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Mormonism and politics/California Proposition 8

2008-12-01T05:02:36Z

ScottGordon:

{{Heading1|Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8}}

:''We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information...''

:''Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendment, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.''

:—''The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'', Nov. 5, 2008

=Overview=
The passage of California Proposition 8 during the November 2008 election has generated a number of criticisms of the Church regarding a variety of issues including the separation of church and state, the Church's position relative to people who experience same-sex attraction, accusations of bigotry by members, and the rights of a non-profit organization to participate in the democratic process on matters not associated with elections of candidates. The proposition added a single line to the state constitution defining marriage as being between "a man and a woman." There are 29 states which currently have such a definition of marriage in their constitution. {{ref|pew1}} This article provides information about the Church's involvement with the passage of the Proposition and its aftermath. There have been more than 40 states that have put in place protections of marriage as being between a man and a woman. {{ref|ldspr1}} See [http://www.heritage.org/research/family/marriage50/ Heritage.org] and [http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=3450 TraditionalValues.org] for details on legislations and constitutional amendments protecting traditional marriage.

The campaign to support Proposition 8 placed members of the Church outside their comfort zone. Many vigorously supported the measure, while others felt conflicted between their desire to follow the Prophet's counsel and their desire not to become involved in an effort that might alienate them from friends and family members. Church critics—most notably ex-Mormons—took advantage of the effort to promote their agenda by leveraging Prop 8 to enhance their attacks on the Church, even going so far as to attempt to publicly identify and humiliate members who had donated to the campaign. The subsequent passage of the Proposition brought new challenges for members, as protests were organized, blacklists created, and even terrorist tactics employed, with the result being public humiliation and loss of business or employment for several Church members who chose to follow the Prophet's recommendation. (See: [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/first-presidency-urges-respect-civility-in-public-discourse First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility in Public Discourse]). A good summary of post-election events by Seminary teacher Kevin Hamilton may be found in Orson Scott Card's article: [http://mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/orson_scott_card/?id=5002 Heroes and victims in Prop. 8 struggle] (Nov. 13, 2008)

This article documents the events leading up to and resulting from the effort to pass California Proposition 8 as they relate to Latter-day Saints. We recognize that there was a broad coalition of supporters, of which Latter-day Saints were only a small part. However, given the disproportionate negative reaction to the Church after the passage of the proposition, it is prudent to clarify misperceptions and answer commonly asked question about Church members' involvement in this issue.

'''Further information'''
*LDS Newsroom, [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/measured-voices-provide-reason-support-amidst-proposition-8-reaction Measured Voices Provide Reason, Support Amidst Proposition 8 Reaction] (Nov. 21, 2008)
*[http://mormontimes.com/people_news/church_news/?id=5115 LDS Church issues new Prop. 8 overview] (Nov. 21, 2008)
*Robert P. George, Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, [http://www.byub.org/devotionals/?selectedMonth=10&selectedYear=2008 On the Moral Purposes of Law and Government], BYU Devotional (Oct. 2008)—A good explanation of why this matters to the Church. (Currently available as video only)

=The text of Proposition 8=
The following text is from the California Voter Guide for 2008:

:This initiative measure is submitted to the people in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 8, of the California Constitution. This initiative measure expressly amends the California Constitution by adding a section thereto; therefore, new provisions proposed to be added are printed in italic type to indicate that they are new.
:SECTION 1. Title
:This measure shall be known and may be cited as the “California Marriage Protection Act.”
:SECTION 2. Section 7.5 is added to Article I of the California Constitution, to read:
:''SEC. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.'' {{ref|calvoterguide}}

California Attorney General Jerry Brown modified the title of the measure to read "Eliminates right of same-sex couples to marry" before it appeared on the ballot.

=The Family: A Proclamation to the World=
In an October broadcast from Salt Lake City to Church Members in California, Elder's Ballard and Cook of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles emphasized the Church's principled stand regarding Proposition 8 by referencing among other things a document titled "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"{{ref|proclamation}}.

It reads in part:

:''We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.''

It also declares:

:''All human beings - male and female - are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual pre-mortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.''

=Church involvement in the "Yes on 8" effort=
{{Heading2|How did the Church become involved in the Proposition 8 campaign?}}

The California Supreme Court, in the case of ''[http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/archive/S147999.PDF In Re Marriage Cases],'' on May 15, 2008, overturned a 2000 California law that established marriage as between a man and a woman. At the time, certain members of the California electorate had already been seeking an amendment to the California constitution that could not be overturned by judicial review.{{ref|sosd1}}

A ballot proposition was prepared by California residents opposed to gay marriage and disturbed by what they viewed as judicial activism. The measure needed 694,354 signatures to be placed on the ballot but 1,120,801 signatures were submitted. The measure, known as Proposition 8, was certified and placed on the ballot on June 2, 2008. The LDS church was not involved in placing Proposition 8 on the ballot.{{ref|state1}}

After Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot, the Church was approached in June 2008 in a letter sent by San Francisco Catholic Archbishop George Niederauer. This letter initiated the formation of a coalition of religions with the common goal of promoting passage of the proposition. {{ref|sfchron1}} The coalition included Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and Latter-day Saints.

'''For more information:'''
*[[Church involvement in politics]]

{{Heading2|How were members informed?}}

Ecclesiastical leaders in California were sent a letter in the third week of June 2008, with instructions to read the letter to their congregations on June 29, 2008. (Only leaders in California received the letter.) The following is the text of the letter:

:'''Preserving Traditional Marriage and Strengthening Families'''

:''In March 2000 California voters overwhelmingly approved a state law providing that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The California Supreme Court recently reversed this vote of the people. On November 4, 2008, Californians will vote on a proposed amendment to the California state constitution that will now restore the March 2000 definition of marriage approved by the voters.''

:''The Church’s teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator’s plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage.''

:''A broad-based coalition of churches and other organizations placed the proposed amendment on the ballot. The Church will participate with this coalition in seeking its passage. Local Church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause.''

:''We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.'' {{ref|ldsnews1}}

{{Heading2|Were Church members told how to vote and commanded to work for passage of Proposition 8?}}

Church members were ''not'' told how to vote on Proposition 8. As stated in the letter, members were asked to “do all you can to support” the passage of Proposition 8. There was no commandment for members to work on the campaign. Support was organized at a local level and volunteers' experiences varied according to area, need and campaign leaders. Members were asked to support Proposition 8 ("We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment..."), but not commanded. While prophets may ask people to do some things, the actual “doing” is left to the individual and their agency. It is ''their'' choice to determine whether to do what the prophet asks and how much to actually do. Church leaders are aware that members within the church come from different backgrounds, have different life experiences, and different ideologies. To make an ultimatum on this issue would unnecessarily alienate people.

'''For more information:'''
*[[Authoritarianism and Church leaders]]

{{Heading2|How did Church members respond to the request to become involved?}}


In the letter from the First Presidency, there was no indication of how members were expected to fulfill the request to lend support to their requests. Members were told that "Local Church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause," but were also left to decide for themselves how they might support Proposition 8. Support developed in several ways that typically accompany political campaigns. Members support for passage of the proposition included:

*Monetary donations
*Going door-to-door to poll voters
*Phoning voters to remind them to vote
*Sign-waving on street corners
*Hanging voting reminders on doors

There is nothing unusual in the methods that were used to support passage of the amendment. Members of the LDS Church proved instrumental in the efforts to pass Proposition 8 because members were already part of a "network" of individuals that could be utilized to educate, encourage, and mobilize others within their communities. This network succeeded, as well as it did, because the members were used to working together on projects that involved contacting people and asking for their support for various Church activities. According to David Campbell (professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame), Latter-day Saints "only get mobilized when a match is lit, and that doesn't happen very often." {{ref|sltrib.11-21}} Additionally, they were personally committed to the concept of traditional marriage, and were willing to make a special personal effort to help the proposition pass. This personal commitment was crucial to the outpouring of support for, and eventual passage of Proposition 8.

=The "No on 8" response=
The "No on 8" group campaign did not emphasize that California already has domestic partnership laws in place which grant same-sex couples the civil rights associated with marriage. (See [http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=fam&group=00001-01000&file=297-297.5 California FAMILY.CODE SECTION 297-297.5]) Instead, Proposition 8 was portrayed as ''removing'' marriage rights. The passage of Proposition 8 did not remove already existing rights for same-sex couples, except for the use of the word "marriage" to describe such unions. The same rights, privileges and protections that were in place before the election remained in place after the election. However, religious organizations perceived a very real threat to their rights if Proposition 8 did not pass. The right to be licensed to perform adoptions was in jeopardy in California, as demonstrated by the North Coast Women's Care Medical Group Inc. case decided on 1 April 2008 by the California Supreme Court. This decision held that those who are licensed by the State cannot treat homosexuals differently than heterosexuals. It is easy to see how such a holding will result in LDS Social Services being denied licensing to perform adoptions if it won't perform adoptions for homosexual couples. Thus, religious groups perceived no gain and no loss to same-sex couples from passing Proposition 8, but anticipated a large possible downside to religious organizations and their essential services if it did not pass.

{{Heading2|Attempts to identify and "dig up dirt" on LDS donors before the election}}
:''There are no websites dedicated to “outing” Catholics who supported Proposition 8, even though Catholic voters heavily outnumber Mormons.''
:—Editorial, [http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YTU5MjZmMDIyMDU3NjRiMjBlNjcxYTlmOGQ2ODA5NjA Legislating Immorality], ''National Review Online'' (Nov. 24, 2008)

*Nadine Hansen, a lawyer residing in Cedar City, Utah, created a web site called "Mormonsfor8.com" prior to the election. Hansen urges visitors to her site to "help by helping us identify Mormon donors." Hansen apparently felt that singling out the LDS donors was necessary, since religious affiliation of the donors is ''not recorded by the state''. When questioned about the purpose of this site, Hansen responded, "Any group that gets involved in the political arena has to be treated like a political action committee...You can't get involved in politics and say, 'Treat me as a church.'" {{ref|sfgate.10-27}} Hansen gave a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcL9R94MGMk speech at the 2008 Sunstone Symposium] on Proposition 8 prior to the election.

*Dante Atkins, an elected delegate to the state Democratic convention, initiated a campaign to identify and scrutinize the lives of the LDS donors. Atkins' blog in the ''Daily Kos'' linked to Hansen's web site and called for "No on 8" supporters to dig up dirt on LDS donors. Atkins asked readers to "use OpenSecrets to see if these donors have contributed to...shall we say...less than honorable causes, or if any one of these big donors has done something otherwise egregious." {{ref|beliefnet1}}

{{Heading2|The infamous "Mormon missionary home invasion" commercial}}
On October 31, 2008, an organization calling itself the "Campaign Courage Issues Committee" released an ad on YouTube depicting two "Mormon missionaries" entering the home of a lesbian couple. The "missionaries" proclaimed that they were there to "take away your rights." The "missionaries" proceeded to ransack their home, including their underwear drawer, until they located their marriage license. They then tore up the license and left the home, claiming that it was "too easy," and wondering what rights they could take away next.

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q28UwAyzUkE "Home Invasion": Vote NO on Prop 8] (YouTube Video)

The ad was actually aired on several television stations on election day.

{{Heading2|Accusations that "Yes on 8" ads were promoting lies}}
===The ads===
The advertising messages created for the "Yes on 8" campaign were based on case law and real-life situations. However, a rebuttal to an anonymously written "Yes on 8" document called "“Six Consequences . . . if Proposition 8 Fails” was written by LDS lawyer Morris Thurston. {{ref|thurston1}} This document was used by "No on 8" supporters to show that even LDS realized that lies were being promoted. Thurston's points were contested by another LDS attorney, Blake Ostler. {{ref|ostler1}} Upon discovering that the "No on 8" campaign was making use of his comments, Thurston issued a press release which pointed out that "A press release dated October 19 from a public relations firm representing 'No on 8' is inaccurate and misleading," and that he was "erroneously cited as having 'debunked' new California Prop 8 ads." (See [http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/prnewswire/press_releases/national/California/2008/10/21/LATU558 LDS Lawyer's Commentary Mischaracterized in 'No on 8' Press Release])

Ads and mailers produced by "Yes on 8" showed children's books promoting same-sex marriage that have been sent home with young students. One young girl tells her mother that she learned in school that "I learned how a prince can marry a prince, and I can marry a princess!"

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PgjcgqFYP4 Yes on 8 TV Ad: It's Already Happened]
*[http://hedgehogcentral.blogspot.com/2008/10/proposition-8-and-californias.html Proposition 8 and California's Schoolchildren: A Primer on Falsehoods]

===Claims by the "No on 8" campaign===
The following claims were made by "No on 8" supporters regarding the "Yes on 8" campaign: {{ref|edge1}}
*"Unless marriage rights were rescinded, schoolchildren would be forced to learn about gay marriage in the classroom starting as early as kindergarten."
*Proposition 8 supporters "fraudulently indicated to voters that Barack Obama was in favor of Proposition 8."

===Issues incorporated into the "Yes on 8" ads during the campaign===
The following incidents occurred during the course of the campaign and influenced the "Yes on 8" advertising:

*A group of school children were taken on a field trip to their gay teacher's wedding in San Francisco. {{ref|sfgate.10-11}} The "Yes on 8" supporters incorporated a photo of this headline into subsequent mailers. The "No on 8" campaign stated that "an outing of second graders to the wedding of their lesbian teacher made headlines and proved to be a ready-made example for the Yes on 8 campaign’s claims." {{ref|edge2}}

*A teacher at the Faith Ringgold School of Arts and Science, a public school that is part of the Hayward Unified School District, "passed out cards produced by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to her class of kindergartners." The children were asked to sign these cards, which pledged them to "not use anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language or slurs; intervene, when I feel I can, in situations where others are using anti-LGBT language or harassing other students and actively support safer schools efforts." {{ref|faith1}} After this incident, the "Yes on 8" campaign produced a new video about the [http://californiacrusader.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/faith-ringgold-school-kindergarten-pledge-card/ Faith Ringgold Kindergarten School Pledge Card].

=Where did the money come from?=

Opponents of Proposition 8 have criticized the Church for donations to the "Yes on 8" campaign. Records filed with the State of California indicate that the Church did not make any contributions with the exception of an "in kind" contribution (non monetary) for some travel expenses. All other LDS-related money was contributed by Church members individually, not by the Church.

The amounts contributed to both sides were very high. It is reasonable for critics to question why their greater contributions to defeat Proposition 8 didn't carry the vote as they expected, but to imply that the participation of Latter-day Saint citizens—most of whom were California residents—was improper is inappropriate. Such an accusation is an exercise in empowering a straw man of their own creation.

<table border="1" align="center">
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td align="center">'''In-State Donations'''</td>
<td align="center">'''Out-of-State Donations'''</td>
<td align="center">'''Total Donations'''</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''For Proposition 8'''</td>
<td align="center">$25,388,955</td>
<td align="center">$10,733,582</td>
<td align="center">$36,122,538</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''Against Proposition 8'''</td>
<td align="center">$26,464,589</td>
<td align="center">$11,968,285</td>
<td align="center">$38,432,873</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''Totals'''</td>
<td align="center">$51,853,544</td>
<td align="center">$22,701,867</td>
<td align="center">$74,555,411</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" align="center">Source: [http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-moneymap,0,2198220.htmlstory Tracking the money], ''Los Angeles Times''</td>
</tr>
</table>

Note that out-of-state contributions to the "No" side were over $1.2 million higher than the out-of-state contributions to the "Yes" side and that out-of-state contributions to the "No" side constituted a higher percentage of the overall "No" funding than out-of-state contributions did for the "Yes" side.

There have been various estimates of monies donated to the "Yes on 8" campaign by LDS Church members, ranging from $14 to $20 million. No firm figures are available because the State of California does not request or record the religion of donors.

Estimates of LDS-related monies also do not include donations the "No on 8" campaign received as a result of LDS Church involvement in the campaign. For instance, Bruce Bastian, a onetime Mormon, has publicly stated that he donated $1 million to the "No on 8" campaign in response to LDS involvement as an effort to "level the financial playing field."{{ref|bast1}}

=The vote=

The LDS, while instrumental in helping with the passage of Proposition 8, were not solely responsible for the margin by which the proposition passed in the general electorate; the number of LDS voters was simply too small to account for the margin. Encouragement from LDS volunteers may have been key in turning out the "Yes on 8" vote, but to say that LDS involvement was solely responsible for such turnout seems rather myopic.

LDS may encourage their neighbors to vote "Yes on 8," but the neighbor still has to actually cast the vote. Anecdotal reports from FAIR members who live in California indicate that LDS volunteers worked closely with non-LDS volunteers to promote the proposition and turn out the vote.

{{Heading2|Voter demographics}}

*Latter-day Saints constitute less than 2% of the population of California. There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.
*Not all LDS voted in favor of Proposition 8. Active Latter-day Saints likely voted near the affirmative ratio (84-16) that their peer group that attends church at least weekly did. {{ref|cnnprop8exit}} Religion, in general, was a large factor. Self-identifying Catholics and Protestants both went around 65-35 for the amendment, with white evangelicals going 81-19.
*LDS voters represented less than 5% of the "Yes" vote. At most the Latter-day Saint vote only accounts for 58% of the victory margin using the current count on CNN. {{ref|cnnprop8count}} In other words, the Latter-day Saint vote was not enough by itself to make a difference in the final Prop 8 election results.
*The large African-American turnout (10%) for Barack Obama appears to have facilitated the passage of the proposition.{{ref|ladailynews1}} Scaling exit poll numbers, the net African-American vote (70-30) accounts for 92% of the victory margin.
*The net Latino (18%) vote at 53-47 contributed to 25% of the victory margin.
*The generation gap also played a factor. Senior citizens (15%) supported the measure at 61-39 while voters under 30 (20%) opposed it 39-61.

While Mormons played a significant role in mobilizing like-minded voters, these trends show that public perception has assigned a disproportionate amount of credit for passing Proposition 8.

=Post-election questions and myths=
{{Main|Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8/Questions and myths}}

A number of questions have arisen, and some new myths have been propagated, since the passage of the proposition. The following links provide further detail:

*[[/Questions and myths#Questions|Questions]]
**[[/Questions and myths#Were Church members who were opposed to Proposition 8 disciplined?|Were Church members who were opposed to Proposition 8 disciplined?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#Did the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contribute money to the "Yes on 8" campaign?|Did the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contribute money to the "Yes on 8" campaign?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#Did the Church violate its tax-exempt status by participating in the "Yes on 8" campaign?|Did the Church violate its tax-exempt status by participating in the "Yes on 8" campaign?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#But what about the companies that the Church owns?|But what about the companies that the Church owns?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#Were the contributions made by Church members tax deductible?|Were the contributions made by Church members tax deductible?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#Were Church members told how much to contribute to the effort?|Were Church members told how much to contribute to the effort?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#Did the Church invest more money in Proposition 8 than in all of its combined humanitarian efforts?|Did the Church invest more money in Proposition 8 than in all of its combined humanitarian efforts?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#Wouldn't the money that Church members contributed to the cause have been better spent on humanitarian needs?|Wouldn't the money that Church members contributed to the cause have been better spent on humanitarian needs?]]
**[[/Questions and myths#How does the Church reconcile its opposition to same-sex marriage when it once supported plural marriage|How does the Church reconcile its opposition to same-sex marriage when it once supported plural marriage?]]
*[[/Questions and myths#Myths|Myths]]
**[[/Questions and myths#MYTH: Large numbers of people are resigning from the Church because of its support of Prop 8|Large numbers of people are resigning from the Church because of its support of Prop 8]]
**[[/Questions and myths#MYTH: Mormons were motivated to do this merely as a vehicle to be considered more mainstream Christian|Mormons were motivated to do this merely as a vehicle to be considered more mainstream Christian]]
**[[/Questions and myths#MYTH: The church sent thousands of missionaries door to door in CA handing out fliers|The church sent thousands of missionaries door to door in CA handing out fliers]]
**[[/Questions and myths#MYTH: The Church sent large numbers of out-of-state people in to assist with the "Yes-on-8" campaign|The Church sent large numbers of out-of-state people in to assist with the "Yes-on-8" campaign]]

=Post-election events=
{{Main|Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8/Post-Election Events}}
[[Image:Ukiah.vandalism.1B.png|right]]
:''In the days after the election, tens of thousands of people, gay and straight, took to the streets of cities and towns throughout the country in spontaneously organized protest. But the mood at these gatherings, by all accounts, was seldom angry; it was cheerful, determined, and hopeful.''
:—Hendrik Hertzberg, [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27887428/ (Proposition) Eight is enough], ''The New Yorker'' (Nov. 24, 2008)
{{parabreak}}
:''The outbreak of attacks on the Mormon church since the passage of Proposition 8 has been chilling: envelopes full of suspicious white powder were sent to church headquarters in Salt Lake City; protesters showed up en masse to intimidate Mormon small-business owners who supported the measure; a website was created to identify and shame members of the church who backed it; activists are targeting the relatives of prominent Mormons who gave money to pass it, as well as other Mormons who are only tangentially associated with the cause; some have even called for a boycott of the entire state of Utah.''
:—Editorial, [http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YTU5MjZmMDIyMDU3NjRiMjBlNjcxYTlmOGQ2ODA5NjA Legislating Immorality], ''National Review Online'' (Nov. 24, 2008)
{{parabreak}}
:''The Mormon church has had to rely on our tolerance in the past, to be able to express their beliefs...This is a huge mistake for them. It looks like they've forgotten some lessons.''
:—San Francisco supervisor Bevan Dufty, at a protest in front of the Oakland Temple
{{parabreak}}
:''Members of the Mormon church have experienced significant intolerance ranging from expulsion from Illinois in the dead of winter to an extermination order by the Governor of Missouri. It has seen its members raped and murdered as the result of state sponsored intolerance, acts you seem to condone by implication. Are these the lessons you refer to, and are you proposing to apply those lessons again? Are you suggesting that Mormon’s need your permission to participate in the political process or to practice our beliefs, and what remedy do you propose for failed compliance?''
:—FAIR's response to Supervisor Dufty, which remains unanswered.
{{parabreak}}
There were a large number of post-election events targeted toward Latter-day Saints, and some targeted towards others. Click on any of the following items to see complete details:

*[[/Post-Election Events#Threats from "No on 8" supporters|Threats from "No on 8" supporters]]
*[[/Post-Election Events#Church response|Church response]]
*[[/Post-Election Events#Negative reactions|Negative reactions]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Accusations of hatred and bigotry|Accusations of hatred and bigotry]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Protests at LDS places of worship|Protests at LDS places of worship]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Protests at other Christian places of worship|Protests at other Christian places of worship]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Vandalism of LDS Chapels by "No on 8" supporters|Vandalism of LDS Chapels by "No on 8" supporters]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Harassment|Harassment]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Mormons have "forgotten some lessons"?|Mormons have "forgotten some lessons"?]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Terrorist tactics|Terrorist tactics]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Hacking of Church related web site|Hacking of Church related web site]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Threats to revoke the Church's tax-exempt status|Threats to revoke the Church's tax-exempt status]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Blacklists|Blacklists]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Intimidation and forced resignation of donors by identifying their religious affiliation as LDS|Intimidation and forced resignation of donors by identifying their religious affiliation as LDS]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Forced resignation of gays or lesbians for their opposition to Prop 8|Forced resignation of gays or lesbians for their opposition to Prop 8]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Absence of support from political leaders|Absence of support from political leaders]]
*[[/Post-Election Events#Positive effects|Positive effects]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Expressions of support from other Christians|Expressions of support from other Christians]]
**[[/Post-Election Events#Condemnation of criminal activity by those who opposed Proposition 8|Condemnation of criminal activity by those who opposed Proposition 8]]

=Endnotes=
{{ExplicitLanguage}}
#{{note|pew1}}[http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=370 States With Voter-Approved Constitutional Bans on Same-Sex Marriage, 1998-2008 ], ''The Pew Forum'' (Nov. 13, 2008)
#{{note|ldspr1}}[http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/first-presidency-urges-respect-civility-in-public-discourse First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility in Public Discourse] (Nov. 14, 2008)
#{{note|calvoterguide}}[http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/text-proposed-laws/text-of-proposed-laws.pdf California Voter Guide]
#{{note|proclamation}}[http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=5fd30f9856c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1 The Family: A Proclamation to the World]

#{{note|sosd1}}Bill Ainsworth, "[http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20071112-9999-1n12gayright.html Groups Joust Over Gay Rights in California]," ''San Diego Union Tribune'' (Nov. 12, 2007).
#{{note|state1}}Folmar, Kate (June 2, 2008). [http://www.sos.ca.gov/admin/press-releases/2008/DB08-068.pdf Secretary of State Debra Bowen Certifies Eighth Measure for November 4, 2008, General Election] (PDF). ''California Secretary of State.''
#{{note|sfchron1}}Matthai Kuruvila, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/10/MNU1140AQQ.DTL "Catholics, Mormons allied to pass Prop. 8"], ''San Francisco Chronicle'' (Nov. 10, 2008)

#{{note|ldsnews1}}[http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/california-and-same-sex-marriage California and Same-Sex Marriage], LDS Newsroom
#{{note|sltrib.11-21}}Peggy Fletcher Stack, [http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_11044660?source=rss Prop 8 involvement a P.R. fiasco for LDS Church], ''Salt Lake Tribune'' (Nov. 21, 2008)

#{{note|sfgate.10-27}}Matthai Kuruvila, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/26/BAP113OIRD.DTL&tsp=1 Mormons face flak for backing Prop. 8], ''San Francisco Chronicle'' (Oct. 27, 2008)
#{{note|beliefnet1}}[http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2008/10/for-mormons-californias-prop-8.php For Mormons, California's Prop 8 Battle Turns Personal], ''beliefnet'' (Oct. 4, 2008)
#{{note|thurston1}}Morris Thurston, [http://www.hrc.org/documents/Responses_to_Six_Consequences_if_Prop_8_Fails.pdf A Commentary on the Document “Six Consequences . . . if Proposition 8 Fails”]
#{{note|ostler1}}Blake Ostler, [http://www.newcoolthang.com/index.php/2008/10/prop-8-comment-they-would-not-print/569/ Prop 8 comment (that is now a Prop 8 post)] (Oct. 20, 2008)
#{{note|edge1}}Kilian Melloy, [http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=83977 ’No on 8’ Heads Justify Their Losing Campaign], ''Edge'' (Nov. 27, 2008)
#{{note|sfgate.10-11}}Jill Tucker, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/10/MNFG13F1VG.DTL Class surprises lesbian teacher on wedding day], ''San Francisco Chronicle'' (Oct. 11, 2008)
#{{note|edge2}}Kilian Melloy, [http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=83977 ’No on 8’ Heads Justify Their Losing Campaign], ''Edge'' (Nov. 27, 2008)
#{{note|faith1}}Michelle Maskaly , [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,445865,00.html School Clams Up on 'Gay' Pledge Cards Given to Kindergartners], ''Fox News'' (Nov. 1, 2008)
#{{note|bast1}}John Wildermuth, "[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/16/BAJG144PTB.DTL&type=politics Wealthy gay men backed anti-Prop. 8 effort]," ''San Francisco Chronicle'' (Nov. 16, 2008).

#{{note|cnnprop8exit}}CNN exit poll, [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#val=CAI01p1 California Proposition 8: Ban on Gay Marriage, 2,240 Respondents] (last accessed Nov. 17, 2008)
#{{note|cnnprop8count}}CNN Election Center 2008, [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/individual/#CAI01 California Proposition 8: Ban on Gay Marriage, Full Results] (last accessed Nov. 17, 2008)
#{{note|ladailynews1}}Tony Castro, [http://www.dailynews.com/ci_10910908 Black, Latino voters helped Prop. 8 pass], ''LA Daily News'' (Nov. 5, 2008)

=Further reading=

==FAIR wiki articles==
{{PoliticsWiki}}


==Videos==
'''Yes on 8 ads'''
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l61Pd5_jHQw Yes on 8 TV Ad: Truth]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7352ZVMKBQM Yes on 8 TV Ad: Everything To Do With Schools]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PgjcgqFYP4 Yes on 8 TV Ad: It's Already Happened]

'''No on 8 ads'''
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB0lZ8XbmJM advanced Conversation - No On Prop 8]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opx-v_OhFnQ Parents]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7LdC1RxvZg Senator Feinstein: No on Prop 8]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIL7PUl24hE Prop 8 has nothing to do with schools], Jack O. Connell, California Superintendant of Schools
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSCop9BtgdU&feature=related California Clergy Urge You to Vote No on Prop 8]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q28UwAyzUkE "Home Invasion": Vote NO on Prop 8]

'''Press conferences'''
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU8uuPhQog0 Prop 8 Proponents Speak Out Against Attacks] (Press conference held Nov. 14, 2008)

==External links==
'''Proposition 8 related'''
*Paul Bishop, [http://www.ldsmag.com/ideas/081110hate.html In the Face of Hatred], ''Meridian Magazine'', November 12, 2008.
'''Church involvement in politics'''
*{{Ensign1|author=Gordon B. Hinckley|article=Why We Do Some of the Things We Do|date=November 1999|start=52}}{{link|url=http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=ff1b6a4430c0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1}}
*{{BYUS | author=Hugh Nibley | article=[http://byustudies.byu.edu/shop/pdfsrc/15.1Nibley.pdf Beyond Politics]|vol=15|num=1|date=1974|start=1|end=21}}

{{Suggestions}}

MormonFAQ/Terms

2008-01-02T22:03:04Z

ScottGordon:

{{FAQPortal}}

Like all religions, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has terms or expressions which may not be familiar to outsiders. Some of these are described below.

== A ==

;Aaronic Priesthood:This is one of the two Latter-Day Saints priesthoods. It is made up of three offices Deacon, Teacher and Priest each with increasing duties. In the LDS Church it is generally given to young men starting at age 12. In the RLDS and most other restorationist churches, it is generally given to adults. Capitalize both words. See ''priesthood''.
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Aaronic Priesthood|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5438&CISOBOX=0}}

;Aaronic Order:A communal restorationist faith in and around Esk-Dale, Utah. Not part of the Salt Lake City based LDS church.

;anti-Mormon: Those who actively campaign against Mormon beliefs or practices. Merely disbelieving Mormon doctrine, leaving the Church, or disagreeing with Church policy does not make someone anti-Mormon. Some anti-Mormons write books, pamphlets and articles, while others protest outside of church buildings and conference centers while the Mormons worship. For an example of anti-Mormon activities, see: [http://www.fairlds.org/Anti-Mormons/Street_Preachers.html here]. Anti-Mormons generally share one of two ideologies: (a) Evangelical/Fundamentalist Christian groups or (b) secular/agnostic/atheist, usually former members. Authors should be aware that that some who pass themselves off as experts on Mormonism have their own ideologic agendas, and sometimes derive some or all of their income from material attacking the LDS church.
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Anti-Mormon Publications|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5473&CISOBOX=0}}
;apostate: An inflammatory word used by some to denote a person who has been a member of a Church and who has been excommunicated or who has withdrawn from membership because of belief in doctrines that are not compatible with church doctrine. The term, however, should not be used to describe or label any church or person. If a church can trace its origins to another church, then it should be so stated. For example: ''The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ was formed by members of the RLDS Church in 1989.'' If an individual is no longer a member of the church, they should be referred to as a "former member" or some other less inflammatory term.
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Apostate|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5478&CISOBOX=0}}
;Apostle: A calling usually in reference to a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In the RLDS Church it may be used as a title, ''Apostle John Smith''. Use the term Elder in the LDS Church, ''Elder John Smith, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.''
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Apostle|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5479&CISOBOX=0}}
;Area Authority Seventy:

;Articles of Faith: Brief summary of core LDS beliefs, written under direction of Joseph Smith, Jr. Now part of LDS scripture.
* {{s||A+of+F|1|1-13}}
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Articles of Faith|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5486&CISOBOX=0}}

;Auditorium, The: Capitalize when referencing to the building (RLDS) at Independence, Mo.

== B ==

;Baptism for the dead: The practice of baptizing a person by proxy for a deceased person. When used in a sentence do not capitalize. This rite is performed most often in the temples of the LDS Church.
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Baptism for the Dead|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5502&CISOBOX=0}}

;Barlow University: A college in Colorado City, Arizona operated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Barlow)

;Beehive: A term used for a class of young women age 12 or 13.

;Bishop: A lay person called to oversee the operation of a local congregation (LDS) or to assist in the temporal affairs of the church in a given area (RLDS). Capitalize when part of the title. ''Bishop John Smith'' otherwise lower case as in ''the bishop's storehouse''. In the RLDS and Temple Lot, etc. bishops have the general oversight and responsibility for all the temporal affairs of the church and its members.
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Bishop|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5515&CISOBOX=0}}

;Book of Commandments: A book of scripture first published in 1833, consisting of revelations received by Joseph Smith. It was reissued in 1835 with additional revelations as the ''Doctrine and Covenants''. The ''Book of Commandments'' is still used by the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and several other restorationist churches.
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Book of Commandments|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5529&CISOBOX=0}}

;Book of the Law of the Lord: A book of scripture translated by James J. Strang in 1851. Used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strang) and related groups.

;The Book of Mormon: A book of scripture used by most, but not all, of the restorationist churches. Translated by Joseph Smith, Jr. it is also known as ''The Record of the Nephites'' by some churches. The LDS Church's media style guide gives the name as ''The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ'' which is rarely used even within the LDS Church. Citing scriptures from the Book of Mormon. Because the Book of Mormon has two different verse numbering systems in use it is important to cite verses from it in a consistent way. The numbering system used by the church about which the story is concerning should be used with the alternate system used afterwards. The two systems are noted as either LDS or RLDS. For example: 1 Ne. 1:1 (1 Ne. 1:1 RLDS) You should do this even in cases where the two numbering systems agree.

* {{Encyclopedia|article=Book of Mormon|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5531&CISOBOX=0}}

Abbreviations of book titles The following are the accepted abbreviations.

*1 Ne. 1 Nephi
*2 Ne. 2 Nephi
*Jacob Jacob
*Enos Enos
*Jarom Jarom
*Omni Omni
*W of M Words of Mormon
*Mosiah Mosiah
*Alma Alma
*Hel. Helaman
*3 Ne. 3 Nephi
*4 Ne. 4 Nephi
*Morm. Mormon
*Ether Ether
*Moro. Moroni

;Branch: Ecclesiastical unit in the LDS Church that is comparable in function to a ward but that is smaller. It is presided over by a Branch President.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Branch, Branch President|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5559&CISOBOX=0}}

;Brigham Young University: Also known as BYU or "The Y". A University in Provo, Utah operated by the LDS church. It is one of the largest private Universities in the West with approximately 27,000 daytime students. It has received many national recognitions and is ranked high in several categories.
* Website: [http://www.byu.edu www.byu.edu]
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Brigham Young University|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5561&CISOBOX=0}}

;Brigham Young University-Idaho: A University in Rexburg, Idaho operated by the LDS church. Formerly known as "Ricks College."
* Website: [http://www.byui.edu/ www.byui.edu]

;Brigham Young University-Hawaii: A University in Laie, Hawaii operated by the LDS church.
* Website: [http://www.byuh.edu/ www.byuh.edu]

;BYU Jerusalem Center: The Jerusalem Center is Brigham Young University's center for study in Jerusalem. Students enroll through the BYU campus in Provo, Utah, travel to the Holy Land, and live in the Center for programs that extend for two or four months. Students study a core curriculum that focuses on Old and New Testament, ancient and modern Near Eastern studies, and language (Hebrew and Arabic). Classroom study is built around field trips that cover the length and breadth of the Holy Land.

* Website [http://ce.byu.edu/jc/ ce.byu.edu/jc]

== C ==
;Celestial Kingdom: The highest of degree of glory in the LDS concept of heaven. It is compared to the glory of the sun It is sub-divided into three heavens or degrees ({{s||DC|131|1-4}}).

* {{Encyclopedia|article=Celestial Kingdom|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5584&CISOBOX=0}}

== D ==
;Deacon: An office in the Aaronic Priesthood. In the LDS Church this office is generally given to boys at the age of 12. In the Community of Christ (RLDS) it is held by adults, both men and women. This office generally performs non-ecclesiastical duties such as collecting offerings and passing the sacrament (communion) to the congregation.

* {{Encyclopedia|article=Deacon, aaronic priesthood|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5660&CISOBOX=0}}
;Doctrine and Covenants: Scripture used by LDS Church; consists of revelations given to Joseph Smith and a few from his successors. Abbreviated as D&C. See [[MormonFAQ:Terms#B|Book of Commandments]].
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Doctrine and Covenants|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5686&CISOBOX=0}}

== E ==

;Elder: There are three uses for the term "Elder." First it is a level of priesthood that belongs to most male members between the ages of 18 and 50. Secondly, it is the title used when referring to all male LDS missionaries who posses that priesthood. Third, it is the title used when referring to members of the the Quorum of the Twelve, or the Seventy. For example, Dallin H. Oaks may be referred to as "Elder Oaks."
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Elder, Melchizedek priesthood|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5698&CISOBOX=0}}
;Endowment: Ritualistic-drama ceremony given in LDS temples that teaches man about the creation, fall, atonement, and how man may return to God's presence and be exalted.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Endowment|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=5707&filename=5708.pdf}}
;Exaltation: In LDS belief, exaltation refers to the deification of men and women in the highest heaven of the Celestial Kingdom. This is reserved for those who are heirs of God and join-heirs with Jesus Christ (See [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/rom/8/16-18 Romans 8:16-18]). They will become "gods, even sons of God" (See {{S||DC|76|58-59}}) and thus participate in the Divine Council (See {{s||Psalm 82||}}).
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Exaltation|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3667&filename=3668.pdf}}

== F ==
;Family Home Evening :Monday evenings are set aside for families to meet together, learn gospel principles, and to participate in family activities.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Family Home Evening|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3679&filename=3680.pdf}}
;Family Prayer: The entire family kneels down together and prays. This typically happens first thing in the morning, and as the last thing at night.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Family Prayer|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3681&filename=3682.pdf}}
;Fasting:At least once each month, church members skip two meals and pray.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Fasting|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3685&filename=3686.pdf}}
;Fast Offerings:When a member skips two meals fasting, the money that would have been spent on those meals is given to a fund to help feed the poor.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Fast Offerings|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3686&filename=3687.pdf}}
;Fast and Testimony Meeting: On the first Sunday of each month, the members of the church fast. Then when they come to church, instead of their usual meeting they have an open pulpit and allow the members to stand and give their testimonies.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=Fast and Testimony Meeting|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3687&filename=3688.pdf}}
;First Presidency: The highest presiding council of the Church composed of the President of the Church who is the Presiding High Priest over the whole Church and usually two counselors who are also High Priests. All three are referred to by the the title of "President." The RLDS and the LDS Churches both have a First Presidency.
*{{Encyclopedia|article=First Presidency|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3700&filename=3701.pdf}}

== G ==

;Garments: After a member of the church goes to the temple, they wear special garments as their under clothing as a sacred reminder of covenants made with God. They are similar in form to boxer shorts and an under shirt. Some anti-Mormons mockingly refer to this as "magic underwear" or other derogatory names which behavior is very offensive to the members of the church.
*{{E|Garments|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3719&filename=3720.pdf}}
;General Authorities: Church Leaders who have authority in the world wide church and who are not restricted in authority to certain geographical regions alone. The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the First and Second Quorums of Seventy, and the Presiding Bishopric are all general authorities.
*{{E|General Authorities|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3724&filename=3725.pdf}}
;General Conference: The first weekend in April and the first weekend in October, all of the General Authorities of the church will meet in Salt Lake City in the conference center. They will give sermons and talks on a variety of subjects. It is broadcast all over the world and listened to by the members of the LDS church. You can see the talks from General Conference here http://www.lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,49-1-775,00.html

;Gift of the Holy Ghost: The right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. This right is given only after proper and authorized baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands by those who hold Melchizedek Priesthood. It acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify them from sin.
*{{E|Gift of the Holy Ghost|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3729&filename=3730.pdf}}
;Godhead:
*The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost acting in a quorum. In the LDS teach that "the Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us." ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/130/22#22 D&C 130:22])
*The term "Godhead" as found in the KJV New Testament is archaic and means "godhood"—the quality or state of being divine. LDS do not generally use the term in this fashion although it is in KJV version of the Bible which is used by the Church.
*{{E|Godhead|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3733&filename=3734.pdf}}
;Godhood: The state of being, or becoming, divine.
*{{E|Godhood|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3734&filename=3735.pdf}}

== H ==

;High Priest: This is a level in the LDS priesthood given to many males over the age of 40, or to those who have served in Ward or Stake leadership positions.
*{{E|High Priest|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3758&filename=3759.pdf}}
;Home Teaching: The families in the church are visited by other members each month. This is referred to as "home teaching." The intent of the visit is to make sure things are going well with the family and then to leave a gospel message.
* {{E|Home Teaching|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3772&filename=3773.pdf}}

== I ==

;Institute: Next to various college campuses there are buildings called "Institute of Religion." These are used to teach religious classes and to provide a gathering place. It is open to anyone, but it is designed particularly for those attending college.

== J ==

;Jesus Christ: Our Lord and Savior
*{{E|Jesus Christ|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3818&filename=3819.pdf}}
*{{E|Jesus Christ, Fatherhood and Sonship|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3818&filename=3820.pdf}}
*{{E|Jesus Christ, Names and Titles of|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3818&filename=3821.pdf}}
*{{E|Jesus Christ, Second Comforter|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3818&filename=3822.pdf}}
*{{E|Jesus Christ, Sources for the Words of|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3818&filename=3823.pdf}}
*{{E|Jesus Christ, Types and Shadows of|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3818&filename=3824.pdf}}
*{{E|Jesus Christ in the Scriptures|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3818&filename=3825.pdf}}
* LDS Scripture references to Jesus Christ {{link|url=http://scriptures.lds.org/en/tg/j/18}}
* FAIR Wiki: [[Template:JesusChristPortal|'''Jesus Christ''']]
;Joseph Smith,Jr. : The first prophet and founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

== K ==
;Keys of the priesthood: Authority to direct and administer priesthood responsibilities. The prophet holds all keys; other keys are designated to apostles, stake presidents, bishops, and quorum presidents as needed.
* {{E|Keys of the Priesthood|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3845&filename=3846.pdf}}
== L ==

;Laurel: Young Women who are 16 to 18 years of age are in the Laurel class.

== M ==
;Melchizedek Priesthood: The second, or higher, priesthood (the first being Aaronic.) This is the priesthood held by all elders and high priests in the church.
*{{E|Melchizedek priesthood|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=3917&filename=3918.pdf}}
;Mia Maid:Young Women who are 14 to 16 years of age are in the Mia Maid class.

== N ==

== O ==

== P ==

;Pastor: The leader of the local congregation in the RLDS Church. Also sometimes used as a term to describe a Bishop in the LDS church.

;Patriarch: Man designated within each Stake to give blessings.
*{{E|Patriarch|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4035&filename=4036.pdf}}
;Patriarchal Blessings: Special blessing given by patriarchs to each member. The blessing is written down and is frequently used as a guide for life.
*{{E|Patriarchal Blessings|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4036&filename=4037.pdf}}
;Pearl of Great Price: A book of scripture held sacred by the LDS Church. It contains various texts including:
*The Book of Moses: Joseph Smith's retranslation of the early chapters of Genesis.
*The Book of Abraham: Joseph Smith's translations of some papyrus that was discovered with some mummies by Michael Chandler.
*Joseph Smith - Matthew: Part of Joseph Smith's retranslation of Matthew, chapters 23 and 24.
*Joseph Smith - History: Joseph's account of early events of the Church, taken from his History of the Church. And,
*The Articles of Faith: A brief statment of basic beliefs of the Church, originally part of a letter from Joseph Smith to John Wentworth, Editor of the ''Chicago Democrat'' who inquired of Joseph about the Church.
*{{E|Pearl of Great Price|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4040&filename=4041.pdf}}
;Priest: A level in the LDS priesthood held by young men ages 16-18. It is also often held by newer male converts in the LDS church. In the Community of Christ (RLDS) the office of Priest as with other Priesthood offices is generally held by adults, both men and women.
*{{E|Priest, Aaronic Priesthood|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4079&filename=4080.pdf}}
;Primary: The children's organization in the LDS church.
*{{E|Primary|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4089&filename=4090.pdf}}

== Q ==
;Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: In the LDS Church, the apostles preside following the death of the prophet/president of the Church until a new prophet (usually the senior apostle) is chosen.
*{{E|Quorum of the Twelve Apostles|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4111&filename=4112.pdf}}
== R ==

;Relief Society: the woman's organization within the LDS church. All women within the church belong to this organization.
*{{E|Relief Society|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4121&filename=4122.pdf}}
== S ==

;Sabbath: Mormons generally have their sabbath on Sunday. While there are differences on how each family decides to "Keep the sabbath day holy," it usually involves not working on Sunday, not shopping on Sunday and trying to avoid activities that would cause other people to work. Members who live in areas in which Sunday is not the traditional Sabbath (e.g. Saturday in the State of Israel; Friday in Muslim countries) will observe the Sabbath of their host nation.
* {{E|Sabbath Day|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4147&filename=4148.pdf}}
;Seminary: A class offered to high school youth. In most areas it is early in the morning before school and is five days each week.

;Stake: Ecclesiastical unit comprised of wards and branches and presided over by a Stake President. The term "Stake" is a reference to a stake in the tent of zion.
*{{E|Stake|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4239&filename=4240.pdf++
;Stake Conference: A meeting of the entire stake. It generally takes place twice a year. No ward or branch meetings are held on the Sunday when Stake Conference is held.

;Stake President: Leader of a stake; analagous to a Catholic "bishop," in that he administers several local worship units.
*{{E|Stake President, Stake Presidency|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4240&filename=4241.pdf}}
== T ==

;Teacher: There are two uses of this word among LDS. The first is the familiar term teacher, as in a Sunday School teacher. The second usage is for a position in the LDS priesthood that is generally reserved for young men age 14-16.
*{{E|Teacher, Aaronic Priesthood|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4263&filename=4264.pdf}}
;Telestial Kingdom: The lowest kingdom of glory in the LDS view of heaven. It is compared to the glory of the stars.
*{{E|Teletial Kingdom|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4266&filename=4267.pdf}}
;Temple: The temple is not a church building for normal Sunday meetings. It is a place of sacred worship and ceremonies performed for the living and on behalf of the dead.
*{{E|Temple|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4270&filename=4271.pdf}}
;Terrestrial Kingdom: The middle kingdom of Glory in the LDS view of heaven. It is compared to the glory of the moon.
*{{E|Terrestrial Kingdom|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4274&filename=4275.pdf}}
;Testimony: This has two uses within the LDS church. First it is a description of belief, as in "He has a testimony of the gospel." Secondly, it is used to describe the verbal expression of that belief, as in "He bore his testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ." Members are encouraged to receive a testmimony for themselves: i.e., they are to petition God for answers about the truth or falsity of the Church and its doctrines, and to receive such answers via personal revelation.
*{{E|Testimony|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4276&filename=4277.pdf}}
;Tithing : Tithing has been defined by the Lord as "one-tenth of [a person's] interest annually" ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/119/4 D&C 119:4]). Generally this has been interpreted to mean "income." The Church has not defined "interest" or "income" specifically, leaving such determination up to each member.
*{{E|Tithing|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4287&filename=4288.pdf}}

== U ==

== V ==
;Visiting teaching: Monthly visit made by two women in the ward to other sister(s) as assigned by the bishop and Relief Society president. Analagous to the male practice of ''home teaching''. The purpose is to share gospel teaching, build and strengthen friendships, and make sure all personal and spiritual needs are being met in each woman's life.
* {{E|Visiting Teaching|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4287&filename=4288.pdf}}

== W ==

;Ward: Ecclesiastical unit presided over by a Bishop. Members are assigned to attend wards by geographical location.
* {{Encyclopedia|article=Ward|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4322&filename=4323.pdf}}

;Welfare: A system of Church assistance, which provides food, clothing, fuel, and sometimes cash to meet basic necessities for those members who are in financial difficulty. The bishop administers welfare at the ward level, and finances come from ''fast offerings.'' Church Welfare is a gift, not a loan. Bishops work with members to help them become financially self-sufficient again, and bishops will almost always assign the member receiving assistance some sort of work, service, or activity so that the assistance is not a "dole."
* {{E|Welfare|2=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4332&filename=4333.pdf}}

;Word of Wisdom : The health code followed by practicing Latter-day Saints (Mormons.) The current interpretation includes not drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, taking illegal drugs, drinking coffee, or black or green tea. Some Latter-day Saints in the United States  have further interpreted this to mean they should not drink any caffeinated beverages, although this is a matter about which the Church has no official stance.

*{{Encyclopedia|article=Word of Wisdom|link=http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/doc_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/EoM&CISOPTR=4352&CISOBOX=1}}
*FAIR Wiki: '''[[Template:WoWWiki|Word of Wisdom]]'''

== X ==

== Y ==

== Z ==

;Zion: There are several definitions:

*The name of the people of the Lord ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moses/7/18#18 Moses 7:18]).
*A city built by Enoch and his people that was translated ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moses/7/18-69#18 Moses 7:18-69]).
*The City of Jerusalem ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_sam/5/6-7#6 2 Sam. 5:6-7]).
*The New Jerusalem that is to be built in Jackson County Missouri ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/84/1-4#1 D&C 84:1-4]).
*All of North and South America (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 362).

MormonFAQ/Myths and Questions

2007-12-16T17:03:16Z

ScottGordon: /* "Mormons are racists, or have a history of racism in their church." */

{{FAQPortal}}
There are many things in the LDS church that are held up to ridicule by professional anti- Mormons and by some of Protestant denominations. Some contain a kernel of truth, but are distorted so as to be virtually unrecognizable to a Latter-day Saint.

Other attacks or claims made by critics are simply false.

In the area of history, many anti-Mormons engage in selective quotation. While the quotes may be technically correct, they may be taken out of context, out of historical context, or taken from sources which have been discredited or are not authoritative.

==Bible==
=== "With Mormons, the Bible is not the ultimate authority." ===
Mormons refuse to put limits on God's ability to speak to His children. Therefore, a ''book'' is not the ultimate authority, and this is true for the Bible as well as for the Book of Mormon. God is our ultimate authority, and we believe he continues to speak to us collectively, through his prophets, and individually. One of the things He has told us is the great value of the Holy Bible for teaching us about Jesus Christ.

There ''has'' to be some other authority than the Bible—otherwise, how can we know the Bible is true? We can't believe the Bible just because the Bible says we should. Mormons believe the Bible because ''God'' tells them it's true.

For more information on this topic see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Open_canon_vs._closed_canon]].

==Book of Mormon==
=== "DNA Proves the Book of Mormon is false." ===
Critics tend to opt for the most naive, ill-informed reading possible of the Book of Mormon text, and then cry foul when the Saints point out that they have given much thought to these issues and come to more nuanced conclusions that are more faithful to the Book of Mormon text than the critics' poorly-considered caricatures.

Critics do not provide the "whole story" of the DNA data, and seem to want to use the certainty which DNA provides in modern crime-solving as a springboard to trick the Saints, the media, and investigators into thinking that their historical DNA conclusions are as solid.

In fact, DNA data tells us nothing which we did not already know from archaeological data—at present, the human settlement of the Americas is thought to date thousands of years before the advent of Lehi. Many of these settlers have links to east Asia. None of this is news, and none of it threatens the Book of Mormon's status as authentic history.

But, the critics hope that their listeners will be awed by the banner of DNA science, and conclude that something more impressive is going on. Informed members of the Church have not been persuaded by their tactics, and much has been written to help non-specialists understand the "numerous and complex" issues in the fascinating and valuable science of genetics.

For more information on this topic, see our extensive FAIR-wiki articles on [[Book_of_Mormon_and_DNA_evidence|Book of Mormon and DNA]].

==Christ==

=== "Mormons deny the deity of Christ:" ===
On the contrary, Mormons believe firmly in the deity of Christ. We hold that Jesus was Jehovah of the Old Testament (therefore "God") and that he is the literal (spiritual and physical) Son of God the Father. To say that we deny his deity is simply not true. His deity is affirmed in all of the books of scripture we use. 
'''''Unique LDS Scriptural Passages affirming the deity of Christ''''' 
* {{S||Mosiah|15|1}} — ...God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people. 
* {{s||DC|19|1,16-19}} — I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world... For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

=== "Mormons believe that Lucifer and Jesus are brothers."===

This phase is a good example of how critics misrepresent what Mormons believe to attack rather than try to understand the nuances of the faith.

Put in proper context, the belief is that Jesus and Satan, as well as all of us, share the same spiritual Parent: God the Father. This in no way assumes that Jesus and Satan are spiritual equals (just as Cain and Abel shared the same father, but were stark contrasts to one another). We believe that Jesus upheld the Father's plan for us, while Satan rebelled against it and was cast out. At his rebellion, the heavens "wept" ({{s||DC|76|26}}) and he is now the enemy of God, Christ, and every human being. He seeks our misery; Christ seeks to save us, if we will accept Him.

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|Jesus as brother of Satan?]].

==Deification/theosis==

=== "Mormons believe that they can become gods and rule over their own planets." ===

This is a mischaracterization of LDS belief. This is a sacred topic that we do not speak of lightly. It is not something that can be explained in short sound bytes. It is not an established doctrine of the Church, but it is a common belief held by the majority of the members that we participate in the creation process and become as God.

The first point to understand is that we don't see God as something that is "Totally Other" or "Totally different" from humanity. We really see him as Our Heavenly Father, in a very literal sense. When this principle is taught in the Holy Bible we completely believe it.

As the Bible tells us, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God - except Jesus. But, through the Fathers mercy, He promises to give us everything that He has, to allow sit us down on His throne as He has placed Jesus on a throne.

We believe everyone is already divine, in some sense, because they are children of a divine Father in Heaven. The atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the ability to express and develop that divine potential into a divine reality. This mortal earth life is a continuation of the process of developing that potential first begun in the pre-mortal existence where we lived with our Father in Heaven.

In a nutshell, we believe the Father can make us like Him, and since He is divine, we will be too. But, that never means we can supercede Him, or replace Him or Jesus. We will always worship the Father as God. This is something that happens because of the Grace of God, it is not something that we can earn in any sense of the word. It's not meant to be an expression of arrogance, but simply an expression of the wonderful grace available to us all.

We think is says a lot more about God than it does about us.

This is a concept alluded to in the Holy Bible and discussed at some length by the early Church Fathers. A current understanding of these beliefs is a result of continuing revelation from God. Other Christian faiths have rejected modern day revelation and have lost understanding of these principles.

Unfortunately, our critics try to make it sound blasphemous or ridiculous, and hope that they can use sound-byte attacks to convey ideas we don't really believe.

For more information on this subject see our FAIRwiki article on [[Deification_of_man|''Theosis'' or Human deification]], or please feel free to post specific questions to http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php

==God==
=== "Mormons believe that God had sexual intercourse with Mary."===
This is not a doctrine of the LDS church. It is believed that Jesus is the literal Son of God, but there is no official stance on the process by which he was conceived.

Some members and leaders have made and do make this assumption, but this is not a doctrine of the Church—such speculation was more common before assisted reproductive techniques (e.g., IVF, "test tube babies," etc.) made it clear that one can be a literal parent without sexual intercourse. The key has always been to defend the idea of God's ''literal'' Fatherhood of Jesus; the Church and its leaders always resisted efforts to allegorize or spiritualize this vital doctrine.

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Jesus_Christ%27s_conception|Conception of Jesus Christ]].

=== "Mormons don't believe in the God and Jesus of the Bible." ===
Mormons believe in the biblical Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Ghost), rather than in the "Trinity" the way many Christians do. We differ from other Christians in our beliefs about the nature of God, and reject the post-biblical creeds that attempted to define God's nature (Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed, Westminster Confession of Faith, etc.) and merge the essence of the Three into One. We believe that the members of the Godhead are three distinct, ontologically separate beings, who act in perfect unity to carry out the plan of salvation. The Father and the Son, in our belief, have perfect, glorified, physical bodies, while the Holy Ghost has a body of spirit.

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Worship_different_Jesus|Do Mormons Worship a "Different Jesus"?]].

=== "The Mormon God was once a mortal man on another planet." ===
Many Latter-day Saints infer that because we, as children of God, now live as mortals in this world and have the potential to become gods through the atonement of Christ, that God the Father must have gone through a similar process to be where He is. Early leaders (including Joseph Smith) taught something to this effect. But... it's something about which we know very little, since nothing formal has been revealed to the Church and very little was explained by early leaders. Could it be so? Logically, yes, but we simply don't know very much about it. As far as we are concerned, God the Father has always been our God and always will be, and we leave it at that. Anything else is really just theological speculation—interesting, but not terribly important.

==History==

=== "Mormonism is a cult." ===
Some of our critics like to use the word "cult" because of its shock value. It is an attempt to equate Mormons with groups like the Peoples Temple group (Jim Jones) or Heaven's Gate, where they make us out to be "kool-aid" drinkers, swallowing whatever our leaders tell us without question, and this is patently not the way the Church operates. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a legitimate world religion, and has gained the respect of world leaders, political, social, and religious. Theological differences should be no occasion for name-calling or labeling.

"Cult" is simply a word that powerful religions use to call another faith names. Early Christians were labeled as cultists by the Romans. We don't believe name-calling has any place in civil discourse.

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[LDS_Church_is_a_cult|Mormons are a cult?]].

=== "But Joseph Smith said that all churches were wrong, and that they were an 'abomination' in God's sight. Doesn't that sound bigoted?" ===
Joseph Smith went into the grove at age 14 to ask God "which of all the churches is right, and which should [he] join?" He assumed that the Lord's church had continued on the earth, unchanged through the centuries, and just wanted to know which one it was. What he was told by the Father and the Son in his vision appears to have been a surprising answer to him, that they were all wrong. But what he said was that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight, that the professors (as in professional clergy) were corrupt. That's a far cry from saying that there was nothing good or true or of value in those churches, or that their members were going to hell. God's purpose in the restoration of the fullness of the gospel to the earth was to bring people to a clearer understanding of Him and His Son and their plan for creation. So our message to the world is to bring all you have that is good and true and praiseworthy from your own tradition, and let us see if we can add to it.

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|Godhead and the Trinity]].

==Joseph Smith==

=== "Mormons believe that they are saved through obedience to Joseph Smith." ===
Not true. Joseph Smith is, to Mormons, no different than Peter, Paul, Moses, or any of the other biblical prophets. He was an imperfect, fallible human being (by his own admission), as were biblical figures (except Jesus only).

Despite being fallible, Biblical figures—like Joseph—were called by God to be prophets. To say that one is a prophet doesn't mean he loses his humanity, i.e., ceases to be who he has become in his upbringing and surroundings. God has always spoken through prophets and apostles, imperfect though they be, and to Mormons it is no different with Joseph Smith or any of his successors.

Christians who find this stance troubling should ask themselves, "Can I, as a Christian, reject Peter [or Paul, or whomever], and still accept Christ?" Since it is through these fallible mortals that we know about Christ, we cannot reject their witness. Likewise, Mormons cannot reject Joseph's witness of Christ.

For further information see FAIR-wiki article: [[Joseph_Smith%27s_status_in_LDS_belief|Joseph Smith's status in LDS belief]].

== Politics ==

=== "What is the view of the Mormon Church on the political process?" ===
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established. 

The Church does not: 
* Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms. 
* Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes. 
* Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
* Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader. 

The Church does: 
* Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections. 
* Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters. 
* Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church. 
* Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.

=== "Should someone be disqualified (in the public arena) from holding a high public office, solely on the the basis of his/her religion?" ===
Absolutely not. While the Church itself has a policy of strict political neutrality, members are counseled that "honest men and wise men [women] should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men [and women] ye should observe to uphold..." ({{s||DC|98|10}}), regardless of their religious affiliation. Likewise, people should not necessarily vote for a candidate simply because he or she shares their specific religious faith (or lack thereof).

== Polygamy ==
=== "Mormons believe you must practice polygamy to be saved." ===
In the LDS church, plural marriage (or polygamy) was a practice and a belief that was appropriate for its time in the 1840's through the 1890's. In the 1890's the Church ended the practice. They follow a Book of Mormon scripture which states plural marriage is not to be practiced except during times when God commands it.

For more information of this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Polygamy_a_requirement_for_exaltation|Polygamy required to be saved?]].

==Racism==

=== "Mormons are racists, or have a history of racism in their church." ===
Mormons have always allowed those of black-African descent to join the Church and worship in the same congregations as everyone else. They also served as Sunday School teachers and in many other callings in the church. Sometime in the mid-19th century, a policy was introduced that denied blacks the benefits of membership in our lay priesthood. This policy was in place until 1978, at which time (then) Church president Spencer W. Kimball announced that the priesthood could be held by any eligible male member. We do not know the reasons for this pre-1978 policy, because there is no recorded revelation given for it. Many have pointed to statements by past Church leaders which, by today's standards, would be considered racist. We would not try to justify statements by our leaders that carried racist connotations. But other Christians who point the "racist" finger at Mormons should certainly not apply a different standard to our past than they do to their own.

For more information on this topic see:
* FAIR's webpage at [http://www.blacklds.org/ www.blacklds.org] dedicated to black members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
* FAIR-wiki article on [[Blacks_and_the_priesthood|Race issues and the Church]]

== Salvation ==

=== "Mormons don't believe in being saved by grace though faith-only in Jesus Christ." ===
Mormons believe they are saved by Jesus Christ. Without Christ, it wouldn't matter how many good works or ordinances you did, it would not lead to your salvation. Similarly, it matters not how much you profess Christ if you do not try to follow Him by obedience to what He taught.

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Works_and_grace]].

=== "Mormonism is 'exclusive,' that is, if you're not a Mormon, you can't be saved." ===
Not true, though our view of salvation is different in some ways. We believe in different levels of salvation, stemming from the idea that God will judge us according to our works and award us accordingly. Paul alluded to differences in the glories of resurrected beings, comparing them to the sun, moon, and stars (1 Cor. 15), and coupled with modern revelation (D&C 76, for exampe), we believe that there are degrees of glory in the hereafter, and that each is a "kingdom of glory," where a degree of salvation is granted through the grace of Christ. In order to attain the highest, people must accept Christ, exercise faith in him, and endure to the end of their lives in faithfulness.

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Salvation_of_non-members]].

==Temple==

=== "Mormons wear 'magic' underwear. This is one of their strange, 'out there' beliefs." ===
It is true that adult members of the Church who have participated in an ordinance in our Temples, called the "endowment," wear a special undergarment. The purpose of this garment is to serve as a reminder of the covenants one has made to God. Keeping the covenants made brings with it the blessings of spiritual protection. Anecdotal stories of the garment offering physical protection are sometimes related by members of the Church, and this is, perhaps, where some critics of the Church ascribe the "magic" quality to the garment. However, calling it "magic underwear" only serves to ridicule and sensationalize a belief we hold sacred. It is tantamount to making light of the priestly vestments of other faiths, or the yarmulke of the Jews, or the cross jewelry of another Christian. An added benefit of the garment is that wearing it requires that one also wear clothing that is modest.

=== "Mormons believe they can be married forever in heaven." ===
It is not clear why many critics find this idea so offensive. What is so strange, or inappropriate, about the idea that family relationships—the source of our greatest joys—may continue beyond the grave?

This is indeed a core doctrine of the Church. Marriages and families "sealed" by proper authority can last for all eternity, rather than just "til death do you part." Members of the Church take Jesus' declaration to Peter seriously: "whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven..." ({{s||Matthew|16|19}}).

Unsurpisingly, many non-LDS seem to share a similar hope or belief in continuing family relationships beyond death. It is surprising, though, that critics find this doctrine offensive or "unchristian."

=== "Mormons believe in being baptized for dead people." ===
This is another one of those things that, at first glance sounds a little weird, yet, once understood it's not so strange. Our doctrine of baptsim for the dead starts with the premise that all are on equal footing before God; that it would be unjust to condemn someone to hell for living at the wrong time or in the wrong place, without ever having a chance hear of Jesus. While Jesus' body was in the tomb, he went and began to teach his gospel to those in the Spirit World, where they have the freedom to accept it or reject it. Baptism, for us, is an earthly ordinance; so we search out the names of our deceased ancestors, and act as proxies for them in the Temple where we are baptized in their behalf. In the Spirit World, they have the freedom to accept or reject this proxy ordinance. To us, it's not about giving them a chance to "become a Mormon" when they're dead; it's about accepting or rejecting Christ and His gospel. 
Other references 
* D&C 128 Where the doctrine is revealed. 
* {{b||1|Corinthians|15|29}} Where the practice is at least alluded to by Paul. 
* Dr. Krister Stendahl, Swedish theologian, former Bishop of Stockholm (Lutheran), and former dean of the Harvard Divinity School (hardly a light-weight in the Christian world), named this LDS doctrine his "holy envy" of the Latter-day Saints in Between Heaven and Earth, aired on KBYU television beginning in October 2002 ("holy envy" meaning "be willing to find elements in the other religious traditions and faiths that you admire and wish could, in some way, be reflected in your own religious tradition or faith").

For more information on this topic, see our FAIR-wiki article on [[Baptism_for_the_dead]].
{{DoYouHaveQuestions}}

MormonFAQ

2007-10-15T04:59:07Z

ScottGordon:

Mormon FAQ page is under construction.

The purpose of this page is two-fold. First it is to give factual information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons); second it is to give advice on the consistent use of words, names, places and other elements in writing. It is hoped that the information given will be helpful to journalists and others who write about the LDS church, its doctrines or beliefs. While this page is sponsored by a pro-LDS group, every effort has been made to take a neutral position on the issues presented here. There may be links in some of the entries. Be forewarned that following those links may lead to information that is likely sponsored by pro-LDS sources.

= WHO ARE THEY? =

==Restorationist Faiths.==

Restorationist faiths or churches are defined as all faiths who can trace their origins to Joseph Smith, Jr. [1805-1844] and the religious manifestations that he had over the course of his life. Either directly or through some other faith.

It is most important that the writer keep a neutral tone when reporting on events. This is of particular concern when the writer is a member of one of the restorationist churches. Pejoratives such as apostate or break-off should never be used except in
direct quotes.

===The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).===

This is the largest of all of the restorationist movements and is based in Salt Lake City.
Note the lower case on the word "day" and the use of hyphenation.

===The Community of Christ (RLDS)===

Previously known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This church is the only other world wide church with in the restorationist movement. Headquartered in Independence, Mo.

http://www.cofchrist.org/

===Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.===

This group was formally organized in 1991 in response to what they felt was the liberal direction of the Community of Christ (RLDS).

==='Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints===

Another church which broke from the The Community of Christ over the issues of woman's ordination and other changes in that church

http://www.theremnantchurch.com/

===The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)===

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS Church) is one of America's largest practitioners of plural marriage. The FLDS Church emerged in the 1930s largely because of the LDS Church's continued practice of excommunicating any practitioners of plural marriage. There is no connection between the FLDS Church and the LDS Church as members of the FLDS church are mostly children or grandchildren of people who were excommunicated from the LDS church because of their practice of polygamy.

==='Others===

There are many other small denominations of restorationist churches. The purpose of this guide is not to list them all, but just to be aware that they exist. The various denominations are not affiliated with each other, so it is important to correctly identify which denomination you are referring to in anything you may write.

===Mormon===

The term Mormon originally started as a pejorative to identify a person who believed in The Book of Mormon. Some early newspapers used the term Mormonite. While it may be tempting to use that label the same way today, the term "Mormon" used without additional modifiers has come to represent members of the Salt Lake City based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not appropriate to identify members of the Community or Christ or members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as "Mormon" as that would be confusing. It becomes especially objectionable to the LDS church members to identify members of the FLDS as Mormons because the founders of that denomination were excommunicated from the LDS church.

=OGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP=

=BELIEFS AND PRACTICES=

=TERMS=

== A ==

'''Aaronic Priesthood''' This is one of the two Latter-Day Saints priesthoods. It is made
up of three offices Deacon, Teacher and Priest each with increasing duties. In the
LDS Church it is generally given to young men starting at age 12. In the RLDS and
most other restorationist churches it is given to adults most of the time. Capitalize
both words. See priesthood.

'''Aaronic Order''' A communal restorationist faith in and around Esk-Dale, Utah.

'''apostate''' Never use the word apostate to describe or label any church or person. If a
church can trace it's origins to another church then it should be stated in that way.
For example: ''The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ which formed by members of
the RLDS Church in 1989.''

'''Apostle''' A calling usually in reference to a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
In the RLDS Church it may be used as a title, ''Apostle John Smith''. Use the term
Elder in the LDS Church, ''Elder John Smith. a member of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles.''

'''Auditorium''', The Capitalize when referencing to the building at Independence, Mo.

== B ==

'''baptism for the dead''' The practice of baptizing a person by proxy for a deceased person.
Do not capitalize. This rite is performed most often in the temples of the LDS Church.

'''Barlow University''' A college in Colorado City, Arizona operated by the Fundamentalist
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Barlow)

'''bishop''' A lay person called to oversee the operation of a local congregation (LDS) or to assist
in the temporal affairs of the church in a given area (RLDS). Capitalize when part of
the title. ''Bishop John Smith'' otherwise lower case as in ''the bishop's storehouse''. In
the RLDS and Temple Lot, etc. bishops have the general oversight and responsibility
for all the temporal affairs of the church and its members.

'''Book of Commandments''' A book of scripture first published in 1833. It was reissued
in 1835 as the Doctrine and Covenants. The Book of Commandments is still used by
the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and several other restorationist churches. .

'''Book of the Law of the Lord''' A book of scripture translated by James J. Strang in
1851. Used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strang) and related
groups.

'''The Book of Mormon''' A book of scripture used by most, but not all, of the restorationist churches. Translated by Joseph Smith, Jr. it is also known as ''The Record of
the Nephites'' by some churches.
Use the word Mormon only in the context of The Book of Mormon, not as a nickname
for a church or its members. The LDS Church's media style guide give the name as
''The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ'' which is rarely used even
within the LDS Church.
Citing scriptures from the Book of Mormon. Because the Book of Mormon has two
different verse numbering systems in use it is important to cite verses from it in a
consistent way. The numbering system used by the church about which the story
is concerning should be used with the alternate system used afterwards. The two
systems are noted as either LDS or RLDS. For example: 1Ne. 1:1 (1Ne. 1:1 RLDS)
You should do this even in cases where the two numbering systems agree.
Abbreviations of book titles The following are the accepted abbreviations.
Table 1: default
1 Ne. 1 Nephi
2 Ne. 2 Nephi
Jacob Jacob
Enos Enos
Jarom Jarom
Omni Omni
W of M Words of Mormon
Mosiah Mosiah
Alma Alma
Hel. Helaman
3 Ne. 3 Nephi
4 Ne. 4 Nephi
Morm. Mormon
Ether Ether
Moro. Moroni

MormonFAQ

2007-10-15T04:54:36Z

ScottGordon:

Mormon FAQ page is under construction.

The purpose of this page is two-fold. First it is to give factual information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons); second it is to give advice on the consistent use of words, names, places and other elements in writing. It is hoped that the information given will be helpful to journalists and others who write about the LDS church, its doctrines or beliefs. While this page is sponsored by a pro-LDS group, every effort has been made to take a neutral position on the issues presented here. There may be links in some of the entries. Be forewarned that following those links may lead to information that is likely sponsored by pro-LDS sources.

= WHO ARE THEY? =

==Restorationist Faiths.==

Restorationist faiths or churches are defined as all faiths who can trace their origins to Joseph Smith, Jr. [1805-1844] and the religious manifestations that he had over the course of his life. Either directly or through some other faith.

It is most important that the writer keep a neutral tone when reporting on events. This is of particular concern when the writer is a member of one of the restorationist churches. Pejoratives such as apostate or break-off should never be used except in
direct quotes.

===The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).===

This is the largest of all of the restorationist movements and is based in Salt Lake City.
Note the lower case on the word "day" and the use of hyphenation.

===The Community of Christ (RLDS)===

Previously known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This church is the only other world wide church with in the restorationist movement. Headquartered in Independence, Mo.

http://www.cofchrist.org/

===Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.===

This group was formally organized in 1991 in response to what they felt was the liberal direction of the Community of Christ (RLDS).

==='Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints===

Another church which broke from the The Community of Christ over the issues of woman's ordination and other changes in that church

http://www.theremnantchurch.com/

===The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)===

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS Church) is one of America's largest practitioners of plural marriage. The FLDS Church emerged in the 1930s largely because of the LDS Church's continued practice of excommunicating any practitioners of plural marriage. There is no connection between the FLDS Church and the LDS Church as members of the FLDS church are mostly children or grandchildren of people who were excommunicated from the LDS church because of their practice of polygamy.

==='Others===

There are many other small denominations of restorationist churches. The purpose of this guide is not to list them all, but just to be aware that they exist. The various denominations are not affiliated with each other, so it is important to correctly identify which denomination you are referring to in anything you may write.

===Mormon===

The term Mormon originally started as a pejorative to identify a person who believed in The Book of Mormon. Some early newspapers used the term Mormonite. While it may be tempting to use that label the same way today, the term "Mormon" used without additional modifiers has come to represent members of the Salt Lake City based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not appropriate to identify members of the Community or Christ or members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as "Mormon" as that would be confusing. It becomes especially objectionable to the LDS church members to identify members of the FLDS as Mormons because the founders of that denomination were excommunicated from the LDS church.

=OGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP=

=BELIEFS AND PRACTICES=

=TERMS=

== A ==

'''Aaronic Priesthood''' This is one of the two Latter-Day Saints priesthoods. It is made
up of three offices Deacon, Teacher and Priest each with increasing duties. In the
LDS Church it is generally given to young men starting at age 12. In the RLDS and
most other restorationist churches it is given to adults most of the time. Capitalize
both words. See priesthood.

'''Aaronic Order''' A communal restorationist faith in and around Esk-Dale, Utah.

'''apostate''' Never use the word apostate to describe or label any church or person. If a
church can trace it's origins to another church then it should be stated in that way.
For example: ''The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ which formed by members of
the RLDS Church in 1989.''

'''Apostle''' A calling usually in reference to a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
In the RLDS Church it may be used as a title, ''Apostle John Smith''. Use the term
Elder in the LDS Church, ''Elder John Smith. a member of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles.''

'''Auditorium''', The Capitalize when referencing to the building at Independence, Mo.

== B ==

'''baptism for the dead''' The practice of baptizing a person by proxy for a deceased person.
Do not capitalize. This rite is performed most often in the temples of the LDS Church.

'''Barlow University''' A college in Colorado City, Arizona operated by the Fundamentalist
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Barlow)

'''bishop''' A lay person called to oversee the operation of a local congregation (LDS) or to assist
in the temporal affairs of the church in a given area (RLDS). Capitalize when part of
the title. ''Bishop John Smith'' otherwise lower case as in ''the bishop's storehouse''. In
the RLDS and Temple Lot, etc. bishops have the general oversight and responsibility
for all the temporal affairs of the church and its members.

'''Book of Commandments''' A book of scripture first published in 1833. It was reissued
in 1835 as the Doctrine and Covenants. The Book of Commandments is still used by
the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and several other restorationist churches. .

'''Book of the Law of the Lord''' A book of scripture translated by James J. Strang in
1851. Used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strang) and related
groups.

'''The Book of Mormon''' A book of scripture used by most, but not all, of the restora-
tionist churches. Translated by Joseph Smith, Jr. it is also known as ''The Record of
the Nephites'' by some churches.
Use the word Mormon only in the context of The Book of Mormon, not as a nickname
for a church or its members. The LDS Church's media style guide give the name as
''The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ'' which is rarely used even
within the LDS Church.
Citing scriptures from the Book of Mormon. Because the Book of Mormon has two
different verse numbering systems in use it is important to cite verses from it in a
consistent way. The numbering system used by the church about which the story
is concerning should be used with the alternate system used afterwards. The two
systems are noted as either LDS or RLDS. For example: 1Ne. 1:1 (1Ne. 1:1 RLDS)
You should do this even in cases where the two numbering systems agree.
Abbreviations of book titles The following are the accepted abbreviations.
Table 1: default
1 Ne. 1 Nephi
2 Ne. 2 Nephi
Jacob Jacob
Enos Enos
Jarom Jarom
Omni Omni
W of M Words of Mormon
Mosiah Mosiah
Alma Alma
Hel. Helaman
3 Ne. 3 Nephi
4 Ne. 4 Nephi
Morm. Mormon
Ether Ether
Moro. Moroni

MormonFAQ

2007-10-15T02:16:48Z

Search for the Truth DVD review in PDF Format

2007-06-24T23:36:41Z

ScottGordon:

This is the review of the Search for the Truth DVD in PDF format. You can use this to print out the review. Because the Wiki format of the review can change, the PDF version may vary slightly from the online version.

{{pdf|LDSTruth.pdf|Search for the Truth review in PDF format}}

Search for the Truth DVD review in PDF Format

2007-06-24T23:36:23Z

ScottGordon:

This is the review of the Search for the Truth DVD in PDF format. You can use this to print out the review. Because the Wiki format of the review can change, the PDF version may vary slightly from the online version.

{{pdf:|LDSTruth.pdf:Search for the Truth review in PDF format}}