Many have heard about the Mormon lifestyle and wonder, "What can mormons do?" For the most part, Mormons do the same kinds of things everyone else does. We work and play. We have families and careers. We try to be good members of the communities in which we live. Usually when people ask what Mormons can do, they really want to know what mormons can't do. :)
What Can't Mormons Do?Mormons have great faith in Jesus Christ. They believe that accepting Jesus is a lot more than just feeling good about Him in their hearts. While this kind of faith is certainly very important, we truly accept Christ when we do the things He has asked us to do. That's why Mormons choose to give up some activities that others enjoy. They believe Jesus has asked them to sacrifice certain activities, and their dedication to Him is absolute. They believe that true happiness comes by following Jesus Christ.
So what are mormons not allowed to do? Well, nothing in the church is forced. Here's a list of essential things most practicing Mormons choose to do because of their faith in Jesus:
1. Mormons try to honor what we call "the law of chastity." This means sexual intimacy should only occur between a husband and a wife. Prior to marriage, self control is very important.
Jesus Himself taught the beauty and sacredness of earthly sacrifice
2. Mormons "pay tithing." They donate 10% of their income to the church. This money isn't used to pay the local pastor; it goes directly to building chapels and temples and financing the church's missionary work. Tithing helps Mormons show God that they are truly dedicated to Him. They're not just paying lip service to God. They are willing to contribute.
3. Mormons follow their unique dietary standards, collectively called the "Word of Wisdom." God has asked the members of His church to avoid addictive substances. Addiction can make it hard to connect with God. That's why Mormons avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, black tea, etc.
What's it like to worship with the Mormons on a typical Sunday?
4. Mormons honor the "Sabbath day." They believe Christ has asked them to come to church each Sunday whenever they can. Worshiping as a community is very important in our culture.
5. Mormons, like everyone, sometimes make mistakes. We "sin" when we consciously choose to do something that displease God. Good Mormons should repent of their sins. To repent is to ask God for forgiveness, to accept Christ's sacrifice for our sins, and to abandon those sins. For some serious sins, it might be necessary to ask for help from a church leader, like a bishop. For most sins, praying to God and promising to change is enough.
6. Mormons believe in making sacred promises with God. These promises are called "covenants." Promises made at baptism are good examples of covenants. We also make personal covenants in our temples. Honoring these promises is very important for any good Mormon.
7. Mormons work hard to deal with their families according to church teachings. That means they should treat the members of their families with respect and try to honor each of them as children of God.
8. Mormons avoid supporting, joining, or agreeing with groups or individuals that oppose Church teachings. For example, good Mormons could not belong to the Klu Klux Klan because that organization teaches black people are inferior. Similarly, good Mormons cannot participate in organizations that accept polygamy (when a man marries more than one wife) because those organizations also violate church rules.
9. Mormons should be honest with their fellow men. This includes trying to keep the laws of the countries where they live and dealing justly with their business associates.
10. Mormons who have divorced have an important responsibility to honor their financial obligations to their former spouse and to their children.
Having learned what Mormons do, you might also be interested in learning what Mormons believe. Thanks for reading!
What Can't Mormons Do?Mormons have great faith in Jesus Christ. They believe that accepting Jesus is a lot more than just feeling good about Him in their hearts. While this kind of faith is certainly very important, we truly accept Christ when we do the things He has asked us to do. That's why Mormons choose to give up some activities that others enjoy. They believe Jesus has asked them to sacrifice certain activities, and their dedication to Him is absolute. They believe that true happiness comes by following Jesus Christ.
So what are mormons not allowed to do? Well, nothing in the church is forced. Here's a list of essential things most practicing Mormons choose to do because of their faith in Jesus:
1. Mormons try to honor what we call "the law of chastity." This means sexual intimacy should only occur between a husband and a wife. Prior to marriage, self control is very important.
3. Mormons follow their unique dietary standards, collectively called the "Word of Wisdom." God has asked the members of His church to avoid addictive substances. Addiction can make it hard to connect with God. That's why Mormons avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, black tea, etc.
5. Mormons, like everyone, sometimes make mistakes. We "sin" when we consciously choose to do something that displease God. Good Mormons should repent of their sins. To repent is to ask God for forgiveness, to accept Christ's sacrifice for our sins, and to abandon those sins. For some serious sins, it might be necessary to ask for help from a church leader, like a bishop. For most sins, praying to God and promising to change is enough.
6. Mormons believe in making sacred promises with God. These promises are called "covenants." Promises made at baptism are good examples of covenants. We also make personal covenants in our temples. Honoring these promises is very important for any good Mormon.
7. Mormons work hard to deal with their families according to church teachings. That means they should treat the members of their families with respect and try to honor each of them as children of God.
8. Mormons avoid supporting, joining, or agreeing with groups or individuals that oppose Church teachings. For example, good Mormons could not belong to the Klu Klux Klan because that organization teaches black people are inferior. Similarly, good Mormons cannot participate in organizations that accept polygamy (when a man marries more than one wife) because those organizations also violate church rules.
9. Mormons should be honest with their fellow men. This includes trying to keep the laws of the countries where they live and dealing justly with their business associates.
10. Mormons who have divorced have an important responsibility to honor their financial obligations to their former spouse and to their children.
Having learned what Mormons do, you might also be interested in learning what Mormons believe. Thanks for reading!