My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Join our Philosophy forum to discuss religion and spirituality.

Philosophy/religion

Any mormons here? Have questions!

18 replies

Amyxmarie · 15/02/2018 20:42

I would like to ask some questions for any mormons here. I have been reading up on the faith and would like to know a few things.

Would anyone object to someone with tattoos from joining?

If someone is living with their partner who they aren't married to and have a child with them, would they be allowed to join? Or would you have to get married? Also what about if the partner had no interest in religion?

Do all mormons not drink tea and coffee? What about alcohol too and smoking?

Thank you! Smile

OP posts:
Report
Amyxmarie · 15/02/2018 22:18

Bump

OP posts:
Report
Akire · 15/02/2018 22:25

No smoking and no alcohol!

Anyone can join as in go along to services etc. Marriage is a difficult one if you are living with someone. If you decide to be baptised into faith then you would be expected to not have sex to someone you are not married too. So if you intended to carrying on sharing a bed then you will probable be advised not to get baptised.

Many Mormons have partyners with no or different faiths or maybe less active members, for some it can cause problems for others less. But no one would be expecting you to give up your partner of that is what you are asking. (Former member)

Report
Akire · 15/02/2018 22:27

Oh tattoos that’s fine though as it’s a belief that the body is a temple then emphysema is on looking after it. So no smoking drinking etc. So it’s unusual for people to have but certainly common among adults who join.

Report
Amyxmarie · 15/02/2018 22:52

Thanks for the reply Akire! Me and my partner would love to get married but its just we can't afford to as we are saving up to move house, also he has no interest in religion. Would the tattoos have to be covered up?

OP posts:
Report
CotswoldStrife · 15/02/2018 22:57

The Mormons I've known avoid caffeine and alcohol, yes.

Report
Akire · 15/02/2018 23:02

No rules about covering no, they do dress modestly so t shirts ok for example but vest tops would be a no. So it depends where they are!

If you wanted to get married the church would be happy to do it at zero/low cost. Most Mormon weddings in church have a few flowers but there certainly is focus on being married rather spending thousands on day. Of course if you wanted spend £5k on dress then £10k on hotel fancy dinner that’s a different matter. But I’m guessing if you were committed to getting married you would be pressed to put that commitment before a fancy day. If that makes sense.

Report
Akire · 15/02/2018 23:04

Oh and of course you would have get a wedding dress that wasn’t backless, armless and flashing your chest! That probable cuts out most of the designer ones lol

Report
ReinettePompadour · 15/02/2018 23:04

No tea or coffee, no alcohol or smoking, no sex before marriage, no swearing, no gambling.
Your tattoos should be covered if possible when in church at least. Your local Bishop may have their own opinion on them but will let you know if thats the case.
Its not expensive to get married, what's expensive is a wedding.

I was brought up as a Mormon and I escaped left at 21. I like to make my own way in the world free of restrictions on what I eat/drink/spend my money on.

Theyre a pretty harmless bunch, nice enough though. Some, like every religion, are a little extreme in their opinions.

Report
SD1978 · 15/02/2018 23:11

Not too much to add- had you had/having the missionaries over to give you further info? They are young, but they are knowledgeable. No one would have an issue with you attending services- and to be honest for kids it’s great- I grew up as second generation LDS- loads of activities and things for kids to do and be involved with. Like anything, you’ll come across the blue rinse, pursed lip brigade, but in general people are friendly. Dress is to be modest- shoulders covered, and dresses to the knees. The unmarried thing would be difficult- as sex outside of marriage with against church tenets, but again, that can be discussed with the bishop. LDS get an unecessariky bad rap- especially from other christians, but I can truly say that I had more fun growing up than a lot of other kids, because there is a real community all week- not juts services on a Sunday.

Report
SD1978 · 15/02/2018 23:14

And I k ow you’re not wanting to get married- but I was married at the church- no cost for the chapel or the service, and the youth groups decorated the church hall for us- they already had tressel tables/chairs. And we had a buffet lunch which we mai my bought from Costco- and the ladies at the church helped. I was happy with that- although it’s hard as obviously it’s a church hall- no smoking or drinking, and no disco part. We had service, lunch/speeches -and then back to my parents (decent sized garden) and then we (my husband and I) hit the pubs of Edinburgh afterward with friends. Wouldn’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it meant everyone could play a part of the day.

Report
Amyxmarie · 16/02/2018 18:42

Thanks for the replies. I haven't talked to any missionaries as I would like to talk to my partner about it more, and I'm quiet shy so would need to prepare myself more Blush it's good to know that a wedding may not cost much at the church, do most of the churches do this?

OP posts:
Report
ReinettePompadour · 16/02/2018 19:29

Most churches can do weddings but might insist you are baptised first.

Have a chat with the bishop at your local church and maybe attend a few times before you make any decisions about joining long term. Theyre usually very friendly.
Oh and missionaries need feeding 😉 They pay their own way during their mission. Some dont realise how expensive the cost of living really is. They usually come from large supportive families and can be young and naive when it comes to living independently.

Report
SD1978 · 16/02/2018 19:51

I am LDS, my husband wasn’t- they had no issue with marrying us at the church. You definitely need to speak to your partner first. He may not like having people come to the house for the lessons. The missionaries are usually very genuine and friendly. They are young and very clean cut. But they are earnest, and as ReinettePompadour said- they always appreciate a feed!!

Report
Jason118 · 17/02/2018 18:20

I suppose same sex couples are a no-no?

Report
Hoddykins · 17/02/2018 18:23

Google "The tattooed Mormon" think her name is Al Fox?

She has sleeves of tattoo and has written books about her experiences ☺️

One of my friends spent about £500 on her wedding and it was gorgeous!

Report
SD1978 · 17/02/2018 21:20

@Jason118. Welcome to attend, but no. Can not be baptised like most religions.

Report
Akire · 17/02/2018 21:26

I think you can be a member as long as you remain celibate. Same as single or widowed people. There is some regonaotion that it isn’t a choice but it’s still not something that would be celebrated. Guess similisr to other religions.

Report
speakout · 18/02/2018 07:46

Homosexuality is not tolerated ( like most other christian sects)
Fornication ( sex outside marriage) is not accepted.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.