Why does the Mormon Church baptize Jewish people who are dead?

Question

Why does the Mormon Church baptize one of their members acting as a dead Jewish person? They have done this to people like Anne Frank and Einstein.

Answer 1

It isn't just Jewish dead people--it's all dead people.

Mormons believe that when an unbaptized person died, they go to a "spirit prison." It's not a bad place, but it's not great, either. It's kind of like a limbo type of place. To get out of this spirit prison, they have to be baptized by proxy.

Personally, I think it's a terrible and arrogant practice. They think they're the only ones who are right and then insult people who died because they were a certain faith. I remember a time I was talking to Mormon missionary who was all excited because Joan of Arc had just been baptized for the dead. I let her have it. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, which is absolutely one of the worst ways to die, because she held to her faith. And in death, these arrogant people took it away from her. Along with billions of others. And even if a person did not die for or because of his/her faith, what right does the Mormon church have to deny individual freedom of choice?

I know about this because I'm an ex-Mormon. I was "born into the covenant," and had no say in being Mormon in the first place. ("Born into the covenant" means that my parents were both Mormon and "sealed" --married-- in their temple by the time I was born.)

Additionally, here's a link about baptism for the dead:

Answer 2

Deb M is absolutely right. Let me add a few things. Like many Christian (Christ) based religions Mormons believe that Baptism is necessary to enter “heaven”. But one could ask (and I’ve seen it many times), “What about those people who never heard of Christ, or at least didn’t have the opportunity to get baptized?” Most churches believe that these people are lost because baptism is required. Mormons, however give everyone a chance by being baptized by proxy for them. Like any church, Mormons believe they are the right ones; with such they believe they are the only one who have the correct authority to baptize. (Compared to other religions there’s nothing wrong with this.) So the church takes it upon itself to baptize everyone who has died to give them the opportunity to accept Christ. Now, it is true that it is believed that those that aren’t baptized do go into a spirit prison (no, it’s not a jail cell or anything like that, it’s more of an expression rather than literal). But, all those that have been baptized for may or may not accept Christ and the baptism. This way, everyone has a chance to accept Christ.

Another reason this is done is because to Mormons, Family is very important; including generations down the line. Members are encouraged to search their genealogy, and submit names of ancestors that need baptism. This also why Mormons have the largest and most modern genealogical center in the world.

I must emphasize that this is for everyone, not just Jews; but for everyone that can be proven, who has lived on this earth. Also, Mormons do not, never have, and never will dig up any body from their grave to perform this baptism. Not only is it not possible in most cases, it is illegal everywhere, and just plain gross.

But, I will ask in defense of those that still don’t see much of a point and think it’s silly. Does any other church in the world not only help those members that are alive, but also attempt to aid those that have died without any chance of finding Christ? If death really isn’t the end like many believe, then why do we stop there?

Answer 3

The only way a person can be baptized by proxy (the method you suggest), is if they are related to that person. So if Anne Frank were baptized (and I don't know if she was or not), then some relative of hers did it.
Our thoughts on that sort of thing is as follows: " I am happy in my chosen religious path. I am so happy I want to share it with others. Part of my belief is that families can be together forever. In an effort to help my family be together forever, I do family history work. Part of family history work involves searching out members of my family who have died without the opportunity to choose whether or not they would be a member of the Church. Just as I am searching out my kindred dead, I believe others who have already died and who have chosen to become a member of the Church are teaching my family who have already died without being a member of the Church. Because I believe that all must be baptized by one having authority from God to do so, I take the names and information of my dead family members to the temple have the ordinences done for them that are necessary. They can then accept or reject that work on the other side."

Answer 4

There were a couple that explained it fine above (obiously Mormons, who will give you the correct answers), but it should be clear that they are not forcing this baptism upon anyone, they are just opening a door. Whether the deceased person enters is up to them. It would be like me offering you a book, which I have gone out of my way to purchase specifically for you. I have taken all the steps to own this book, but you don't have to accept it. You can just say no thanks.

Lastly, they aren't "acting as" a dead person, but are a "proxy" on their behalf. Just like when I there is a stockholder meeting for any of my stocks, rather then fly to NYC to vote for various things I merely mark a box and say someone can vote in my stead, or, if I don't do anything, they vote in my stead. However, it is different, because the deceased still has a say in their vote.

Hope this added clarity.

Answer 5

Ok, lets see if I can shed some light on this topic for you.
Active members of the Mormon religion believe in Baptism of the Dead. - - I want to try and explain this in a way you'll understand.
Lets say you are a Mormon and you totally believe in your faith. You yourself have been baptised, and are thrilled with your decision, but you are sad that your grandmother died before she was able to hear the message of the Mormon faith therefore she was never baptised.
Well, you as a member of the church can have her "work" done for her. You, acting as a proxy can stand in for her and be baptised a Mormon. This is just the beginning of the work you can do for your grandmother. It's gets complicated.
As with most organized religions, Mormons believe their's is the only true religion, so they try and spread the word to as many people as they can, hence Missionaries.
Their beliefs are so strong that they do not want their loved ones who have passed before them to miss out on the opportunity to share in their faith.
I do hope I was able to shed a little bit of light on this for you.
The one thing that I really like about the Mormon faith is the fact that they help their own, and are very big on family. The religion absolutely can provide a very firm foundation on which to live.
Does that make sense?

Answer 6

I have studied the Mormon's beliefs and have NEVER seen this in print. I would certainly like to read about it. Please send me the site/reference if you can/will. Thank you, I appreciate it. I am NOT a Mormon but I do research other denominational groups on a regular basis just to see what they are doing. Have a great Lord's Day!
Eds

Answer 7

I would suppose because they want to make sure that the person who died before being baptized makes it into Heaven It would be symbolic of course. I really didn't know this! Wow! If this is true I've truly learned something today.

Answer 8

OFFICIALLY, the Mormon Church has said not to do that. Unofficially it still happens.

Answer 9

Because they are pretty silly. I think that they are really a sketch comedy troupe, like Monty Python's Flying Circus or something. At least I hope that's the truth, otherwise they are f***ing nuts!

Answer 10

If you get bored with you religious rites you got to do something different. Dead people are dead how can you do anything to them?