Study of Mormons all about their Rules

Abstract

Mormons are a religious group in the U.S that encompasses 1.7% of the population, which is comparable to the population of the Jews, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. The religious group also defines the religious practices and beliefs of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The doctrines of the church are believed to be pure as they were restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith who is believed to visit God. The way of life of Mormons is grounded on a variety of rules which are required of every individual. The rules are part of the official teachings of the church which enable them to live uprightly. This paper will provide an analysis of how Mormons live as well as the various rules that bind the believers. The research will also provide the type of marriage that is acceptable by the Mormon religion.

Keywords: Mormons, doctrines, prophet, beliefs and practices. 

The Study of Mormons all about their Rules

Introduction

Mormons are a religious group in the U.S that encompasses 1.7% of the population, which is comparable to the population of the Jews, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. The religious group also defines the religious practices and beliefs of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The doctrines of the church are believed to be pure as they were restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith who communicated to God face to face. The church members often speak of their love of the Savior Jesus Christ, which is central to Mormonism. The religion encompasses members from the different points of the society, education and the sciences, business and charity, political parties and government, as well as the news media and political parties. However, this research will provide an analysis of the different religious practices of Mormons, as well as few areas on the aspects of marriage and the Mormon religion in general.

How Mormons Live

The way of life of Mormons is grounded on a variety of rules which are required of every individual. The rules are part of the official teachings of the church which enable them to live uprightly. To begin, Mormons are required to pay 10% of their gross income.  The aspect of tithing, which is found in the majority of other denominational practices, contributes to missionary funds, fast offering, and building fund in the Mormon faith. The believers should not question the authority and usually believe that what they receive from the prophets comes from God. In this, the Mormons obey everything that they are told without skepticism or hesitation. Mormons believers are bound to accept everything in the church. For instance, they believe that their church is the only true center of worship because it was founded by Smith, who visited God. To perform religious ordinances, a believer should pass a worthiness interview which is practiced at the temple. The members also believe that the ordinances enable one to learn the motions and phrases before entering heaven. When people attend the temple for the first time, they begin to wear the special underwear which must be worn during the night and the day. The innerwear can be removed for the special instances such as intimacy or bathing and should be put back. The Mormon believers are not required to take alcohol or smoke. They should not take tea or coffee, not even a decaf. Their religion does not allow them to commit sex before marriage and thus allows them to marry early. Once they are married, they are allowed to bear many children early. Besides, the religion does not consider the excuse to the lack of financial resources to take care of the children.

Mormons should preach to their friends, co-workers, and family, especially the non-Mormon persons to get them to become Mormons. Apart from preaching, the believers are not allowed to associate with non-believers. The young men, especially those at the age of 19 are given the responsibility to win converts to their faith. They do so at their own expense and cannot visit their family during this period. The men who have served the missions are required to marry; hence, women cannot marry men who have not gone through the mission. The believers must attend all meetings of the church for three hours on Sunday, as well as the other gatherings held by the church. The young Mormons get married on Saturday and are mandated to attend church the following day. This religion has a dress code for the church which everyone must follow. It is notable that women cannot wear pants while the men are obliged to wear a tie and a white dress. All persons are required to perform the church activities that are given to them even if it takes much of their tie. The members are also required to visit each other and teach lessons at least once in a month. The home gatherings are taught by the men who also visit the gatherings for women. Fasting in the Mormon religion is conducted once per month, a practice in which people are not allowed to take water or food for 24 hours. The religion also attends the church on Sundays; thus, no other worldly activities are conducted on that day. All believers are required to wear decent clothing in the modest way, in that; no sleeveless clothing or low cut tops are allowed.

Teachings of the Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has core beliefs, where they affirm that Jesus was buried and rose again. They also believe that he is the savior and son of the heavenly father. Mankind can be saved through Christ’s atonement which saves the sin of mankind and allows people to live forever. They also believe that the original church of Christ has been restored in the present times. In this, they believe that people should be baptized when they confirm to be saved. This reflects the aspect of “one faith, one baptism” as part of the teachings of the church. The suffering of Christ is central to happiness by believers as they learn and progress by embracing the teachings of the bible. The believers also understand that sacraments and baptism are central to cleansing and can live with Christ even after death. The members understand that the church members are important in the society and should follow the commandments to live divinely in their relationships.

The Mormon religion is practiced in temples, which are sacred buildings which teach the central role of God’s plan for personal relationship and salvation. The members make covenants in the church through a faithful and a virtuous life. In this, they offer sacraments on behalf of the deceased ancestors. The temples also act as the venue for the church marriage ceremonies. During the temple activities, all believers wear temple garments which remind them of their commitments and sacred beliefs. However, the garments are worn by the adult members of the church. The garments are white, simple, and an underclothing which is comprised of two pieces. The garments also act as a personal reminder of the teachings or covenant with God. They display an outward expression of honor and commitment to follow Jesus. The religion is in line with biblical scriptures which emphasized on wearing garments. For instance, in the book of Numbers 15: 37-41, there was a resonate practice in which garments were obligated as an integral part of worship in the Old Testament.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not practice polygamy. As noted in the above context, only men who have passed the test of preaching have the mandate to marry, and women have the chance to marry such men. In this, one man is required to marry a single lady and the vice versa. As a result, the church strictly prohibits the aspect of polygamy and provides a general standard in which marriage is conducted in the church. The book of Mormon, provides the practices in which patriarchs practiced monogamy. The cases of Solomon and King David, as well as Jacob and Abraham are not allowed in this religion. Earlier, the church tolerated the aspect of polygamy and discontinued it in 122 years ago.

As noted in the above context, most of the teachings in the church are conducted by men. However, women also participate in the teachings and are referred to as the daughters of the loving heavenly father. In this, men and women are equal in the sight of God. The religion does not put forth the concerns of skin color and does, therefore, recognize the aspects of Greek or Jew, male or female, for all are children before the eyes of the creator. The religion does not focus on the aspect of husband and wife for all the saints have an integral role to play in the work of the church. However, the priesthood is held by the worthy men and women serve as   the counselors, leaders, teachers, missionaries, and other responsibilities. They also lead in the worship services and participate in other activities in the community. Their unique contribution is a special privilege, as well as an important responsibility to priesthood.

Conclusion

The Mormon religion is a belief that encompasses unique practices in the U.S. The belief holds the third biggest population in the U.S, according to research. The teachings of the church provide the the way of life of the believers, which also points to the numerous rules. The aspect of polygamy is highly discouraged by the church. Even though the practice was allowed, it was discontinued form many decades in the past. Women and men hold special positions in the church as they are accorded many responsibilities. The believers are given special clothing during the church activities, a condition that displays their commitment and honor on the work that is given to them. The people are also required to visit each other while they are not allowed to mix with non-Mormons.