10 Things Most Americans Don't Know About Mormons.
Mormons, just the word often evokes strong emotions. But often, it also carries a lot of misconceptions. As a Latter-day Saint who lived in the "Buckle" of the Bible Belt, I always had people asking what religion I was, I would always tell them "I am a Latter-day Saint" very quickly as I would talk the would realize they had heard of Latter-day Saints by their nickname of Mormon. Then I had something that shocked me, a lot of people admitted: "I don't know anything about Mormons." So here are 10 things most Americans don't know about Mormons!
Before we start, I invite you to like my Facebook page. My Life By Gogo Goff
1st. There Is No Such Thing As "The Mormon Church"
People all the time refer to the "Mormon Church." But there is no such thing as the Mormon church. Mormon is a nickname given to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We don't even call ourselves Mormons, we call ourselves Latter-day Saints. We are followers of Christ. The First Article of Faith reads: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." But because most of the world is familiar with our nickname, we respond to it. For more info see https://www.comeuntochrist.org/about-us
2nd. The Book Of Mormon Is Meant To Support, Not Replace, The Bible.
The purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Christ. One of the other main purposes of the Book of Mormon is to support the Bible's testimony of Christ. In the words of Russell M. Nelson “Love for the Book of Mormon expands one’s love for the Bible and vice versa. Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible.” One of the Church's largest missionary efforts is its free bible program. For more about how Latter-day Saints view the bible see https://www.comeuntochrist.org/beliefs/holy-bible
3rd. There Are More Latter-day Saints Outside The USA Than Inside.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was started in upstate New York on April 6th, 1830; since then it has become a global faith. Of the 16+ million members, less than 50%, or 6.6 million, of the members of the Church live in the United States. Also, there are more members of the Church in Africa than in Europe! And more in Asia than both Africa and Europe combined.
4th. The Relief Society Is One Of The Largest Women's Organization In The World.
Latter-day Saints have always been at the forefront of empowering women. Before Utah became a state women had the right to vote, well before national suffrage, and they also had the right to own land unlike many areas of the nation. Latter-day Saints women are also part of one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world, the Relief Society. For more about the role of Latter-day Saints women see this video the church produced.
5th. It Was Legal To Kill A Latter-day Saint Until 1976.
Any Star Wars fan knows of Order 66, (where the Emperor ordered the extermination of the Jedi), but every American should know of Executive Order 44.
After confiscating the guns from the Latter-day Saints in Missouri and promising that the government would protect them, on Oct 28, 1838, the Governor of Missouri issued Missouri Executive Order 44, simply known as "The Extermination Order." Which in part read: "The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state if necessary for the public peace." It was on these grounds that the Latter-day Saints were murdered and driven out of the state in the dead of winter. They became religious refugees that the people of Illinois took in.
It was not until June 25th, 1976, that then-Governor Christopher S. Bond apologized and rescinded the extermination order. To read Governor Bond's Rescission Order click here.
6th. There Was A "Mormon Battalion."
After the Assassinations of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage Illinois, the Governor of Illinois asked Brigham Young and the Latter-day Saints to leave Nauvoo Illinois. Asking for protection and being denied by the government and fearing mob violence, they fled Nauvoo in the middle of the winter, once again religious refugees. Halfway through Iowa on their way to Utah, the Latter-day Saints refugees were approached by the US Army. The same Government that stood idle as they were driven from their homes now was soliciting able-bodied men to fight in the war against Mexico.
At the behest of Brigham Young over 500 men joined the army forming the "Mormon Battalion." They engaged in a nearly 2,000-mile-long march, the longest infantry march in US Military History, from Iowa to Los Angeles, California. They arrived in the Southwest right as the war ended. They fought in no battles. However, the Veterans did help build many of the government buildings in San Diego and Los Angeles and built roads and schools. Once they were discharged they rejoined their families in Utah. However, some went to Northern California to earn enough funds to migrate home.
7th. Latter-day Saints Helped Discover Gold In California.
James W. Marshall was the overseer of the construction of Sutter's Mill in Northern California. His crew consisted of many Veterans of the Mormon Battalion who were working to save money to migrate to Utah. It was this crew that found the gold in the riverbed on January 24, 1848. The discovery of gold sparked the California Gold Rush in 1849. Eventually, the veterans of the Mormon Battalion were able to return home blazing the trail over the Sierra Mountains that countless prospectors would traverse, returning home with over $17,000 worth of Gold to help the Saints in Utah.
*Cool fact about this. Heber C. Kimball prophesied that the Saints in Utah would be able to buy "states goods" (IE stoves, China, and other luxuries) items in Salt Lake City cheaper than they could be bought in New York (where they were manufactured). Many members doubted this prophecy. But as prospectors entered Utah they sold their luxury items to the Saints in SLC to resupply before crossing the Sierra desert and mountains. Thus fulfilling the prophecy. See The Life of Heber C. Kimball by Orson F. Whitney, p. 388-391.
8th. Joseph Smith Was The First Presidential Candidate To Be Assassinated.
In US Political history there have been many assassinations. But the first President/Presidential candidate to be assassinated was Joseph Smith. Many people are unaware that Joseph petitioned Congress for protection from the brutality shown to the Saints in Missouri, when they turned him down he turned to the President who also turned him down. Finally, he turned to the candidates for president, after all of them refused to pledge support and protection Joseph with no other options left declared he would run for President of the United States.
It was in the middle of his campaign that he was assassinated in Carthage Illinois becoming the first presidential candidate, or president, to be assassinated. After his assassination, many of his murderers actually ran for (and held) public office bragging about their role in the assassination of Joseph Smith. Oh and just in case you were wondering, no we don't worship Joseph Smith, we only Worship God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ.
9th. Latter-day Saints Missionaries Are Not Paid.
Everyone has seen Latter-day Saints missionaries before, but what most people don't realize is that they are not paid. As a matter of fact, they often pay their own way, sometimes with help from family and friends, to the tune of $10,000 USD. Do they get College scholarships? Nope. A job when they get home? Nope. Their reward is sharing what they love so much with others and seeing their lives improve. So the next time you see the missionaries realize they are not traveling salesmen, but rather they are true Christians in every sense of the word following the great commission of Jesus to take the gospel to every creature.
10. Temples Are Sacred, Not Secret.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Latter-day Saints is that the temples are secret and that non-members are not allowed into them. This could not be further from the truth. Every temple has an open house where everyone is invited to come and see all the rooms in the temple. After the temple is dedicated, then, just like in ancient days, only those who are keeping God's commandments and have prepared themselves can enter the temple. No one is restricted from entering the temple if they are willing to prepare.
Here is a short video about temples.
Also, the church posts pictures of what the inside of a Latter-day Saint temple looks like. It is important to remember that when Latter-day Saints build a temple they try to build a structure that will bring awe and reverence, and just like in the Old Testament, they often are breathtaking! Click Here for some pictures of the temple in Paris!
Great post. Is it possible to edit for grammatical accuracy?
Thanks. I run it through 2 grammar programs, but I just redid it and corrected a few mistakes.
Really enjoyed this. Thank you,
A few needed adjustments:
Point 2
"One of the other main purposes of the Book of Mormon is to support the *Bibles* testimony of Christ." {Should be *Bible's*}
Point 5
"Any Star Wars fan knows of order 66, (where *there* Emperor ordered the extermination of the Jedi)," {Should be *their*}
AND
"It was not until June 25th 1976, that then Governor Christopher S. Bond apologized and rescinded the *exclamation* order." {Should be *extermination*}
Point 7
"His crew consisted of many Veterans of the Mormon Battalion who were working ** save money to migrate to Utah." {Add the word *to*}
Point 8
"After his assassination, many of his *murders* actually ran for (and held) public office bragging about their role in the assassination of Joseph Smith." {Should be *murderers*}
Point 9
"*In* a matter of fact, they often pay their own way, sometimes with help from family and friends, to the tune of $10,000 USD." {Should be *As*}
Thanks for the catches. I've corrected the mistakes.
Here's another needed correction... "The First article of Faith in reads:" remove in.
Thanks! Fixed.
Well done! Thank you! ❤️❤️
Love it! Thank you for sharing!!
This mobile device ready page is hard to read on a desktop monitor and laptop. Each line of text extends 19.5 inches across my monitor and the font is a bit too small for a desktop monitor.
Maybe create pages that adapt to the device and browser of the reader?
Thank you.
My apologizes, I will look into this.
My apologies, I will look into this.
Thank you Jeremy. The page looks a lot better and easier to read with the wide margins and narrow lines of text.
#7 should be, Mormons Helped Discover Gold In California. Mormons is used as plural, not possessive.
Oops, thanks for the catch!
According to our Prophet we should refer to our membership as Latter day Saints. Not Mormons.
Hope I can watch the videos about the temple..
I just tap the button play video but it just went white.. I couldn't see any play of the video..
Here is the link https://www.facebook.com/ILoveTheTemple/videos/1957574497829095/
There is absolutely nothing wrong with members identifying themselves as "Christians"!!
Correct, I am a Christian Latter-day Saint.
keep up the good work and thank you for all you do.
Excellent article, thank you.
Very informative it added to my knowledge about the church i testify the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints isctge only true and living church here on earth today...
Tess, "the only true and living church here on Earth today"? Really? Your truth is the only truth? So your argument/belief is I'm right, you're wrong? Or is it just because, "narrow is the gate" and you believe you are fortunate enough to walk through?
Billy, I hope I can help clear up any misunderstanding. Tess's testimony of the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is echoed by God Himself, as recorded in what we hold as modern scripture (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/1.30?lang=eng). He even used the same words, "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth." But when members of the Church use those words, we don't use them out of spite or disrespect toward other religions (we respect and cooperate extensively with other denominations); rather we use those words out of conviction for our own religion. We hold to the fact that truth is objective and universal, that two truths cannot contradict one another. Therefore, our belief that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established by Christ Himself means that any teachings contradictory to those of the Church are not true.
That does not mean, however, that we believe everyone else is eternally lost. We believe other churches have some or even most of the truth but that they lack many important truths, as well as divine authority to perform ordinances necessary for salvation. And we believe that everyone who has ever lived, currently lives, or will one day live will have opportunities to discover its truth for themselves and hopefully accept it.
In short, it is the "only true" church because it is Christ's Church, the same one He established during His mortal ministry in AD 30. It is the only "living" church because it is the only one still led by Christ Himself through living prophets. That is what we believe and know to be true.
I hope that helps to understand what we mean by that.
I haven't had a chance to read it all. Butit is question I have had & people have asked me.k
Thanks for your post! One correction though, the church wasn't started in New York, it was restored in New York.
A very good overview of what most people ask about the LDS Church. This is extremely important as outside impressions are MOSTLY UNTRUE. I have found the LDS people to be happy, loving family people, who love & worship GOD & JESUS.
I agree. And where we can improve, let's improve.
"Let us reach out in friendship and love to our neighbors, including those of other faiths, thus helping to build better family-to-family relationships and greater harmony in our neighborhoods. Remember, too often our behavior is a bigger deterrent to others than is our doctrine. In the spirit of love for all men, women, and children, help them to understand and to feel accepted and appreciated."
M Russell Ballard
It Is So Good To See This Article Address These Questions that are So Frequently asked and misunderstood. I do hope people will read this and gain a true knowledge of what Christ's Church is really about! It isn't a church that was started & God looked at it and chose it as His. It is Jesus' Church that He restored through Joseph Smith and was the one He began while He was on the earth. All converts accept The Church of Jesus Christ's Teachings, Not The Church of Joseph Smith's Teachings.
I think you need to remember that when Jesus talks about his Church...he is talking about his people...we are the church..not a denomination. What about these facts.
—-Do you read books outside of what your church believes? I believe you are told not to.
—-the Bible clearly states in the TenCommandments to keep the sabbath day holy. You worship on Sunday...if Jesus we’re here today....which day would he worship on? The day of worship was changed by the Catholic Church not Jesus. If you truly follow God...should you not follow the Commandments and worship the true sabbath.
—In you temple worship you promise to Keep secrets or you will slit your throats, your bowels...this is a secret ceremony and does not follow the Bible. Temple ceremonies were no longer needed after Christ was crucified because prophecy was fulfilled.
—the Bible states that we are saved by grace and not by works. That all we need to do is ask him into our hearts.
Ahhh, let me go point by point.
1st. No, we read other churches books, I have a two of them on my bookshelf! One about the beliefs of the Catholics (a gift from a devout Catholic friend), and another a Christmas present from my mom which is basically an overview of the Baptist faith. I LOVE other faiths books, as I can see the light that they half, and where the apostasy has blinded them.
2nd. The Bible does clearly teach the worship God on the 7th day. But in D&C 59 we are commanded by God to worship Him on Sunday and to have that as the day we offer up our oblations. Not culture, but because of commandment by God.
3rd. We don't do that in the temple.
4th. By grace we are saved, but it is only by obedience that we are exalted. James teaches that without works your faith is dead.
Proclaim His Name with His Church
Dear Jeremy;
Thank you for your great efforts to dispel myths and inject truths. You have collected a great body of work to share and shed valuable light for greater understanding. I pray it continues to be well received.
Yet, in my humble opinion, we have seriously missed a most crucial point... Our Divine Savior named at the helm of His Church.
The Holy Bible references over 100 different names for Our Dear Lord, i.e., The Anointed One, The Lamb, King of Kings, The Chosen, Lord of Lords, Messiah, The way, etc. Further, scholars often refer to his Hebrew name (akin to the name Joshua) as Yeshua and his full name during His mortality as Yeshua HaMashiach.
Over time and through many transliterations, Our Savior became known as Jesus (in short, from Hebrew 'Yeshua' to Greek 'Iesous' to Latin 'Iesvs'), along with the glorified Greek title of "The Christ" added and, thus, His common name, Jesus Christ. Although His Church is named by Him, accordingly, His Name is also uniquely known to many peoples in Indigenous tongues from around the globe. Yet, He is never-changing and forever and always the same. He Is "The Great I Am."
Today, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have been asked by President Nelson, our Modern-Day Prophet, to utilize the full name and not the shortened nickname of His Church, for He is The Founder and Head of His Church. To use any variation without sharing His Name first with His Church diminishes His role and, inadvertently, slightens Our Lord.
Whether we become His true saints or not, is for us to fully commit and for Him alone to determine. So to classify our religion and ourselves only as the abreviated "Latter-Day Saints (LDS)" can be quite confusing to others. For instance, they may witness our shortcomings and wonder, "Why?" or possibly adopt the wrong thinking that we feel more valued than they. Such harmful misunderstanding might even cause some to feel excluded from seeking Our Savior and, sadly, may even result in missing out on some of His immeasurable and eternal blessings.
We may also, unknowingly, be denying to others Our Savior's full position and ultimate authority in His very Church, as well as His priority in our hearts and lives.
Thus, by pairing His Name with His Church, we, His devout believers, must always recognize Him in gratitude and give All Glory to Him. For we are among all of humanity as invited guests to His Banquet Table and to partake if we so choose to attend and receive. He loves each of us and we are equally welcomed to dine and commune with Him.
As believers, followers, subcribers, and members, we know we must also always remember His Great Sacrifice for our Atonement, which afforded us His Divine Grace and Mercy.
Then, knowing all He has done for us, can we not, at the very least, sacrifice the brief time it takes to always gratefully share His Name with His Church?
Attaining exaltation is His Hope for all, as we strive to learn, accept and adhere to His Teachings. Yet, the term "Latter-Day Saints" does not nescessarily mean we are instantly deemed spiritually complete or attain any better status above any other seeker. Latter-Day Sainthood is our goal through His Latter-Day Gospel Restoration; which was returned from His Original Church in His mortal time to now, His New Era.
The Good Shepard invites us all 'To Come' with Him by taking the steps towards baptism into His Flock. Yet, 'To Follow' Him is another continuous step. It is is to join Him in seeking to become apprentice shepards and to help Him find and love His lost flock so they may, too, have opportunity to return to His Fold. By reciting His Name with His Church, it is another means to call out to His lost sheep...for one day they might hear and heed His appeal to return back home from afar.
As members, we have opportunity to spread and praise the Good Word and Works of His Gospel...especially when we share His Name with His Church.
We may also remove and eliminate the further confusion of others in the world as they may recognize our direct alignment with Him and His family of followers, known as Christians. When we proclaim His Name, eventually His Church will also become more readily known and recognized and, subsequently, investigated by others.
Are we not, then, all proud members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?
As clay in the hands of The Great Potter, it is up to each of us to determine which way we may fold.
Jesus s 1 & All! 🙂
President Nelson's recent Conference Address:
"When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be and even precedes His declaration with, “Thus shall my church be called,” He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended.
What’s in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the “LDS Church,” the “Mormon Church,” or the “Church of the Latter-day Saints,” the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name. To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan. When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement."
Some people think we use the noun "Saint" in its widely-used sense of "someone who is known to have made it safely into Heaven."
They don't understand that we use it in its New Testament sense to mean "a follower of Jesus."
@t green, Thank you! I, too am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not a Latter-day Saint, or a Mormon.
Good job Jeremy. As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since 1970, I have never doubted my decision. I have also never been offended by the title Mormon, because it then gave me an opportunity to explain, after I shared the real name of the Church, that it was a nickname because we believe The Book of Mormon, is another testament and a second witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Depending on their interest level, I would often explain that it is the "Stick of Joseph", spoken of in Ezekiel 37 and that it is a historical record of the Lord's guidance through prophets in the western hemisphere to "His other sheep" which He spoke of to His original 12. I also refer to John the revelator seeing "another Angel" flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting Gospel to preach to every kindred tongue and people, and that an ancient prophet, Moroni, was that Angel destined to give instruction and the sacred record to Joseph Smith who would be an instrument of the Lord to restore those saving ordinances that had been lost through the apostasy and the dark ages. I might also make reference to the New Testament verse about the many things Jesus did, that if they were all written, the world would not be able to contain all the books. (some paraphrasing here on my part.) I then share one of the many verses through out the book of Mormon, the words of the prophet Mosiah,"there shall be no other name given nor any means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." That is my testimony as well.
Fabulous job! Thank you for the time and work you put into this!
I am not a latter day saint. The media takes Christ out to shorten the name. I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ or a Member of the church Jesus Christ of latter-day saints.
Great article to help people understand just what the Church is about. However, before it continues to be reposted another point of truth should replace the statement of not being compensated when serving a mission. As to the recent changes made to offering return missionaries admission into BYU. The thing about having a prophet that receives continual revelation, sometimes things change.
True, that is new. I will make a quick edit.
Jeremy,
Thank you. Don't know how I stumbled upon your post. Glad I did. Enjoyed it much.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I appreciate the clear explanations you offer. Also, I am amazed at the way you handle criticism about your article. May I copy the info, to send to some friends who are now investigating the Church. Thanks, Doug
This is as wonderful article and should help us all. But I am so tired of people constantly nit picking and putting down any error or stumble they find. Even the Prophet Joseph said that if there are errors, they are errors of being human -- not errors of God. We listen to the constant carping and blaming and shaming every day from the politicians. Stop with all that. We are all Children of God and much loved by Him. Before you offer the next negative comment, ask yourself why you are saying that. Is it to put down, wound, hurt, humiliate and blame. If you motive is any of these things, let it go. Put it aside and write about why you like the article and what you have learned.
Thanks Jeremy, this somehow opens my eyes to some details that I never know about the church. For especially, I used to believe it's called originally Mormons church, now I realized it is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint." Many other details also. Thanks again.
I'm a LDS member I love reading and learning from it
This is a great informative article on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I have been a member since I was a child. Still learning! God is not done with me yet! You have explained many misconceptions of the church. Thank you!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was restored in New York, not started. Ask any member, we believe this is a restoration of the original church that was on the earth when Jesus was alive, and organized and led by Him. It is once again on the earth with Him at the helm leading our church and guiding our prophets daily.
The importance of this is that it also has restored the priesthood from the original holders of that priesthood, which is the power of God, to those with permission to use his power amongst us to heal and bless others. The line of the Power of God was broken for a time, but restored.
Can you explain the differences between the Joseph Smith's 'first vision' stories of seeing miraculous things, and the time line of when the church LDS church was created? How old was Joseph, was he 14, 15, or 16? Did angels, or God, or God and Jesus appear to him? Was he persecuted for telling people of this vision? When did the majority of the LDS church know of this 'first vision'?
Here is the Church's essay on that topic https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision?lang=eng
Can you update the article to say we as a church are not referred to by the nicknames of Mormons, and/or LDS, but that we are referred to as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Refer to President Russel M. Nelson's talk on referring to the Church by its proper name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, because it is Christ's church, not Mormon's church. I can't remember the exact wording, but if you could quote President Nelson's talk, and the scriptures referring to why we refer to ourselves as members or Later Day Saints of Jesus Christ's church it would add more vital information to your excellent article.
The very first point addresses this topic.
Point #5 could use some clarification. In 1838, the word "exterminate" as defined in contemporary dictionaries meant "to drive from within the limits or borders," rather than to kill. Therefore, your statement that "It was legal to kill a Latter-day Saint until 1976" does not accurately reflect the intent nor the interpretation of Boggs' extermination order. See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/extermination-order?lang=eng
The term exterminate was used to justify what they did to the Native Americans, which is where they treated them like cattle and shot the ones who disobeyed. Whereas the terms might've changed slightly over the years anyone who looks into this history of the Church in Missouri will see that we were treated like the Native Americans, driven from place to place, and beaten/killed if we did not comply.
Are Mormons re only ones that eat green jello?
I knew very little about so many of the points covered here, thank you. I am not perfect so the minor mistakes sighted here were fine with me. I loved the information.
After praying to know the truth, the Lord led me to the church. I have found the teachings of Jesus Christ to be the greatest blessing of my life. I am thankful that I am not deceived by men of the world making themselves some money selling the blood of the Savior. That in itself is a blessing.
Did you removed the Paris Temple photos? :'(
Hey Laurie, Thanks for mentioning the link was broken. It has been fixed. You can also click here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1860128340907045&type=3
The concept many people have about the church is bad. This is the true church of Jesus Christ. The members are so loving with a big heart. No discrimination at all in the church.