Mormons are encouraged to consume meat and fish sparingly, following the guidance outlined in the Word of Wisdom. This health code emphasizes moderation, suggesting that meat should primarily be used during times of winter or famine.
Members aim to maintain a balanced diet that aligns with their spiritual and physical well-being. By limiting their consumption of animal products, Mormons demonstrate mindfulness and gratitude for the resources provided to them, fostering a lifestyle of moderation and sustainability.
Mormons cannot have tattoos and excessive piercings, as their bodies are considered sacred temples. They believe that physical appearance should honor God and avoid drawing undue attention. Women, however, are permitted a single pair of modest ear piercings.
This principle emphasizes respect for the body as a divine gift and encourages members to make choices that align with spiritual values. While existing tattoos or piercings do not bar participation in church activities, members are encouraged to uphold these standards moving forward.
Mormon guidelines for hair emphasize cleanliness, neatness, and modesty, reflecting respect for the body as a sacred gift. Hairstyles should avoid extreme styles or unnatural colors, ensuring they do not distract from one's spiritual message or purpose.
For men, hair should be trimmed above the collar, with sideburns no lower than the middle of the ear, and they are expected to remain clean-shaven. Women are encouraged to choose simple, conservative hairstyles that are easy to maintain.
Mormons are advised to avoid R-rated movies and explicit music, as these can negatively influence spiritual well-being. Instead, they are encouraged to choose uplifting media that aligns with gospel values, fostering a positive and Christ-centered environment.
The Church offers its own media outlets, such as Deseret News and the Mormon Channel, to provide wholesome alternatives. These platforms feature faith-based content, including news, music, and videos, helping members make entertainment choices that support their spiritual growth and moral standards.
Home Teaching, now called Ministering, involves members visiting assigned families to provide spiritual guidance and support. This practice ensures every member feels cared for, fostering a strong sense of community and connection within the congregation.
Ministering focuses on Christlike service, encouraging members to build meaningful relationships with those they visit. By sharing gospel messages and offering help, members strengthen bonds and promote unity, reflecting the Church’s commitment to supporting individuals and families.
Mormons are encouraged to have large families, viewing children as a blessing and central to God’s plan. This belief stems from teachings that emphasize the importance of family in spiritual growth and eternal progression.
Having large families is seen as a way to fulfill divine responsibilities and strengthen faith. Parents are encouraged to raise children in a gospel-centered home, fostering love, unity, and devotion to God’s teachings.
Mormons are expected to help clean their local church buildings, reflecting their commitment to service and stewardship. Members volunteer regularly, ensuring the spaces remain clean and welcoming for worship and community activities.
This practice emphasizes shared responsibility and humility, as members work together to maintain sacred spaces. Cleaning the church is seen as an act of devotion, fostering unity and a sense of ownership within the congregation.
Mormons practice baptisms for the dead, a sacred ordinance performed in temples. Living members are baptized on behalf of deceased individuals, offering them the opportunity to accept the gospel in the afterlife. This reflects God’s mercy and love.
The practice is rooted in scripture and emphasizes the importance of baptism for salvation. Members often research their family history to identify ancestors needing this ordinance. These baptisms symbolize unity across generations and the belief in eternal progression.
Mormons are prohibited from discussing temple ceremonies outside the temple, as these rituals are considered sacred rather than secret. This practice ensures the sanctity of the ordinances and fosters a reverent attitude among participants.
Members are encouraged to focus on the spiritual significance of temple worship rather than its details. By keeping these experiences private, they maintain the sacredness of their covenants and demonstrate respect for their faith’s most holy practices.
Mormons are not allowed to date until age 16, as outlined in Church teachings. This guideline helps protect youth from emotional and spiritual challenges that can arise from early dating, promoting personal growth and preparation for future relationships.
When dating begins, it is encouraged to be casual and in group settings. This approach allows teens to develop social skills, build friendships, and maintain high moral standards, aligning with the Church’s emphasis on fostering respect and self-control.
Mormons are taught to avoid contention, as it is considered a tool of the devil. Scriptures emphasize that contention stirs anger and division, which are contrary to Christ’s teachings of love and unity. Peaceful interactions reflect godliness.
The Church encourages members to resolve disagreements calmly and with respect. By controlling emotions, speaking kindly, and fostering understanding, individuals can overcome contention. This approach strengthens relationships and aligns with the Savior’s example.
Students at Church schools like BYU must maintain an ecclesiastical endorsement, which reflects their commitment to spiritual growth and adherence to gospel standards. This endorsement is renewed annually through interviews with Church leaders, ensuring alignment with the institution’s religious mission.
The Honor Code at BYU requires students to live by high moral and ethical standards, including honesty, chastity, and abstaining from substances like alcohol and tobacco. It also emphasizes respect, modesty, and regular Church participation.
Temple garments, worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are sacred underclothes received during the temple endowment ceremony. They symbolize covenants made with God and serve as a daily reminder of faith and commitment.
These garments are considered sacred, not secret, and are worn under regular clothing. Members believe they provide spiritual protection and reflect an inner dedication to live a Christlike life. Respect for their sanctity is requested, like other religious attire.
Mormons adhere to health guidelines known as the Word of Wisdom, which prohibits the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. This code, revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833, is part of a broader commitment to physical and spiritual well-being.
By avoiding these substances, Mormons believe they can maintain their bodies as temples of God, enhancing their health and spiritual clarity. This practice underscores their dedication to leading a disciplined and wholesome life.
Mormon beliefs regarding chastity are rooted in the Law of Chastity, which emphasizes purity. Members are taught to abstain from relations outside of marriage and remain faithful within it. This law also includes avoiding explicit material and inappropriate behavior.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints views these guidelines as essential for maintaining spiritual integrity, fostering strong family relationships, and living a life aligned with divine principles.
Mormon regulations around observing the Sabbath emphasize rest and worship. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to attend church services, partake of the sacrament, and engage in spiritual activities such as prayer, scripture study, and family time.
They are also advised to avoid shopping, recreational activities, and work on Sundays to keep the day holy and focused on renewing their faith and relationships with God.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tithing is a principle where members are encouraged to donate 10% of their income to the church. This contribution is used to fund church operations, build and maintain facilities, support missionary work, and provide for humanitarian aid.
Tithing is considered a commandment and an act of faith, enabling members to contribute to the church's growth and community services. Members typically make their tithing contributions annually or monthly.
Mormons are encouraged to fast on the first Sunday of each month. This involves abstaining from food and drink for two consecutive meals, typically 24 hours.
During this time, members are encouraged to pray and reflect spiritually. They are also asked to make a "fast offering," donating the money saved on meals to assist those in need. Fasting is seen as a way to draw closer to God, seek blessings, and support the community.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, young men are encouraged to serve a two-year mission starting at age 18, while young women have the option to serve an 18-month mission starting at age 19. Potential missionaries must meet physical, emotional, and worthiness standards, which include adherence to church teachings and commandments.
They undergo a formal application process, receive training, and are assigned to serve in specific locations worldwide. Missions focus on teaching the gospel, serving communities, and strengthening local congregations.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, modesty is an important principle that applies to both dress and behavior. Members are encouraged to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, stomach, and thighs and avoid tight or revealing attire.
This standard is meant to show respect for oneself and others. Additionally, modesty extends to language and conduct, promoting decency and propriety in all interactions. These guidelines aim to reflect inner values of dignity and self-respect.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family Home Evening (FHE) is a weekly event typically held on Monday nights. Families gather to spend quality time together, focusing on spiritual lessons, scripture study, prayer, and activities.
The purpose of FHE is to strengthen family bonds and provide a dedicated time for teaching gospel principles in a home setting. The church encourages this practice to foster unity, communication, and spiritual growth within the family.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temple worthiness interviews are conducted to determine a member's readiness to enter the temple, considered a sacred space for performing ordinances and making covenants. These interviews are typically conducted by a bishop or stake president and cover topics such as adherence to church commandments, honesty, tithing, and moral conduct.
The purpose is to ensure that members entering the temple are spiritually prepared and living in accordance with church teachings. Successfully passing the interview grants a "temple recommend," allowing access to temple ceremonies.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, daily prayer and scripture study are fundamental practices. Members are encouraged to pray individually and with their families each day to foster a personal relationship with God.
Additionally, daily reading of the Bible, along with other LDS scriptures such as the Book of Mormon, is emphasized to gain spiritual insights and guidance. These practices are intended to strengthen faith, provide direction in daily life, and ensure continuous spiritual growth and connection with divine teachings.
Mormons are encouraged to avoid profanity and vulgarity in their speech. This guideline is based on the belief that language should reflect respect, kindness, and purity.
Swearing, crude jokes, and offensive language are discouraged as they can degrade one's character and negatively influence others. By maintaining clean and respectful speech, members aim to uphold personal integrity and foster an environment of mutual respect and positive communication.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, service to others is a fundamental principle. Members are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness and charity, both within their communities and globally.
This can include organized service projects, helping neighbors, or participating in humanitarian aid. The church teaches that serving others is a way to emulate Jesus Christ's love and compassion, fostering a spirit of selflessness and unity. Regularly providing service is seen as essential for personal growth and spiritual development.
For Mormons, honesty is a core value. Members are taught to be truthful in their personal, professional, or spiritual dealings. This includes being honest in words and actions, avoiding deceit, and living with integrity.
Honesty is considered essential for building trust, maintaining personal dignity, and adhering to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The emphasis on honesty extends to various aspects of life, promoting transparency and fostering an environment of mutual respect and ethical behavior.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, self-reliance and education are highly valued. Members are encouraged to pursue both spiritual and temporal education, developing skills and knowledge to provide for themselves and their families. This includes seeking formal education, vocational training, and continual learning.
Self-reliance encompasses financial independence, emergency preparedness, and personal health. By fostering these attributes, members are better equipped to serve others, contribute to their communities, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.
Marriage is considered a sacred and eternal union between a man and a woman in the LDS church. Members are encouraged to marry in the temple, where they believe marriages are sealed for eternity, not just for this life. The church teaches that marriage should be built on principles of love, mutual respect, fidelity, and shared faith in God.
Couples are counseled to work together through challenges, support each other, and maintain strong family relationships. Divorce is discouraged but allowed in certain circumstances, with an emphasis on seeking spiritual and professional guidance.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, husbands hold the priesthood, which is considered the authority to act in God's name. This priesthood authority includes leading family worship, administering blessings, and performing certain ordinances.
However, the church emphasizes that this authority should be exercised with love, humility, and a spirit of service. Husbands are encouraged to work alongside their wives as equal partners, making decisions together and fostering a supportive and nurturing family environment. The priesthood is seen as a means to serve and uplift the family, not to dominate or control.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gambling is strictly prohibited. This includes activities such as lotteries, betting, and games of chance. The church teaches that gambling fosters greed, undermines self-reliance, and can lead to addiction and financial instability.
Members are counseled to seek honest and productive ways to earn money and use their resources wisely. The prohibition on gambling aims to promote ethical behavior, personal responsibility, and the overall well-being of individuals and families within the faith community.
