Why Do Mormons Keep Journals?

Posted on July 7, 2006 by jbarney

Members of the Mormon Church are constantly asked by the leaders of the Church to keep a journal. President Spencer W. Kimball once said, “We urge our young people to begin today to write and keep records of all the important things in their own lives.” This urging extends beyond just the youth to all members of the Church. But why is this Mormon belief so important?

A few scriptures give some of the reasons why members of the Church are asked to keep journals. In the Book of Mormon it says, “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). This scripture illustrates one reason why members are encouraged to keep journals and records; because they can be an inspiration to your children, grandchildren and others. Keeping a journal also helps those who will come in later generations feel a link to their ancestors, thus fulfilling the scripture, “and the hearts of the children will turn to the fathers” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:16).

Another reason to keep a journal is that it can be a personal inspiration. Numerous Church leaders have explained that those who keep journals are more likely to remember God in their daily lives, and that a journal can be a source of strength when things are not going well.

Another main reason is that a journal can provide historical insight and be a historical source for future generations. One example of this in the Mormon Church is Wilford Woodruff. He faithfully kept a journal for 63 years and the information found in his journals provides a detailed record of the history of the Church during that time. If President Woodruff had not kept a journal many of the things known about the Church and life in Utah during that time would be lost. Journals also help maintain family history knowledge and may help future generations who are doing genealogical work for your family.

Get answers to your questions about Mormonism at: www.askgramps.org

Dispensation

Posted on June 27, 2006 by jhenderson

In Mormon doctrine, a dispensation of the gospel is a time period, of no particular length, during which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who holds the keys of the holy priesthood and who has a divinely appointed commission to “dispense” the gospel to mankind. When a new dispensation is organized, the Lord reveals the gospel anew, so that mankind is blessed with current revelation and does not have to depend upon previous dispensations for their knowledge of the gospel and the plan of salvation.

Dispensations are often associated with the servant who stands at the head of it. In Old Testament times, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses are all considered heads of new dispensations. When Jesus Christ came to earth He ushered in another dispensation. In the last days,Mormons believe the Lord called the Prophet Joseph Smith to usher in what is known as the “dispensation of the fulness of times.”

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. (Ephesians 1:10)

Each of the dispensations has been characteristic in some way or other. Adam, for instance, opened the way for man to come to the earth; In Enoch’s time, the righteous people were taken to heaven; Jesus atoned for mankind and was resurrected; and Joseph Smith laid the foundation for a culmination God’s work on the earth.

For it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. (D&C 128:18)

Latter-day revelation clearly shows that the leaders of former dispensations all had the gospel of Jesus Christ and were called and ordained of Him.

beliefs of mormonism

Posted on June 12, 2006 by admin

The basic beliefs of Mormonism are that God is our Father and the Creator of the world, Jesus Christ is his Son and the Savior of mankind through whom alone we can be saved, and that the Holy Ghost testifies of God and Jesus Christ and guides men on earth. The path that leads to salvation through Jesus, which He described as the straight and narrow path, consists of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism in His name, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end in faith and righteousness relying wholly upon the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. This path, along with the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was resurrected is, according to the beliefs of Mormonism, called the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel means good news and the good news is that Jesus Christ has overcome physical and spiritual death, both of which prevented us from returning to live with our Heavenly Father again.

These represent the fundamental beliefs of Mormonism about God and salvation. Mormonism’s beliefs about life also include the Plan of Salvation, also called the Plan of Happiness, which includes the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also explains where we came from,why we are here ( the Purpose of Life), and where we are going. According to Mormon beliefs, all mankind lived before this life as spirit children of our Heavenly Father. God presented us with a plan which included life on this earth and the mission of Jesus Christ. We accepted it and have been sent down here to live and grow. Only by making choices and learning from own mistakes can we grow to become more like God. We live in a world where good and evil coexist and we can be tempted to do both wrong and right. This ability to choose, called agency, is essential for growth. Because God knew we would all make mistakes, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of the whole world and enable us to return to God’s presence where we will be judged according to our works. The path which leads to salvation in the Kingdom of God is the gospel of Jesus Christ. After death, according to Mormon beliefs, we will return to the Spirit world and there await the resurrection and the judgment. Jesus Christ will be the ultimate judge and will assign to each person a kingdom according to their works and faith on Him.

Another important belief of Mormonism is that God sends prophets to make His plan and His Gospel known. The Bible contains the records of the ancient prophets who taught the people of Israel and Judea and later the whole world.Mormons believe that God still sends prophets today, who have authority from God to teach and baptize people in His Name. The first of thesemodern prophets was Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon and received many important revelations which help us understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The most important role of a prophet is to testify of Jesus Christ. The Mormon Church still has prophets today who continue to be guided by revelation from God.

mormon religion

Posted on June 8, 2006 by admin

Mormon religion, or Mormonism, consists of the beliefs, traditions, and religious rites practiced by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The nickname, Mormon, comes from the Mormon belief in the Book of Mormon as a second witness to Jesus Christ and as Holy Scripture comparable to the Bible. The Mormon religion is centered on Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world and Mormons believe that His sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross as the pivotal event in man’s relationship to God. Unlike most other Christian religions,Mormons believe thatJesus Christ still speaks to prophets on the earth today and that scripture is still being revealed. The first of the modern day prophets was Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon.

Mormon beliefs and practices encompass the whole of life. Mormons believe that the family is sacred and that marriage can last throughout eternity if it is bound by God’s power, called priesthood, in Mormon temples. Mormon beliefs also include the importance of faith, baptism in Jesus’ name for those old enough to understand and choose for themselves, and the power of the Holy Spirit in one’s every day life. Mormons believe that everyone should be anxiously engaged in doing good and in helping others. Mormons teach that the purpose of life is to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally through our experiences and that difficulties are part of God’s plan to help us learn how to become more like Him: more humble, loving, and patient. Mankind is by nature good, for we are made in God’s image, but we are weak because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, but through Jesus Christ all mankind can be saved if they obey God by being baptized and striving to keep the commandments.

ex mormon

Posted on June 8, 2006 by admin

Ex-Mormon, also written as exmormon or exmo, generally refers to those persons who have voluntarily chosen to leaven the Mormon Church because they disagreed either with its teachings, or with the practices of the Church. While technically anyone who has left Mormonism may be termed anEx-Mormon , the term is usually reserved for those who, after leaving, oppose Mormonism. Ex-Mormons do not constitute a single group and are only defined by what they oppose: the Mormon Church,Mormon beliefs, and its members. Some ex-Mormons join other churches, such as Evangelical Christian or Catholic, and some become agnostic or secular humanist. Their only common factor is opposition and hostility to Mormonism. As such, they can be classified as Anti-Mormon.

Because Mormonism is distinct subculture with its own traditions and even vocabulary, transition out of Mormonism can represent a very real culture shock. A similar problem confronts those converting to Mormonism. Ex-Mormons feel that this means Mormonism is a cult, but really it only shows that Mormonism has a unique culture that separates it in some aspects from the broader American culture. Also, sinceMormonism is very family oriented , transition from the Mormon Church can also mean a painful break with family. The emphasis Mormons place on cooperation means that they frequently work together communally to help one another. In modern American culture, which is highly individualistic, such communal cooperation is viewed negatively. Among Ex-Mormon, such cooperation is portrayed as “group think,” whereas for Mormons it represents fulfilling Jesus’ admonition to serve one another.

Many ex-Mormons feel that faithful members must be brainwashed or easily duped to continue being Mormons. In chat rooms and in ex-Mormon literature, Mormons are invariably portrayed as incapable of free-thought. This is obviously untrue as the many examples of faithful Mormons in every conceivable field at various universities, businesses, and governments throughout the world show. The truth is that ex-Mormons, having rejected as foolish what they once believed, must find someone to blame and so they inveigh the Mormon Church and its members for supposedly tricking them. Ex-Mormons do this to preserve their own sense of pride and to find an excuse for their behavior.

anti mormon

Posted on June 7, 2006 by admin

Anti-mormon, also spelled antimormon, refers to those who actively oppose the mission of the Mormon Church by spreading innuendo, hate literature, and misinformation. While not everyone who disagrees with Mormonism is automatically an anti-Mormon, the term is often used that way among Mormons who, because of their history of persecution, are sometimes overly sensitive to such criticism.

The most vocal anti mormonism revolves around the anti-cult movement among evangelical Christians who seek to portray Mormonism as counter to Christianity, a dangerous cult, and a threat to their own congregations because of Mormonism’s active missionary efforts. Secularists are also alarmed at the growth of Mormonism, though they are less likely to publish hate literature attacking Mormonism and its beliefs, though some groups, often comprised of disillusioned exmormons turned natural humanists, do actively oppose Mormonism.

Most anti-Mormon attacks center on one of very few areas of disagreement: Mormon temples, Mormonism’s historical practice of polygamy, the characters of the prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, or the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Anti-Mormons attempt to portray Joseph Smith as disreputal or the Book of Mormon as contradictory to the Bible.

While undoubtedly these have had some effect on Mormons, one of the most interesting reactions to anti-Mormonism has been the growth of the Mormon apologetic community, especially since the growth of the Internet. This includes FARMS, FAIRLDS, Jefflindsay.com, SHIELDS, and a host of other smaller sites and organization who defend Mormon beliefs and the Mormon Church.

Mormon beliefs

Posted on June 5, 2006 by admin

The basic Mormon beliefs are those doctrines believed by members of the Mormon Church, properly called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. First and foremost, Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the World. Some other Christians do not believe that Mormons are Christians, since some doctrines of Mormonism differ from those of other Christian denominations.

Central to Mormon belief is the Godhead: God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They are three distinct persons united in power, glory, and attributes. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfect. He is the creator of the world. Humans are the spirit children of God, the Father, and He has created this earth and placed mankind upon it as a place for testing and personal growth. God has a plan to provide mankind with experiences and growth, but because we all sin during this process, Jesus Christ came as Savior to redeem mankind from the Fall and to save us from death. This plan is called the Plan of Salvation.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is central to man’s relationship to God and is an integral part of the Plan of Salvation. The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ’s mission to save mankind from the physical and spiritual deaths which are the result of our sins. Through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, baptism by immersion in His name, laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end by following the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, a person will be saved from their sins. All mankind will be resurrected. This constitutes the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is the core of Mormonism.

Mormons have many other beliefs, some of which are shared by other Christians and some of which are not. Some of the more notable differences are that Mormons believe in continuing revelation through living prophets.Joseph Smith was the first prophet since the days of the Bible. Mormons believe that there are other scriptures besides the Bible; the Book of Mormon is one of them. Mormons also believe in Eternal Marriage, a ceremony performed in Mormon temples. Also in Mormon temples, baptism for the dead is performed to give those who died without it a chance for salvation.

A summary of basic Mormon beliefs was written by the Prophet Joseph Smith and is called, the Articles of Faith.

Mormon

Posted on June 5, 2006 by jbarney

The word Mormon has multiple meanings. First, it is a nickname for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This nickanme comes from the fact that Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon is a volume of scripture in addition to the Bible. It was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith by the power of God. From this comes Mormon, Mormon Church, and Mormonism, all refering to the membership and beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Book of Mormon, in turn, gets its name from a prophet/historian named Mormon . Mormon lived on the American continent sometime in the late fourth century A.D. (ca. A.D. 311-385). During his life he kept the records of his people, called the Nephites, and eventually creating an abridement of their history which is the record now called theBook of Mormon . In addition to being a prophet and historian, he was also a great military leader for his people, but because of their wickedness and rebellions, they were destroyed in a major war sometime around A.D. 385. Mormon’s son, Moroni, who escaped the general slaughter of his people, completed the record after his father’s death and buried the record, which was engraved on Golden plates, in a hill in what is now upper state New York. Hundreds of years later,Moroni returned as an angel of God and appeared to Joseph Smith to show him where the records were buried.

In addition to these, the word Mormon appears in other places within the text of the Book of Mormon. Two books within the Book of Mormon, have it as part of their title. “The Words of Mormon,” and the “Book of Mormon,” were written primarily by the prophet Mormon and deal with Mormon’s own time period and teachings. Finally, in another section within the Book of Mormon, called the Book of Mosiah, Mormon refers to an oasis where a prophet named Alma baptized followers of Jesus Christ on the American continent.

When asked once what the word “Mormon” meant, Joseph Smith speculated that it could be tranlated as “More Good” (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp 299-300).

Mormon polygamy

Posted on June 1, 2006 by admin

Polygamy was practiced by some Mormons from the 1840s to 1890. Polygamy, or plural marriage, remains one of the most controversial practices in Mormon history. There are many half-truths, rumors, and misinformed teachings about polygamy and its practice by the Mormon Church. In the 1830s, the Prophet Joseph Smith, founder and prophet of the Mormon Church, prayed to understand why certain prophets like Abraham and Moses practiced polygamy. In response, the Lord gave him a revelation (now D&C 132). This revelation teaches that God has commanded polygamy at various times been in order to fulfill certain promises He has made to man. The Book of Mormon teaches polygamy, too:

For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. […] For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things (Jacob 2:27-8, 30).

This teaches that sometimes to “raise up seed,” the Lord will command polygamy, but unless God directly commands it through a prophet, men are forbidden from practicing it. According to Joseph Smith, the first wife had to agree to the new marriage, before it could take place. Polygamy became the most widely known practice of Mormons and was associated with Brigham Young most of all. Polygamy was the cause of some of theworst persecution in Mormon history . The U.S. government passed many laws stripping Mormons of their right to vote or hold public office and arrested many Mormon men. By the 1880s the Mormon Church had lost most of its property and thousands of Mormon men were jailed. Finally, after praying about how to end the difficulties, Mormon Prophet Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the time had come to end the practice of polygamy. Some refused to accept this and left the Mormon Church, but most of the Church accepted it. Today, anyone who practices polygamy is excommunicated from the Mormon Church.

Joseph Smith, the Prophet

Posted on May 26, 2006 by jbarney

Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and a witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ. He was the founder of the Mormon Church. Like many ancient prophets he ended his mission by being murdered by his enemies. Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in Vermont, but grew up in New York. As a young man, he was greatly troubled by religious issues and was worried about his salvation. He prayed and read the Bible often and attended church meetings. One day, as he was ponder the confusion he felt about God and His plan for mankind, he read James 1:5, which read, “If any you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

He immediately knew that he could pray to God and get an answer for himself and not need to depend on others. Some time later in the spring of 1820, when he was just 14, he went out into the woods near his home to pray. He pray aloud to God for an answer to his confusion. According to Joseph Smith’s own account:

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other–This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17).

This was Joseph Smith’s first vision. After this he was visited by angels who called him to be a prophet like Moses or Paul. He was commanded to translate the Book of Mormon from ancient records.The Book of Mormon contained the fullness of Jesus Christ’s Gospel. Over the next several years he published the Book of Mormon and other revelations which he received and organizedthe Mormon Church. Joseph Smith continued to lead the Mormon Church until he was murdered by a mob in 1844 in Illinois.

Joseph Smith taught that God lives, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that these are the last days before His return. He taught that every person must repent and come unto Jesus Christ by accepting baptism from His servants who have receive authority from Him called priesthood. Like so many before him, Joseph Smith sealed his testimony with his own life as martyr for religion. He was succeeded by Brigham Young.

Mormon Dictionary

Brief definitions of words used in Mormonism and the Mormon church

Category Archives: Mormon belief