MORMONISM 101
1.) What's up with that magic underwear?
Okay. Great question. Except "magic underwear" isn't the most respectful term to use, so I would strongly encourage using the official term: garments. LDS.org explains, "Once people are endowed, they have the blessing of wearing the temple garment throughout their lives. The garment provides a constant reminder of the covenants made in the temple." Basically, when a Mormon person is over the age of 18 and finds themselves spiritually ready, they can choose to make sacred promises to God in one of our many holy temples. They vow to live life to a higher standard and their garments are a reminder of that.
2.) What are those temples for anyways?
Which leads us to this question: why do Mormons need temples and why can't just anyone go inside? What's there to be so secretive about? A very valid point. I can see how it might come off as secretive to those outside our faith. Here's the thing: remember what I said about how, in the temple, we vow to live life to a higher standard? Well, that is the only way you can enter the temple. You have to live life up to what we Mormons believe to be the higher standard, you have to be "worthy" to enter. This includes abstaining from alcohol, tea, coffee, cigarettes, drugs, sex before marriage - that kind of thing. (I'll go over the Word of Wisdom next.) You have to A.) be a baptized member and B.) follow those aforementioned standards. This is really to mentally and spiritually prepare us for what goes on in the temple. Something we like to say is, what happens in the temple is not secret, but sacred. Therefore, we must treat it as such. We don't just go around talking about it like it's the weather.
As to what happens in the temples? I can respectfully say that we simply make promises to God and learn more about life: the before, the during, and the after. We perform ordinances in place of our ancestors and those who have passed on. We believe that life continues after this and that everyone has the opportunity to know God and the gospel, even if they have passed on.
3.) Whaaaaaat?! You don't drink coffee?! Or BOOZE?!!
Haha - nope. I always get a kick out of this one. It's funny because a lot of people feel genuinely sorry for me, which I never really understood. You can't miss what you never had, I guess? Anyways, why is it that Mormons follow this rule? What the heck? Because I read online that wine can actually extend your life! Yes, yes, I have heard this quite a few times.
Official answer from LDS.org: "The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. On February 27, 1833, as recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord revealed which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for the human body. He also promised health, protection, knowledge, and wisdom to those who obey the Word of Wisdom."
Official answer from the mind of Sarah K. Humble: all I know is, whether or not a substance is good or bad for me, I believe I was asked by God to say no to certain substances. That's all I need to know. (I mean, you've gotta admit it's kind of cool that Mormons were the first to know smoking can kill you, though!!) I don't drink coffee or alcohol or tea, I don't smoke or do drugs. That doesn't mean Mormons judge others who do so, however. This is a huge misconception that actually makes me kind of mad. We don't scowl at coffee-drinkers. We don't grimace when someone sips on a margarita. In fact, I used to make and sell coffee at my old job. I am quite the barista actually. I hold myself to my church's standards, and I in no way impose them on others.
4.) Who's that Joe Smith guy again?
Another great question. Joseph Smith Jr. was the man we call a prophet who started the LDS ("Mormon") church. He was just a fourteen-year-old farm boy in 1820 when he decided to pray about which church was the right one. Mormons believe that he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ, that he was specifically told that none of the churches were true, and that he should join none of them. Over several years, he was prepared spiritually to translate what we know as the Book of Mormon and disperse it to the world. The prophet Joseph Smith Jr. is a man we Mormons revere, however we do not worship him. We don't pray to him. We don't bow to his pictures or statues. Truth be told, a lot of what people say about him is true. He was a man who made mistakes and made choices I do not agree with. He was human, just like you and me. But we know that he restored the fullness of the gospel, and we are grateful for that.
5.) Speaking of that blue book, what's up with your Mormon Bible?
It is not a Mormon Bible! I repeat, not a Mormon Bible! On the cover, it reads, "The Book of Mormon: A Second Testament of Jesus Christ." To be a second testament implies that we had a first: the Holy Bible, which we believe in as far as it has been translated correctly. I studied the Old and New Testament for 2 years in a religious seminary class (at 6 AM, mind you). But moving on to that blue book, the Book of Mormon: we simply believe that core gospel doctrine has been lost from the Bible after being translated and edited so many times, and the B.O.M. supplements it. It is not an add-on. It is a separate book of its own nature that teaches many of the same principles, but also goes into further detail on others. It was only translated once, through what we believe to be the power of God.
6.) Okay, I've gotta ask - why don't Mormons get tattoos or piercings?
This is a great question. In the Mormon faith, we believe our bodies to be like our temples: sacred. We believe that only having one piercing per ear and refraining from tattoos shows our bodies the greatest respect. This is also why you see a lot of Mormons dressing modestly.
7.) Why do Mormons hate gay people?
This question actually makes me very sad. Our church preaches kindness and loving one another. From a young age, I sang the words, "As I loved you, love one another..." I know I certainly do not speak for everyone, but I was not raised to judge or to hate anyone, let alone gay people. Personally, I love the LGBTQ+ community and many of my dearest friends belong to it. I believe in agency, which is the ability to choose for yourself. I may choose to live a different life with different choices than you, but I also choose to love my friends regardless of our differences.
8.) Why do you guys get married in your temples?
Going back to what I've said, we make special promises in our temples. We believe that 'til death do us part' is inaccurate. Marriage, families, and happiness lasts forever, and forever begins in the temple. This is also why we perform ordinances for the deceased in our temples, to extend this same chance to others who never had the opportunity during their lives, so that others can be with their families forever. The concept of "forever families" is actually a huge central theme to Mormonism.
9.) Can Mormons dance? Swim?
Hahahahahahahahahaha - yep.
10.) What is the Mormon dating process?
I'm glad this came up. So, typically, we prefer for our youth to refrain from going on dates until they reach 16. Even then, it's recommended that the 16 and 17-year-old Mormon youth stick to double-dating. It's at the age of 18 that a Mormon individual is eligible to marry in the temple and start seeking out those forever relationships. I mentioned it before, but we believe in total abstinence before marriage. (This is probably why you've noticed Mormons tend to A.) get married young and B.) have the world's shortest engagements. Just sayin'.) Kissing's fine, as long as it isn't too passionate. Hand-holding is fine. You know, all the sweet Disney-approved stuff.
11.) Why are the Mormon colleges in Utah?
You know, this is a great question. It actually goes back, way back, to when Mormon pioneers were persecuted and fled from state to state. Utah wasn't a part of the US at the time, so they were free to practice the religion there. Utah is a state founded by Mormons, thus, many Mormons live there, thus many Mormons go to school there. (But I go to a Mormon school in Idaho. There's also one in Hawaii.)
12.) Are Mormons Christian?
I get this one a lot. The answer is, drum-roll please: yes! The official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We believe in Christ and we rejoice in Christ. He is the center of our religion. The Book of Mormon preaches about Him, prophecies about His birth, His life, and His return. We also don't believe in a "different Jesus," contrary to popular belief. We believe in the Jesus who walked on water and healed the sick, just like you other Christians.
13.) Do Mormons believe in the Holy Trinity?
No, Mormons do not. We believe in the Godhead, which is to say we believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one in purpose, but three separate individuals.
Okay. I'm done. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Mormon
2.) What are those temples for anyways?
Which leads us to this question: why do Mormons need temples and why can't just anyone go inside? What's there to be so secretive about? A very valid point. I can see how it might come off as secretive to those outside our faith. Here's the thing: remember what I said about how, in the temple, we vow to live life to a higher standard? Well, that is the only way you can enter the temple. You have to live life up to what we Mormons believe to be the higher standard, you have to be "worthy" to enter. This includes abstaining from alcohol, tea, coffee, cigarettes, drugs, sex before marriage - that kind of thing. (I'll go over the Word of Wisdom next.) You have to A.) be a baptized member and B.) follow those aforementioned standards. This is really to mentally and spiritually prepare us for what goes on in the temple. Something we like to say is, what happens in the temple is not secret, but sacred. Therefore, we must treat it as such. We don't just go around talking about it like it's the weather.
As to what happens in the temples? I can respectfully say that we simply make promises to God and learn more about life: the before, the during, and the after. We perform ordinances in place of our ancestors and those who have passed on. We believe that life continues after this and that everyone has the opportunity to know God and the gospel, even if they have passed on.
3.) Whaaaaaat?! You don't drink coffee?! Or BOOZE?!!
Haha - nope. I always get a kick out of this one. It's funny because a lot of people feel genuinely sorry for me, which I never really understood. You can't miss what you never had, I guess? Anyways, why is it that Mormons follow this rule? What the heck? Because I read online that wine can actually extend your life! Yes, yes, I have heard this quite a few times.
Official answer from LDS.org: "The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. On February 27, 1833, as recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord revealed which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for the human body. He also promised health, protection, knowledge, and wisdom to those who obey the Word of Wisdom."
Official answer from the mind of Sarah K. Humble: all I know is, whether or not a substance is good or bad for me, I believe I was asked by God to say no to certain substances. That's all I need to know. (I mean, you've gotta admit it's kind of cool that Mormons were the first to know smoking can kill you, though!!) I don't drink coffee or alcohol or tea, I don't smoke or do drugs. That doesn't mean Mormons judge others who do so, however. This is a huge misconception that actually makes me kind of mad. We don't scowl at coffee-drinkers. We don't grimace when someone sips on a margarita. In fact, I used to make and sell coffee at my old job. I am quite the barista actually. I hold myself to my church's standards, and I in no way impose them on others.
4.) Who's that Joe Smith guy again?
Another great question. Joseph Smith Jr. was the man we call a prophet who started the LDS ("Mormon") church. He was just a fourteen-year-old farm boy in 1820 when he decided to pray about which church was the right one. Mormons believe that he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ, that he was specifically told that none of the churches were true, and that he should join none of them. Over several years, he was prepared spiritually to translate what we know as the Book of Mormon and disperse it to the world. The prophet Joseph Smith Jr. is a man we Mormons revere, however we do not worship him. We don't pray to him. We don't bow to his pictures or statues. Truth be told, a lot of what people say about him is true. He was a man who made mistakes and made choices I do not agree with. He was human, just like you and me. But we know that he restored the fullness of the gospel, and we are grateful for that.
5.) Speaking of that blue book, what's up with your Mormon Bible?
It is not a Mormon Bible! I repeat, not a Mormon Bible! On the cover, it reads, "The Book of Mormon: A Second Testament of Jesus Christ." To be a second testament implies that we had a first: the Holy Bible, which we believe in as far as it has been translated correctly. I studied the Old and New Testament for 2 years in a religious seminary class (at 6 AM, mind you). But moving on to that blue book, the Book of Mormon: we simply believe that core gospel doctrine has been lost from the Bible after being translated and edited so many times, and the B.O.M. supplements it. It is not an add-on. It is a separate book of its own nature that teaches many of the same principles, but also goes into further detail on others. It was only translated once, through what we believe to be the power of God.
6.) Okay, I've gotta ask - why don't Mormons get tattoos or piercings?
This is a great question. In the Mormon faith, we believe our bodies to be like our temples: sacred. We believe that only having one piercing per ear and refraining from tattoos shows our bodies the greatest respect. This is also why you see a lot of Mormons dressing modestly.
7.) Why do Mormons hate gay people?
This question actually makes me very sad. Our church preaches kindness and loving one another. From a young age, I sang the words, "As I loved you, love one another..." I know I certainly do not speak for everyone, but I was not raised to judge or to hate anyone, let alone gay people. Personally, I love the LGBTQ+ community and many of my dearest friends belong to it. I believe in agency, which is the ability to choose for yourself. I may choose to live a different life with different choices than you, but I also choose to love my friends regardless of our differences.
8.) Why do you guys get married in your temples?
Going back to what I've said, we make special promises in our temples. We believe that 'til death do us part' is inaccurate. Marriage, families, and happiness lasts forever, and forever begins in the temple. This is also why we perform ordinances for the deceased in our temples, to extend this same chance to others who never had the opportunity during their lives, so that others can be with their families forever. The concept of "forever families" is actually a huge central theme to Mormonism.
9.) Can Mormons dance? Swim?
Hahahahahahahahahaha - yep.
10.) What is the Mormon dating process?
I'm glad this came up. So, typically, we prefer for our youth to refrain from going on dates until they reach 16. Even then, it's recommended that the 16 and 17-year-old Mormon youth stick to double-dating. It's at the age of 18 that a Mormon individual is eligible to marry in the temple and start seeking out those forever relationships. I mentioned it before, but we believe in total abstinence before marriage. (This is probably why you've noticed Mormons tend to A.) get married young and B.) have the world's shortest engagements. Just sayin'.) Kissing's fine, as long as it isn't too passionate. Hand-holding is fine. You know, all the sweet Disney-approved stuff.
11.) Why are the Mormon colleges in Utah?
You know, this is a great question. It actually goes back, way back, to when Mormon pioneers were persecuted and fled from state to state. Utah wasn't a part of the US at the time, so they were free to practice the religion there. Utah is a state founded by Mormons, thus, many Mormons live there, thus many Mormons go to school there. (But I go to a Mormon school in Idaho. There's also one in Hawaii.)
12.) Are Mormons Christian?
I get this one a lot. The answer is, drum-roll please: yes! The official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We believe in Christ and we rejoice in Christ. He is the center of our religion. The Book of Mormon preaches about Him, prophecies about His birth, His life, and His return. We also don't believe in a "different Jesus," contrary to popular belief. We believe in the Jesus who walked on water and healed the sick, just like you other Christians.
13.) Do Mormons believe in the Holy Trinity?
No, Mormons do not. We believe in the Godhead, which is to say we believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one in purpose, but three separate individuals.
Okay. I'm done. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Mormon
