Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), also commonly known as Mormons
23
votes
5answers
493 views
Is “Mormon” a disrespectful term?
When I was in Utah, I found myself consciously avoiding the term "Mormon," in favor of "LDS." While I understand the term "LDS" means "Latter Day Saint," what I don't know is either the provance or ...
20
votes
3answers
1k views
How do Mormons view the warning in Revelation about adding to the book?
How do Mormons interpret the following passage and justify the addition of the Book of Mormon to the canon of scripture?
Revelation 22:18-19 (NIV)
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the ...
15
votes
3answers
570 views
Is there any biblical basis for believing in the Book of Mormon?
I know that Mormons say the Bible and the Book of Mormon don't contradict. I don't know about that, but I would like to know whether there actually is a verse in the Bible that could support the ...
14
votes
1answer
336 views
What is the Mormon doctrine regarding becoming a god?
Per the doctrine of the Latter Day Saints, it seems that God was once a man.
Following this out just one step further leads me to the idea that it may be possible for other men to be come a god.
...
14
votes
1answer
521 views
What's the Mormon view of Freemasonry?
I've got the idea from somewhere that Mormons aren't allowed to be freemasons. Is this true? If so, what is the reasoning?
I think I've heard allegations of similarity between Freemasonry and some ...
13
votes
2answers
437 views
Why did Mormons stop practicing polygamy?
I know that early in the formation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, polygamy was common. It's my understanding that it was an everlasting command from God to Joseph Smith.
...
12
votes
2answers
369 views
Where is the sermon in a Mormon church service?
So, I'm on vacation in Utah (and still compulsively thinking C.SE!), and so I attended an LDS service. In the morning, I heard a reading from one of the Presidents of the church during the "Quorum of ...
12
votes
1answer
311 views
Does Joseph Smith fail the test of a prophet? [closed]
The test of a prophet.
Deuteronomy 18 NKJV
21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the
LORD has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the
LORD, ...
12
votes
2answers
309 views
According to the Mormon doctrines, who created the universe?
This may be related to a previous question about the first god who began eternal progression. This is something I've really been wondering for a while.
If the Almighty God began life as a man, he ...
12
votes
3answers
201 views
What is the Book of Mormon equivalent of John 3:16?
Christians technically aren't supposed to have a "Canon within the canon" (i.e. a subset of Scripture that is somehow "more scriptural" then everything else) but in practical effect, we do. If ...
12
votes
1answer
743 views
What is the significance of the inverted pentagram symbols on the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City?
The Temple in Salt Lake has several inverted pentagrams as decorations. (To see a few, just google "lds temple salt lake inverted pentagrams" and click on images. Or click here)
According to ...
12
votes
2answers
249 views
If Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) don't believe in a Holy Trinity, then who do they believe is God?
It's a pretty well known fact that Latter-Day Saint members (aka Mormons) do not believe in the Holy Trinity as far as that God, Christ and the Holy Ghost are 'one'. So what exactly do they believe ...
11
votes
3answers
227 views
What is the reason for the absence of the Cross as a symbol in the LDS Church?
As I was looking at some references for this question dealing with the usage of the inverted pentagram in the LDS Church and particularly on the Temple in Salt Lack City, I came across an article that ...
11
votes
4answers
284 views
Why does the LDS church (Mormon) put so much more emphasis on the family than most other denominations do?
Why do Mormons put so much more emphasis on the family than most other denominations do? What about their doctrine causes this? Or is it more because of culture/tradition?
11
votes
4answers
278 views
What is the purpose and basis for the special garments issued to temple-going Mormons?
I understand that there are certain garments which temple-going Mormons are obliged to wear after going through their initial Temple Ceremony. My question is regarding the basis for this. When did ...
11
votes
3answers
433 views
Are there any conflicts between the Book of Mormon Jesus and the Bible Jesus?
I'm interested in knowing if there are any conflicts between the Book of Mormon's Jesus and the Bible's Jesus. Are their natures different? Is what they commanded different? I'm looking for any ...
11
votes
1answer
172 views
What does the LDS Church (Mormon) teach about marriage and polygamy in the afterlife?
I have heard or read something that the LDS church teaches that there will be marriage and even polygamy in the after life for people who are good Mormons. Is this available for all people are just a ...
11
votes
1answer
211 views
Are there any Protestant beliefs which have their roots in Mormon doctrines?
Protestants often associate Mormonism with outlandish1 doctrines like innumerable Gods, people living on the sun, or special underwear that you can't take off2. But I am curious what lies at the ...
10
votes
7answers
284 views
Is there any place in the Bible or any logical argument disproving the “physical” interpretation of Christ's being the Only Begotten Son?
Is there any verse in the Bible or a logical construction disproving the "physical" position on Christ's being the Only Begotten Son?
I had a conversation with a Mormon and he told me that Lucifer ...
10
votes
3answers
110 views
What is the relationship between the Book of Mormon and the Bible?
Can someone give me the run down on how the LDS church sees the relationship of the Book of Mormon to the Bible? Does it accept it in full and just continue the story? How does it make the transition?
...
10
votes
4answers
256 views
Is the LDS's view of Trinity/Godhead considered monotheistic or polytheistic?
With the LDS view that the Trinity is three beings would that mean they (LDS) are monotheistic or polytheistic?
10
votes
3answers
221 views
What would happen to somebody voting in opposition to a proposition at LDS General Conference?
I'm watching the semi-annual LDS General Conference. One segment just went by that was some general business of voting to retain people in various roles or assign new ones. Several thousand people are ...
10
votes
1answer
2k views
Why do Mormons use the term “elder” for their missionaries?
Most of the Mormon missionaries I've encountered are young men doing a couple year stint. They are typically identified as "elders", but my understanding is that this designation is only temporary ...
10
votes
2answers
236 views
On what do Mormons base their practice of proxy-baptisms on behalf of the dead?
How does the LDS Church define their practice of performing baptisms on behalf of people who have died? I realize there is the following verse, but there seems to be few other Biblical references to ...
10
votes
2answers
184 views
What works do the LDS Church recognize as Scripture?
I understand the LDS Church recognizes the Book of Mormon and the Old and New Testaments as well.
What other works are also considered Scripture? Any Apocryphal works? Doctrines and Covenants?
10
votes
1answer
414 views
Is it against the LDS Word of Wisdom to use marijuana as medicine?
The Latter-day Saints subscribe to a revelation dubbed the "Word of Wisdom" which outlines a code of health which Saints in good standing are expected to live. It's found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. ...
10
votes
1answer
167 views
To what degree could a person be “pro-polygamy” yet still obey the LDS church?
As I understand it, the LDS teaching is that polygamy is acceptable, in this mortal life, only when God decides to permit it, and that God has done so twice so far in history (1) during Biblical ...
9
votes
3answers
152 views
How is one supposed to “know” whether or not the Book of Mormon is true?
When one is introduced to the Book of Mormon, he is oftentimes asked to pray to find out whether or not the Book of Mormon is true.
According to LDS theology, why is a person simply asked to pray ...
9
votes
1answer
96 views
What is the LDS Church's affiliation with the Boy Scouts?
The LDS church sponsors scouting programs for their boys, and I understand that many LDS young men attain the rank of Eagle, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
Regardless of the possible implications of ...
9
votes
3answers
239 views
How does LDS doctrine reconcile monotheism with men becoming gods?
A follow-up to this question, if the LDS church teaches that men can become gods, how does it reconcile this with the concept that there is only one God?
Isaiah 45:5:
I am the LORD, and there is ...
8
votes
2answers
292 views
According to LDS (Mormon) teaching, what is the relationship between Jesus and Lucifer?
What does the LDS/Mormon church teach about the relationship between Jesus and Lucifer? Are they beings on the same level or of the same origin? What are their natures? What texts are used to teach ...
8
votes
2answers
372 views
According to the LDS Church (Mormons), what role do secret handshakes and passwords play into a person's entrance into heaven?
I have heard or read that in the Mormon Temple Ceremony, each person learns certain secret handshakes and passwords that are necessary for them to enter into heaven. I've also heard that a woman has ...
8
votes
2answers
91 views
What roles are women allowed to play in LDS Sunday services?
On a Sunday when a Later Day Saint's Church meets, what roles are women allowed or not allowed to play in the service?
8
votes
1answer
47 views
Where did the dates at the bottom of the pages in the Book of Mormon come from?
From these images of an original copy of the Book of Mormon, it appears that the dates and chapter summaries that appear in modern printings do not appear in the original.
When exactly did these ...
8
votes
1answer
112 views
How many witnesses are there who physically saw and/or touched the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was reportedly translated?
I understand the Book of Mormon has a list of witnesses. However, I have heard that these witnesses may not have actually ever seen the gold plates that contained the original manuscripts for the ...
8
votes
2answers
679 views
What specific foods and drinks are forbidden by the LDS (Mormon) Church?
I understand that members of the LDS (Mormon) Church are prohibited from drinking coffee and perhaps some other drinks and possibly food, much like the Jewish people in the Old Testament were ...
8
votes
1answer
211 views
According to Mormonism, are there immortals on the Earth?
I was reading Wikipedia about exaltation, and found a reference to people who are physically immortal but who do not advance to heaven. Where do they live? Are they on the Earth?
8
votes
1answer
148 views
How did Brigham Young become the most well-known Mormon leader?
Recently, I had the chance to visit the birthplace of Mormonism (Hill Cumorah / Palmayra, NY), and learn the origin of the LDS Scriptures. In particular, I became quite interested in the Three ...
8
votes
1answer
143 views
How does the LDS doctrine of assurance compare to the Methodist doctrine of assurance?
The LDS Bible Dictionary entry on faith states that one of the effects of true faith in Christ is "an assurance of personal salvation in the world to come." How does this assurance compare to the ...
8
votes
1answer
174 views
What has the LDS Church (Mormons) historically taught about the Curse of Cain and dark skin?
I have heard that people with black skin had been denied certain things in the Mormon Church until the past 30 years or so and that this has something to do with the Curse of Cain. What has been the ...
7
votes
4answers
495 views
Why do Christians need to promote their religion to non-believers? [closed]
Door to door Jehovah's Witnesses / Mormons, people preaching in town centres, posters outside churches, alpha course.
Why do Christians have to promote their beliefs to other people? What difference ...
7
votes
3answers
165 views
What is an LDS general conference?
Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, the Mormon church is holding a general conference, which happens twice a year, in place of regular church meetings.
There's some basic stuff on their website about it, ...
7
votes
2answers
117 views
According to the LDS Church (Mormons), how specifically did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon?
As I understand it, the LDS Church teaches that the Book of Mormon was written on gold plates in a language called "Reformed Egyptian". According to the LDS Church, what did Joseph Smith use and how ...
7
votes
2answers
244 views
What is the Plan of Salvation in LDS theology?
I know it's different than most Christian faiths' beliefs, and I know the missionaries teach it... I know it's a big part of Mormon curriculum and doctrine, and this site is replete with questions ...
7
votes
1answer
81 views
What is the relationship between international branches of the LDS Church?
According to this story on NPR, Mitt Romney's campaign and his anti-Russian remarks have apparently been the impetus for Putin's "Young Guard" to dog Mormon churches in Russia, accusing them of being ...
7
votes
1answer
207 views
What evidence does the LDS church forward for the claim that the Garden of Eden was in Missouri?
I just recently read that Joseph Smith taught that the Garden of Eden was actually in Jackson County Missouri and not in Mesopotamia. You can read it on lds.org here. (Search for "Garden of Eden")
...
7
votes
1answer
104 views
Why do LDS use water and leavened bread in communion when the Jews used wine and unleavened bread?
I recently read somewhere that in the LDS observance of communion, water and leavened bread is used. The practice of communion comes from the Jewish Passover ceremony where wine and unleavened bread ...
7
votes
2answers
143 views
Who goes to hell in LDS theology?
According to LDS teaching, who goes to hell, and why?
I've heard that only really bad people and ex-Mormons will go to hell. Is this true?
7
votes
1answer
517 views
Into how many languages has the Book of Mormon been translated?
I understand that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the most translated book in the world. It seems that giving the Word of God to all the world is considered part of the Great ...
7
votes
1answer
132 views
What is the basis of the LDS (Mormon) belief that the Apostle John never died?
I was recently informed that the LDS Church teaches that the Apostle John never actually died and is, presumably, still on earth somewhere today.
What is the Biblical and/or other basis for this ...
