A few weeks ago on the World’s Longest yard sale, one of my friends who was on the trip asked me a question about my faith. She said, “Do you have electricity?” I burst into laughter and about died laughing. I will keep her identity secret, but you better believe that I will never let her live that down. I answered her in a serious tone and said, “Only on Sundays” <—-sense the sarcasm, of course. By the end of the trip, she said I was the hippest Mormon she had ever met. I took that as a compliment, of course. {In her defense, I think she was thinking of the Amish.}
This experience opened my eyes a little wider to the misconceptions about my religion. So, in this “All Things Us” post, I’m going to share a few tidbits about my life as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Don’t worry I’m not going to preach much. I just thought it might be fun to learn a few facts about us!
Random Fact: Mormons are also known as LDS. We actually don’t call ourselves “Mormons” very often. We refer to ourselves as “LDS” and that stands for Latter-Day Saints.
FHE is a big part of our religion. Have you ever heard of this? It stands for Family Home Evening. It’s typically on Monday nights and members of our church spend the night with their families exclusively. In our busy world, I’m so grateful for family night and without it I wonder if we would ever actually have family time without it. We try really hard to have FHE weekly, but we aren’t perfect. FHE is a time that we can teach our kids lessons about life. Most recently in our FHE lessons we’ve talked about being polite, helping/serving others, how to answer the telephone politely, and what to do if they see pornography on an electronic device. Some Family Home Evenings are spent on the lake boating or at the movies with the kids, and typically friends are left out of these evenings. I believe that a family that plays together, stays together. 
LDS members attend church on Sundays for three hours. Everyone volunteers in our church to help teach each other on Sundays. My assignment right now is to teach the kids who are 18 months-3 years old in the nursery. Needless to say our class is a bit wild at times! There are about 20 kids in my class right now. I have several other awesome adults who help me in the class too {thank heavens}.
LDS couples are married in temples. One of my blog friends asked me why we got locked in the temple in my religion. I was sooo confused! But then it hit me that she was talking about being “sealed” in the temple. HA! Locked and sealed may sound similar, but no we do not get locked into the temple. We believe that when we are married in the temple, we are married forever {not just until death do us part}. We are married by a sealer who seals us/bonds us together for eternity.
We try not to swear. Emphasis on try in my case. I do sooo well for a few months and then the habit comes back with a vengeance. But in all honesty most LDS members don’t swear. I’m so proud of them and hope to be more like them when I grow up.
We go to the movies and listen to music {with that special thing called electricity…} just like anybody else, but we don’t go to “R” rated movies and we try and listen to music that isn’t offensive.
We typically have a bunch of kids and to be honest, we like it that way! I have four kids and I feel exactly like this mom on this video at times, I know I was sent my kids from my Father in Heaven to raise and teach here on Earth.
We believe the Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus Christ along with the Bible. Yes, we believe in the Bible too. I think some people don’t know that.
We don’t drink alcohol, smoke, drink coffee, or do any type of drugs. We just don’t.
We believe that taking care of each other is part of God’s plan and when someone is going through a hard time, we step in with meals, cleaning, cookies…etc to help. For example, a little boy got ran over in our neighborhood today. Within a few hours the house was spotless, all laundry done and folded, someone offered to run to the grocery store for the family, and someone else gladly gave the dad a ride to Vegas to the hospital {a two-hour drive}. The little boy is going to be ok by the way.
We believe that we have access to Father in Heaven’s guidance at all times through guidance of the Holy Ghost. For example, I knew I was going to marry my husband because of an answer to my prayers. Check out our story here.
We fast {don’t eat or drink} for a few meals on the first Sunday of every month. We donate the money that we would have spent on food to the needy.
We pay 10% of our income back to the church to help build church buildings and temples across the world. We call this paying our tithing.
Every six months we listen to our leaders in what we call General Conference. It’s actually this weekend. If you are curious to what they teach us, you can click over and listen to it live or even check it out after. Click on the image below:
If you have any other questions about Mormons {A.K.A. LDS} feel free to leave a comment and I’ll answer them quickly! Or you can check out more details at Mormon.org.
xoxo,
Signed, The hippest Mormon you’ll ever meet.
I find this post very interesting, as admittedly, I’m not very educated when it comes to the LDS faith. My husband’s cousins are LDS, but I’ve always been embarrassed to ask them questions about their faith (maybe I’d ask if they have electricity??!?!). One question I do have based on your post is this — why don’t those in the LDS faith drink coffee?
Katie! Thanks for reading! You can find the answer about coffee here: http://www.mormon.org/faq/law-of-health
Thanks Brooke! I really enjoyed reading your post. I am a Roman Catholic and attended Catholic schools that actually taught us about other religions and taught us to be respectful of those that had different beliefs than us. I LOVE the idea of FHE. I may have to institute it in my home! Blessings on your family!
Lori, same here with the Catholic education; and I was also going to ask about the coffee. I just love my coffee. The FHE is a wonderful idea for all families
Mormons believe our bodies are special, sacred gifts from God. We use modesty in our speech and dress. We don’t get tattoos or lots of piercings. And we avoid things that can cause us to lose our mastery over our earthly vessels, ie addictive substances like coffee, tea, tobacco. { Not official doctrine, but many put caffeine in that category, as it is addictive and terrible for your health.}
How do you feel about gay rights and feminism?
Hi Jo. I have some great friends who are gay that I love dearly. Of course they are welcome in my home and will always be. We believe that family is central to the creator’s plan and that all human beings are created in the image of God. If you would like to see our beliefs about marriage, check out the Proclamation to the Family: https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/36035_000_24_family.pdf .
As a women in the church I have never felt oppressed or unimportant. In fact, I have felt the exact opposite as I have served in leadership positions. In our church we have the Relief Society which is a powerful organization for good in our communities and in the world. Here is some more information about the Relief Society: https://www.lds.org/topics/relief-society?lang=eng
The Relief Society is the largest women’s organization in the entire world. Here is some more information: http://www.mormon.org/faq/relief-society
Thank you so much for sharing this. I also don’t know much about the LDS faith. I really appreciate that you were willing to share some interesting facts about your faith.
don’t know why you felt it necessary to share this info on a decorating blog but thanks for making it easy for me to unsubscribe. Not interested in your personal life!
I’m sorry to hear that.
Well bye JT! For the rest of us that see her as a human being and not just a “blog”, thanks for sharing part of your life and story to us Brooke!!
Amen, sistah;)
Spot on sister! Most people, in NJ, when they find out I am LDS, always ask me the following:
1. How many wives does your dad have? Sigh…really?
2. Do you know Donny & Marie? Why, yes I do. Just had lunch with them.
Come on!
LOL
Great post. The only thing I would “disagree” with is the R-rated movie thing. Some Mormons do watch R-rated movies. It is more of a personal choice than a “commandment.” Very few leaders have singled out R-rated movies. Most simply suggest avoiding “inappropriate” movies.
I can only speak for myself on this one. I personally do not watch them.
I’ve though more about your reaction. I can say that LDS people believe the 13th article of Faith:
Specifically: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
If you can say that an R rated movie is described above, than I would agree that it is ok to watch.
Actually, R rated movies have been singled out many times by many of our prophets and in our lesson manuals, church sponsored magazines, etc., but to also stay away from ANY other movies that are inappropriate. You are right, some mormons do watch R-rated movies because we are encouraged to use our agency–i.e. choose for ourselves. No one is perfect, and we are all on our level (my grandpa who was a wonderful man with a strong testimony in the LDS church drank coffee his whole life, it was hard for him to give up!). We are encouraged to watch, listen to, read, and surround ourselves with things that are uplifting and help us to be better people.
Brooke, thanks for this post, I enjoy hearing your testimony!
It is true that some leaders have specifically mentioned r-rated movies, however most do not, especially in recent years. I am also unsure that manuals specifically talk about it. The For the Strength for Youth manual does not use the term R-rated at all. It just says “Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way.” Yes, that does describe many R-rated movies, but I believe it also describes many PG-13 movies. I think it is very much up to the person to decide what it good for them to view and what is not. I agree, no one is perfect. I am far from it.
This is YOUR blog and you can publish whatever drives your life and ultimately part of what makes you creative.
Loved the post, but I too am curious why no coffee?
I think you forgot to mention that LDS teachings say that LDS members will go to a higher heaven than people of other faiths. And that you are not nearly as likely to be so helpful if a family is not LDS.
I’m sorry if you have had that experience. You might be onto something because in our faith we keep close track of one another through visiting teaching and home teaching assignments. I’m just thinking about my neighborhood specifically, and if I hardly ever saw someone in my neighborhood it would be hard to know when they needed help. In each geographical area, each member of the church is in charge to keep track of a few others. It’s our way of checking in to make sure everyone is doing ok. Plus we see each other on Sundays so we may hear something that is needed during Sunday meetings also. But you better believe if I knew of something that someone needed I would pitch in in .2 seconds. We are taught to love one another and that includes ALL people, members/nonmembers alike.
As for the degrees of glory in heaven, this topic is also found in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 15: 40-42. If you would like to read more information about this, check it out: https://www.lds.org/topics/kingdoms-of-glory?lang=eng
Very interesting! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
How is your faith different from Christianity?
It’s not different at all! The very title of the church is “The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints”. A scripture from The Book of Mormon says, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” If that’s not Christian, I don’t know what is!
Thanks Leah for answering, but I have something to add. The main difference in our faith from other Christian churches is a big one. We believe in living prophets on the earth today just like there were in biblical times. We also believe in God, the Eternal Father and in His son Jesus Christ , and in the Holy Ghost.
Mormons are very different from Christians, even though they claim not to be. Though a belief in the trinity is not one of the differences. Christians believe the bible is the COMPLETE word of God and anyone who adds to it, is a false prohet. Therefore the books of the bible that Mormons have added such as Alma are heretical, as well as their doctrine & convenants. Please do your research before accepting any Mormons’ claim that they are Christian, their theology is actually very different.
Nicolle, LDS members are Christian. I would invite you to read about it here: https://www.lds.org/topics/christians?lang=eng
Thanks for the interesting post Brooke. I read your blog for your creative ideas, but it’s a lovely change to learn something new. I think the world would be a better place if more people were tolerant of others beliefs. Great presentation of the info with any lecturing and I love the idea of LFE. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for reading. I agree! The world would be a better place if people were more tolerant to others. Thanks for the comment.
super interesting– thanks for sharing! 🙂
Ahhh religion. Bold post. Touchy subject……Mormons are some of the most successful, family oriented (they know how to raise their kids right), grounded, good hearted people I know. From what I know of you, from your blog, Brooke, you are a perfect example. And although I don’t agree with the Mormon religion I do respect other peoples religious practices and am thankful to live in a country that allows freedom of religion. With that being said, it is not okay for peoples’ religious beliefs to dictate and legislate the way people who don’t share their same beliefs should live. Just as I believe in the freedom of religion I also believe that everyone should have the freedom to choose who to marry, regardless of sex. I don’t know what your stance on this subject is, but I do know what the Mormon church believes as well as fundamental and evangelical christians. And that is to deny basic human rights to a population whom they believe practice a sinful lifestyle. I am tolerant of peoples religious beliefs, I just wish Evangelicals, Mormons, Catholics etc. would practice the same tolerance.
Don’t know if this was meant or not, but to me, you came across as proselytizing in this post. Not the wisest thing to do on such a popular blog, but hopefully you didn’t scare too many people away. I look forward to you next post and and always love reading your blog. It is one of the best out there!
Huh… it’s odd how you claim to be tolerant of peoples’ religious beliefs, and then continue the sentence by saying you wish their beliefs were in-line with your own. ??? I also notice you mention Christians (which covers Evangelicals and Catholics as well as Mormons to some extent) without mentioning that almost EVERY world religion condemns homosexuality.
I am commenting on my own post! Crazy. I just read it and it comes across as kind of snarky. I really hope I didn’t offend you Brooke. I have no idea what your true beliefs are. I was talking about the mormon church and the evangelical churches in general. I know many evangelicals who are pro same sex marriage and I am sure there are many mormons as well. Sorry if I offended anyone out there!
Diane, thank you for your comments. I wrote the post because whenever I attend an event, a lot of the conversations turn toward my religion and I’ve noticed that people always have questions. I thought it would be interesting for others to hear a few tidbits about a new subject since I get questioned about it a lot. That’s where the post came from. I’m sorry you look at it as “risky business” but to me it’s just my life, ya know? Thank you for your cute compliment.
As for our beliefs about marriage, you can check out our beliefs in the Proclamation to the Family: https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation
All I ask is that we have mutual respect for each other and our differences on this topic. I have many dear friends who are gay and I wish them all the happiness in the world and I mean that sincerely. Yes our beliefs differ, but that doesn’t mean that we are destined to hate each other. Because it’s the exact opposite, I love them dearly, and I’m pretty sure they would say the same about me. They have respect for me and my beliefs and I have respect for them and theirs. We even have gatherings that don’t involve yelling. 🙂
This post really cleared a few things up for me, considering I would be to ashamed yo ask about the Mormon faith as not to offend anyone. You see, I know for a fact that Mormans put their work in and I am honored to know some very Great Individuals! I am a single mother again and my children are teenagers and my daughter, even my sons, have attended a extracurricular sport of a business of a Mormon current owner! We were not able To keep up with her tuition and she donates her time as a helper to help with costs ; my daughter. This of course brings great responsibilities for my 15 year old daughter which she needs. I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE in Dec 2010, and suffered 2 blood clots that almost took my life. A year later my husband, my children’s stepfather abandoned us. I filled for divorce and after many years I am divorced and scared! I believe in God and have raised my children in a baptist church. My question to you is, I have always felt undeserving , you see in my younger days I was not perfect . Would my past problems not make me eligible for your congregation ? I am not a felon or anything crazy but I know your people are honorable .my children are and I’m lost , emotionally, spiritedly , and my mind , body and soul are overwhelmed. I wonder if I would be accepted? You have high standards and I want that! Please , a little advice would be great! Thanks for hearing my story ! God bless!
The amazing and wonderful thing about our Savior Jesus Christ is that He loves and accepts us and is ready to help us change and do better through His Atonement. He has already paid the price for our sins and mistakes, and is ready to help us to be better people because He loves us, no matter what! Everyone starts and moves on their own level but when we are moving to Christ we are moving in the right direction, regardless of our past. I believe that with all my heart and have seen it my life and in many others. I’m sure your friend would love to talk to you about it or you can visit http://www.mormon.org/missionaries to ask to have missionaries visit with you and help you with any questions (missionaries are young men or women who have dedicated 18 months-2 years of their lives to serving the Lord, and are excellent teachers!). You are a Daughter of God and your Heavenly Father loves you!
Hi Erica, I 100% agree with DeeAnna. The Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to repent of our wrong doings. No one is perfect and without Christ none of us could make it back to our Father in Heaven. I have experienced His healing power in my own life, and I can tell you it feels like a weight is taken off your shoulders. It’s as if the sin never took place. I know my Father in Heaven loves me and He loves you too, and all he wants is for you to be happy. We believe that happiness is most likely achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ <---that statement is part of our proclamation to the family: https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation. If you have more questions, you can ask them here, or like DeeAnna said, there are missionaries in your area that could come and answer your questions.
Erica, your friend would more than likely be overjoyed to talk with you. What a blessing she has been to you, it would be a blessing for her to share her faith with you, if only in conversation. As a member myself, I have never once felt offended by a curious question, in fact the opposite. It’s the unkind, pointed tone that is more challenging to respond to. We experience so much joy in our faith, and our understanding on modern revelation through a Prophet, that to share it with others, brings even more joy.
Hi Brooke,
Thank you so much for your interesting post!
About 18 years ago I actually attended an LDS church for one morning and although I found it interesting, I was turned off by the segregation and gender role definition that I found present.
We all attended a lesson together, then the men attended a different gathering to the women (and married and unmarried were also separate). It was clear that women were supposed to be the nurturing and caring ones, taking care of the family, the men were the bread winners, responsible for all things financial and making sure the women and children had what they needed. This felt counter-productive to me, as some men are naturally more nurturing to their female counterparts and some women are amazing providers… I couldn’t understand why a religion in the modern world would want to base roles on gender so didn’t attend that church again. It also felt to me that women weren’t really valued very much until they were married and brought some children into the world, which also was a little disappointing. All the members of the church I met were lovely, but it didn’t feel like I would fit in.
I wondered whether my experience is representative of the LDS church even today, or whether over the years the views of the church have changed at all? I also appreciate that this may have been specific to the church I attended, so I am just interested in how you view this?
Thanks for the opportunity to ask questions 🙂
Hi Karin,
You are correct as far as how our meetings are organized. We meet together as a congregation for an hour and then after that we split into classes for Sunday school. After the first hour {where we are gathered together}, the kids head to primary and are taught by both male and female teachers who volunteer to be a teacher when asked to. Sunday school takes place during the second hour of church and is not separate as far gender roles. Sunday School is for all of the adults that are not teaching the children and they study together to learn more about the scriptures.
Right now I am in charge of the 18 month – 3 year old children so I don’t attend Sunday School But guess what, there are two men that are also in charge of the kids that age, and you are right they are sooo much better with certain kids. They are nurturing Dads who do a fine job of taking care of the kids.
The last hour of Church is when the women go to Relief Society and the men go to Priesthood meeting. Relief Society is one of the coolest organizations that exists in my opinion. And I have never felt undervalued. In fact, I would say the exact opposite. Relief Society is the church’s version of WOMEN POWER, where all women unite for GOOD!!
The men in the church are very grateful for the women and put us on a pedestal. They love and appreciate all we do for each other. Not once have I ever felt like they think they are better than the women.
Women in the church are very important and we love to take care of each other. For example I just got off the phone with a friend and we are making dinner for a family in my ward tomorrow who is going through a hard time. It’s our way of helping those around us who need it.
I’ve never attended a Priesthood meeting, but I know that my husband comes home with assignments to help others too, so I don’t want you to think that they are left out in this. The priesthood oftentimes help people move, help when someone’s water heater needs fixing, help remove snow in areas that need it, help in flooding situations…etc.
All I can do is speak from my own experiences.
It’s interesting to hear your perspective, I can imagine that in some congregations experiences would vary according to those in attendance. I’ve always loved the idea that the women have their own class, because I think it’s a chance for us to talk amongst ourselves, and I agree with Brooke, “women power!” It makes it a more intimate discussion and women open their hearts maybe a bit more than they do in Sunday School surrounded by spouses. I do also know that discussions 20+ years ago may have been more about homemaking and parenting, but it’s shifted a lot to the importance of strengthening our own personal spirituality so that we can be better individuals in society to help in our roles whatever they may be: our families, our neighborhood, our jobs, etc.
Thank you Brooke and Kristen, I really appreciate your responses and insights. I’m always very curious how different people celebrate their faith, so thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Love learning new things; I think knowledge helps understanding and acceptance and makes us better neighbours, so I appreciate you helping me evolve my thinking.
Thank you for this post, I find it fascinating when bloggers give insights and information about their lives. And thank you for responding to our reader questions! I have a couple of questions also. The first is do you believe in the Trinity, that God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit are 3 in 1? (I’ve heard that LDS are polytheistic which is very different from the monotheistic Trinity teaching of Christianity). And the other (basing this on the small snapshot you’ve written which I’m sure hasn’t covered everything LDS believe) is that it seems very works based, how is a LDS guaranteed their salvation? How does an LDS have confidence in where they stand before God i.e. how do they know if they have done enough to reach the celestial kingdom?
Hi Lorinda,
Thank you for your comment. We believe in God, the Eternal Father and in His son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. Check out our beliefs about the this topic: https://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/07/is-the-lds-view-of-god-consistent-with-the-bible?lang=eng
We believe that we come to earth to be tested and that “God will judge all men fairly and reward them appropriately with a place within His kingdom.” Check out our beliefs about the plan of salvation: http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/plan-of-salvation
Interesting. Thanks for your response 🙂 So just to clarify, I (though I’m not a LDS) will go to heaven, but which degree of heaven will be determined according to the deeds I’ve done and how well I’ve followed God’s rule? Or will only professing LDS members go to the three degrees of heaven and those who don’t profess go to Perdition?
Lorinda, I would encourage you to contact the missionaries via Mormon.org. The missionaries are amazing and there are some in your area right now! 🙂
We believe that everyone will be in heaven and the degree of heaven depends on the way they live their life and their faithfulness to God. The only people that will go to perdition are those who deny Christ.
A comment was posted that we as members of the Mormon church only help other members of the church. We do look out for our own BUT the church members have several humanitarian activities where hygiene kits, birthing kits, and quilts are put together. Members also can donate to the church’s humanitarian fund. There is a huge humanitarian warehouse in Salt Lake City. When there are natural disasters around the world, the LDS church sends truckloads and truckloads of food, water and necessities to help those in need regardless if they are members of our church or not. The LDS humanitarian often work hand in hand with the Red Cross helping people all around the world. No one in need of these things is asked beforehand if they are members of our church or not.
Very interesting post! I have a dumb question….if you don’t drink coffee are you allowed to drink pop like CocaCola? To me it is kind of the same thing….not very healthy!
Not a dumb question at all. The church does not say that caffeine is healthy, but it did come out with a statement regarding soda. I found it in this news article in 2012: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54797595-78/church-drinks-caffeine-lds.html.csp
Brooke that was well said. I am also lds and I have a blog devoted to our faith. I am so happy to hear you express our faith in a fabulous and truthful way…thank you.
http://inspirationallettersbymillie.blogspot.com
http://frugaliciouschick.blogspot.com
I love this post and how you openly shared your religion!!! You should be very proud of the person you are!!! This blog is not just about your beautiful home, but your beautiful family!!! Everything was well said!!! Makes me like this blog even more!!!
Thank you. May you be blessed for your willingness to share your beliefs with us all. I hope and pray many others will also look inside themselves and consider what they believe. Also, how they will use those beliefs to help their families and many other people.
I’m proud to say I was a part of the late-night “sealing” convo that helped to inspire this post! I really wanted to ask more questions but didn’t want to be all weird and uncomfortable bringing up religion during fun girl time. Thanks for answering some of my questions right here without me even having to ask! 😀
I am so intrigued by your beliefs, as I grew up in a religion that had some roots in the LDS faith. I won’t go into it here, but I have talked briefly about it in my post for tomorrow! I’m no longer a part of that church, but it’s still very much ingrained in me. I’ve never posted about it on my blog at all since it’s a pretty touchy subject. You’re brave, and I admire you for opening it up for discussion here! TFS!
Love this post and all the commentary. I love that people can speak freely and there is no slandering going on (well, very little of it).
This is one of my favorite quotes:
A church is not a museum for for good people, it’s a hospital for the broken.
We all go to church to feel the love and teachings of Christ. He is our Redeemer and example. We hope we are living like Him daily by caring about each other, praying for one another and building each other up.
XO
Drat! Typo! See?…We’re definitely not perfect 😀
It was a very small typo, we can all just hop over it;)
I would add….If you truly wonder what the Mormons believe go to lds.org and listen to the latest General Conference broadcast that was just given last weekend. That is where our Living prophet and apostles teach and direct us!! You can’t get more personal information about what and who we are trying to be than listening to what we ourselves are being directed to do!!
Love your brave and bold post!
Never be anyone but “YOU”
This makes my heart so happy! There is literally nothing that has brought me more joy than the LDS church. The knowledge that comes from knowing that I am a daughter of God, who truly knows who I am and loves me helps me strive to be a better person everyday. The knowledge that my family is eternal is something that I can’t imagine living without. I loved the talk in conference about Mormons sharing the gospel with people who aren’t members of the LDS faith. We don’t do it because we are paid on commission or anything, we do it because we truly have something in our lives that brings happiness that nothing else can and want others to feel that joy. Thanks for sharing! You are an awesome example!
Brooke, I just love you. You are one of the kindest, most sincere people I’ve ever met. You have an open heart, willing to befriend everyone. I love that you shared your heart here, and love your responses to some of the negativity. Haters gonna hate…shake it off;)
Thanks for sharing this Brooke! Wonderful post to help others learn about our faith. I love that you openly answered all of the questions in the comments too! Love you lots!!!
Your post has really made me think and wonder – just how many of my friends probably have questions about the LDS church, but are too nervous to ask me? I know that I do the same thing with others – I don’t bring up their religious beliefs because I don’t want to offend them in any way by saying the wrong thing. For example, I just found out yesterday that my neighbor goes to the church down the street, and I felt sad that I didn’t know that after 5 years of good conversations. I would love to know about that part of her life! Why have I never asked if she went to church?
How much are we all missing out on in understanding each other by not being open with our lives, especially the important and special parts like religion? This was a great post, and your example of open candor will stay with me for a long time.
Question: If you read the Bible do you believe in Hell?
Question: Thr Bible says it is only true word of Gid, how come the Book of Mormon isn’t mentioned?
Question: The Bible says God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one and the same not separate entities, why do Mormons disagree?
Question: Do you believe in the prayer of salvation, and asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins? The Bible says that is all you need to get to Heaven.
Question: If Joseph Smith was a “prophet” why is he never mentioned in the Bible?
I’m still working on your questions, and I will update this as I go:
Q1: Yes. We believe in Spirit Prison and Outer Darkness. The devil and his angels, the sons of perdition, and those who refuse repent will end up in outer darkness after judgment. Here is a reference to what we believe on these topics: https://www.lds.org/topics/hell?lang=eng
Q2: We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. Specifically, “The argument is often made that to be a Christian means to assent to the principle of sola scriptura,or the self-sufficiency of the Bible. But to claim that the Bible is the final word of God—more specifically, the final written word of God—is to claim more for the Bible than it claims for itself. Nowhere does the Bible proclaim that all revelations from God would be gathered into a single volume to be forever closed and that no further scriptural revelation could be received.” You can find this reference on this webpage: https://www.lds.org/topics/bible?lang=eng
Q3: We believe in God, the Eternal Father and in His son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. Check out our beliefs about the this topic: https://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/07/is-the-lds-view-of-god-consistent-with-the-bible?lang=eng
Q4: We believe that Faith without works is dead, and that all men will go to Heaven as long as they don’t deny Christ, but “Heaven” is divided into different degrees of glory. We believe in the plan of salvation and that, “God will judge all men fairly and reward them appropriately with a place within His kingdom.” http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/plan-of-salvation
Q5: I’m guessing that you are wondering why the Bible doesn’t forecast that Joseph Smith would exist? I can’t answer that because God’s intentions are His own. We believe that there are living prophets on the earth today and that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore His gospel to its fullness on the earth today after the apostasy. http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/joseph-smith
I would urge you to read the Book of Mormon and ask God for yourself if it’s contents are true. I can testify for what I know, but you can ask God to help you to know the truth for yourself through the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Was there a reason you didn’t answer my questions??
Hi Bekah. I’m working on them right now. I was out of town this weekend, and we got in around 11:30 pm last night. 🙂 Stay tuned.