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how is the mormon religion different in africa than america?
are they only there to convert people or do they study there too?
ANYTHING you can tell me about mormons in africa would be FANTASTIC
email me if you have any primary sources or anything like that please [:

oh and this is for a 9th grade social studies religion project

THANKS FOR THE HELP!

2007-11-07 09:23:58 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

13 answers

I am not sure what you are meaning. Mormons (members of the LDS church) are normal people. In Africa I am pretty sure they are just like other citizens of their countries.

A funny story though-- In Ghana (Western Africa) before the church sent missionaries there, it was known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints INC. since that is the name of the churches publishing company which had its name printed in the front of the Book of Mormon. A man had received a copy of the Book of Mormon and some pamphlets and had prayed and learned of the truth of it, and soon there was a group who studied and met together. He organized the church under this name and if I remember right, he even baptized the people, because there were no LDS members there. Of course when the missionaries were allowed to be sent over in a few years, they corrected the mistake in the name and baptized everyone with the proper authrority given from God.

I hope I told that story right. You can try searching "LDS church in Ghana" to find the real facts.

2007-11-07 10:18:42 · answer #1 · answered by moonman 6 · 7 0

While I lived in France I met hundreds of Mormons who were immigrants from Africa. (France's immigration problems are a different topic.)

I am not sure what you mean by "how is the religion different than in America" The religion is the same, wherever you go. The culture might be different, but the doctrines, beliefs and authority are all the same. The organization is the same as well.

Many of the people that I knew had walked to church instead of driving the latest gas-guzzling SUV. Many of them wore dresses that were much more brightly colored and patterned. They had homemade bread instead of pre-sliced wonder bread for the sacreament.

But none of those things are what matters in a religion.

Perhaps you should find out what your teacher wants to hear. In my experience, they are probably looking for some controversial falsehoods. But if not, yay them! and You! The truth is never as exciting as what someone makes up in order to stir up hatred.

2007-11-07 23:16:33 · answer #2 · answered by alwaysa(ducky)bridesmaid 4 · 4 0

Fundamentally there is no difference. They do the same things, believe in the same doctrines, etc.

It might be interesting to explore Mormons in North Africa (aka the muslim africa).

Muslims sometimes kill friends and family that convert out of Islam. I've known of people who converted and never told their family. They went on missions and told their family they were traveling.

2007-11-10 10:21:27 · answer #3 · answered by Ender 6 · 0 0

A friend of mine served his mission in Africa. Theres no difference in how we share the Gospel anywhere in the world.

He did comment, however, that the people of Africa were a lot more open to discuss religion and conversion rates were quite high due to the Africans not being afraid or too proud to pray concerning the truth of the Book of Mormon.

He goes back often to assist in building god's kingdom and also building schools, homes and roads.

2007-11-08 11:08:13 · answer #4 · answered by Bangbangbangbang 4 · 1 0

if this is for a social studies project, let me recommend you go to lds.org and in the search function, type in 'church in africa' many articles will come up that give specifics about the number of peoples in different countries, temples being built and stories of converts, missionary work, and humanitarian efforts the Church is conducting there.
The hierarchy of the Church is the same in Africa as it is here in America. They have wards, branches, stakes, districts, missions, areas, etc - who are directed by their representative bishops, branch, stake, district and mission president, area representative, etc. These men meet with and receive instruction from Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Much of this is now done electronically. The Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest women's organization of it's type in the world. Women from Africa are certainly included in that.

2007-11-07 19:22:37 · answer #5 · answered by strplng warrior mom 6 · 6 0

The structure and doctrine of the mormon church in Africa is the same as the structure and doctrine in America. The Mormon church does send missionaries to Africa (the missionaries come from all over the world but mostly from the US and from the African country itself) but the effort is to build up the church in Africa, not to have those converts come to the US.

2007-11-07 17:30:41 · answer #6 · answered by PogiGuy 2 · 8 2

It's the same there. I have friends who are Mormon who live in Africa.

2007-11-07 22:14:08 · answer #7 · answered by Melissa 7 · 4 0

There is about 100,-200,000 members of the church in Africa, Most of them in South Africa about 80,000
Ghana 39,000 and growing.

2007-11-07 21:06:41 · answer #8 · answered by Brother G 6 · 4 0

I have been researching this very topic for a podcast I plan to post on my site, http://www.allaboutmormons.com . I'd be happy to email you my outline. Please contact me through my website, at http://www.allaboutmormons.com/ENG_scform.php .

African Mormons are becoming well-known in the Church because of their extraordinary faithfulness. This is a very interesting topic.

2007-11-08 14:16:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

members of the Mormon Church have to go on a two year mission usually out of the country to help other people and give testimony. mostly among the young members.

2007-11-07 17:28:31 · answer #10 · answered by Scoozie 2 · 1 3

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