Do Latter-day Saints Believe In Ash Wednesday And Lent?
My uncle is Catholic, many of my friends and coworkers are Catholic, and I've lived in the inner cities on the East Coast where there are large Catholic populations. So, a common question I get asked is, "Do Mormons believe in and observe Ash Wednesday and Lent?" The short answer is, "We do not." But the reasoning behind it is critical! But first, I want to establish some context about Ash Wednesday and Lent, as many Latter-day Saints don't even know what Ash Wednesday or Lent is.
Note: This is not meant to be a complete history of Ash Wednesday and Lent, but a crash course. If you want a complete history, you should ask a Catholic.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It was established many years ago; the exact date this practice started has been lost. It goes back at least to the 10th Century. The Catholic Church realized that many Catholics were not going to confession; they wanted to change that. The reasons why they wanted people to go to confession is debatable. Many Protestant scholars say it was for money; Catholic scholars say it was out of concern for the welfare of souls. I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
Either way, the Catholic Church decided on the first day of Lent to be the one day a year that everyone would be required to go to confession. After confession, they will receive an ash cross on their forehead. This mark on your forehead was a way to distinguish a believer who had gone to confession and a believer that has not. It also served as a reminder to everyone that they needed to go to confession. (The ashes come from burned palm branches from Palm Sunday the year before, and it is mixed with olive oil. The use of ash is symbolic of "repenting in sackcloth and ashes.")
Today, it has evolved, but that is how it started. The mark on the forehead has become a point of persecution for many people. In areas where the practice is common, they act like if you don't have the cross on your forehead, it means you're not Christian. But in areas where this practice is not common, people also get persecuted for trying to memorialize Christ. Or by the ignorant, this year a teacher in Utah, most likely a Latter-day Saint, who did not know about Ash Wednesday asked a student to wipe off the cross. This is one of the goals of this article, to prevent ignorant mistakes like that. But it is important to understand that many Protestant Churches today reject the idea of Ash Wednesday. They claim that the practice lacks biblical support, as it started in the 5th century, years after the death of the last Apostles; they view it as a Catholic addition that they reject.
Lent
Lent pays tribute to the 40 days that Jesus Christ fasted in preparation for his ministry. Lent is the 40 days leading up to Holy Week to prepare for Easter. A common practice is "giving something up for lent" just like Christ fasted, often it is something that is a vice, or a sin. Sometimes, it is something that they want to give up to be a better or healthier person. My Catholic coworker once gave up sugar and sweets. Many Catholics give up meat for the 40 days of Lent. But as soon as Lent is over, most of my friends go right back to what they gave up. Much like how many Latter-day Saints eat a massive meal after they end their fast on fast Sunday.
Lent ends with "Holy Week." Holy Week is the acts of the last week of Christ's life, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. In some areas, people even reenact those events, including the carrying of a cross, and in some areas, they even crucify someone (usually, they just tie them on the cross).
We believe the events of Holy Week happened. But we don't believe in reenacting them as many people do during Lent. In the video below, Jeffrey R Holland, one of the living Apostles, bears his Apostolic testimony of Jesus Christ: I invite you to watch it.
So, why don't Latter-day Saints observe Ash Wednesday and Lent?
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we honor and celebrate the life of Christ. We do not observe Ash Wednesday or Lent as they were Catholic institutions, and we are neither Catholic nor protesting the Catholics, but rather a restoration of the original Church of Jesus Christ. And unlike Christmas and Easter, which are based on and celebrations of historical events of the birth and resurrection of Christ. Ash Wednesday and Lent are religious ceremonies based on historical events, but are highly doctrinal in practice and observance. We join with our Catholic brothers and Sisters in celebrating and honoring Christ, and we will defend your right to worship the way you feel is right, even if we don't worship the same way. You have every right to wear a cross as a sign between you and God of your faith just as wearing our garments as a sign before God of our faith. (Here is a short video about that)
We believe that we should always be repenting of sins we commit and continually working on overcoming our vices. We do not believe in the idea that the church should pick a day on which you are required to repent; we believe in repenting daily and weekly partaking of the sacrament (communion/holy eucharist). We believe that the sacrament is not only a symbol of our dedication to Christ but that it renews all of our covenants we have made with God. Not only that, but we believe it is the only way to renew any of our covenants. Delbert L. Stapley, an Apostle, taught that "By partaking of the Sacrament we renew all covenants entered into with the Lord" (CR: Oct. 1965, p. 14). We also fast on the first Sunday of each month, commonly referred to as "fast Sunday," and we donate at least the value of those two meals to the poor and needy. The Prophets have asked that when able, we donate 10x the value of those two meals! That is how a church of only 16 million can help feed 100's of millions of people.
A Restoration, NOT a Reformation.
As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not break off the Catholic Church, we have never been subjected to the Catholic church, nor its traditions. And as Ash Wednesday and Lent are Catholic practices that pay homage to the scriptures but are not taught by Christ or His Apostles, we don't observe them, and in many cases, Latter-day Saints don't even know about them. Instead, we believe in the ordinances and practices of the Apostolic Church that Jesus Christ and His Apostles established (Baptism, the Sacrament, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, etc. ), and the doctrines He and his Apostles taught (Faith, Grace, Repentance, Loving your neighbor). We believe that these doctrines, ordinances, and practices, as well as the Apostolic Priesthood authority to administer them, have been restored in these Latter-days.
And as members of His restored church. We celebrate the birth, life, and teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles. We honor and celebrate the Holy Week, and we rejoice that the Atonement was wrought, but we don't rejoice in or memorialize His death on the Cross. His death was not the end of the Atonement. We believe He still lives. Because we believe that Jesus Christ lives, we believe that the head of our church is not a man but Jesus Christ, who is the Living Head. We believe that He leads us and loves us, just as in before times.
Our focus is on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Billions have died. Christ was the First to conquer death. And because of that. The first weekend of every April, we hold a General Conference of the Church. Where all the living Apostles bear their Apostolic testimony that Christ Lives. And that He leads us today. They speak the words of Christ and teach us His commandments. We honor the life of Jesus Christ by following Him and listening to and obeying His Prophets. I invite you to listen to General Conference that will take place on Easter Weekend (on April 4th and 5th). Everything will be online! For view options, click HERE.
Thanks for this! Love it.
Just like Ash Wednesday and Lent, there is absolutely no scriptural mandate for the endowment. It isn't even in the Book of Mormon or the D&C.
Luke 24:49
This is referring to the Day of Pentecost. Sorry.
Isaiah 22:23, 25
D&C 105, D&C 110
The endowment in the Kirtland temple, which D&C 105 refers to bore absolutely no similarity to what happens in the temple today. The Kirtland "Endowment of Power" was to be a spiritual experience in which the Saints were to see the face of God. For the most part, it didn't happen. Only a precious few claimed to experience anything of that nature. Afterwards, Joseph Smith declared that the Restoration was complete, that all had not finally been restored.
Of course, that wasn't true. Later, in Nauvoo, he continued to "restore" more ordinances.
Jayman, that’s why we have *living* prophets.
Sure, but Joseph Smith was a "living" prophet" when he declared the Restoration to be complete in 1836. He said that he "had now completed the organization of the church and [he] had passed through all necessary ceremonies, that [he] had given [the Saints] all the instruction they needed."
But yet to come was the doctrines of the temple, the endowment, baptism for the dead, the sealing keys, the doctrine of eternal marriage, and all associated ordinances. So, you can't trust a living prophet's words apparently. That is all I am saying.
D&C 124:39
Our living Prophets just like Jesus Christ can only teach principles and commandments, it is up to each individual to exercise faith and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them or judge everything to be unbelievable and act upon your own knowledge. I’m thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life whom testifies to me that the Temple and the Endowments are sacred and I’m also thankful for the right that each of us have to believe what we think is right and to not contend with someone else just because they don’t believe the way we do. This article is an explanation (rather than an attack) of why we don’t participate on certain practices other people do, in the end we would all have to answer about how our actions helped us and those around us to come closer to God and Jesus Christ.
Like your article. Why especial? "The first weekend of every April we hold a General Conference of the Church. Where all the living Apostles bear their especial Apostolic testimony that Christ Lives." Is there some difference or significance in utilizing "especial" vs. special? Thx, Nicole
D&C 27:12 says And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them;
I was always taught that an especial witness was a witness from either the 70 or an Apostle.
Essentially, this is a Roman Catholic tradition. There is no scriptural support for the tradition, but nothing prohibiting it. If the early LDS church leaders came from a Catholic background, not a American Protestant one, the tradition may have survived in the church. Christmas and Easter are good examples of non-scriptural holy festivals we do celebrate.
I'd have to disagree with you Matt. We celebrate Christmas and Easter because of what they represent, both the birth and resurrection of the Savior. I think the author makes a good point when he states that we don't celebrate this Catholic tradition, not because none of the early LDS leaders didn't have a Catholic background, but because the Lord instituted the Sacrament. Simple put, this practice is not found within the Lords's church because the Lord never instituted it.
Good article Jeremy, thanks for sharing your insight!
The endowment was not instituted by Christ, either, but you practice that. Jesus never married anyone eternally, either, but you practice that.
Jayman,
Do you have any evidence that “the endowment was not instituted by Christ” or that “Jesus never married anyone eternally”?
Regardless, I agree with you: just because something isn’t in the scriptures doesn’t mean it’s bad. Most Latter-day Saints celebrate Christmas, too, yet that’s not in the scriptures.
Jay, you have a good point about inquiring and wondering why these things happen, and wanting to understand. However, I would suggest not to get stuck in a rut. If you want to argue, there will always be room for that. If you want understanding, there will always be room for that. There is a scriptural reference in Malachi that prophesied that Elijah the Prophet would return. He brought the keys to perform sealing families together, and other necessary ordinances in the temple.
We have a scriptural reference showing that he did come to the Kirkland Temple. What we don't have is the scriptural reference of what he said and did while he was here. Just because we don't have the scriptural reference, does not mean it did not happen, and the teachings and practices of the church are not true. I have been to the Temple many times, and while participating in those sacred events, I have felt the Spirit of the Lord. There will not be a scriptural reference for everything that happens, for each person to read, or to read and criticize.
I am not reading your comments about what Joseph Smith may have said, or what he declared in context, or the source of those quotes. However, if Joseph Smith thought the Restoration was complete, and said so, then later revealed more things, then obviously he was mistaken. There were obviously more things to be restored.
We can get hung up on every words and phrase that someone says, or we can look for understanding on how and why these things took place.
The prophecy in Malichi applies to no other church, or any other church doctrine, so it it does not apply to us, they who does it apply, or are you suggesting it did not happen, or that it is yet to happen?
Hopefully, you can not only learn the words of God, but learn to understand and feel the spirit of it also.
The 9th article of Faith even says "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."
In the New Testament, Jesus himself says that John the Baptist is the return of Elijah. And while Joseph Smith claims that Elijah returned in 1836 to hand over the sealing keys, he also claimed that he was first commanded to take additional wives starting in 1834, before he had sealing keys. His first plural wife may have been as early as 1833. And then, after he got the sealing keys, he married over a dozen other women BEFORE getting sealed to Emma in 1842.
What did he mean by complete? Maybe that the organization was complete. The priesthood was restored, but o seriously doubt he meant complete as in no more revelation.
Jayman, you have to remember not all things have been revealed to us. We have no scripture that confirms whether Jesus was married or not. Not until after the second coming, then all things will be revealed. D&C 105 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith as The New and Everlasting Covenant.
Just as a heads up, the Church's name is spelled incorrectly. It's "Latter-day" (hyphenated, lower case d), not "Latter Day." (D&C 115:4) The use of "Latter Day" is common among fragments off the church, but is not consistent with our church. 🙂
Agreed. I noticed that too. In fact, this entire article could really use an editor or, at least, someone to look it over again. There are a decent number of typos and such throughout. Good information though -- just needs to be cleaned up a bit.
This is a one man job, I'll look it over again after school today.
Thanks for the feedback.
Interesting blog. How long have you been blogging?
As Jesus went out in the desert at the beginning of his ministry for 40 days and was tempted by Satan, so to do the Catholic Christians fast and pray for 40 days before Easter. It is a time of reflection and personal growth.
There is so much more to Lent than what you wrote in your article.
I do not disagree that Christ fasted for 40 days. But Lent did not became a thing till after the apostles died.
It has more scriptural warrant than the Mormon practice you note. When did that begin?
With Adam. We believe that the Gospel has been given to man in every era of the world.
Masons in Joseph Smith's day also believe that Freemasonry had been given to Adam and passed down through his sons. The Kabbalists also believe that their beliefs are the "original truths" passed down through Adam. Joseph Smith was a Mason. Joseph Smith also was studying Hebrew with a Jewish convert who had some Kabbalistic learning.
You should research Hermeticism. It, too, is a belief system that holds that its doctrine were originally taught to Adam in the Garden of Eden.
A lot of occultic groups, such as the three I mentioned above, have the same belief.
Lent is the time for sacrifice, give up something specific for 40 days, and, as you said most people go right back to it the day Lent ends. LDS people are expected to observe the Law of Sacrifice daily.
Impugning Lent because some who practice it do so with incomplete sincerity is kind of like impugning all Mormons because of an analogous practice - you know, like polygamy?
This blog reveals a pretty shallow understanding of the liturgical season and its significance - not to mention a risible ability to dismiss Catholic practices that are allegedly unbiblical (or apostolic) while championing Mormon practices that arose in the 19th century. And this despite noting Jesus' 40-day temptation and the ancient use of ashes as a sign of penitence.
I take it this is written for a Mormon audience, but I'd suggest having a better grounding in the subject before blundering forth.
The author might have explained that part a bit better. Our practices did not originate in the 19th century; they were restored from the ancient church that Christ founded while in his mortal ministry. If you learn more about the restoration of our church (in the 19th century), you'll see that the keys of the gospel were restored to living men by Peter, James and John and by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who literally appeared to do so. Since Lent was started by men, not by Christ, hundreds of years after his crucifixion and years after His church fell to apostasy, it's never been something that would have been a candidate for inclusion in our religion. I know I'm not explaining this eloquently; I'm simply trying to give some perspective.
You do realize Tricia that the only evidence that Peter, James, and John restored anything is the words of the man who claims that Peter, James and John visited him. This isn't very convincing evidence to the rest of the Christian world. There is no evidence at all of Jesus preaching many of the things Mormons teach. No eternal marriage. No eternal family. Even in the Book of Mormon, these doctrines are not there.
"Like"
Great article, very courageous. I love the article so much I'd like to give a couple of grammar/spelling suggestions if you don't mind?
"But we don’t believe in reacting (do you mean reenacting?) them as many people do during Lent."
"We believe that these doctrines, ordinances, and practices have (been) restored in these latter days."
"Where all the living Apostles bear their especial (special) Apostolic testimony that Christ Lives."
Thank you, I wrote this at 2AM, so thanks for helping revise it!
Get article. It is important that we understand the reasons and the why's. Also for ourselves we should do all we can to get things right. I refer to the spelling of the church's name. It is a small d in Latter-day Saints.
You state that the LDS believe partaking of the sacrament "renews all of our covenants we have made with God" and that "it is the only way to renew any of our covenants."
Is this really correct? I thought it renewed baptismal covenants specifically -- "to take on his name" and all that implies, but does not renew other covenants. In fact a bishop once told me point blank that partaking of the sacrament does NOT renew temple covenants. He did not provide any written authority to that opinion, but neither do you provide authority for your statement about ALL covenants. Do you have source?
I hate to say it, but your bishop was wrong. The sacrament does renew Temple Covenants. An Apostle Delbert L. Stapley taught that, and L. Tom Perry quoted him in 2006 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/as-now-we-take-the-sacrament?lang=eng.
"By partaking of the Sacrament we renew all covenants entered into with the Lord"
~Delbert L. Stapley
Elder Andersen recently said that it is not scriptural that sacrament renews covenants.
There was a time when the sacrament only renewed baptismal covenants. It has since progressed to renew all covenants that the individual has made.
I am not sure if it has progressed so much as our understanding of it has.
I appreciate the write- up, as I have been curious why we do not celebrate Ash Wednesday and Lent. We live in an area with many Catholic friends. And while I appreciate your remarks and knowledge shared, I would also point out it should have been proof-read before you published it. Many punctuation errors make it unprofessional. And the tone comes across a bit condescending to our Catholic friends. Not something I will be sharing on Facebook, but will be information I can use in speaking to friends of other faiths.
While in elementary school, my siblings and I always had "hot lunch". On Fridays, our 'meat' course was always fish sticks. I had no issues with it - I like most of the menu items. I later learned that the fish course on Friday had religious significance; again for the Catholics, I think, but could be wrong -- anyway, which ever denomination weren't supposed to eat meat on Fridays (fish didn't count for some reason). Like I said, it didn't matter to me - in fact, I thought it was a nice gesture on the part of the person(s) planning the menu. I didn't think bias was being shown, but tolerance in a way that could be acceptable to everyone -- those who had no issue with eating meat on Fridays still got a wonderful meal -- and Tuesday or Friday, fish sticks would have been on the menu sometime duirng the week.
I have a Catholic heritage. Ash Wednesday, Lent , and Easter are part of the Liturgical Year. It was introduced in the 10-12th centuries when members did not have access to scripture and when many did not read. Along with the Mass, the liturgical year was developed to teach the people the gospel and the life of Christ. It also helped to focus their devotion, worship, and increase faith. They are beautiful ceremonies full of meaning. We have been blessed with exquisite, transcending music written by great composers for these ceremonies. Although we do not practice them, we should honor them as they kept Christianity alive in the hearts of the humble people. They prepared me to receive the Restored Gospel and I'm grateful for that heritage.
Very well said.This article is a just a tad bit condescending and is to brief an explanation of another church's practices. And is not the Mass the opportunity for Catholics to reflect and repent,which is done weekly?
I am not saying Catholics don't repent weekly, the active Catholics I met while living on the East Coast are some of the best Christians I know.
Every time a Catholic blesses themselves with holy water, they are renewing their baptismal promises. And in the Order of the Mass, there is the Penitential Act at the very beginning. SO the answer is, Yes, Catholics repent every went.
I never said Catholics don't repent daily.
Jerermy sounds like these people are just not listening to what they read lol, i got the disclaimers and i think you did a pretty good job giving basic info about this subject .
I was raised Catholic, I was to be a Nun. However, like most teenagers I fell away from the Church. After having my first child I felt the strong need to return to a church. I looked at many different beliefs and was so blessed to find what I believe to be the true church of Christ restored on this earth. National HOWEVER, the comment you wrote says so much Thank You
I was raised Catholic, I was to be a Nun. However, like most teenagers I fell away from the Church. After having my first child I felt the strong need to return to a church. I looked at many different beliefs and was so blessed to find what I believe to be the true church of Christ restored on this earth. HOWEVER, the comment you wrote says so much Thank You
"We do not observe Ash Wednesday or Lent as it was instituted by man... We have never been subjected to the Catholic church, and as Ash Wednesday and Lent are Catholic practices that pay homage to the scriptures but are not taught by Christ or His Apostles. Both practices started 100’s of years after the death of the Apostles." Your logic is very flawed. I would point out that Christmas (Christ-Mass) and Easter are both holidays that should not be celebrated by Mormons according to your reasoning. They are holidays instituted by man, which pay homage to the scriptures, but were not mentioned by Christ or His Apostles. Both practices, as we know them today, began hundreds of years after the deaths of the Apostles. In fact, any Jehovah's Witness will gladly point out that the holidays have many pagan roots. Even the name of the Easter holiday is of pagan origin.
Anyway, is it really so bad to make a sacrifice and better yourself in memory of Christ once a year, even in addition to the weekly sacrament? Is another way to show commitment to the Gospel of Christ such a bad thing that Mormons should have reason not to celebrate Lent? Speak for yourself, my friend. Any upstanding, temple recommend-holding member of the Church can celebrate Lent if he or she desires to do so. And you know what? I think he would be better for it.
Ash Wednesday or Lent are based on catholic doctrines and teach about the Catholic beliefs.
Christmas and Easter are based on Historical events.
Because we do not believe in the doctrines of the Catholic church we do not celebrate holidays that are about observing said beliefs.
Yet the main point that Benjamin is making, Jeremy, and which I felt was important to point out as well, is that Christmas began as a Catholic Mass to teach the birth of Christ to the body of the Catholic Church. The 25th of December was appointed as the date for the Mass by the Catholic Church as a holy day. The same is true for Easter, as Benjamin points out; it was a Catholic Mass created to teach the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, the date being selected to fall on the same day as a pagan fertility celebration that was determined by the moon The date of Easter is to this day determined by the lunar cycle, not by history. There should have been more research and less assumption about the relationship between Ash Wednesday, Lent, and other holidays before this article was written.
It is flawed logic to suggest that Mormons don't celebrate some Catholic masses because they are not historical. If historicity is the basis for Mormons' practice of religious celebrations, then according to our own scriptural history, we Mormons ought to be celebrating Christmas /and/ Easter on the 6th of April. And, according to the premise of this article, all Protestant, Catholic and secular markers should be removed from those celebrations because they are not grounded in scriptural history. For instance, if Mormons celebrate holy days based on scriptural precedent rather than holidays based on shared cultural tradition, then we should stop decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and hiding Easter baskets. We need to ignore Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, both feast days of Catholic saints. And while we're at it, based on this article Mormons need to just say good-bye to Halloween altogether. Or we can instead acknowledge that Mormons and other Christian denominations have some different and some shared ways of acknowledging major events that are the hallmarks of their religions.
In the meantime, better research, including research into what the general authorities have to say about certain doctrines, is in order. Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated unequivocally as an apostle that blacks would never have the priesthood. When the priesthood was made available to all worthy male members of the LDS church, Elder McConkie was asked about this. His answer? "I was wrong." Yet there were many who left the church quoting Elder McConkie's earlier statement as proof that President Kimball was a fallen prophet leading the church astray. As we learn from this example, one quotation does not a doctrine make. Please verify that Elder Stapley's statement about the sacrament power to renew /all/ covenants is in fact a secure doctrine of the church before reciting one quotation over and over as /the/ authoritative position of the church on the matter of the doctrine of renewing covenants.
Elder Perry quoted him saying it in general conference, and I was also taught it in the Temple by sealers.
Either the sacrament renews them or there is no way to renew them.
Ash Wednesday and Lent are not holidays. Lent is a liturgical season that begins with Ash Wednesday
Christ's 40 day fast is also a historical event, and is not unique to Catholicism.
Jayman,
The free masons did not live at the time of Adam, and if they claim their beliefs came down from Adam, through what Priesthood authority do they claim it from?
The people that built Solomon's Temple were Masons. Some of the Masons were slaves, and some of the Masons were free. The Free Masons evolved from them. So, Joseph Smith as a Mason. Please tell me when the Free Masons or any other group claimed their authority through a Prophet of God? Did Elijah the Prophet restore the temple rights to the Free Masons, or to any of the other groups that have a similar belief? The difference is, even though Joseph Smith was a Mason, Joseph Smith was also a Prophet, called by God himself, and Elijah the Prophet came to him to restore the temple ordinances. That is the difference, it is not just a belief, but a clear line of authority from God himself, to his prophet.
Well, Mormons did not live at the time of Adam, either, but that doesn't stop them from basically considering Adam a Mormon. See my point?
Find an online copy of George Oliver's Antiquity of Freemasonry. It was published just a few years before the First Vision. JS Sr and Hyrum were both masons. This book explains Freemasonry in terms that will sound very familiar to you. It speaks of Freemasonry as the original truth, the original sacred science that was given to Adam and passed down through Seth and Enoch. It speaks about how this truth was corrupted.
Here is a list that has been compiled listing the similarities between this book and Mormonism.
The title page illustration depicts three realms or degrees: the sun, the moon and the stars.
•Masonry was revealed to Adam and transmitted from one person to another through the ages
•“circumscribed”
•“ritual mysteries that were sacredly withheld from all who were not initiated”
•Apostasy occurred when the pure masonry was perverted
•Inspired prophets brought about dispensations by restoring pure masonry through “revealed truth”
•Masonry existed before the creation of the earth
•Many worlds created for the “residence of intelligent beings.”
•Holy scripture to be written after the “apostasy of man.”
•“Pre-existent worlds...sons of God.”
•“There existed also another order of beings before the world was created...expelled from the society of heaven for disobedience.”
•“The angels who kept their first estate.”
•“plants and trees sprung up, in all their beauty and all their variety”
•“two great luminaries to rule...the sun and moon”
•“beasts of every kind”
•“advancing to celestial perfection.”
•“eternal life and ever-increasing happiness... and man would assuredly become equally powerful with God himself.”
•“signs and tokens”
•“sacred assemblies”
•“King, priest and prophet”
•“keep their passion within compass”
•“the power of the priesthood”
•“until we arrive at a perfect knowledge of the truth.”
•“celestial and terrestrial bodies”
•“taught that the gods they worshipped had been mere mortals like themselves.”
•“...state of happiness or misery, to be determined by the deeds done in this probationary state.”
•“the union of Judah and Israel by joining together two sticks.”
•“square and compass point out the sacred source of his faith and the rectitude of his practice.”
•“Joseph gave them the right hand of fellowship.”
•Jethro gave Moses his “education for the priesthood.”
•God gave Moses a “new sign and token.”
•Referring to the true name of God: “He is called Elohim.”
•“The darkness was so thick and palpable that artificial lights could not penetrate it...for the space of three days.”
•“The Five Points of Fellowship.”
•“Fine twined linen.”
•“the two grand luminaries the sun and the moon, for as the former rules the day and that latter the night...”
•“The tabernacle was said to be an emblem of the three worlds, the terrestrial, the celestial and the angelic.”
•“The Urim and Thummim signify perfect lights and hence the information derived from their use was not of the ambiguous cast of heathen oracles , but of that clear and perfect nature which could not be misunderstood.”
Great article! While I understand why, I feel it's a shame that we don't celebrate Lent and Ash Wednesday. I worked for the Methodist and Catholic churches as a pianist a few years ago. Each Sunday between Christmas and Easter they preached of what was going on in Christ's life. I found Easter so much more enriching after "observing" Lent and Holy Week (in my own Mormon way) because I felt sadness of Good Friday and the joyfulness of Easter so much more. Everything seemed to build toward Easter. Lent made it easier for me to focus on the Savior. Even though I no longer work for the Catholic church, my family and I will definitely be participating in Holy Week Services somewhere!
My family has a devotional book that we read for holy week, teaching us the value and importance of each day.
A simple 'Thank You', Jeremy.
That was a great & clear summary so I have an idea why. I knew that it had Catholic origins, though the symbols used are based on scriptural 'references'. Good to know.
Thanks Again.
An informative article about the origins and significance of Lent and Ash Wednesday would've been great. Tacking on the "We don't practice it because we're awesomer", is really pointless and undermines what could have been a helpful attempt at increasing awareness and understanding.
Also, the point about people not participating in Ash Wednesday being persecuted? Come on. Anecdotally, I've seen plenty of people mocked for having ash on their forehead at work and in public, NEVER the other way around.
Can you imagine a group of ashen foreheaded coworkers huddled in the breakroom whispering, "I can't believe Jones doesn't have a cross on his forehead today. I thought he was a faithful Christian"?
I added that part from experience. When you are in a heavily Catholic area and you don't have the cross you are judged. But the same goes if you do have it, and you are not in a heavily catholic area, so I will add that point Mack.
This is very true. I live in a heavily Catholic area and you are judged if you don't have the ashes on your forehead.
Now answer me this, why DO Mormons practice the pagan holidays of Easter and Christmas which where instituted long before Christ's advent and are actually ancient Sun God Worshiper's "Holy Days" These "celebrations" were "modified" by the Catholic Church to "Christianize" them. Were not the Israelites instructed by the Lord to not partake in the wicked abominations of the pagans?
Ash Wednesday or Lent are based on catholic doctrines and teach about the Catholic beliefs.
Christmas and Easter are based on Historical events.
Because we do not believe in the doctrines of the Catholic church we do not celebrate holidays that are about observing said beliefs.
Ash Wednesday and Lent are based on Liturgy, not just a Catholic doctrine. You should research Liturgy, I believe you would find something there. I've appreciated how you've taken constructive criticism from others in this post, so I hope you'll receive this as such.
Liturgy, by definition is, a form or formulary according to which public religious worship, especially Christian worship, is conducted.
My point is, when the practice of anything (ceremony, ritual, rite, etc) becomes the point of doing something, or, the "why", then there is no point in doing that practice.
The purpose of Ash Wednesday, and Lent are to help us remember what Christ did. The point of it all is that He did it. I would practice, and not celebrate Lent, because it helps me to remember what He did.
It is especially a reminder that without Christ doing that, without Him saving us, then there is no point to life itself, as we can't save ourselves. Which consequently is where many of us go wrong with all these practices; trying to do something which can "save" us.
Anyway, my point made simple: Liturgy is simply a practice (organizationally recognized, Catholic, LDS, Baptist, etc) that should help us to focus on the "why" instead of the "what" (the ritual itself).
Jesus' resurrection is my why. His, having to suffer and die for me, is my why. I am a sinner, in need of a savior, all day, everyday. My why, shouldn't point to me, but to Jesus. So that He may be glorified through all things I do, and even the things I fail at.
Actually except for the fact that Christ was born and he died and was resurrected, Christmas and Easter have zero historical connection with the Biblical record. NOTHING about the Christmas tradition is biblical. One example, He was born in the early fall, not the Winter Solstice as Christmas is. Santa Clause was not there. There are too many discrepancies to list them all but suffice it to say, the holiday has nothing to do with the truth.
He did not die on Friday and was not resurrected on Sunday. It is easily proved from the Biblical texts that he was crucified on Wednesday and was resurrected on Saturday.
I would be wary of worshiping God based on ceremonies that are loosely 'based on historical events', per Jer 10:2, Jos 24:14, 1 COR 5:8, etc., etc.
Only fools would think that he was born on Dec 25th. BUT that is the day we pay homage to His Birth. And we have 0 texts that give the exact date of his birth or death. But those events happened. And within when we do celebrate Easter and Christmas at church it is about Christ, not Santa, or Bunnies. We hold no ill will towards them but we speak and preach of his birth, life and resurrection.
Doctrine & Covenants 20:1- "The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month, which is called April---" Doesn't that give the exact date of Jesus Christ's birth as revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith for our modern days?
That was common writing practice and an introduction.
Personally I believe it, and I believe Christ was born on April 6th, BUT it does not matter what day, or what year. What matters is He was born. He lived, died, and Lives again.
If anyone celebrated Valentine's Day today, they are celebrating a Catholic feast day. St Valentine was a Catholic martyr
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Comment on LeAnne Marie RidgeQueen's post
Don't get me wrong . . . . I'm not a Roman Catholic. However, the description of why the Ash Wednesday cross has nothing to do with what was typed into this article. It is a celebration. I know that the Roman Catholics would disagree with the description, but I can only speak from Liberal Catholic belief. In the Liberal Catholic Church there is no confession. Instead of arguing what is wrong about what you posted, let me share with you the prayer that is offered at the time of the preparation of the ash: "O God, who in the mystery of thy boundless love didst breathe forth thine own divine life into thy universe and and art thyself the continual source of its existence, stretch forth, we pray thee, the right hand of thy power over these ashes, which have in divers ways been purified, and fill these ashes with heavenly grace and blessing; grant that whosoever shall receive these ashes may be enlightened in heart and mind and serve thee in all good works." And from the service, the teaching: "In days of old before the the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord, the ancient wise men instructed the people in the Mysteries of Resurrection by presenting the story of the phoenix, the heavenly bird who came to a new life through fire and ashes. From the ashes of its old life, the phoenix rose to heaven, glorified and dedicated to God. Following the tradition from of old, to those who have ears to hear, the Church teaches that the legendary phoenix is type and shadow of the life of Christ, and on this day, ashes are received, not with sorrow or shame, but with joy, as a mark of Christ's Power, which is every Christian's renewal and strength." Dear sister, it is through correct, clear communication of our own beliefs that we foster love and connection between us. We are all equal. In love, let us respect each other for Christ's sake.
Hi there! My grandmother was raised Mormon and converted to the Catholic Church when she married so I'm familiar with both and I have a bit to say here in defense of Holy Mother Church:
John 20:23 "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
This is the scriptural evidence for Confession. Christ gave the apostles authority to forgive sins. All the Sacraments; Baptism, Confession, Confirmation, Communion, Holy Orders, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, are grounded in scripture. The Church teaches that each sacrament is an encounter with Christ and therefore endows special graces and mercy on the participants. So of course you can see that Confession in this light would be very beneficial to the "welfare of souls"! Cleaning the soul but also nourishing the soul in a way that will defend him from future sin. Asking Christ for Divine Grace to fill in the gaps of our humanity. Confession is a great way to prepare for partaking in any Sacred Season or other Sacrament i.e. before Christmas or before Communion. Like cleaning your home before company comes-if you're going to let Christ into your heart clean it out so you may allow him to fully restore you!
As far as Ash Wednesday, this is a tradition--not Sacred tradition which is different and it would take a longer time to go into than I have right now with little ones running all over the house! But there are many beautiful and eloquent articles about the difference and the relationship between Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
Ash Wednesday is more cultural and a beautiful start to our 40 days of lent--the season of preparation for Easter. Both Christmas Season and Easter Season have seasons of preparation (Advent and Lent) ascribed to them. I would think that a Mormon would understand the value of a whole season devoted to preparation!! Ya'll are all about preparation--I've seen your pantries!! The ashes symbolize where we came from and where we are going. We receive them BEFORE the Holy Eucharist in mass on Ash Wednesday. This is very important timing because it emphasizes that without Christ we perish. Then we take the Eucharist and He enriches us for our fast ahead.
Moses prepared for 40 days to meet God on Mount Sinai, and the Jews wandered for 40 years in the desert, AND Christ went to the desert and fasted for 40 days. And we prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate Holy Week and Easter.
I would like to gently point out that without Christ's Passion and Death we would not have the Resurrection. Celebrating and emphasizing his Resurrection is important--in fact Catholics celebrate a WHOLE SEASON of Easter not just one day, but we would be amiss to not visit the way of the cross in light of our suffering here on Earth. Christ's suffering endows ours with potential and purpose.
Matthew 16: 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Fasting is not the only principle of Lent. We are supposed to also emphasize prayer, almsgiving and fasting during this Holy and solemn season. The purpose is to draw close to Christ and deny ourselves in order that we may draw closer to our Lord.
In Christ,
Cassie
John 20:23 is Christ explaing the Apostolic priesthood power, that power was held by Apostles and was lost with the last of the Apostles.
The problem is after the death of the Apostles an apostasy happened, Christain doctrine was changed and the Priesthood was removed from the earth because people rejected it. HUNDREDS of years later the Catholic church picked up the fragments of the now apostate Christianity and organized it to preserve what was left of Christianity, but in the process men like Augustine changed it even more with false doctrines like abject depravity.
As Roger Williams put it. “The apostasy… hath so far corrupted all, that there can be no recovery out of that apostasy until Christ shall send forth new apostles to plant churches anew.”
Interesting... I've never heard of this before. Why does the Mormon church teach that the power of the priesthood was lost after the death of the Apostles? What historical text does the Mormon church use as the basis of such a brood apostasy?
It uses the writing of Joseph Smith, who needed all other churches to be wrong to promote his own. But he was just a man of his times. There was a big "Restorationist" movement going on in the country at the time. Alexander Campbell is one of the most prominent Restorationist preachers at the time. He young pupil just happened to be none other than Sidney Ridgon himself, who later broke away from the Campbellite Movement and took his followers with him to Joseph Smith's group. The concept of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel (faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost) was originally a Campbellite concept.
The Catholic church does not teach the doctrine of total depravity, even if it was a theology put forth by Augustine. It was his personal thinking but not accepted by the Magisterium. There are Protestant churches who do believe in it. If you want to know what the Catholic Church really teaches (i.e. the Magisterial office) I recommend the Catechism of the Catholic Church and not the internet or Google
I didn't grow up in the LDS church nor in the Catholic church. I grew up in a small Protestant faith that adopted the concept of Lent as a season of additional focus on sacrificing something that kept you from a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. This is the intention and spirit I approach observing the 40 days of Lent before Holy Week even though I am now a active LDS member. As President Uchtdorf of the LDS First Presidency shared in talk in the 2009 Christmas devotional about an Advent wreath his family used growing up was a tradition that aided his family to remember the gifts of the birth of the Messiah (hope, love, joy & peace). This example, to me, gives explanation that many traditions of men miss the true meaning by blind obedience rather then heartfelt seeking a closer relationship with the Savior. Keeping proper perspective allows LDS members and individuals of all faiths an opportunity to grow, learn and be edified by the experience. True Mormons may not participate in the 'man made' traditions of Ash Wednesday or Lent, but the spirit of these practices can be respected, honored and practiced by any believer to gain insight into the work and glory of our Heavenly Father.
If you go to the root of AW/L you find scriptural base, we follow the scriptural base, and those laws, we just don't take part in where the doctrines of men got mingled in.
I understand the reasons we don't do Ash Wednesday or Lent (Catholic inventions), although many protestant denominations do also. What has always bothered me is how little we LDS celebrate Easter overall, and Holy Week leading up to it. After all, Easter is the most important season of our faith, not Christmas, which we celebrate prolifically, even though we know Dec. 25th is nowhere near the date of Christ's birth. (Joseph Smith once said it was April 6th) Here in AZ, we have the Mesa Easter Pageant, but, we're somewhat unique in the Church. The local wards, stakes, regions, and even at SLC, there are no real special celebrations for Easter, Palm Sunday, or the other days leading from Palm Sunday to Easter. People need these symbologies celebrated in their faith to remind them of their beliefs. (Else, why do we make such a big deal of the Christmas season?) (In the interest of full disclosure; I have background in a protestant faith, and Roman Catholicism, though I've been LDS for 35 years)
I totally agree, I am writing something about why as Mormons we need to celebrate Holy Week better.
I appreciated learning more about this topic. I wish there weren't quite so many typos! Otherwise it's a great piece I'd gladly like to share.
If you point any out, I'd love to correct them.
In Job 42:5-6, it says, I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you.
Therefore I disown what I have said and repent in dust and ashes.
Ash Wednesday has its origins from Jewish traditions of repentance. We are rememinded
to repent! The 40 days of Lent represent the 40 years of Exile of the Iseralites and the 40 days
of Jesus in the Wilderness in Matthew 4:1-11
Lent is a time for all Christians to rededicate their lives to prayer, fasting, and giving.
We are to renew and purify our lives, and Lent is a time set aside to help us in our
Continuous renewal in Christ's Love.
Please do not distort this beautiful message. With much respect and Christ's Love, I share this message as a Catholic with much respect for your faith.
Ash Wednesday and Lent does not have its "origins" in scripture. It pays homage to scriptures but the rest is doctrines of man.
The scripture part is true events, but that does not mean the practice as a Catholic holiday started then.
At the oldest it is 5th century, as that is when the Catholic church was created.
I Love this arcticle! Skeptic at first to read because of those fighting Christ and His Church-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-. Through the deceit of the evil one who has blinded the eyes and ears of our brothers and sisters has so cleverly infiltrated the internet with his lies. I am careful of what I read .
I was baptized i the chatolic church and has been attending the chatolic church for years. The lent is very meaningful to me as it prepares and reminds people to the easter. It is such a miss that LDS church do not celebrate it. I believe eventhough it is not scriptural God does not prohibit it. You are just missing it if not celebrating it.
Ashes on the forehead represent that we are sinners and the cross represents o have a savior. It also represents that we were made by ashes and we will return to ashes
Wasn't Palm Sunday, Passover, and Lent meant to show the sacrifices as well as the triumphants of Jesus Christ and his Ministry on the earth both Old and New Testaments?
Yes, Passover, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter are all Biblical and we believe in them. We believe our weekly sacrament is in memorial of the Passover.
Great article, sparking great discussions....so glad to see so many focused on knowing more about the Savior and learning all we can. Truly believe as we genuinely draw nearer unto Him, He will draw nearer unto us. Especially love the comment about being careful not to get stuck in a rut...we are all mere mortals, most of our knowledge is gained and strengthened in faith. (not supposed to have all the answers all at once). Staying on the straight and narrow and doing the best we can, will guide us all toward our heavenly home <3
I like w h at you have said, especially concerning respecting others choice of worship. So important in being a Christian. I will point out that"100's is not possessive, but plural. The same rule applies to "churches," it is also plural, not possessive. Again, I like what you say, which is much more important.
I appreciate you taking the time to explain why Mormons do not participate in Ash Wednesday and Lent.
I think it's kind of silly for people to get critical of the writing errors. It's not difficult to know what you mean.
There needs to be more love in the world and less criticism-- More focus on the intent of the post (educating people on why Mormons do not participate in Ash Wednesday or Lent) rather than picking apart writing and grammar.
My sisters and I all have blogs and we do not have editors to go over our work before posting.
Thank you for this post. I personally appreciated it very much.
When two Elder approached me in Year 2004, a different feeling I had that day. Now I compared to our Prophet Joseph Smith called on the Woods by Heavenly Father sides by Jesus Christ. My Life now changes with directions keeping my Holy Ghost alive on me not letting to go away from me. Reading the Book of Mormon, Scriptures and Bibles always with me all the time. Although I only one ☝️ who was an LDS member in the Family, letting them know my Life been changed. I proud to be a Mormon.
The practice of giving up meet for lent is restricted to Friday's and does not include fish.
Thanks hopefully people will understand our belief's in our church.
There’s all kinds of typo’s in this. Great article though !
Sorry, this is an older article I had written. I have gone back and tried to update it.
Jesus Christ lives, he overcame death so that's why why Mormons don't do any ritual that memories his death. Jesus lives and he will always live and that's how he should be praised and worshipped.
The Ash is mixed with olive oil. I do not know if it has a religious meaning or just that it stays better on your forehead
It's symbolic. Olive oil is a common ritual substance in many Abrahamic religions.
Mormoms is a nickname, given to us by other people. The full name of our church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or when abbreviated LDS
Thank you for this article. I appreciate the insight and don't listen to those that can't get past some spelling errors. We need to remember that we are all human and it's not the end of the world.
Article is good. I am LDS but grew up Catholic. There’s an error here. Catholics don’t repent only during lent. That’s a misleading statement.
I believe that the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints is de lord's kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love, honor and obey to the best of my ability, all the teachings, doctrines, covenants and ordinances of the Church. Thank you for this article. I love and honor all people and religious practices that are correctly and honorably lived. I just have one 'tiny' comment -- your grammar, spelling and punctuation really needs to be carefully proof-read before publication. That is all 🙂 -- Again, thanks for this great article <3 🙂
During my days in public school, I usually had the school lunch. Friday's we always had fish (I learned later) because of Catholic students in the school system who were not supposed to eat meat on Fridays (or at least certain Fridays). Personally, I thought fish was meat, but I'm not hear to argue that concept.
What I did learn about myself was that, as a Latter-day Saint, I wasn't at all troubled by this concession from the school district in supporting certain beliefs / practices of Catholics, or any other denomination, for that matter. It didn't hurt me a bit to eat fish sticks on Fridays.
If a friend shows up for work with an ash cross on his/her forehead, okay -- why should this be offensive to me? It's not. I also hope that if one of my religious customs should be manifest in public (fasting, or what ever) that such support would be offered to me too.
No we don’t