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For similarly named churches, see Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Classification Restorationist
Orientation Latter Day Saint movement
Polity Hierarchical
Leader Thomas S. Monson
Geographical areas 176 nations/territories
Founder Joseph Smith, Jr.[1]
Origin April 6, 1830
Manchester or Fayette, New York, United States
Separations LDS denominations
Congregations 28,345
Members 13,850,000 (see text)[2]
Missionaries 52,494[3]
Tertiary institutions 4[4]
Official Website www.lds.org
Latter-day Saints portal
Book of Mormon portal
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (abbreviated as the LDS Church, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church) is a restorationist Christian church, and the largest denomination originating from the Latter Day Saint movement founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. Founded in Upstate New York in 1830, the church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has established congregations (called wards or branches) worldwide.
.Adherents view faith in Jesus Christ as the central tenet of their religion,[5] though due in part to differences in doctrines, some Christian churches consider the LDS Church to be distinct from the historic apostolic tradition of Christianity.^ Christianity calls for personal faith in Jesus Christ.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day .
  • ~~Religion: Mormon ~~ Pay Lay Ale ~~ Secret ~ Temple ~ Ceremony~~ 8 January 2010 9:09 UTC nowscape.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Booya- You can believe in Jesus and not be a part of a ‘Christian’ church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 [6][7] .LDS Church theology includes the Christian doctrine of salvation only through Jesus Christ.^ LDS doctrine and theology ?
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Jesus is your only hope for salvation.

 ^ The only “true” Church of Jesus Christ is one who has His authority..

 [8] .The church has an open canon which includes four scriptural texts:[9] the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.^ Consecration as contained in the book of Doctrine and Covenants was .
  • ~~Religion: Mormon ~~ Pay Lay Ale ~~ Secret ~ Temple ~ Ceremony~~ 8 January 2010 9:09 UTC nowscape.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible; also a .
  • ~~Religion: Mormon ~~ Pay Lay Ale ~~ Secret ~ Temple ~ Ceremony~~ 8 January 2010 9:09 UTC nowscape.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ In October of 1880 The Pearl of Great Price, a collection of writings, which contained the book of Abraham, was recognized as scripture by the Mormon Church.

 .Other than the Bible, the majority of the LDS canon constitutes revelation dictated by Joseph Smith and includes commentary and exegesis about the Bible, texts described as lost parts of the Bible, and other works believed to be written by ancient prophets.^ For instance, Joseph Smith as a false prophet.

 ^ More about Joseph Smith] .
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ This was not the Joseph Smith you had taught me about.
.Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus leads the church by revealing his will to the President of the Church, whom they sustain as a modern-day prophet, seer, and revelator.^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Xerox copy in the Archives of the Reorganised Church of latter Day Saints.

 .Individual members are expected to receive personal revelation from God for specifics in conducting their lives.^ We believe that a prophet, currently President Thomas S. Monson, lives on the earth today and gives revelation to us from God.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The philosophy of "Mormonism" rests on the literal acceptance of a living, personal God, and on the unreserved compliance with his law as from time to time revealed.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Ancient sacred history seemed to be telling all people:  See, God chose these weak men to do great things in His service, and so each person on earth should realize that he or she can also serve God, receive revelation, and do righteousness, despite human problems and inability to live totally without sin.
  • Anonymous LDS Historian's Response to Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? -SHIELDS 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.shields-research.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [10] .The President heads a hierarchical structure with various levels reaching down to local congregations.^ The worker starts at the top of the patron's head and works down to the feet, reaching under the shield to touch shoulders, back, breast, vitals and bowels, and loins.
  • Mormonism - EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.forgottenword.org [Source type: Original source]

 Male bishops, drawn from the laity, lead local congregations. .Worthy male members, after age 12, may be ordained to the priesthood.^ I, as a woman can be blessed by the priesthood, by asking a worthy male member for a blessing.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It is the practice of the Church in this dispensationa practice dictated by the needs of the present day ministry and confirmed by the inspiration of the Spirit resting upon those who hold the keys of the kingdomto confer the Aaronic Priesthood upon worthy young men who are 12 years of age and to ordain them to the office of a deacon in that priesthood.

 ^ May 12th, 2009 12:41 pm ET I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, supporter of Obama, and not a Republican (nor Democrate).
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Women do not hold positions within the priesthood but serve in an array of other leadership roles.^ WOMEN AND MORMONISM - SECTION 3 Women in Mormonism are not allowed to hold any priesthood power or major authority positions in the Mormon Church, excluding Relief Society and lower Church callings.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ WOMEN AND MORMONISM - SECTION 1 Women in Mormonism are not allowed to hold any priesthood power or major authority positions in the Mormon Church, excluding Relief Society and lower Church callings.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Only men (generally all men, including boys age twelve and up) hold the priesthood in the church, and thus only men are in positions of authority.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [11] .Both men and women may serve as missionaries, and the church maintains a large missionary program which proselytizes and conducts humanitarian service worldwide.^ Modesty is important for both men and women.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ For example, the active participation of Latter-day Saints in their community and worldwide humanitarian programs reflects concern for other people.
  • http://staylds.com/docs/HowToStay.html 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC staylds.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ GORDON B. HINCKLEY, LDS Church President: Prepare to consecrate two years of your lives to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary- .
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 .Faithful members adhere to laws regarding sexual purity, health, fasting, and Sabbath-day observance.^ The eternal laws that pertain to chastity before marriage and personal purity within marriage apply to all sexual behavior.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ But other laws followed, most of which, as the Latter-day Saints believe, were aimed directly at their religious conception of the marriage contract, and not at social impropriety nor sexual offense.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ There is no sect nor people that sets a higher value on virtue and chastity than do the Latter-day Saints, nor a people that visits surer retribution upon the heads of offenders against the laws of sexual purity.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 .Members also voluntarily tithe, donating 10 percent of their income to the church.^ Give 10% of your income as tithes.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The church only has to account for its donations not its members donations.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Members of the Mormon church do not HAVE to tithe.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

Contents

History

Main article: History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The history of the LDS Church is typically divided into three broad time periods: (1) the early history during the lifetime of Joseph Smith, Jr. which is in common with all Latter Day Saint movement churches, (2) a "pioneer era" under the leadership of Brigham Young and his 19th century successors, and (3) a modern era beginning around the turn of the 20th century as Utah achieved statehood.

Beginnings

See also: History of the Latter Day Saint movement
Church members believe that Joseph Smith, Jr. was called to be a modern-day prophet through, among other events, a visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ.
.He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.^ Not all good feelings come from God.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ All of the gods and powers of the people are in his service.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good work."
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]
.Following his claim of being visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820, Smith gained a small following[13] and began dictating the Book of Mormon, which he said was a translation of words found on a set of golden plates that had been buried near his home in western New York by an indigenous American prophet.^ It was restored by God and Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Jesus Christ began to restore His Church in its fullness to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ 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.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 .Smith said he had been in contact with an angel, who showed him the plates' location.^ With regard to the plates, Smith said God had deceived him -- which was the reason he (Smith) did not show them.
  • Smith History Vault: Daniel P. Kidder's Mormonism and the Mormons Part 1 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.olivercowdery.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know, of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken.
  • Smith History Vault: Daniel P. Kidder's Mormonism and the Mormons Part 1 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.olivercowdery.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Mormons flock to this village of 3,500 to celebrate the birth of their religion and its main founder, Joseph Smith, the local farmer who said that in 1827 he found the golden plates that were translated into the Book of Mormon.
.On April 6, 1830, in western New York,[14] Smith organized the religion's first legal church entity, the Church of Christ.^ Many revivals of religion in western New-York, and Smith's mind becomes disturbed.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ First conference at Fayette, New York.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ First, he destroyed the Church of Christ (Rev.
  • What Is A Mormon - Mormonism - LDS 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormonbeliefs.com [Source type: Original source]

 [15] .The church rapidly gained a following, who viewed Smith as a prophet.^ Jesus Christ began to restore His Church in its fullness to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Bishops and other church leaders generally follow the same responses that Smith made to his followers.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The legitimacy and validity of the entire Mormon church rested squarely upon its declaration that Joseph Smith was a genuine prophet of God.
  • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]

 .In the 1830s, missionaries from the church converted thousands of new members[16] and established outposts in Kirtland, Ohio.^ It has the same teachings and basic organization as the Church established by Jesus in New Testament times.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Thomas S. Ferguson spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and 25 years of his life as a head of "The New World Archaeological Foundation," funded by the Church.

 ^ My missionary companion and I went home that day convinced that we had a new convert to Mormonism, but we were wrong.
  • Anonymous LDS Historian's Response to Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? -SHIELDS 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.shields-research.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Smith said in 1831 that God intended the Mormons to "retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years."^ Brigham gathered with the Saints to Kirtland, Ohio, in September of the same year, and soon became intimate with Joseph Smith.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ He told us that he had spent twenty-five years trying to prove Mormonism, but had finally come to the conclusion that all his work in this regard had been in vain.

 ^ In other words, ruach might be said to be perfectly obedient to God, which corresponds exactly with the Mormon understanding of spirit matter.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 [17] .As persecutions increased and after Smith had received death threats, by fall 1838 Smith and most other Ohio Mormons had left Kirtland for the Mormon strong hold in Missouri.^ If Smith be an impostor, Mormonism must fall.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Brigham gathered with the Saints to Kirtland, Ohio, in September of the same year, and soon became intimate with Joseph Smith.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ SADNESS, BEREAVEMENT Disillusionment with Mormonism has resulted in great sadness for me and for almost all of the other men and women I have talked with who have left the LDS Church.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 [18] .There, Smith intended to build a "city of Zion".^ Of course it may also be argued that Joseph Smith somehow intended to replace the notion of three distinct persons united as one God with the idea that there are simply three Gods.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 [19][20] .Joseph Smith and his followers were plagued by persecution in both Missouri and Illinois.^ Joseph Smith, Jr., and his brother Hiram are shot in jail at Carthage, Illinois, by a gang of Missourians.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Without doubt Joseph Smith, and the church prophets to follow, introduced some radical concepts into their supposed Christianity.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ In 1832 Joseph Smith received a revelation of a text attributed to John -- either or both the Beloved and/or the Baptist.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Finally Joseph Smith and some few others went to prison to answer charges brought against them.^ Some questions were answered, but many others were not.

 ^ Finally, we commend unto you the profession of the unity of God , as related by Joseph Smith in the first vision ( "One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Joseph Smith was a conman, nothing else, he got lucky by convincing others that faith would bring riches and power.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 While in prison, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith (second in line to the church presidency),[21] were assassinated on June 27, 1844, by an angry mob.[22]
.After Smith's death, a succession crisis ensued, and the majority of the members of the church followed Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to whom Smith had given the keys of the priesthood.^ However, the majority of Smith's followers chose Brigham Young as their new captain.

 ^ (Sermon by Brigham Young given Sept.

 ^ The Smiths were, the Youngs are now, the leading men of Mormonism; Brigham, President of the Church; Joseph, the President of the Seventies; John was President of the High Priesthood, and is now a Patriarch; Joseph A., a member of the Legislature, and certain to fill the next important vacancy, if he be at all decorous in his conduct, so as not too violently to shock the prejudices of the people.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Young had been a close associate of Smith's and was senior apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve.^ Accordingly, in 1835, on the 14th of February, at Kirtland, Ohio, Brigham Young, then thirty-four years of age, was ordained one of the newly-organized quorum of the Twelve Apostles; he having been previously designated by a special revelation, that Smith pretended to obtain.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ DALLIN H. OAKS, LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: The life of the mind can be seen to be in flat-out opposition to one's faith.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The 1st of June, 1978, Spencer Kimball, his two counselors, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, met in the temple.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 [23] .Other groups of Latter Day Saints followed other leaders to form other denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement.^ I'm dating a Latter-day Saint girl.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Latter-Day Saints seek Godhood .

 ^ Young encouraged some early Latter-day Saints to begin vineyards in Utah, sending one group of Swiss immigrants to southern Utah to start the Dixie Wine Mission.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

Pioneer era

Brigham Young who led the LDS Church from 1844 until his death in 1877
.In 1846, after the difficulties experienced in Missouri (culminating in an extermination order issued against the Mormons) and with continued persecution in Illinois, Young led his followers, the Mormon pioneers in one of the largest forced migrations in American history[24] from Nauvoo and the United States to what would later become known, in 1850, as the Utah Territory in search of religious freedom.^ Would it be so bad if Utah were a dry state?
  • Sheldon Killpack, Mormonism, Alcohol Consumption and Prohibition | One Utah 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC oneutah.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ We have experienced persecutions including an extermination order issued by a state governor.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Would it be so bad if Utah were a vegetarian state?
  • Sheldon Killpack, Mormonism, Alcohol Consumption and Prohibition | One Utah 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC oneutah.org [Source type: Original source]

 [25]
.The group branched out and colonized a large region now known as the Mormon Corridor.^ Long known as reliable fundraisers and behind-the-scenes organizers in Republican politics, Mormons made Proposition 8 their coming out party as a social conservative force.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Hopefully, I will now be able to expose the real doctrines of Mormonism to her and help her to find out that she actually needs to get rid of the Mormonism!"
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Joseph Smith later translated those plates into what is now known as the Book of Mormon.

 .Young incorporated The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a legal entity, and initially governed both the church and the state as a theocratic leader.^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ This Web Page is not officially associated, in any way, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormon Church).
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 .He also publicized the previously-secret practice of plural marriage,[26] a form of polygamy.^ Why did your church practice plural marriage (polygamy)?
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ While "Under the Banner of Heaven" is an expose of Utah polygamy, it's a narrowly focused work, concentrating on the most egregious examples of plural marriage.

 ^ The diary entry stated how Joseph's faithful wife, Emma, asked Joseph if he was practicing Plural Marriage?
.By 1857, tensions had again escalated between Mormons and other Americans, largely as a result of accusations involving polygamy and the theocratic rule of the Utah territory by Brigham Young.^ SADNESS, BEREAVEMENT Disillusionment with Mormonism has resulted in great sadness for me and for almost all of the other men and women I have talked with who have left the LDS Church.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Question - Since the time when Brigham Young taught that both the moon and the sun were inhabited by people, has the Mormon Church ever found scientific evidence of that to be true?
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Later, Brigham Young retaliated and ordered the Mountain Meadows Massacre, killing the entire Francher party in Southern Utah.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [27] .The Utah Mormon War ensued from 1857 to 1858, which resulted in the relatively peaceful[28] invasion of Utah by the United States Army, after which Young agreed to step down from power and be replaced by a non-Mormon territorial governor, Alfred Cumming.^ Non-Mormons belong to the Church of the Devil as it states in 2 Nephi, even (especially?

 ^ Just as the United States Army has its military academy and the United States Air force has the Air force academy, the Mormon Church has BYU for training its future leaders.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ County and state judges, the governor, and even the President of the United States, were appealed to in turn for redress.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 [29] .Nevertheless, the LDS Church still wielded significant political power in the Utah Territory.^ But it is still a very big problem for LDS Church defenders.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I am very concerned about some of the issues that may arise from the growth of the Mormon church, and the political power that seems to be building in the organization.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ And just because the LDS Church has fallen short of your expectations, can you not also objectively acknowledge that there is still inspiration and goodness within?
  • http://staylds.com/docs/HowToStay.html 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC staylds.com [Source type: Original source]

 [30]
.At Young's death in 1877, he was followed by other LDS Presidents, who resisted efforts by the United States Congress to outlaw Mormon polygamous marriages.^ The thought that plural marriage has ever been the head and front of "Mormon" offending, that to it is traceable as the true cause the hatred of other sects and the unpopularity of the Church, is not tenable to the earnest thinker.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ By Charles L. Wood, Author of “The Mormon Conspiracy" The Mormon Conspiracy Homepage: HOME PAGE Click on the following book picture to READ INSIDE "The Mormon Conspiracy" at amazon.com BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY This newsletter will discuss Brigham Young University, the largest church sponsored university in the United States, with thirty thousand students.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ So what can anti-Mormons and others who think differently take from what I write?

 .Conflict between Mormons and the U.S. government escalated to the point that in 1890, Congress disincorporated the LDS Church and seized all its assets.^ Hi all, I’m a member of the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ We were not active in the Mormon church, but were believers at that point.

 ^ A Mission in France and Insights into a Mormon Testimony DZaitzeff@aol.com how and why I left the LDS Church.

 .Soon thereafter, church president Wilford Woodruff issued a Manifesto that officially suspended the practice.^ WILFORD WOODRUFF Fourth President of the Mormon Church from 1889-1898.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ POLYGAMY - SECTION 3 The Mormon Church stopped the practice of Polygamy "officially" in 1890, but practiced it in secret for several decades afterwards.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The church had officially renounced the practice of polygamy and Utah had finally been granted statehood.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 [31] .Although this Manifesto did not yet dissolve existing plural marriages, and did not entirely stop the practice of polygamy, relations with the United States markedly improved after 1890, such that Utah was admitted as a U.S. state.^ Why did your church practice plural marriage (polygamy)?
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ And while the admissions about Smith's plural marriages certainly go beyond Sunday School teachings, the faithful framing of the practice and motivation is entirely compatible with Church thinking.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ While "Under the Banner of Heaven" is an expose of Utah polygamy, it's a narrowly focused work, concentrating on the most egregious examples of plural marriage.

 .Relations further improved after 1904, when church president Joseph F. Smith disavowed polygamy before the United States Congress and issued a "Second Manifesto" calling for all plural marriages in the church to cease.^ Further, Joseph Smith stated in 1840 that: "I believe that God is eternal.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Joseph Smith first president, prophet, and founder of the Mormon Church: .
  • Larry O'Donnell's Latest Rant: Mormonism 'Demented, Ridiculous' | NewsBusters.org 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsbusters.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Why did your church practice plural marriage (polygamy)?
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Eventually, the church adopted a policy of excommunicating its members found practicing polygamy and today seeks to actively distance itself from “fundamentalist” groups still practicing polygamy.^ It is not now nor has it ever been Church practice or policy.

 ^ Members who are excommunicated or have their membership removed are still counted among the membership of the Church.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The church is actually a wonderful laboratory to help practice, and eventually instill this teaching within them.
  • http://staylds.com/docs/HowToStay.html 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC staylds.com [Source type: Original source]

 [32]
The Salt Lake Temple, which took 40 years to build, is one of the most iconic images of the church

Modern times

.During the 20th century, the church grew substantially and became an international organization, due in part to the spread of missionaries across the globe.^ NARRATOR: At the end of the 19th century, the missionary work had to take a back seat to the survival of the church in Utah.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ So from the start, he sent out first his family members, and everyone who joined his church became a missionary.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ WE'RE THE ONLY TRUE CHURCH I usually told this lie during the first of seven 30-minute missionary lessons, which presented the Joseph Smith story.

 In 2000, the church reported 60,784 missionaries,[33] and global church membership stood at 11,068,861.[33] As of 2007, membership had reached 13,193,999.[34]
.The church became a strong and public champion of the nuclear family and at times played a prominent role in political matters, including opposition to MX Peacekeeper missile bases in Utah and Nevada,[35] opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment,[36] opposing legalized gambling,[37] support of bans on same-sex marriage,[38] and opposition to legalized physician-assisted death.^ Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Gay marriage will one day be legal throughout the U.S., including Utah.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ "The Church" started preaching to us in various ways about the evils of homosexuality, that marriage must be between a man and a woman, that the institution of marriage was being threatened, that we should contact our congressmen and ask them to vote for an amendment to the US Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, and so on.
  • How Mormonism Created Glenn Beck | Media and Technology | AlterNet 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.alternet.org [Source type: General]

 [39] .Apart from issues that it considers to be ones of morality, however, the church usually maintains a position of political neutrality.^ The church does, however, weigh in on issues it considers morally important.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ NARRATOR: One of the most contentious issues that has divided intellectuals and church leaders involves scientific investigations of the Book of Mormon.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The convergence of Mormon and evangelical Christian concerns on a host of cultural, moral, and political issues is no accident.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 [40]
.A number of official changes have taken place to the organization during the modern era.^ OFFICIATOR: We would like to invite the witness couple, to take their place at the head of the altar, and an equal number of Brothers and Sisters to join us in the circle.
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ A modern example might be the fact that during the German occupation of France in the 1940s there were obviously a number of publications in German, for use of the occupation forces.
  • Linguistic Problems in Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC packham.n4m.org [Source type: Original source]
  • Linguistic Problems in Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC home.teleport.com [Source type: Original source]

 .One significant change was the ordination of black men to the priesthood in 1978, which reversed a policy originally instituted by Brigham Young.^ Women and blacks were denied the priesthood under Brigham Young.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Brigham Young has one design, and only one.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Young was clear: "they [blacks] never can hold the Priesthood .
  • Larry O'Donnell's Latest Rant: Mormonism 'Demented, Ridiculous' | NewsBusters.org 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsbusters.org [Source type: Original source]

 [41] .There are also periodic changes in the structure and organization of the church, mainly to accommodate the organization's growth and increasing international presence.^ I am very concerned about some of the issues that may arise from the growth of the Mormon church, and the political power that seems to be building in the organization.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ "Mormonism" contends that there has been a general falling away from the Church of Christ, dating from the time immediately following the apostolic period.
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ There have been many deliberate changes in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, History of the Church, etc.

 .For example, since the early 1900s, the church has instituted a Priesthood Correlation Program to centralize church operations and bring them under a hierarchy of priesthood leaders.^ The Church's doctrinal stance of polygamy, blacks and the priesthood, and the nature of God haven't changed in any significant way over the years since the Church began.

 ^ At that time, the placement program was the LDS church's major effort to bring Lamanites (the LDS term for Native Americans) into the church.

 ^ It also helps me to realize that it took many years for me to finally see through the cunning dishonesty of early Church leaders.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 .During the Great Depression, the church also began operating a church welfare system, and it has conducted numerous humanitarian efforts in cooperation with other religious organizations.^ Most of the largest American Trinity-Christian denominations were not even organized when the LDS church began.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ SADNESS, BEREAVEMENT Disillusionment with Mormonism has resulted in great sadness for me and for almost all of the other men and women I have talked with who have left the LDS Church.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ UTAH LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY Utah Lighthouse Ministry is a Christian non-profit organization providing humanitarian outreach to the Community, and printing critical research and documentation on the LDS Church.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

Teachings and practices

The written canon of the LDS Church is referred to as its Standard Works.

Sources of authority

See also: Standard Works and revelation (Latter Day Saints)
The theology of the LDS Church consists of a mixture of biblical doctrines with modern revelations and other commentary by LDS leaders, particularly Joseph Smith, Jr. The most authoritative sources of theology are the faith's canon of four religious texts, called the Standard Works. .Included in the Standard Works are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.^ Sidney Rigdon delivers six lectures on Faith, generally attributed to J. Smith, being unaccredited to their author, and bound in the book of Smith's Revelations (Doctrines and Covenants).
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ "The Book of Commandments" (now called "Doctrine and Covenants") was published in 1835 and it included lectures given in the School of the Prophets.

 ^ AUTHORS: Cowan, Marvin Moving into Doctrine and Covenants Section 125, Marvin Cowan reveals even more problems in prophecies from and about Mormonisms founder.
  • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Among these books, the church holds in equal esteem as the other Standard Works the Book of Mormon, said by the church to be "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" that Joseph Smith translated from buried golden plates.^ It was restored by God and Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Mormon disparagement of other churches: .
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Smith in working up the Book of Abraham.

 The church characterizes the Book of Mormon as "the most correct of any book on earth and the keystone of [their] religion".[42]
.The Bible, also part of the church's canon, is believed to be "the word of God as far as it is translated correctly".[43] Most often, the church uses the Authorized King James Version.^ 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.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ In other words, modern scholars do not agree with the translators of the King James Version.
  • Linguistic Problems in Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC packham.n4m.org [Source type: Original source]
  • Linguistic Problems in Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC home.teleport.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ For example, using crashgate’s comment – the Bible that Mormons use is the King James Bible.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Sometimes, however, parts of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible are considered authoritative.^ Wasn't Joseph Smith the translator?

 ^ (Book of Abraham 3:2-4) 4.Joseph Smith put a magic rock into a hat and looked at the rock to translate the Book of Mormon.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ As Young had learned from Joseph Smith when he organized the Government in the Theocracy of Nauvoo, democracy was not a part of God’s plan for his Kingdom in the state Deseret.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Some excerpts of Joseph Smith's translation have been included in the Pearl of Great Price, which also includes further reputed translations by Smith and church historical items.^ Smith's translation is now accepted as scripture by the LDS church, as part of its Pearl of Great Price .
  • Linguistic Problems in Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC packham.n4m.org [Source type: Original source]
  • Linguistic Problems in Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC home.teleport.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Wasn't Joseph Smith the translator?

 ^ Notwithstanding, we acknowledge that the church continues to make great strides in candor through its promotion of books like Rough Stone Rolling and Massacre at Mountain Meadows at Deseret Book, and through things like the Joseph Smith Papers project .
  • http://staylds.com/docs/HowToStay.html 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC staylds.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Other historical items and reputed revelations are found in the Doctrine and Covenants.^ Sidney Rigdon delivers six lectures on Faith, generally attributed to J. Smith, being unaccredited to their author, and bound in the book of Smith's Revelations (Doctrines and Covenants).
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS During the time that Joseph Smith lived, he allegedly received direct revelation from Jesus Christ wherein Jesus Christ allegedly spoke to him.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ AUTHORS: Cowan, Marvin The Mormon book Doctrine and Covenants is allegedly filled with revelation after revelation from the heavens.
  • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]
.Another source of authoritative doctrine is the pronouncements of the current Apostles and members of the First Presidency.^ Authoritative sources are Church published teaching resources such as manuals and other printed documents, pamphlets, letters from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, presentations made at semi annual Conference or statements or proclamations issued by the Church.

 ^ We are members of the great and abominable church that was built by frauds and impostors after the death of the first apostles.
  • Is Mormonism Christian? | First Things 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.firstthings.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Nauvoo, Illinois, version was the first to resemble the current version, but has such differences as members being washed in bath tubs and Satan crawing on the floor.
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 .The church teaches that the First Presidency (the prophet and his counselors) and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles are prophets[44] and that their teachings are generally given under inspiration from God through the Holy Spirit.^ Christianity teaches that God is Spirit.” .
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The things that we learn through the process of inspiration are of God, of the Spirit.

 ^ Christianity teaches that God is Spirit.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Members of the church acknowledge (sustain) them regularly as prophets, seers, and revelators—this is done publicly twice a year at the church's worldwide general conference broadcast.^ Marion Romney (1st Presidency) General Conference, October 1964 (note that Romney at that time is a member of the 1st Presidency, accepted as a prophet, seer and revelator of the mormon church, at an official mormon church conference, speaking within view of the “prophet”) .
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I encourage you to either approach the person–generally, members of the LDS church are very open to talking about religion and the Church–or go to the source-the Church itself: .
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ As long as they continue to march in the right direction, we can easily take the good with the bad, and accept President Monson as prophet, seer, and revelator for the church..
  • http://staylds.com/docs/HowToStay.html 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC staylds.com [Source type: Original source]

 [44]

Comparisons within Christianity

See also: Mormonism and Christianity
Latter-day Saints believe in the resurrection of Jesus, as depicted in this replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus statue located in the North Visitors' Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City
.In addition to a belief in the Bible,[45] the divinity of Jesus, and his atonement and resurrection, other LDS teachings are shared with other branches of Christianity.^ While we love our Mormon friends very much, as a Bible believing Evangelical Christians, committed to the teachings of the historic Evangelical Christian Church, we do not support the beliefs and practices of the Mormon Church in any capacity.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Aside from the belief that Jesus is the divine son of God, mormonism actually has much in common with Islam, possibly more than with any other religion.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Mormons believe that “salvation is by grace after all we can do” (2 Nephi) The LDS Church teaches that a person must be baptized and do other external works of righteousness to earn their salvation.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .For example, LDS theology includes belief in the doctrine of salvation through Jesus alone,[8] his virgin birth, restorationism (via a Restoration of Christ's church given through Joseph Smith, Jr.), rejection of original sin,[46] millennialism, continuationism, penal substitution,[47] and a form of Apostolic succession.^ It was restored by God and Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Jesus Christ began to restore His Church in its fullness to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ LDS doctrine and theology ?
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 The practices of baptism by immersion and the Eucharist (referred to as the Sacrament) are also held in common.
.Nevertheless, the LDS Church differs from the many other churches within Christianity, and some Christians do not believe that the LDS Church is part of Christianity.^ I believe many Mormons are christian.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Booya- You can believe in Jesus and not be a part of a ‘Christian’ church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Q: There are some significant differences in your beliefs [and other Christian churches].
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 [48] .The faith itself views other modern Christian faiths as having departed from true Christianity[49] and that it is a restoration of 1st century Christianity and the only true and authorized Christian church.^ That the Mormon Church is the only true church on earth, to the exclusion of all others.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Argument 3: This is the only true church.

 ^ It is indeed the only form of true Christianity!
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 [50] .Differences between the LDS Church and most of traditional Christianity include disagreement with aspects of the Nicene Creed, belief in a unique theory of human salvation that includes three heavens (referred to as "degrees of glory"),[51] a doctrine of "exaltation" which includes the ability of humans to become gods and goddesses in the afterlife,[52] a dietary code called the Word of Wisdom, and unique sacramental ceremonies performed privately in LDS temples, such as the Endowment and sealing ceremonies.^ Mormon doctrine teaches that men and women can become Gods and Goddesses.

 ^ The Endowment Ceremony Online The most accurate temple ceremony transcription and description ever.
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Most of these are basic christian beliefs.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]
.Officially, major Christian denominations view the LDS Church as standing apart from creedal Christianity,[53] a point the LDS Church itself does not dispute.^ And does God really care whether or not a church is considered "Christian" - a human categorization?
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I encourage you to either approach the person–generally, members of the LDS church are very open to talking about religion and the Church–or go to the source-the Church itself: .
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ For missionary and public relations purposes, the LDS may present Mormonism as an add-on, a kind of Christianity-plus, but that is not the official narrative and doctrine.
  • Is Mormonism Christian? | First Things 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.firstthings.com [Source type: Original source]

 [54] .From the perspective of Christians who hold to creeds, the most significant area of departure is the rejection by the LDS Church of certain ecumenical creeds such as the Nicene Creed, which defines the predominant view of the Christian God as a Trinity of three separate persons with "one substance". LDS Church theology includes the belief in a "Godhead" composed of God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as three separate persons who share unity of purpose or will; however, they are viewed as three distinct beings making one Godhead.^ Christianity calls for personal faith in Jesus Christ.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Along the way, I will also suggest rejecting the view that God is a being who became God.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ They defined who God is, how traditional Christians speak about God, they formulated creeds, defined trinity and so on.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 This has led to some doctrinal comparisons with Arianism and Semi-Arianism..December 2009" style="white-space:nowrap;">[citation needed] Other significant differences relate to the church's acceptance of additional scripture, doctrine, and practices beyond what is found in the Catholic or Protestant versions of the Bible.^ It’s not so different for catholics, protestants or any others.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It refuses to wear a name indicative of distinctive or peculiar doctrines; and in this particular, it differs from churches Catholic and Protestant, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Unitarian, Methodist and Baptist; its sole distinguishing features are those of the Church of Christ.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Church's doctrinal stance of polygamy, blacks and the priesthood, and the nature of God haven't changed in any significant way over the years since the Church began.

Distinctive doctrines and practices

Main article: Beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A couple following their marriage in the Manti Utah Temple
.Several doctrines and practices of the LDS Church are unique within Christianity.^ While we love our Mormon friends very much, as a Bible believing Evangelical Christians, committed to the teachings of the historic Evangelical Christian Church, we do not support the beliefs and practices of the Mormon Church in any capacity.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The church is actually a wonderful laboratory to help practice, and eventually instill this teaching within them.
  • http://staylds.com/docs/HowToStay.html 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC staylds.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I don’t think it can be emphasized enough, like Mystern brought up, that LDS doctrine includes the practice of polygamy by the elites in heaven.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .For example, the Mormon cosmology, the Plan of Salvation that includes a pre-mortal life, three heavens, and the doctrine of exaltation are distinctive among Christian sects.^ Trying to bridge the doctrinal divide between Mormons and Christians, I emphasized that salvation is by grace "after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23).

 ^ Mormons who espouse the doctrines of the LDS Church and distrust Trinity-Christians .
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Mormonism denies the historic Christian understandings of the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, and the doctrine of salvation.” I do not see the justification for this observation of LDS teachings.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .In particular, the LDS Church teaches that every human spirit is a literal spirit child of God.^ Christianity teaches that God is Spirit.” .
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Christianity teaches that God is Spirit.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Maybe it was because I started to realize that not everything that the Bishop, or other church leaders, did was through the spirit of God.

 .Moreover, the church teaches that humans may achieve exaltation, which means that they may become gods and goddesses as "joint heirs" with Christ.^ Mormon doctrine teaches that men and women can become Gods and Goddesses.

 ^ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It does not teach that a man can become a God.

 .They believe that exaltation includes the reuniting of the mortal family after the resurrection and the ability to have spirit children in the afterlife.^ They do not believe that she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

 ^ Mormons believe the Gospels when they say Jesus was resurrected on the third day.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ And this mortal existence is one of the Father's great gifts to his spiritual children, affording them the opportunity of an untrammeled exercise of their free agency, the privilege of meeting temptation and of resisting it if they will, the chance to win exaltation and eternal life.
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 [55] .To obtain this state of godhood, the church teaches that one must have faith in Jesus, participate in a sequence of ceremonial covenants (called ordinances),[56][57] The LDS sealing ceremony reflects a singular LDS view with respect to families.^ This one is very unique to the LDS faith.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ AUTHORS: Ankerberg, Dr. John / Weldon, Dr. John The Bahai religion has as its stated purpose to unite the entire world in one common faith.
  • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Ruko: I was born and raised LDS. I know for a fact that none of these scriptures were taken out of context and that every one of these things is in fact actually believed by the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .According to LDS church theology, men and women may be sealed to each other so that their marital bond continues in the afterlife.^ The LDS church, on the other hand, is the true Body of Christ.

 ^ AND yet it is, according to your D&C practiced after life (which breaks down by the way to mean that only men will become Gods and the women will continue to be one of their many wives).
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ There is no reason for others to look down on you, but depending on what church you go to, members there may have been exposed to anti-Mormon junk from their clergy.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 [58] .Children may also be sealed to their biological or adoptive parents to form permanent parent-child bonds.^ SEALING OF CHILDREN TO PARENTS CEREMONY Married couples, usually converts, who are being sealed often have minor children.
  • Mormonism - EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.forgottenword.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Sealings are performed for married couples, and minor children are then Sealed to parents.
  • Mormonism - EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.forgottenword.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Parents and their natural children share genetic characteristics in degrees that vary from child to child.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 [59] .The most significant LDS ordinances may be performed via proxy for and in behalf of those who have died.^ You may hear us say that those who claim they know all about us in fact do not.

 ^ Some of those who reject eternal marriage may still be in the presence of God and enjoy heaven, but the greatest blessings of heaven will not be theirs.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Not so long ago, "real" mystics were those who had visions, levitations, and bilocations and, most important, were those who had lived in the past; any contemporary mystic was surely a fake (if not a witch).
  • Elixirs | Psychedelics in Early Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC mormonelixirs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .(See, e.g., baptism for the dead).^ And so even though I don't advocate baptism for the dead, I don't see it as a purely flaky kind of thing.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 .The Church teaches that all will have the opportunity to hear and accept or reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the benefit of its sacraments, in this life or the next.^ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day .
  • ~~Religion: Mormon ~~ Pay Lay Ale ~~ Secret ~ Temple ~ Ceremony~~ 8 January 2010 9:09 UTC nowscape.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ This teaching is peculiar to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Jesus Christ is the way, the turth, and the life.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]
.The LDS faithful observe a health code called the Word of Wisdom in which they abstain from the consumption of alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and tobacco.^ They had faith and believed His words.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Do you avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea?
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ He loudly urges young men to quit the use of tobacco and liquor, as well as tea and coffee.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Their moral code includes a law of chastity that prohibits sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage.^ Sex outside of marriage is morally wrong.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage are forbidden by the Lord.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It is sexual activity outside of marriage.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 .LDS faithful donate a 10 percent tithe on their increase annually.^ TITHING - SECTION 1 Mormons are required by Commandment of God to pay 10% of all their GROSS income to the LDS church.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ TITHING - SECTION 2 Mormons are required by Commandment of God to pay 10% of all their GROSS income to the LDS church.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ It is estimated that the LDS Church earns an average of 60 Billion dollars a year in holdings and 7 Billion dollars a year in annual member "Tithing".
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .They also perform volunteer service in their local church.^ A lifetime of diligent church service and good works is wasted if they neglect this responsibility to provide these names, and perform these rituals for their dead.
  • Mormonism - EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.forgottenword.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ They are both active members of a local Christian church in Salt Lake City.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Moreover, all single young men between 19–25 years old who have sufficient health and many retired couples are encouraged to volunteer up to two years as a missionary to proselytize and/or provide humanitarian service.^ (All men stand up.
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The mission is all volunteer service, paid for by the young person and or their families.
  • How Mormonism Created Glenn Beck | Media and Technology | AlterNet 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.alternet.org [Source type: General]

 ^ This commandment, however, he did not keep, for in less than two years, twelve men said they had seen it.
  • Smith History Vault: Daniel P. Kidder's Mormonism and the Mormons Part 1 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.olivercowdery.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Unmarried women 21 years and older also may serve as missionaries for 18 months, but it is not considered their duty to do so as it is with the men who are ordained elders.^ For all you know, I may be an 80 year old Chinese woman who follows Taoism.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ SADNESS, BEREAVEMENT Disillusionment with Mormonism has resulted in great sadness for me and for almost all of the other men and women I have talked with who have left the LDS Church.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It was during my first year back at BYU that I met two women angels who were to encourage me in my spiritual growth.

 .Members are further instructed to set aside one night a week, typically Monday, for a Family Home Evening, where families study gospel principles together and enjoy wholesome family recreation.^ Family members enjoyed Joseph’s fantastic stories of Indians in America, their glittering cities, and his account of their immigration from Israel.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Anyhow, here's the email: GM, It was good to see you on the weekend of March 16th; we enjoyed having so many of our family home that weekend.

 ^ There has been an obvious struggle, and before one of your family members died of their wounds, they managed to knock the killer unconscious.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

Comparison with other Latter Day Saint movement faiths

See also: Latter Day Saint movement and Mormon fundamentalism
Church missionaries typically commit to 18-24 months of full-time service
.The LDS Church shares a common heritage with a number of faiths, with smaller memberships, that are collectively called the Latter Day Saint movement.^ Xerox copy in the Archives of the Reorganised Church of latter Day Saints.

 ^ He is Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints(also called Mormons) my church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I'm dating a Latter-day Saint girl.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 In common with the LDS Church, these faiths believe in Joseph Smith, Jr. as a prophet and founder of their religion. They also accept the Book of Mormon, and at least some version of the Doctrine and Covenants.
.Other branches of the Latter Day Saint movement may be considered off-shoots of the LDS Church, mainly as a result of disagreements about plural marriage.^ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day .
  • ~~Religion: Mormon ~~ Pay Lay Ale ~~ Secret ~ Temple ~ Ceremony~~ 8 January 2010 9:09 UTC nowscape.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I'm dating a Latter-day Saint girl.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of .
  • ~~Religion: Mormon ~~ Pay Lay Ale ~~ Secret ~ Temple ~ Ceremony~~ 8 January 2010 9:09 UTC nowscape.com [Source type: Original source]

 .In the LDS Church, the practice of plural marriage was abandoned around the turn of the 20th century, but it has continued among the fundamentalist groups, who believe the practice is a requirement for exaltation.^ Why did your church practice plural marriage (polygamy)?
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The group in Texas were fundamentalists who were not sanctioned or recognized by the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ While we love our Mormon friends very much, as a Bible believing Evangelical Christians, committed to the teachings of the historic Evangelical Christian Church, we do not support the beliefs and practices of the Mormon Church in any capacity.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The LDS Church, by contrast, believes that a single celestial marriage is sufficient for exaltation.^ Ruko: I was born and raised LDS. I know for a fact that none of these scriptures were taken out of context and that every one of these things is in fact actually believed by the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Unlike most members believe, there was never a shortage of men in the LDS church.

 ^ Mormons believe that “salvation is by grace after all we can do” (2 Nephi) The LDS Church teaches that a person must be baptized and do other external works of righteousness to earn their salvation.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Fundamentalists also believe in a number of other doctrines taught and practiced by Brigham Young in the 19th century, which the LDS Church has either abandoned, repudiated, or put in abeyance; e.g., the church has long excommunicated any members caught practicing polygamy.^ Hi all, I’m a member of the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It says he was excommunicated for "apostasy and other conduct unbecoming a member of the church."

 ^ Brigham Young reaffirmed this doctrine and taught it many times.

Church organization and structure

Name and legal entities

An LDS meetinghouse in Utah, USA
The church teaches that it is a continuation of the Church of Christ established in 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr. This original church underwent several name changes during the 1830s, being called the Church of Jesus Christ, the Church of God,[60] and then in 1834, the name was officially changed to the Church of the Latter Day Saints.[61] .In April 1838, the name was officially changed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Latter-day Saints and Christs Second Coming .
  • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]

 [62] .After Smith died, Brigham Young and the largest body of Smith's followers incorporated the LDS Church in 1851 by legislation of the State of Deseret[63] under the name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which included a hyphenated "Latter-day" and a lower-case "d".[64] In 1887, the LDS Church was legally dissolved in the United States by the Edmunds–Tucker Act because of the church's practice (now abandoned) of polygamy.^ The LDS church, on the other hand, is the true Body of Christ.

 ^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormonism, has, in recent years, produced a substantial body of literature defending their beliefs.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Thereafter, the church has continued to operate as an "unincorporated religious association" under what remains its formal name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ This Web Page is not officially associated, in any way, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormon Church).
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 .Accepted informal names include the LDS Church, the Latter-day Saints, and the Mormons.^ Mormon” is a nickname; the real name of the church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS for short.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Xerox copy in the Archives of the Reorganised Church of latter Day Saints.

 ^ He is Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints(also called Mormons) my church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The term Mormon Church is in common use,[65] but the church began discouraging its use in the late 20th century, though takes no issue with the term Mormon itself.^ NARRATOR: One of the most contentious issues that has divided intellectuals and church leaders involves scientific investigations of the Book of Mormon.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ There is no reason for others to look down on you, but depending on what church you go to, members there may have been exposed to anti-Mormon junk from their clergy.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The church itself did not use its funds like many opponents of prop 8 claim.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 The church requests that the official name be used when possible or, if necessary, shortened to "the Church" or "the Church of Jesus Christ".[66]
.The church has organized several tax-exempt corporations to assist with the transfer of money and capital.^ It was hard to realize that the church is nothing more than a multi-million dollar corporation bilking its members of tithing money & offerings to keep the church rich.

 ^ I don't want my church to lose its tax exempt status.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ And, yet your church thinks it is more important to not lose their "tax-exempt status" (whether or not that is even reality).
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 .These include the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized in 1916 under the laws of the state of Utah to acquire, hold, and dispose of real property.^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Mormon” is a nickname; the real name of the church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS for short.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .In 1923, the church incorporated the Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah to receive and manage money and church donations.^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ This Web Page is not officially associated, in any way, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormon Church).
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 .In 1997, the church incorporated Intellectual Reserve, Inc. to hold all the church's copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property.^ This includes Church teaching manuals and other manuals published by Intellectual Reserve Inc.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ These and many, many other reasons have led us to completely reject all the teachings and claims of the Mormon Church.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Mormons believe that “salvation is by grace after all we can do” (2 Nephi) The LDS Church teaches that a person must be baptized and do other external works of righteousness to earn their salvation.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The church also holds several non-tax-exempt corporations.^ You are grasping at straws if you are hoping the IRS will revoke the Tax-exempt status of the Church.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ A Mega-Billion dollar tax-exempt corporation hiding behind the guise of a "Church".
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The LDS Church denied that it was due to the fact that the federal government was reviewing the Church's tax-exempt status.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .See Finances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.^ I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet" ( History of the Church , Vol.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ AUTHORS: Cowan, Marvin Polygamy has been a controversial teaching within the Latter-days Saints organization for many years.
  • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

Geographic distribution and membership

See also: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints membership statistics and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints membership history
     Countries and territories with at least one LDS temple      Countries and territories with no LDS temple, but with organized congregations and missionaries      Countries and territories with no official LDS presence
Church congregations are organized geographically. .Members are generally expected to attend the congregation with their assigned geographical area; however, some geographical areas also provide separate congregations for single adults or for speakers of alternate languages.^ MORMON DOCTRINE This is a general holding area for articles that do not yet have an assigned Topic.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Some members of the church protested about this to one general authority.

 ^ I'm sure that it can impair some social relationships with other couples who are both LDS, for the part-member couple will be less likely to attend church and church activities together.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 .For Sunday services, the church is grouped into either larger (~200 to ~400 people) congregations known as wards, or smaller congregations known as branches.^ LDS SOCIAL SERVICES The Mormon owned LDS Social Services (known as the LDSSS) is an organization created by the Mormon Church to facilitate adoptions and counsel Mormons.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ In every ward we moved into we loved the people and they loved us.

 ^ I don't feel denied any opportunity to serve and to do good for people in the church and in the ward and in our neighborhood, and so on.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 .Although the building may sometimes be referred to as a chapel, the room used as a chapel for religious services is actually only one component of the standard meetinghouse, of which the church maintains a virtual tour of a typical example and also an online meetinghouse locator which can be used to find the locations and meeting times of its congregations all over the world.^ The Endowment can be divided into four "acts" according to the four rooms previously used: the Creation drama, the Garden of Eden drama, the Lone and Dreary World drama, and the Terrestrial World presentation.
  • Mormonism - EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.forgottenword.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Up until that point, one of my biggest concerns was "If I leave, what will I teach my kids?", as if the church is the only place to teach children to become decent human beings.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Ruko: I was born and raised LDS. I know for a fact that none of these scriptures were taken out of context and that every one of these things is in fact actually believed by the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Regional church organizations larger than single congregations include stakes, missions, districts, areas, and regions.^ If in your church, you are taught hateful things about Mormons by someone who has a financial stake in their congregation.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ CHURCH LEADERSHIP General Church Leadership including Bishops, Stake Presidents, Zone Leaders, Area Presidents - anything below General Authority.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ If you had gone on a mission, and you met a "fine young woman," and were ready to have the church marry you, the Stake President would reach in his drawer, and give you your balls.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]
2007 Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Survey[67] Mormons (U.S.) U.S. Avg.
Married 71% 54%
Divorced or separated 9% 12%
3 or more children at home 21% 9%
Weekly (or more) Attendance at Religious Services 76% 39%
.The church reports a worldwide membership of over 13 million[2] with approximately 6.7 million residing outside the United States.^ NARRATOR: Today the LDS church has grown to over 12 million members worldwide, more than half of them living outside the United States.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Just as the United States Army has its military academy and the United States Air force has the Air force academy, the Mormon Church has BYU for training its future leaders.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ There are about 770,000 Mormon church members in California, but Mormons from outside the state have been encouraged to give money and time to help pass the measure.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 .According to these statistics it is the fourth largest religious body in the United States.^ Bush has shown a willingness to support religious groups even though these groups destroy our nation’s tradition of separation of church and state.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ These beliefs and practices of Mitt Romney, as a member of the Mormon Church, would without a doubt influence Romney in his decision-making as President of the United States.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Article VI, Section 3: “...no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” .
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 [68] .The church membership report includes all baptized members and their children.^ Hi all, I’m a member of the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Joseph explained to apparently worried Church members that if such a being was encountered and attempted to physically interact, nothing at all would be felt.
  • Elixirs | Psychedelics in Early Mormonism 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC mormonelixirs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The Catholic Church operates its legislative efforts through the little understood entity, of which nearly all Catholic bishops and priests are members.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Although the church does not release attendance figures to the public, researchers estimate that actual attendance at weekly LDS worship services globally is around 4 million.^ Ruko: I was born and raised LDS. I know for a fact that none of these scriptures were taken out of context and that every one of these things is in fact actually believed by the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The LDS church gave a few thousand dollars in Cash, and gave the equivilent of 190k in like contributions, phone service, building uses etc.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The humanitarian services arm of the Church sponsors five ongoing global projects to help people become more self-reliant.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 [69] .Members living in the U.S. and Canada constitute 46% of membership, Latin America 38%, and members in the rest of the world 16%.^ What would you do, knowing that in Canada this man will live out the rest of his life?
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 [70] .A survey by the City College of New York in 2001 extrapolated that there were 2,787,000 self-identified LDS adults in the United States in 2001, 1.3% of the US population, making the LDS Church the 10th-largest religious body in their phone survey of over 50,000 households.^ The LDS church, on the other hand, is the true Body of Christ.

 ^ Not long after this, he returned, and while I was absent from home, carried off my daughter, into the state of New York, where they were married without my approbation or consent.
  • Smith History Vault: Daniel P. Kidder's Mormonism and the Mormons Part 1 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.olivercowdery.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ NARRATOR: Today the LDS church has grown to over 12 million members worldwide, more than half of them living outside the United States.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 [71] .The 2007 Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, found 1.7% of the U.S. adult population self identified themselves as Mormon.^ That "there are more gods than there are particles on a million earths" That men can become gods themselves by joining the Mormon church and will be able to create and populate their own earths.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Since most Mormons and Evangelicals would classify themselves as either conservative or Republican, then why would either side have a problem with a president who belonged to either religion?
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The people who got married relied in good faith on the court’s decision,” says David Masci, a fellow at the nonpartisan Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 [67]
.For a list of notable Latter-day Saints, see List of Latter Day Saints.^ I'm dating a Latter-day Saint girl.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ After Prop 8, evangelical opinion leaders exhorted their audiences to stop worrying and learn to love the Latter Day Saints.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

Priesthood hierarchy

Main articles: Priesthood (Latter Day Saints) and Priesthood (LDS Church)
Thomas S. Monson, President of the LDS Church as of 2008.
.The LDS Church is organized in a hierarchical priesthood structure administered by men.^ Unlike most members believe, there was never a shortage of men in the LDS church.

 ^ SADNESS, BEREAVEMENT Disillusionment with Mormonism has resulted in great sadness for me and for almost all of the other men and women I have talked with who have left the LDS Church.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Show me the evidence that Mitt Romney, as Governor of Massachussetts or even as chair of the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee, took orders from the LDS Church.

 .Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus leads the church through revelation and has chosen a single man, called "the Prophet" or President of the Church, as his spokesman on the earth.^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Even calling themselves latter day saints is self righteous.
  • How Mormonism Created Glenn Beck | Media and Technology | AlterNet 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.alternet.org [Source type: General]

 ^ After the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, there were only two churches upon the earth.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The current president is Thomas S. Monson.^ We believe that a prophet, currently President Thomas S. Monson, lives on the earth today and gives revelation to us from God.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ President Thomas S. Monson said, "Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears."
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 .He and two counselors (who usually are ordained apostles) form the First Presidency, the presiding body of the church; twelve other apostles form the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.^ These three formed the "First Presidency."
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Authoritative sources are Church published teaching resources such as manuals and other printed documents, pamphlets, letters from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, presentations made at semi annual Conference or statements or proclamations issued by the Church.

 ^ First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles Control Brigham Young University The General Authorities are in complete control of BYU of which nine of the thirteen member controlling board are members of the First Presidency, his two counselors or the Quorum of Twelve.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 [72] .When a president dies, his successor is invariably the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who then reconstitutes a new First Presidency.^ Authoritative sources are Church published teaching resources such as manuals and other printed documents, pamphlets, letters from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, presentations made at semi annual Conference or statements or proclamations issued by the Church.

 ^ For example, the church is administered from the top down with minimal input from church members concerning appointments to such offices as apostles, missionary presidents, stake presidents, the quorum of seventy, etc.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Here is my new question: What do you believe happens to a man who dies and NEVER did become “saved” or Born again in this life?
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 [72] .These men, and the other male members of the church-wide leadership (including the first two Quorums of Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric) are called general authorities.^ Some members of the church protested about this to one general authority.

 ^ Authoritative sources are Church published teaching resources such as manuals and other printed documents, pamphlets, letters from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, presentations made at semi annual Conference or statements or proclamations issued by the Church.

 ^ In reviewing literature on the Mormon Church, I have concluded that the General Authorities are bent on replacing the American free and pluralistic democratic society with a society controlled and governed not by freely elected officials, but by the male hierarchy of the Mormon Church who would control the appointment of all government officials, including the congressional members, governors, state legislators, local officials and even the President of the United States.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 .They exercise both ecclesiastical and administrative leadership over the church and direct the efforts of regional leaders down to the local level.^ As a result, conflicts between honesty and cover-up are constants in the church’s administration and leadership at the university not only among students and faculty but among relationships with outsiders.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ What they do not say is that both of these men left the Church over disagreements with Smith and denounced him.

 ^ It's still early, but if the GOP does not get settled down, they wont be competing in 2012, and I as a democrat WANT the GOP competing, because it keeps the current administration on it's toes, I want them to be kept honest, I want Obama to remain as committed to leadership then as he is now.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 .General authorities and mission presidents work full-time and typically receive stipends from church funds or investments.^ The remaining three seats are filled by women presidents of the women’s and young women’s auxiliaries “both appointed by the top General Authorities.” The thirteenth seat is filled by a secretary.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ You were not allowed to receive equal pay for equal work.” Again last time i checked LGBT still get paid for working.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Three children born within 4 years, teaching full time, numerous church callings, and a frequently absent husband due to his own work and church callings added up to immense stress.

 [73]
.At the local level, the church leadership are drawn from the laity and work on a part-time volunteer basis without stipend.^ JEFFREY S. NIELSEN A Brigham Young University part-time instructor who recently called into question the LDS Church's opposition to gay marriage.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ By the time I was a teenager, I felt that church was solely a social function which I could do without.

 ^ Within hours of a disaster, the Church works with local government officials to determine what supplies and food are needed.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 [74] .Like all members, they are asked to donate a tithe of 10 percent of their income to the church.^ Hi all, I’m a member of the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ To be of good standing, all Mormons must tithe 10 percent of their gross income to the church.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ In June, members were asked to “do all you can.” And they have.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .An exception to that rule is for LDS missionaries who work at the local level and are paid basic living expenses from a fund that receives contributions from their home congregations; however, prospective missionaries are encouraged to contribute the cost of their missions to this fund themselves when possible.^ And I encouraged him not to come home from his mission.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ However, the LDS Church encourages its returned missionaries to date and to marry.

 ^ You were not allowed to receive equal pay for equal work.” Again last time i checked LGBT still get paid for working.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Members volunteer general custodial work for local church facilities.^ I encourage you to either approach the person–generally, members of the LDS church are very open to talking about religion and the Church–or go to the source-the Church itself: .
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ This translation work gave her an opportunity to study Mormon history from many books not generally available to the membership of the Church.

 ^ Some members of the church protested about this to one general authority.
Interior of the Conference Center where the church holds its semi-annual and annual General Conferences
.Men in leadership roles are generally considered to be part of the priesthood and are ordained to the priesthood as early as age 12. Ordination occurs by a ceremony where hands are laid on the head of the one ordained.^ The arms raised over their heads form the first part of the "Sign of the Second Token of the Melchezedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail."
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Two or more Temple Workers place their hands on the patron's head while one pronounces the confirmation.
  • Mormonism - EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.forgottenword.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ As to the second part, the definition of God is: The one who holds all knowledge, all priesthood, all truth, all righteousness.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]
.The priesthood is divided into an Aaronic Priesthood for young men 12 and up and a Melchizedek Priesthood for men 18 and up.^ The Mormon endowment has four tokens (two for the Aaronic Priesthood and two for the Melchizedek Priesthood), the first three of which correspond in several respects to the three Masonic degrees.
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It was midday and the festivities were at their height, when a party of men rode into camp and sought an interview with Governor Young.
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Some young men, however, tried again to bring an institution into life, and a "Deseret Literary and Musical Society" was commenced.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Since 1978, membership in the priesthood has been open to all races.^ Why did He decide that in 1977 [1978] they all of a sudden became worthy to receive the priesthood?

Church programs and auxiliary organizations

See also: Auxiliary organization (LDS Church)
.Under the leadership of the priesthood hierarchy are five auxiliary organizations that fill various roles in the church: Relief Society (a women's organization),[75] the Young Men Organization and Young Women Organization (for adolescents aged 12 to 17), Primary (an organization for children up to age 12), and Sunday School (which provides a variety of Sunday classes for adolescents and adults).^ Men and women, in raising children, have pivotal roles.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Women and blacks were denied the priesthood under Brigham Young.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Not men's roles by women, nor vice-versa.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The church also operates several programs and organizations in the fields of proselytizing, education, and church welfare.^ Joseph Fielding Smith, nephew of church founder Joseph Smith, and president of the Mormon Church from 1901 to 1918, has written: "It was intended that all creatures should be happy in their several elements.
  • How Mormonism Created Glenn Beck | Media and Technology | AlterNet 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.alternet.org [Source type: General]

 .Many of these auxiliaries and programs are coordinated by the Priesthood Correlation Program, which is designed to provide a systematic approach to maintain worldwide consistency, orthodoxy, and control of the church's ordinances, doctrines, organizations, meetings, materials, and other programs and activities.^ These and many, many other reasons have led us to completely reject all the teachings and claims of the Mormon Church.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Church's doctrinal stance of polygamy, blacks and the priesthood, and the nature of God haven't changed in any significant way over the years since the Church began.

 ^ The idea that God Father himself once was a mortal man, though it is believed by many members, rank and file, is not doctrine of the Church.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]
The carillon tower at Brigham Young University, one of several educational institutions sponsored by the church.
.The LDS Church operates a large missionary program.^ At that time, the placement program was the LDS church's major effort to bring Lamanites (the LDS term for Native Americans) into the church.

 ^ GORDON B. HINCKLEY, LDS Church President: Prepare to consecrate two years of your lives to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary- .
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Tithing in the LDS church is used towards things such as building temples, church buildings, paying for missionaries, assisting the needy, etc.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Some members of the church are encouraged to serve as missionaries either full-time, part-time or as "service missionaries" in one of hundreds of missions throughout the world.^ Some members of the church protested about this to one general authority.

 ^ Missionaries and Mind Control If the Church’s quoted figure of 60,000 missionaries serving in missionary centers throughout the United States and the world is correct, this represents only about one-fourth of this age level (19 and 20 year olds) of the approximately twelve million members claimed by Mormon Church officials.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Young encouraged some early Latter-day Saints to begin vineyards in Utah, sending one group of Swiss immigrants to southern Utah to start the Dixie Wine Mission.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 .All missionaries serve on a volunteer basis, and their expenses are paid by savings of the missionaries themselves, their families, their local congregations, and in some cases from a general church fund.^ Other churches can fund themselves with bingo for all I care.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The mission is all volunteer service, paid for by the young person and or their families.
  • How Mormonism Created Glenn Beck | Media and Technology | AlterNet 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.alternet.org [Source type: General]

 ^ Sure, the British government gave some minor assistance to Church of England missionaries, but that was about it.

 [76] .Missionaries include young single men between 19 and 25 (who serve two year missions), single women over the age of 21 (who serve 18-month missions), and mature couples who are generally retired (who serve terms ranging from three to 36 months[77]).^ I was at the MTC for two months, for I served my LDS mission in France.

 ^ We served a two year stake mission together and two years as temple workers.

 ^ These were two nice young men 18 and 19 and I can only pray for them now.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Young single men are strongly encouraged and expected to serve a mission; women and couples are encouraged but not expected to serve missions.^ DAVID PACE, Author: I was prepared to go on a mission during a time when it was for all intents and purposes mandatory for young men to go on missions.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Joseph Smith (and later Brigham Young, also) were even married to women who, at the time of marriage, were still other men's wives.

 ^ I should add that young men are encouraged not to become too serious about any one girl before their mission at age nineteen, though that can be hard to avoid.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Missionaries generally have no input on what part of the world they serve their missions, and if necessary, the church will teach them a new language.^ They don't see evidence of Hebrew language in the New World.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I am confused about your question regarding where do people go when they don’t agree with the teaching of the mormon church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Mormon church teaches that " There are sins that men commit for which they cannot receive forgiveness in this world, or in that which is to come...

 .Missionaries are held to high standards of personal worthiness, which is determined by interviews by ecclesiastical leaders about how well the missionary has followed church standards such as the Word of Wisdom (not consuming alcohol, tobacco, coffee, or tea) and the law of chastity (abstaining from pre- or extra-marital sex).^ Do you avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea?
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It is a false characterization of our faith, and it denies the words, actions and most personal and deeply held beliefs of millions in the Son of God."

 ^ Sure, the British government gave some minor assistance to Church of England missionaries, but that was about it.
.The church operates a Church Educational System which includes Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University–Idaho (formerly Ricks College), Brigham Young University Hawaii, and LDS Business College.^ BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY - SECTION 1 (25 articles) .
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ A second study that we want to look at was done by C. Wilfred Griggs (Associate Professor of Classics, History, and Ancient Scriptures and Director of Ancient Studies, Brigham Young University).
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Most of my family joined at the very beginnings of the church under Joseph Smith or Brigham Young.

 .The church also operates Institutes of Religion and an LDS Student Association near the campuses of many colleges and universities.^ I encourage you to either approach the person–generally, members of the LDS church are very open to talking about religion and the Church–or go to the source-the Church itself: .
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ FARMS / Maxwell Institute are funded by the LDS Church with an estimated budget of over $20 million dollars a year.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ However, this summary statement includes a few LDS scholars who teach at non-LDS colleges and universities.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 .For high-school aged youth, the church operates a four-year Seminary program, which provides religious classes for students to supplement their secular education.^ I was a seminary student and received the Outstanding Seminary Student Award for four years straight.

 ^ I keep in high regards the years that I was in the church.

 ^ In my mind, I have a picture of a high school graduate who couldn’t get accepted into a real four year college where he would be taught how to think and had to settle on the trade school version called bible college where he was taught only what to think.

 .The church also sponsors a low-interest educational loan program known as the Perpetual Education Fund, which provides educational opportunities to students from developing nations.^ This site provides a lot of interesting perspectives, including the impacts of the Mormon Church’s involvement.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The purpose of the church is to provide the optimal environment in the begetting, raising, and education of children.” .
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Contribute a generous fast offering, give to the perpetual education fund, the ward missionary fund, the general missionary fund, the book of mormon fund, the temple construction fund.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]
The church's Family History Library is the world's largest library dedicated to genealogical research
.The church's welfare system, initiated during the Great Depression, provides aid to the poor.^ If the historic values of the church have been wrong, then why would those who are LDS not openly admit and be greatful for the fact that their belief system is a departure from traditional Christianity?
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Those who pay generous tithes and fast offerings are looked upon favorably but those who need to use the Church welfare system are looked down on.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 .It is financed by fast offerings: monthly donations beyond the normal 10 percent tithe, which represents the cost of foregoing two meals on monthly Fast Sundays.^ To be of good standing, all Mormons must tithe 10 percent of their gross income to the church.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ After that, they are admonished to give an additional 1% to fast offerings, an additional percent to Church Humanitarian Projects.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ I didn't have to budget tithing, building fund donations, fast offerings, missionary fund (or get a job to pay for two missions for two of my kids) ever again!
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Money from the program is used to operate Bishop's storehouses, which package and store food at low cost.^ So this money is used in the church’s missionary programs, church building maintenance, publications etc.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 Distribution of funds and food is administered by local bishops (congregational pastors). .The church also distributes money through its LDS Philanthropies division to disaster victims worldwide.^ My sole duty was to believe and obey what He had already revealed in and through the LDS Church.

 ^ Ultimately, we raised $22 million from July through September with upwards of 40 percent coming from members of the LDS Church.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Third, it is a conviction of the LDS Church that earliest Christianity suffered substantial apostasy from the latter first century through the end of the second century.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]
.Other church programs and departments include LDS Family Services, which provides assistance with adoption, marital and family counseling, psychotherapy, and addiction counseling; the LDS Church History Department, which collects church history and records; and the Family History Department, which administers the church's large family history efforts and operates the world's largest library dedicated to genealogical research.^ NARRATOR: The Family History Library in Salt Lake City is one of approximately 2,000 LDS genealogical research libraries across the world.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ When public sex-education programs are offered, LDS parents are counseled to assure that such programs adequately acknowledge the sanctity of marriage and promote family-oriented values and standards....
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The LDS church, on the other hand, is the true Body of Christ.

 [78] .The church is also a major sponsor of Scouting programs for boys, particularly in the United States, where it the provides more members of the Boy Scouts of America than any other church.^ I have doubts about the accuracy because MRM does not provide the other side which is a sign their intent was just to spread more propaganda.

 ^ The Church under the Presidency of Romney would be allowed to gain more and more control of the media with his appointment of FCC members who are sympathetic to the Church’s purchase of television and radio stations, newspapers, books stores and other media outlets.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ There is no reason for others to look down on you, but depending on what church you go to, members there may have been exposed to anti-Mormon junk from their clergy.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 [79]

Finances

Main article: Finances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
.The church has not released church-wide financial statements since 1959, but in 1997, Time magazine called it one of the world's wealthiest churches per capita.^ Today church assets are estimated at $25 billion to $30 billion, and it has become the wealthiest church per capita in America.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ This insures that one or the other is unlikely to break any missionary rules such as dating, making unapproved telephone calls, or misrepresenting the approved text of the church.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Since LDS claim to be the one true church, they also claim to have prophets and current revelation.
  • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]

 [80] Its for-profit, non-profit, and educational subsidiary entities are audited by an independent accounting firm: as of 2007, Deloitte & Touche.[81][82] .In addition, the church employs an independent audit department that provides its certification at each annual general conference that church contributions are collected and spent in accordance with church policy.^ A wonderful message related to this topic was offered by an Apostle, Elder Richard G. Scott, in the April 2000 General Conference of the Church.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Smith, Marsha A. Ellis general editor/ ; managing editor/June Swann ; contributing editors/Trent C. Butler/Christopher L. Church/David S. Dockery .

 [83] .The church receives almost all funds from tithes (ten percent of a member's income) and fast offerings (money given to the church to assist individuals in need).^ Hi all, I’m a member of the LDS church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Members of the Mormon church do not HAVE to tithe.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Catholic Church operates its legislative efforts through the little understood entity, of which nearly all Catholic bishops and priests are members.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .According to the church, tithing and fast offering moneys collected are devoted to ecclesiastical purposes and not used in for-profit ventures.^ Its an efficient system for maintaining the church, and other non-mormon, congregations have modeled their collections after our law of the tithe because it works.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ After that, they are admonished to give an additional 1% to fast offerings, an additional percent to Church Humanitarian Projects.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ I didn't have to budget tithing, building fund donations, fast offerings, missionary fund (or get a job to pay for two missions for two of my kids) ever again!
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The church uses its tithing funds to construct and maintain buildings and other facilities; to print the Scriptures for missionary work; to provide social welfare and relief; and to support missionary, educational, and other church-sponsored programs.^ Almost all tithing goes for Church indoctrination programs, temple building, and missionary work.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ We use the tithes we pay to help to strenthen and build our church.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ So this money is used in the church’s missionary programs, church building maintenance, publications etc.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 [84]
.The church has also invested in for-profit business and real estate ventures such as Bonneville International, Deseret Book Company, and cattle ranches in Utah, Florida, and Canada.^ But I felt that this is such a personal thing, it might be intruding to ask people we really don't know personally about why they left the church.

 ^ UTAH LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY Utah Lighthouse Ministry is a Christian non-profit organization providing humanitarian outreach to the Community, and printing critical research and documentation on the LDS Church.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ His father told me, that when the book was published, they would be enabled, from the profits of the work, to carry into successful operation the money-digging business.
  • Smith History Vault: Daniel P. Kidder's Mormonism and the Mormons Part 1 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.olivercowdery.com [Source type: Original source]

 .However, these ranches are split between Church Welfare Work (Bishop's Storehouse and Welfare Square) for which funds are used from tithing and are not for profit.^ These, which are of course morceaux choisies to the Church, have been collected and bound together into a little work called the " Pearl of Great Price."
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The LDS church makes their tithing use known and have auditors to be sure it is being used correctly.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ These “revelations” are the canonized scriptures of the LDS Church, the standard works; and that is what defines, and is the final authority on LDS doctrine, not the King Follett discourse or the Gospel Principles manual.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .For-profit ranching operations are partially self-sustained but never use tithed money.^ His father told me, that when the book was published, they would be enabled, from the profits of the work, to carry into successful operation the money-digging business.
  • Smith History Vault: Daniel P. Kidder's Mormonism and the Mormons Part 1 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.olivercowdery.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ They never go on vacation, because tithing saps all their money (same as restaurants), so it's insensitive for me to talk about the places I've seen.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 [citation needed]

Culture

Main article: Culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
.Due to the differences in lifestyle promoted by church doctrine and history, a distinct culture has grown up around members of the church.^ NARRATOR: Today the LDS church has grown to over 12 million members worldwide, more than half of them living outside the United States.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It is unfortunate that misinformation about the Church, its history and doctrine have distorted the way many Americans view its members.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ We had been taught that if a member of the church was questioning doctrine or the leaders, that they were losing the spirit.

 .It is primarily concentrated in the Intermountain West, but as membership of the church spreads around the world, many of its more distinctive practices follow, such as adhering to the Word of Wisdom, a revealed health law or code,[85] similar to Leviticus chapter 11 in the Bible, prohibiting the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea, and other addictive substances.^ Do you avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea?
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Both faiths adhere to religion-based health codes, including prohibitions against alcohol, but Mormons and Muslims share something more: membership in quickly growing minority religions that many other Americans have sometimes viewed with suspicion and scorn.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Whether it is adultery, fornication, sexual abuse, incest, rape, perversion, or any other unholy practices, such behavior is to be addressed vigorously by local Church authorities, who seek the repentance of perpetrators and the protection of any victims.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 [86] As a result of the Word of Wisdom, the culture in areas of the world with a high concentration of LDS tends to be reflected.[87][88]
.Meetings and outreach programs are held regularly and have become part of Latter-day Saint culture.^ I'm dating a Latter-day Saint girl.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ We became part of the mass known as the Latter-day Saints.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ No one will ever force you to become a Latter-day Saint!
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

Home and family

.In 1995, the church presidency issued "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", which stresses the importance of the family.^ Authoritative sources are Church published teaching resources such as manuals and other printed documents, pamphlets, letters from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, presentations made at semi annual Conference or statements or proclamations issued by the Church.

 ^ After the pattern of Smith, Brigham was chosen "President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world."
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ We had a stake president tell us, "there isn't a damn thing true about the church but its the best place to raise a family".

 .The presidency proclaimed that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."^ I believe God created man from dust.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The BEST environment for this is a healthy marriage between a man and a woman.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The document further explains that "gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose," that the father and mother have differing but equal roles in raising children, and that successful marriages and families, founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, can last eternally.^ Children want to be raised in a home with a father and a mother.
  • Mormon Church steps into the Prop. 8 battle | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC latimesblogs.latimes.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I began teaching and had 3 children in quick succession.

 ^ The Bible had four different individual's testimony , which all agreed on the identity of Jesus Christ, His life and teachings.

 [89] This document is widely cited by LDS members as a statement of principle.[90]
.Four times a year, the adult women (members of the church's Relief Society) attend a Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Meeting.^ I did not have to attend church at any time for anything.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ My family joined the church when I was ten & I was a member for 31 years.

 ^ Now I knew for sure, even as an adult, that I truly was not one of God's favorites or even worthy to be a member of HIS True Church.

 The meeting may consist of a service project, of attending a social event, or of various classes being offered. Additional Enrichment activities are offered for women with similar needs and interests.
After interviewing and polling thousands of youth across America, evangelical statistician Christian Smith writes, "... in general comparisons among major U.S. religious traditions using a variety of sociological measures of religious vitality and salience... it is .Mormon teenagers who are sociologically faring the best."^ When particular positions are necessary to fill in the local Mormon Wards, Mormon authority figures meet and decide who will best fit that position.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [91]

Social events and gatherings

A typical meetinghouse of the church
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has received a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, two Peabody Awards, and the National Medal of Arts.
In addition to these regularly scheduled meetings, additional meetings are frequently held at the meetinghouse. Auxiliary officers may conduct leadership meetings or host training sessions and classes. .The ward or branch community may schedule social activities at the meetinghouse, including dances, dinners, holiday parties and musical presentations.^ Your social activities- you have ward banquets and ward parties and ward camp-outs and ward dances.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 .The church's Young Men's and Young Women's organizations (formerly known as the Mutual Improvement Organization, or simply "Mutual") meet at the meetinghouse once a week, where the youth participate in activities and work on Duty to God, Scouting, or Personal Progress.^ AND yet it is, according to your D&C practiced after life (which breaks down by the way to mean that only men will become Gods and the women will continue to be one of their many wives).
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Mormonism continues to teach that God the Father is a glorified, resurrected Man, and men and women may become Gods and Goddesses.
  • What is Mormonism? | Book of Mormon Origin Theology 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.whatismormonism.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ All my life, I had attended church--Primary, Sunday School, Young Men, Boy Scouts, the whole bit.

 .Other popular activities are basketball, family history conferences, youth and singles conferences, dances, and various personal improvement classes.^ Like most of their non-Mormon peers in dating cultures, LDS youth date to have fun as they participate in social activities with other boys and girls.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I'd already stopped most other church activities while staying with this other family, but once on my own I never felt much desire to go to church.

 ^ The natural proclivity of one sex for the other maintains a constant action, and induces by rivalry, great efforts at personal improvement.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Church members may also reserve the building at no cost for weddings, receptions, and funerals.^ There is no reason for others to look down on you, but depending on what church you go to, members there may have been exposed to anti-Mormon junk from their clergy.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ My experience may not be as traumatic as some of those on your website, but I have been perplexed by the tenacity of the members of the Mormon church.

 ^ May 12th, 2009 12:41 pm ET I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, supporter of Obama, and not a Republican (nor Democrate).
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

Media and arts

The culture has created substantial business opportunities for independent LDS media. Such communities include cinema, fiction, websites, and graphical art like photography and paintings. .The church owns a chain of bookstores called Deseret Book, which provide a channel through which publications are sold.^ Utah Lighthouse Ministry provides these books and research, as well as photocopies and reprints of original Mormon documents to the public.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Perhaps he finally realized that it was too embarrassing to insist on Book of Mormon archaeology since professors in the Church's own University had started to publicly deny that there was any truth to it.

 ^ And I did tell those people that I knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that I knew that the Book of Mormon was the word of God and that I knew the church had been restored through Joseph Smith.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 .Titles including The Work and the Glory and The Other Side of Heaven have found acceptance both within and outside the church; BYU TV, the church-sponsored television station, also airs on several networks.^ The Church under the Presidency of Romney would be allowed to gain more and more control of the media with his appointment of FCC members who are sympathetic to the Church’s purchase of television and radio stations, newspapers, books stores and other media outlets.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Of course others outside the Church can elevate themselves to a higher level of living and become more Christ like.

 ^ Just as the United States Army has its military academy and the United States Air force has the Air force academy, the Mormon Church has BYU for training its future leaders.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 .The church also produces six pageants annually depicting various events of the primitive and modern-day church.^ This page discusses, in a frank manner, the temple ceremonies of the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) Church.
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormonism, has, in recent years, produced a substantial body of literature defending their beliefs.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Britishlad, one of the beliefs unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) is that God is in communication with His chosen prophets in this modern world.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 Its Easter pageant Jesus the Christ has been identified as the "largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world."[92]

Controversy and criticism

See also: Criticism of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
.The church has been subject to criticism and even Anti-Mormonism since its early years in New York and Pennsylvania.^ The early Christian Fathers argued amongst themselves, as even noted by early anti-Christians, as to there being one God, three Gods, or many Gods.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ There is no reason for others to look down on you, but depending on what church you go to, members there may have been exposed to anti-Mormon junk from their clergy.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ It has been almost five years since I last attended church.
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 In the late 1820s, criticism centered around the claim by Joseph Smith, Jr. to have discovered a set of golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was reputedly translated. .In the 1830s, the greatest criticism was for Smith's handling of a banking failure in Kirtland, Ohio, and the LDS Church's political and military power in Missouri, culminating in the 1838 Mormon War.^ MORMON POLITICAL ISSUES The LDS Church often involves itself in political issues.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ A Mission in France and Insights into a Mormon Testimony DZaitzeff@aol.com how and why I left the LDS Church.

 ^ Brigham gathered with the Saints to Kirtland, Ohio, in September of the same year, and soon became intimate with Joseph Smith.
  • John Hyde's "Mormonism, Its Leaders" 3: Contents 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC thedigitalvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 In the 1840s, criticism of the church centered on the church's theocratic aspirations in Nauvoo, Illinois, and the then-secret practice of plural marriage, criticism which appeared in the Nauvoo Expositor and led to a series of events culminating in Smith's assassination in 1844.
Protesters in front of the Newport Beach California Temple voicing their opposition to the church's support of Prop 8
.As the church began openly practicing plural marriage under Brigham Young during the second half of the 19th century, the church became the target of nation-wide criticism for that practice, as well as for the church's theocratic aspirations in the Utah Territory.^ Why did your church practice plural marriage (polygamy)?
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ We began with plural marriage.

 ^ And while the admissions about Smith's plural marriages certainly go beyond Sunday School teachings, the faithful framing of the practice and motivation is entirely compatible with Church thinking.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Beginning in 1857, the church also came under significant media criticism after the Mountain Meadows massacre in southern Utah.^ Also three words…Mountain Meadows Massacre.
  • Top 10 Bizarre Mormon Beliefs - Listverse 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC listverse.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE (22 articles) .
  • The Mormon Curtain - EX-MORMONISM SECTION 9 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ In 1950, when Juanita Brooks published the first full account of Mormon complicity in the Mountain Meadows massacre, she and her husband were shunned by members of their church.
  • The Mormons . Transcript | PBS 11 September 2009 23:40 UTC www.pbs.org [Source type: Original source]

 [93]
.In the 20th and 21st centuries, academic critics have questioned the legitimacy of Smith as a prophet and the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham.^ I know that Joseph Smith was a modern prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true.

 ^ I won't open the can of worms of "the Bible is a historic text and the Book of Mormon is a 19th century forgery".
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Not from the time period of Abraham as claimed by Joseph Smith 2) An Egyptian Book of Breathings - totally unrelated to anything Joseph Smith "translated" 3) Not written "by his own hand" by Abraham as claimed by Joseph Smith .
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 .In modern times, criticism focuses on claims of historical revisionism, homophobia, racism, and sexist policies.^ But by this time my critical reasoning skills (which Carl Sagan had termed a “bologna detection kit”) had been sharpened in my class, and I was beginning to have the courage to challenge illogical claims.
  • The Mormon Church Conspiracy 15 September 2009 9:09 UTC mormonconspiracy.com [Source type: Original source]

 .Notable 20th century critics include Jerald and Sandra Tanner and Fawn Brodie.^ Jerald and Sandra Tanner were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history.
  • The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon News And Stories 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.mormoncurtain.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Not only is there no serious interaction with Mormon scholarship in this book, what little there is, as frequently cited second hand from Jerald and Sandra Tanner.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The statements for Richardson's book were taken directly from Jerald and Sandra Tanner's book "The Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990" and will be identified with astericks "***".
  • Mormon 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC bessel.org [Source type: Original source]
.In recent years, the Internet has provided a new forum for critics,[94] and the church's support in 2008 of California's Proposition 8 sparked heated debate and protest by gay-rights organizations and others.^ Nothing like saying: “The leaders of the Mormon Church have a direct line to God, and God told them to support Proposition 8 to take away the rights of gays and lesbians in California to get married.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ In closing however, let’s get back to the real issue here — the LDS (Mormon) Church extorted its members to strongly support Proposition 8 and Mormons gave more than $20,000,000 (more than 1/2 of the total pro-8 contribution) to take away the existing right of gays and lesbians to marry in California.
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ IRS? should progressive churches that support human rights issues lose their exemption?
  • Instant Tea » Blog Archive » LDS Church defender compares DV to Hitler 15 September 2009 8:28 UTC www.dallasvoice.com [Source type: Original source]

 [95][96][97] .While the church remains opposed to gay marriage it has come out in support of certain protections for members of the LGBT community in Salt Lake City, Utah.^ Salt Lake City, 1952.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Salt Lake City, 1982.
  • Mormon Answers: Love, Dating, and Marriage for Mormons (Latter-day Saints) 10 January 2010 21:021 UTC www.jefflindsay.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ Utah Lighthouse Ministries 1350 South West Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 (801) 485-8894 .
  • ~~Religion: Mormon ~~ Pay Lay Ale ~~ Secret ~ Temple ~ Ceremony~~ 8 January 2010 9:09 UTC nowscape.com [Source type: Original source]

 [98]

Notes

  1. ^ Smith (1842) ("At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor and Proprietor of the Chicago Democrat, I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder.").
  2. ^ a b This is the church's own estimate, based on membership records. Hales (2009). The church's definition of "membership" includes all persons who were ever baptized, or whose parents were members while the person was under the age of eight (called "members of record") LDS Church (2006, pp. 145–46), who have neither been excommunicated nor asked to have their names removed from church records. LDS Church (2006, pp. 116, 148-49).
  3. ^ Hales (2009).
  4. ^ LDS Church (2008a).
  5. ^ Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 121 ("The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."). Thomas S. Monson, “The Way of the Master,” Ensign, Jan 2003, 2–7.
  6. ^ Winning them softly: Evangelicals try to reach Mormons with respect - and hard science. John W. Kennedy, posted 2/01/2004 (February 2004, Vol. 48, No. 2) Christianity Today (Accessed:October 7, 2006)
  7. ^ Apologetics website. RESPONSE TO A 'DUBIUM' on the validity of baptism conferred by «The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints», called «Mormons», http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20010605_battesimo_mormoni_en.html, retrieved 2006-08-15  (the official Roman Catholic view). Presbyterians and Latter-day Saints, http://www.pcusa.org/interfaith/study/lds.htm, retrieved 2007-01-30  (a Presbyterian view). Should Lutherans Rebaptize Former Mormons Who Are Joining the Congregation?, http://www.elca.org/dcm/worship/faq/baptism/rebaptize.html, retrieved 2006-08-15  (a Lutheran view). General Conference 2000 806-NonDis, http://www.gc2000.org/pets/cal/TEXT/c0806.asp, retrieved 2006-08-15  (a Methodist view). Latter-day politics, GetReligion, June 13, 2005, http://www.getreligion.org/?p=847, retrieved 2008-11-22  (an Episcopalian view)
  8. ^ a b "For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ." Book of Mormon; Mosiah 3:12
  9. ^ Articles of Faith 1:8
  10. ^ "Perhaps the puzzle some feel can be explained by the reality that each of us has two different channels to God. We have a channel of governance through our prophet and other leaders. This channel, which has to do with doctrine, ordinances, and commandments, results in obedience. We also have a channel of personal testimony, which is direct to God. This has to do with His existence, our relationship to Him, and the truth of His restored gospel. This channel results in knowledge." Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2008 LDS General Conference, http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-10,00.html
  11. ^ Ballard, M. Russell (October 2007), "Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits", Conference report (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-9,00.html, retrieved September 28, 2009 
  12. ^ Scriptures, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=39327c2fc20b8010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____, retrieved 2007-12-25 : "On September 22, 1827, an angel named Moroni—the last Book of Mormon prophet—delivered these records to the Prophet Joseph Smith." Angel Moroni Statue Displayed in Massachusetts, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2001, http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=7cecc8fe9c88d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=a1becb6a017cd010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____, retrieved 2007-12-25 .
  13. ^ According to reminiscences written in the 1830s, Smith's early ministry was preceded by a personal quest for truth culminating in 1820 with his First Vision, in the woods near his home. Early accounts of this vision say that Jesus told him his sins were forgiven. Later versions say Smith was told that all Christian denominations had become corrupt, and further indicate that Smith saw multiple heavenly beings, including both Jesus Christ and God the Father. Though unknown to early Latter Day Saints, this story became a significant part of LDS history as told by Mormons.
  14. ^ The Church of Christ was organized in the log cabin of Joseph Smith, Sr. in the Manchester area, near Rochester, followed by a meeting the next Sunday in nearby Fayette at the house of Peter Whitmer, Sr. Nevertheless, one of Smith's histories and an 1887 reminiscence by David Whitmer say the church was organized at the Whitmer house in Fayette. (Whitmer, however, had already told a reporter in 1875 that the church was organized in Manchester. Whitmer, John C. (August 7, 1875), "The Golden Tables", Chicago Times, http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/dbroadhu/IL/mischig.htm#080775 .) See Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints). The LDS Church refers to Fayette as the place of organization in all its official publications.
  15. ^ State law required between three and nine persons. As founder of the church Joseph was included, and he chose five other men: His brothers, Hyrum and Samuel H., Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jr., which either took place in Fayette or Manchester, New York, depending on the contemporary source cited.
  16. ^ From 1831 to 1838, church membership grew from 680 to 17,881. See The Desert Morning News 2008 Church Almanac pg.655.
  17. ^ (Doctrine and Covenants 64:21)
  18. ^ The Deseret weekly, Volume 38 By Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints page 748. History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints By Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Henry Roberts, Period I, Volume III, p. 112.
  19. ^ D&C 57:1-3 (revelation dated July 20, 1931, stating that "the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at [Jackson County, Missouri], even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation").
  20. ^ During his life, Joseph Smith was summoned to court at least forty-nine times on various charges. See The Deseret Weekly 618 (Published by Deseret News Co., 1889), also available at http://books.google.com/books?id=vKsUAAAAYAAJ&printsec=titlepage#PPP5,M1. Brigham Young said Smith was involved in 50 cases, but BYU law professors Gordon Madsen and Jeffrey Walker have identified over 220 cases in which the prophet was accused. See: http://www.mormonlawyers.com/2009/01/joseph-smith-papers-project-court-cases.html. Of all these cases, only one of them in (State of New York v. Joseph Smith, March 20, 1826) might possibly have resulted in a misdemeanor conviction. Hill, Marvin S. (1976), "Joseph Smith and the 1826 Trial: New Evidence and New Difficulties" (PDF), BYU Studies 12 (2): 1–8, https://byustudies.byu.edu/shop/PDFSRC/12.2Hill.pdf .
  21. ^ Regarding Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young later stated: "Did Joseph Smith ordain any man to take his place. He did. Who was it? It was Hyrum, but Hyrum fell a martyr before Joseph did. If Hyrum had lived he would have acted for Joseph" (Times and Seasons, 5 [Oct. 15, 1844]: 683).
  22. ^ Encyclopedia of Latter-Day Saint History pg. 824.
  23. ^ Smith's position as President of the Church was originally left vacant, based on the sentiment that nobody could fill Smith's shoes. Years later, the church established the principle that Young, and any other senior apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve, would be ordained President of the Church as a matter of course upon the death of the former President, subject to unanimous agreement of the Quorum of the Twelve.
  24. ^ In 2004, the State of Illinois recognized the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints as the "largest forced migration in American history" and stated in the adopted resolution that, "WHEREAS, The biases and prejudices of a less enlightened age in the history of the State of Illinois caused unmeasurable hardship and trauma for the community of Latter-day Saints by the distrust, violence, and inhospitable actions of a dark time in our past; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we acknowledge the disparity of those past actions and suspicions, regretting the expulsion of the community of Latter-day Saints, a people of faith and hard work." "Official House Resolution HR0793 (LRB093 21726 KEF 49525 r), Illinois General Assembly, April 1, 2004
  25. ^ "Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail: History & Culture", U.S. National Park Service. "The great Mormon migration of 1846–1847 was but one step in the LDS' quest for religious freedom and growth."
  26. ^ The Mormon doctrine of plural wives was officially announced by one of the Twelve Apostles Orson Pratt and Smith's successor Brigham Young in a special conference of the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assembled in the Mormon Tabernacle on 28 August 1852, and reprinted in an extra edition of the Deseret News "Minutes of conference : a special conference of the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assembled in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, August 28th, 1852, 10 o'clock, a.m., pursuant to public notice". Deseret News Extra. 14 September 1852. p. 14. . See also The 1850s: Official sanction in the LDS Church
  27. ^ See Tullidge, Edward, History of Salt Lake City, 132-35 (Original from the University of Michigan, 1886).
  28. ^ The most notable instance of violence during this war was the tragic Mountain Meadows massacre, in which leaders of a local Mormon militia ordered the massacre of a civilian emigrant party who had the misfortune of traveling through Utah during the escalating military tensions.
  29. ^ To combat the notion that rank-and-file Mormons were unhappy under Young’s leadership, Cumming noted that he had offered to help any leave the territory who desired. Of the 50,000 inhabitants of the state of Utah, the underwhelming response—56 men, 33 women, and 71 children, most of whom stated they left for economic reasons—impressed Cumming, as did the fact that Mormon leaders contributed supplies to the emigrants. Cumming to [Secretary of State Lewis Cass], written by Thomas Kane, May 2, 1858, BYU Special Collections.
  30. ^ Firmage, Edwin Brown; Mangrum, Richard Collin (2002), Zion in the Courts: A Legal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1830-1900, U. of Illinois Press, p. 140, ISBN 0252069803, http://books.google.com/books?&id=9AimifP2a-4C&pg=PR7#PPA140,M1 
  31. ^ Official Declaration — 1
  32. ^ In 1998 President Gordon B. Hinckley stated,
    “If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church.” Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Are People Asking About Us?" Ensign, November 1998, 70
  33. ^ a b “Statistical Report, 2000,” Ensign, May 2001, 22
  34. ^ Deseret Morning News 2008 Church Almanac pg. 655
  35. ^ “First Presidency Statement on Basing of MX Missile”, Ensign, June 1981, 76.
  36. ^ “The Church and the Proposed Equal Rights Amendment: A Moral Issue”, Ensign, March 1980, insert.
  37. ^ “Church’s Stand against Gambling", Ensign, March 1992, 74.
  38. ^ Newsroom.lds.org (2005-05-26). "Same-Gender Attraction". Press release. http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=27f71f1dd189f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD. Retrieved March 2007. 
  39. ^ Newsroom.lds.org. "Euthanasia and Prolonging Life". Press release. http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=aae4b28d7cb9f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD. Retrieved March 2007. 
  40. ^ Newsroom.lds.org (2006-10-19). "Political Neutrality". Press release. http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=6203d93c8688f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD. Retrieved March 2007. ; see also Newsroom.lds.org, "No Thumbs Up or Down To Legislature", Retrieved May 2007.
  41. ^ Bush & Mauss 1984: 70
  42. ^ History of the Church, 4:461.
  43. ^ See Articles of Faith 1:8 ("We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.")
  44. ^ a b "The Sustaining of Church Officers: Presented by President Henry B. Eyring". Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2 Oct 2009. http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,49-1-1117-8,00.html. Retrieved 12 Jan 2009.  See paragraph 7; "It is proposed that we sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators." See also Search "The Sustaining of Church Officers" for past sustaining
  45. ^ Adherents believe in the Bible "as far as it is translated correctly" See Articles of Faith 1:8.
  46. ^ See Articles of Faith 1:2 ("We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression."). This doctrine is common within Christian Restorationism.
  47. ^ Book of Mormon, Alma 34:8-16.
  48. ^ For example, a 2007 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 31% of Americans surveyed do not consider Mormons to be Christian. See Public Expresses Mixed Views of Islam, Mormonism.
  49. ^ Smith, Joseph, Jr. (March 1, 1842), "Church History [Wentworth Letter"], Times and Seasons 3 (9): 706–10, http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v3n09.htm#706  (traditional Christian denominations "were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as his church and kingdom"). Smith, Joseph, Jr. (April 1, 1842), "History of Joseph Smith", Times and Seasons 3 (11): 748–49, http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v3n11.htm#748  (Stating that Jesus told Smith that all existing Christian creeds "were an abomination in his sight."
  50. ^ D&C 1:30 (LDS Church is the "only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth").
  51. ^ Spencer W. Kimball, “An Eternal Hope in Christ,” Ensign, Nov 1978, 71 ("Then he taught and testified that even as Christ is risen from the dead, so will all men come forth from the grave; each will then be judged according to his works, and each will receive his appointed place in the mansions which are prepared. In that resurrected state, Paul said, there are “celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial, and bodies telestial; but the glory of the celestial, one; and the terrestrial, another; and the telestial, another” (JST, 1 Cor. 15:40).").
  52. ^ Carter, K. Codell (1992), "Godhood", in Ludlow, Daniel H., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Mcmillan, pp. 553–55, ISBN 0-02-904040-X, http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/u?/EoM,3734  ("The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all resurrected and perfected mortals become gods.").
  53. ^ See, for example, Presbyterians and Latter-day Saints, http://www.pcusa.org/interfaith/study/lds.htm, retrieved 2007-01-30  (Presbyterian Church USA, stating that "Mormonism is a new and emerging religious tradition distinct from the historic apostolic tradition of the Christian Church"); Should Lutherans Rebaptize Former Mormons Who Are Joining the Congregation?, http://www.elca.org/dcm/worship/faq/baptism/rebaptize.html, retrieved 2006-08-15  (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, stating that LDS Church doctrine regarding the Trinity is "substantially different from that of orthodox, creedal Christianity."; General Conference 2000 806-NonDis, http://www.gc2000.org/pets/cal/TEXT/c0806.asp, retrieved 2006-08-15  (United Methodist Church, stating that the LDS Church, "by self-definition, does not fit within the bounds of the historic, apostolic tradition of Christian faith".).
  54. ^ According to Joseph Smith, Jr., Jesus told him that the Christian creeds "were an abomination in his sight; that those professors [of religion] were all corrupt". Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith—History 1:19.
  55. ^ LDS Church (1997), Gospel Principles, Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church, http://www.lds.org/gospellibrary/materials/gospel/Start%20Here_01.pdf  (listing among the "blessings given to exalted people" that "they will become gods,… and will be able to have spirit children…."); Carter, K. Codell (1992), "Godhood", in Ludlow, Daniel H., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Mcmillan, pp. 553–55, ISBN 0-02-904040-X, http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/u?/EoM,3734  (p. 553: "all resurrected and perfected mortals become gods"; p. 554: "Latter-day Saints believe that those who become gods will have the opportunity to…add[] further offspring to the eternal family").
  56. ^ Pope, Margaret McConkie (1992), "Exaltation", in Ludlow, Daniel H., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Mcmillan, p. 479, ISBN 0-02-904040-X, http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/u?/EoM,3667  ("All Church ordinances lead to exaltation, and the essential crowning ordinances are the Endowment and the eternal marriage covenant of the temple.").
  57. ^ LDS Church (2006), Church Handbook of Instructions: Book 1, Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics, Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church, p. 80 .
  58. ^ A man may be sealed to more than one wife if his previous wives are either dead or legally divorced from him; a living woman, however, may only be sealed to one husband. See LDS Church (2006), Church Handbook of Instructions, Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church, p. 85 . Thus, there is a common view within the LDS Church that though prohibited by the LDS Church in mortality, plural marriage will exist in the afterlife. See, e.g., Penrose, Charles W. (1897), Mormon Doctrine Plain and Simple, or Leaves from the Tree of Life, Salt Lake City, UT, p. 66  ("In the case of a man marrying a wife in the everlasting covenant who dies while he continues in the flesh and marries another by the same divine law, each wife will come forth in her order and enter with him into his glory."); Smith, Joseph Fielding (1954-56), McConkie, Bruce R., ed., Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith, 2, Bookcraft, p. 2  (stating of his deceased wives: "my wives will be mine forever").
  59. ^ See Hyer, Paul V. (1992), "Sealing: Temple Sealings", in Ludlow, Daniel H., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Mcmillan, pp. 12891290, ISBN 0-02-904040-X, http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/u?/EoM,4177 ; Thomas, Ryan L. (1992), "Adoption of Children", in Ludlow, Daniel H., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Mcmillan, pp. 20–21, ISBN 0-02-904040-X, http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/u?/EoM,5451 . Children born to biological parents who have been sealed to each other are considered "born in the covenant" and need not be sealed to their parents. See Cottrell, Ralph L. (1992), "Born in the Covenant", in Ludlow, Daniel H., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Mcmillan, p. 218, ISBN 0-02-904040-X, http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/u?/EoM,5557 .
  60. ^ Roberts, B.H., ed. (1905), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3, Deseret News, pp. 23–24, http://books.google.com/books?vid=0lm9j64Cc548Kni2rlK-aO8&id=m2bEVgSvbS8C .
  61. ^ Smith, Joseph, Jr.; Williams, Frederick G.; Cowdery, Oliver (1834), "Minutes of a Conference of the Elders of the Church of Christ, May 3, 1834", The Evening and the Morning Star 2 (20): 160, http://www.centerplace.org/history/ems/v2n20.htm#160 .
  62. ^ Smith, Joseph, Jr. (August 1838), Elders' Journal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1 (4): 52, http://www.solomonspalding.com/docs/eldjur04.htm . Manuscript History of the Church, book A-1, LDS Church Archives, 1838, p. 37 , reproduced in Jessee, Dean C., ed. (1989), The Papers of Joseph Smith: Autobiographical and Historical Writings, 1, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, pp. 302–303 . Inventing Mormonism: Tradition and the Historical Record, Salt Lake City, Utah: Signature Books, 1994, p. 160 .
  63. ^ The initial incorporation by the non-existent State of Deseret[1] was not legally valid, but was soon ratified by the Utah Territory in 1851 [2] and 1855. See Late Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints v. Romney, 136 U.S. 44–45 (1890).
  64. ^ State of Deseret: An Ordinance, incorporating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, February 4, 1851.
  65. ^ The Associated Press continues to says that "Mormon Church" is a proper second reference in its Style Guide for journalists.[3]
  66. ^ Newsroom.lds.org (2009-03-24). "Style Guide". Press release. http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ca07ae4af9c7e010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD. Retrieved March 2009. 
  67. ^ a b Portrait of Mormons in the U.S., Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, July 24, 2009
  68. ^ 2005 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, National Council of Churches. See article by Information Please Database, Pearson Education, Inc.
  69. ^ Stack (2006).
  70. ^ Statistical Information, Retrieved December 1, 2007
  71. ^ Egon Mayer, Ph.D.; Barry A. Kosmin, Ph.D.; Ariela Keysar, Ph.D., "American Religious Identification Survey", cuny.edu, http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/research_briefs/aris/key_findings.htm, retrieved 2006-07-27 
  72. ^ a b Haight, David B., "A Prophet Chosen of the Lord", Ensign, May 1986, 7
  73. ^ Ludlow, Daniel H., Latter-day Prophets Speak: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Church Presidents, 1948/1993, Ch. 32
  74. ^ For a time, the church had a paid local clergy; however, that practice was discontinued in the early 1900s. See D. Michael Quinn (1997), Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Salt Lake City: Signature Books, ch. 6.
  75. ^ The Relief Society was founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, and with the motto "Charity Never Faileth", the organization today includes more than 5 million women in more than 165 countries. From Pioneer Group to Worldwide Society, newsroom.lds.org, http://lds.org/newsroom/showpackage/0,15367,3899-1--43-2-125,00.html . Every Latter-day Saint woman age 18 or older is a member of the Relief Society.
  76. ^ LDS Church (2006), Church Handbook of Instructions, 1, p. 155  ("Contributions to the General Missionary Fund help spread the gospel in ways such as providing partial financial support for missionaries who need it to supplement contributions from themselves, their families, and the ward missionary fund.").
  77. ^ Mormon Missionaries, Light Planet, http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/missionary/mormon_missionaries.html 
  78. ^ AAG International Research, AAG International Research, AAG, http://www.intl-research.com/overview.htm, retrieved 2009-10-31 
  79. ^ (PDF) Boy Scouts of America Membership Report – 2007, P.R.A.Y., 2008-01-07, http://www.praypub.org/pdf_docs/BSA_Membership_Report_2007.pdf, retrieved 2008-05-22 
  80. ^ Biema, David Van. Kingdom Come. Time Magazine, Vol. 150 No. 5, August 4, 1997 (estimating the church's value at over $30 billion).
  81. ^ Belo Corp Form 8-K. Accessed May 16, 2007.
  82. ^ "Financial Planning". finserve.byu.edu. Accessed May 16, 2007.
  83. ^ Cantwell, Robert W. (May 2007), "Church Auditing Department Report, 2006", Ensign 37 (5): 6, http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=48fdb5658af22110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1, retrieved 2008-02-22, "The Church Auditing Department has been granted access to all records and systems necessary to evaluate the adequacy of controls over receipts of funds, expenditures, and safeguarding of church assets. The Church Auditing Department is independent of all other church departments and operations, and the staff consists of certified public accountants, certified internal auditors, certified information systems auditors, and other credentialed professionals. Based upon audits performed, the Church Auditing Department is of the opinion that, in all material respects, contributions received, expenditures made, and assets of the church for the year 2006 have been recorded and administered in accordance with appropriate accounting practices, approved budgets, and church policies and procedures." 
  84. ^ Church Finances, newsroom.lds.org, http://lds.org/newsroom/page/0,15606,4032-1---14-168,00.html 
  85. ^ (D&C 89)
  86. ^ See Doctrine & Covenants, Section 89.
  87. ^ Salt Lake Tribune Editorial, Liquor stores: Banning phone listings, stores won't stop abuse.
  88. ^ http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/living-well-usn/2008/12/15/americas-10-fittest-citiesand-10-least-fit-too.html
  89. ^ LDS Church (1995), The Family: A Proclamation to the World. http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?sourceId=1aba862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0
  90. ^ Together forever: Gospel perspectives for marriage and family By Douglas E. Brinley page 48 ISBN 1570085404
  91. ^ Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, Authors: Christian Smith, Melinda Lundquist Denton, page 261 (Oxford Univ Pr. 2005)
  92. ^ Griffiths, Lawn (2007-03-24), Mesa Mormon temple prepares for Easter pageant, East Valley Tribune, http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/86475, retrieved 2008-11-30 
  93. ^ Bagley, Will (2002), Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows, Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, ISBN 0-8061-3426-7 ; Turley, Richard E., Jr. (19 June 2007), Newsroom: The Mountain Meadows Massacre, LDS Church, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/the-mountain-meadows-massacre  (acknowledging criticism of the LDS Church).
  94. ^ Mindy Sink (September 6, 2003), Religion Journal; Spiritual Issues Lead Many to the Net, New York Times, http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04E3DB1F38F935A3575AC0A9659C8B63, retrieved 2008-02-21 
  95. ^ San Diego march for marriage equality draws 20,000 protesters, Gay & Lesbian Times, http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=13532, retrieved 2009-01-21 
  96. ^ California and Same-Sex Marriage, LDS Church, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/california-and-same-sex-marriage, retrieved 2009-01-21 
  97. ^ Page, Jared (2008-06-20), Sierra Club hails LDS Church for downtown Salt Lake makeover, Deseret News, http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700236376,00.html, retrieved 2008-06-29 
  98. ^ Mormon Church Backs Gay Protecting City Ordinances, "Deseret News", http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705343558/Mormon-Church-backs-protection-of-gay-rights-in-Salt-Lake-City.html 

References

External links

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Official websites of the Church

Church-related websites

.
  • LDS Today – News related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • LDS Library – Full text search engine; more than 3,300 important LDS books
  • Mormon wiki – Wiki for and supported by Latter-day Saints
  • LDSFAQ at byu.edu – A comprehensive index answering many common questions.^ The more he read these 6 books, the more he'd cross reference with books in his Mormon library.

     ^ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormonism, has, in recent years, produced a substantial body of literature defending their beliefs.
    • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

     ^ Latter-day Saints and Christs Second Coming .
    • ATRI Journal Online Article Index 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.ankerberg.com [Source type: Original source]

     Uses large portions of The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
  • Mormon Momma – Scholarship and fellowship for LDS women
  • Audio Book of Mormon – Free download, mp3 format
  • The LDS Woman – Free online social network and magazine for LDS women
  • Mormonism Search – Search Mormon Web Sites – Browser Plugin Available
  • Mission.net – Church missionary alumni and informational site
  • Bible References Supporting The Beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Mormon Studies – A site dedicated to the academic and cultural study of Mormonism.
  • The Genesis Group – website for black Latter-day Saints, their families and friends, and individuals interested in the LDS Church
  • Mormon Times – For and about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Links to related articles
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Fundamental ideas Joseph Smith, Jr. profile by Bathsheba Smith circa 1843.jpg
History
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See also Latter Day Saints Portal – Category Mormonism

Wikibooks

Up to date as of January 23, 2010

From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection

< Biblical Studies | Christianity

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Table of Contents

  1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
  2. The Great Apostasy
  3. Joseph Smith
  4. Prophets and Apostles
  5. Scriptures
  6. Priesthood
  7. Relief Society
  8. Families
  9. Temples
  10. Tithing
  11. Law of Chastity
  12. Temporal Welfare
  13. Missionary Work
  14. Church Service
  15. Church Buildings
  16. Church Meetings

Genealogy

Up to date as of February 01, 2010

From Familypedia

.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church or LDS, has a long history of regard for ancestry.^ My great-grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney camp hits back at Steele for Mormonism comments « - Blogs from CNN.com 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormonism, has, in recent years, produced a substantial body of literature defending their beliefs.
  • LDeSsays.com -- Practical Mormonism for practicing Saints 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC ldessays.blogspot.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
  • JOSEPH SMITH AND THE STORY OF "MORMONISM" | JOSEPH SMITH - AMERICAN PROPHET, BIO 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.josephsmith.com [Source type: Original source]
  • The Story of Mormonism - Wikisource 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC en.wikisource.org [Source type: Original source]

 .Most genealogists have made direct or indirect use of its International Genealogical Index ("IGI") and the more recent FamilySearch.^ It just so happens that Mormon were made up more recent than most others?
  • Mormonism - The Mormon Religion by Joseph Smith | Christian Faith Site 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.christian-faith.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ I'm sure I've made many more mistakes in my life than you or most of the other posters.
  • On Faith Panelists Blog: Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide - R. Albert Mohler Jr. 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC newsweek.washingtonpost.com [Source type: Original source]

 ^ The most important comment to be made about the approach of Jerald and Sandra Tanner to Mormonism is their selective use of evidence.
  • Anonymous LDS Historian's Response to Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? -SHIELDS 23 January 2010 6:06 UTC www.shields-research.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

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Simple English

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is the largest group in the Mormon movement. It was started in 1830 in New York by Joseph Smith. They believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet who restored the church Jesus Christ set up on earth when he was alive. They teach that they are the only church with a fullness of the gospel and that all others are incomplete. They also believe that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three separate individuals but all have the same purpose. LDS scriptures include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Members of the church, who are often called Mormons, are known for being active in missionary work. They also believe in the importance of families.

Contents

Beliefs and practices

Today the center of the Church is in Salt Lake City, Utah, but there are more than 13 million members living all over the world. About six million of them live in the United States; four and a half million of them in the Western United States and 1.8 million live in Utah. It is the second fastest growing church in America[1], and the fourth largest in the United States.[2] The leader of the Church is called the President, and Mormons respect him as a prophet. Right now, the President of the Mormon church is Thomas S. Monson. They believe that God guides the prophet, just like prophets in the Bible.

Mormons believe that it is important for families to spend a lot of time together, and that after they die, they can live together forever. Mormons do not drink alcohol, coffee, tea, smoke tobacco or use other drugs. They meet once a week on Sunday for church, where they have the sacrament and listen to short talks or sermons. They also have Sunday School to learn more about their religion. The Church also has activities during the week. Mormons also have buildings called temples. These are the most holy buildings in their religion. After a temple has been dedicated, only Mormons that are living lives in accordance with the teachings of the church can go in the temple.

Mormons believe in helping poor and needy people all around the world. Because of this Mormons have given $1.2 billion, since 1985, in cash and assistance to other people.[3] They also believe it is important to learn their family history, often called Genealogy. They also help others to learn their family histories, and give access to all their family history records for free, through the internet, on the website Familysearch.org.[4]

In 1842, Joseph Smith wrote 13 paragraphs describing what the Church and its members believe, these are those 13 beliefs:

The ARTICLES OF FAITH[5][6]

  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 paradisaical 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.

Missions

Young people are encouraged to go on missions when they get old enough. Boys go from two years after they are 19 years old, and girls go for 18 months after they are 21 years old. More boys go on missions than girls do. These missionaries go to a "Mission Training Center" for a few months where they learn how to be good missionaries, and then live in another place for their mission. The Church tells them where they need to go. Then they work with one other missionary who is the same gender as they are (called a "companion"), and change companions sometimes so they are not always with the same person. Missionaries will go to people who live near them and teach them about the Church, and baptize people who want to join the Church. They also help people around them, even if these people are not in the Church. Often they help by building houses for people who need them.

Older people sometimes go on missions after their children grow up. They get to go with their spouse. There are many different kinds of missions for "senior missionaries". Some of them are only a few months, and some of them are a few years. These missions can be "service missions", which means that they go to help people who live in the area. Sometimes the senior missionary is a "mission president". This means that they lead and help young missionaries in the place where they go to live.

Criticisms

The LDS church has been heavily criticized since its creation. Some of the criticisms are listed below.

Current

  • Requiring a person give 10% of the money they earn to the church to be a good member
  • Not allowing non-members to go to weddings at Mormon temples[7][8]
  • Continuing to believe that it is best for mothers to remain in the home and raise a family
  • Allowing baptism for those who are dead, even people who were never Mormons
  • Pushing to not allow gay marriage, even in areas that have a very small Mormon population (This was most clear in California's Proposition 8, which passed partially due to Mormon money from Utah)
  • Not saying how much money the church has
  • Attempting to hide facts that could say that early Mormon leaders such as Joseph Smith did bad things[9]
  • Believing that God was once a man
  • Not allowing non-Mormon scholars to see some important Mormon papers or review scholarly articles about Mormonism
  • Not allowing the drinking of alcohol or coffee
  • Disciplining and removing members who disagree with the church's teachings

Past

  • Polygamy, allowing men to have more than one wife (the church stopped this in 1890, although some break off churches still allow it)
  • Not allowing black people to become preachers or go on missions until 1978
  • At one time, many Mormons believed in blood atonement, a practice that may have led to Mormons killing non-Mormons at the Mountain Meadows Massacre[10] and the use of firing squads for Utah executions[11]
  • Believing that God was once as Adam[12][13]

References

  1. ↑ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2006). "Church Is the Second-Fastest Growing Religion in the United States". http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/church-is-the-second-fastest-growing-religion-in-the-united-states. Retrieved 5 October 2010. 
  2. ↑ National Council of Churches (2010). "Catholics, Mormons, Assemblies of God growing; Mainline churches report a continuing decline". http://www.ncccusa.org/news/100204yearbook2010.html. Retrieved 5 October 2010. 
  3. ↑ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2009). "Facts & Statistics". http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/facts-and-stats. Retrieved 5 October 2010. 
  4. ↑ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2008). "FamilySearch - About Us". http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp?page=/eng/Policy/about_us.asp. Retrieved 5 October 2010. 
  5. ↑ Articles of Faith in LDS scriptures
  6. ↑ Joseph Smith: the Wentworth letter, Times and Seasons 3:9 (706-710 pp.), 1 March 1842.
  7. ↑ Ostling, Richard and Joan. Mormon America. pp. 164–165. 
  8. ↑ Pyle, Hugh F. (2000). The Truth about Mormonism. Sword of the Lord. pp. 7–8. ISBN 0873988450. 
  9. ↑ Tanner 1979, pp. 29–33
  10. ↑ (Quinn 1997)
  11. ↑ Brundin, Jenny. "Execution By Firing Squad Will Be First In 14 Years". National Public Radio. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127905527. Retrieved 2010-06-17. 
  12. ↑ Young (1852, p. 50). The full text from the Journal of Discourses 1:51 reads as follows: "It is true that the earth was organized by three distinct characters, namely, Eloheim, Yahovah, and Michael, these three forming a quorum, as in all heavenly bodies, and in organizing element, perfectly represented in the Deity, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Again, they will try to tell how the divinity of Jesus is joined to his humanity, and exhaust all their mental faculties, and wind up with this profound language, as describing the soul of man, "it is an immaterial substance!" What a learned idea! Jesus, our elder brother, was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the garden of Eden, and who is our Father in Heaven. Now, let all who may hear these doctrines, pause before they make light of them, or treat them with indifference, for they will prove their salvation or damnation. I have given you a few leading items upon this subject, but a great deal more remains to be told. Now, remember from this time forth, and for ever,that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost."
  13. ↑ http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/docviewer.exe?CISOROOT=/JournalOfDiscourses3&CISOPTR=9599

Other websites

Retrieved from "http://yak.rapint.com/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints"

Citable sentences

Up to date as of December 11, 2010

Here are sentences from other pages on Mormonism, which are similar to those in the above article.








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