What do you know about the mormons?

Question

Not what you have heard, not rumors, nothing that isn't true. Or I would be happy to correct you if you are wrong! I am mostly just curious to what people actually know about the LDS church

And, please, nothing rude... please

Sorry to dissapoint you but there are no golden salamanders

Christianinty is not believing in the trinity, it is believing in Chist CHRISTianity, not TRINianity

We still consider the Virgin Mary to be a virgen, just like any other christian religion

We aren't supposed to discrimanate who we will be friends with based solely on religion, but I will admit that a lot of people do, but that is not part of our religion

you know what, Korihor, you can't prove that death is the end either. The reason we've never seen a resurected body is because of yet there is only one, and he doesn't go running around showing it off to everybody

Jim, one correction I think you out to know (there were a few questionable smaller things but I'll let them slide)- If boys don't go on missions they are not immediately damned or anything as you make it sound, it is HIGHLY encouraged to go on a mission, but if a guy prays and consults his bishop and they decide together he shouldn't go there is no problem

Answer 1

I find studying the different beliefs of Christian sects interesting (especially since I am "between" sects right now). I have studied Mormon history (casually) and Mormon beliefs (when the opportunity presented itself). Here's some of the basics of what I have learned:

History:
1) Joseph Smith, considered a prophet (in NY state), claimed to have received instruction from an angel, located gold tablets (written in Egyptian, I believe?), and translated them under the tutelage of the angel. This became the Book of Mormon. The gold tablets were later taken by the angel (to heaven?)
2) Joseph Smith gained quite a following and started a community in Missouri. A conflict with state militia (in which many militiamen were killed) caused the Mormons to be evicted from the state.
3) The Mormons then set up shop in Illinois (Navoo?), at which point Joseph Smith was accused of marrying more than one woman. After denying the multiple marriages, Smith (and other Mormon leaders) later admitted that he had multiple wives prior to his denial. Many Mormons separated from Smith's leadership at this time (because of this teaching).
4) Some of the Mormons of the Navoo community were "radicals", and caused serious friction with neighboring communities. When some of them burned a printing press (a federal offense), the Mormons once again were pressured to leave the state. Smith was arrested and died (or was killed by an angry mob) in jail. Brigham Young (also considered a prophet) took over and began the great "exodus" of most of the Mormons to Salt Lake City, Utah. At that time, this was part of Spanish or Mexican territory and so was not subject to American law (particularly with regard to multiple marriages).
5) Once established, Young married several additional wives, which he referred to in his writings as "cattle", and fathered well over 50 children. He is also generally regarded as responsible for ordering the Mormon massacre of settlers on their way to California, but his part in that affair was never proven.
6) When Utah territory became part of the United States (after the Mexican Cession, I believe), Young was tricked by the US government into cooperation (for the formation of a state) before he was imprisoned for some federal crime (I can't remember which). I believe that he also died in prison, though my memory is uncertain here.
7) Later, there was considerable conflict between Mormom polygamy and US law prohibiting this. When the Mormons officially changed their policy and prohibited polygamy, many formed splinter groups and relocated (some to Mexico, as Mitt Romney's grandparents? did). I believe the prohibition against polygamy became official Mormon doctrine in the (very) late 1800's.

Beliefs:
1) 1st and foremost, Mormons *are* Christians.
2) Polygamy is prohibited (but was sanctioned for several years by the 1st 2 prophets)
3) Baptism of the dead - Mormons believe that it is possible to convert the dead through posthumous baptism in absentia (the bodies are not actually baptized). Records of the names and relationships of all baptized dead are kept, and records also of all dead whose posthumous baptism has been requested. They have made an agreement not to posthumously baptize Jewish victims of the holocaust (as some of the Jews were pretty upset that Mormons were attempting to convert those Jews who had died because of their faith).
4) Eternal marriage - Mormons believe that marriage is not "until death do us part", but rather continues in heaven, eternally
5) Mormon salvation is *very* family-oriented, as the father, or patriarch, is the priest of the family, and members of the family must look to him (some detractors say "ride his coattails") to obtain salvation.
6) Missions - young Mormons are expected to "spread the message" for (I believe) 2 years after high school graduation. Mormons who do not participate in this are not considered in good standing and are not permitted to marry in temple or otherwise participate in temple ceremonies. I am uncertain of what is expected of older converts.
7) Mormons consider the "Book of Mormon" to be inspired scripture, as important as any other book in the bible. I believe the King James Version is still considered the official bible of the Mormon Church, though I am uncertain if this is the Oxford Revision or another revision.
8) Mormons once considered the leader of their church to be a prophet (each of them in turn), and I believe that all doctrine delivered by the leader is still considered inspired and the current leader a prophet.
9) Something about food and supplies storage - for the tribulation, perhaps? I can't remember the purpose behind the widespread and thorough storage of emergency supplies near all major Mormon populations.

That's all I can remember at the moment.

Please correct any mistakes I have made.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 2

I've spent about forty years in bishoprics, high councils, and clerk positions, and I've seen a number of people leave the Church. I've sat on a number of disciplinary councils. None of them left the Church because of "evidence" against the Church. There are some who just gradually drift away into inactivity. Sometimes it is because of a loss of faith, brought on by doubts caused by something they've read. One of my brothers was like that, although he has since come back to Church. He didn't want to tell me about his doubts because he had become convinced that there was no answer to his doubts, and he didn't want to burden me with his doubts. It is too bad he didn't talk to me, because there is always an answer. Part of his problem though was that he was looking for a reason not to go on a mission, and "blindly" follow the example of his older brothers. It was partly a pride issue. I have a theory about those who leave the Church and claim it was because of evidence. They fall into three groups. (1) Some are honestly confused by the arguments of men. (2) Some look for evidence the Church is not true, but deep down they know the real reason was they were offended or they felt guilty about their sins. (3) And others don't understand their own motives. In a psychology class I once took I heard of an interesting experiment regarding this third group. A person in another psychology class was hypnotized and given a post-hypnotic suggestion. The hypnotized student was told that when the teacher coughed the student would get up from his seat and open the window to the classroom. He wouldn't remember anything he was told when hypnotized. He was then awaken from his hypnotic trance and told to go back to his seat. The student remembered nothing of what he was told while hypnotized. The teacher after a few minutes coughed, and the student got up and opened the window. Now here is the point of this story. When asked why he opened the window his brain immediately manufactured a reason. He said he was hot, and strangely enough his body proved it by getting red and sweaty.

Answer 3

Well, I know a few Mormons actually.
No coffee, no cigarettes, basically no extra toxins and pollutants...no pre-marital sex(duh in most religions), most Mormons do NOT have multiple spouses, and while it's not a myth, it's not an overwhelming sect that practices that. That's what I knew all on my own for the longest time...but then I went to a website with a Mormon friend of mine and let her look at www.religioustolerance.org and tell me if anything that was written on that site was questionable.
Here's the actual link:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/lds.htm

SO...that's the best way I know how to sum up religion questions.

Answer 4

Usually I like to answer these questions but you are looking for thoughts and feelings from those that are not members so my input would be out of place. However, I am amused by the mistakes that have been posted.
Brigham Young was not placed in prison but died peacefully at home. Plural marriage was practiced until 1890 which included the first four prophets. Young men and women that don't go on missions are not discriminated against and still receive the same blessings and privileges as returned missionaries as long as they live faithfully as they should.
God is family oriented and so are we. The goal is to create an eternal family that is linked or sealed generation to generation back to Father Adam and Mother Eve. Then Adam and Eve will present their sealed family to Christ for Him to present to our Father in Heaven.
Members are generally respected as good people. Sure, there are those that stray and make mistakes. Overall, we are healthier, more successful and live longer than the population average.
First and foremost, we strive to follow the example of Jesus and live according to His teachings.
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. They are three distinct individuals working in concert to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life on of mankind. Christ accomplished the first via His own resurrection, making resurrection possible for each of us. The second, becoming like our Father in Heaven, is accomplished via Christ's atonement and our faithful obedience to His teachings and commandments throughout our lives. We are saved by our faith and the grace of God and Christ. However, faith is an active word. It entails living our lives in accordance with every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God or from His servants, the prophets, it is the same. Thus, our promise of salvation, or rather exaltation, depends not only upon His grace but our faithfulness.
We worship the Christ and we know Him as our Savior, the Son of the Eternal Father, both spiritually and physically. In that reality, He differs from each of us and gave Him the unique ability to do what He did for us.

Answer 5

They provide free medical services in Utah to any devote church member.

The provide food and clothing to anyone who comes into the church and takes it.

They have their own canning plants (Deseret brand products).

They are opposed to booze, stimulants and smoking (can anyone object to that!).

They have a great choir in Utah.

A very good University in Utah.

A pretty "temple" in Utah.

They seem to not give enough lip service to Jesus for some reason.

Elders, like the J.W.'s, are opposed to their kids hanging around with people who aren't Mormons.

This makes them somewhat Cultish

They are a little too paranoid and conservative.

When I once travelled through Utah they kept giving notices out that the "Hells Angeles" where seen near Provo and not to worry, local authorities had it under control.

You never hear that in Los Angeles or New York City.

Answer 6

Mormonism is a term used to describe the religious, ideological, and cultural elements of certain branches of the Latter Day Saint movement, specifically, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

The term derives from the term Mormon, which was originally used as a pejorative term to describe those who believe in the Book of Mormon, a sacred text that has been added to the religion's canon in addition to the Bible (Old and New Testaments). Today, Mormonism is no longer offensive when used in reference to the Utah-based LDS Church, including cultural Mormons, and several smaller denominations and sects of Mormon fundamentalism whose adherents embrace the term despite opposition by the LDS Church. However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members rarely describe their beliefs as Mormonism. Most other Latter Day Saint movement denominations oppose use of the term in reference to their faith, and such usage is now rare.

Answer 7

I have studied with missionaries sent to inform the world about the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints.

Their sincerity about their beliefs is no less than the Methodists, Southern Baptists, Catholics, Hindus, Church of Christ, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, or Native American practices.

Answer 8

I KNOW that they great people!! I KNOW that they focus on their families so they can stay together and not split like so many marriages are doing these days. I KNOW that they don't drink, smoke, and don't do illegal drugs. I KNOW that their teenagers wake up at 5 AM to go to Sunday school every morning before they go to high school. I KNOW that they are loving, kind and serve their neighbors around the world.

I KNOW these things because I am one. I am proud and happy to belong to this wonderful Christ centered church!


CTR!!

Answer 9

Quite a bit.

wow Nichelle you have soooo much to correct you might be up all night. Does it ever amaze you just how ignorant people are of what mormons really believe??? I grew up in southern ca where mormons are actually highly respected so it kind of blows my mind when I see how much animosity there is twds mormons. It doesnt really matter if you dont know what mormons believe or have it wrong if that doesnt really affect how you treat them. What annoys me is when non mormons that dont have a clue what we really believe tell other people things about mormons that are totally untrue. The total lack of respect for mormons and their beliefs is also a little mind boggleing at times. You can disagree with a church or a doctrine, but try to have an ounce of respect for that person. It shows more about you as a person when you make rude statements then it does about the group you are trying to bash.


american beauty
Why do you think you have to believe in the trinity to be a christian?
When Christ was baptized God spoke and the holy ghost appeared. Sort of refutes the idea that they are all one. The Bible clearly shows and states over and over again that Jesus is the son of God.
Just because your religions says that you have to believe in the trinity to be a christian doesnt mean that is what the Bible says.
Why does your biblical beliefs and interpretations in the trinity trump my interpretations that point to them being seperate beings?

Answer 10

I know that they are great people. But then again I am biased as I am a lifelong member.
here is a copy of the church's articles of faith, a basic outline of their beliefs as penned by Joseph Smith, the founder.

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the hgift of the Holy Ghost.
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the agift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal gglory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the dlaw.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith