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.

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 underwear is made from cotton, polyester, or nylon in several variations. It is completely white, symbolizing purity. The first designs were one-piece garments, which are still available, but it is now more common to wear a separate top and bottom. The top is a T-shirt pattern, covering the shoulders and ending at the waist. The bottom extends from the waist to the knee. Mormon underwear is marked with symbols relating to the temple endowment ceremony. The design is to promote modesty and should be completely covered by outer clothing. Mormon underwear is worn directly next to the skin and replaces any other underwear. TheMormon Church manufactures and sells these garments itself, through Church distribution centers.

A Mormon will begin to wear this underwear as part of the initiatory ordinances of the Mormon temple ceremony. It is here that they will first put on this underwear and promise to wear it the rest of their life. It is symbolic of a covenant made with God, and the reverence that is shown in wearing these garments is evidence of the reverence toward the covenant made. Part of this reverence is not discussing the particulars of the temple ceremony outside of the temple where it may be (and is) taken lightly. This has brought about the incorrect assumption that the Mormon temple is “secret.” The Mormon missionary effort is evidence that Mormons desire everyone to believe and participate in temple worship, there is nothing secretive about it, but the temple is preserved as a sacred space separated from the profane world.

Part of the symbolism of Mormon underwear is biblical. The Lord clothed Adam and Eve with coats of skins when they discovered their nakedness. Modesty is one reason it is worn by believers. There is also mention of “holy garments” that Moses was commanded to make for Aaron (Exodus 28). In both of these occasions the special clothing is part of divine instruction and a sacred covenant. The faithful observer of this covenant is promised that it will become a protection to them. Contrary to the rumors that Mormon underwear is impenetrable armor, the promise is of a spiritual nature.

Although instructed to be worn at all times, there are practical considerations when Mormon underwear may be removed. Bathing is the most obvious. Likewise, swimming or vigorous physical activity may necessitate removal. It is not appropriate to remove or alter them to accommodate fashion. There is no official list; rather it is left to the discretion of the individual. The counsel is simply to wear them at all times unless it is deemed inappropriate to the activity, and not to find excuses to remove them.

Mormon underwear is a solemn religious act of symbolism showing a covenant between God and the wearer of it. Because of the sacred nature which is not discussed outside the temple, naturally, the curiosity of others is piqued. But there is nothing to hide. Mormon underwear is worn as a symbol and reminder of a covenant that person has made with God.

The Plan of Salvation sums up the purpose of existence in Mormon basic belief. In the Pearl of Great Price the Lord says, “For behold, this is my work and my glory–to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). In order to become like our Heavenly Father, He created the world for our eternal progression. Our mortal life is a probationary state where we received a body and are tested to see if we will obey the commandments of God. At the end of the world all are judged before God and receive a reward according to each person’s faithfulness during mortality. The scriptures speak of three degrees of glory that mankind can inherit. The highest is the Celestial, with glory compared to the sun; the next is Terrestrial, with glory compared to the moon; and the third is Telestial, with glory compared to the stars. While each is a kingdom of glory beyond comprehension, only those of Celestial glory will receive all that God has.

Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior in Mormon basic belief and is the most important part of the Plan of Salvation. As the Only Begotten Son of God, Jesus came to earth and sacrificed Himself for the sins of all people. Only through this atonement can we overcome sin and death and be worthy to return to heaven. While on earth, Jesus established His Church to save all mankind. According to Mormon belief, after the death of the Apostles, the Church fell into apostasy and the authority of God was no longer on the earth.

The Restoration was necessary to again establish the Church of Jesus Christ on earth. Through the prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord restored the authority of God, the priesthood, and organized the Church of Jesus Christ. As a witness of the Restoration, the Lord had Joseph Smith translate new scripture, which became the Book of Mormon, and so the Church became known as Mormonism. With the priesthood restored through Joseph Smith the laws and ordinances of the gospel were also restored. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and giving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands are ordinances necessary for salvation. Higher ordinances were also revealed to Joseph Smith which are performed in Mormon temples. Through these ordinances the highest blessing offered by God may be obtained.