What are Mormons all about?

You may have heard about “Mormons” from the news, from a friend, or somewhere else. But who are the Mormons, and what are they all about? What do Mormons believe, and what do they teach? Why is there so much attention on the Mormon religion?

First, let me direct you to a few official LDS (mormon) resources. Mormon.org is an especially great way to learn what Mormons are all about:

• Mormon.org Official Site
• Lds.org Official Site

What are Mormons all about?

Now let me give you my take on the question “what are mormons all about?”  To me, Mormonism is a restoration of the original religion that Jesus Christ established while he was on the earth. Mormonism is a Christian religion that focuses entirely on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the “Good News” that Christ came to earth to suffer and die for our sins, so that we might return to live with Heavenly Father after this life is over.

But what about Mormonism and daily life?

You may have noticed that Mormons live a little differently from a lot of other people. We don’t drink coffee. We don’t watch rated R movies. We have a family night every week (that we call Family Home Evening, or FHE). We spend a lot of time on things like Geneology and food storage.

Why do we do all of these things? The short answer is that we know these things will contribute to a better life while here on earth, and will help us develop Christ-like attributes. We follow a “Word of Wisdom”, which is some simple general councel on health that tells us to avoid addictive substances like coffee and  tea. We avoid movies that don’t really fall in-line with our beliefs. We get together as a family to strengthen our relationships, and help shore-up our children against the barage of choices that they will encounter in the world. We store food so that we can always have something on hand in case of emergency, loss of job, or to help others in their time of need.

Mormonism Core Beliefs

We have a simple set of core beliefs called the “Articles of Faith“. They are a brief outline of what Mormons believe. Here they are:

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 gift 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 gift 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 glory.
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 law.
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.

Specific questions about Mormonism

If you have more specific questions about Mormonism, please feel free to ask. I’m happy to answer your questions, or point you to an official trusted source for information on Mormonism.

Our faith in Christ

There have been a few news articles lately that highlight Mormonism as it relates to other Christian denominations. People often ask what we believe about Christ, or how we view the Godhead, or whether or not we are Christians. We believe in Christ, we talk of Christ, we hope in Christ, we prophecy of Christ, and we know that Christ is our Savior.

One great source for finding out what the Mormon church is really all about is LDS.org. On LDS.org you will have instant and easy access to all of our doctrines. You can easily and quickly search through our scriptures, our general conference records, and a variety of other church materials. You can even download PDF versions of many LDS church books and magazines, all of which will give you insights to what we read, study, and believe.

Of particular interest on the subject of our belief in Christ is this article from LDS.org. The article gives a wonderfully complete overview of our faith in Christ, that he lived on the earth, suffered and died for our sins, and will come again. Here is a brief excerpt from the article, which I recommend reading in full:

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

Even with all of the evidence of our faith and total dependance on Christ in Mormonism, nothing will convince a person about our Christianity. The key, if you truly want to understand about our deep dedication to Jesus Christ, is to ask God in the name of Christ. Prayer is the only way to gain a testimony of the truth because it comes from our Father, who gives to all equally, without holding anything back.

As you look around for information and answers and Mormonism, and about Christianity and Mormonism, please keep a prayer in your heart. I add my testimony to those you might come across: that Christ lives, and that He loves us with an infinite love. He is patient, and personally knows each of us. He has suffered for our sins so that we might not, if we will turn our hearts to him and rely wholy on his merits and mercies. Christ has set an example for us in baptism, and in the Sacrament of His Last Supper. He has set an example in all things.

If you have more questions about mormonism, or mormonism as it relates to the rest of Christianity, please feel free to ask them here on this blog, or visit mormon.org to chat with a mormon missionary who can help answer your questions. If you have a friend who is mormon, that’s also a great way to learn about Mormonism!

How do Mormons feel about prayer? How to Mormons pray?

In the LDS church, we believe that anyone can pray, at any time, and that God will hear and answer every sincere prayer. Our basic belief about prayers is this:

We are all children of God. He loves us and knows our needs, and He wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. We should pray to Him and no one else. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, “Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name” (3 Nephi 18:19). As we make a habit of approaching God in prayer, we will come to know Him and draw ever nearer to Him. Our desires will become more like His. We will be able to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that He is ready to give if we will but ask in faith.

For me, prayer is a deeply personal event. Even so, it is sometimes shared with family, friends, or even strangers. The unifying factor that lets this personal experience be so readily shared is our universal nature as sons and daughters of God on the earth. We are all here together, and we can all pray to our Heavenly Father any time we want or need to.

Mormons pray very simply. We don’t memorize prayers, and we generally say what comes to our heart. We address our Father in Heaven, thank Him for specific blessings he has given us, ask for things we need, and close in the name of His Son. I believe that God will hear any prayer, no matter what is said, if it is done in humility, searching for God’s help and presence.

There are times when we don’t feel like praying. The fact is, these are the times when we need to pray the most. When we’re down, disappointed, discourage or in dispair, prayer can lift is back to an understand and clear view of our lives. When we’re worried about others, prayer can help ease our own burnden, and can bring about miracles in lives beyond our own.

Recently on LDS.org there was an article featured by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the LDS church. In his profession, he was a commercial pilot, and in his article he relates a story of how he used to feel when he broke through dark storm clouds and into the sun that shone above. He relates:

Prayer is a heavenly gift designed to help us achieve spiritual lift. It enhances and cultivates our relationship with God. Isn’t it remarkable that we can converse with the supreme Source of wisdom and compassion in the universe at any time of our choosing, in any place?

Daily simple, sincere, and mighty prayers lift our lives to a higher spiritual altitude. In our prayers we praise God, give thanks to Him, confess weaknesses, petition needs, and express deep devotion to our Heavenly Father. As we make this spiritual effort in the name of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, we are endowed with increased inspiration, revelation, and righteousness, which bring the brightness of heaven into our lives.

I think back on my days as a pilot and those times when thick clouds and threatening thunderstorms made all appear dark and gloomy. In spite of how bleak things looked from my earthly vantage point, I knew that above the clouds the sun beamed brightly like a dazzling jewel in an ocean of blue skies. I did not have faith that such was the case—I knew it. I knew it because I had experienced it for myself. I did not need to rely on other people’s theories or beliefs. I knew.

In the same way that aerodynamic lift can transport us above the outer storms of the world, I know that the principles of spiritual lift can take us above the inner storms of life.

And I know something else. Although it was a breathtaking experience to break through the clouds and fly to the bright blue horizon, that is nothing compared to the wonders of what we all can experience as we lift up our hearts in humble and earnest prayer.

Prayer helps us transcend the stormy times. It gives us a glimpse of that blue sky that we cannot see from our earthly vantage point, and it reveals to us another vista—a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and the assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow Him.

I know that God lives, and that he sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, so that we would not have to go through this life alone. We can always turn to God in prayer for answers and help. We can receive divine guidance, inspiration, and answers, if we will have faith.

Eternal families; a highlight of Mormonism

So many people have questions about what Mormon’s call “eternal families”. People sometimes wonder “what is the point of marriage and family if it all ends at death?”

Like so many things, having an eternal perspective can bring more joy, understanding and fulfillment to a person’s life. LDS people believe that families can be together forever, and that many of the true sources of joy do not end at death, but carry over into the eternities.

In a devotional talk, published in the 2001 “Ensign” magazine, Dallin H. Oaks noted the following:

All Latter-day Saints understand that having an eternal family is an eternal goal. Exaltation is a family matter, not possible outside the everlasting covenant of marriage, which makes possible the perpetuation of glorious family relationships. But this does not mean that everything related to mortal families is an eternal goal. There are many short-term objectives associated with families—such as family togetherness or family solidarity or love—that are methods, not the eternal goals we pursue in priority above all others. For example, family solidarity to conduct an evil enterprise is obviously no virtue. Neither is family solidarity to conceal and perpetuate some evil practice like abuse.

The purpose of mortal families is to bring children into the world, to teach them what is right, and to prepare all family members for exaltation in eternal family relationships. The gospel plan contemplates the kind of family government, discipline, solidarity, and love that serve those ultimate goals. But even the love of family members is subject to the overriding first commandment, which is love of God (see Matt. 22:37–38), and the Savior’s directive, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). As Jesus taught, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37).

LDS people are encouraged to get married in our temples. These are sacred places, and to go there one must be willing to confess their sins and promise to follow God’s commandments. Marriage in the temple is done through true Priesthood authority, and because of this, remains in force even in the eternities.

What can we do to make our marriage and family life better?

Here on earth, we often get caught up in momentary pleasure, and sometimes miss out on the lasting joy that we can find through the gospel of Jesus Christ, as a family. “Family Fun” is a wonderful and important part of family life, but it can feel empty if we don’t also have a larger goal in mind.

What can we do to put a more eternal focus on our family life? In the Mormon church we have what we call “Family Home Evening.” it is a time set aside every week, usually on Monday night, when there are no church meetings of activities planned, and when families are encouraged to spend time together learning and playing.

Family meals can also be an enriching time. Though it might seem old fashioned, or of little importance, getting the whole family together without distraction (eliminate the TV, radio or iPod noise, texting, phone calls, etc) can create lasting memories and help children feel safe and grounded.

If you have more questions about the idea of an “eternal family,” feel free to ask them here, or get in touch with a Mormon friend or the missionaries. Marriage is sacred, and we believe it can be for more than just “til death do us part”. Any LDS person would be happy to share with you our ideas on that subject, and answer any questions you might have.

Being Happy

Being Happy

This isn’t specifically an answer to questions I’ve heard about Mormonism, but it is very important. Everyone wants to find happiness. People sometimes try to find it in material possessions, their jobs, their positions, or any variety of places. People look high and low for happiness, and some people never find it, though they achieve great things.

True happiness comes from knowing God, and living in accordance with His divine will. Some people, in their search for happiness, ask themselves “why am I here on earth?”, or “where will I go when this is all over?” These are eternal questions that man-kind has asked for a long, long time.

If you think on these questions you’ll realize that they are fundamentally linked to our relationship with God. God sent us here to earth for a reason, and the desire to understand that purpose is deep within each of us. When we find the answers, we can find more peace, and more happiness.

So what does God want us to do on this earth? Why are we here? And where exactly are we going after this life is through? Some of the most important things we have to do on this earth have to do with how we affect other people. Our loved ones, our children and spouses, parents and grand-parents, are all part of our purpose here on earth. By doing everything we can to serve and love them, we will find more happiness in this life.

God also wants us to draw close to Him personally. We are here, each of us, to learn how to overcome challenges, to learn and to grow. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to set an example for us to follow, and it is His will that we become like His Son (See Romans 8).

After this life, we will all return to that God that create us and gave us life (See Alma 11:42-43). We will have an opportunity to look back on our lives, and understand what we did and did not do. Jesus Christ will also be there, and He will act as a great Mediator for each of us with the Father, so that we can all recieve a measure of glory thanks to the precious gift of the Son.

If you have any questions about Mormonism, or would like answers to any specific questions you might have, please feel free to let me know.

Mormon advice for rough times?

People often see certain aspects of the Mormon faith and are lead to ask “what advice can Mormons give during rough times?” Rough times might include periods of unemployment, family troubles, difficulty raising children, or personal trials. One thing is certain: we will all face our own “rough times” at some point in our lives.

Prepare in advance for rough times

One of the best pieces of advice that one might observe in the Mormon faith is the principle of “preparing” for rough times. This is not just a material concept, it is also a spiritual and emotional one. We “prepare” spiritually by pushing ourselves to learn and grown, even when times are good. It is easy and natural to turn to God when things are hard, but you “prepare” by turning to Him all the time.

You can prepare spiritually and emotionally by doing simple things each day. Read your scriptures- for you it might be the Bible or another holy book. It might be motivational books for you at this point. Whatever it is, read a little each day, and take the inspiration those things provide into your daily life.

Another simple daily thing you can do to prepare “spiritually” is to give adequate attention to your family life. We all know the quote that tells us how much we won’t regret missing that extra hour at the office when we’re gone, but how much pain it will give us to know that we missed precious time with our families. Spend time each day, perhaps in the morning and evening, talking with your family. Make it a habit, and have everyone be involved. Set aside additional time once a week for a special outing, dinner, or other family-centered evening.

Preparing Materially

Mormons call this “temporal” preparation. “Temporal” simply means all things related to our physical needs, or the sustanance of our bodies. One thing Mormons are famous for is food storage. You don’t have to run out and buy a years supply of food. In fact, most Mormons don’t start this way either! Buy a little extra food each shopping trip, perhaps some canned goods, that you know you’ll use. It ads up fast, and every extra can you buy is security for your family. Read more on my food storage page for links and more ideas.

Be Happy

I think most people feel that being happy is a result of pleasant happenings in our lives. Happiness, it seems, is a state that we are in when things are going our way. I disagree with this thought, and propose that being happy is a choice. There are ample examples of people who, in spite of the worst conditions, are happy. This includes people from every walk of life. There are also ample examples of people who are sad, in spite of having every material comfort imaginable.

Mormon advice for rough times? Be happy! Thank God for all the good things that you have, and all the bad things that you don’t have to deal with. No matter how bad you have it, someone else has it worse. No matter how alone you feel, Christ was more alone, and suffered more. He understands, and can help you through those times.

If you want to learn more about any of these subjects, just let me know. You can email me using the Ask a Question page.

Video Easter Message

An Easter Message

Watch and then share the following video, “Easter Message—None Were with Him,” in which Elder Jeffrey R. Holland describes the Savior’s solitary journey to overcome sin and death and testifies of the resulting blessings to all mankind.

For those who are feeling lost, lonely, or like life is too difficult, this message may be just for you. Watch it, and keep in mind this Easter season the great and lasting sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for each of us.

Your questions and comments are welcome.

Easter is coming soon; How do Mormons Feel about Easter?

How do Mormon’s feel about Easter?

Easter is possibly one of the most important holidays to the Mormon’s. At Easter, the world celebrates Christ’s ressurection. The ressurection of Christ is more than just his rising from the dead on the third day- His triumph over death started in the garden of Gethsemane, where he suffered for the sins of the world. On Easter, we celebrate Christ’s life, suffering, death and ressurection.

Easter is a time when Mormon’s, and many other Christians, feel a deep gratitude for what Jesus Christ did for them personally. Without His sacrifice, we would have no hope on this earth. We realize that everyone falls short, and that only in and through Christ can we be saved in the eternities.

Mormon Easter Pageant

Easter is the celebration of a most sacred and singular event. One way that Mormon’s celebrate and remember that event is through an Easter pageant, which plays out the King James version of the story of Easter.

The pageant is the world’s largest annual outdoor Easter pageant. It has been ongoing since 1928, and has a cast of over 400 people. It includes live animals, a spectacular stage, and is viewed by tens of thousands each year.

You can read more about that pageant on LDS.org.

You can read a good synopses of the Mormon Easter pageant here.

You can understand how Mormon’s feel about Easter by reading this article. Here is a bit of it:

Those who hated Jesus thought they had put an end to Him forever when the cruel spikes pierced His quivering flesh and the cross was raised on Calvary. But this was the Son of God, with whose power they did not reckon. Through His death came the Resurrection and the assurance of eternal life. None of us can fully understand the pain He bore as He prayed in Gethsemane and subsequently hung in ignominy between two thieves while those who looked at Him taunted Him and said, “He saved others; himself he cannot save” (Matt. 27:42; Mark 15:31).

With sorrow unspeakable those who loved Him placed His wounded, lifeless body in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Gone was hope from the lives of His Apostles, whom He had loved and taught. He to whom they had looked as Lord and Master had been crucified and His body laid in a sealed tomb. He had taught them of His eventual death and Resurrection, but they had not understood. Now they were forlorn and dejected. They must have wept and wondered as the great stone was rolled to seal the burial place.

The Jewish Sabbath passed. Then came a new day, a day that ever after was to be the Lord’s day. In their sorrow Mary Magdalene and the other women came to the tomb. The stone was no longer in place. Curiously they looked inside. To their astonishment the tomb was empty… [continue reading]

Questions about Mormon Easter Celebrations?

If you have additional questions, feel free to ask them on this website.

Mormon General Conference Follow-Up

The 179th annual Mormon general conference is past now, but the video archives of the general conference are available for all to view:

Mormon General Conference Archive

You can view the video of the conference, which is translated for listening in many languages, if you want to see what was talked about during the general conference.

My Personal Experience With General Conference

As is often the case with general conference, I personally was able to take away many good things to think about in my own life. Many of the general conference speakers touched on thoughts of Easter, which is centered around the life and death of Christ, and the sacrifice that He made for each of us.

Another topic that was touched on was the current trials and troubles that we are facing in the world today. The speakers at the general conference gave an interesting perspective on the issues. Instead of focusing on the problems that we face today, or focusing on how we might find comfort or solice, the speakers focused on the problems that human-kind have faced in the past.

When we look at our problems today in many places, which include job-loss, financial ruin, wonder and worry about the future, etc., it is easy to feel self-pity for our situation. But when you compare our current situation and suffering against the backdrop of history, it is hard to complain at all. In one true story that was shared, we heard of a mother who was displaced from her home after WWII, and was forced to walk a 1000 mile journey alone with her children.

Each of that woman’s children died during that march, either of cold or of hunger, or both. She burried them with her bare hands, alone. When you consider what people have gone through on this earth, and remained faithful, it is hard to feel justified in doubting, fearing and dispairing at our current situations.

One thing that is also important to understand is that, no matter where we are, there is always someone worse off that we can help. We should reach out to these people, and help them in their journey. If we have any ability to help, we should do it. And many times, even when it seems like we have nothing left to give, at those times, if we do give, we find that we have so much more than we ever understood.

If you have watched the conference, and have questions, please let me know on this website. Also, feel free to ask other general questions about Mormonism, or the Mormon general conference.

What is the Mormon “General Conference”

A lot of people have heard about the upcoming 179TH annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or “Mormon” church). What is “general conference”? Why is general conference important to the Mormons?

As this is the 179th consecutive annual conference that the Mormon church has held, you can probably imagine that we take general conference pretty seriously. The great thing about general conference is that it is public- it is not a secret meeting only for church members, but a public conference of the Mormon church, open to the whole world.

You can even view the Mormon general conference online, as it happens, through streaming video and audio in a variety of languages. One the conference is complete, you can download transcripts, or listen to archived versions of the conference at your convenience. After a few weeks, the online conference materials will be translated into languages of countries around the world.

What do they talk about at the Mormon General Conference?

The short answer is that we talk about Christ and His gospel, the “Good News” that we can all return to our heavenly father through faith and repentance, and through following Christ’s example. There are a variety of speakers from the various organizations of the Mormon church, each sharing a message that they prepared themselves through prayer and inspiration.

Often, the messages that are shared will address the trials, problems and stresses that we face in our time. Issues such as unemployment, financial burdens, marital problems, and hope are often talked about. The goal of General Conference is to uplift and inspire. Those who listen usually walk away with a renewed desire to be more like Christ, and to have faith and hope in days to come.

When is the next Mormon General Conference?

April 4th and 5th of this year (2009) is the next Mormon General Conference. There are several sessions each of these days, with short breaks in-between. You can watch or listen live online at lds.org (there is an easy link there).

Can anyone watch/listen to Mormon General Conference?

Yes. The conference is open to all. General Conference is an exceptional opportunity to learn more about the Mormon church, because you’ll get to hear a lot of what we would normally talk about in our Sunday meetings. If you’ve been curious about the Mormon church, or about Mormon church meetings, the mormon general conference is an opportunity to watch or listen to Mormon church meetings from the comfort of your own home.

If you have questions about mormon general conference, or about something you heard during a mormon general conference, please feel free to ask here. Or, visit mormon.org to get answers from a live chat session with a mormon missionary!