Ask a mormon (msjcordova, you have inspired me!)

SkyBee

wvu2000:

Thanks for answering questions.  I have been wondering about the LDS b/c I am a fan of Chelsie Hightower on DWTS. She often speaks of her religion and there is a youtube video and someone asks about undergarments and she said we don't discuss them.  So I was wondering what they were too.

We don't discuss details but I think it is okay to say yeah, they are our type of underwear

SkyBee

MaiteRam:

I've always wanted to ask this, and please don't take it as snark:

Do you literally believe the Book of Mormon? Even the bit about John Smith and the secret language and hidden tablets and all that?? 

ETA- I think that's awesome about having him get rid of the cc debt! 

Its okay, you can be blunt.... Yes, I believe the book of mormon. I look at it like a history book. If you read it as a historical document, it comes across totally different than if you read it as a religious document. Try it.....it is a book about wars and cities and such. Really old guys journals etc. I don't know about a secret language though......

lindsey913

Ok, I have a couple of questions.  DH's family is LDS, DH was growing up but he doesn't seem very well informed and gets tired of my questions.  Didn't Joseph Smith do many things he taught other's they couldn't, ie. drink, smoke etc?  Also, do you really marry people in the temple after they have died?  DH said something about not being able to swim on Sundays, because he was taught that demons ruled the waters on Sunday?  He wasn't sure if that was a church thing or not though.

Sorry if these questions are in any way offensive.  I've heard so many rumors and stories that I never know what to believe and what not to believe.

SkyBee

lindsey913:

Ok, I have a couple of questions.  DH's family is LDS, DH was growing up but he doesn't seem very well informed and gets tired of my questions.  Didn't Joseph Smith do many things he taught other's they couldn't, ie. drink, smoke etc?  Also, do you really marry people in the temple after they have died?  DH said something about not being able to swim on Sundays, because he was taught that demons ruled the waters on Sunday?  He wasn't sure if that was a church thing or not though.

Sorry if these questions are in any way offensive.  I've heard so many rumors and stories that I never know what to believe and what not to believe.

Yes, many of the early chuch leader drank, smoked, etc. That is because the Word of Wisdom did not come about until some time after the church was started. Yes, we seal people in the temple after they die. We feel that they should be able to choose after they die whether they want to be sealed or not so we give them the opportunity by doing the work in the temple for them. I think that it is silly some mormons believe demons rule the waters. The only reason we are not supposed to swim on sunday is because it is not considered an appropiate way to "keep the sabbath day holy" There are no rules against it though.

It is okay.... I am not easily offended!

11Lemon11

You are doing a great job answering all these questions!

I have some easy (possibly stupid ones). I dated a Mormon in high school and we just left the religion talk off the table. Is it frowned upon to date out of the religion?

Also, have you been to the Temple in Houston? It is about 15 minutes from my house and a short walk from my parents. I was able to walk through it before they did the dedication (?) and cleaned it of all the sins (at least this is what I tell myself). I found it quite interesting that it was just a ton of little rooms and not one huge open area. They are truly stunning though, absolutely beautiful and all the crystal, that is what I remember the most.

SkyBee

11Lemon11:

You are doing a great job answering all these questions!

I have some easy (possibly stupid ones). I dated a Mormon in high school and we just left the religion talk off the table. Is it frowned upon to date out of the religion?

Also, have you been to the Temple in Houston? It is about 15 minutes from my house and a short walk from my parents. I was able to walk through it before they did the dedication (?) and cleaned it of all the sins (at least this is what I tell myself). I found it quite interesting that it was just a ton of little rooms and not one huge open area. They are truly stunning though, absolutely beautiful and all the crystal, that is what I remember the most.

Well, I think it is discouraged to date outside of the religion, but I don't think people are going to be banished for it. My sister seems to have an issue with dating INSIDE the church and she is fine! Although her last boyfriend scared me to death.....I didn't like him much......

I have never been to the temple in Houston, although I would LOVE to go there! Thank you for saying it is beautiful! I think they are beautiful as well. The Salt Lake Temple is fascinating because it was built so long ago so everything is handcarved and handpainted including the ceilings. Breathtaking.

MaybeBaby2

What does your religion say about IVF or IUI?

PDXGal7868

My mormon friend couldn't be in my wedding because she can't wear sleeveless because of the undergarments. However, I have seen her in a swimsuit (sans undergarments). Can you explain the difference? We got married in a Christian church and the dresses were not a bit scandelous.

moviesprincess

I have some friends that are Mormon and they are adamant that they can not do anything on Sundays. What are the rules exactly about that? Sometimes it seems they are just avoiding us because they will go to the grocery store but can not come over and hang out.

SkyBee

MaybeBaby#2:

What does your religion say about IVF or IUI?

Great question!!! Well, when we found out about our IF problem, I did a lot of research and I found out that the church discourages IVF, Egg and sperm donors, and serogate mothers.....BUT.... they leave the decision up to the couple in the end.  Needless to say I was relieved because we will definately do what we can to have children!

SkyBee

PDXGal7868:

My mormon friend couldn't be in my wedding because she can't wear sleeveless because of the undergarments. However, I have seen her in a swimsuit (sans undergarments). Can you explain the difference? We got married in a Christian church and the dresses were not a bit scandelous.

Hmm I think when it comes to swimwear, we don't wear our garments because that would just be silly! Can you imagine seeing that on a beach? I would laugh my head off. seriously. Any way, clothes must cover the garments and since the garments are short sleeved and cover as much as a v neck or boat neck t shirt, any top that reveals them would probably not be worn. I am sorry she could not participate!

 By the way, I do not know why we don't wear them swimming....but thank goodness for that huh?

SkyBee

moviesprincess:

I have some friends that are Mormon and they are adamant that they can not do anything on Sundays. What are the rules exactly about that? Sometimes it seems they are just avoiding us because they will go to the grocery store but can not come over and hang out.

Well, if they are going to the grocery store....they can certainly come to your house! We are discouraged to buy anything on Sundays, go boating, exercise, etc. Each person is different but my dad always told me that if you can't do it comfortably in a dress.....then don't do it. We always visit friends and family on Sundays, read, watch tv (though some lds people frown on watching tv on sundays) and just relax after church!

PDXGal7868

SkyBee:

PDXGal7868:

My mormon friend couldn't be in my wedding because she can't wear sleeveless because of the undergarments. However, I have seen her in a swimsuit (sans undergarments). Can you explain the difference? We got married in a Christian church and the dresses were not a bit scandelous.

Hmm I think when it comes to swimwear, we don't wear our garments because that would just be silly! Can you imagine seeing that on a beach? I would laugh my head off. seriously. Any way, clothes must cover the garments and since the garments are short sleeved and cover as much as a v neck or boat neck t shirt, any top that reveals them would probably not be worn. I am sorry she could not participate!

 By the way, I do not know why we don't wear them swimming....but thank goodness for that huh?

Yes, that would be quite silly to see. I completely love and respect my friend, and I love that she has a strong faith in God, even though we do not share the same religion. I was just curious if bathing suits are the exception - sounds like it. My friend was our candlelighter and of course I was just honored to have her there

SkyBee

PDXGal7868:

SkyBee:

PDXGal7868:

My mormon friend couldn't be in my wedding because she can't wear sleeveless because of the undergarments. However, I have seen her in a swimsuit (sans undergarments). Can you explain the difference? We got married in a Christian church and the dresses were not a bit scandelous.

Hmm I think when it comes to swimwear, we don't wear our garments because that would just be silly! Can you imagine seeing that on a beach? I would laugh my head off. seriously. Any way, clothes must cover the garments and since the garments are short sleeved and cover as much as a v neck or boat neck t shirt, any top that reveals them would probably not be worn. I am sorry she could not participate!

 By the way, I do not know why we don't wear them swimming....but thank goodness for that huh?

Yes, that would be quite silly to see. I completely love and respect my friend, and I love that she has a strong faith in God, even though we do not share the same religion. I was just curious if bathing suits are the exception - sounds like it. My friend was our candlelighter and of course I was just honored to have her there

You sound like an excellent friend!

Jenny102783

I am lurking from TTCAL... SkyBee, you did a great job answering these questions! It was so nice of you to be an open book!

SkyBee

Jenny102783:

I am lurking from TTCAL... SkyBee, you did a great job answering these questions! It was so nice of you to be an open book!

Thank you! Often times people think that mormons are secretive and like a cult.... this is not true! It is a religion, just like catholic, jewish, etc. I am most certainly not going to be weird and secretive. 

qtsreign

SkyBee:

moviesprincess:

I have some friends that are Mormon and they are adamant that they can not do anything on Sundays. What are the rules exactly about that? Sometimes it seems they are just avoiding us because they will go to the grocery store but can not come over and hang out.

Well, if they are going to the grocery store....they can certainly come to your house! We are discouraged to buy anything on Sundays, go boating, exercise, etc. Each person is different but my dad always told me that if you can't do it comfortably in a dress.....then don't do it. We always visit friends and family on Sundays, read, watch tv (though some lds people frown on watching tv on sundays) and just relax after church!

 

I'm an atheist, but I can most definitely get behind this.

SkyBee

qtsreign:

SkyBee:

moviesprincess:

I have some friends that are Mormon and they are adamant that they can not do anything on Sundays. What are the rules exactly about that? Sometimes it seems they are just avoiding us because they will go to the grocery store but can not come over and hang out.

Well, if they are going to the grocery store....they can certainly come to your house! We are discouraged to buy anything on Sundays, go boating, exercise, etc. Each person is different but my dad always told me that if you can't do it comfortably in a dress.....then don't do it. We always visit friends and family on Sundays, read, watch tv (though some lds people frown on watching tv on sundays) and just relax after church!

 

I'm an atheist, but I can most definitely get behind this.

Sundays are a lazy day!

mrsmj2008

First off, thanks so much for being so open and honest with everything. I have a few mormon CWs and they dont talk about it or answer any questions. I think if more people talked about it like you are, people would understand the religion more.

So now my question  I've heard mormons are required to donate a certain % of their earnings to the church and campaigns they believe in/support (such as the Prop 8 campaign in CA). Is that true?

SkyBee

mrsmj2008:

First off, thanks so much for being so open and honest with everything. I have a few mormon CWs and they dont talk about it or answer any questions. I think if more people talked about it like you are, people would understand the religion more.

So now my question  I've heard mormons are required to donate a certain % of their earnings to the church and campaigns they believe in/support (such as the Prop 8 campaign in CA). Is that true?

We are asked to give ten percent of our income, BUT you won't be kicked out of the religion if you don't. Also we give the money without knowing exactly what it will be spent on, but I think most of it is used for humanitarian aid, building temples and churches, etc.  Instead of a requirment, I like to think of it as a option to donate to those in need. The leaders in our church do not recieve compensation for their position.

alicatt79

I've been lurking over here for several weeks, and I think I like you more with every post!

 

SkyBee

alicatt79:

I've been lurking over here for several weeks, and I think I like you more with every post!

 

Thank you so much!!! That is really sweet of ya!

LuverlyMum

Sky, I just wanted to thank you for being so open and answering all of these questions.  I have always kind of ::side eyed:: Mormons, but I think it is due to a lack of information/education and too many rumors and tales.  I am always pleased to learn about people and faiths, it is really interesting. 

SkyBee

LuverlyMum:

Sky, I just wanted to thank you for being so open and answering all of these questions.  I have always kind of ::side eyed:: Mormons, but I think it is due to a lack of information/education and too many rumors and tales.  I am always pleased to learn about people and faiths, it is really interesting. 

Thank you!