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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 Mormon priesthood?
The Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) is the authority to hold leadership positions and perform various ordinances in the Church. Here is a basic overview of Mormon Priesthood offices and their responsibilities. You can learn more by checking out the "Related Links" below.
Aaronic Priesthood:
Deacon: Boys are usually ordained to be Deacons at age 12. Deacons pass the sacrament (communion) to the congregation, assist the Bishop with temporal matters (groundskeeping, collecting offerings, etc), and assist in fellowship, watching over the Church, and teaching.
Teacher: Ordination at age 14. Prepare the sacrament/communion, speak in church meetings, teach church members in their homes, and assist the Bishop with temporal matters.
Priest: Ordination at age 16. Baptize, bless the sacrament/communion, ordain deacons and teachers, assist the missionaries, teach members in their homes.
Melchizedek Priesthood:
Elder: Ordination at age 19 or older. Preach the gospel at home and abroad, perform confirmations, bless the sick and affllicted, ordain others.
High Priest: ordination as necessary. perform the duties of all other priesthood offices. One must become a High Priest before becoming a Bishop, Stake President, Seventy, or Apostle.
Other offices:
Bishop: the leader of a congregation
Stake President: the leader of a geographical group of congregations, called a 'stake'
Seventy: leader of a large geographical area (such as 'southern states' or 'southern Europe')
Apostle: The Church is lead by a quorum of 12 Apostles, a President, and the President's 2 counselors. Each of these 15 men is ordained as an Apostle.
The Supreme Court made a law when a Mormon polygamist appealed the anti-polygamy law, saying that polygamy was his religious duty. The Supreme Court then made another law which says that religion cannot be used as an excuse to break the law. It doesn't matter if your religion is okay with polygamy, drug use, or anything else - it's still illegal.
FYI, The Anti-Bigamy Act was enacted in 1862 and reinforced by the Edmunds Act in 1882. The Reynolds v United States case (mentioned above) took place in 1878. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) outlawed polygamy in 1890.
If a guy you know in high school is Mormon does that mean his family practices polygamy?
Polygamy was practiced in Mormonism many years ago, but is not currently practiced by Mormons today. It is highly unlikely that the kid's family practices polygamy.
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While there is a possibility that "this guy"'s family practices polygamy, it is very unlikely. It is true that polygamy, the practice of having multiple wives, was once a part of Mormon tradition, times have changed a great deal since the religion was first founded. It was in 1890 that polygamy was officially rejected as a part of Mormonism, though some sects continue to practice it.
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Additionally, no sects practice polygamy that are officially part of the church. If you were to practice polygamy now, you would be kicked out of the church... therefore, any "real" Mormon (member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) would NOT be a polygamist, so your friend in high school almost certainly is not
the people of FLDS practice poligamy they are not Mormons though
Rulon Jeffs was the father of Warren Jeffs, former leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS Church), not to be confused with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church).
Are there any non-Mormon dentists in Utah?
Of course! Dentists don't generally advertise their religion though, it is just something you'll find out by talking to them. You are most likely to find a dentist that is not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) closer to the downtown Salt Lake City area.
Does Twin Falls Idaho have an LDS distribution center?
No. Not in Twin Falls, Idaho, but nearby Burley, Idaho, (34 miles) does have one and here is the address:
265 N. Overland Avenue
Burley, ID 83318
What if your wife believes the total lies of the lds how do you prove that they are trully lies?
You can't, because they arent.
What does the star represent in Mormon temples?
ALTERNATE VIEW: While it is true Joseph Smith was a Freemason (of the York rite), it is unclear how much such an association would have influenced the design of the Nauvoo Temple in the early 1840s. Minutes from the Masonic Lodge "Under Dispensation" in Nauvoo during the time period show that Smith was not a regular attender of the lodge's meetings.One historian wrote: "It seams from the meager records that are extant, that Joseph Smith attended as many meetings on those two days [when he was admitted as a Mason] as he did during the rest of his lifetime" (McGavin, Mormonism and Masonry, 90). It must also be pointed out that construction of the Nauvoo Temple began prior to Smith's becoming a Freemason in 1842. Furthermore, Smith's followers constructed a temple in Kirtland, Ohio in the early 1830s. Other such edifices were planned in Independence, Far West, and Adam-ondi-ahman, all in Missouri, prior to the 1838 Missouri Mormon War. (The Kirtland Temple bears no clear symbolism of the star, moon, or sun.) This does not mean he could not have incorporated the star for reasons associated with Freemasonry, but it is unlikely. A more plausible explanation has already been noted below; that is, the star was most likely associated with the Mormon theology of the afterlife, specifically that of the telestial kingdom.
The five-pointed star was used in the Nauvoo Temple and other early temples, but it's meaning was wholesome. Inverted stars did not generally become associated with the occult until after the time of Joseph Smith. Stars, including inverted stars, were used by early Christians as valid Christian symbols. The symbol of the star - whether it has five or six points - and the pentagram can be used for good or evil purposes. The fact that Satan worshipers have given evil meanings to the star, the moon, or whatever does not make the symbols inherently evil.
Though the symbols in Masonry, and as seen upon some temples of the Mormons are the same and similar in some cases, it does not mean that the interpretation of such symbols are the same.
The symbols go back to time immemorial, and have been corrupted, and contain many errors or alterations. The Masons may have the symbols but their understanding of them is misunderstood, their signs are not used as part of holy ordinances, but as signs of recognition or some other use not related to gospel principles.
Every symbol on a Mormon Temple has the same meaning as it did when they were used in biblical times.
In Mormonism, they are likely to refer to the Telestial Glory, whose glory is compared to that of the stars, in contrast to Terrestrial Glory, which is compared to that of the Moon, and to the glory of the Celestial Glory, which is compared to that of the Sun. More on this can be found in D&C 76 and 1 Cor 15.
Christian Symbols Found in StarsThe star seen as a pentagram can also be found not only as a Masonic symbol but as a Christian symbol.
A particular meaning of the pentagram can be found within the story Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. The star in it's symbolism in this story represents the five wounds of Christ as well as the five chivalric virtues.
Is living with someone basically the same as being married to them?
Without commitment. No it isn't the same. Living together is simply a sloppy way of acting like a married couple without the responsibilities. Many people will argue "Well, it's only a piece of paper! Big deal!" It's not about the legal piece of paper, but it's committing to someone you love and what better way can you do this then by committing to marriage. Anything else is a cheap way to try and get what you want without taking responsibility for anything. I'd rather live on me own .... it's simpler that way.
How do the people on the stand eat at LDS General Conference?
Conference sessions usually last two hours. No one eats during the General Conference sessions themselves.
However there are generally two or three hours between sessions; during this period, most people at the Conference sessions will have their own arrangements in place for their families to eat: some bring it with them in their vehicles, they may get the opportunity to store it elsewhere, or they may go home if they are not far away and return later.
As regards the leaders, Backstage in the Conference center there is a cafeteria and kitchen set up which serves lunch to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and to the General Authorities between conference sessions. There are also dressing rooms for each of them and lockers where they can keep their personal belongings during the session.
At the various stake centers around the world, which is where many watch General Conference videos following the Conference itself or at Stake Conferences, when Church Authorities are visiting, usually the local leaders make provision for the Authorities or/and other visitors, mostly via the Relief Society Presidency/ies, to provide refreshments for them in an appropriate room - usually adjoining a kitchen - set apart for such.
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Do all Mormon girls wear the same Mormon hairstyle at the prom?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) do not have the same hairstyle. Mormon girls may do their hair however they choose. Mormon women and girls have hair of all lengths, colors, and styles. Many Mormons may have similar hairstyles simply because that is the style that is currently fashionable, but this has nothing to do with religion, and many outside of Mormonism would have the same hairstyle as well. In over 25 years of being a Mormon, I have never seen a group of Mormon girls who all had the same hairstyle!
Check out the "Related Links" below to see some examples of hairstyles among Mormon girls and women, as well as photos of Mormon teen girls at formal dances such as prom.
What do women guests wear to a Mormon funeral?
There is no set dress code for a Mormon funeral, although traditionally most people will wear "Sunday Best" or "Church Dress". Mormons do not believe that black or dark somber colors must be worn to a funeral, any color or pattern is acceptable. Occassionally the family may requestthat guests wearsomething specific, such as the deceased's favorite color or something they would have enjoyed (jeans and cowboy boots, for example).
Most women will be wearing a skirt or dress, although dress slacks are acceptable. Hats orother headcoverings (veils, scarves)are not typically worn but are also acceptable.
Most men will wear a dress shirt and slacks with or without a tie. Suit coats are also common. Casual hats are not acceptable although dressy hats are sometimesworn byolder men.
Check out the "Related Links" to see images of Mormon funerals and see what guests are wearing.
Is Captain Raydor on The Closer supposed to be a Mormon?
There isn't much to point to a yes or a no. Her family was meeting in Utah for Christmas, but it is also a popular ski resort town, especially for the holidays.
If she was Mormon, she'd be one of the least stereotypical Mormon depictions on television. The usual is the happy-go-lucky, cheery Osmond Family depiction - Raydor's the almost complete antithesis of that.
How do you do Mormon indexing?
I assume that you are asking about indexing for FamilySearch.org, the genealogy website that is operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church). (Indexing really has nothing to do with the religion at all)
In order to begin indexing you just need to visit indexing.familysearch.org and click on the "Get Started" button. This will lead you through the step-by-step process of downloading the free indexing application to your computer and it will give you an option to participate in an online presentation about how to use the application and the rules of indexing. If you don't have a computer you can go to a Family History Center operated by the church and use the application on their computers.
Once you have downloaded the application and learned how to use it, the process is simple. You select which records you would like to index from a list, and then the record will appear on the top half of your screen while you fill in the digital form on the bottom half of the screen. When you are done, you submit the record and it will soon be available for users of FamilySearch.org to see!
What do the square and compass represent to Mormons?
The square and compass represent essentially the same thing to Mormons as they do to Masons. The square reminds Mormons to square their actions by virtue. The compass reminds Mormons to circumscribe their desires and passions within the bounds that the Lord has set.
Can Mormom men wear short pants?
Yes. Both men and women who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) can and do wear shorts. The Church's standards of modesty suggest that shorts and skirts should reach to the top of the knee, no higher.
Is Duke University a Mormon school?
No. The only Universities owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" Church) are Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah; Brigham Young University-Idaho (formerly Rick's College) in Rexburg, Idaho; and Brigham Young University - Hawaii (formerly Church College of Hawaii) in Laie, Hawaii.
No. Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant, is not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church).
== == If the church is only a setting for the wedding, almost anyone may be married in a church, generally speaking. Regarding the person who officiates, I don't know the rules in the Church of Christ, but an Adventist pastor would not be willing to perform a marriage between an Adventist and someone of another faith: in the Bible, it says to not be "unequally yoked," which for Adventists means that you shouldn't marry someone who has different beliefs.
A Seventh-day Adventist pastor has to be ordained in order to be able to perform marriages. The position of the church is to marry a non-Adventist couple or an Adventist couple. Marring a non-Adventist with an Adventist is what the rule of the church does not allow. But there is the other option, civil marriage in court.
Why does Mormons have to be sealed before they die?
Members of the LDS Church are sealed before they die so their families can be together forever. By being sealed families will always be together for time and all eternity
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Another Answer:
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe that in order to enter the highest levels of heaven, you must be 'sealed'. It is believed that you will remain with the person you are 'sealed' to for eternity in heaven, for that reason 'sealings' are performed between married couples and their children. Mormons believe that these sealings link the entire family of God in a sort of chain, from Adam and Eve to the present day. Each person sealed is a link in the chain of the family of God.
Mormons also perform sealing ceremonies on behalf of those who died without being sealed. It is believed that if the deceased person chooses to accept this sealing, they will also be linked to the family of God and be eligible to enter the highest levels of heaven.
How do you wait for a Mormon missionary?
If someone says they are 'waiting' for a Mormon Missionary, that typically means that they plan on marrying them when they return home.
Here are some pointers on how to wait for a missionary:
1. Write them encouraging letters every week, avoid anything that might be too romantic or that would make them homesick, but be sure to let them know what is happening at home and that you support them. Be interested in what they are doing as well.
2. Send a package, if possible, every month or two.
3. Don't date other people, but be sure to surround yourself with good friends - you need social interaction!
4. Stay busy. Set a goal for where you want to be when he gets home, and focus on achieving it. Mine were related to my schooling and having a certain amount of money in savings.
5. The strength you can receive from staying close to God is vital! Read the scriptures, attend church, participate in institute, and attend the temple as often as possible. Make the mission a positive and spiritual experience for both of you.
