Answerbag: Anonymous's answers

Answer to In the film, One Fold and One Shepherd, scenes depicting Mayan-styled temples give the impression that Mormon lands were in Central America not upstate New York. Is this true?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 13:47:06 -0800

In the film, One Fold and One Shepherd, scenes depicting Mayan-styled temples give the impression that Mormon lands were in Central America not upstate New York. Is this true?

The actual title is "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd." To answer the question, yes, we believe the Book of Mormon lands to be primarily in Central and South America. However, over the 1000 years covered by the Book of Mormon, we can assume that there was a lot of travel...

Answer to Is it true that tithing contributes at least 30 billion dollars to the assets held by the LDS Church?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 12:11:50 -0800

Is it true that tithing contributes at least 30 billion dollars to the assets held by the LDS Church?

I dunno, but if so, that's pretty cool! People can do a lot of the Lord's work with that kind of money, especially when it doesn't go to priestcrafters!

Answer to Why does the percentage of ethnic minorities, particularly African-Americans, in the Church remain low?

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 11:15:08 -0800

Why does the percentage of ethnic minorities, particularly African-Americans, in the Church remain low?

How can you answer a question when the "why does?" factor is itself false? The first temple built outside of North America was in Hawaii, primarily for the use of the kanaka and Asian members of the Church living there. Today, over 1 in 20 of the population of the state is LDS, and...

Answer to How does the movie "The Godmakers II" relate to LDS?

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 08:38:53 -0800

How does the movie "The Godmakers II" relate to LDS?

The same way that night relates to a nightengale. Other than similar-sounding words, there is little to connect the two. The Deckers enjoy a certain amount of fame (and income) from their anti-Mormon activities, and are able to make the uneducated believe that they are actually telling the...

Answer to Is the Mormon religion considered a Protestant religion?

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 15:45:23 -0800

Is the Mormon religion considered a Protestant religion?

No. I was a Protestant, now I am a Latter-day Saint. I have been a Christian all along, but there are some major doctrines lacking or misunderstood in Protestantism, and spurious doctrines instilled. The difference is plain. For a church to be Protestant, it must be descended from the...

Answer to Where did Mormons get the idea they were Christian?

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 23:23:46 -0800

Where did Mormons get the idea they were Christian?

From Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. He would know if anyone would, and I know of no higher authority of who is and is not Christian.

Answer to Why are there 100 separate restorationist groups all claiming their authority comes from the prophet Joseph Smith?

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 23:16:20 -0800

Why are there 100 separate restorationist groups all claiming their authority comes from the prophet Joseph Smith?

For the same reason that there are several thousand groups claiming that their authority comes from Christ (or that no authority is necessary in the first place). Everybody wants to be in charge, and if they can find a way to get followers, they will.

Answer to Why do some people consider Mormonism a cult?

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 23:12:49 -0800

Why do some people consider Mormonism a cult?

Using the 13 criteria, no, Mormonism is no more a cult than any other Christian church: 1. "The group focuses on a living leader to whom its members appear to be extraordinarily committed." Based on this, Christianity is a cult, because CHRIST LIVES. However, Mormons are not...

Answer to Did the LDS Church take an official position on the American Civil War?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 08:54:10 -0800

Did the LDS Church take an official position on the American Civil War?

Yes. That position (taken in 1838) was that there would be one, that it would start in South Carolina, and that it would be pinned on the issue of slavery. The Church was opposed to slavery (which was a root cause of the troubles in Missouri, a slave state).

Answer to Do Mormons have any specific type of music they listen to?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 08:33:44 -0800

Do Mormons have any specific type of music they listen to?

Lately, I've been listening to OPM (Filipino music) and filk because I'm tired of just about the rest of what's being played. A flip through my CDs and Mini-Discs will show you everything from Tri-Destiny to Jimmy Buffett to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Meat Loaf, soundtracks,...

Answer to Why are Mormon women not ordained to the priesthood?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 08:28:09 -0800

Why are Mormon women not ordained to the priesthood?

Men need the priesthood authority to act on God's behalf. Women do that work naturally. "Neither is the man without the woman, nor the woman without the man."

Answer to Why is some of the architecture in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple similar to Masonic symbols and motifs?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 08:08:42 -0800

Why is some of the architecture in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple similar to Masonic symbols and motifs?

The modern temples follow many features of Solomon's Temple. The Masons say that their organization was formed during the construction of Solomon's Temple. Similarities can thus be assumed to go back to that sacred site by the two different paths.

Answer to What consequences are there for a Mormon who remains unmarried?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 07:43:58 -0800

What consequences are there for a Mormon who remains unmarried?

A life full of first dates.

Answer to Does the Mormon church discourage interracial marriage?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 07:35:37 -0800

Does the Mormon church discourage interracial marriage?

A large and increasing percentage of LDS, Temple-sealed couples are "interracial," including several of my best friends. No problem. Anyone capable of understanding the issue will know that, if the Church opposed interracial marriage, such a marriage could not be solemnized in the...

Answer to Does the Mormon Church own Reader's Digest magazine?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 06:20:09 -0800

Does the Mormon Church own Reader's Digest magazine?

Probably not, but it is possible that the Church owns stock in the company which publishes Reader's Digest. It is the kind of publication which the Church would support. If the question is actually one of editorial control by the Church, this is unlikely.

Answer to Is it true that Joseph Smith's rewritten version of the Bible is a copyright which has always been in the possession of the RLDS group?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 06:13:07 -0800

Is it true that Joseph Smith's rewritten version of the Bible is a copyright which has always been in the possession of the RLDS group?

No, the copyrights have long-since expired, but at one time the RLDS did hold the only copyright to the Inspired Version of the Bible. Copyright law in the mid-19th century gave the rights to the spouse, sons in order of birth, daughters in order of birth, then into the extended family,...

Answer to What is an Elder in the Mormon religion? How do you become one and what does it signify?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 05:29:27 -0800

What is an Elder in the Mormon religion? How do you become one and what does it signify?

Any holder of the Melchizidek (higher) priesthood may be addressed as "Elder." There are three offices of the Melchizidek priesthood, filling many different callings and duties. While one calling may have authority superior to another, the three offices are equal; the newest...

Answer to Does one have to believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God in order to be exalted?

Tue, 18 Oct 2005 19:25:07 -0700

Does one have to believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God in order to be exalted?

Trick question! The simple answer is that if you are exalted, you believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, but it is not this belief which exalts one. The question is equivalent to "Do you have to breathe air to be a housepainter?" All housepainters breathe air, so the answer...

Answer to What is a General Authority?

Tue, 18 Oct 2005 08:49:34 -0700

What is a General Authority?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, like the early Christian church, directed by the authority of Christ. That means that there are local authorities, leaders in the Priesthood whose responsibility is to the members of their ward or branch (the equivalent of a congregation or a...

Answer to Is it true that Mormonism is the only religion that allows its members to pray for answers?

Wed, 21 Sep 2005 16:54:23 -0700

Is it true that Mormonism is the only religion that allows its members to pray for answers?

No, far from it. However, it is the largest Christian church whose scriptures encourage earnest prayer, with honest intent to find out if what they teach is true. I think this is the actual issue being asked about. Most of the other several thousand Christian churches hold the doctrine...

Answer to Do Mormons believe that women are less than men in the eyes of God?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 14:06:26 -0700

Do Mormons believe that women are less than men in the eyes of God?

Some fast facts: If you visit Salt Lake City, you will find that the closest building to the Temple entrance is the Relief Society Building. The Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the oldest women's organization in the world. That's right, a...

Answer to In 2 Nephi 5:21- 25, God gave a tribe skin of blackness and made them loathsome. Do Mormons consider dark skinned people to be loathsome?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 09:11:52 -0700

In 2 Nephi 5:21- 25, God gave a tribe skin of blackness and made them loathsome. Do Mormons consider dark skinned people to be loathsome?

That is actually two separate actions: 1) God gave them skin of blackness. 2) God made them loathesome. The dark skin was to differentiate them from other tribes, so that there would be no doubt who they were. This misunderstanding was made worse in recent years by the description...

Answer to Is there any proof that Reformed Egyptian was a real language?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 08:54:55 -0700

Is there any proof that Reformed Egyptian was a real language?

There are a number of reformed Egyptian languages. It is a mistake to think that references to the plates being done in Reformed Egyptian means that this is actually what the language would have been called, rather than a description. For instance, what we use today is a reformed version of...

Answer to Is there any historical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 08:34:36 -0700

Is there any historical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon?

Yes. See FAIR and FARMS for far more examples than I have time to provide.

Answer to Did Joseph Smith make alterations to the Bible?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 08:22:15 -0700

Did Joseph Smith make alterations to the Bible?

Yes. The result is commonly known as the Joseph Smith Translation, though it is more accurate to use the other name, the Inspired Version, because Joseph (like the earlier translators) didn't actually have an original manuscript to work with. No original manuscripts were known to exist...

Answer to How do Mormons explain no archeological evidence of the supposed big battle in New York?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 08:01:52 -0700

How do Mormons explain no archeological evidence of the supposed big battle in New York?

The same way that archaeologists explain the lack of evidence of a big battle at Troy, and in fact were firmly convinced that Troy was a myth until it was found in the 1880s. This despite the fact that Troy stood on flat, bare ground. There is no flat, bare ground anywhere in upstate New York...

Answer to Is it true that there was a myth about Mormons having horns behind their ears? How did it start?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 07:49:56 -0700

Is it true that there was a myth about Mormons having horns behind their ears? How did it start?

In the 1880s there was a missionary (later a General Authority) named J Golden Kimball, who was known for his quick wit (and colorful language). Once, when a small mob was gathering on the other bank of a stream where a baptism was being performed, he called across to "Watch yourselves,...

Answer to What was the Utah War?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 07:46:10 -0700

What was the Utah War?

The primary reason for Johnston's Army was because the Secretary of War was a Southerner who wanted to move the bulk of the Army to the West, where they would not be readily available when the Civil War began. Porter Rockwell and several other Saints were sent by Brigham Young to slow...

Answer to Do missionaries stay in the same area for a mission or do they travel?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 07:20:24 -0700

Do missionaries stay in the same area for a mission or do they travel?

It depends on the mission. The Sisters who come from all over the world to serve on Temple Square in Salt Lake City spend about 6 months there, then 6 months in another mission before returning for their final 6 months on Temple Square again. Many Filipina sisters spend their time "in the...

Answer to Why do Mormon men usually begin their missionary service at age nineteen, whereas women do it at twenty-one?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 07:08:10 -0700

Why do Mormon men usually begin their missionary service at age nineteen, whereas women do it at twenty-one?

Men go at 19 because this is a two-year mission, following which they are expected to finish school and prepare for adult life by starting a career and finding an eternal companion. It would be unrealistic to expect them to leave for missions halfway through this process (at 21) then start back...

Answer to Why do some Mormons abstain from drinks with caffeine in them?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 06:32:35 -0700

Why do some Mormons abstain from drinks with caffeine in them?

Because we are to avoid unhealthful things. Caffeine, as a "recreational drug," is not healthful. Some (like myself) don't use caffeine except when we need a mild stimulant for health or safety reasons and prefer one which is relatively benign. Far from being an excuse, when...

Answer to What do I have to do to convert to Mormonism?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 06:19:55 -0700

What do I have to do to convert to Mormonism?

First, you have to have an understanding of the nature of Christ, so that you can know WHY you should join the Church. Generally (but not always) this means meeting with missionaries and getting several simple lessons in doctrine and history. When your faith is sufficient, you will be ready for...

Answer to Which temple was last to be announced and when was it announced?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 04:57:49 -0700

Which temple was last to be announced and when was it announced?

This is a running target. New temples are being announced throughout the world with increasing frequency. Many are dedicated and put to work each year.

Answer to What is a Mormon?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 04:53:11 -0700

What is a Mormon?

The word "Mormon," when used alone, is generally used to mean a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was founded in 1830 and is now headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah USA. There are also a number of offshoot churches which use the Book of Mormon as...

Answer to Will someone be excommunicated if s/he leaves the Mormon church?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 04:31:25 -0700

Will someone be excommunicated if s/he leaves the Mormon church?

Yes and no. Excommunication is literally "the ending of fellowship." Thus, someone who leaves the Church and asks for their records to be removed is excommunicating themselves. However, the word "excommunication" has improperly taken a subjective meaning implying...

Answer to Why do some people consider Mormonism a cult?

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 04:14:12 -0700

Why do some people consider Mormonism a cult?

Many of the people who consider the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult" also consider the Roman Catholic Church a "cult." The word is used purely subjectively to mean "anyone who doesn't believe the way I believe." However, the main reason...

Answer to Is there any archeological evidence supporting the idea that a race of people migrated to North America as suggested by the Book of Mormon?

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 11:26:54 -0700

Is there any archeological evidence supporting the idea that a race of people migrated to North America as suggested by the Book of Mormon?

There are some strong hints, in artifacts found in Central and South America, and in the Middle East that there was actually trade between the Americas and the Middle East. Do a web search on "cocaine mummies."

Answer to If people must be married to reach the highest level of heaven, what happens to people that die before they married?

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 11:23:20 -0700

If people must be married to reach the highest level of heaven, what happens to people that die before they married?

God will never give us a commandment without giving us a way to comply. Those who, for reasons outside their control, never marry during this life will not be punished for that. We can take that to mean that they will have the chance to marry after they die.

Answer to When Mormon missionaires talk about exchanges, what exactly do they mean?

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 05:12:34 -0700

When Mormon missionaires talk about exchanges, what exactly do they mean?

The answer is fairly accurate. However, "exchange" is usually used for missionaries moving from one mission to another, as opposed to a transfer within the territory of a single mission. This is most often done in areas where the government limits the time which a foreign missionary...

Answer to In what countries does the Mormon Church have congregations?

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 04:22:28 -0700

In what countries does the Mormon Church have congregations?

Most of them. Most of the rest have missionaries active, and will soon have congregations. The United Nations recognizes 191 countries worldwide, with another 20 or so nations, protectorates and semi-autonomous territories which are not represented, such as Taiwan (Republic of China), or...

Answer to Do Mormons own Pepsi?

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 04:18:07 -0700

Do Mormons own Pepsi?

Some do. Myself, I have a couple of cans of A&W Root Beer and about 3 quarts of mango nectar. If the question was whether the Church owns Pepsi, no. The Church MAY have investment in some companies and funds which do business with Pepsico, or in which Pepsico has also invested. This is...

Answer to Is Mormonism considered a Christian religion?

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 03:16:45 -0700

Is Mormonism considered a Christian religion?

It is amusing to watch the argument on this issue. The simple answer is that yes, Mormons are Christians, but not the same kind of Christians as, say, Baptists or Eastern Orthodox. But then, Baptists aren't the same kind of Christians as Eastern Orthodox or Presbyterians. Each of the...