Academic critics have questioned the legitimacy of Smith as a prophet as well as the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham. Criticism has expanded to include claims of historical revisionism, homophobia, racism, and sexist policies.
Why is the Mormon Church so secretive?
Why is Mormonism sometimes described as a secretive religion? The most common and visible target for charges of suspicious secrecy in the Mormon religion are the temples. After dedication, these buildings are closed to the public and church members do not talk openly about the rituals that take place within.
Why can’t Mormons drink coffee?
The Word of Wisdom also states that hot drinks are forbidden. At the time of the revelation, the most common hot beverages were tea and coffee. Because of this coffee, teas, alcohol, and tobacco were all seen as harmful for health and not conducive to a good and pure way of living.
What religion is most similar to Mormonism?
Although Mormonism and Islam certainly have many similarities, there are also significant, fundamental differences between the two religions. MormonMuslim relations have historically been cordial; recent years have seen increasing dialogue between adherents of the two faiths, and cooperation in charitable endeavors.
What can’t Mormons do?
Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and drugs These are all specifically banned in the Word of Wisdom, except for drugs. The prophets have made it clear that drugs, other than for medical use, are also banned. Mormons are also strongly discouraged from drinking soft drinks containing caffeine.
How many wives can Mormons have?
The LDS Church publicly renounced the practice of polygamy in 1890, but it has never renounced polygamy as doctrine, as evidenced in LDS scriptures. It has always permitted and continues to permit men to be married in Mormon temples for the eternities to more than one wife.
What is the difference between Christianity and Mormonism?
Christians believe in the Holy Bible. For Christians, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, whereas Mormons believe that Jesus had a natural birth. The Mormons believe in a heavenly father, who has a physical body. On the other hand, Christians believe in a Trinitarian God, who has no physical body.
Do Mormons circumcise?
Passages from scriptures connected with the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormons) explain that the law of circumcision is done away by Christ and thus unnecessary from a religious standpoint.
Can Mormons hold babies?
Mormon Missionaries lives strict rules. They have a white handbook that pretty much tells them everything they can, and can not do. They can’t hold babies/kids. They can’t be on the internet, they can’t watch TV, they can’t listen to most popular music (exceptions for classical and some church music).
Can Mormons get tattoos?
Tattoos Are Strongly Discouraged in the LDS Faith Body art can be a way to express yourself and your personality. … The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LDS/Mormon strongly discourages tattoos. Words such as disfigurement, mutilation and defilement are all used to condemn this practice.
Is Mormon Jehovah Witness?
Mormons consider worship God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as separate persons and worship all of them. … Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Only God is Jehovah who’s only son is Jesus and Jehovah created all human beings.
Do Mormons believe in Jesus?
Mormons regard Jesus Christ as the central figure of their faith, and the perfect example of how they should live their lives. Jesus Christ is the second person of the Godhead and a separate being from God the Father and the Holy Ghost. Mormons believe that: Jesus Christ is the first-born spirit child of God.
Do Mormons not eat chocolate?
Originally Answered: Can Mormons eat chocolate? Yes. Caffeine per se is not prohibited to Mormons; coffee and tea are (even de-caffeinatd coffee, for example). Many Mormons avoid caffeine as it is an addictive substance, but others don’t.
What is expected of a Mormon woman?
Mormon women have the specific responsibility to be righteous daughters of God; good, faithful wives; and loving mothers. A woman should give her greatest priority to her home: her husband, her family, and the opportunity to child-bearing.
Can a Mormon marry a non Mormon?
Temple marriage is aptly referred to as sealing because it seals a couple and family together forever. … Not anyone can actually marry in the temple, but only men and women who are faithful members of the Church. Marrying a non-member is allowed, however, the marriage ceremony cannot be done in the temple.
Do sister wives ever sleep together?
No, the women do not have sex with each other. Instead Kody develops a schedule rotating which wife he will sleep with on what night. He tries to make sure that his time is divided equally to avoid jealousy among the wives.
Do Mormons celebrate Christmas?
‘Mormon Land’: How Latter-day Saints celebrate Christmas at church and at home. … But, yes, Mormons celebrate Christmas.
Are Mormons allowed to drink?
The rules prohibit alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs and coffee and tea. They are based on what church members believe was a revelation from God to founder Joseph Smith in 1833.
Do Mormons use the Bible?
Mormons use the Book of Mormon alongside the Bible in teaching and study. … Smith translated the plates into the Book of Mormon, which was first published in 1830. Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon, unlike the Bible, was translated correctly and is the unaltered word of God.
Who do Mormons worship?
Jesus Christ is the central figure in the doctrine and practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the Redeemer. [viii] He is the prototype of all saved beings, the standard of salvation. [ix] Jesus explained that no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).
Do Mormons believe in marriage after death?
In Matthew 22:2830, Jesus is asked about the continuing state of marriage after death and he replies that after the resurrection of the dead people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Mormons do not interpret Jesus’ statement as meaning that marriages will not exist …