I’m an ex Mormon. Ask me anything.

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As you may have gathered my knowledge of the Mormon religion has entirely been gained from the Broadway musical. The church advertises in the theatre programmes. What do Mormons think about the show in general. Do they take it in good spirit or are some offended?

I haven’t seen the show. I don’t think it’s really something that’s ever come up for me! I chose not to watch it out of respect for the Mormons I know whom I care for.

Can I answer about the musical? The church itself just shrugged its shoulders and took the publicity as a good thing. The show isn't accurate to Mormon beliefs and what is is pushed the the extremes but that is I suppose what makes it such a big controversial show. Most members themselves will not have watched it. That's for two reasons ... truthfully most members would be offended and would be really unhappy by it but secondly because members are encouraged to not watch things that have sex, violence, swearing or anything seen as negative, so regardless they wouldn't watch it.

Is it true that the special underwear that Mormons wear is supposed to protect them from the evil of non- Mormons?

What is the special underwear?

Are there different sects within the religion? The missionaries I see in the UK are very distinguishable; mid calf length skirts, long hair and walking shoes. There is a vlogger who lives in Utah and claims to be religious but only wears hot pants. Also there is a Mormon family who featured in a large family documentary, they seemed very 'normal' and really lovely.

Some Mormons wear "special underwear" they call garments. Not to protect against non-members though, it's just a reminder of promises they make just like wearing a cross. I that way serves as a "protection" against temptation I suppose.

Missionaries have very strict rules, the "sister" missionaries clothing has in the last couple of years become much less conservative, but it used to be very strict.

Members an wear what they are like unless they wear garments, but there are suggested standards. So while some may wear hot pants you may get others within the religion severely judging them for that. But they are heavily taught modesty.

There are break way religions, seem extreme sects practice polygamy but they would be excommunicated if they were within the main religion.

I live near a Mormon church. The young US people on mission are very sweet and seem really genuinely happy as they go about acistibg random strangers in the street to preach at.

Are they? Is being on mission in the UK a blast? Like a chaste gap year? Or is it daunting and stressful going out to preach and possibly get rude responses?

Awww @AlexanderHamilton used all my questions

Are Mormons similar to Plymouth Brethrins?

Are they happy to be on a mission? Well I think it depends on the person I suppose. There is an expectation that most young people will serve a mission but it isn't a requirement. They aren't all American, they come from all over the world. For some it's a great experience to be involved in a new culture for others it's a miserable experience where they are homesick and don't get much success in converting people.

They have to fund their own missions, men serve 2 years and women 18 months. They have extremely strict rules and always have a companion with them of the same sex. They are not allowed to be alone with anyone of the opposite sex. They have to be up at 630 everyday and back in their homes but 9pm every night. They can't swim for example. The men wear shirts and ties everyday except their preparation day which is the day they have "off" to do Laundry, do shopping etc and often play sports etc.

However, some love it, others hate it, no one is made to do it, although I imagine they do feel a lot of pressure to do so.

Can you leave the mission if it doesn't suit you? I remember in the programme that the daughter went to US (from Scotland) for here and her mum said she was only allowed to have 2 phonecalls home in 18 months.

They can I suppose not sure how easy it would be. I THINK (not sure) that the president of the mission holds their passports (for safety reasons for than anything). Saying that plenty do leave leave early for one reason or another.

They are limited in how they can contact home. These days they can message/email once a week which is fairly recent and they can only phone/Skype home one occasions like Mother's Day and Christmas! So yes it's likely only twice in a 18 month time depending one when she left. It is suppose to keep their focus. Although, as I say they now are able to message a lot more. They now have iPads/tablets with Facebook and able to stay in contact much better than they ever could before, but that's all in the last year or two.

On mission they have to give up their phones for the entire time.

Yes, no phones allowed. They are given a phones for mission use but they can't have family call it.

As I say with the ability to use Facebook it does break down barriers somewhat. Although there are strict rules about that useable too.