BELIEFS AND STORIES FROM MEMBERS OF
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in the sacredness of the body. We consider it a gift necessary to experience mortality and to live a worthy life preparatory to eternal glory. We believe with Paul that we “are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in [us],” and that defiling our body is inappropriate and offensive to God (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). As a result, Mormons do not pierce their body for cosmetic purposes, and are encouraged to pierce only one ear, to accommodate modest earrings.

Tattooing mars the body and is discouraged as a whimsical way of imprinting an identity or showing allegiance to a particular gang. President Hinckley 15th President of the Church, remarked: (more…)

Personal Response by Tom Tyler

An article of faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) states, “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9). Latter-day Saints (LDS) believe that just as God continued to reveal his will throughout the Old and New Testament periods he continues to reveal his will today. Nevertheless, the core principles of truth are eternal and unchanging. These principles are revealed to humankind through prophets and apostles and often recorded in scripture and in the official statements of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. (more…)

Personal Response by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons or Latter-day Saints) accept the traditional Christian Sabbath, which is held on the first day of the week, Sunday, for worship. Additionally, members of the Mormon Church gather on other days of the week to study, pray, and participate in church meeting and activities. (more…)

Personal Response by Karen R. Merkley

Mormon women are key players and equal partners in the work of the Lord, in families, in communities and in the world. In the words of Brigham Young, early President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

One thing is very true and we believe it, and that is that a woman is the glory of the man. …

When I reflect upon the duties and responsibilities devolving upon our mothers and sisters, and the influence they wield, I look upon them as the mainspring and soul of our being here. It is true that man is first. … But when Mother Eve came she had a splendid influence over [Father Adam]. … (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 199).

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Personal Response by Karen Merkley

The lights aren’t always green. The bread isn’t always fresh. Tires go flat. Bills mound. People take ill and die at every stage of life. People struggle. Others starve. Wars go on.

Grief is part of the human experience. Opposition is necessary for growth, according to the Mormon view of our mortal experience, revealed by the Lord through modern prophets. It can, however, be lifted through the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that the Savior not only died to pay for our sins but also to take upon Himself our sorrow, grief, and infirmities (Alma 7:11-12). (more…)

Personal Reponse by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel
Generally, organizations that operate through a paid-ministry model differ from that of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) in several ways. In a paid-ministry model, a person often decides to obtain training (a degree) and then applies for a job as a minister. His or her salary generally depends on the congregation (if it is a large church it can be generous, and if it is a small rural church it can be very modest).

The Mormon Church operates through a lay priesthood model with a few exceptions. Church officers call members to serve in a leadership position without compensation for a specific period of time and without any special training or degrees. These members continue their employment and serve in the Mormon Church while not working. These individuals accept callings and do so as part of their commitment to the Jesus Christ, knowing that at some point they will be released from their leadership role and that another local member will be called to take their position. One day a person can serve as a bishop (a leader in a local unit) and the next day be released and called to teach children. (more…)