Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Family Churches
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons, LDS)
General Notes
There is an official web site at http://www.lds.org
Joseph Smith founded the Church based on his report of a personal encounter
with God the Father and Jesus Christ. In 1827, he announced that an angel
(Mormon) had given him a text, the Book of Mormon. The King James Bible, the
Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants are
considered sacred. The Christian Bible is seen as misinterpreted and
misunderstood on its own. The Articles of Faith, written just before Joseph
Smith’s death, are in general use. The Church is led by the First Presidency,
composed of the president of the church and two advisors. The Council of the
Twelve Apostles acts under the direction of the First Presidency. These two
groups are responsible for official policy.
There are two nonprofessional orders of priesthood. The Aaronic order is
open to men aged 12-18. The Melchizedek priesthood is composed of men 19 and
older. Most male members receive this order after a careful screening. The
order is required for higher church offices. There is also common a period of two
years away from home as a “missionary” without pay.
There have been several splinter groups and sects over the years, some still
practicing polygamy, which the Mormons discontinued in 1890. Many of the splits
occurred as a result of the continuing tradition of personal, definitive
revelation from God to the Church leader(s) which is then obligatory for the
entire Church. The largest splinter group, the Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) identifies itself as “more like mainline Protestant
Churches” and does not use the term “Mormon” or hyphenate “Latter Day.” The
Reorganized Church is listed in this text separately.
Mormonism considers itself the only true Christianity, but many Christian
churches would consider it polytheistic and outside of the general Christian
tradition. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are considered separate divine beings.
God is a being who lives on a planet named Kolob, orbiting the star Kakistocra, in the constellation of
Cancer. One revolution of Kolob is equivalent to one thousand years of earth
time. He is the supreme being ruling over this section of the universe, as
other beings rule over other areas. Each human being can develop into a god,
following the pattern of Jesus Christ. There is a rejection of the concept of
original sin, affirming a belief in the “God-Adam” theory, which states that
“As man now is God once was, and as God now is man can become.” Jesus Christ
atoned for all, but each person is seen as responsible for his own salvation,
which can be attained by undergoing Mormon Baptism and living in accord with
the laws of the Church.
A central understanding is the call of each male to priesthood, and the role
of the man as head and priest of his family. A strong importance is placed on a
man and woman being “sealed” in a covenant marriage, with children born of that
union being “sealed” at birth. Members are named in a “Book of Life” and
excommunication (for murder, adultery, or heresy) means that the person’s name
is literally removed from that Book.
Obedience to Church authority is strongly emphasized, and there is in
general a separatist character. One source stated that a member would be
strongly reprimanded for contact with a non-Mormon Church, and social
relationships are generally limited to other Mormons. Sources contradict, with
it being stated that there is rarely an official stance on social issues, while
others state that many details of life are regulated by Mormon authorities. The
guiding principles of life could be summarized as: the central beliefs of the
Church; the primary role of marriage and children (including “children-to-be”
referred to as “tabernacles”); the preservation of free agency and personal
responsibility; and the rejection of decisions based on “selfish” motivation. There
is a General Handbook containing specific positions as well as liturgical
practices, policies, etc., but it is unavailable to all but Church leaders.
There is a tradition, as well, that states that any member may receive direct
revelation from God concerning an issue.
Members are strongly discouraged from investigation of controversial issues
related to the LDS Church, its doctrine, and its history. Literature is
considered to be "faith-promoting" or "non-faith-promoting"
and where possible access is limited to non-faith-promoting literature.
Specific Religious Practices
There is a ceremony of “endowment” in the temple, by which a person
consecrates himself to God. The person’s status is then changed and he is
described as an “endowed” member. The person is then expected to routinely wear
a special temple undergarment. Men inducted into one of the forms of priesthood
have special secret sacred symbols sewn into the undergarment. Women have
special undergarments as well, and those are also considered religious objects.
A hospitalized patient may wear a gown instead.
Sunday is a day of observing the Sabbath and resting. The one sacrament is
the Lord’s Supper using bread and water rather than wine. There are two
ordinances, Baptism and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Uniquely, Baptism of the dead by proxy is strongly encouraged, leading to
searches to identify dead ancestors so that they can also share in the life of
paradise. There is also a practice of proxy marriage of the dead. Sealing as
well as normal or proxy Baptisms and marriages take place in a temple ceremony.
The details of such especially sacred rites are secret and the rites are not
open to the public.
Baptism is by immersion for those at least 8 years of age (the age of accountability).
Anyone who dies earlier or is severely retarded receives the full blessings of
God, just as if they had been baptized. Newborns or young children are never,
therefore, to be baptized.
A blessing of the sick using blessed oil may be given by two members of the
Melchezedeck priesthood.
Understanding of Healing
There is a respect for both medical and religious healing, with a special
openness to new medical treatments. There is often a strong interest in
“natural” healing treatments, with a stance by the Church discouraging members
from using those treatments in place of standard medical treatment.
The Church believes in the same manifestations of the Spirit, including healing, that existed in the early Church. The Book of Mormon directs a healing prayer: “And the elders of the Church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them (the sick) in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me.”
There is a strong respect for medical professionals, and they, rather than
Church officials, are often spoken of as the primary consultants in resolving
ethical or moral questions.
There is a general acceptance of mental health care, but there may still be
a vestige of an attitude that saw mental illness as having a demonic cause.
Psychotherapists should ideally be Mormons.
Reproductive Issues
The Church stresses the roles of man and woman and the place of marriage.
The only moral sexual activity is between husband and wife, and all other
activity is condemned. Adults are encouraged to marry and provide bodies
(tabernacles) for the spirit children of God so that these children may come to
a loving family, grow, and be tested on earth. Couples whose marriages are
“sealed” in a temple and remain faithful will continue their marriage after
death and will continue to procreate. Earthly children whose parents have been
sealed can be sealed to their parents, making the family bond eternal.
Birth control may be used for the spacing of children. Sterilization should
be considered only if there is a serious risk to life or health or when someone
is incompetent and not responsible for their actions. Techniques intended to
assist fertility or to result in birth are supported so long as the genetic
link to husband and wife is maintained. If genetic material from a third party
would be involved, the Church would discourage it. Even using donated sperm,
however, a child can be “sealed” to the parents, and so would not be regarded
differently than a child conceived through normal intercourse.
No artificial insemination should occur outside of marriage, and there
should be no single mother as a parent. Further, a child cannot be sealed to a
single parent.
In vitro fertilization, with the common practice of fertilizing and freezing
multiple embryos, with the possible discarding of some, is strongly
discouraged. One issue may well be uncertainty over when “ensoulment” (the
giving of a human soul) occurs.
A single surrogate mother would not be permitted, and if the surrogate
mother were married she and her husband would be sealed to the resulting child
for eternity. There is no provision for sealing to the adoptive parents.
Abortion
Elective abortion is opposed. Testing for sex selection is condemned. Abortion
should be considered only for serious reason after consultation with the local
priesthood and divine approval after prayer. Those reasons include: incest or
rape, when the health of the mother is in serious danger, or when the baby will
not survive beyond birth. There is no clear position taken on abortion of
genetically deformed fetuses. There is no stated position as to when full human
life begins, but some have suggested “quickening” (the beginning of movement
that can be felt by the mother) and others birth. There is not the severity of
discipline (permanent excommunication) that would be invoked by the taking of
“innocent human life.” (“Murderers shall not have forgiveness in this world,
nor in the world to come.”)
End of Life Issues/Terminal Care
There is a presumption in favor of seeking medical care to preserve life.
Mercy killing or “assisted suicide” in any form is forbidden and the stance of
the Church has become more firm on that issue. Regardless of intention, the act
is condemned as morally wrong. When dying is inevitable, the Church strongly
supports the right of the patient or family acting on their behalf to refuse
aggressive care. Extraordinary measures (benefits not in proportion to the
burden of treatment) would not be necessary. An earlier stance instructed
family to seek medical care to reverse any condition that “threatens life” but
more recent statements support not making use of care that is “unreasonable” in
the circumstances.
Transplantation/Organ Donation
The body is seen as essential, “part of the soul,” but there is no
prohibition against donating or receiving organs in appropriate medical
circumstances. Procurement from a live fetus that would prevent it from live
birth would be opposed. Procurement from an anencephalic infant would not be
objectionable so long as death was not hastened by the donation. Children born
who cannot develop to the point of moral choice are considered especially loved
by God, needing only to have a body in order to be saved.
Autopsies/Care of the Body
In the view of this Church at the time of death the spirit returns to God to
live in paradise or to face God’s anger. The virtuous unite with friends and
family. At the resurrection all, regardless of “righteousness,” will be
reunited with perfect, incorruptible bodies. Death on earth is therefore viewed
as a time of transition.
There is no opposition to autopsy. Burial in the ground is considered the
norm and cremation is discouraged. The body of a person who has received the
“temple endowment” is dressed in temple clothing. If that is not possible
because of the condition of the body the temple clothing is laid on top of the
body. Female representatives clothe women, and male representatives clothe men.
A blessed grave often becomes a sacred place for the family of the deceased.
There is no official service for a fetus. The age and size of the fetus and the
wishes of the parents, along with discussion with the bishop, determines what
procedure is used.
Those who attempt or commit suicide are not condemned, but are considered
possibly not responsible for their actions. Determination of guilt is left to
God’s wisdom. Normal funeral practice is followed in such a case.
Special Treatment Issues (Blood,
drugs, dietary, etc.)
The use of alcoholic beverages, hot drinks (tea and coffee) and tobacco are
prohibited.
Notes for Pastoral Care
Men and women wear special, ritual undergarments. In an emergency situation,
or in a death situation, they should be treated with respect. If possible, they
should not be cut or damaged and carefully set aside as religious objects.
Members view themselves as part of a close community and strong support,
both emotionally and practically, is provided members who are sick. The Church
should be considered an important practical resource.
One source encouraged members to be conservative in claiming “clergy
privilege” in visiting hospitals, since virtually all male members over 12 are
ordained priests in the order of Aaron. Without going into a discussion of
whether or not they are in fact “clergy” I would suggest that the comment is
based on a common misunderstanding. The right of access for clergy to patients
in the hospital comes not from being clergy but from a pastoral relationship
and responsibility for the patient. Actually, someone having that
responsibility and representing the patient’s parish, whether clergy or not,
has a valid claim to special access to the patient. Any clergy visiting someone
primarily because of friendship or a family relationship has no claim to that
special accessóthe visit must be in a professional capacity. A
Mormon bishop or church staff member, however, may be visiting because of
professional responsibility and in that case a pastoral relationship should be
recognized and respected. There are also members delegated as “home teachers”
who may visit. They may offer prayers for the patient, perform the priesthood
blessing of anointing the sick, or administer the Lord’s Supper. They also
could be considered to have a pastoral responsibility.
Membership
In 1997, membership in the United States was 4,800,000.
~~~~~~~~~~
Comments received:
They are VERY big
on ceremony and ritual, and VERY authoritative. A member can come under serious
reprimands by the local "Bishop" if they even go NEAR a church other
than Mormon.
The use of water
instead of wine or grape juice is critical and based on 2 things: they claim
they used to use wine but someone poisoned it and people died. The other, wine
is not healthy, they claim that there are isolated cases of
"miracles" where the water supernaturally turned to wine for very
special people.
They have a strong
emphasis on the supernatural world and miracles, believe in visions, literal
baptism for the dead (done in their temples).
The temple
ceremonies are secret and cannot be discussed with anyone who has not gone
through them.
They have a
"book of life" in which all members names are recorded, and they do
keep track of these members and pray for them all.
You can only be
removed from their "book of life" by excommunication. Excommunication
is performed by a tribunal and taken very seriously. The only grounds for
excommunication are murder, adultery and heresy. I fell into the latter
category (as I did not want to be prayed over or kept in their book of life).
It was a very heavy experience.
The Mormon Church
is definitely NOT Christian by any means.
They have the best
social services for meeting the needs of all members of all ages that I have
ever seen.
---------------------
The only correction
I would like you to make is the comment on adoptive children not being
"sealed" to adoptive parents. This is possible with permission
from all parties. I know first hand because I have an adopted brother and
our family was sealed to him.
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints (RLDS)
General Notes
This Church does not accept the idea that marriage covenants continue after
death, but marriage is still considered a high value. Adultery is one of the
few reasons for formal excommunication.
The Church often chooses to stress aspects that are similar to mainline
Protestantism rather than similarities to other churches in the Latter-Day
Saints tradition. The Church views itself as a “theocratic democracy” and
defines that as a government of God divinely directed under the law of “common
consent of the people.”
Scriptures include the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants.
There is no formal creed, but there is a Statement of Beliefs. This statement
at least appears to affirm a generally trinitarian Godhead; it acknowledges
that human sin is a rebellion against God resulting from free choice, and the
document affirms the efficacy of Christ's atonement for our salvation and his
role as the instrument of reconciliation between God and humanity. There are
eight sacraments or ordinances: Baptism, confirmation, communion of the Lord's
Supper, ordination, administering to the sick, marriage, blessing of babies,
and blessing of youth and adults by an evangelist-patriarch.
Jesus Christ is seen as the personal revelation of God, and the Holy Spirit
is God’s presence with and in the person. The human soul is both body and
spirit, and ultimate health is perfect wholeness by divine grace.
There is a strong emphasis on each person’s responsibility to make their own
choices in life and to be accountable for those decisions, and that is
especially true in regard to health care. It is expected that decisions made
will be in accord with the belief system, but where the Church has not taken a
stand each individual must decide. Consultation with appropriate other members,
professionals, etc., is encouraged but there are no clear rules for most health
care situations.
The spiritual head of the RLDS church is the prophet-president who, together
with two counselors, constitutes the First Presidency, the chief administrative
body of the church. A council of Twelve Apostles makes up the chief missionary
body. There are three chief financial officersóthe
presiding bishop and two counselors. These 18 general officers make up an
administrative and policy-making Joint Council. The Standing High Council of
the Church (composed of 12 high priests appointed by the First Presidency) are
seen as the chief interpreters of faith and doctrine in matters of ethics.
Each congregation is served by a staff of lay ministers called priesthood members.
The priesthood includes both men and women.
Specific Religious Practices
Sundays are celebrated as the Sabbath. Baptism, Communion, Anointing of the
Sick and laying on of hands are routinely practiced, but there are no specific
times when they must be administered. Baptism is by immersion, and the person
must be at least 8 years old. Both the recipient and the minister must be in
the water together. Baptism is never celebrated in a hospital. “Administration”
(anointing, laying on of hands, and a prayer for blessing) and the Lord’s
Supper using bread and grape juice may be offered to the sick. Administration
is usually performed by two or more elders, but in emergencies it may be
performed by only one.
Reproductive Issues
Sterilization is accepted on medical advice if seen as being in the best
interests of either the patient, the family, or society. The various forms of
medical technology for fertilization are accepted if the genetic link to both
married partners is maintained. If the genetic link is not maintained, caution
is advised.
Abortion
Abortion is seen as having moral significance but the choice is to be made
by the persons involved. Members are encouraged to live in a way that avoids
the situation from arising, using birth control if necessary, and so abortion
should be rare. Abortion for sex selection is opposed.
End of
Life Issues/Terminal Care
There is support for the idea of proxy decision-makers and avoiding the use
of aggressive care without clear benefit for the patient. Each person has the
right to refuse such care. There is no specific position on issues involving
aggressive care for newborns. The Church distinguishes between “active” and
“passive” euthanasia. Active euthanasia is forbidden, including assisted
suicide by any means. Removal of life-maintaining forms of care is accepted.
Transplantation/Organ Donation
When a person dies, the spirit goes to God. Each person is seen as receiving
a “spiritual body” at the resurrection. The earthly body is not necessary for
the resurrection, and so there would not be opposition for that reason. The
decision to donate or receive an organ is seen as an individual person’s
decision.
Autopsies/Care of the Body
There is no position on autopsies. There are no normative funeral
procedures, but the need of symbolic actions for the sake of family is
recognized.
Special Treatment Issues (Blood,
drugs, dietary, etc.)
Although not interpreted strictly, there is avoidance of alcohol, tobacco,
caffeine, and non-prescribed drugs. There is a concern for promoting the
well-being of the body. Special temple undergarments are not used.
Notes for Pastoral Care
Many members are ordained. One source cautions against claiming “clergy
privilege” in visiting the sick. I would note that the right of access for
clergy to patients in the hospital comes not from being clergy but from a
pastoral relationship and responsibility for the patient. Any clergy visiting
someone primarily because of friendship or a family relationship has no claim
to special accessóthe
visit must be in a professional capacity. There is a custom of two
representatives visiting on behalf of the local congregation, and that may call
for special accommodation.
Membership
In 1996, total membership was 245,000.
~~~~~~~~~~
Comments
received:
…we (RLDS) Do have
facts that prove that we are the original church and they are the ones that
apostatized and know that Bringham Young started the Mormon church and he was
summoned to a trial and excommunicated by a high council.
~~~~~~~~~~
Page was last updated on 10/04/00