Gospel Questions: What about Those Latte-Drinking Mormons?

A non-member friend recently asked me: Is it true I can’t drink tea, coffee, alcohol and be a Mormon? And why did the missionaries tell me I couldn’t drink coffee, but my Mormon friend goes to Starbucks every day for a latte? As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have what is called “The Word of Wisdom.” This is a revelation that was given to Joseph Smith which gives us guidelines about the care and nourishment of our bodies. In this revelation, we are counseled to stay away from coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco. There … Continue reading

Those Who Die Without Hearing the Gospel

Oh, how grateful I am for the Restored Gospel and the hope and peace it brings to me. The light it sends into the darkness is truly a blessing as we contemplate life and its mysteries. There are those who believe that if a person dies without coming to Christ, their souls are in jeopardy. The gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refutes this, saying that everyone will have the chance to hear the word of the Lord and to decide for themselves, and death will not keep that opportunity from … Continue reading

Gospel Questions: Do Mormons Take Communion?

The taking of communion is a long-standing tradition in the Christian faith. It symbolizes taking upon oneself Christ’s sacrifice in our behalf and accepting the blessings and responsibilities that go along with it. The Catholic church is perhaps the most well-known for this practice, although it is done in other churches as well. Mormons have their own version of communion. We call it “taking the sacrament.” Fully one-third of our Sunday services are spent in what we call “sacrament meeting,” wherein the sacrament is passed to the congregation. It begins with bread and water being brought out and prepared for … Continue reading

Gospel Questions: Why Don’t Mormons Use Crosses?

When you enter an LDS church, you won’t see any crosses. They do not adorn our temples, we do not wear them around our necks or decorate our homes with them. Why not? Isn’t the cross the universal symbol of a Christian faith? Doesn’t this mean that Mormons aren’t Christians? Mormons are most definitely Christians, but we have a specific reason for not using the cross. We are so deeply, eternally grateful to Jesus Christ for His atoning sacrifice and subsequent crucifixion. We profoundly feel the impact of His saving grace in our lives and we contemplate the pain He … Continue reading

Gospel Questions: What Are Temples?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has built over a hundred beautiful temples all around the world. With spires reaching toward the heavens, these buildings look like mighty cathedrals. What is the purpose of the temple? The temple is a holy place where the Spirit of God feels free to dwell. Only the finest materials are used in the construction. The building is dedicated to the worship of God, and while there, patrons make promises to Heavenly Father and renew the promises they’ve already made. A feeling of peace pervades the atmosphere as the patrons put aside their … Continue reading

Introduction to the Gospel Questions Series

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an unusual church. It’s okay to think so – in fact, we’ll be the first to admit it. In some ways we’re very like other religions and in some ways, we’re radically different. Many people who are not of our faith have questions concerning our practices, beliefs, and values. We’re more than happy to answer these questions and seek to share our perspective while maintaining a respect for the beliefs of others. Unfortunately, from time to time, feelings are hurt while comparing ideologies, a situation that is sad and not productive, … Continue reading

Incorporate Gospel Teaching Into Your Family’s Daily Life

One of the best things that we can do for our families is to have a gospel centered home. It is important to create opportunities to teach your children the gospel. You should also be ready to discuss any problems or questions that your children may have. It helps them to hear a gospel perspective on the problem. One easy way to create opportunities to teach your children the gospel is to have a theme that you focus on for the month. You can choose your theme by choosing basic topics or you may want to choose a specific conference … Continue reading

My Husband’s Good Example

I don’t have a perfect marriage—in fact, I don’t know too many people who do. We have our ups and downs, that’s for sure. But there is one way in which I would say our marriage is perfect. My husband always forgives me. I’m a very emotional person. Life isn’t just something to be lived for me—it’s something I have to feel and experience. I tend to internalize much of what is going on and my nerves aren’t always the best. All of this is a very round-about way of saying, I have the tendency to throw the occasional fit. … Continue reading

Sunday School: Temple and Family History Work – Using TempleReady

You have found your ancestors’ names, verified that the information is correct, and checked to see if their temple ordinance work has been done. You find that it hasn’t, and so, now, what is your next step? You will submit those names to the temple so that the saving ordinances can be completed for your dead, using TempleReady. TempleReady is a FamilySearch computer program specifically designed to help you submit your names. You use this program to organize your information and then send it to the temple. You can find this program available in many stakes, and your ward or … Continue reading

LDS Week in Review: October 22-28

Tristi offers more insight to the basics of the gospel in Gospel Questions: What If I Want to Leave the Church? She also continues her study of the scriptures in 1 Nephi 11:1-11, 1 Nephi 11:12-23, and 1 Nephi 11:24-36. Miriam offers five suggestions to help bring your family closer together in Protecting Families. She also gives suggestions to cover around the dinner table in Dinner Discussions 2007 Week 39. Miriam reports on her preparedness and issues a new set of challenges in November Preparedness Goals. Family Home Evening: Five Ideas to Help You Spend Time Together focuses on family … Continue reading