Questions About Mormonism -- Ask A Mormon - Get Answers!

LdsNana-AskMormon is dedicating this Hub to answering "your" questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.

• YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ---- I HAVE ANSWERS!

About Asking A Mormon...

I do not consider myself a prophet, “expert” or apologist... or any other kind of LDS authority, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, however, I will do my best to personally answer your questions, in what I will refer to as ‘lay member style'.

YOUR Questions and MY Answers: will be posted here on this Hub (unless lengthy and then answer will be linked to...) and be available for anyone to access as a resource for accurate information about Mormonism, the Mormons and the LDS Church teachings, practices, beliefs, etc....

If I am unable to answer your question, I will recommend a resource, so that you can receive a credible answer.

I am opening up this invitation to those who would honestly like to know, what a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints actually does believe about their religion... Mormonism.

PLEASE NOTE: I will not answer questions that appear to me as contentious, rude, inflammatory etc... So IF you want your question answered, please ask it in a respectful manner.)

LdsNana -ASK A MORMON:

Learn More About The Mormon Church

Y - Question: MoralEthics1960

I always was told that you do not believe in Christmas and birthdays is this true? Also why Saturday church and not Sunday?

M- Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon

Hi MoralEthics1960 - Thanks, that is a great question. Actually, we DO celebrate birthdays and Christmas ( Easter too ) -- Definitely. After-all, life is a celebration... and don't forget the presents. If I am forced to keep having those birthdays, then presents, are a must!

The LDS Church recognizes the Sabbath, on Sundays. I know that the Seventh-day Adventists do so on Saturdays, but I am not aware of any others. Our Sunday services are open to anyone who would like to join us. We welcome all.

It is the Jehovah Witnesses, that do not celebrate birthdays, nor do they recognize Christmas and Easter. They consider these pagan holidays, as they are not found in the Bible.

Y - Question: helenathegreat

A Mormon friend I had as a teenager once showed me a sort of "guide book" for Mormon teens about what they can and cannot do. Can you write a little more about this? Are there consequences for breaking these rules? Where do the "rules" come from?

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon

Hello helenathegreat, I can't tell you how happy I am that you asked this question. As a mom, I have a 16 year-old-son, who is my last one at home now. Sometimes, our LDS Youth, feel a little embarrassed about all the 'rules' that they choose to keep. This is a nice example of how, perhaps, their willingness to share a bit more about themselves, and the Church, with their friends, is important. I'm really proud of your friend!

The guide book, that you refer to - is called, "For The Strength of Youth". This small book is approximately 4 x 5 in size, so it is easily kept in a wallet, purse or backpack, etc... This way, our youth can quickly reference it, whenever or for whatever reason.

This pamphlet is put together by The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, for these reasons, and I quote them -

"Because the Lord loves you, He has given you commandments and the words of prophets to guide you on your journey. Some of the most important guidelines for your life are found in this pamphlet. We testify that these principles are true."

The principles that are outlined in this pamphlet, range from moral conduct, to the choices that our youth face in today's world. Choosing good friends, use of alcohol and drugs, what they view... i.e., movies, television, Internet, magazines, etc... . They are counseled about the choice of music they listen to, as well as how they dress. They are encouraged to dress modestly. It is counseled to them, that they wait, until they are sixteen to date... and encouraged to group date, as opposed to one on one dating. (which most of them think is stupid) This leads to the strong counsel, to stay morally clean, which is a commandment of God.

There are others, but these are the core principles that are included in "For the Strength of Youth". Regarding discipline from the LDS Church, if they do not keep these 'rules'... As was stated in the above quote, these are mostly 'principles' for our youth to abide. In this way, they are kept from many of the influences and temptations of the world. Ultimately, the only area where their would be church discipline or any action that would be addressed, would be the area of morality.

Sexual immorality, is offensive unto God, therefore, when any member has sinned in these areas, they are required to meet with a church authority, who has responsibility for them. In this way, they are able to move through the repentance process and be cleansed by the atonement of Jesus Christ, and again, be considered a worthy member of the LDS Church. And most importantly, they are once again, a clean vessel for the spirit of the Lord, to dwell with.

Church discipline, of any kind, and for any age of a member of the Church, is considered a loving process. Most individuals, will approach their ecclesiastical leader, on their own... as they desire to course correct their lives. Most often, this is a positive experience for members of the LDS Church.

Thank you again, for asking such a pertinent question, to our faith.

Y - Question: amy jane

Hi, I was hoping you could outline the differences between a Protestant and Mormon. Like, what are the differences in the scriptures that are read and accepted. I was raised to be protestant, but educated in catholic schools and found a great deal of judgement along the way. Both groups seemed to think (and maybe still do) that the other was wrong and not going to heaven. Knowing all the differences between them, I am better able to understand the similarities and the most important part, Jesus, is the same. I am not looking to judge. I think that this same situation exists towards mormons. I have read about Mormonism in other places, but am not certain of the "slant" of the author.

Also, are there many different groups of Mormons? I am familiar with LDS only.

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon

Hi amy jane, thank you for such a wonderful question. I will do the best I can, although I could write a book on this topic. There were many of the great reformers who stated, that their efforts were, to assert basic Christian teachings of the Bible, nevertheless, at the same time, acknowledged that they did not have the authority to administer the ordinances of the Church, or to reestablish the original Church of Jesus Christ. Luther made this comment, "Christianity has ceased to exist among those who should have preserved it".

My father in-law, actually published a book about Roger Williams, another reformer, who founded Rhode Island. Roger Williams said, there is "no regularly-constituted Church on earth, nor any person authorized to administer any Church ordinance".

Members of the LDS Church, believe that both the ongoing reformation, and America's Freedom, which allowed it to continue -- made way for the restoration by angelic ministration, of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1820, the restoration of that same Church of Jesus Christ, which He organized while upon the earth, was once again established in the latter-days, through the prophet, Joseph Smith. We believe that God and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared to the boy prophet, who, because of the great confusion in his mind, went seeking in prayer, to know which of all the churches was true?

Joseph describes his vision in these words: "I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other -- This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!" (JS--H 1:17) In process of time, and of great importance, is the fact that the priesthood or the power of God, was returned to the earth once again, and the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored.

Those enlightened reformers, did not live to see the restoration, that many felt must take place and which they laid a foundation of belief. And yet, they left their witnesses, in the bold lives that they lived, in protesting and moving away from those who they knew did not have the authority themselves. Through the restoration, which was brought about through a living prophet of God, we declare that the heavens have been opened once again, in these latter-days. And with that, there has come new revelation given, the record of "The Book of Mormon" which is included in the Standard Works of the Church. In having a living prophet once again on the earth, much clarification of the teachings in the Bible has been received: which give added understanding of those complete truths that have been lost; due to human fallibility. (Articles of Faith) To understand the beliefs of the Mormon Church, it is necessary to acknowledge the foundation upon which 'we' believe.

As you can see, because of the basis for our beliefs in a restoration, we understand that it is difficult to compare any other religious beliefs, to ours. But this certainly does not imply that we believe that others will not go to heaven. In fact, we believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, offers a plan for the salvation of all men. I will include a link, which will give you information about brake off churches, coming out from the LDS Church. Officially, they have no claim or connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, and are not recognized by the Church. Included in this link, is more information on this topic. I sincerely hope that this helps you, to at least begin to understand the differences of the Mormons and Protestant religions.

I agree with what you have said, " Knowing all the differences between them, I am better able to understand the similarities and the most important part, Jesus, is the same." I realize that this answer is a bit different that you asked, but feel that this is the most important information that I could offer, as you seek to understand our teachings. Please let me know if I can clarify anything else. I have included quite a few links for your investigation...

tDMg

Again, I thank you for asking a 'Mormon'.

Y - Question: Archbob

"I've always heard that Mormons have some kind of special underwear garment which I never understood. I asked my friend whose family is Mormon but never got a satisfactory explanation."

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon

Well Archbob, you certainly did not pull any punches on submitting THIS question! LOL But, in all honesty... I think it is such an important question to ask a Mormon about, and not those who truly have no understanding of the significance of the Garment that is worn by adult members of the LDS Church, who have been endowed in the temple.

Because I wanted to give amore detailed response to the question about the garment, I decided to create a Hub, just for this particular question about the LDS garment that we Mormons wear. I sure hope I have given you an answer which will add to your understanding.

You can link over right from here...

Y- Question: funride

"Are Mormons still a little minority? How have [your] traditions changed over the years? Is it frequent to see young Mormons changing their beliefs?"

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon

Thank you funride. Once again, some really interesting questions that I will attempt to answer, but not here. I have actually published a Hub, to answer your three part question. It was important to first identify the fact that there are more than one kind of minority groups. Does the Mormon Church and what they teach; and its members, even qualify to ever have been labeled, a minority? So, that is just the beginnings, of what I felt was necessary, to have established, as a basis for answering your overall question.

I thoroughly enjoyed writing the Hub, and feel that you will find it most informative, as to how the Mormon Church, currently is viewed, from this perspective. (In my opinion:-)

[COMPLETE ANSWER - CLICK BELOW]

Y - Question:

sandra rinck - regarding what I wrote in my Hub,

Mormon President, Monson - New Prophet-Leader, Of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints Called By His HAND!

"How does someone know if they are a prophet? You said in your hub that a prophet gets word from God himself, so if many claim to have heard God through the Holy Spirit, then how does just one become chosen?"

M - Answer:

LdsNana-AskMormon:

Thank you sandra, for a question,that really deserves a legitimate answer; about the truth of this unusual 'phenomenon' - that must be achieved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints; and particularly - in our willingness to sustain a man, who is - just a man; to be the President of a worldwide congregation, such as the Mormon Church.

Honestly, if we consider that membership is currently over 13 million members, this is a question thatdemands an answer! I think we can conclude, that this has to be much more, than what some would label the Mormon Church as a 'cult' - in order to explain this magnitude of oneness.

Important note: Those who have not read the Hub, that this question is in response to, might first consider doing so. In that way, you will understand what might have provoked this question...

Once again, I was thrilled to have such an opportunity to answer a query, that is very personal to myself and many other LDS people.

tDMg

Use LINK BELOW, to read entire RESPONSE...

Thanks for the continued willingness to Ask A Mormon - your questions about the Mormon Church and our doctrines, beliefs and practices.

Recently I have had a few questions come up in my comments boxes on other Hubs that I have published. I will be adding those questions over here as I determine that they are general enough questions to be included here on this Hub.

Recently this question came up, and I felt certain that it was one that many people would ask -

Y - Question: sdorrian

I was in Salt Lake City recently and took a tour of the Temple grounds. We were not allowed to go into the actual Temple and were told that nobody who is not Mormon was allowed to attend services there. Do you know why that is?

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon

Well as you can probably figure, this answer requires another Hub. Great questions from so many. I thank you for causing myself to work! LOL The questions that relate to the LDS Temples and our worship; why can't you go inside a Mormon Temple - including why are they secret? These are all questions about Mormons and their temples that really do seem reasonable to ask a Mormon.

I have written this Hub and hope that in some way, those who have not been inside an LDS Temple will better understand and not feel as though Mormons "think" they are better than others... just not true.

Mormonism And Temples... Why Are Only Mormons Allowed To Go Inside?

Thank you again sdorrian, this was such a good question and I am so glad you asked a Mormon:-)

tDMg

LdsNana-AskMormon

I hope you enjoy this wedding video that was put together for Romi & Lieta who were sealed inside the Salt Lake Temple on March 1, 2008! In this video we see them outside of the temple after the marriage took place...

It appears as though the had such a beautiful day both inside the Temple; and from what we can see in this video, also with the festivities of the reception across the street from the Salt Lake Temple - at their reception held in The Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Best Wishes Romi & Lieta:-)

Y - Question: Granny Smith

God tells us in His Word - the Holy Bible, that He rested from His work of Creation on the 7th day, thereby in this very act, He actually created the Sabbath! Since this is actually one of the ten commandments from God and He command us to observe this day, the 7th day, to rest and worship Him, I would like to know how Mormons get around this commandment by observing the 1st day of the week. God made the 7th day holy, not the 1st - He himself said so. Why do others insist on trying to make a day holy that is not holy? Why isn't the 7th day, the very day God chose, seemingly not good enough?

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon -

Mormon's "observe" the Sabbath on Sundays, with the majority of other Christians throughout the world, in memorial of that Day which God decreed that He and those who Worship Him should rest from their labors. We also acknowledge that Law of the Sabbath, which is the Lord's Day which is to be - the seventh day of the 'week' (Saturday) and not the first day of the week (Sunday); as the calendar rotates a week to be - a seven day time frame.

It was during the Constantine period, of which the Sabbath Day observance was moved to be on Sunday. Since that time - most of Christianity around the world - observes the Sabbath, still on Sunday.

With the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, God did not command His Church, in this thing - to worship on a day contrary to general Christianity... nor did He command us to observe His Sabbath on an exact day of the week.

Mormons believe, that it is in the observance of the seventh day - in that seven day time period or cycle, whereby the law and the covenant are kept, as commanded by God. We believe and accept not only the law of the Sabbath; that it should be kept every seventh day, but that it is truly a Holy Day. We exercise our faith in the covenant relationship that is maintained with God, through observing a Holy Day of rest. In this practice, that 'perpetual', which God Commanded should be observed - the covenant is kept - by repeating a seven day renewal of the covenant, to stop from our worldly labors and worship God.

Section 59: Vs. 9,10 of the Doctrine and Covenants, clarifies not only the law of the Sabbath, which must be kept; but also teaches us regarding the covenant associated with this spiritual law, for our benefit.

"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;

For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;"

Latter-Day-Saints recognize the Law of the Sabbath, as a perpetual covenant with the Lord, which must be obeyed; and the law being every seventh day. We believe it is first a law of obedience, which therefore God deems to bless His people thereby.

Again, Mormons are not trying to get around God's law by any means. Members of the LDS Church, hold the observance of a Sabbath Day, in keeping with the first and second great commandments - imperative to our Christianity and desire to keep His commandments.

tDMg

LdsNana-AskMormon

Y - Question: Granny Smith -

I have always wondered if Mormons view the Bible as God-inspired and God-breathed. And why, if the Bible is the Holy Word of God, would anyone need anything else such as the Book of Mormon?

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon -

Most definitely... Mormons do believe that The Holy Bible is the word of God. But we also know it to have been translated by the hand of man, countless times over millenia, and therefore because of the fallibility of man - plain and precious truths have been distorted and some original writings removed. Mormons believe and accept The Book of Mormon also as the word of God.

The Book of Mormon is known to have been preserved by God - to come forth in these latter days, as another testament of Jesus Christ. The benefit of the two records, one of Judah and one of Joseph - is that they now meet the law of witnesses that God himself established in the Old Testament.

The Book of Mormon is a record that spans a time-period of about 1000 years... beginning approximately 600 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon, together with the Bible are powerful witnesses of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

I have published a Hub which presents that The Book of Mormon is a record that can be viewed as expected to come forth... as Jesus Christ himself, declared that he did have other sheep, not of the fold in Jerusalem... that He was going to see. The record of this appearance that we should expect, would be one where it would be the resurrected Jesus.

This is the very record of the Book of Mormon, that is proclaimed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, to be the word of God, and His testament come forth from His other sheep...

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told Has Another Witnesses...

Y- Questions: Granny Smith

Do Mormons keep the commandments of God that are in the Bible? Are these same 10 commandments in the Book of Mormon?

M - Answer: LdsNana-AskMormon -

Members of The Mormon Church are Christian in every way... and therefore we do accept the commandments of God that are recorded in the Bible. Both the Old Testament - meaning the Ten Commandments; and also we accept what is often referred to as the "higher" law - of the New Testament; which is more spiritual or within by nature - in that which was given by Jesus Christ Himself, as the Sermon on the Mount - and is referred to as "The Beatitudes".

I love the Saviors sermon, as He, line upon line - takes the laws of the original Ten Commandments, and as The Master Teacher - lifts us beyond just the outward "doing" of law, but how to become like Christ Himself, from within - at the very heart of a persons actions.

He repeatedly used the phrasing... "It has been written...." and then "But I say unto you...." then He proceeds to teach the deeper and more spiritual law of the commandments.

Oh yes, LDS members absolutely take deeply serious the laws of God... as coming from God and not man. Mormons are often criticized for our true belief that God does expect us to keep laws still today! Not that keeping the law saves us, but that He expects us to do His works, meaning keep His laws.

tMDg

LdsNana-AskMormon