by Keith L. Brown | Aug 1, 2013 | About Mormons
There are many people worldwide who have a keen passion for tracing their lineage and spend countless hours researching the stories of their forebears. This exploration into generational history is known as genealogical research, or more commonly known as family history research.
Our English word “genealogy” derives from the Greek word γενεαλογία, which is actually comprised of two words: γενεά, genea, “generation”; and λόγος, logos, “knowledge”. Therefore, genealogy or family history research, is the literal gaining of knowledge of a generation or past generations. That knowledge is obtained through tracing family lineages and histories with such helps as “oral traditions, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kinship and pedigrees of its members. The results are often displayed in charts or written as narratives.” [1] (more…)
by megan | Jun 13, 2013 | About Mormons
The notion of special “Mormon underwear” has long been a matter of curiosity for some non-Mormons. It can be difficult to understand, especially for a person who has not
grown up around Mormons or in a Mormon family. However, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently referred to as the “Mormon church,” have spoken about this topic many times.
The Proper Name for “Mormon Underwear”
“Temple garment” is the proper name for “Mormon underwear,” and is very important for endowed members. An endowed member is someone who has been to the temple. Not all Mormons are endowed. In order to enter the temple, Mormons must meet standards of worthiness. Elder Russell M. Nelson, an apostle and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ, explains the importance of the temple garment and why Mormons wear it always. He says:
Wearing the temple garment has deep symbolic significance. It represents a continuing commitment. Just as the Savior exemplified the need to endure to the end, we wear the garment faithfully as part of the enduring armor of God. Thus we demonstrate our faith in Him and in His eternal covenants with us (“Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 2001.) (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 28, 2013 | About Mormons
I remember one time when my siblings and I were growing up that my mom asked my brother (who was probably ten or so at the time) to help with the dinner dishes. He responded with “No, that’s woman’s work!” My mom, however, wasn’t the one who set my brother straight—it was my dad. My dad was the first to step in and tell my brother 
that his comment was not only disrespectful, but it also didn’t reflect our values as a family. In our family, no one was exempt from dish duty, man, woman, or child.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) shares these values. Husbands and wives are intended to work together and share the load, even when it means washing dishes.
Roles within the Family
God designed men and women with specific purpose and endowed men and women with specific talents and responsibilities. In an official statement issued by Church leaders in 1995, we learn that “by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 8, 2013 | Mormons in the News
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) have great programs in place to help them serve the community. One of the most noteworthy programs is Mormon Helping Hands. Mormon Helping Hands reaches out to poor and struggling communities and provides volunteers to help accomplish community projects. One of the most recent Mormon Helping Hands took place in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Working together as families and friends
On April 27, 2013, families from all over southern California came to volunteer with Mormon Helping Hands. Men, women, and children donned the yellow vests and went to work on a landscaping project and a food drive. Parents brought their children with them, which made this day of service a wonderful family opportunity. Adult volunteers worked on applying mulch to a dog park, planting decorative plants by a parking lot, and repainting park benches. Youth and children volunteers collected food and hygiene items from neighbors and brought them to a local LDS chapel as part of a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank.
On this one Saturday family members of all sizes had the opportunity to connect with others in the community. Through this service, parents not only taught their children about the value of hard work, but they also taught them the value of reaching out to those in need and the importance of connecting to your community. (more…)
by Keith L. Brown | May 7, 2013 | About Mormons
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church by the media and others) has witnessed a growth rate of 45% in its membership in the United States over the past decade. This increase is due largely in part to the growing number of its Spanish-speaking converts.
According to an article by Jack Rodolico on the Fronteras website titled Mormon Missionaries without Papers, the number of Spanish –speaking members of The Church of Jesus Christ has doubled since the year 2000. Rodolico goes on to point out that many of those Latino members do not have the proper legal documentation for being in the United States, which in turn causes problems for the LDS Church, and especially for those Latino members desiring to serve full-time missions. (more…)
