My girlfriend's dad is a Mormon and comes from a lineage of Mormons going back several generations. I am a little apprehensive about asking him too many questions about his religion because I don't want to get wrapped up in a religious discussion with him without knowing a little more about his beliefs. Also, I'm interested in knowing more about their beliefs and customs so that I don't accidentally do or say anything offensive when I am in his home. Can anyone give me a quick rundown on what I might need to know about the Mormons in order better understand the background of my girlfriend's family? By the way....although she was raised in this family, my girlfriend is not a practicing Mormon. I know very little about Mormons and simply wish to gain a little knowledge in order to practice good "etiquett" when interacting with her father. Thanks for any info you guys can help me with.
2006-11-01 04:23:07 · 18 answers · asked by nn 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Overall, they are nice people, and more respectful and respectable than the evangelical christians I know. I would not recommend getting into a dating relationship with one of them, though. They have been told that they need to be with a mormon. Some of them say that they do not mind being with a nonmormon, but as the relationship gets more serious, they tend to freak out. Eventually it comes down to the talk where the mormon says "it doesn't feel right". This means they were just playin' and now they are afraid they are going to have to reap the consequences (give up the possibility of getting married in the temple). I live in Utah, and I shiver in dread everytime one of my non-LDS friends says they are dating a member of the church. And it always ends the exact same way. It's like there is a script on how to date non-mormons, and people who are not mormons are not as valuable in Heavenly Father's eyes or something.
Best of luck to you. I sincerely hope for your sake that she really does not believe in her church. Even if she is inactive but still believes, you are headed for heartbreak.
Oh, and if you want to learn about the religion from someone that believes, look at www.lds.org This is a website that is put out by the LDS church. It is pretty informative.
2006-11-01 04:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by the guru 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
One thing you should know is that Mormons believe that marriage is eternal (that is, that you, your spouse, and your chlidren can be together forever as a family unit). This is called a "sealing." In order to be sealed, you have to have the sealing ordinance performed in one of the temples, and you would have to be a Mormon in good standing in order to qualify to do so.
Civil marriages (till death do ye part) are believed to do exactly that. They do not last forever. However, there are sealing ordinances performed for the dead, but that's another story.
The point I'm trying to make is, your girlfriend's family may be a little dissapointed that she is not a practicing Mormon and that she is dating someone that is not a Mormon, and would not qualify for a sealing if you two ever decide to get married. Despite this fact, hopefully her family still accepts you and loves you for who you are.
Remember that Mormons don't smoke or drink or have tatoos. Don't ridecule them for these types of things. Most don't do them because it's a personal decision, not because "the church tells them not to." But, they should still accept you if you do these things.
They might invite you to listen to the missionaries. If you have no interest whatsoever in hearing them, politely decline the invitation. However, if you want to learn about the religion, even if you don't want to join, this is the best way to learn.
2006-11-01 06:05:55 · answer #2 · answered by SuperDDD 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The best way to learn about Mormonism is to go to the source.
http://www.mormon.org/question/faq/category/0,8791,798-1,00.html
This link will bring you to the official Mormon church's FAQ.
If you just want a quick rundown:
The official name of the Mormon church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was started by Joseph Smith in the early 1800's and is headquartered in Utah. Utah still has a large population of Mormons.
Mormons believe that, after Jesus's resurrection, he traveled to America and appeared the people that lived there. Their primary source of doctrine is the Book of Mormon, which Joseph Smith claim to have translated from golden tablets delivered to him by an angel named Moroni.
In the past, Mormons have been subject to criticism for practicing polygyamy (multiple marriage). The religious establishment of the Church banned the practice over a hundred years ago, but it is still practiced by a few small sects. The Church of LDS does not accept these sects as members of the official Church.
Currently, the Church claims well over ten million members, and has been growing steadily. This is, in part, due to the vast amounts of mission work that they perform. Young men of the faith (called elders) regularly devote two years to mission work. They can often be seen in urban areas, riding bicycles and wearing the required black pants, white dress shirt, and tie.
Mormons are often derided as being excessively conservative in dress and social practices. Mormon doctrine prohibits the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances. Sexual temptation, profanity, and violence (including depictions or representations) should all be avoided under Mormon law.
2006-11-01 04:51:14 · answer #3 · answered by marbledog 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
The best place to go is www.LDS.org Do not trust most of what is said here, since the majority is coming from non-Mormons and they don't know what they are talking about, and/or spread lies. I can briefly tell you that we ARE Christian, we believe in the Bible, and use the KJV. We also have the Book Of Mormon which is accountings of Jesus visiting the Americas after his resurrection. We do not drink alcohol, or smoke. We refrain from using bad words, or try to, but no one's perfect. We go to church on Sunday and believe in keeping that day holy by not going out to eat, or shopping. We do not believe that we are the only ones going ot Heaven and teach that we should all love each other. I married a non-Mormon so it is not true as someone wrote above that we will break up with someone if they aren't a member. My husband was Catholic and after 3 years of marriage decided to investigate my church and decided to join. I did not pressure him into this. I'm more laid back about things and it was all up to him. If you have any specific questions feel free to e-mail me.
2006-11-01 04:43:07 · answer #4 · answered by Melissa 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No person could never inform you well enough about the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints = Mormonism, except a practicing Mormon, OR you could go to the Official Website (This honestly is what I would recommend, so you do not get wrapped up in long conversation) the site is www.lds.org
I do know that Mormonism is part of Christianity and it is not a demonic cult as some people say today !!!!!
And try not to judge mormons at all. They only try to answer questions to those who want to learn about the LDS church and its teachings if someone asks.
Humans are to have tolerance toward all people and all religions, as well as atheists.
"To have inner peace, we are to love and accept people, not to harshly judge or criticise them" But I know you are not this way anyway!
You have a sincere heart, that cares about people!
Hope this helps a little, go that website, o.k.
2006-11-01 04:35:44 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
If all you are looking for is some basics on what the Church is about so you don't offend them, its actually quite simple. We don't smoke or drink and we refrain from swearing and anything considered lewd. Other than that, just treat him how you would any other person. You will find that we aren't very different from the rest of the world. We carry the same intrests and hopes, we just keep to a higher standard in what we say, eat, and wear. As for asking the father questions about faith, have no fear, we like to answer questions, partly because we also like to ask them. I should also tell you that first, we do not practice polygamy. No one in the church does. Second, we do hope to marry in the temple which promises an eternal marriage. Also, I do know many members who marry outside the church and are quite happy with their marriages. We do believe in listening to the Spirit, which will gives us inspiration, especially on such important choices in our lives like who we date and who we marry, etc. I hope this helps answer some of your questions.
2006-11-01 09:11:27 · answer #6 · answered by Milly 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well...to start...it's a cult. They say that they are Christians but they do not follow the Holy Bible. If they did, they wouldn't "need" the Book of Mormon. ((How can you be a follower of Christ and not follow the Holy Bible?)) Check out Rev. 22:18-21 as to why the Book of Mormon is incorrect.
They teach that it's works that get you to Heaven (and not grace as explained in the New Testament of the Holy Bible) and following the teachings of Joseph Smith Jr (Book of Mormon) is the way. (John 14:6 Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.)
They teach that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are separate Gods; so, they are polytheists.
They teach that good Mormon males grow up to be Gods of their own planet.
You didn't mention what beliefs (or non-beliefs) you hold. That too makes a big difference.
Just be respectful to him in his house as you would in anyones home. Stay away from the subject of his "religion."
2006-11-01 04:32:12 · answer #7 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
As far as good etiquette goes, they don't drink alchohol, coffee or tea, or smoke. Some drink colas, some don't.
They believe in strong family ralationships, moral conduct, and can be very much involved in church activities. They believe strongly in their church leaders and beliefs and are encouraged to "share the gospel" .
If she is not a practicing Mormon within this family, then they may be more relaxed in desire to push the gospel on you. Usually, the parents only want their children to date LDS (as they prefer to be called, btw)
They would be more than happy to share what they know as far as doctrine for they believe sincerely they hold the "truth". It's up to you to understand, read and know what you believe and make sure you know all their beliefs, for they baptise quickly once they set you up for missionary discussions. I'm not saying they would, of course, if would only be with your permission. Just to help you realise that's why they have the young men go out on missions before pursuing college or marriage...it's important to them to have all have the opportunity to hear the message.If you have been raised in a Christian church, know your own theology first.
They are good people but with definate religious beliefs. I was one for nearly 30 yrs.
2006-11-01 04:38:09 · answer #8 · answered by yessireee 3 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead and ask him, especially if you have specific questions. If you're really interested, I'm sure you can attend a service at a local church. I have many Mormon friends, and they are all good people and very understanding of other people's beliefs. A lot of Mormons go on a "mission" so they are used to introducing strangers to their religion.
2006-11-01 04:37:21 · answer #9 · answered by the cat who went to heaven 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is to go to Google and get the video "The Bible vs The Book of Mormon" that is on there.
If you want further information, please contact Mormon Research Ministry (mrm.org) and see what they have to say. If you run out of information there, contact Berean Christian Ministries (bcmmin.org) They both have introductory information about what Mormonism is about.
2006-11-02 13:22:20 · answer #10 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋