I am interested in learning basic facts / prinicples of the Mormon culture. I am a social worker and recently met a family who is Mormon. I am not sure of a lot of the beliefs of this culture and want to make sure that I do not want to offend the family or assume something that is not true, just because it is different or not the so called “norm”. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
4 Responses to “I am interested in learning basic facts / prinicples of the …”
Luciano Delgado
2008-04-27 23:39:34
I thought your question was very interesting. You are clearly a culturally sensitive professional who has a sincere desire to tailor your counsel to the needs of the various minorities you serve. I thought other social workers might also be interested in this same question, so I've tried to create a fairly comprehensive guide. Sorry for the length of this document!
Also, please realize that this guide describes the beliefs and culture of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a.k.a. the Mormons. There are other, smaller faith groups in the United States that are fairly distant theological and cultural cousins of the Mormons. These "Mormonoid" groups (some of which refer to themselves as "Mormons") are in fact culturally distinct. This guide does not apply to these smaller groups, which include the Community of Christ and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
In many regards American Mormons are like other Americans. Nevertheless, Mormon culture is distinct and often differs significantly from mainstream American culture. We have distinctive cultural practices, including distinct ways of celebrating birth, distinct rites of passage, distinct marriage ceremonies, and, to a lesser extent, distinct burial rituals. One woman who lived in Utah for several years and came to love her Mormon neighbors jokingly suggested that she was surprised she wasn't required to obtain a foreign visa before moving to the state!
I've tried to think of possible intersections between Mormonism and secular social work. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further specific questions.
Mental Health
Mormons are not immune to mental health problems. Some have suggested that because Mormons do not typically self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, they may be more likely to seek medical help for conditions like depression. Mormons have no problem with modern medicine; they are typically willing to meet with psychologists and take medication as recommended by a medical professional.
Like other Americans, some Mormons feel there is a certain social stigma associated with mental illness. The Mormon Church has tried to destigmatize mental health problems in recent years. If your Mormon patients feel shame because of conditions like depression or bipolar disorder, you may wish to direct them to several recent articles published in the Ensign, the Church's official magazine: Myths about Mental Illness, Mental Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope, and Easing the Burdens of Mental Illness. Mormon patients may find comfort in learning that their Church does not think less of them because they suffer from mental illness.
While some studies have shown that active, practicing Mormons are slightly less likely to suffer from depression than the average American, when Mormons do suffer from depression it often takes a somewhat unique form. This "Mormon depression" stems from the misunderstanding of two fundamental Mormon doctrines. 1) Mormon culture emphasizes constant personal progress; we have a well-developed doctrine of theosis, which is essentially the idea that in the afterlife human beings continue to progress and can eventually become perfect beings. 2) While Mormons are individualistic in many ways, they are also much more communal than many other American ethnicities; progression in the next life depends not only on the individual, but also on the group, be that group the family, the congregation, or the Church as a whole.
When these two doctrines are misunderstood, depression can result. Suppose, for example, that a Mormon mother feels her mothering or the administration of her Church responsibilities is subpar. She may mistakenly believe that she must be perfect in this life, rather than hoping for perfection only in the next. What if she mistakenly believes that her progress in the next life will be hampered because she has failed to create the perfect family now or to strengthen her Church community through the perfect administration of her Church responsibilities now? Given the emphasis the Church places on trying to dispel these mistaken ideas, it is surprising how often Mormons misunderstand and misapply these core Mormon doctrines.
If your Mormon patients suffer from this sort of "failed perfectionist syndrome," they may find relief upon learning that in reality the LDS Church teaches that no human being can attain perfection in this life. If they feel that they have failed in their Church responsibilities, this Church article may help: O Be Wise. If a Mormon mother or father feels that she or he has failed as a parent, the following Church articles may also be helpful: Dear are the Sheep that have Wandered, and Daughters of God.
Substance Abuse
Mormons have a unique health code (called "the Word of Wisdom") and usually do not smoke, drink alcohol, coffee, or non-herbal tea, or use illegal drugs. Those Mormons who find themselves addicted to these substances face a double challenge; not only must they overcome the addiction itself, but they must also overcome feelings of guilt for having violated what they believe to be a commandment of God. Fortunately, in Mormon culture forgiveness is strongly emphasized. You may be able to help your patients alleviate their guilt by inviting them to speak with their Bishop (the leader of their local Mormon congregation) whose job it is to lovingly help them walk through the steps of the "repentance process." You may also be able to use your patients' desire to follow the Mormon health code to help motivate them to abandon their substance abuse.
As with all patients, be on the lookout for the abuse of prescription drugs. Some few Mormons see the abuse of prescription drugs as a "lesser evil" because they are not specifically mentioned in the "Word of Wisdom," which was written in 1833. The abuse of prescription drugs clearly violates the spirit of the "Word of Wisdom," however, and Mormon leaders have specifically warned their people of the associated dangers. See, for example, The Message: Addiction or Freedom and Gospel Topics: Word of Wisdom.
Children and Family
While most religions are pro-family, Mormonism is somewhat unique in that the family is central to our theology. Mormons believe families can be eternal, that they can exist even after death. In fact, progress in the next life depends to a large degree on the family, as well as the individual. Because family is so important in Mormon culture, those whose families are less than ideal can suffer enhanced disappointment. Social workers should be particularly sensitive to this disappointment in helping their Mormon patients. Here are some uniquely Mormon problems and good ways to address them:
Some Mormons do not find a spouse until later in life, if at all. Because progress in the next life is so tied to the family, these Church members sometimes become concerned and even depressed. You can help these patients by pointing out a recent statement by Dallin H. Oaks, a prominent church leader: "Through the merciful plan of our Father in Heaven, persons who desire to do what is right but through no fault of their own are unable to have an eternal marriage in mortal life will have an opportunity to qualify for eternal life in a period following mortality, if they keep the commandments of God and are true to their baptismal and other covenants." This applies to anyone who cannot marry in this life, whether because of circumstances related to physical health, geographic location, or sexual orientation.
On rare occasions some few Mormon men conveniently misinterpret certain scriptures to justify a domineering role in marriage. Mormon leaders have explicitly denounced this interpretation. Gordon B. Hinckley, the recently deceased president of the Church, once stated: "In the marriage companionship there is neither inferiority nor superiority. The woman does not walk ahead of the man; neither does the man walk ahead of the woman. They walk side by side as a son and daughter of God on an eternal journey." Other articles your Mormon patients my find interesting include Marriage without Manipulation and Unrighteous Dominion in Marriage. The vast majority of Mormon couples are "equally yoked," as that is the Mormon ideal.
The LDS (Mormon) Church does not tolerate child or spousal abuse. Mormon leaders are instructed to report any abuse they discover to secular civil authorities. Abuse often leads to feelings of guilt for both the abused and the abuser. The abused, of course, is innocent. You may wish to counsel your patients who are reformed abusers to meet with their local Mormon bishop, who has the role within the Mormon community of helping Mormons to repent of past transgressions and to free themselves of guilt.
Other interesting facts related to Mormon families and children:
Most Mormons are opposed to abortion, but not to birth control or family planning.
Mormons marry a bit younger than most Americans. The average age of marriage is 23.
Modern Mormons do not practice polygamy. Polygamy was abandoned over 100 years ago.
Medicine and Public Health
Be careful not to confuse Mormons with Jehovah's Witnesses or Christian Scientists. Mormons are very pro-medicine and even believe God can work miracles through modern medicine. We accept blood transfusions and most other medical procedures. (Elective abortion is the only exception that comes to mind, though the Church considers abortion in the case of rape, incest, or danger to the mother's health to be perfectly acceptable.) In fact, many Mormons have entered the medical/health professions. I myself am a medical MD/PhD student.
Welfare/Unemployment
Mormon culture emphasizes industry; in fact, when Mormons fled persecution in the 19th-century and established a homeland in the Western part of the U.S., they called the name of their territory "deseret," which is a Mormon word that means "honeybee." Because of this emphasis on industry, questions of welfare and unemployment can be particularly challenging. Many Mormons prefer to use the Church's welfare and unemployment services, as opposed to the equivalent government/secular programs. If appropriate, you can direct your Mormon patients to the Church Welfare Program or Church Employment Centers.
Education
Mormons place great emphasis on education. In fact, Mormon leaders have recently encouraged members to get as much education as possible. Some of your patients (both Mormons and others) may enjoy taking online classes through BYU independent study.
Life Milestones
Social workers might also benefit from a brief description of the main religious milestones in the life of a typical Mormon.
Birth. According to Mormon customs, a child is presented to the congregation and given a blessing several weeks after birth. This ceremony is called a "baby blessing."
Baptism. Children are typically baptized when eight years old, at which point they officially become members of the Church. Baptism is considered a major milestone in a Mormon child's life.
Priesthood Ordination/Young Women's Organization. Mormons have no professional (paid) clergy. Instead, most young men are ordained to the priesthood as lay clergymen when twelve years old. They become Deacons at twelve, Teachers at fourteen, Priests at eighteen, and typically Elders by nineteen. Though women are not ordained to the priesthood, they enter the Young Women's program at age twelve, where they also receive similar training and teaching.
Endowment. In early adulthood, Mormon men and women perform sacred ordinances in Mormon temples, where they make promises (covenants) with God. The endowment is very private, and most Mormons are not comfortable discussing the details, but it is nevertheless a very important "rite of passage."
Mission. Many Mormon men and women serve as missionaries for the Church. Men usually leave when 19 years old, and women usually leave when they're 21. Serving as a missionary for the Church is also an important "rite of passage," though not all Mormons choose to go.
Sealing. Sealing is another important milestone. While some Mormons choose to marry for this life ("till death do you part"), many Mormons choose a special marriage called a "sealing." Mormons believe that if their marriage is "sealed," it can survive death, allowing the couple to progress together in the next life as husband and wife. A sealing is also a sacred ceremony performed in Mormon temples.
Funeral/Death. Mormon funerals are not particularly distinctive. The service typically takes place in a Mormon chapel, as opposed to a funeral home. After the service, the deceased is often dressed in the ceremonial temple clothing they wore during the endowment. In an additional ceremony, one holding the priesthood dedicates the grave. I've heard rumors that Mormon graves traditionally face east, but this "rule" is so often violated that I think it cannot be considered a genuine part of Mormon culture.
Hope this little guide helps! Feel free to pass it along to any of your acquaintances.
Spencer
2008-04-27 23:40:56
The LDS church has set up a "basic beliefs" website here.
Another good primer on our beliefs would be the Gospel Principles Manual. It goes into even greater detail than the "basic beliefs" link above.
These links provide information about LDS doctrines, which in turn influences LDS "culture."
Good luck!
Matt D
2008-04-27 23:41:10
Just read the beliefs section of this web page! It's great!
Karen Grein
2008-04-27 23:47:14
Nicki. How are you? Sorry. I don't speak english very well, because I'm from Brazil. But I wanna answer your question. We believe in God, Jesus Christ, in restoration of gospel by Joseph Smith. We have the Book of the Mormon and Holy Bible how words of Lord to strengthen and learn. We believe in prophet live. We believe that some substances does evil for health how coffee, black tea, drugs, alcohol and cigarette. We believe in law of chastity. I am only member of church but you can get more information to the missionaries of your city or the site of church in http://www.lds.org. You make a visit and get the Book of Mórmon to better understand. Thanks God bless you.
Introduction
Social workers may be interested to learn that the LDS Church has an extensive social service program called LDS Family Services. You may be interested in a summary of that organization's primary goals.
Also, please realize that this guide describes the beliefs and culture of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a.k.a. the Mormons. There are other, smaller faith groups in the United States that are fairly distant theological and cultural cousins of the Mormons. These "Mormonoid" groups (some of which refer to themselves as "Mormons") are in fact culturally distinct. This guide does not apply to these smaller groups, which include the Community of Christ and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
In many regards American Mormons are like other Americans. Nevertheless, Mormon culture is distinct and often differs significantly from mainstream American culture. We have distinctive cultural practices, including distinct ways of celebrating birth, distinct rites of passage, distinct marriage ceremonies, and, to a lesser extent, distinct burial rituals. One woman who lived in Utah for several years and came to love her Mormon neighbors jokingly suggested that she was surprised she wasn't required to obtain a foreign visa before moving to the state!
I've tried to think of possible intersections between Mormonism and secular social work. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further specific questions.
Mental Health
Mormons are not immune to mental health problems. Some have suggested that because Mormons do not typically self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, they may be more likely to seek medical help for conditions like depression. Mormons have no problem with modern medicine; they are typically willing to meet with psychologists and take medication as recommended by a medical professional.
Like other Americans, some Mormons feel there is a certain social stigma associated with mental illness. The Mormon Church has tried to destigmatize mental health problems in recent years. If your Mormon patients feel shame because of conditions like depression or bipolar disorder, you may wish to direct them to several recent articles published in the Ensign, the Church's official magazine: Myths about Mental Illness, Mental Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope, and Easing the Burdens of Mental Illness. Mormon patients may find comfort in learning that their Church does not think less of them because they suffer from mental illness.
While some studies have shown that active, practicing Mormons are slightly less likely to suffer from depression than the average American, when Mormons do suffer from depression it often takes a somewhat unique form. This "Mormon depression" stems from the misunderstanding of two fundamental Mormon doctrines. 1) Mormon culture emphasizes constant personal progress; we have a well-developed doctrine of theosis, which is essentially the idea that in the afterlife human beings continue to progress and can eventually become perfect beings. 2) While Mormons are individualistic in many ways, they are also much more communal than many other American ethnicities; progression in the next life depends not only on the individual, but also on the group, be that group the family, the congregation, or the Church as a whole.
When these two doctrines are misunderstood, depression can result. Suppose, for example, that a Mormon mother feels her mothering or the administration of her Church responsibilities is subpar. She may mistakenly believe that she must be perfect in this life, rather than hoping for perfection only in the next. What if she mistakenly believes that her progress in the next life will be hampered because she has failed to create the perfect family now or to strengthen her Church community through the perfect administration of her Church responsibilities now? Given the emphasis the Church places on trying to dispel these mistaken ideas, it is surprising how often Mormons misunderstand and misapply these core Mormon doctrines.
If your Mormon patients suffer from this sort of "failed perfectionist syndrome," they may find relief upon learning that in reality the LDS Church teaches that no human being can attain perfection in this life. If they feel that they have failed in their Church responsibilities, this Church article may help: O Be Wise. If a Mormon mother or father feels that she or he has failed as a parent, the following Church articles may also be helpful: Dear are the Sheep that have Wandered, and Daughters of God.
Substance Abuse
Mormons have a unique health code (called "the Word of Wisdom") and usually do not smoke, drink alcohol, coffee, or non-herbal tea, or use illegal drugs. Those Mormons who find themselves addicted to these substances face a double challenge; not only must they overcome the addiction itself, but they must also overcome feelings of guilt for having violated what they believe to be a commandment of God. Fortunately, in Mormon culture forgiveness is strongly emphasized. You may be able to help your patients alleviate their guilt by inviting them to speak with their Bishop (the leader of their local Mormon congregation) whose job it is to lovingly help them walk through the steps of the "repentance process." You may also be able to use your patients' desire to follow the Mormon health code to help motivate them to abandon their substance abuse.
As with all patients, be on the lookout for the abuse of prescription drugs. Some few Mormons see the abuse of prescription drugs as a "lesser evil" because they are not specifically mentioned in the "Word of Wisdom," which was written in 1833. The abuse of prescription drugs clearly violates the spirit of the "Word of Wisdom," however, and Mormon leaders have specifically warned their people of the associated dangers. See, for example, The Message: Addiction or Freedom and Gospel Topics: Word of Wisdom.
Children and Family
While most religions are pro-family, Mormonism is somewhat unique in that the family is central to our theology. Mormons believe families can be eternal, that they can exist even after death. In fact, progress in the next life depends to a large degree on the family, as well as the individual. Because family is so important in Mormon culture, those whose families are less than ideal can suffer enhanced disappointment. Social workers should be particularly sensitive to this disappointment in helping their Mormon patients. Here are some uniquely Mormon problems and good ways to address them:
- Some Mormons do not find a spouse until later in life, if at all. Because progress in the next life is so tied to the family, these Church members sometimes become concerned and even depressed. You can help these patients by pointing out a recent statement by Dallin H. Oaks, a prominent church leader: "Through the merciful plan of our Father in Heaven, persons who desire to do what is right but through no fault of their own are unable to have an eternal marriage in mortal life will have an opportunity to qualify for eternal life in a period following mortality, if they keep the commandments of God and are true to their baptismal and other covenants." This applies to anyone who cannot marry in this life, whether because of circumstances related to physical health, geographic location, or sexual orientation.
- On rare occasions some few Mormon men conveniently misinterpret certain scriptures to justify a domineering role in marriage. Mormon leaders have explicitly denounced this interpretation. Gordon B. Hinckley, the recently deceased president of the Church, once stated: "In the marriage companionship there is neither inferiority nor superiority. The woman does not walk ahead of the man; neither does the man walk ahead of the woman. They walk side by side as a son and daughter of God on an eternal journey." Other articles your Mormon patients my find interesting include Marriage without Manipulation and Unrighteous Dominion in Marriage. The vast majority of Mormon couples are "equally yoked," as that is the Mormon ideal.
- The LDS (Mormon) Church does not tolerate child or spousal abuse. Mormon leaders are instructed to report any abuse they discover to secular civil authorities. Abuse often leads to feelings of guilt for both the abused and the abuser. The abused, of course, is innocent. You may wish to counsel your patients who are reformed abusers to meet with their local Mormon bishop, who has the role within the Mormon community of helping Mormons to repent of past transgressions and to free themselves of guilt.
Other interesting facts related to Mormon families and children:- Most Mormons are opposed to abortion, but not to birth control or family planning.
- Mormons marry a bit younger than most Americans. The average age of marriage is 23.
- Modern Mormons do not practice polygamy. Polygamy was abandoned over 100 years ago.
Medicine and Public HealthBe careful not to confuse Mormons with Jehovah's Witnesses or Christian Scientists. Mormons are very pro-medicine and even believe God can work miracles through modern medicine. We accept blood transfusions and most other medical procedures. (Elective abortion is the only exception that comes to mind, though the Church considers abortion in the case of rape, incest, or danger to the mother's health to be perfectly acceptable.) In fact, many Mormons have entered the medical/health professions. I myself am a medical MD/PhD student.
Welfare/Unemployment
Mormon culture emphasizes industry; in fact, when Mormons fled persecution in the 19th-century and established a homeland in the Western part of the U.S., they called the name of their territory "deseret," which is a Mormon word that means "honeybee." Because of this emphasis on industry, questions of welfare and unemployment can be particularly challenging. Many Mormons prefer to use the Church's welfare and unemployment services, as opposed to the equivalent government/secular programs. If appropriate, you can direct your Mormon patients to the Church Welfare Program or Church Employment Centers.
Education
Mormons place great emphasis on education. In fact, Mormon leaders have recently encouraged members to get as much education as possible. Some of your patients (both Mormons and others) may enjoy taking online classes through BYU independent study.
Life Milestones
Social workers might also benefit from a brief description of the main religious milestones in the life of a typical Mormon.
- Birth. According to Mormon customs, a child is presented to the congregation and given a blessing several weeks after birth. This ceremony is called a "baby blessing."
- Baptism. Children are typically baptized when eight years old, at which point they officially become members of the Church. Baptism is considered a major milestone in a Mormon child's life.
- Priesthood Ordination/Young Women's Organization. Mormons have no professional (paid) clergy. Instead, most young men are ordained to the priesthood as lay clergymen when twelve years old. They become Deacons at twelve, Teachers at fourteen, Priests at eighteen, and typically Elders by nineteen. Though women are not ordained to the priesthood, they enter the Young Women's program at age twelve, where they also receive similar training and teaching.
- Endowment. In early adulthood, Mormon men and women perform sacred ordinances in Mormon temples, where they make promises (covenants) with God. The endowment is very private, and most Mormons are not comfortable discussing the details, but it is nevertheless a very important "rite of passage."
- Mission. Many Mormon men and women serve as missionaries for the Church. Men usually leave when 19 years old, and women usually leave when they're 21. Serving as a missionary for the Church is also an important "rite of passage," though not all Mormons choose to go.
- Sealing. Sealing is another important milestone. While some Mormons choose to marry for this life ("till death do you part"), many Mormons choose a special marriage called a "sealing." Mormons believe that if their marriage is "sealed," it can survive death, allowing the couple to progress together in the next life as husband and wife. A sealing is also a sacred ceremony performed in Mormon temples.
- Funeral/Death. Mormon funerals are not particularly distinctive. The service typically takes place in a Mormon chapel, as opposed to a funeral home. After the service, the deceased is often dressed in the ceremonial temple clothing they wore during the endowment. In an additional ceremony, one holding the priesthood dedicates the grave. I've heard rumors that Mormon graves traditionally face east, but this "rule" is so often violated that I think it cannot be considered a genuine part of Mormon culture.
Hope this little guide helps! Feel free to pass it along to any of your acquaintances.Another good primer on our beliefs would be the Gospel Principles Manual. It goes into even greater detail than the "basic beliefs" link above.
These links provide information about LDS doctrines, which in turn influences LDS "culture."
Good luck!