FOXNews.com compiled a list of 21 questions representing some widely held beliefs and misconceptions about Mormonism and posed them to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Here are the questions and how the Church responded:
Q: Why do some call the Church a cult?
A: For the most part, this seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the Church and its core doctrines and beliefs. Under those circumstances it is too easy to label a religion or other organization that is not well-known with an inflammatory term like 'cult.' Famed scholar of religion Martin Marty has said a cult means a church you don't personally happen to like. We don't believe any organization should be subjected to a label that has come to be as pejorative as that one.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God?
A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.
Q: Does the Church believe in the divinity of Jesus?
A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.
Q: Does the Church believe that God is a physical being?
A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.
Q: If so, does the Church believe that God lives on a planet named Kolob?
A: 'Kolob' is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.
Q: Where is the planet Kolob? What significance does the planet have to Mormons?
A: 'Kolob' is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that God and Mary had physical sex to conceive Jesus?
A: The Church does not claim to know how Jesus was conceived but believes the Bible and Book of Mormon references to Jesus being born of the Virgin Mary.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe Jesus appeared in North America after his crucifixion and resurrection?
A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other 'sheep' who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.
Q: If so, when did this happen? And under what circumstances?
A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other 'sheep' who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe its followers can become "gods and goddesses" after death?
A: We believe that the apostle Peter’s biblical reference to partaking of the divine nature and the apostle Paul’s reference to being 'joint heirs with Christ' reflect the intent that children of God should strive to emulate their Heavenly Father in every way. Throughout the eternities, Mormons believe, they will reverence and worship God the Father and Jesus Christ. The goal is not to equal them or to achieve parity with them but to imitate and someday acquire their perfect goodness, love and other divine attributes.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women can only gain access to heaven with a special pass or codewords?
A: No.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women must serve men on both Earth and in heaven?
A: Absolutely not. Mormons believe that women and men are complete equals before God and in relation to the blessings available in the Church.
Q: Is there such a thing as Mormon "underwear"? if so, are all Mormons required to wear it? What does it symbolize?
A: Like members of many religious faiths, Latter-day Saints wear religious clothing. But members of other faiths — typically those involved in permanent pastoral ministries or religious services — usually wear religious garments as outer ceremonial vestments or symbols of recognition. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, garments are worn beneath street clothing as a personal and private reminder of commitments to God.
Garments are considered sacred by Church members and are not regarded as a topic for casual conversation.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe in the existence of another physical planet or planets, where Mormons will "rule" after their death and ascension?
A: No.
Q: What specifically does the Mormon Church say about African-Americans and Native Americans?
A: Mormons believe that all mankind are sons and daughters of God and should be loved and respected as such. The blessings of the gospel are available to all.
Q: What are or were the "Golden Plates"?
A: The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from records made on plates of gold, similar to metal plates that have been found in other ancient cultures. It contained a history of peoples in the Western Hemisphere including an appearance by the Savior to them. As such, the Book of Mormon is considered a second testimony of Jesus Christ.
Q: Are consumption of alcohol and tobacco prohibited or simply discouraged?
A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.
Q: Does the Church also ban the consumption of "hot drinks"? And does that apply specifically to caffeinated drinks?
A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.
Q: Why do Mormons go from door to door?
A: Christ admonished his disciples to take the gospel to the world. The Church follows that admonition and sends missionaries throughout the world.
Q: What do the Mormons believe about the family?
A: Mormons believe that the family is the foundation for this life and the life to come.
Q: Can someone who may never marry in life have eternal marriage?
A: God will not withhold blessings from any of his children who may not have the opportunity to marry in this life.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,317272,00.html
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
What we believe: Article of Faith #1
"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."
We believe these three are completely united in purpose and mission. They are "one", in the same sense that "if ye are not one, ye are not mine." Where we depart from mainstream Christians is our understanding that while one in unity, the Godhead is composed of three separate personages. Many critics will often dismiss us as "non-Christians" and "polytheists" for this reason. However, we are actually in good company with those who walked and talked with Jesus Christ, and who bear witness of Him in the New Testament.
With enormous respect for those who derive their Christian beliefs from decisions rendered by 4th and 5th century councils of Nicaea, I am nonetheless unafraid to declare that our understanding of the Trinity is derived from the gospel as found in the New Testament, and in the witness of modern revelation. I am grateful for a personal testimony of continuing revelation from a loving God who still communicates with His people.
The New Testament offers scriptural evidence of the separate personages of the Godhead, including Jesus Christ's own statements, as well as events that describe the members of the Godhead as distinct.
The boy Jesus taught in the temple, and acknowledged that He was doing His Father's work. In Jesus’s intercessory prayer to God, He stated that “this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." In Gethsemane He asked His Father if it be possible to let the cup pass, acknowledging "not my will but thine be done." On the cross He pleaded, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Jesus also said, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do,” “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me,” “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God,” and “My father is greater than I.”
The scriptures record other events, including Jesus' baptism, the Mount of Transfiguration, and the martyrdom of Stephen.
Even the Apostle Paul acknowledged them as separate when he said, "Christ Jesus . . . being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”
And more recently, the boy Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ appear to him in a vision as two separate personages.
God is the Father of our spirits. We lived with Him as spirit children before we were born on this earth. He is our Heavenly Father, and He loves us very much. So much, that he gave us His Only Begotten Son. We are His children, with the potential to be "joint heirs with Christ". In our Pearl of Great Price scriptures we learn that that His work and glory is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." He has established a plan of salvation that brought us to earth to receive a physical body and to prove whether we will do all things that are commanded of us. He provided His Only Begotten Son to be our Savior and Redeemer, so that we could overcome death and sin and return home to His presence.
God the Father has a body as tangible as man's. We are created in His image. He is not mysterious and unapproachable. He is a loving Father who cares for us and provides us with all that we need.
Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and my personal Savior. He created the earth under the direction of the Father. His Atonement and Resurrection overcame the barriers between us and God, which are physical death and sin. In addition, Jesus bore the pains and afflictions of the world, so that he would know exactly how to help us overcome anything that we face. (We know this from the Book of Mormon, in Alma, chapter 7.)
Jesus Christ came to earth as the baby born to the Virgin Mary. He lived a perfect life. He taught us how to live, and He established a church, with priesthood authority given to those who would lead the church. He atoned for us, He died for us, and He was resurrected. He lives, with a resurrected body of flesh and bones.
Fulfilling His words to the Jews, Jesus visited his "other sheep", who were the people inhabiting the Americas. He taught them His gospel and established a church. Their record is found in the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ, witnessing that He is the Christ and the Savior of the world.
Through the prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus restored His church to the earth (hence the name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"), including the restoration of priesthood authority. He stands at the head of this Church.
Jesus will return to this earth, as described in the Bible, to rule and reign.
The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, so that he can dwell within us. He is the Comforter. He testifies of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things. When we are baptized we are also given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, so that he can be our constant companion.
I have a personal testimony of the reality of God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has borne witness of this to me, and it is something that is unmistakable and undeniable. I see the hand of God in my daily life, and I have felt His love for me, which gives me great peace. I know that Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer, and my appreciation for what He has done for me grows daily.
Together and unified, the Godhead each does their part to help bring to pass our immortality and eternal life.
Some sources:
John 17:3, John 12:27–30, John 14:26, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:1–3, John 5:19, John 14:10, John 6:38, John 15:24, Matthew 19:17, John 14:28, Matthew 26:39, Matthew 27:46, Philippians 2:5–6
We believe these three are completely united in purpose and mission. They are "one", in the same sense that "if ye are not one, ye are not mine." Where we depart from mainstream Christians is our understanding that while one in unity, the Godhead is composed of three separate personages. Many critics will often dismiss us as "non-Christians" and "polytheists" for this reason. However, we are actually in good company with those who walked and talked with Jesus Christ, and who bear witness of Him in the New Testament.
With enormous respect for those who derive their Christian beliefs from decisions rendered by 4th and 5th century councils of Nicaea, I am nonetheless unafraid to declare that our understanding of the Trinity is derived from the gospel as found in the New Testament, and in the witness of modern revelation. I am grateful for a personal testimony of continuing revelation from a loving God who still communicates with His people.
The New Testament offers scriptural evidence of the separate personages of the Godhead, including Jesus Christ's own statements, as well as events that describe the members of the Godhead as distinct.
The boy Jesus taught in the temple, and acknowledged that He was doing His Father's work. In Jesus’s intercessory prayer to God, He stated that “this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." In Gethsemane He asked His Father if it be possible to let the cup pass, acknowledging "not my will but thine be done." On the cross He pleaded, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Jesus also said, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do,” “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me,” “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God,” and “My father is greater than I.”
The scriptures record other events, including Jesus' baptism, the Mount of Transfiguration, and the martyrdom of Stephen.
Even the Apostle Paul acknowledged them as separate when he said, "Christ Jesus . . . being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”
And more recently, the boy Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ appear to him in a vision as two separate personages.
God is the Father of our spirits. We lived with Him as spirit children before we were born on this earth. He is our Heavenly Father, and He loves us very much. So much, that he gave us His Only Begotten Son. We are His children, with the potential to be "joint heirs with Christ". In our Pearl of Great Price scriptures we learn that that His work and glory is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." He has established a plan of salvation that brought us to earth to receive a physical body and to prove whether we will do all things that are commanded of us. He provided His Only Begotten Son to be our Savior and Redeemer, so that we could overcome death and sin and return home to His presence.
God the Father has a body as tangible as man's. We are created in His image. He is not mysterious and unapproachable. He is a loving Father who cares for us and provides us with all that we need.
Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and my personal Savior. He created the earth under the direction of the Father. His Atonement and Resurrection overcame the barriers between us and God, which are physical death and sin. In addition, Jesus bore the pains and afflictions of the world, so that he would know exactly how to help us overcome anything that we face. (We know this from the Book of Mormon, in Alma, chapter 7.)
Jesus Christ came to earth as the baby born to the Virgin Mary. He lived a perfect life. He taught us how to live, and He established a church, with priesthood authority given to those who would lead the church. He atoned for us, He died for us, and He was resurrected. He lives, with a resurrected body of flesh and bones.
Fulfilling His words to the Jews, Jesus visited his "other sheep", who were the people inhabiting the Americas. He taught them His gospel and established a church. Their record is found in the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ, witnessing that He is the Christ and the Savior of the world.
Through the prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus restored His church to the earth (hence the name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"), including the restoration of priesthood authority. He stands at the head of this Church.
Jesus will return to this earth, as described in the Bible, to rule and reign.
The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, so that he can dwell within us. He is the Comforter. He testifies of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things. When we are baptized we are also given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, so that he can be our constant companion.
I have a personal testimony of the reality of God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has borne witness of this to me, and it is something that is unmistakable and undeniable. I see the hand of God in my daily life, and I have felt His love for me, which gives me great peace. I know that Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer, and my appreciation for what He has done for me grows daily.
Together and unified, the Godhead each does their part to help bring to pass our immortality and eternal life.
Some sources:
John 17:3, John 12:27–30, John 14:26, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:1–3, John 5:19, John 14:10, John 6:38, John 15:24, Matthew 19:17, John 14:28, Matthew 26:39, Matthew 27:46, Philippians 2:5–6
What is LDS?
Most people know that "LDS" stands for "Latter-day Saints". But what I have heard frequently is the misuse of the name of the Mormon church. We are not "The Church of the Latter-day Saints," despite many media uses of that name. It is erroneous, with a key omission.
We are the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is at the head of this church. We perform all of our ordinances and rites, and say all of our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. There is more to discuss with regard to the tired question of "Are Mormons Christian?" but that will come in another posting. For now, I thought a good start would be to set the name straight.
To quote the words from a cute little song that the Primary children sing:
We are the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is at the head of this church. We perform all of our ordinances and rites, and say all of our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. There is more to discuss with regard to the tired question of "Are Mormons Christian?" but that will come in another posting. For now, I thought a good start would be to set the name straight.
To quote the words from a cute little song that the Primary children sing:
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know who I am, I know God's plan;
I'll follow Him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ;
I'll honor his name.
I'll do what is right, I'll follow His light;
His truth I will proclam!
A Mormon Running for President?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a politically neutral church. In fact, in the US there are currently 16 members of Congress who are Mormons, representing both major political parties.
I am not politically neutral. I am a red-blooded conservative living in the red state of Texas. And I wholeheartedly support Mitt Romney's candidacy.
I loved his recent "faith" speech, considering it the most Reagan-esque speech that I've heard since, well, Reagan himself. He was direct and confident, and yet humble. It was high time that someone boldly addressed our country's heritage of faith, and the sacrifice to secure a land of religious freedom -- and the folly of subsequent religious persecution.
The next presidential election has historical potential. We might elect our first black president, our first female president, or our first Mormon president. Because I am a woman with an adopted daughter who is black, many will assume that I will rally behind a Clinton or Obama candidacy. But I won't. I disagree with their politics. I also want a ground-breaking president to pioneer the path for others by representing their demographic well. The first woman president should be a good president -- not just a female president. I would not want Senator Clinton to be the poster child for women with executive power in our country. Same with Obama as the poster child for minorities with executive power. There are other women and minorities who would play this role much better, but they don't have their hat in the ring.
So what about the first Mormon president? Based on his resume and his character and his political record, I think he would do an outstanding job. His positions on key issues are in sync with mine. So I am supporting him.
I am also noticing the reactions to Romney's candidacy, which bring the Mormon faith into the arena of discussion. I am noticing that criticism of Mormonism is woefully misinformed. So whether he wins the presidency or not, I hope that Romney's candidacy will provide opportunities to set the record straight about Mormonism.
This blog is my attempt--and admittedly, a meager attempt among many loud voices of distortion -- to provide good information, so that the reader may make their own informed choices. I will do my best to preserve the content and context of scriptures and Church authority statements, but this blog is entirely my responsibility. No official Church endorsement is implied.
I am not politically neutral. I am a red-blooded conservative living in the red state of Texas. And I wholeheartedly support Mitt Romney's candidacy.
I loved his recent "faith" speech, considering it the most Reagan-esque speech that I've heard since, well, Reagan himself. He was direct and confident, and yet humble. It was high time that someone boldly addressed our country's heritage of faith, and the sacrifice to secure a land of religious freedom -- and the folly of subsequent religious persecution.
The next presidential election has historical potential. We might elect our first black president, our first female president, or our first Mormon president. Because I am a woman with an adopted daughter who is black, many will assume that I will rally behind a Clinton or Obama candidacy. But I won't. I disagree with their politics. I also want a ground-breaking president to pioneer the path for others by representing their demographic well. The first woman president should be a good president -- not just a female president. I would not want Senator Clinton to be the poster child for women with executive power in our country. Same with Obama as the poster child for minorities with executive power. There are other women and minorities who would play this role much better, but they don't have their hat in the ring.
So what about the first Mormon president? Based on his resume and his character and his political record, I think he would do an outstanding job. His positions on key issues are in sync with mine. So I am supporting him.
I am also noticing the reactions to Romney's candidacy, which bring the Mormon faith into the arena of discussion. I am noticing that criticism of Mormonism is woefully misinformed. So whether he wins the presidency or not, I hope that Romney's candidacy will provide opportunities to set the record straight about Mormonism.
This blog is my attempt--and admittedly, a meager attempt among many loud voices of distortion -- to provide good information, so that the reader may make their own informed choices. I will do my best to preserve the content and context of scriptures and Church authority statements, but this blog is entirely my responsibility. No official Church endorsement is implied.
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