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Mormonism
Questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormonism.
3,455 Questions
What do Mormons eat traditionally?
They believe that tobacco, and caffeine are bad for the body, and therefore try to refrain from the use of these things.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) adhere to a code of health, known as the Word of Wisdom, that advocates a healthy diet, including moderate use of meat and abstinence from coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, and harmful drugs. Mormons also store food for use in emergencies. Additionally, members of the Church donate money regularly to the Church's extensive welfare program to provide food and other necessities to others in need. Visit www.mormon.org for more information.
Why are you a Christian and not a Muslim a Mormon a Hindu?
Opinion
I have learned over time that the church does not follow the bible I was taught, the one where people are instructed to love their neighbors before themselves. Everyone may have their own opinions but mine are that if there is a god (which I do not think is possible), then as long as I am a good person in this life she will honor me. It is my experiences that shaped my beliefs and those of my friends. Everyone should make their own choices so think carefully and look into many religions before you decide which one is best for you. The right question would be: "Why are you a Christian?". If you knew why you are a Christian, it would become very easy for you to understand why most people on Earth are not.
Opinion
Because reading the Bible made it more and more apparent to me that this could be no more the word of God then anything else written. It has too many statements to prove that it was written by a group of people that simply had no concept of modern Science and therefore should not be trusted as the word of a God. If one understands this to be true of any part of the Bible then an intelligent person must become skeptical of other parts as well. I later came to terms with the fact that there is nothing more to religion, in general, than just trying to believe something because life can make a complex and lonely. We are the only animal in existence that is this complicated so we often wish for another life form that we can relate to so we start making things up to deal with this fact.
Opinion
My mother decided it would be wrong to baptize me, so she left me to decide for myself later in life. I was later taught Christian values in school, but although I could sympathize with some values, I came to the conclusion that I would not be part of the system surrounding Christianity, a system which I hold responsible for endless evils.
I am also appalled by the way some shady creatures seek shelter in that religion, drawn in by a notion of being able to be forgiven for all sorts of misdeeds. I have concluded that there is no god, and that there is no afterlife. Sometimes this is a very lonely and scaring thought that make me feel like an infinitely small speck in the universe, but it is also a great freedom. I also find comfort in the views of Sami shamanism, which states that all things are connected in some sense.
Opinion
I remember the day i stopped being a Christian. The church decided to show a video about how you can only get in to heaven if you know of Christ. it basically boiled down to that it was the guy's best friend's fault he could not get in because his friend never told him about Christ. it made me so angry! how could a supposedly loving god, forsake a good person over some thing SO trivial. so i asked "what about the people who do not have a chance to hear of him, or the ones where it is not a viable option?" and the response? "every one hears of Jesus" so i said "that is impossible" and they replied "no, every one hears about him!" that was the day i started looking at things my own way. as i got older i came to the conclusion that humans wrote the bible, and even if it was originally dictated by God, humans messed it up. i will never be a Christian again.
Opinion
My reasons for steering clear of Christianity are many, but three predominate:
- Firstly, the Abrahamic god is rather harsh, and yet we are supposed to believe He is kind and loving. In the Bible, what are called the hard passages, God is unyielding in the atrocities He commits, from commanding genocide to nuking entire cities. By comparison, the Geneva Convention, demonstrates the morality that humankind can conceive is at a higher standard than is held by the biblical deity.
- Secondly, the Bible, often considered the divinely inspired literal word of God, is frequently confusing and contradictory, which explains why there are so many denominations, and yet almost all of them dictate Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus (No salvation outside [their] church) which is an absurd standard by which a god would judge His creation. I have yet to encounter a ministry that does not make liberal use of parsing and interpretation to mold the word of God to its own end, i.e. of all the abominations in the Old Testament, homosexuality is the only one that continues to be recognized. Similarly, Jesus advocates prayer in private: on the mountain, in the field, in the closet. Not one church acknowledges this, as it is contrary to organized religion.
- Thirdly, and I must admit this is rather prejudicial of me, but contemporary Christians as they conduct themselves in the media and online are not folks on whom I would want to model my own behavior. This is partly due to the increased visibility of obnoxiousness, but the frequency by which I see judgment and damnation to hellfire and the ferocity with which I see pundits and politicians try to breach the wall of separation and inflict their Procrustean values upon the rest of society, frankly, makes me cringe even to be wished Merry Christmas, or God Bless. I'd rather not have the holiday at all, and have Evolution taught in schools, and the rights of gays and women honored.
Opinion
Not only am I not Christian but I am increasingly worried how Christian fundamentalism closes many people off in their own minds from accepting obvious scientific findings. It may not be absolutely obvious to the layperson how old the Earth is, but to dismiss the fact that tectonic drift takes place - to determinedly ignore the glaringly obvious fit between South America and Africa (as some do) is to deny one any logic. To have the idea that preconceived religious ideas better scientific breakthroughs shows an unwillingness to accept logic itself, which is very worrying.
Opinion
I am not Christian or any other religion because I use logic and critical thinking skills.
I have read the entire Bible, most parts of it several times, and have sought explanations for everything that could be proof of a God. When carefully studied, the Bible itself becomes proof that God does not exist ,rather than proof that he does.
Opinion
Because I am an American and I have the right to choose whether or not to believe in anything, and frankly I think it is infuriating that people are so easily willing to demean other people that don't believe in, "ALMIGHTY GOD".
Opinion
I am not a Christian because I am incredibly indecisive, and would like a half-hour chat with any god or gods I end up devoting myself to, in order to clear up some points.
Opinion
Because I am part of another religion.
Opinion
Because [the Christian] god is a propagandist figure someone or a group created before history can remember.
Opinion
Because I choose to not believe in imaginary things.
The same reason why I don't believe in Santa Claus and Spiderman; they are both the creation of men.
Opinion
Because God is just a character from ancient times.There is too much going against Christianity. I'm not just going on faith.
Opinion
Because I believe that Christianity is just an idea and belief that people support in order to seek comfort form their ignorance of the unknown. It is natural for human beings to be afraid of the unknown due to survival instincts and therefore to try and seek safety in the form of false or pretense knowledge.
Opinion
I made up my own mind about what I believe because what the Catholic church was teaching just didn't sit quite right with me. I researched other religions, found one that better reflected what I believe to be right as well as making more sense to me, and I'm now a happy pagan with no intention of going back. And for the record, religious and the ability to use logic, reason and critical thinking skills are not mutually exclusive.
Opinion
The real question should really be why are you not any of the other thousands of religions out there. Christianity is only one religion one that many are born into. This many religions all claiming that they are the one true religion is one of the strong reasons I am not Christian.
I was born that way. I think most of us are... but some of us succumb to teaching and/or training.
The proper question is not "why am I not a Christian", the question is "why are you?"
Opinion
Any and all religions are a matter of personal conviction, that is, of 'being convinced' of it's truth. A religion does not necessarily have to be true in reality in order for a person to be convinced in his or her own mind that it is true. People who are not Christians are not convinced to their personal satisfaction that Christianity is true. Rather they are convinced of the opposite.
Opinion
I was never given a good reason to be a Christian. Every time someone tried to give me a reason to become a Christian it only further convinced me that that was not who I was.
Opinion
I have read the "holy bible" cover to cover. It is flawed is several hundred places, contradicts itself at least 30 times, and it was just flat out wrong in at least 25.
The more I read it, the more I doubted it. I can think for myself, and like the person above me said, i don't need an invisible friend to control my life and my actions for me. I don't believe it's right to condemn people of other religions (Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, etc) because they don't believe in the same invisible avenger that you do.
Opinion
The question,"Why are you not a Christian", is basically the same as asking,"Why do you not worship Zeus" ? Or any other of the thousands of gods that have ever existed. Clarence Darrow, who defended John Scopes in the Dayton Tennessee "monkey trial" for teaching evolution said, "I don't believe in God because I don't believe in Mother Goose". Every Christian is an atheist when it comes to all the other gods that have ever been worshipped. The dyed-in-the wool atheist just goes one god further.
Opinion
Because I'm sticking with my tradition, which is the original: Judaism.
Who was Brigham Youngs 19th wife?
Brigham Young's 19th wife was Mary Pierce. She lived for only two years after their marriage. Although she was his 19th wife, Brigham Young had only 16 wives at the time of their marriage, due to 3 wives either dying or divorcing him.
If you are curious about the book "Wife No. 19", a supposed autobiography of Brigham Young's 19th wife by Ann Eliza Young... Brigham Young married 55 women in his lifetime, and Ann Eliza Webb Young was actually number 52. When she married Brigham Young, she was 24 and was already a divorced mother of 2. She married Brigham Young on the advice of her family, in 1868. She later divorced him in 1875, after being excommunicated from the church and selling off Brigham Young's furniture at auction.
She married a 3rd man, Moses Denning, who left her several years later on accusations that she had a series of affairs with other men and charged thousands of dollars to his accounts.
What type of church clothing do Mormons wear?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) have always worn clothing similar to their culture and current fashion, but with the addition of modesty. In pioneer times, Mormon women generally wore long dresses with full skirts, and men wore pants with long-sleeved button down shirts.
What modern Mormons wear is also based on their culture, for example in Africa a Mormon women will probably wear a dress with a bright pattern, while in the U.S. one is more likely to wear jeans and a t-shirt. While Mormons wear clothing that is typical in their culture, they also strive to wear modest clothing. This means that they do not wear shirts, tops, or dresses without sleeves, they do not wear 'midriff' shirts that show the belly, there are no low-cut tops, and they do not wear shorts or skirts above the knee. When attending Church or participating in Church service (such as missionary work), Mormon women wear skirts, and men wear dress slacks and ties, or full suits.
You can see some photos of typical Mormon dress around the world and in different time periods at the "Related Links" below.
What is the history of the Mormon religion?
The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) was organized in 1830 by Joseph Smith. The Mormons later moved to the Midwest, where they often made their neighbors uncomfortable. Their dogma and rhetoric threatened many of their neighbors, and the Mormons found themselves unwelcome in places like Independence, MO and Nauvoo, IL. Smith was assassinated by some bigoted people, and the Mormons left Nauvoo and moved to Utah where they hoped for religious freedom.
Other contributors have added:The above is true but failed to adequately convey the extent of the persecution the Mormons endured. They were mobbed, murdered, chased out of cities, etc. There were actually official government extermination orders in some areas, making it lawful to chase Mormons out of the city. The New York Times article cited below provides a very good synopsis. It was written by the estimable Noah Feldman, who is a law professor at Harvard University and adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He writes frequently on religion and public life.
Other contributors have added:Joseph Smith was a prophet and was called to restore the gospel on earth. He converted many people into the church. Thousands of people were converted. Now days, there are millions and millions of people that are Mormons.
Do Mormons fight in combat in military?
Yes. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) serve in all branches and positions in the military. The church offers many resources to it's members in the military and fully supports them and their families.
Yes. The Mormon Church is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can learn more about the church from the related links, below.
President Barack Obama was a member of the United Church of Christ, and attended Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Obama was elected U.S. President in 2008.
Who is the LDS church prophet?
As at 2009, the current prophet of the 'Mormon' church - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is President Thomas S. Monson. However, the founder and first prophet of Mormonism was Joseph Smith. He claimed that when he was only 14, in 1820, he entered the local woods to pray and ask God which Church was right and which should he join. An evil spirit quickly bound histongue, however, that he could not speak. I was "seized upon by some dark power which entirely overcame me ... I could not speak ... thick darkness gathered around me". After exerting all his strength, he was able to call upon God for release. Suddenly a pillar of light descended, shining directly overhead with a power above the brightness of the sun, immediately freeing him from the oppressive darkness and evil which held him bound. He saw within it "2 personages whose brightness and glory defy all description". One of them called him by name, and identified the other as his Beloved Son.
He was told not to join any of the churches, as all had departed from the true ways and the Gospel ordinances Jesus had laid down for His Church. He was told that if he remained faithful, the Lord would have a great work for him to do in bringing the true Church back to earth.
On 21st September 1823, he received 3 visits from the angel Moroni, who told him he would be a most significant person in the Lord's work. He subsequently received gold plates from this messenger, which he translated as the Book of Mormon. Since the gold plates had to be returned to the angel in heaven, we have no earthly evidence of their existence. A number of other heavenly visits occurred over the ensuing years - all as the Kingdom of God was gradually restored piece by piece to the earth again, all in preparation for the Lord's Imminent Second Coming in the Last Days. Thus Latter-day saintsbelieve that these prophets now, of the Latter days, are all equivalent in power and authority to biblical prophets of old.
What are Mormon's special customs?
TRADITION= A specific practice of long standing.
The meaning of the word Tradition is far more applicable than the word itself. I will therefore attempt to mention a few traditions:
Baptism, Sacrament, attending church, Hymn singing, Paying of tithes, Temple attendance, Family History, Christmas, Prayer, Fasting, Blessing the sick, Service, Teaching, Visiting every member each month, Weekly Family Home Evening, Weekly Youth Activity Nights, Interviewing family members, Serving in the church whatever the calling, wholesome entertainment, having a supply of food in case of disasters.
Some semi-peculiar Mormon activities include:
- Ice blocking (sliding down a hill on a block of ice)
- Monthly singles dances
- The gallon challenge (chugging an entire gallon of milk)
- Scavenger hunts (mostly on dates)
- Youth Priesthood camps
- Basketball programs
- Mud cave exploration
Another answer
Mormons also celebrate traditions such as; Christmas, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day. Each family has their own family holiday traditions like; maybe decorating the Christmas tree with special ornaments, preparing certain foods, cookies, breads etc. or reading special family books.
What were the hardships the Mormons faced?
One of the early hardships faced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "the Mormons", started with the persecution that forced them to move several times. At the height of this, many members were murdered, tarred and feathered, raped, property stolen, properties and holy buildings burned to the ground, etc. Many of these things happened not just because of their religious belief but their belief in self sufficiency, anti-slavery, organized farming practices, education, and law enforcement.
Probably some of their most significant early hardships are also witnessed as they crossed the great plains of central America during bitter winter months in order to escape the death and persecution that had constantly hounded them. Many had to push their carts by hand with their young families during this trying time. Many froze to death crossing rivers, lost limbs, faced disease and death among their family members, all in simply trying to fulfil their right to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. These were some of the terrible trials and hardships that plagued the early Mormon settlers, and difficulties that followed in trying to settle in the mountains of Utah, with their only resource beings prayer and their personal wits.
Are Mormons counted as christian?
Yes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) is a Christian religion. Like all Christians, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is their Savior and that the Bible is the Word of God.
Check out the "Related Links" below to learn more about Mormons.
Are there many Mormon congressmen?
Fifteen. Four Republican senators; two Democrat (including Majority Leader Harry Reid.) Six Republican reps; one Democrat; one from American Samoa with no party affiliation.
The states they represent are Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, California.
The previous congress also had LDS congressmen from Iowa and Oregon.
The practice of plural marriage was officially abandoned in 1890, and the church issued an official manifesto ordering an end to polygamy.
The Mormon Church no longer supports the practice of plural marriage, and requires its members to abide by the law.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons or LDS Church) ended the practice of polygamy in 1890, making an official public declaration against plural marriage. There are small groups that have left the LDS Church who have resumed the practice. The LDS Church excommunicates any person who practices polygamy.
Do Mormons marry deceased spouse after death?
Well, if someone is your spouse, you are already married to them, you can't marry them again, whether they are dead or alive. Mormons do believe that they can be 'sealed' to a deceased spouse. This means that if you were not 'sealed' in a temple ceremony while your husband or wife was alive, you can still be sealed to them in the temple ceremony after they have died. Being 'sealed' means that you will still be married in heaven.
What are the duties of the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints LDS?
A Priest is the highest office in the Aaronic Priesthood. (The church has an Aaronic or "preperatory" Priesthood, and the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is only for adult males.) Most all male members of the church are ordained priests at the age of 16, unless they convert after that age, in which case it is often a few weeks to a year after their baptism. Priests have the responisibilities and authority of the lower offices in the Aaronic Priesthood (deacon and teacher) as well as some of their own. All members of the Aaronic Priesthood have the authority pass the sacrament (communion) to the congregation. They also visit members of the congregation and collect fast offerings (donations for the poor collected after a day of fasting), assist the Bishop and other congregation leaders, teach the gospel and assist in missionary work. In addition, Priests have the authority to bless the sacrament (communion), ordain others to the Aaronic Priesthood, and to baptize. If by priest you mean the man who leads a congregation, we use the term Bishop (or Branch President in small congregations). They have different duties, but can perform the duties of a priest if there are none available. The duties of the Priest come from a revelation given to Joseph Smith which is now in section 20 of our Doctrine and Covenants. It can be read at scriptures.lds.org/dc/20/46-52#46 with the pertinent verses highlighted.
What is the population of Mormons in the world?
As of January 1, 2011, there were 14,131,467 baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' church) worldwide.
The new numbers for 2012 will be released in April 2012. Check out the church's statistics page at the "Related Link" below.
Can you be a Christian and Mormon at same time?
Firstly, the use of "Mormon" is false and misrepresentative. As the name of the Church directly implies, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called "Mormons") ARE Christian, and attend weekly. Nevertheless, they are welcome to visit and participate with any other house of worship, Christian or otherwise.
However, church members are expected to be active in their congregations, attending their meetings and serving in their callings and responsibilities, as the Lord calls them by direct revelation through His properly authorized leaders.
If you are a member of the Church, you should consider your Mormon congregation as "your church", although you might visit other Christian churches on occasion. You might want to discuss your specific situation with your Bishop or Branch President, especially if distance or family situation is a factor. When my family and I have been on camp or holiday some long distance from any meeting house, we have attended other faiths. When Joseph Smith was a lad, and the pure Gospel of Christ had not yet been restored to the earth, he attended the meetings of other Christian faiths "as often as occasion would permit".
Who is the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?
The current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Thomas S. Monson. He replaced Gordon B. Hinckley after his death in 2008.
The President of the Church is considered the Prophet of the Lord by members of the Church. They believe that he receives direct revelation from God in guiding the members and affairs of the Church.
To learn more about each Church president in the history of the Church, visit:
http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/leaders.jsp
Who would be the leader of Mormons?
The first leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called 'Mormons') was Joseph Smith, Jr. He founded the church in 1830. After his murder, Brigham Young lead church members to Utah. Subsequent church presidents are:
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 Benson
Howard W. Hunter
Gordon B. Hinckley
The president of the church is currently Thomas S. Monson.
Why are Mormons regarded as a cult?
so they fit the description of a cult.
1. they have the "ritual" of every member having to give a tenth of their wage to the church.
2.they follow a human leader "Joseph Smith"
3.what they teach is "unorthodox" because it conflicts with God's word.
OpinionTithing is not a ritual and we don't have to give a tenth of our income. We give it because we want to and if we don't pay we won't get kicked out or anything like it.Pretty much every religion has a human leader e.g. the Catholics have the pope. Our human leader is not Joseph Smith but is called Gordon B. Hinkley. Joseph Smith was the person who restored the Church of Jesus Christ to earth.
How can we we teach things that conflict with God's word if we use the Bible as well as other scripture. We use the King James version of the Bible.
If you classify a cult simply by these 3 points then every religion is a cult.
The reason why people consider us to be a cult is because they don't like what we teach and how we are and want to make us bad. If you want go and visit your local Mormon church and you will see that it is not a cult. * I'm not Mormon or LDS whatever you would like to call them, but yes I do live in Utah where I'd say 85% of the people that live here are Mormon. It's a ritual to give 10% of your wages to your church what about other Christian religions (yes Mormonism is a form of Christianity) that pass a plate around for donations, they even do it in the Catholic church, it's the same thing.
* When my Mormon friend followed the present Mormon Doctrine Tithing and stopped paying it, his Temple recommend was suspended. Temple recommend is needed to enter their Temple.
Tithing is part of the commandments for Mormons. You can choose whether or not to do it, just as you can choose whether or not to follow any other commandments. The temple is a sacred place, and only people who are following the commandments should enter. That's why his recommend was suspended.
Now back to cult;cult : A delusion held by one person is a mental illness, held by a few is a cult, held by many is a religion. --(source unknown to me) The term 'cult' expresses disparagement and is usually used to refer to unconventional religious groups. Because Mormons believe in Tritheism and the mainstream Christianity believes in Trinitarianism. Of course bad-mouthing of beliefs different than yours is a common character flaw since time immemorial..
OpinionThe subject being discussed here is not "bad-mouthing of beliefs." It is why Mormonism is considered cult-like. The reasons are that Christians believe that certain doctrines are the "orthodox" beliefs, that they are what makes a church Christian or not. Having the name Jesus Christ in the title of one's church does not make it Christian. Using the KJV of the Bible doesn't even make a church Christian. Many cults use the Bible. The teachings that make a church Christian are: The deity of Christ, that Jesus is the SAME God as God the Father. The Trinity The existence of only ONE true God. The teaching that we can become gods is a teaching of the Mormon church but it is not accepted as orthodox doctrine, nor is it taught in the Bible. God Himself said He does not know of any other God: Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. If God Himself does not know of any other god, then how can we become gods? Salvation by grace, through faith, completely apart from any works we may do. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, and "that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8 and 9. The Mormon church twists the Word of God, teaching that one will be saved by God "after all we can do." This is not a biblical doctrine, and is one more reason that the Mormon church is considered to be cult-like. Mormonism does not agree with the Bible on these points and is therefore considered to be a cult by orthodox Christians. By the word "orthodox" I am not referring to the Eastern Orthodox or Greek Orthodox church, but to the word orthodox meaning accepted as being the standard beliefs of the Christian church. Opinion Well Mormonism is considered cult like cause by definition. However so is every other organized religion on the planet they were all started by one or more people. > Tithing well lets see you are required to give 10% of you hard earnd money other wise you can not acheive eternal salvation and you can not go into the Mormon temple without being a full tith payer. > The temple for Mormons. "The temple is a sacred place, and only people who are following the commandments should enter. That's why his recommend was suspended." I am sorry to say my friend the temple my be a sacred thing to some but not to others I was a former Mormon did you know that in the temple you get a new name that if you were to tell any one you were told you should disembowel yourself and that when you were married and seald to your husband you were permitted to give him your new name but your husband was not allowed to tell you his > The colection plate that is passed around, hummm lets see you are not threatened with eternal damnation for not adding to the collection plate your not called into an officiants office to have tithing settlement for not paying to the collection plate > As for Joseph Smith, He was a polygamist it has been proven I live with a decendant of old Joe and not Emma. Joseph Smith had 36 wives he also was a really good con man he created a bank and then ran off with the peopls money who depositd it into that bank. There is proof of that too but enough about old Joe who said that having more than one wife was bad but seceretly had many him self as well as married several others off the other men in the church at that time. Proven also. > There is a lot more to this but for so many people who follow the docterinc of the Mormon church they sure don't do research on the founders of the church MUCH like a CULT would you not agree > a cult Defined as : In traditional usage, the cult of a religion, quite apart from its sacred writings ("scriptures"), its theology or myths, or the personal faith of its believers, is the totality of external religious practice and observance, the neglect of which is the definition of impiety. Cult is literally the "care" owed to the god and the shrine. The term "cult" first appeared in English in 1617, derived from the French culte, meaning "worship" or "a particular form of worship" which in turn originated from the Latin word cultus meaning "care, cultivation, worship," originally "tended, cultivated," also the past participle of colere "to till". Thus in French, for example, sections in newspapers giving the schedule of worship at Catholic churches are headed Culte Catholique; the section giving the schedule of protestant churches is headed culte réformé. By extension, "cult" has come to connote the total cultural aspects of a religion, as they are distinguished from others through change and individualization. Well-known global cults include Islam and Christianity. The meaning "devotion to a person or thing" is from 1829, and from that connotation comes the modern meaning of "cult" as in a "cultist" or a "cult following". Cult and cultist have recently accrued negative connotations that are separately dealt with at the entry cult. In Roman Catholicism, cultus or cult is the technical term for the following and devotion or veneration extended to a particular saint. Some Christians make refined distinctions between worship and veneration, both of which are outwardly expressed in cultus or cult. Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy distinguish between worship (Latin adoratio, Greek latreia [λατρεια]) which is due to God alone, and veneration (Latin veneratio, Greek doulia [δουλεια]), which may be lawfully offered to the saints. These distinctions between deity and mediators are exhaustively treated at the entries for worship and veneration. Among the observances in the cult of a deity are rituals and ceremonies, which may involve spoken or sung prayers or hymns, and often sacrifice, or substitutes for sacrifice. Other manifestations of the cult of a deity are the preservation of relics or the creation of images, such as icons (usually connoting a flat painted image) or three-dimensional cultic images, denigrated as "idols", and the specification of sacred places, hilltops and mountains, fissures and caves, springs, pools and groves, or even individual trees or stones, which may be the seat of an oracle or the venerated site of a vision, apparition, miracle or other occurrence commemorated or recreated in cult practices. Sacred places may be identified and elaborated by construction of shrines and temples, on which are centered public attention at religious festivals (called "feasts" in some Christian communities) and which may become the center for pilgrimages. The comparative study of cult practice is part of the disciplines of the anthropology of religion and the sociology of religion, two aspects of comparative religion. In the context of many religious organisations themselves, the study of cultic or liturgical practises is called liturgiology. Opinion from fact: The only obvious information contained here is "How to debate religion and its meaning" Further, the information issued here is not from Mormons/LDS members and can not be taken to heart because they are the biased and cynical ranting of those who believe that "Christians" are the only true religion. Mormonism isn't a cult by definition. It is a recognized and accepted form of religion practiced in the world today. Arrogance through ignorance would have one to believe that because Joseph Smith brought the word of God forth in the manner and time that he did, It certainly couldn't be true. The same could be said for the Pope, the countless Evangelists and even the home town preacher, all of whom believe their versions of the "truth" are tantamount to all. Mormons DO NOT believe they will become "God Like" nor do they believe that they will become God. They do believe that they will become creatures of the heavens, angels if you will. But….The Christians WOULD have their followers believe they are God Like, hence the name "Christians" or Christ-Like, as in "The deity of Christ, that Jesus is the SAME God as God the Father" This completely exacerbates their idea of the Trinity. The loose use of the term "orthodox" does not apply to Christian religions. Orthodox is reserved for the original religions from which the Christian religions is based on. Also, having "Orthodox" in the name of a religion doesn't make it so either. Baptists have been around for only 400 years. I know this seems like a long time, but in the spirit of the "God Makers" this would qualify Baptists as a cult as well, further facilitated by the preachers of the 18th and early 19th centuries leading their "flocks" into underground caves and causing them to parish from cave-ins and starvation, all in the name of the Lord. I offer, speak what you know through investigation and through the members of a faith, not from your local bible thumper. He wants you by his side, even in the caves, in the dark so you can't see the truth! OpinionMormonism is considered cult-like because it bears the characteristics of a cult in a factual sense. No amount of insults by Mormons will change that fact. (For the record, I am not a member of any particular church)Christians who know their Bible know that the Mormons do not follow Bible doctrines. It is frankly dishonest to use Bible terminology and invest it with a different meaning and then pretend that one is a Christian.
It must also be said that I am here dealing with facts. I bear the Mormons no personal animosity as I have always found them to be friendly and personable, whether a missionary or an ordinary church member, or a high official of the church. The often repeated idea that those who regard Mormons to be cult-like have some kind of grudge against Mormons must be laid to rest. It's just a fact. What they teach is not what the Bible teaches and what Christians have always believed and the Christian church has always taught from its inception. Slight Edit: In regards to the second paragraph of the above opinion, it should be noted that Mormons do actually follow Biblical Doctrine. Latter Day Saints find that mainstream Christianity does not follow Biblical Doctrine, abandoning the majority of the Old Testament (save it be Proverbs and Psalms) and changing commandments found in the New Testament, such as tithing, necessity of baptism, and the essential structure of Christ's church.
Many Mormon Doctrines can actually be found in the Ancient Christian church. For example, the Orthodox Christian Trinity is not a Biblical doctrine, it was actually accepted by the Nicene Creed of 325 in which Constantine (a non christian) decided the relationship between God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
AnswerA cult is, as stated originally, is a belief system that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. Many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. All religions began as cults: Christianity following Christ, Buddhism following Buddha, Islam following Muhammad. Once those leaders died, it no longer was considered a cult, if it survived. It then became a Religious Sect. This then evolved into an Established Sect, then into a Denomination, then into a Universal Church. Mormonism actually fits between the definition of a denomination and an established sect.Why did the Mormons move from Illinois where did they move to?
The people of Illinois were not happy with the huge influx of people into their state. They went to Illinois to live on the 'frontier', and now huge numbers of easterners and Europeans were coming and taking over their land and culture. The Mormon headquarters, Nauvoo, was one of the biggest cities in the state at the time and the huge number of Mormons in the state was influencing the state politics enough that people got angry at that as well.
Yes. There are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) who are homosexual. Homosexuals are welcome to participate in worship services and activities, but cannot be baptized unless they are living a celibate lifestyle. Many homosexuals who are members of the Church grew up in Mormon families and wanted to stay in the Church despite their homosexual inclinations. Others have joined the Church hoping that faith and religion will give them strength to deal with inclinations that they feel are sinful.
While Mormons believe homosexual activity to be a sin, they also believe that all people are the children of God and as such should be treated with respect and love.
You can learn more about the Church's teachings about homosexuality at the "Related Links" below.
Yes! There are actually quite a few homosexual members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church). While those who are attracted to the same gender are welcome to be members of the Church and fully participate in their congregations (even in teaching and leadership positions), they are asked to follow the same commandments and guidelines as all other members of the Church - which includes no sexual relations outside of a legal marriage and no sexual relations with someone of the same gender.
There is an organization for homosexual Mormons, called Evergreen International. You can check out their website at the "Related Links" below.
What are the hours you work at deseret industries?
It all depends on when they need you. You may be asked to work any time between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday (although most stores close early on Monday). If you are interested in a job at Deseret Industries, you will have to ask the manager what your schedule would be.
How do you get off the Mormon church rolls?
The simplest way to resign from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The "Mormon" church) is to simply stop going to worship services. However, by doing this your name will remain on the records of the Church. If you would like your name removed from the records of the Church you must speak with your local bishop and ask him to have your name removed. As with leaving any church, this will be met with some resistance, but he is required to follow through with your request. Sending a letter to Church Headquarters is not protocol and will simply result in local church leaders getting in contact with you to follow the same process listed above.
ANOTHER ANSWER:
It should first be noted that the Mormon Church keeps records on all of its members. If you were born into the Mormon Church and your parents went through the process of adding your name to the membership records (this is very common with active members of the church, as church leaders will do this when a new child is born into their congregation), or if you were ever baptized into the Mormon Church, you are considered a member of the church and you are listed in their membership records.
Although technically, a child born into a Mormon household is listed as child of record when they receive a parent or baby's blessing. The child isn't considered a full member till a child reaches the age of eight (the age Mormons recognize as a time of accountability) and are baptized.
The Mormon Church teaches that a person cannot obtain full heavenly glory without being a member of the Mormon Church. As such, Mormons generally do not seek to leave the church, and Mormon leaders do not take the process of resignation lightly.
But if for whatever reason one wishes to leave the church and never be associated with it again, they may choose to "resign" from the church. In reality, nobody is ever "removed" from the membership records of the Mormon Church. But if you present the Mormon Church with a letter of resignation, they will note in their records that you have ceased to be a member. This does not happen without a considerable amount of resistance from church leaders, as they will not want you to resign. Still, you have the right to believe as you wish and exercise your own freedom of religion.
Here is a sample letter that can be used to resign from the Mormon Church, taken from MormonNoMore.net:
Your name
Your date of birth
Your current address
The date
Member Records Division, LDS Church
50 E North Temple Rm 1372
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-5310
This letter is my formal resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it is effective immediately. I hereby withdraw my consent to being treated as a member and I withdraw my consent to being subject to church rules, policies, beliefs and 'discipline'. As I am no longer a member, I want my name permanently and completely removed from the membership rolls of the church.
I have given this matter considerable thought. I understand what you consider the 'seriousness' and the 'consequences' of my actions. I am aware that the church handbook says that my resignation "cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member and revokes temple blessings" I also understand that I will be "readmitted to the church by baptism only after a thorough interview". (quotes from the current Church Handbook of Instructions)
My resignation should be processed immediately, without any 'waiting periods'. I am not going to be dissuaded and I am not going to change my mind.
I expect this matter to be handled promptly, with respect and with full confidentiality.
After today, the only contact I want from the church is a single letter of confirmation to let me know that I am no longer listed as a member of the church.
(you can add any comments or reasons here)
Sincerely,
Your signature
Your name, printed
Again, according to Mormon beliefs, resigning from the Mormon Church will nullify the saving effects of membership, including the opportunity to obtain the highest rewards in the next life.
If such a response is received from the church, one may send an additional letter back to the address noted above, insisting that the original request be honored. This almost always does the trick, and one last letter is typically received from Mormon Church headquarters, indicating that church membership has been nullified at last.
In some extreme cases, people have reported that the Mormon Church ignored their repeated requests and instead sent representatives to visit them, apply pressure on family members, and so forth, but these are rare cases.
