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Mormonism
Questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormonism.
3,455 Questions
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.
Yes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) has a hierarchal leadership, as do most religious organizations.
Hierarchy simply means that there are different levels of leadership. In the Mormon church, there are international, regional, area/local, and congregational leaders.
What religion practiced polygamy?
Groups of Mormons that have splintered from The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints allow polygamy. The main body of the church is in no way connected to what are called "Mormon Fundamentalists" and does not practice polygamy.
Polygamy (specifically Polygyny or one man having more than one wife) is also permitted in most forms of Islam.
Who dedicated the Washington DC LDS Temple?
Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Temple on February 10, 2008.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) was founded in Fayette, New York in April 1830.
What are did the Mormons settle?
Which Mormon settlement? Mormon pioneers established hundreds of cities and towns across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the 1800's. The largest and most well known is Salt Lake City, Utah. They moved from New York to Ohio to Missouri to Illinois to Utah in search of a place where they could practice their religion in peace. They found this place of peace in Utah, and soon spread out and established settlements all over the west. Some of these settlements were built for strategic purposes such as mining, farming, ranching, or trading.
Does Mitt Romney wear Mormon underwear?
Adult men and women who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' church) may choose to participate in a special ceremony in the Temple called the Endowment. As a part of the Endowment ceremony, the person will make certain covenants or promises with God. They will then be given a sacred garment to wear under their clothing, which serves as a reminder of the promises they made to God during the ceremony. This is similar to the way wearing a wedding ring reminds one of the covenant or promise they have made with their spouse. Nobody is forced to wear the garment, but most choose to because the promises they made are sacred and special to them.
Many other denominations and religions have special robes or other clothing for their clergy, and since Mormons have an all lay clergy, the garment is considered a sort of 'priestly robe', qualifying them for responsibilities in the lay clergy. It is considered sacred and is not discussed in casual converstion. If it is mocked or disrespected it is very offensive to faithful Church members.
The Church published reference book, True to the Faith, says "Once you are endowed, you have the blessing of wearing the temple garment throughout your life... The garment provides a constant reminder of the covenants you have made in the temple... Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior."
For more information about the Temple Garment, check out the "Related Links" below.
Where do you find the name of the brother of Jared?
The name of the Brother of Jared, Mahonri Moriancumer, is never mentioned in scripture. Joseph Smith said that he was given the name through revelation, as described in this quote:
"While residing at Kirtland Ohio, Elder Reynolds Cahoon had a son born to him. One day when President Joseph Smith was passing his door he called the Prophet in and asked him to bless and name the baby. Joseph did so and gave the boy the name of Mahonri Moriancumer. When he had finished the blessing, he laid the child on the bed, and turning to Elder Cahoon he said, the name I have given your son is the name of the Brother of Jared; the Lord has just shown or revealed it to me. Elder William F. Cahoon, who was standing near heard the Prophet make this statement to his father; and this was the first time the name of the brother of Jared was known in the Church in this dispensation."
This quote is found in the Juvenile Instructor 1 May 1892 pg. 282; Also in the current Book of Mormon Student Manual (for Institutes) in chapter 48.
Are Mormons exempt from military service?
No. Thousands of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) serve in various militaries all over the world. The Church has a support program for it's military members and their families. It publishes special books especially for those in the military and operates several military congregations on bases around the world.
During the time of the draft in the United States, Mormons were exempt from the military only while they were serving as missionaries. Upon their return they were required to complete their military service.
Check out the "Realated Links" to learn more about Mormons in the military.
Why does the Mormon church have access to us citizens genealogical history?
We believe that God's plan gives everyone a chance to be redeemed and repent of their sins. We are so involved in family history work so that we can submit the names of those who have passed on to the temples, where saving ordinances (such as baptism, and sealing them to their spouse for eternity) are performed for them if they accept it.
No. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) does not own Chick-fil-a or any other chain restaurants. The only restaurants owned by the Church are found near their headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. These restaurants are The Roof, The Garden, The Nauvoo Cafe, and The Lion House Pantry.
Why were the Mormons forced out of Ohio?
Leave where? Mormons are still around and are growing rapidly. There are almost 14 million of them all around the world!
The Mormons under Brigham Young left their city of Nauvoo in 1846. His goal as was Joseph Smiths was to form a new Zion to the West.
One of the reasons for the persecution of the Mormons was their belief that God condoned polygamy.
Has the Mormon church ever owned all or part of Dole pineapple?
No. Dole Food Company, which sells Dole pineapples and other fruits, began in 1851 by Samuel Northrup Castle and Amos Star Cooke. Castle and Cooke were missionaries to Hawaii for the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, which was supported by Congregationalist, Presbyterian, and Dutch-Reformed denominations. They merged with James Dole's pineapple plantation in the 1960's. James Dole was the son of a Unitarian minister and was never a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' church). Now, Dole is a publically traded company owned by shareholders.
What happened in Utah and the Mormons?
After being severely persecuted and forcibly ejected from New York, then Ohio, then Missouri and then Illinois, the Mormons finally fled the United States in search of religious freedom. They settled in Utah in 1847, which was then part of Mexico. Consequently, the Mormons largely avoided the American Civil War from 1861-1865. The Mormons quickly forgave the United States, and allowed the transcontinental railroad to connect through Salt Lake City in 1869. Utah became a state in 1896. To this day, a significant portion of the population in Utah are Mormons. Despite their early rocky history with the United States, Mormons tend to be staunch supporters of the U.S. constitution, and believe that it came partly by inspiration from God.
NO they cannot 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
1 Timothy 2:11-12 "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
Yes they can and there are many. There are some famous female Church Leaders. God said "man" meaning the human race as a whole and didn't mean the male species. I cannot believe my God wouldn't allow a woman to speak the word of God to help others. As far as Timothy 2:11-12 thank heavens Sister Teresa didn't listen to those words! She was one wonderful human being. There has not been a female Pope and I doubt there will be for many more years to come. Female Pope? A late 14th century edition of the Mirabilia Urbis Romae, a guidebook for pilgrims to Rome, tells readers that the female Pope's remains are buried at St. Peter's. It was around this time when a long series of busts of past Popes was made for the Duomo of Siena, which included one of the female Pope, named as "Johannes VIII, Foemina de Anglia" and included between Leo IV and Benedict III. At his trial in 1415, Jan Hus argued that the Church does not necessarily need a Pope, because during the pontificate of "Pope Agnes" (as he also called her), it got on quite well. Hus' opponents at this trial insisted that his argument proved no such thing about the independence of the Church, but they did not dispute that there had been a female Pope at all. Yes, they can Acts 18:26 "Priscilla ... expounded unto him the way of God."
Romans 16:1 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church." ("I commend you to our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church." -- The Revised Standard Version)
Romans 16:7 "Junia ... of note among the apostles"
They should be! I believe if you don't evolve then you eventually disappear. Society needs a balance of everything and religion does not have this. I think women are the other half to evolving positively.
What are some current issues on the Mormon religion?
The biggest current issue being faced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) and it's members is being mis-represented by the media. Many media outlets confuse the Church with small offshoot sects that are not affiliated with the Church. Other media outlets don't accurately portray church doctrines and beliefs. These misrepresentations range from small scale local news reports to large scale movies and television shows. This can be very offensive to many Mormons, who spend a lot of time and effort trying to correct the misunderstandings and misrepresentations of themselves.
Another issue they face is hatred and discrimination by other groups. Pro-gay marriage activists have been protesting in front of buildings and locations that Mormons consider sacred and holy. Vandalism by various groups has caused extensive damage to many church meetinghouses. Evangelical Christians picket at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, and many offer classes and programs aimed at convincing Mormons about the error of their ways.
Individual members encounter many with harsh feelings against them for their religious beliefs.
Is it true in the Mormon faith that one will get a planet after death?
Some members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe this, and others do not. This detail is not really a focus of the faith, and is rarely, if ever, discussed in worship services. Mormons tend to be focused on living a Christ-centered life now, rather than the possible rewards for their faithfulness in the future. This is because they believe that faithfulness and obedience should be about serving God, not about receiving a reward or blessing.
This belief of getting a planet after death is based on a verse found in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture containing revelations given to the prophet Joseph Smith. In section 132 verses 19-20, God explains to Joseph Smith that if a man and woman are married and 'sealed' by the proper authority in the Temple, and live faithful to all of the covenants they make there, they may be exalted together and they will "inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths...", have "exaltation and glory in all things... which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever", and "Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them." As you can see, the verse does not explicitly say that they will rule over their own planet, but that idea can be inferred.
From a personal perspective, I would say this:
Mormons believe that the purpose of life is to become like God. Not to take His place or usurp His power, but to become like Him in kindness, mercy, love, knowledge, etc. This is only possible through the grace and power of Jesus Christ, who died so that we might "be perfected in him" (Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:32) and therefore be worthy of living eternally with God, our Heavenly Father. The extent to which we may become like God is based on our willingness to follow His commandments and teachings, which He has given to us as a guide to become like He is. This progression of becoming more like God will continue after death and into eternity - where we may learn from God Himself.
I believe that those who are willing to follow God's commandments and teachings, relying on the grace and power of Jesus Christ to achieve this obedience, will be granted eternal life with God the Father. During this eternal life they may continue to learn, grow, and progress until eventually they may be worthy and capable of becoming gods themselves- indeed creating and ruling over their own planets. However, I believe that very few will acheive this, and that this will not happen immediately after death, but after spending much time progressing and learning from God Himself in heaven.
