Student seeking help on the Mormon religion

[Terri123]

Is anybody on??

[Dr T]

Hi Terri123,

This is not a chat so there are people that come, read, post, etc. it's not always instant feedback. Good luck finding what you're looking for.

[Terri123]

Thanks Dr. T. I can't seem to get the chat to work for me. It comes up but I can't reply for some reason.

For anybody here, I am in finals at the University of Phoenix and for my paper on Religion I picked the LDS religion and need to conduct a short interview of 10 questions to someone that knows a lot about the religion. Perferbly with 10 or more years experience in it. If anyone is interested I can post the questions here and would love to get some feedback. I do not have to use names to conduct my interview. It's just a way for me to learn more about this religion. So here goes the questions, and hopefully I can get a response ASAP. Thanks in advance, and if multiple people would like to respond that would be great too! Thank you so much!

1. What are the important holidays and traditions of this religion?

2. How has religion shaped your life?

3. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion?

4. How do you handle the negative media stories regarding Polygamy of Mormons?

5. Why do you think the role of the man is more important then that of the women in your religion?

6. How do you feel about not being allowed to enter certain temples because you are not seen as spiritually prepared?

7. How do the teachings from the Latter Day Saints differ from mainstream Christian religions such as Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran’s, etc?

8. How were you introduced to this religion, was it passed down from your parents, or were you recruited into the religion?

9. What part of the religion, if any, do you disagree with and why?

10. What are the most beneficial aspects to being Mormon?

[Guest girlydolphin]

1. What are the important holidays and traditions of this religion? Easter, Christmas

2. How has religion shaped your life? Religion permeates every aspect of my life. Defines who I am. Because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know I am a Daughter of our Heavenly Father. It gives me purpose. Guides me decisions.

3. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion? Ummm..... enduring to the end?

4. How do you handle the negative media stories regarding Polygamy of Mormons? That is the past. Just explain as best I can and move on.

5. Why do you think the role of the man is more important then that of the women in your religion? WE DO NOT THINK THE ROLE OF THE MAN IS MORE IMPORTANT!!!!! We have different roles, not one more important than the other.

6. How do you feel about not being allowed to enter certain temples because you are not seen as spiritually prepared? Absolutely fine. The temple is a sacred place, and if I am not spiritually prepared to be there, I shouldn't be there.

7. How do the teachings from the Latter Day Saints differ from mainstream Christian religions such as Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran’s, etc? I was raised LDS, so can't tell you exactly. I believe our view of the Godhead is different. We believe in three distinct personages: God, the Father; Jesus the Christ, the resurrected Son of God and our Redeemer; and the Holy Ghost. We believe that the Lord directs his Gospel through a living prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley.

8. How were you introduced to this religion, was it passed down from your parents, or were you recruited into the religion? My mother was a convert, and she taught it to me.

9. What part of the religion, if any, do you disagree with and why? None.

10. What are the most beneficial aspects to being Mormon? Knowledge of the Plan of Salvation - Eternal Families! The blessing of a living prophet.

[checkerboy]

1. What are the important holidays and traditions of this religion?

The same as most other Christian religions. Christmas and Easter probably being the most religiously based.

2. How has religion shaped your life?

Religion is important to me because life would be miserable not knowing that there is something more to all that we go through.

3. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion?

No real challenges that most anyone wouldn't face. Just being good is hard enough.

4. How do you handle the negative media stories regarding Polygamy of Mormons?

I don't care what others think of the history of the church. I have a testimony and know what I believe is right. People can think what they want but if they let those thoughts keep them from the truth then that is too bad for them.

5. Why do you think the role of the man is more important then that of the women in your religion?

I don't think this. This is something that people who are ignorant of the way the church is run feel. The women of the church are just as important as the men. The difference is in their responsibilities.

6. How do you feel about not being allowed to enter certain temples because you are not seen as spiritually prepared?

If I am worthy of a Temple Recommend I can enter any temple in the world. And the things you learn in the temples would be ill suited to someone not spiritually prepared.

7. How do the teachings from the Latter Day Saints differ from mainstream Christian religions such as Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran’s, etc?

The only difference that I can see is that we believe in continuing revelation, which led to the Book of Mormon and priesthood restored.

8. How were you introduced to this religion, was it passed down from your parents, or were you recruited into the religion?

I was baptised when I was 8 but I had to decide for myself if the things I learned were true. There have been periods in my life when I haven't been as active in the church as others but I feel I have received an answer that the church is true.

9. What part of the religion, if any, do you disagree with and why?

I don't disagree with any doctrinal aspects of the religion. I would like to see them get back into the sports program they used to have when I was growing up.

10. What are the most beneficial aspects to being Mormon?

I think the basic happiness that comes from knowing God and Jesus. I know that there is a plan for me and that if I follow that plan I can live with them again someday.

[the_jason]

5. Why do you think the role of the man is more important then that of the women in your religion?

Men and women are equally important to the Lord and His church. They have differing roles. The role of the man is primarily a provider, both physically and spiritually. The man is the priesthood leader patriarch of the home. This does not mean he's some supreme ruler over his wife. It means that the wife is to hearken to her husband's counsel as he hearkens to the Lord's. This was set forth by Adam and Eve and has never changed.

The role of the woman is primarily a nurturer, a homemaker, a caregiver, an educator. Her role is equally, if not more, important than that of the man. Men hold the priesthood in the church, but that does not mean they are more important or are to dominate over women. In fact, it's been said by general authorities that a man holds the priesthood to close the gap between he and his spouse. Boy, that's so true. My wife is the leader of our family. We'd fall apart without her.

Both men and women have an equal partnership in the family. Their roles are different, but none more important than the other.

[Terri123]

wow! That you so much for replying. Some more questions to your responses:

Girly Dolphin:

4. How do you handle the negative media stories regarding Polygamy of Mormons? That is the past. Just explain as best I can and move on.

What about the more recent news stories? Why is the religion still split on polygamy?

5. Why do you think the role of the man is more important then that of the women in your religion? WE DO NOT THINK THE ROLE OF THE MAN IS MORE IMPORTANT!!!!! We have different roles, not one more important than the other.

What are the roles and how come women cannot be missionaries?

6. How do you feel about not being allowed to enter certain temples because you are not seen as spiritually prepared? Absolutely fine. The temple is a sacred place, and if I am not spiritually prepared to be there, I shouldn't be there.

How does one become spiritually prepared?

7. How do the teachings from the Latter Day Saints differ from mainstream Christian religions such as Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran’s, etc? I was raised LDS, so can't tell you exactly. I believe our view of the Godhead is different. We believe in three distinct personages: God, the Father, with a perfected body of flesh and bone; Jesus the Christ, the resurrected Son of God and our Redeemer; and the Holy Ghost. We believe that the Lord directs his Gospel through a living prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Who is he in relation to Joesph Smith?

Thank you so much!

[Terri123]

Jason and Checker Boy thanks for responding. Jason, having a wife and rasing a family in this religion, what makes this religion the "right" way or direction for you, and how do you feel about other religions or people from other beliefs?

Part of my class calls for defining what I feel may be the "right" or "true" religion and how I feel about other's beliefs. As a Christian I feel LDS have similar foundations of belief to my own. Where they differ is with the Book of Mormon. What other ways do these two religions differ?

[Guest girlydolphin]

4. How do you handle the negative media stories regarding Polygamy of Mormons? That is the past. Just explain as best I can and move on.

What about the more recent news stories? Why is the religion still split on polygamy?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does not allow polygamy. Any person practicing polygamy is not a member of our religion.

5. Why do you think the role of the man is more important then that of the women in your religion? WE DO NOT THINK THE ROLE OF THE MAN IS MORE IMPORTANT!!!!! We have different roles, not one more important than the other.

What are the roles and how come women cannot be missionaries?

Women can and are missionaries. My sister-in-law was called to Costa Rica and my local sister missionaries are coming over for dinner on Monday :)

Men serve the defined role of holding the priesthood and providing for the family both temporally and spiritually. They are to be involved in the family life as a patriarch and loving father in companionship with his wife.

Women carry the role/blessing of bringing children into the family and are the primary nurturer. They serve in cooperation with the husband to teach and care for the needs of the family. Although the men have the great responsibility of the priesthood, it is generally the women who facilitate the presence of the Spirit in the home and family.

As a matter of fact, LDS women are encouraged to live up to their potential, ever-learning and developing and using their talents and abilities to the fullest.

How does one become spiritually prepared? Through study of the scriptures, fasting and prayer. By drawing closer to our Father in Heaven.

Who is he in relation to Joseph Smith? Gordon B. Hinckley is not related to Joseph Smith that I know of. He is our living prophet today. Joseph Smith was the first prophet in this dispensation who retstored the fullness of the Gospel to the earth.

[Karen]

What a great project! I'd be glad to talk with you about all of these questions. I've been a member for about 27 years. My conversion story, in response to one of your questions, can be viewed if you visit www.youtube.com/moregoodfoundation. I'd love to visit as well about your similar beliefs, and the role of the Book of Mormon!

I can write specific answers, or if you are in a hurry, please leave a comment on the youtube video page and I'll email you with a number where you can reach me.

[tubaloth]

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=LDSPublicAffairs

I think you probably should actually contact somebody. Is it really a great source when you are pulling information from a Message board? This might point you in the right direction, but obvousley you need help with some of the ideas that you have about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

[the_jason]

Jason and Checker Boy thanks for responding. Jason, having a wife and rasing a family in this religion, what makes this religion the "right" way or direction for you, and how do you feel about other religions or people from other beliefs?

Part of my class calls for defining what I feel may be the "right" or "true" religion and how I feel about other's beliefs. As a Christian I feel LDS have similar foundations of belief to my own. Where they differ is with the Book of Mormon. What other ways do these two religions differ?

We've been instructed many times by prophets, both ancient and modern, that nobody is to mistreat another because of their religion. LDS pioneers felt enough of that and it is not something we wish to pass on. Not only that, it's against the commandments of God.

I don't think any less of another human being for believing differently than me. It's inhumane and just plain stupid. Although I may believe that the church I belong to has the truth, they are still a human being and a brother or sister and deserve to be treated as such. There's no reason a Latter-day Saint and a Jew, for example, can't be best friends.

[Terri123]

Thank you girly Dolphin and krtm, I think I have everything I need now for my paper. As for my views, I was once engaged to someone who was Mormon. He was my first love, however I found his views on this religion to be very hypocritical so I lost respect for him and he broke many important teachings of this religion. As for me I am a Christian. Presbyterian. I have read the book of Mormon and although I would have converted to this religion had I gotten married out of love and respect for my fiancee. I found out he was having an affair on me the entire time we were engaged. I do know individuals actions should not represent an entire religion, but I have learned there are hypocrites in all religions. It is my belief that one does not have to belong, associate or involve themselves with a religious group to find their way into our Lord's heart. Through my class I have a better understanding and respect for all religions. I do not agree that the Mormon religion, like Judaism is the "chosen" religion or that the only way to eternal salvation is through Jesus Christ. If that were the case then all of Asia would be damned for not having lived in Jerusalem at the time of his existence. I respect Buddism, Daoism, Confusisim and believe God works through all faiths. I strongly disagree with any religion that excludes or segregates people like LDS does. The fact that some people are not allowed to enter certain temples proves this. Jesus surrounded himself among the poorest of the poor. He walked hand in hand with Prostitutes, beggars, and thieves. His kingdom is open to anyone that believes in him so excluding these people in a place of worship is wrong. But this is just how I feel. Most of religion has been used to control people and used politically and for monetary gain. Almost every war in this world was fought over religion. It's sad that something so loving and peaceful has brought so much destruction and death. God works through many channels and to say that only one way or that only one religion is the right way would be to say that God excludes, and I don't believe he would ever do that. I do thank everyone for your help. I have a better insight on this religion. Before anyone defines themselves by one religion, I believe they should have knowledge about ALL religions from the beginning of time.

[the_jason]

I strongly disagree with any religion that excludes or segregates people like LDS does. The fact that some people are not allowed to enter certain temples proves this.

Then you don't understand the purpose of temples. We do not prevent anyone, ANYONE, from attending the temple. We invite all to receive of the blessings of the temple. However, because of the sacredness of the temple and its' ordinances, there must be preparation and learning before a person can enter.

First, a person must learn the basic doctrines of the gospel, believe them to be true, and be baptized by one holding the authority. They must also live the standards outlined in the scriptures and by modern-day prophets. Second, they must continue to read the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon, and gain a deeper testimony of the gosepel. They must also attend sacrament meeting, Sunday School, and other meetings to learn further. Third, they should attend temple preparation classes, which discuss further the purposes of the temple and the ordinances that take place. Fourth, they must be interview by their bishop and stake president to ensure they are worthy and that they understand enough to receive the covenants they will make in the temple.

So you see Terri, the temple is not a secret. It is sacred. As with anything sacred, it must be learned about and prepared for, not entered into lightly. If you wish to attend the temple we invite you to do so. Just follow the simple steps outline above and there will be many to greet you with open arms and welcome you into The House of the Lord.

[Guest girlydolphin]

Terri:

I agree wholeheartedly with Jason on this . . .

"So you see Terri, the temple is not a secret. It is sacred. As with anything sacred, it must be learned about and prepared for, not entered into lightly. If you wish to attend the temple we invite you to do so. Just follow the simple steps outline above and there will be many to greet you with open arms and welcome you into The House of the Lord."

I am sorry about your experience with your fiance. I am glad that you do not judge an entire religion based upon his hypocritical actions.

Feel free to stop by and chat anytime!

[a-train]

My wife and her family are all Presbyterians. Of course, my wife is now Mormon, but when we are in her hometown we attend the Presbyterian services and she sings in the choir in the chapel which her family has attended for generations. Her family and the people of that congregation know we are Mormon of course.

Now here is my question: Is a person of age not willing to be baptized or take upon themselves the name of Christ or the obligations thereof allowed to go into a baptismal font and be insincerely baptized merely in an effort to make them feel included in the Presbyterian community? In other words, should I be allowed to take a swim in or make a hot-tub of a baptismal facility at a local Presbyterian meeting house?

It is my understanding that of those persons who are of age, only those willing to be baptized and take upon themselves the obligations of the mantle of Christ are allowed to do so in the Presbyterian Church. Is this some sort of exclusion? Are the Presbyterian people to be viewed as snobby and exclusive because they believe baptism must be done sincerely and not as a casual social experience? Are we to fear the exclusive and secret font?

I personally have not found the least bit of snobbery in the Presbyterian congregation with which my wife's family has been associated so long.

A temple is akin to a gigantic baptismal font. One wherein the execution of the saving ordinance is accomplished in visual and auditory presentation. There is no casual observer, but all in that 'font' are taking upon them the covenants associated with the ordinances performed therein.

The temple is not a clubhouse, it is not a ballroom. Like a baptismal font, those who enter only do so to make a covenenant with God or assist in the administration of the ordinances thereof. Do you wish to enter the temple and take upon you the covenants thereof? If so, we are more than willing to accomodate you.

NO PERSON is withheld from any opportunity to enter into the temple and make the covenants administered therein. It is the LORD's will and the effort of this Church to get as many people into the temple as possible, not the opposite.

Are there instances in which persons can enter the temple casually without taking upon themselves the ordinances thereof? YES. They are called open houses and you need not be Mormon at all to attend. But once the structure is dedicated as a facility for the sole purpose of administering covenant making ordinances, it is used only as such.

-a-train

[Guest RaiseMeUp77]

Terri123- I want to say that really I am truly sorry for what happened to you. Your fiance did commit a grievous sin in the eyes of the Lord and set a bad example as a so called "member" of The LDS faith. I can just imagine everytime you hear mormon his face pops up in your head and you remember all the heartache that came with a disloyal person in your life.

I respect your willingness to learn of all religions in school which can be a good thing. Also I should add that many are led away through these courses in the direction that there is no true religion which I highly disagree with.

I know you may have had love and respect for your fiance but one shouldnt join our faith based on another person or love for that person. Instead, everything with our religion comes from the personal conversion of the individual. Even the 8 year olds are interviewed by a bishop and asked what they believe in and if they want to be baptized.

I do think there will be a number of Asians damned, just as I believe there will be a number of mormons damned. Lets be clear on one thing. We dont believe mormons will be saved. We believe members who repent of their sins, live a worthy life, and partake of the sacred blessings in the temple, have the potential to receive the highest degree of glory in the Celestial kingdom. We also believe that people who didnt have the chance to receive the gospel in this life will be given the opportunity in the life to come. Those people without a doubt will still have to repent of their sins and work righteousness in order to be saved by Christs atonement. I also believe the highest degree of the celestial kingdom will be opened to those found worthy in the after life.

An Important aspect that I always go back to as well is that Jesus Christ will be a perfect Judge. You know how people say, " You dont know my life" "You have no clue what i've been through". Well Christ suffered all pain and he was brought from the highest to the very lowest and knows and understands all people. With his judgement also comes justice and without justice there would be no law.

Lets now discuss your issue with temple attendance. I hope you may try to understand with an open heart and know that i'm not a prophet but just a kid whos trying to help. First I want to say that everything with God usually comes with expectations on our part then comes his promise or our reward. (I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. D&C 82:10) So if you dont believe this first part then its hardly any use going on, but if you do then i'll add to this. We have expectations as members of Christs church which was synanamous to his church in Jerusalem. Those expectations to participate in the temple include being baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by a worthy preisthood member who has the authority to act in Christs name. Also the individual must be keeping the commandments the best of their abilities and found worthy by the bishop. If any worthiness issues come up then the bishop will councel with the individual and see how they can work together to fix the problem. The temple is a house of God and just like how God has expectations in order to enter the Celestial kingdom he has similar views on his temple here on earth.

Yes I agree, Jesus Christ was with the sinners and was probably with the sinners more than the righteous. My belief tho is he was preaching the very basics of his gospel to these people such as faith and repentance. Missionaries now preach all over the world not judging the persons past but giving the gospel freely to anyone who desires it. The house of worship is our congregational churches that we attend every Sunday. We invite anybody to attend no matter if they are a member or not. Our church affairs are broadcasted all over the world on tv and over the internet and we invite any who are intrested to tune in. Our faith is an open and accepting faith but I should say as people and members we do have expectations to meet in order for the promises of God to be fulfilled. I hope I could shed some light on this topic and if not, I take no offense. Take care

[the_jason]

Whoa! Have you ever heard of a paragraph?

[Guest girlydolphin]

A-Train, I just have to say that your reply was right on. Well-said.

[Abraham]

I am impressed with the spirt of reply to those questions. I have been a member since 1970 and my conversion story can be read in the New Era, article by Vera Judge, "With the Spirit You Can Do Anything".

In short my twin brother and I studied numerous other faiths but they were wonting in authority, and answers. Even as an 11 year-old the priests and ministers could not answer our questions about Apostles (or lack thereof), and why God would leave us with private intepretations of ancient scriptures from dead prophets.

A good friend invited us to the LDS Church and the rest is history. It forever gets better and exponentially better. I love the scripture "He giveth light to our understanding ..." II Ne 31:3 He truly does speak to us according to our own language.

Keep the faith,

GW

[Guest RaiseMeUp77]

Sorry jason, my grammer isnt up to par.

[Old Tex]

I strongly disagree with any religion that excludes or segregates people like LDS does. The fact that some people are not allowed to enter certain temples proves this. Jesus surrounded himself among the poorest of the poor.

LDS do not exclude or segrate people on any basis. All are welcome to join and all are encouraged to live their lives so they will be worthy to enter the Temples of the Lord and and enter into higher covenants with Him.

I have been an LDS member for 45 years of my adult life. I am a convert. Your statement above indicates to me that you do not understand what Temples are for or what work goes on in them. In reality, these Temples you speak of are the best chance for the salvation of multitudes of those "poorest of the poor" that you say that you are concerned for. You condemn something of which you have no knowledge.

As far as the Church being divided over polygamy, here again you have it wrong. The practice of plural marriage in the Church was discontinued over 100 years ago. Anyone practicing plural marriage today is excommunicated from the Church. That mean completely cut off.

There are several groups made up of people who choose to practice plural marriage, but they have no connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I think you knew that when you asked your question.

I hope that you got some answers that are helpful, but I think you pretty well had your mind already made up before you asked your questions.

[Dale]

Jesus never went literally in the Temple where only the Jewish High Priest could enter. Wasn't that part of the temple called the Holy of Holies. Some of those poor were segregated from full temple access, and Jesus never said that was wrong. Jesus never said the law of Moses was wrong on this segregation. He would not do that anyway since he felt the law was true himself.

Certainly it would not be out of line for Jesus to want the LDS temples to be treated a sacred place. He kicked the money-changers around one time. I see nothing wrong with the LDS practice of making sure people are moral before going to the temple for example. Perhaps people would like it more if scoffers of the LDS ceremony could go in the temple and make rude comments all the time.

I am a member of the Community of Christ (formerly named Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). We chose to be Anti-polygamist in our view's. We never practiced polygamy. We started out as one church with the LDS, but split after about fifteen year's. We have no connection with the LDS as far as being the same denomination after that time. The LDS polygamist group's seperated themselve's from the LDS so also are not the same denomination as LDS.

[Guest girlydolphin]

Nice point, Dale. And may I just say, you are the 1st person I have met from the Community of Christ . Hello Brother! Stop by and introduce yourself in chat sometime. I have really enjoyed meeting so may different people.

Enjoy your Sunday!

[Dale]

I never lived chat very much. I do come from an LDS background. So i have experiences in both denominations.

We have our temple in Independence, Missouri mostly open to the public. But of course we do not have temple practices.