Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Christian denomination that claims to be the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus Christ. Mormons believe in the Bible, but also in other scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon, which they believe is another testament of Jesus Christ. Mormons also have some unique beliefs and practices that may seem strange or bizarre to outsiders. Here are 10 of them:
Top 10 Weird Mormon Beliefs
1. Eternal Marriage
Mormons believe that marriage is not only for this life, but for eternity. They believe that couples who are married in a Mormon temple by someone who has the authority from God can be sealed together forever, even after death. This means that they can continue to grow and progress as a family in the next life, and have their children and descendants sealed to them as well. Mormons also believe that eternal marriage is essential for exaltation, which is the highest degree of glory in heaven.
2. Godhead
Mormons believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings who are one in purpose and love. They reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that God is one being in three persons. Mormons believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies of flesh and bones, while the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. They also believe that God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to become a god, and that humans can also become gods and goddesses in the afterlife.
3. Prophets
Mormons believe that God still speaks to his children through prophets, just as he did in ancient times. They believe that Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the restoration, who translated the Book of Mormon and restored the true church and priesthood authority on earth. They also believe that there is a living prophet today, who is the president of the church and receives revelation from God for the whole world. The current prophet is Russell M. Nelson, who leads the church with 12 apostles and other leaders.
4. Temples
Mormons believe that temples are sacred places where they can perform ordinances and make covenants with God that are necessary for salvation and exaltation. Some of these ordinances include baptism for the dead, which is a proxy baptism for those who died without having the opportunity to accept the gospel; endowment, which is a ceremony where they receive sacred knowledge and promises from God; and sealing, which is the eternal marriage mentioned above. Temples are not open to the public, but only to worthy members who have a temple recommend.
5. Word of Wisdom
Mormons believe that God revealed a health code to Joseph Smith called the Word of Wisdom, which prohibits them from consuming alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and other harmful substances. They also believe that they should eat meat sparingly, and eat more fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs. Mormons believe that following the Word of Wisdom will bring them physical and spiritual blessings, such as health, wisdom, protection, and revelation.
6. Tithing
Mormons believe that they should pay one-tenth of their income to the church as tithing, which is used to support the church’s activities and programs, such as building temples, meetinghouses, missionary work, education, humanitarian aid, etc. They also believe that paying tithing is a commandment from God and a sign of their faithfulness and gratitude. Mormons believe that paying tithing will open the windows of heaven and bring them blessings from God.
7. Underwear
Mormons who have received their endowment in the temple wear a special garment under their clothing as a reminder of their covenants with God. This garment covers most of their body from their shoulders to their knees, and has four marks on it that represent sacred symbols and principles. Mormons consider this garment to be sacred and do not show it or talk about it casually. They also try to wear modest clothing that does not expose or draw attention to their garment.
8. Polygamy
Mormons do not practice polygamy today, but they acknowledge that some early church leaders and members did practice it in the 19th century as a commandment from God at that time. They believe that polygamy was practiced for various reasons, such as raising up a righteous seed, caring for widows and orphans, testing faith and obedience, etc. They also believe that polygamy was discontinued in 1890 by revelation from God to Wilford Woodruff, who was then the president of the church.
9. Kolob
Mormons believe that Kolob is a star or planet mentioned in one of their scriptures called the Pearl of Great Price. They believe that Kolob is near the throne of God, and that one day on Kolob is equal to a thousand years on earth. They also believe that Kolob is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is the brightest and most glorious of all stars. Mormons do not worship Kolob, but use it as a way to understand God’s greatness and power.
10. Golden Plates
Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon was translated from golden plates that Joseph Smith found buried in a hill near his home in New York. They believe that these plates contained an ancient record of the people who lived in the Americas from about 600 BC to 400 AD, and that they were written by prophets who testified of Jesus Christ. They also believe that these plates were given to Joseph Smith by an angel named Moroni, who was the last prophet of the Book of Mormon.
Conclusion
These are some of the beliefs that Mormons have that may seem weird or different to others, but they are based on their faith in Jesus Christ and their desire to follow his teachings. Mormons are not perfect, but they try to live according to their beliefs and values, and to be good Christians and good citizens. They are also open to learning from others and respecting their beliefs, even if they do not agree with them. If you want to know more about Mormons and their beliefs, you can visit their official website at www.churchofjesuschrist.org or talk to one of their missionaries.
Most Asking Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most common questions that people have about Mormons and their beliefs, and some brief answers to them:
Q: Do Mormons believe in Jesus Christ?
A: Yes, Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the head of their church. They believe that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught the gospel, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven. They believe that he is the only way to salvation and eternal life.
Q: Do Mormons believe in the Bible?
A: Yes, Mormons believe in the Bible as the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly. They use the King James Version of the Bible as their main scripture, but they also accept other translations that are faithful to the original languages. They also believe in other scriptures that complement and clarify the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Q: Do Mormons belong to a cult?
A: No, Mormons do not belong to a cult. A cult is usually defined as a group that follows a charismatic leader who claims exclusive authority and demands blind obedience, isolates its members from society, controls their behavior and thoughts, and exploits them financially or sexually. Mormons do not fit any of these criteria. They follow Jesus Christ as their leader, who invites them to come unto him and learn from him. They are free to choose whether to join or leave the church, and to exercise their agency and conscience. They are encouraged to be involved in their communities and contribute to society. They are taught to be honest, moral, and charitable.
Q: Do Mormons practice polygamy?
A: No, Mormons do not practice polygamy today. Polygamy was practiced by some early church leaders and members in the 19th century as a commandment from God at that time, but it was discontinued in 1890 by revelation from God to Wilford Woodruff, who was then the president of the church. Anyone who practices polygamy today is excommunicated from the church.
Q: Do Mormons have more than one wife in heaven?
A: No, Mormons do not have more than one wife in heaven. Mormons believe that marriage is between one man and one woman for eternity, unless God commands otherwise for a specific purpose. Mormons who were sealed to more than one spouse in mortality due to death or divorce will have their marriages sorted out by God in heaven according to his justice and mercy.
Q: Do Mormons baptize dead people?
A: Yes, Mormons baptize dead people by proxy in their temples. This means that they act as representatives for those who died without having the opportunity to accept the gospel or be baptized by someone who has the authority from God. Mormons believe that baptism is essential for salvation, but they also respect the agency of those who have passed away. They do not force anyone to accept their baptism; they only offer it as a gift that can be accepted or rejected by those in the spirit world.
Q: Do Mormons wear special underwear?
A: Yes, some Mormons wear special underwear called garments under their clothing as a reminder of their covenants with God. These garments cover most of their body from their shoulders to their knees, and have four marks on them that represent sacred symbols and principles. Mormons consider these garments to be sacred and do not.
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