by | Mar 13, 2012 | About Mormons
Mormons Not FLDS
The general term “Mormonism” can be used to represent members of three different Mormon branches. The largest and most familiar branch is known as the Church of Jesus 
Christ of Latter-day Saints, and members of this church often have strong adverse feelings with being associated with the other two branches known as the Reorganized Latter-day Saints and the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints due to their rejection of the prophets and practice of unseemly traditions. We are, however, connected in our history- (more…)
by brady | Mar 13, 2012 | About Mormons
Mormons Not FLDS
The simple answer is ‘no’.
The historically informed and more complete answer is ‘yes, there is a historical connection’. Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) do not share many of the beliefs of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) Church, though there are a few that are shared.
Both churches believe in the concept of “continuing revelation” — that the heavens are not closed, and that prophets do in reality live today, in our time, and speak for God to all mankind. Both churches also believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and as such is scripture. This is why FLDS members still consider themselves “Mormons”, which the LDS Church disputes. (more…)
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 | Jan 12, 2012 | Mormons in the News
As the “Mormon moment” extends into 2012, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life today released a groundbreaking new survey, the first ever published by a non-LDS research organization to focus exclusively on members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their beliefs, values, perceptions and political preferences.
Entitled “Mormons in America: Certain in Their Beliefs, Uncertain of Their Place in Society,” the survey was conducted between Oct. 25 and Nov. 16, 2011 among a national sample of 1,019 respondents who identified themselves as Mormons. The results validate a number of long-held stereotypes (most American Mormons are white, well-educated, politically conservative and religiously observant) while providing a few interesting surprises (care for the poor and needy is high on the list of LDS priorities, while drinking coffee and watching R-rated movies aren’t as taboo among the rank and file as you might think). (more…)
by brady | Dec 6, 2011 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
There are some who may be a bit confused or lack a complete understanding of what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) believe about entertainment. Mormons believe that wholesome entertainment and recreational activities are good and important.
There is much dancing, theater, film, art, sports, and other recreation that is uplifting and good, but there is also much of it that is degrading and immoral. Mormons believe in seeking after those things that are “virtuous, ilovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” and staying away from material that is immoral and offensive to God (Articles of Faith 1:13).
In my own family, I’ve seen what a difference it can make to have wholesome and virtuous entertainment in the house. When this kind of entertainment is present, there has been much more happiness and love in my home. Wholesome recreation and entertainment can be a means of strengthening families and bring people closer to Jesus Christ. My life has been blessed with more meaningful experiences and friendships as I’ve participated in good entertainment with Mormon youth my age as well as those not my age. D. Lauritsen, a Mormon professor, gives an explanation bellow that gives further enlightenment on this subject to those not of our faith: (more…)
