Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), also commonly known as Mormons
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55 views
Why do Mormons/LDS refer to God as “Heavenly Father” rather than “Our Heavenly Father”?
I have noticed a very subtle distinction in the way Protestants and LDS refer to God. When Protestants pray to God, he may address Him as "Heavenly Father", but when they speak about God, they seem ...
4
votes
2answers
158 views
What privileges and powers does the Prophet of the LDS Church have in his office as Seer?
From what I know, the Prophet of the LDS Church holds the position of Seer, as Joseph Smith did. If this is so, what specific privileges and powers come with that position? Does this include the ...
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 ...
13
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2answers
436 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.
...
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 ...
7
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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")
...
3
votes
1answer
68 views
What is the LDS (Mormon) view of the necessity of Jesus death and resurrection?
I heard recently in a sermon that the LDS church views Jesus' death and resurrection as almost a "blemish" on Christianity - that it was an unfortunate event, and not at all the way God planned for ...
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.
...
6
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2answers
80 views
What is the basis for the belief among some LDS/Mormons that children in their pre-mortal existence choose who their parents will be?
I saw on an LDS-releated site recently where an LDS member indicated the belief that children in their pre-mortal existence choose who their parents will be. After seeing this, I recalled hearing the ...
4
votes
2answers
95 views
Does the Mormon doctrine of exaltation implicitly require acknowledging the existence of sentient extra-terrestrial life?
The Mormon doctrine of exaltation is that we can become like God is, and in essence, attain godhood. This has sometimes been summarized, "As man now is, God once was. As God now is, man may become." I ...
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?
5
votes
1answer
35 views
What priesthood did the line of Adam from Seth to Melchizedek and Noah hold in LDS/Mormon teaching?
In the summary of Noah on the lds.org site, it states that Noah was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 10 by Methuselah, his grandfather. Furthermore, in D & C 107:53, it indicates that the ...
4
votes
1answer
41 views
What is the relationship between Gabriel and Noah in LDS/Mormon teaching?
In the summary of Noah on the lds.org site, it states that Joseph Smith taught that Noah is, in fact, the angel Gabriel. How exactly is this believed to have progressed?
Did Noah exist as an angel ...
3
votes
1answer
85 views
Why are LDS missionaries instructed to stay away from bodies of water?
I saw a post recently asserting that LDS missionaries are specifically instructed to stay away from bodies of water and are discouraged from swimming at all. I had never heard anything like this ...
5
votes
2answers
196 views
What are the major differences between evangelical Christianity and Mormonism?
I'm looking for concrete theological beliefs and practices on where they differ. Christians say that Mormons aren't Christian and yet Mormons call themselves Christian. So it can be quite hard to tell ...
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 ...
11
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4answers
277 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 ...
4
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2answers
94 views
Which book of Scripture is most esteemed by the LDS church?
I understand that the LDS church regards the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrines and Covenants all as Scripture.
In practice, which of these works is most highly ...
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 ...
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 ...
3
votes
3answers
266 views
In what sense do Mormons believe salvation is only through Christ?
As background to my question, I found this statement by a Mormon that shows Mormons believe that there are many gods in the universe:
“While we believe that there are other gods out there, they ...
3
votes
1answer
81 views
What is the basis for the LDS (Mormon) teaching regarding Atonement in Gethsemane rather than at Calvary?
I recently read the the LDS Church teaches that it was in Gethsemane while Jesus was praying where the atonement occurred rather than on the Cross of Calvary.
What is the biblical basis for this ...
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vote
1answer
46 views
LDS belief about salvation in other worlds
From this answer to another question, the below was stated.
Mormons might believe that God had other children on other worlds, but I leave that to the Mormons to exactly clarify that doctrine. In ...
4
votes
1answer
54 views
What is the LDS definition of “Divinity”
Prompted by this comment.
In answering a question on the divinity of Christ, I used the understanding (definition) of the term that is commonly understood in mainline protestant terms. From ...
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3answers
103 views
What does the LDS Church teach about Jesus being married, having children, and His position on polygamy?
In the Journal of Discourses, LDS apostles suggest that Jesus Himself was married, that He had children, and that He and His disciples endorsed polygamy.
It will be borne in mind that once on a ...
6
votes
1answer
118 views
Does the LDS Church teach that murder is unforgivable?
Doctrine and Covenants 42:18 appears to teach that anyone who kills cannot ever be forgiven.
Does "killing" refer only to murder or to any killing, be it in self defense or as part of a way?
And ...
7
votes
1answer
102 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 ...
6
votes
1answer
123 views
What is the LDS position on changing doctrine
One of the charges often levied against the LDS Church is that the doctrines change over time. For example, from http://20truths.info/mormon/doctrine.html and ...
2
votes
2answers
62 views
What is the LDS meaning of the New Jerusalem?
The LDS (Mormon) Church has a visitor's center in Independence, MO, which area is apparently related to New Jerusalem. What is the significance of this in LDS theology and what is the LDS belief on ...
5
votes
2answers
91 views
In LDS teaching, why is it said that the Priesthood was returned to earth?
According to LDS teaching, Peter, James and John conferred upon Joseph Smith the Melchizedek Priesthood shortly after John the Baptist had conferred upon him the Aaronic Priesthood.
The title of the ...
6
votes
1answer
245 views
Why was Martin Harris punished for revealing the Lost 116 pages?
I am fully aware of the Messianic Secret in Mark, but I don't understand why Martin Harris would feel as though he should be punished for revealing the pages he recorded from Smith's translation of ...
4
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1answer
122 views
Do Mormons still eat meat only in “winter, cold or famine?”
In the Doctrines and Covenants from which the Word of Wisdom comes (referring to abstinence from hot drinks, strong drinks/alcohol, and tobacco), it also states that meat should be used sparingly, ...
5
votes
1answer
41 views
What are the Journal of Discourses viewed as?
So after reading the comments here. I got curious. I see non-mormons citing the Journal of discourses all the time, but have never heard a mormon cite them.
Wikipedia tells me where they come from ...
7
votes
1answer
81 views
Did the modern LDS idea of fast offerings have extra-Mormon roots?
[LDS] members are encouraged to fast once a month on Fast Sunday and to give the money they save by not eating two meals to the church; those who can afford to be more generous are encouraged to ...
10
votes
4answers
255 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?
4
votes
1answer
92 views
What is the LDS (Mormon) position on eschatology?
There are several different eschatological (end-times) perspectives in Protestant Christianity, including the following:
Amillennialists - end times prophecies are largely figurative
...
11
votes
3answers
432 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
105 views
Why are Mormon Temples Ceremonies kept secret from non-Mormons?
Even though only priests were allowed into the Temple in the Old Testament, all of the ceremonies and furnishings were described in great detail in the Old Testament for anyone, Jew or Gentile alike, ...
7
votes
1answer
60 views
Why do LDS members (Mormons) maintain a long-term supply of food?
I understand that LDS members are encouraged to build and maintain a long-term supply of food and other essentials. From where did this teaching originate and what is the reasoning behind this ...
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 ...
7
votes
1answer
103 views
In what manner does the LDS believe we may become like God? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the Mormon doctrine regarding becoming a god?
Lorenzo Snow, a prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated:
As man is, God once was; as ...
2
votes
2answers
69 views
What is the LDS view on the Trinity? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
If Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) don’t believe in a Holy Trinity, then who do they believe is God?
My main question is this: What is the LDS view of the Trinity?
As a ...
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 ...
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 ...
7
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1answer
80 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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
3answers
182 views
How do LDS know that Brigham Young and his successors are true prophets?
Many LDS have a testimony that Joseph Smith Jr was a true prophet. Let us suppose someone studies the life and teachings of Joseph Smith, and reaches the conclusion that he is a true prophet. But, to ...
4
votes
1answer
100 views
How will the earth be cleansed by fire?
I'm preparing for a Sunday School lesson that includes 3 Nephi 25 where Christ quotes Malachi 4.
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do ...
4
votes
1answer
88 views
In what manner did Peter, James and John confer the Melchizedek Priesthood onto Joseph Smith?
According to LDS teaching on this page, a few weeks after John the Baptist conferred on Joseph Smith the Aaronic Priesthood, Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith to confer on him the ...
7
votes
1answer
130 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 ...
