The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely
known as the "Mormon Church", or "LDS Church", is the largest denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism), a type of Christian Restorationism.
The Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christian but is neither Catholic nor Protestant. Rather, members believe
it to be a restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, Jr., and five associates established the Church April
6, 1830 in the company of some 56 men and women in Fayette, New York. After the Church's persecution and expulsion from the state of Missouri, and the
assassination of Joseph Smith by a mob in Illinois, Brigham Young led the
Mormon pioneers to settle the Great Basin area in what is now Utah. The Church has grown to a worldwide membership of more than 12 million (with reports of at
least one-third (http://www.cumorah.com/report.html#activity) "active" - regularly attending members) and is
the fourth largest religious denomination in the United States [1] (http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.html#bodies).
History
Main article: History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
Church members — known as — hold that their faith is the divinely appointed restoration of the Church established by Jesus Christ as
depicted in the New Testament, as established by prophets in earlier
dispensations. They believe that after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the death of his apostles, and faced with organized
persecution and hostility from within the pagan Roman Empire, the church that Christ had established and its authority began
rapidly to change. By the fourth century, it bore little resemblance to the original Church of Christ. With the loss of divine
approval and authority from the Church, a long period of spiritual darkness followed known as the Great Apostacy.
In the spring of 1820, God and Jesus Christ appeared to a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith and gave him instructions and
directed him in restoring the Church. He was commanded to join none of the existing churches and was calles as the first prophet
of the restored Church. This event set in motion the events that led to the restoration of the ancient Church of Jesus Christ to the earth with its truths and priesthood authority. Ten
years later, after a series of other revelations and visitations to Joseph and others, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints was officially organized on 6 April 1830, in Fayette, New York.
Joseph Smith, God and his Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy In the process, he and Oliver Cowdery received the authority to perform baptism and other ordinances from these resurrected beings
who held the authority anciently, namely John the Baptist. Joseph Smith introduced new scriptures to complement and clarify the
Biblical canon. Chief among these is The Book of Mormon,
which Smith said is a record that was kept by ancient prophets who lived in the Americas, engraved on gold plates, that he translated by the power of God and the Urim and Thummim. Smith showed these "golden plates" to eleven witnesses
whose signatures and testimony now preface The Book of Mormon, eight of which handled the plates when shown them by Smith,
and three which claimed to see them presented by an angel. Smith also recorded a number of revelations given to guide the Church, a large group of which have since been canonized as "The Doctrine and
Covenants".
After Smith's martyrdom by a mob, Brigham Young (see also succession crisis), the President of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was
sustained by the majority Smith's followers as the next Prophet and President of the Church. Faced with further persecution,
Brigham Young eventually led the Church to the Salt Lake Valley, where it is headquartered today. The Church is currently headed
by President Gordon B. Hinckley, the latest in a long
succession of prophets since Brigham Young. He is assisted by two counselors and twelve Apostles, each of whom are also sustained
by members as "prophets, seers, and revelators".
Name of the Church
Originally the Church was called the "Church of Christ" due to the belief that it is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. Four years
later, in April 1834, it was also referred to as the "Church of Latter Day Saints" to
differentiate the Church of this era from that of the New Testament. Then in April 1838,
the full name was stated as the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" to "fully reflect the Church's identity" (see
Doctrine and
Covenants 115:3-4 (http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/115/3-4)). In 1851, when the
Church was incorporated in the United States, the official name changed slightly, picking up the additional corporate first
article, "The", and the British hyphenation of "Latter-day".
The Church is also commonly referred to as the "LDS Church", and sometimes the "Mormon Church", although these designations
can be confusing because groups outside the Church are sometimes also referred to as "Latter Day Saints" and "Mormons" and
because there never was, strictly speaking, a "Mormon Church". The nickname "Mormon"
arose soon after the publication of The Book of Mormon
in 1830. Although originally used pejoratively to refer to the Church or its
members, the term came to be used widely within the Church.
In a style guide (http://www.lds.org/newsroom/page/0,15606,3899-1---15-168,00.html) issued in 2001, the Church requests that the official name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints", be used where possible, stating: "This full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838." It also encourages the use of "the Church" or "The Church of Jesus Christ" as a shortened
reference although the "LDS Church" is commonly used within the Church's publications. When referring to members of the Church,
it suggests "Latter-day Saints" as preferred, although "Mormons" is acceptable. Despite the Church's efforts to encourage use of
the official name, the Associated Press has continued to recommend
"Mormon Church" as a proper second reference in its Style Guide for journalists. Additionally, some scholars feel the term
"Mormon" is useful to collectively describe all those groups which claim to descend from Joseph Smith despite the Associated
Press Stylebook's guidelines to apply the term only to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A new movement is
underway to refer to the unique culture, social workings and doctrines of the sects that claim succession from Smith as Mormonism and historical underpinnings as the Latter Day Saint movement .
Within the Church, members call each other "sister" and "brother" followed by their last name, and all are referred to as
"saints", which reflects the belief that anyone who covenants by baptism to follow Christ is a saint, as members of the primitive church were also deemed. The term "Saint" is not solely reserved for an exemplary
Christian as in other churches.
First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel
The fourth Article of Faith states that Latter-day Saints
"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."
Faith
Latter-day Saints believe that faith in Jesus is a fundamental requisite to salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ means the
acceptance that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. This includes two parts: 1.
the belief that all who live on Earth are granted salvation from death (physical resurrection) through the death of Jesus Christ,
and 2. that salvation from sin (or spiritual death) is obtained through forgiveness for sin through his grace and by following the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ. Latter-day
Saints are encouraged by Church leaders and the LDS culture to develop their faith through study, prayer, service, and obedience
to God's commandments. Latter-day Saints often refer to their personal faith as their "testimony" and refer to telling others
about their faith as "bearing testimony."
Repentance
Latter-day Saints believe in the principle of repentance, which for them
includes a sincere regret, or "godly sorrow", as well as restitution when possible and abstinence from the sin. Key to the
repentance process is a person's personal, prayerful confession to God, which includes asking for forgiveness and resolving not
to repeat the mistake. It is important to confess serious sins to a bishop, who can offer advice and encouragement. Consistent
with the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which it is
translated, repentance denotes "a change of mind", "a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we
are naturally inclined." Thus, a return to sin shows that the repentance process is not truly completed. Repentance is for small
and large sins and is an ongoing process.
Baptism
The Church of Jesus Christ practices baptism by immersion
as Christ was baptized. Baptism is symbolic of burial and rebirth as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Like many Christians, Latter-day Saints believe that a person who repents and is baptized has all
prior sins remitted.
Baptism is never performed before the eighth birthday. The age of eight was given in latter-day revelation as the age when
children become accountable for their sins, that is, they are able to discern between right and wrong. (If a person is unable to
discern between right and wrong, they are not baptized, regardless of their age.) The Book of Mormon and modern revelation
specifically forbids the practice of infant baptism. (See Doctrine and Covenants
68:27 (http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/68/27) and Moroni
8:4-23 (http://scriptures.lds.org/moro/8/4-23).) Baptism is recognized only
when performed by one holding the office of a Priest in the Aaronic
Priesthood or above.
See Baptisms for the Dead.
Gift of the Holy Ghost
Following baptism by immersion, individuals are confirmed members of the Church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by Priesthood bearers worthy to do so. Latter-day Saints believe that this blessing entitles the
newly confirmed recipient to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as a guide and guardian so long as the recipient
lives worthy of the gift. Moreover, members believe that those who have not been confirmed may still receive inspiration and a
witness from the Holy Ghost but are not entitled to constant companionship available through the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Church leadership and the priesthood
The Church is headed by its president, whom the members sustain and revere as the
Prophet, seer, and revelator, entitled to receive revelation from God, to guide the
Church and the world as his mouthpiece on the earth. Other general, area, and local authorities of the Church include Apostles, Seventies,
Stake Presidents, Bishops, and other quorum presidents. The president of the Church serves
until his death, after which the Quorum of
the Twelve Apostles will meet, pray, and under the leadership of the senior apostle, receive revelation as to whom the next
prophet should be. Although not specified by revelation, the senior apostle has historically become the new President of the
Church. General Authorities work full-time for the church, and those that need it receive a stipend from the church.
Lay clergy has a strong tradition in the church, as area and local authorities are unpaid and continue in their normal
occupations while serving in leadership positions. Some positions are limited to priesthood holders, with qualifications usually
related to the particular calling (e.g., women for the Relief Society,
men for the priesthood quorums.) In 1978, in an official declaration by the First
Presidency, given in revelation to Spencer W. Kimball, the
Church stated that all worthy men were allowed to receive the priesthood. Previously, men of African descent were not permitted
to receive the priesthood although they could become members and serve within the Church. (Persons of other dark-skinned
ethnicities not of African descent, such as the Maori, could receive the priesthood prior to this time, based on calling by
revelation. See Blacks and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)
As the Church has no general salaried ministry, thousands of Latter-day Saints around the world lead participate in leading
their congregations in their spare time for a period of a few years, while they continue their normal employment.
See Priesthood (Mormonism) and Priesthood (Latter-day Saint); First Presidency; Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; General Authority
Scriptures
Under the Church's doctrine of continuing revelation
(see Articles of Faith number 9), the Church has an open
scriptural canon which currently includes the Bible, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price, including The Articles of Faith. These scriptures form the Standard Works of the Church.
Many of the pronouncements of general authorities,
particularly the president of the Church, are also often viewed as uncanonized scripture—particularly official written
pronouncements signed by the First Presidency and/or the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, such as "The Family: A Proclamation to the
World" (1995), which defined the Church's vision of the ideal family (which resembles
the typical nuclear family), and "The Living Christ" (2000), which commemorated the birth
of Jesus. Latter-day Saints are also encouraged to accept the most recent statements from prophets and general authorities as
modern-day scripture. Latter-day Saints are encouraged to pray to know the truthfulness of the doctrine contained in their
various scriptures, especially if they have trouble living a certain principle.
English-speaking members typically use the King James
Version of the Bible; Joseph Smith also translated a version of the Bible known as the Joseph Smith Translation of the
Bible (or Inspired Version), and although this Bible translation is not generally used by members of the Church (owing to the
fact that the copyright is owned by The Community of Christ, previously called Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints), the Bible issued by the Church contains cross references to the Joseph Smith Translation (JST). Though it is part of the
canon, members believe that the books of the Bible contain some errors regarding basic principles of the gospel necessary for salvation due to numerous translations and omissions over the thousands of years since
they were authored, as well as incorrect interpretations of the meaning of certain passages. Thus, Latter-day Saints consider the
Book of Mormon to be more doctrinally complete.
The introduction of The Book of Mormon describes the book as follows:
- The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the
ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the
fullness of the everlasting gospel. The book was written by many ancient prophets by
the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named
Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C.E., and afterward separated
into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites.
After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians.
- The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among Nephites soon after his
resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan
of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and
eternal salvation in the life to come.
The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of revelations, policies, letters, and statments given to Church presidents,
starting with Joseph Smith. This record contains Church doctrine as well as direction on Church government.
The Pearl of Great Price contains: (1) excerpts from Joseph Smith’s translation of Genesis, called the book of
Moses, and of Matthew 24, called Joseph Smith—Matthew; (2) Joseph Smith’s translation of some Egyptian papyrus (of
which pages still exist rediscovered in 1967) that he acquired in 1835, called the "Book of Abraham"; (3) an excerpt from The
Documentary History of the Church containing a letter written by Joseph Smith in 1838, called Joseph Smith—History; and
(4) an excerpt of another of Joseph Smith's letters called the Articles of Faith, thirteen statements of belief and doctrine.
Church members known as "Latter-day Saints" believe literally in
the principle of revelation from God to his children. Individuals are entitled to divine revelation for meeting personal
challenges. Parents are entitled to revelation for raising their families. Divine revelation for the direction of the entire
Church comes from God to the president of the Church, who is viewed by Latter-day Saints as a prophet in the same sense as are
Abraham, Moses, Peter and other biblical leaders.
See also: Controversies
regarding Mormonism.
The Godhead
LDS theology holds that God the Father (Heavenly Father), Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct personages that together form the Godhead (as distinct from the Trinity). All three members of the Godhead are eternal and equal in divinity, but play somewhat different roles.
While the Holy Ghost is a spirit without a physical body, God and Christ do possess distinct, perfected, physical bodies of flesh
and bone. Although Mormon theology sees the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost as separate beings, they are considered to be "one" in most every other possible sense — most importantly that of
purpose.
Mormonism posits most of the same attributes to the members of the Godhead as Christianity posits of the Trinity: omnipotence, omniscience, omnibenevolence, eternal, immutable, immortality, and immanence in the universe but not transcendence of it.
However, the meaning of some of these attributes differs significantly. For example, Mormonism holds that: as creator God
is the organizer of the universe since in Mormonism all matter (including sentient beings) in the universe has always
existed and will exist eternally; God's omnipotence does not transcend the laws of physics or logic, though those laws may not necessarily be as understood by
mankind; and God's immutability concerns primarily His creations and His future status and not with His status prior to that
time. The eternal and uncreated nature of God, matter, and the spirits of mankind is referred to in the Church hymn, If you could hie to Kolob (Hymn
#284). It should be noted that the Church publishes its own hymnals in various languages, and exercises editorial control over
hymn selection and content.
Although it is not directly stated in the canonical scriptures, Joseph Smith and other church leaders have taught that God the
Father is an exalted man who once lived on an earth similar to this one. Joseph Smith reportedly said:
- These are incomprehensible ideas to some, but they are simple. It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a
certainty the Character of God, and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once
a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did; and I will
show it from the Bible. (Joseph Fielding Smith,
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-46.)
It is implied that God may have lived a mortal life passing through death and resurrection and eventually progressing to
godhood. The creation story in Genesis would begin sometime after this point.
Latter-day Saints generally also believe, although it is not canonical, that God is eternally married to a Heavenly Mother. Heavenly Mother is believed to be entirely equal in status
to Heavenly Father, a celestial Goddess and God, respectively, forever married to one
another and preserving differing yet complementary roles of deity, although she is not explicitly or extensively referred to in
doctrine, scripture, or other Church canons. Her existence is referred to briefly in the Church hymn titled O My Father (Hymn number 292), and it is presumed from Church
teachings that proclaim that each person is a "spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents" (See The Family: A Proclamation to the
World). Thus, Her existence is simply acknowledged by Church members and leadership, but She is not worshipped nor is made
the object of prayer. It is commonly surmised that she is deliberately and safely protected in anonymity by Heavenly Father,
whereby no human knows Her name.
While some refer to the Church's doctrine of the godhead as polytheistic,
Latter-day Saints would be more accurately portrayed as henotheistic or
monolatristic. In contrast to this, Protestant, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Christians insist that their religion is monotheistic; that is, God is One in Being (ousia) and simultaneously Three, namely the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, in Persons (hypostases). Though the existence of other gods or divine beings is acknowledged by the Church and its
members, this fact is considered almost irrelevant to salvation: the other gods—which Latter-day Saints would refer to as
exalted beings— have no impact on this sphere of existence, nor is their eternal role defined.
Despite the Church's name, its focus on Jesus as sole Savior of humankind, its "family values", and many of its Gospel teachings in common with
Christianity, many theologians and members of other Christian denominations consider the difference between the LDS practices and
doctrines—such as the contrast between the Church's doctrine of the Godhead and the mainstream Christian doctrine of the
Holy Trinity—so fundamental that they do not regard Latter-day
Saints as Christians. (See Mormonism and
Christianity.) Latter-day Saints counter that it is mainstream
Christianity that misunderstands the nature of God. They hold that the mainstream concept of God was corrupted by the
introduction of Platonic realism, Neoplatonism, and extreme Asceticism into the early
Christian church and that these influences continued through the Great
Apostasy.
Latter-day Saints do not use the Christian cross or crucifix as a symbol of their faith. Most modern Latter-day Saints choose to focus upon
Jesus' life and resurrection, not his death. Currently, one of the most commonly used visual symbols of the Church is the
trumpeting angel Moroni, proclaiming the restoration of the true gospel to the Earth (usually identified as the angel mentioned
in Revelation 14:6–7); and a statue depicting the angel often tops the tallest spire of LDS temples. Another common symbol
members use is the acronym CTR, meaning "Choose the Right", taken from the name and motto of a children's Primary class. "CTR" is
most often displayed on a shield, and worn as a ring.
See also: Godhead (Mormonism); King Follett Discourse
The Plan of Salvation
Latter-day Saints believe that "through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind
may be saved [from sin (spiritual death) and physical death], by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (See
Articles of Faith number 3.) This Plan of Salvation is God's plan
for the return of mankind to live with him as glorified, eternal beings. Salvation occurs through Jesus, whom they view as the
redeemer of mankind. The gift of immortality is believed to come to all through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his subsequent
Resurrection. (See 1 Corinthians
15:22 (http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/15/22).) Although it is believed that
immortality is a free gift to all people, entrance to the highest Heavenly
Kingdom (referred to as the "Celestial Kingdom") (See 1 Corinthians 15:40 (http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/15/40).) comes only to those who accept Jesus through
baptism by priesthood authority
into the Church, follow Church doctrine, and who live righteous lives. Faith alone, i.e. dead faith, or faith without works, is
not considered sufficient to attain exaltation. (See James 2:26 (http://scriptures.lds.org/james/2/26).)
Exaltation is the reward which the Church believes is given to righteous
members—including those who accept the gospel in the afterlife and have their temple work done for them. Through the
process of exaltation, a person can eventually become a God and creator, or as expressed in scripture, a joint-heir with Jesus
Christ.
It is believed that people who do not have the opportunity to hear the gospel while on Earth will have the opportunity in the
afterlife.
For Church members, the kingdoms of glory, as follows, are congruent with Christ's New Testament words "In my house there are
many mansions...".
The Celestial Kingdom (commonly metaphorically compared
to the sun, as all light is contained within the Celestial Kingdom, just as almost all of
Earth's light comes from the sun) is the place where righteous Saints live with God and with their families. Those who have been
married in Temples may receive exaltation if they have kept
the covenants they make with God, primarily obedience to his laws. The minimum stated requirement to enter the Celestial Kingdom
for accountable individuals is baptism and repentance; Latter-day Saints profess that all children who die before accountability
automatically inherit a celestial glory.
Those good people who choose not to be valiant in following Jesus or who do not accept the Gospel do not qualify for
exaltation and will be consigned to the Terrestrial
Kingdom (metaphorically compared to the moon's brightness). This place is believed
to be one of great glory, but without the presence of God the Father. The minimum requirement for entrance is keeping the "law of
carnal commandments" (the Ten Commandments).
Murderers, other criminals and those who do not accept the Atonement of Jesus Christ
spend eternity with people of like intent in the Telestial
Kingdom (likened to the light received on Earth from stars excluding the Sun). This also is considered a kingdom of glory
and has been described as being much better than mortal life. The minimum requirement for entrance is not denying the Holy Ghost, a sin very few people are capable of committing.
Those who deny the Holy Ghost, a small number of people who have a full knowledge of the Gospel and willingly reject and
battle against what they know to be the truth, are believed to inherit no glory (incorrectly but usually referred to as Outer Darkness by the general membership) at the final judgement—a place
of no light. An individual so banished is called a Son of
Perdition. Conventional forgiveness is not possible for these people. They are still believed to be resurrected beings,
although they have very limited or no use of their bodies.
Within greater Christianity, the LDS view of salvation is most like Arminianism, a commonly held view which emphasizes the individual's free-will acceptance of the grace of God
throughout life.
Chapels
Weekly worship services, including Sacrament Meetings, are held in meetinghouses (http://www.mormon.org/question/worship/1,8578,797-1,00.html), also referred to as "chapels."
All people, regardless of belief or standing in the church are welcome to attend. The Sacrament, similar to Communion or the Eucharist in other churches, is offered weekly. Typical meetings include the singing of hymns (accompanied by
piano or organ) and two or three discourses by congregational members. Although it is not required, women usually attend wearing
skirts or dresses, while men wear suits or dress shirts and ties. People in different attire are also welcome.
Members of the LDS Church generally come together in meetinghouses throughout the week (except Mondays, which are reserved for
family time) for different activities.
Sunday Services
Sunday services consist of a three-hour block of time divided into three segments. The primary service is Sunday sacrament
meeting, which is slightly over an hour in length, and attended by the combined congregation. Attendance in the other two
segments varies by age and sex. The church publishes manuals for each type of class, usually including both a teacher's manual
and a student booklet.
Sunday school classes are grouped by age and sometimes background. The most common adult Sunday school class is "Gospel
Doctrine", which meets each week and consists of a teacher presenting a gospel message with participation from class members. A
second adult class that meets most weeks is "Gospel Essentials", designed for new members and nonmembers who are interested in
learning more about the Church (often referred to as investigators). Additional adult classes are held at various times,
depending on the needs of the congregation. These classes include topics such as "Family Relations", "Family History", "Teacher
Preparation", and "Temple Preparation". Youth Sunday School classes are broken down by age (12-13, 14-16, 17-18). These classes
are sometimes combined if the class sizes are small.
In addition to sacrament meeting and Sunday School, a third meeting is held where attendance is based on age and sex. Men and
boys attend priesthood classes, while women attend Relief Society, and girls ages 12-18 attend Young Women. Young women classes
are Beehive (12-13), Mia Maids (14-15), and Laurels (16-18). Although all men and boys meet together briefly for a prayer, hymn,
and announcements, they then divide into classes. The men separate into Elders Quorum or High Priests, the latter usually being
older men and/or those who have held leadership positions. Youth are divided into priesthood classes: Deacons (12-13), Teachers
(14-15), and Priests (16-18). Classes may be combined if the class sizes are small.
Children younger than 12 attend Primary, which spans the two time blocks described above. Primary is divided into senior
Primary (9-12) and junior Primary (4-8), along with the nursery (18 months-3). Primary classes generally consist of all the
children who were born in the same year. Usually one half of Primary are in class, while the other half meet together in sharing
and singing time, and then the two are reversed.
Weekday meetings
In addition to Sunday meetings, a number of meetings may take place during the week. High school students may attend Early
Morning Seminary, which is scheduled so that students can leave for school when the class is over. In some areas with large LDS
populations, provisions are made by the high school which allow students to attend Seminary (off-campus) during the school day.
The provision, however, is considered Release Time, not a school-recognized class. No credit is awarded by the school, nor is any
grade or achievement listed on the school's official transcript.
Young Men and Young Women often have a weekly meeting (sometimes referred to as "Mutual") which can involve an activity,
service project, or instruction. Classes may meet separately or combined on different weeks. Once a month the adult women attend
Enrichment Night, where they may choose between various classes being offered, participate in a service project, or some sort of
social event.
In addition to these regularly scheduled meetings, additional meetings are frequently held at the chapel. Popular activities
are basketball, luncheons, and various personal improvement classes. Church members may also reserve the building for personal
use, such as wedding receptions, funerals, etc.
Temples
See: Temple (Mormonism)
Other practices
Practices more or less distinctive to Latter-day Saints include following the Word of Wisdom (eating healthy, abstaining from alcohol,
tobacco, tea and coffee and eating meat sparingly), tithing (giving 10 percent of one's
income to the church), chastity, modesty in dress, lay leadership, Family Home Evenings (families are encouraged to meet weekly for prayer and other activities -
typically on Monday), and home and visiting teaching (members regularly visit one another in their homes for prayer and study).
Tattoos and body piercings
(except for one pair of earrings for women) are discouraged. Church members are
encouraged to marry and have children, and as a result, Mormon families tend to be larger than average. Sexual activity, both
heterosexaual and homosexual, outside marriage is strictly forbidden.
The Church emphasises the moral standards taught by Jesus Christ, including personal honesty, integrity, obedience to law,
chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage. The Church puts notable emphasis on the family, and distinctively, the
concept of a united family which lives and progresses forever is at the core of Latter-day Saint doctrine. The Church opposes
abortion, pornography and gambling.
Latter-day Saint fathers who hold the priesthood typically bless their babies shortly after birth to formally give the child a
name and a blessing and generate a church record for them. Various blessings may be pronounced, as directed by inspiration.
Polygamy
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not practice polygamy, and members found in multiple marriage relationships are excommunicated. The Church did at one time endorse a form of polygamy, which was called "plural marriage", but that is no longer the case. Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and other early members of the Church were married to more than
one wife, until the commandment was officially withdrawn as stated in a declaration called "The Manifesto" given by President
Wilford Woodruff in 1890 (see Official Declaration 1 (http://scriptures.lds.org/od/1)), which told Church members to obey the marriage laws of
their land. After the Manifesto, some Church members living in Mexico and Canada continued the practice as it was legal in those
countries. The Church's position reiterated and clarified in 1910, requesting that church members not enter into any form of
plural marriage, regardless of location, local customs, and legality. Converts from areas where polygamy is accepted typically
must end such relationships. Today, while plural marriage is not practiced, a widower qualified to enter the temple may receive
permission to have his subsequent marriage(s) sealed if the woman has not been previously sealed to another man, allowing for the
continuation of that relationship beyond death. A widow can be remarried in the temple but can only be sealed to one husband.
Prayers
Formal public and personal prayers are addressed to "Heavenly Father" and offered in the name of Jesus Christ, followed by
amen. It is customary when a prayer is given in public that all present say amen in reply.
English-speaking members generally use "thee", "thou", "thy", and "thine" when addressing God, as a form of both familiarity and
respect. Members who speak other languages use similar formal syntax in prayer. Most
prayers are extemporaneous and may be said while kneeling, standing, or sitting or in any other position. Certain prayers,
however, are defined and must be said verbatim, while others must follow a certain pattern. For example, the sacrament prayer is
a set prayer that is said the same every week and while kneeling. If the person deviates from the text, they are instructed to
repeat the prayer until correct. The baptism prayer must be said verbatim while standing in the water with the person being
baptized and the right arm is raised. Ordinations and blessings have a defined pattern and some include certain fixed phrases
that are to be included in the prayer. For example, the confirmation ordinance is to begin by addressing the individual, stating
the priesthood authority being used to confirm the person, confirming that person as a member of the church and saying to them
"receive the Holy Ghost", followed by a blessing as led by the Spirit.
Missionaries
The LDS Church has perhaps the most active missionary program of any world
church. There are approximately 60,000 full-time missionaries serving around the world at any given time without pay. See
missionaries for more information.
Missionary work is a fundamental principle of the Church, and has become one of the most readily identifiable characteristics
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All have been assigned by Church headquarters to their area of work, which
can be in any part of the world where governments allow them to preach. They contribute to their own support for up to two years,
frequently learning another language. The church also places an emphasis on humanitarian services, and vast family history resources.
Education
The Church strongly emphasizes education and subsidizes Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Idaho (formerly Ricks College), and Brigham Young University-Hawaii. The Church
also has a seminary program for high school students and an Institute of Religion program for college-age church members. All
members twelve and above attend Sunday School classes that emphasizes personal scripture studies, as well as other forms of
education to improve themselves.
Finances
The financial status of the Church has been the focus of two investigative reports: a 1991 report by the Arizona Republic and a 1997 report by Time Magazine. Both claim the Church is the most prosperous American religion, with Time estimating $5.2
billion dollars in tithes during 1996. The Church has holdings in real estate, as well as for-profit businesses managed through
Deseret Management Corporation. Time
estimated assets in 1996 at more than $30 billion dollars.
It is difficult to determine the exact financial status of the Church because it is not required to disclose financial
information. Some of the Church's known holdings include:
- AgReserves Inc, Salt Lake City, Utah - the largest producer of nuts in America.
- Beneficial Life Insurance Co. - assets of $1.6 billion dollars.
- Bonneville International Corp - the 14th largest radio chain in the U.S.
- Deseret Cattle and Citrus Ranch in Orlando, Florida - the world's largest beef ranch at 312,000 acres (1260 kmē). The land
alone is worth $858 million.
- Farmland Reserve, Inc - recently purchased 88,000 acres (356 kmē) in Nebraska bringing its total in Nebraska to 228,000 acres
(923 kmē) second in Nebraska to Ted Turner's 290,000.
- Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii - the number one for-profit visitor attraction in Hawaii.
The Church uses its financial resources to provide social welfare and relief, build facilities, maintain the missionary
program, and support Church sponsored programs.
Provide for Social welfare and relief - The Church operates a welfare distribution system, as it encourages members to
seek financial assistance from family and church first before seeking public or state-sponsored welfare. AgReserves Inc., Deseret
Cattle and Citrus Ranch, and Farmland Reserve, Inc. are part of its welfare distribution system. Welfare resources are
distributed by local bishops but maintained by the Presiding Bishop.
Build facilities - The Church builds additional chapels and temples as wards and branches of the Church are organized. A recent temple building program concluded in 2001 where
the church built about 40 smaller temples between 1998 and 2001. The church currently has 119 temples around the world with 10
additional temples either announced or under construction. See chonological list of temples (http://www.lds.org/temples/chronological/0,11206,1900-1,00.html).
Maintain its missionary program - Although the families of missionaries generally pay $400 a month for missions,
additional general funds of the Church support missionaries unable to pay for their own missions. Additionally, the Church
provides a mission office and mission home for each of its 300 missions and pays for television advertising offering free copies
of the Book of Mormon, the Bible, videos, etc.
Support Church sponsored programs - The Church owns and subsidizes education at its three Universities (see Education above). It also supports Boy Scouts
programs for young men and Seminary and Institute programs.
LDS Customs
Titles Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address each other as "Brother" or "Sister" and then
usually append the last name (such as Brother Smith, Sister Young). Additionally, those that hold specific leadership positions
may be addressed by their title and then their last name (such as President Kimball). Some frequently-used titles are as
follows:
- Bishop - The Bishop of a ward, and also the Presiding Bishop and his
counselors.
- Elder - This title can be applied to any member of the Melchezidek Priesthood, but usually isn't, except in the cases
of full-time missionaries or any member of the Quorum of Seventy or the Quorum of Twelve.
- President - In a ward, the Relief Society President and the Elder's Quorum President. The President of a Branch. All
members of a Stake (or District)
Presidency, a Temple Presidency, a Mission Presidency, the Presidency of the Seventy,
and the First Presidency.
- Father - A person ordained to the office of Patriarch in the Melchezidek Priesthood. Used much more often in
historical Mormonism than today.
Some leadership callings, such as Apostle, Seventy, or Prophet, do not use their title but are simply addressed as Brother or
Sister (or one of the other titles they my hold above). Additionally, except in the case of bishops, it is generally not
appropriate to continue to call a person by his former title once he has been released.
External links
Official websites of the Church
- Primary websites:
- LDS.org (http://lds.org) - the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
— with links to Gospel Library, Church History, Family Home Evening programs, and more
- Mormon.org (http://mormon.org) - information on basic beliefs, a meetinghouse locator, and a place to
email questions
Additional websites
- Related websites, affiliated with the Church:
- Educational
- byu.edu (http://www.byu.edu) - Brigham Young University
- byui.edu (http://www.byui.edu) - BYU Idaho (formerly Ricks College)
- ldsbc.edu (http://www.ldsbc.edu) - LDS Business College
- byuh.edu (http://www.byuh.edu) - BYU-Hawaii
- byucougars.com (http://www.byucougars.com) - BYU Cougar Sports
- Media
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