Several LDS Questions.?

Question

1. How many of you believe the history of America, as presented by the LDS church? I am not trying to be insulting.

2. If a woman at the age of 24 has just converted into your faith will she be expected to do missionary work?

3. If a woman who has converted into the faith were to marry a non LDS, post conversion, what issues would the church have and press on her? Is this more determined by the ward or is there a general policy?

4. What issues would there be if that couple had children? Assume the father is moderately supportive of the children's upbringing in the church or at least willing to go along with the wife to some extent.

5. How many of you actually believe the story as to how the Book of Mormon was found and translated? Again I do not mean to offend, it just is rather hard to swallow.

6. Where did the idea of planet Kolab come from and how pervasive is it?

7. Same question just regarding the underwear.

8. How open is the Church to African Americans, g**s, lesbians, etc? Beyond just official policy?

9. How does the church view acupuncturists?

Please, serious answers only, preferably by LDS people.

Answer 1

1.) Yes, I do, but keep in mind the book of mormon is not a history book.  It is the record of one people, there very likely could have been many many more groups here.  Something interesting to support the claims can be found here: http://www.mhccorp.com/archaeology/decal...

2.) Every member is expected to do missionary work in the way the lord directs them (full time mission, at home, or on themself).  You dont have to go on a mission to do missionary work.  No one is encouraged to go on a mission if they are not ready- especially new members.  If they feel its right for them, they can go, but its never encouraged or discouraged.  I was 19 when I joined the church and after praying about a mission, I felt the place for me was at home, learning as much as I could, not on a mission.  I was a bit disappointed, but it has been a great blessing.  Go where the lord directs you.

3.) There is nothing pressed on anyone.  It could make it difficult on you in that your husband might not be accepting of your faith and you might miss out on being sealed to him, but its a personal decision.  If thats what you choose to do, there is nothing wrong with it, it just makes things harder.

4.) There is no punishment or anything like that, but the children will miss out on having a father who can give them blessings, baptize them, etc... All things that a bishop or other member can step in to help with, but your kids might feel like they are different or left out.  

The church isnt really a moderately supportive type scene.  I mean by that, you either believe that the doctrines are true or not.  If you dont believe them, it would be hard for many to stay supportive at all.  If you do believe them, why would you hold back from enjoying the blessings?

5.) I do, there is a good book- "Joseph Smith, Rough Stone Rolling" that discusses how Joseph Smith did things and what was common at the time.  It links his letters, talks and writings together to try and give a picture of a man, who was far from perfect, but brought doctrines into the world almost with ease and that all line up perfectly together and perfectly with other ancient scripture.  Its an interesting book.  Email me if you want more details.

6.) Kolob is mentioned in the book of abraham that Joseph translated.  Abraham is discoursing on astrology with the pharoah and it is mentioned as being the planet closest to the throne of God.  Anti-mormons take it as we say he lives on kolob, but thats not true.  Just that it is closest to where He resides.  That isnt to say that God lives on a planet like man, but that his kingdom- likely invisible to the mortal eye- would be nearest to that area.

7.) Members who have been through the temple are given a holy garment to stand as a constant reminder of the covenants that we make with our father in heaven.  Anti-mormons make up all sorts of things about them, but it is no different than jewish males that wear the little hats (cant remember the name), priests that wear the white collar things, etc... It is one of the few physical reminders we have in the church.  They are simple- basically white shirts and shorts that we wear under our clothes.  They are real and many members wear them, but the stories attached to them are generally false.

8.) We welcome all groups as members.  You will find congregations that represent the local populations.  I live in Southern california, we have about 10% african population, 5% indian/ island, 20% asian, 20 percent hispanic and 45% white.  It varies based on where you live.  In terms of homosexual members- God has told us that nothing should come between a person and Him.  Every person is welcome in the church- the church isnt for perfect people.  

However, If you hold your own opinions above the things that God reveals to you then you will run into problems.  I have a friend from a previous ward that feels he could have very easily lived a homosexual life.  It was hard for him for a long time to get past his feelings of attraction to men, but he worked on it for years and eventually started to get past them.  

He compares it to anger.  Neither one is acceptable before God.  However, the angry people generally accept that they sin in their anger.  Homosexual people usually try to justify the actions.  That is the real problem.  Justification is wrong.  Once he stopped trying to think of it as something that he couldnt change, he started to change his actions, which eventually led to a change his thoughts.  

So while it may be a struggle, what better place to try and get better than at church?  No one has a problem with someone who is trying to get through a problem- we all do.  We just cant accept that homosexuality or any other sin is inheirant in anyone.

9.) I dont know, I dont personally see any problem with it.  If it relieves pain or suffering, I dont think anyone would have a problem with it.  But, the lord has directed us to do all things in moderation.

Answer 2

>>1. How many of you believe the history of America, as presented by the LDS church? I am not trying to be insulting.<<

Are we talking US History...from the begaining of the Restoration to present or the History given in the Book of Mormon?  I guess the answer to both questions is yes.

>>2. If a woman at the age of 24 has just converted into your faith will she be expected to do missionary work?

<<

Her Choice.  A mission is always the choice of the one considering going on a mission.

>>Question

Several LDS Questions.?

1. How many of you believe the history of America, as presented by the LDS church? I am not trying to be insulting.

2. If a woman at the age of 24 has just converted into your faith will she be expected to do missionary work?

3. If a woman who has converted into the faith were to marry a non LDS, post conversion, what issues would the church have and press on her? Is this more determined by the ward or is there a general policy?<<

She wouldn't be able to be sealed to her new husband until he has been a member for a year.  Other than that...nothing I can think of.

>>4. What issues would there be if that couple had children? Assume the father is moderately supportive of the children's upbringing in the church or at least willing to go along with the wife to some extent<<

The Church would welcome the children with open arms...as well as the non-member husband any time he wishes to attend.

>>5. How many of you actually believe the story as to how the Book of Mormon was found and translated? Again I do not mean to offend, it just is rather hard to swallow.<<

*Raises Hand*

It helps that I have read the Book of Mormon and know it is exactly what it claims to be.  So, once I had that testimony, I didn't have a problem with how we got it.

>>6. Where did the idea of planet Kolab come from and how pervasive is it?

<<

Kolab isn't a planet, it is a star.  Pearl of Great Price.

>>7. Same question just regarding the underwear.<<

Biblical practice of people having worn garment that are considered sacred. We just wear ours under the rest of our clothes.

>>8. How open is the Church to African Americans, g**s, lesbians, etc? Beyond just official policy?

<<

Love all of them.  

g**s and Lesbians-if practicing...they cannot become a member because no one will allow them to be put under covenant if they are already disobeying the law of Chastiy.  IT is for thier spiritual welfare.

Read The Family: A Proclaimation to the World. for a better understanding.

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnext...

>>9. How does the church view acupuncturists?<<

I think acupuncture is cool personally.  Doubt the Church has any policy on the subject at all.  

Answer 3

Arriving late on the scene I am not going to answer each question, as fellow LDS have done an excellent job of it.  I would like to make a couple of points to perhaps shed some light or make clarification for you:

Q5 - Read Ezekiel 37:15-17  we believe the Book of Mormon to be the stick of Ephraim spoken of and the Bible to be the stick of Judah as mentioned.  As for translating of the Book with the aid of stones (Urim and Thummim) refer to 1 Samuel 28 and Numbers 28.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, as is the Bible.

Q7 - One scriptural reference to the garment worn by LDS members is referred to in Exodus 28:2  Do a little research and you will find other references.

You have received some excellent responses here, my friend, and I hope that you will seek to know the truth of it all.  God will so bless you if you ask him in faith to know the truth.  Best wishes.

Answer 4

1)  The LDS Church does not present any "American history" as you say. We do claim that they ancient inhabitants that lived in the AMericas kept a religious record that we now know as the Book of Mormon

2)  No.  The choice for anyone is just that.  Their own choice.

3)  There would be no "issues" per se, but the doctrine of "eternal marriage" would be unavailable to her if she were married to a non member.   Eternal marriage is a covenant made in the temple, and only righteous members in good standing may enter a temple.

4)  The only "issues" with that couple would be the very same issues that any couple with differing religious backgrounds would have.  That is, what religion to raise the children with.    

5)   I believe it.  Just like I believe what the Bible teaches us about Noah and his ark, and animals entering the ark, and the Joshua was able to blow a wall down with his trumpet, and that Moses brought plaques upon Egypt and was able to cross an ocean on dry ground, and that Balam had a donkey that talked, and ......are you getting the picture?

The Bible has some stories in it as well that require something.  That something is called faith.

6)  Kolob is the correct spelling and it comes from latter-day scripture.  It is called the "Book of Abraham" and it in are the words of God describing the heavens, the stars and the creations of God.

7)  How pervaisive is underwear?  Everyomne wears underwear.    If you are referring to the temple garment, it is an underclothing the temple attending Mormons wear after attending the temple for the first time.    It is an outward reminder to us of the covenants and promises made to God in the temple.

8)  The Church of Jesus CHrist is open to ANYONE who wishes to be united with it.  There are many LDS congregations in Africa, and many temples there.  In fact, the Africa continent is one of the fastest growing in the world for LDS churches.   We differentiate between people and what people do.   All are welcome to become united with the body of the church.

9)  Accupuncturists are viewed as a type of medical technologigy available to those who want to use it.

Answer 5

1 - I went to a high school in Provo Utah that was 98% LDS - we used the same History books as my friends out of state.  I have no idea what you're talking about, the LDS church does explain it's own history, public state run education with books used nation-wide taught me US history which I'm quite well versed in.  I've never seen a conflict since there are few examples in which they cross paths, in which case I still have never seen a conflict.

2 - No.  

3 - As a church, nothing at all.  Some idiots might, but nothing by the church.

4 - Happens all the time, Kids like that attend church with us.  I teach a 14 year old girl in seminary who's father won't allow her to be baptized, we're not about to kick her out because of that, the opposite happens, they are welcomed like everyone else.

5 - It's far easier to swallow than a worldwide flood and other notions that we believe in as well.  It's only hard to swallow for you because it's new to you.  Jesus died a painful and horrible death and resurrected after 3 days - that foundation of your faith and mine is a harder fact to believe than the translation story of the Book of Mormon.  I believe it completely.

6 - Does Kolob matter at all?  Abraham refers to it as a start near the dwelling place of God, how near?  what star?  where is it?  Who cares?

7 - I'll answer simply, yes, I wear underwear.  Jesus was a traditional Jew, the biblical prophets wore many types of garments as symbolic reminders of their faith.  Today we do the same and are criticized by people who have a fish on the back of their car to show their faith or wear a cross, which was a torture device.

8 - Open completely to all races.  Open to g**s as well, however the bible and Church doctrine states that sexual intercourse can only be practiced between a husband and wife legally and lawfully married - thus we view homosexual activities as well as heterosexual fornication or adultery as a sin.  However the person is still welcomed - we all have imperfections.  At least we're consistent and condemn all sexual activities outside of marriage rather than condemning those who succumb to the temptation felt by the minority and excusing the actions of the hetrosexaul majority.

9 - We view them as people who poke needles in other people to relieve pain.  Kind of like how I view my wife's hobby job of teaching Yoga, a person who keeps fit by exercises.

Answer 6

1. I do

2. No

3. None, family and gospel principles do some pressing

4. Some issues. The father wouldn't be there in main roles in the church, including the ability to be united as a family

5. I do

6. Song created by one of the apostles. Simple concept. Its a name of where god lives. You can call it anything you want really.

7. no comment

8. 100%

9. approved profession

Answer 7

1. I don't know that there was any history of America, only the story of one group of people and their search for Christ.

2. No one has to do anything they don't want to do. I joined the church at age 21 and I didn't do missionary work. In fact, girls aren't as encouraged to do full time mission as the men are.

3. She can also marry anyone she wants. The church presses nothing on anyone. People bring their own problems on themselves. And people bring their own happiness. The church is just one tool to help us on life's journey.

4. There is one elderly couple in our ward, she joined the church years ago, he didn't. He fully supported her raising their children in the LDS church and their children married in the temple and are raising their children in the LDS church. If the couple is LDS and not, they have to WORK at their marriage fi they want it to work. The church will help all it can, but the church does nothing to hurt or help if the couple does not want that.

5.Of course, I believe it fully, why would I not?

6. It's not "planet Kolab", it's the STAR KolOb. Kolob. Star. Closest to where God is. And it's in Abraham 3, in the Pearl of Great Price.

7. When we go thru the temple, we have special garments we wear under our regular clothes to help us remember what we learned and did. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

8. Race is not an issue. In fact, there have been blacks as members from the very beginning and NEVER were they treated as any different from anyone else. Many other denominations would segregate their blacks but we never did. The only thing is that blacks of african descent were not given the priesthood until 1978.

g**s and lesbians are treated as anyone else. Sexual intercourse, to us, is something sanctified by God to be used ONLY ONLY between a man and a woman who have been legally and lawfully wedded to each other. ANY other sexual activity is immoral and subject to church discipline. This includes sexual activity between people of the same s*x. If a person feels "homosexual" feelings, as long as they are chaste, they are accepted as full members with all due blessings. And we do not believe in marriage between persons of the same s*x. For that reason, it's between a man and a woman who were made to "go together".

As for how they are treated by members, that's something that each member must work out for themselves. Mormons are as human as anyone and subject to all sorts of feelings and stuff.

9. Don't know. No official policy or position that I know of. If it works for you, hey, go for it! I don't know that they feel any differently about that than they do about any other form of medicine.  

Answer 8

1.  The LDS church doesn't claim to be an authority on the history of the American continents.  We believe that the Book of Mormon took place someplace in the Americas at fairly specific times, but that's all.  It's likely that it took place in a relatively small geographical area, most likely no larger than 800 miles square.    

2.  No.  Young men are strongly encouraged to serve missions.  Women are not.

3.  She couldn't get married in the Temple, but she won't be shunned, disciplined, or anything like that.  We can marry whomever we choose.  

4.  Babies are generally blessed.  At 8, children can be baptized.  Members are asked to pay 10% tithing.  The church encourages boys to be involved in scouting.  There are youth activities one night of the week from ages 12-18.  They'd probably want you to come see them if and when they sing in church with other children.  

5.  I do.  I also believe that Christ died and rose from the dead.  For some people that too is hard to swallow.  

6.  It's said that God resided "near Kolob".  It's not really something that we dwell on or that matters much to us.  We don't know where Kolob is.  We may know it by a different name.  If anything we sort of poke fun of Kolob as much as anyone else.  Not that we don't believe it, just that it's an easy target.  Frankly, it doesn't matter what planet or star is nearest to God's realm.  

7.  Ancient Jews wore a sacred undergarment as well.  This is rooted in biblical beliefs.  Garments promote modesty and serve as a reminder of promises that we have made.  They're not nearly as interesting as people make them out to be.  Want interesting undies, try Victoria's Secret.

8.  There's no official doctrine on acupuncturists.  Joseph Smith taught "We teach men correct principals and allow them to govern themselves".  This it up to each one of us.  

I hope that helps.  

Answer 9

1.  I believe in the Book of Mormon but its vague as to how it specifically coincides with how archeology fits in with it..  I have no problem studying the academic history of the americas and the book of mormon and then seeing how they might come together.  

2.  Women really arent ever expected to do missionary work.  Its totally up to her and rarely any pressure for a woman to serve a mission.

3.  The church probably wouldnt even care.  Ward members might ask if they can visit your home and speak to your husband, but will respect what you and he might say on the issue.  They will hope you raise your kids in the religion, however.

4.  lol, didnt read the question when I answered the last.  There wouldnt be any issues with the kids.  Its up to you what you do with your kids.  They would encourage you bring them to church, however.

5.  I believe it one hundred percent.  It makes just as much sense as any biblical story, doesnt it?

6.  I dont really know the origins, but its just considered where God lives and is rarely ever mentioned.

7.  Garments are just clothes that symbolize sacred covenants you make with God in the temple.  They also help with modesty.  You are suppose to wear them after you go thru the temple.  You take them off for obvious things like swimming, s*x, bathing, exercise and when you feel its appropriate, but you wear them most of the time during daily activities.  

Only those that have gone thru the temple wear them.

8,  Anyone can join the church and now any worthy male can hold the priesthood.  The church is not against g*y people joining the church or people who say they are g*y, but you are not to engage in any homosexual behavior.  That is not ok.  You will not be allowed to do certain things, like hold a calling, go to the temple, if you engage in homosexual activities or any kind of premarital s*x.

You will still be allowed to attend, though.

9.  No real opinion on acupunture that I know of.  How you want to medically treat yourself is your business.  

Answer 10

1 - Do you mean do I believe the account of the Book of Mormon of a family from Israel coming to the American, intermingling with people's already here, the history of two of the groups of people that lived here, and the visitation of the Savior to the Americas after his resurrection?  Yes, I do believe all of that.

2 - Not anymore than any other faithful sister.  Women are not expected to serve a mission as young men are.  It's optional for them.  But we are all expected, as members, to be open to sharing the gospel with people in our lives.

3 - No general policy and no pressure.  I have known many partial member families.  It is left to that person's descretion on how much they wish to press their family members for conversion, as they know them best.  The church will give assistance to the member (IE: hometeachers, missionaries, etc.) as requested.

4 - No issues other than what the couple create between themselves.  The church will not baptize the children w/out the consent of both parents, though.

5 - I do, based on prayer and faith.  Plus, it does seem rather crazy.  Truly, if Joseph was the conman that anti's claim he was, you'd think he'd come up with something more plausible.  But reality is often nutty and hard to believe.

6 - It's not a planet, it's a star.  It's from scripture, the book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price.  It's simply the star closest to God's throne, that's pretty much all we know.  We also have a hymn about it.  You can read it yourself at: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/abr/3 -  http://scriptures.lds.org/en/abr/5 - http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmus...

7 - They are called garments.  They are symbols of covenants we have made in the temple and are reminders of these covenants.  Other religions have holy clothing, namely Islam and Judaism.  We do NOT attribute magical properties to them.

8 - They are welcome to be members and participate in all activies as long as they are living gospel standards (paying tithing, law of chastity, etc.)

9 - No official church stance on them.

Answer 11

1.  I believe America has a history.

2. No

3. That is her choice.  There is a policy to support her choice.

4. If the father is supportive there is no issue.  If he actively blocks her from attending, it is a concern, but we should not interfere.

5. Read Isaiah 29.  Yes it is hard to believe, except it is exactly how the prophet said it would happen.

6.  Read the book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price.  It explains it.

7.  Underwear prevents chaffing.  

8.  There are Church members of all ethnic groups. I have been in a ward that felt like the United Nations. There are g*y members.  Neither straights nor g**s can be in harmony with the church if they are not living the law of chastity.  

9.  A former Bishop of mine had acupuncture treatments.

Answer 12

I wish you could have posted 1 at a time, but i'll do my best...

1. Yes I do believe the history

2.Missionary work doesnt necessarily serving a full time mission. You arent expected to do that.

3. No issues, but from past experience it is a stuggle. Especially when it comes to raising children.

4. That would be speculation - I couldnt guess at how a relationship would go but from personal experience it can be difficult for you. Church wise - no pressure, only support. Lots of people are in the same situation.

5. I know its true

6. Read the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price. Go to lds.org for articles

7. This is very sacred, so all i'll say is it is a wonderful thing that reminds us of the temple.

8 ALL members have the same rights and privelages ragardless of race or colour.

9 Fine with complementary therapies.

Let me know if you have more specific questions!

Answer 13

1. The LDS church doesn't really present a history of America. In fact, it only focuses on a small group in the Americas, and the majority of the book talks about their dealings with God and therefor has a different focus point than history.

2. No. I've never even heard of that before.

3. The church wouldn't press anything on her. Who we marry is our choice. My sister is married to a non-Mormon and the Church is not acting as a weight on her shoulders. In fact, it is doing the exact opposite. Of course, it is common knowledge that family life is ideal and less conflicting when both husband and wife are of the same religion.

4. This is once again like my sister's situation. Her husband is allowing the kids to go to church, be baptized, ect. He actually likes the church. He has not, however, received his own personal conversion. Someday that may come, but it may also never come.

5. I believe every word of it. There is no way that Joseph Smith, or any other man for that matter, could have simply created the Book of Mormon. When considering what is written in the Bible and how God interacted with the Biblical people, it makes Joseph Smith's story entirely plausible. Our message is that that same God of Biblical times has once again opened the heavens and is continuing His work.

6. It's from the Pearl of Great Price in the book of Abraham. Be careful as to what some anti-Mormons may tell you about it. Their goal is to make us look as space-like as possible, when the fact of the matter is that one can do the same to any other religion using their tactics. To understand any of it, you would have to go the book of Abraham and read it for yourself. Nothing beats going strait to the source.

7. The temple garments have been around since the Fall of Adam and Eve. You can find many references of it in the Old Testament. It reminds us of the covenants we make with God in the temple to help us be more Christ-like.

8. The Church is as open to African Americans as it is to Caucasians, Italians, Mexicans, ect. Beyond official policy? Well, I have some Mormon African American friends and I don't see anything wrong with them simply because of the color of their skin. The Church does not condemn those with g*y or L*****n tendencies. In fact, they try to help them. The Church considers any g*y or L*****n practice to be immoral and conflicting with eternal principles of happiness, mainly regarding the family.

9. I haven't heard anything bad about acupuncturists, so take it for what it's worth.

Answer 14

1.  I used to, but no longer believe it.

2. Missionary work is voluntary, and women are far less pressured into serving a mission than men are.

3. There's no official policy about marrying a non-member, other than that you can't get to the highest kingdom of heaven since you don't have a temple marriage.  I was married to a non-member, but I was uninvolved enough in the church that most people didn't know it. (I attended meetings but that was about it).  When I was growing up, women with non-member husbands were pitied.

4.If the father is supportive of the children being raised LDS, there should be few issues.  If he's not, you'll have serious issues.

5.  Again, I used to believe it, but no longer do.  It's completely supernatural, and the members aren't generally told the real details ("translating" by looking at a rock in a hat).

6. Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham (a mistranslation of ancient egyptian funerary documents).  It's less talked about in recent years, but there is an LDS hymn about it.

7. Joseph Smith came up with the garments in 1842, and originally they were only worn by select men, and were like long underwear as far as coverage.  The design has changed to make them about like a t-shirt and long shorts.  Members who have gone through the temple wear them.

8. The church is open to anyone, though g**s and lesbians are required to remain celibate throughout their lives (and are not allowed to marry).

9.  I don't think their is any policy, official or not, about acupuncturists.  Some of my LDS family members have had acupuncture.

ADDED:  I just wanted to respond to this:  

"Truly, if Joseph was the conman that anti's claim he was, you'd think he'd come up with something more plausible. But reality is often nutty and hard to believe."

If you study the culture of Joseph Smith's time, it was perfectly plausible.  People believed in "second sight," visions, ghosts, angels, demons, treasure-seeking, dowsing, etc.  That's one reason why he was able to succeed, whereas today he'd likely be seen as a complete nut.

Answer 15

1. Far fetched and no evidence, remember Joseph Smith translated the BOM by looking into a hat at a rock (look it up)

2. probably not.

3.Its discourages, because you need to marry in the temple for exaltation (Godhood)

4.Kids in the Mormon church are pressured BIG TIME..

5. Ex Mormon.. because I found it to be false! http://contenderministries.org/Mormonism...

http://www.carm.org/lds/ldspapyri.htm

6. False made up name... mormonism has other planets that JS made the names up.

7.Oh man, GOD does not care what underwear you are wearing. Good grief. It a control issue and a money maker.

8.Black.. are now are fine, but the history is still there that the are the inferior race. g*y's fine, it you live a celibate life and never act of your thought, no thoughts of anything either.

9.??fine.

Pinkadot...you are wrong, stop sugarcoating.

Answer 16

1.  there is no "official" history of the americas given by the lds church

2.  no

3.  nothing

4.  no issues

5.  no more weirder than most stories found in the bible.  it's called faith

6.  the idea of kolob is simply a term to name the place where god resides.  i mean he must reside somewhere, so what if we've placed a name to it.

7.  too vague to answer

8.  all can be membes

9.  just fine

Answer 17

1. Yes. Although I can tell you that even among LDS there are many misconceptions out there. For example many LDS believe that the Nephites were the ONLY people on the American continent, however, as far back as the early 1920's church leaders were saying that they were ONE of the groups that were here, not the ONLY.

2. No. If she WANTS to do missionary work, then she can, either by going on a mission, or by being what we call a "member missionary". Which is just our way of saying a person who keeps their job, or continues going to school or whatever, but also talks to others (friends, neighbors, family members) about the Gospel. It is NOT a full time mission.

3. None, so long as she does not live with the guy without being married to him. This is a general policy adhered to by all church units.

4.None. Actually every couple I know who is like that (we call them "part-member" families, or part-member homes), the husband is always consulted. For example, "We would like to call you wife to be a Primary teacher. Would you have a problem with that?" (although they would probably say it much nicer than I just did)

5. I do.

6. It's rarely talked about in any meeting I have ever been to. It's not something that is shyed away from or anything, it's just one of those things that you either believe or you don't. If you don't then it's doubtful that that one thing is the ONLY thing you have problems with.

7. Not sure where it came from, it's not mentioned in meetings or social gatherings really. I mean, how often does your underware come up as a topic of conversation at church?

8. With respect to ANY race we are very open. With respect to g**s and lesbians, we normally don't have a problem with them being members, as long as they are willing and do follow the abstinance policy. Understand that with a few exceptions here and there, homosexuality is not something that is discussed amongst the adults, and I doubt it is with the youth either. Therefore, it most often comes up while an investigator is taking the discussions, or if some members reads something in the Church News, online, or something. They are not ostrisized, but their acting on their sexual preference will not be tolerated either.

9. There's an acupuncturist here, I think. He's from either New Zealand or Austrailia I think. It's a form of healing that a person can choose to use. If you hear anything negative about it, it's not a church policy, but that person's opinion. I myself prefer acupressure, and take vitamens and herbs over Rx drugs when possible. As a general rule we tend to prefer those things that are self-sustaining. By some members liking, they tend to prefer Western medicine, others Eastern medicine, most probably a combination (although it's only my guess).  

Answer 18

1. What "history" are you talking about?  The Book of Mormon?  I do believe that book is true yes.  Is it an American History book? No and that is not the book's purpose.  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

2. Expected? No.  Encouraged? Maybe.  There is no expectation for women like there is for men - and even some men do not serve a mission.  My husband didn't.

3. There is no policy on marrying non-members, other than of course, the couple could not be married in the temple.  They should be treated just the same as everyone else.  It would be up to the husband if he ever wanted to go to church or anything.  There is no pressure from the church - I would think the pressure would come from the spouse...

4. Sounds fine.  I think you are doing too many "what if's"... circumstamces are always different.  The church has no "This is how we treat "these" situations" policy.

5. I believe it and know it to be true.  The only way I know that is from asking the Lord, there would be absolutely NO other way.  I don't trust "man" to give me religious truths.  I ask the Lord.  That's what I did and He answered.  I KNOW the Book of Mormon is true, that it was translated by a prophet of God, that the angel, who was also a resurrected being, Moroni, visited Joseph and lead him to the plates that were to be translated.  When you think about it, pretty much all religious truths would be "hard to swallow" if you never had a confirmation from the Lord that they actually happened.  Think about it - the Red Sea parting?  Christ raising Lazarus from the dead?  Manna from the sky?  Feeding 5,000 with bread and fish?  The world flooding and animals and men living on a huge boat for 40 days?  I have no physical evidence that those things happened, but when I study the Bible (and Book of Mormon) the Holy Ghost reaveals to me those things are true - that is His job, to reveal truths.

6. The planet Kolob.  oh boy.  I have no clue how that got started, it's a mormon myth though... we don't really believe there is a "planet" called Kolob.  It's actually only mentioned in the book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, and it is said to be the star nearest to where God lives and the one that governs time.  There is no mention of a planet, it is actually named as a star.  That's just one of many things that has been misconceived by others...

7. The underwear.  Our garments.  I don't understand why people are so fascinated with our underwear - I mean, come on!  It's just silly.  The garments we wear represent the Priesthood and covenants we have made in the temple.  They are promised to be a protection for us who worthily wear them.  People claim we think they are magic.  That's just nonsense.  They help us dress modestly, they remind us of our covenants, and they symbolically show we are trying to live the gospel.

8. We invite all to come unto Christ.  Universally, no matter what.  Of course, there are certain standards members are expected to live by, especially those who attend the temple.  That is just part of gospel principle.  Mormonism is not just a set of beliefs, it is a lifestyle.  There are temptations, such as homosexualtiy, and we believe those who committ those sins, as well as others, can still be forgiven and still can have membership in the church.

African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Europeans, Americans, Candians, etc. .. everyone.  Come unto Christ.

9.  Uh, no idea.  I doubt that is even an issue.

**You may choose to believe what we do or not, but please at least, believe that we are being honest and telling you what we really do believe.  Many will say we don't think this way or we do this... please just trust the source, not outside sources.  Unfortunately, many, even ex-members, spread lies and misconceptions about the church. (cough) Oceanwoman (cough)