by brady | Jan 27, 2012 | Mormon Reflections
Connie is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon” woman).
Mormon Women and the Relief Society
The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (which church is often mistakenly referred to as the “Mormon Church”) is the women’s organization of the church. It was organized in 1842, by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The mission and purpose of the Relief Society is to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.
Being a member of the Relief Society as a Mormon woman has been a great blessing in my life. We meet together every Sunday to discuss the principles of the gospel of Christ. We meet at other times, usually once a month, to help and encourage each other in strengthening ourselves, our families, and the other members of our ward (the people in our local congregation). We provide service in our neighborhoods and communities; we also serve each other. The Relief Society has a visiting teaching program where the women visit with one another on a very individual basis to build friendships and encourage each other to live the gospel. Relief Society is a great boon to all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (or “Mormons”). Those of other faiths who wish to belong to this sisterhood of service are welcome and invited to attend. (more…)
by brady | Jan 23, 2012 | About Mormons
Peter Lee is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”), former LDS Bishop and Stake President, as well as a retired Social Services Manager. He is now working as a professional family history researcher in the United Kingdom. Peter is currently in the process of collecting inspirational family history research stories for publication in book form.
On a never-to–be-forgotten day–7th December 1958, in Manchester, England–I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently referred to by the media as “The Mormon Church”). My parents and my sister, Susan, 15 years of age, likewise entered the waters of baptism that same day. My younger sister Jane, aged 3 at the time, was eventually baptized after attaining what the Lord has revealed to be “the age of accountability”–8 years old.
From our initial exposure to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and to the Church organization, my family was enthusiastic and committed; the first few years of membership were especially exciting as we witnessed rapid growth, attended Latter-day Saint (Mormon) conferences and instructional meetings, assisted in the construction of chapels, and witnessed the creation of the first stake (geographical group of Saints) in Manchester, England in 1961 by Harold B Lee, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (more…)
by brady | Jan 18, 2012 | About Mormons, Mormons in the News
It seems that one of the greatest challenges that Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) face today is public opinion surrounding the historical but long-discontinued practice of polygamy. Those who oppose the LDS Church use this topic as often as they can to try and paint the church and its members as anything but good people. The reality is, when there is a genuine interest to understand and learn about the history of polygamy, a better assessment can be made about Mormons and what they believe. The Deseret News has finished up their five part series on the recent Pew Research Center Forum on Religion & Public Life, ‘Mormons in Ameria’ survey results, which were recently released. In this their final article, “Mormons say Polygamy Morally Wrong, Pew Poll Shows,” not only is polygamy addressed, so are some other very sensitive and important topics.
If there is one thing that many can agree on it is that Mormons seem to be clean-cut, innocent people with very high moral standards. We saw this most recently on the past season of NBC’s “The Sing Off” when the BYU acapella group Vocal Point displayed their amazing talent for the world to see. During the comments from the judges, there was often reference to “clean-cut”, “pure”, “innocent” and “warming.” So there seems to be one fairly strong opinion about Mormons. However, there are also other opinions that may not cast the LDS faith in the best light. When discussions about polygamy, morality and homosexuality are brought to the forefront, it seems that negativity and misperceptions abound. (more…)
by brady | Jan 18, 2012 | About Mormons, Mormons in the News
There should be no real surprise to find out that the majority of those who identify themselves as Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) are politically and morally conservative. After all, they are a religion that teaches things like not to drink coffee or tea, not to smoke, not to date until you are at least the age of 16, that every life counts and that families can be together forever. The recent Pew Research Center Forum on Religion & Public Life, ‘Mormons in America’ survey results were recently released, and the Deseret News has put together a five part series looking at different aspects of this research. In this their fourth piece called, “Mormons’ immigration attitudes set them apart,” we find out some of the areas where Mormons are seen as questioning, challenging or supportive in response to the current political cycle.
The article begins by stating, “U.S. Mormons are more conservative (66 percent) compared to the general public (37 percent), and on most issues, they closely track white evangelicals. But immigration is one issue that sets Mormons apart from their evangelical counterparts.” There is some very good information presented and the Desert News presents this hot topic in a way that can help all readers get a clearer picture about what Mormons believe concerning immigration. (more…)
by brady | Jan 18, 2012 | About Mormons, Mormons in the News
When people search for reasons why organizations, teams, bands, religions or families are successful, there is no question that one of the most important attributes is commitment. With commitment you are not only saying what you believe, you are taking action to follow through with those beliefs. In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center Forum on Religion & Public Life, ‘Mormons in America,’ there was quite a bit of evidence that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes erroneously called Mormons) are committed. According to the Deseret News in their third article titled “LDS religious commitment high, Pew survey finds,” we find out just how committed the Mormons are to their beliefs.
The article starts off with a staggering statement and number stating, ‘ the highest, most overwhelming numbers are these: 98 percent of respondents said they believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 97 percent say their church is a Christian religion.” In order for people to feel this way, there has to be commitment and people are taking notice that the Mormons are committed to their religion. It is interesting to compare those numbers with a recent survey the article refers to, stating, “32 percent of non-LDS U.S. adults say the LDS Church is not a Christian religion, and an additional 17 percent are unsure of the LDS Christianity.” (more…)
