. The determining factors between whether or not a woman is able to have children due to health issues, whether or not the husband and wife can provide for many children, and perhaps a prayerful decision on how many children a husband and wife should have. The ultimate decision basically places the decision in both husband, his wife, and God. However, not all Mormons have big families, some Mormons might only have one child, others might have six or seven children. Mormons are not unlike other religious denominations when it comes to how many children a husband and wife should have.
However, most doctrinal considerations when it comes to family comes from a 1995 deceleration which is primarily based on the Mormon scriptural canon titled. The Family: A Proclamation to The World
The text goes into detail about the obligations between what the obligations of what goes into rearing a family, etc.
It states:
The first commandment
that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.
have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding
citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives---mothers
and fathers---will
be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
LDS Doctrine also goes into the concept that the only way that mankind may be exalted and obtain God's Kingdom is through marriage.
D&C
Section 131
States:
1 IN the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];
3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.
D&C
section 132
Also goes into what this entails and states:
15 Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.
16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.
17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.
From these scriptural verses, they highlight the importance in LDS doctrine about marriage and family. The importance of family in an LDS mindset is not just for this life but for the life to come. This concept could be considered and perhaps is fundamental in LDS teachings and doctrines.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") believe The Book of Mormon was translated from ancient metal plates by Joseph Smith, Jr. They believe that he was lead to the place where the plates were buried by an angel. They were buried in a hill near his home in Palmyra, New York. The hill is now called the Hill Cumorah.
See the "Related Links" below to read more about the story of the discovery of the Book of Mormon.
The beginnings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) lie in a simple prayer given by a 14 year old boy, Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith lived in upstate New York at a time when different Christian religions were very active in trying to increase membership. Some of his family was attending a Presbyterian congregation, and others a Methodist congregation. He could not decide which one to attend, and so retired to the woods near his home to pray, with the intention of asking God which church he should join.
As he said his prayer, a light descended upon him, and within the light he saw two personages - God the Father and Jesus Christ. One of the personages addressed Joseph by name and said "This is my Beloved Son, hear Him!" The other personage told Joseph that he should not join any of the churches, and that the full truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ had been lost from the earth. They explained that he would receive further instruction at a later date, and left.
Over the next decade, Joseph Smith recived visits from various angels and Biblical leaders, such as Moses, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John the Revelator, who taught him the parts of the Gospel that had been lost and ordained him to the ancient Priesthood Authority. He also received direction as to where to find an ancient record engraved on metal plates near his home. This record was translated by the power of God into what is now called "The Book of Mormon." It was published in the early months of 1830.
On April 6, 1830, the first official worship service of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held, with about 30 in attendance. Since that time, the Church has grown to nearly 14 million members worldwide.
You can learn more about this story of how the 'Mormons' came to be at the "Related Links" below.
How many Mormon missionaries are there today?
In January 2012, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) reported having 55,410 proselyting missionaries and 9,251 humanitarian and welfare missionaries worldwide.
They were being persecuted in New York and Illinois and Missouri where they were driven out after Governor Lilburn Boggs passed an extermination order against Mormons. So they migrated towards Utah.
How many lds temples are there in the US?
There are 65 operating temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the United States.
7 additional temples are under construction in the US. These are in Brigham City, Utah; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Gila Valley, Gilbert, and Phoenix, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
To see the locations and photographs of each temple or to learn about when the temples currently under construction will be open for public tours, visit the "Related Links" below.
Where are the mormon golden plates now 2011?
According to Joseph Smith's own record:
"... by the wisdom of God, they remained safe in my hands, until I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand. When, according to arrangements, the messenger called for them, I delivered them up to him; and he has them in his charge until this day, being the second day of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight."
This is recorded in his personal history and also in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon.
Therefore, the plates have been in the charge of the Angel Moroni since the Book of Mormon was published in 1830. Where exactly they are is unknown and not a significant doctrine within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church). Most speculate that they were taken up into heaven.
You can read the Book of Mormon online at the "Related Links" below.
What is the difference between the Church of Christ and the Mormon church?
According to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), who are also called Mormons, the original church established by Jesus was restored by Jesus Christ in these latter days. However, traditional Christians believe the Mormon church divurges from true Christianity seriously. Mormons believe in the addition of the Book of Mormon to scripture, whereas traditional Christians believe that the Book of Revelation completed the Bible and that there would be no further word from God until the return of Jesus Christ at the Last Day. Mormons do not believe that Jesus is God the Eternal Father. They believe that God the Father and Jesus are entirely separate beings. Christians believe that Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, three persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Traditional Christians believe that God created everything out of nothing, but LDS states that there was eternal matter organized by God into Earth, etc. Mormons believe that men can become gods. Other Christians believe there is but one God, eternally existant in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Traditional Christians believe that all mankind inherited Adam's sin. Mormons believe that each person is only punished for his own sin. Mormons do not use the symbol of the cross, as other Christian churches do because they prefer to worship the Living Christ not a Dead Christ. They do, however, believe in Christ's atonement and His sacrifice for us all.
Are Mormons the upper management of Marriott?
We don't own any department stores, or companies like that.
