Mormonism

News

1. Samurai Sword-Wielding Mormon Bishop Fends Off Mugger

   Wed, 24 Apr 2013

   A bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints with a black belt in karate used a Samurai sword he keeps by his bedside to stop an alleged mugging. Kent Hendrix of Millcreek
2. 
   Jodi Arias Cries Over Picture of Travis Alexander Kissing Her

   Wed, 24 Apr 2013

   trial has described raunchy sex, despite Alexander's Mormon religion which prohibits sex before marriage. Arias months before she went to Costa Rica in 2000 to serve a Mormon mission . The couple broke up while she was away. Reid said
3. Mormon Bishop With Samurai Sword Runs off Attacker

   Tue, 23 Apr 2013

   A Samurai sword-wielding Mormon bishop helped a neighbor woman escape a Tuesday suffered minor injuries. Hendrix, a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints , said it was the first time in 30 years of practicing
4. Mormon Bishop With Samurai Sword Runs off Attacker

   Tue, 23 Apr 2013

   A Samurai sword-wielding Mormon bishop helped a neighbor woman escape a Tuesday suffered minor injuries. Hendrix, a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints , said it was the first time in 30 years of practicing
5. 
   Warren Jeffs Still Calling the Shots From Prison?

   Thu, 4 Apr 2013

   president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints - was sexual abuse of underage Life in Warren Jeffs' FLDS Church . From behind prison walls mother was banished from the church , told ABC News. Among his
6. 
   Supreme Court Gay Marriage Cases: Meet the People With the Most at Stake

   Mon, 25 Mar 2013

   Mormons Belief," filmmaker Jolie Hales explains the Church of Latter - day Saints ' complex position on homosexuality and gay marriage Hales goes on to explain that gay people can still be Mormon without sinning, as long as they remain celibate
7. 
   Is Religion Good for Your Health?

   Mon, 25 Mar 2013

   that the life expectancy of Mormon men was almost ten years who never smoked, went to church weekly, had at least twelve up bright and early for church Sunday mornings does hamper Being able to travel to church might also be a marker for

Videos

1. 
   Mormon Temple Revealed

   Sat, 10 Jan 2009

   The Mormon Church has long been And then the Mormon Church was singled first built Mormon temples have apostles. Elder Russell Ballard years for the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints . Recently

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   The Mormon Church has long been associated with controversy but last year was a particularly difficult one for its profile here in America. Boston April authorities in Texas removed more than 450 children from a fundamentalist compound and action later overturned by the State Supreme Court. And then the Mormon Church was singled out for criticism when it supported proposition eight. The proposal restricting the definition of marriage as being a union solely between a man. And a woman. But as we Begin the new year they've opened their doors with extremely rare access in an attempt to dispel some of the myths surrounding their faith. Dan Harris now reports for a series. Faith -- Okay. Ever since they were first built Mormon temples have been the subject of speculation and suspicion. And imposing structures where private sacred rituals are performed. And outsiders are almost never welcome. This week we were invited to tour this new temple in Utah. Invited in fact by two members of the -- twelve apostles. Elder Russell Ballard an elder Quentin cook who are at the very highest levels of the church for the interview you told me that. He you can't remember a time when two apostles and sat down for an interview

   a PR perspective it's been a tough couple of years for the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints . Recently there have been angry protests outside Mormon temples over the church's support of proposition eight. Which overturned gay marriage in California. Mitt Romney's presidential run focus attention on controversial aspects of the church . Including the fact that blacks weren't allowed into the Mormon priesthood until 1978. And then there was the wall to wall coverage of the crackdown on so called fundamentalist. Mormons. Polygamous to carry on the tradition that the mainstream church . No blood all the way back in 1890s. That's harmful ways I can be involved in public. This false impression that mormons are somehow still polygamous. May be further reinforced by the hit HBO show big love. Which was actually available on my flight into Salt Lake City. Headquarters of the Mormon Church . Upon arrival a small group of print and radio reporters were treated to a teriyaki chicken dinner. In this ornate dining room. Where we had a free willing discussion with the elder Ballard who's a former businessman. And elder took a former attorney who as apostles are believed to be prophets seers and revelations. We know. The voice of the lord. We know when He wants us to do something. -- -- in -- elder Ballard says He wants prayed for rain in the middle of a drought there let -- -- And before -- We left the temple. There was -- -- the next morning we were packed into a church van and driven south at a town of Draper where this new temple was recently completed. The 120. Ninth temple in the world. In the weeks before temple is dedicated outsiders are encouraged to visit it's a huge open house -- and once that's over however the only people who can enter our church members. Deems to be living clean and chaste lives. And here is what you see inside. This video was shot by the church our cameras were not allowed inside. The temple is just a great wonderful experience your appeared coming out of the world and

   to eternal salvation which might help you understand this room. Where the latter day saints perform one of their most controversial -- called baptism for the dead members stand in this heated chlorinated pool. And are baptized in the name of their dead ancestors. So those ancestors can be given the option of converting to Mormon isn't in the afterlife. And the people who are deceased that is binding upon them we and -- and in a loving manner make that available. Two them and then they determine whether they want to have a. But they don't just do this for ancestors of Mormon Church members have scoured the world creating a database of hundreds of millions of names. Names that are systematically submitted for baptism. Including
2. 
   Future NBA Prospect Jabari Parker Discusses His Skills, Mormon Faith

   Thu, 14 Jun 2012

   rather his Mormon faith. He ago at the church of latter day saints Manhattan focused here Mormon do you people think of Mormon isn't there misconceptions about mormonism . Because popular but the church is growing first black Mormon drafted into go 12 year mission that would

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   He credits his -- with keeping him grounded and focused here -- Mormon do you people think that's where. Did they do. -- -- think of Mormon isn't there will look at a white there. But this world why do you find yourself having to explain. Your religion and a lot to people what I do. Many people think that mormons make don't -- And I got better -- a question a long time ago. Why do you think there are so many misconceptions about mormonism . Because it is not very popular but the church is growing and so many ways and is growing broker with -- Trying to change its image. -- of the six point two million mormons in America only 3% are African Americans. If -- ends up in the NBA he would be the first black Mormon drafted into the leak. But before that can happen when. -- a million dollar question at nineteen mormons are expected to go 12 year mission that would be right at the moon safari is comfortable to him. Draft and -- potentially huge contract. So what has Jabari didn't. His parents -- We have -- fact safari to decide for himself. What -- think will happen. We've encouraged him to you know be a good person. And that's all we can hope for Jeff Benedict who also happens to be a Mormon -- wrote the profile of -- For Sports Illustrated there is pressure it's it's not that the church puts pressure on you to do it. It's just so there's an expectation. That -- young men in the Mormon Church should ago and certainly he feels that. And so there's a bit of a -- me. There's no guarantee you'll have is much pain if he decides to going to hear mission . The tonight. He's sidelined temporarily. To pursue something that for him. Is even bigger -- fast he. He seems almost too good
3. 
   Inside the Mormon Church

   Wed, 22 Aug 2012

   The first mormon nominee for moment for the mormon faith, which members of the mormon faith are and I'm a mormon . Reporter is why the church of jesus christ of latter day saints launched of anti- mormonism , still inside a mormon temple . And, I

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   candidate on a major ticket, and next week, another breakthrough. The first mormon nominee for president. A profound and historic moment for the mormon faith, which is still a mystery to a lot of people. So, tonight, dan harris begins a two-part series, answering questions about this uniquely american religion. Reporter: With their imposing temples, where secret rituals are performed, rituals so sacred that nonmormons cannot enter. And with their all male leadership believed to have a direct line to god, members of the mormon faith are keenly aware that they are sometimes seen as a source of mystery and suspicion. I'm a skateborder, and I'm a mormon . Reporter: Which, in part is why the church of jesus christ of latter day saints launched this public relations campaign with the message "we're your neighbors." I'm a mormon . I'm a mormon . Reporter: While mormons, who make up just 1.7% of our population, roughly equal to jews and double that of muslims and buddhists, are trying to be more open, america's best-known mormon , whonce held one of the highest positions in the church -- has talked about his faith but rarely used the word mormon . I'm not running for pastor in chief. I'm running for commander in chief. Next question. Reporter: So, given all the mystery and misconceptions, what is it that mormons say they believe? Here are answers to three common questions. First, why so much secrecy? It is rooted in a painful past, according to professor j. Spencer fluhman, a practicing mormon and author of the upcoming book "a peculiar people." I don't think it can be seen apart from a very bitter history of anti- mormonism , still, they carry it with them. Reporter: In the early days of the church , the mormons were violently driven from state to state. And their founding prophet joseph smith was murdered by an angry mob. What do they believe? In the mormon faith, the bible is considered the word of god. B but mormons also believe god added three books from joseph smith. It happened when smith was a young man in upstate new york. He claimed an angel lead him to a nearby hill where he dug up a pair of golden plates from which he translated the book of mormon . Mormons like professor robert millet are well aware that adding onto the bible in this way can be very controversial. Latter day saints love and adore the bible. But we've announced it is not the end of the prophets. God still speaks. Reporter: And finally, what about jesus? Mormons believe that when jesus, the son of god returns, he will first go to jerusalem and then to missouri, where he will establish his kingdom on earth. For mormons, america plays a special role. Every summer, in fact, hundreds of the faithful act out the story of the book of mormon , which says a tribe of ancient israelites came to america thousands of years ago and were later visited by jesus after the resurrection. Mormons think they have a distinctive message they always thought that. But at the same time, the proximity to rational christianity is clear and obvious. So, mormons have a complicated relationship with traditional christianity I think is an easy to say it. Reporter: Tomorrow night we'll answer some common questions about mormon culture like polygamy, which was banned by the church in 1890. And we'll show you what I saw on a rare tour inside a mormon temple . And, I can't wait for tomorrow night. Bum we were talki iing today, because people do know that most mormons don't drink
4. 
   Missionary Sex Appeal

   Sat, 19 Dec 2009

   The Mormon faith has a why the halt Mormon muffins calendar more The whole Mormon muffins 2010 active in the church . But I'm would go to church every week Within the Mormon DS could yet problem is the LDS church is pretty instance. At Brigham Young University Do you the Mormon Church acute called men on a mission but again

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   -- February is the mother of three. I -- active in the church . But I'm also a model healthy and that and and I kind of believe that it's okay -- feel sexy. Charlie was the -- roller skates her son to school. Lisa would go to church every week we're comfortable -- confident. We're okay with god we're okay with ourselves and that you're thinking ahead of yourself you can be sexy and you can be -- What are you selling here. I'm actually selling -- statement. The calendars were designed to you actually -- down stereotypes. Within the Mormon -- DS could yet you keep -- buttons and the calendar also provides a separate muffin recipe for every month. But the muffins aren't the problem. The problem is the LDS church is pretty clear when it comes to how -- members dress. In an official pamphlet that church instructs prophets of god have always counseled his children to dress modestly. It continues in modest clothing includes short shorts skirts tight clothing shirts they do not cover the stomach and other revealing attire. And what's really interest staying about. The guidelines that they set for all church members say don't necessarily enforce with -- church members for instance. At Brigham Young University. The cheerleaders Wear very short skirts. They Wear you know. Clothes that are no more revealing than others and that's okay. -- -- Marie Osmond on Dancing With The Stars is a very devout Mormon . Wearing costumes that are completely against. The you know the moral conduct of modesty. My calendars yet they push the line the guys -- -- the girls are wearing costumes but it's. It's not overtly provocative. I think it's a summit can be provocative. But I I look that is being kind of now the -- Do you -- the Mormon Church -- acute do you think the officials the officials -- -- think it's cute. Obviously not. You know they came last year and asked me to stop production. The 2009 calendar when we -- right in the middle of it. The 2009 calendar was a little different it was all guys it was called men on a mission but again. Modesty is not the first word that comes to mind. I thought you know what a great way to show these people that. These guys that go to your door are just regular guys doing their service for the church . And they're human and normal and they have desires like you -- nine. And I -- why don't we. Kind of expose them. No pun intended. Is -- as being normal. Party who runs a team building company in Las Vegas -- day job. One as a lifelong Mormon I believed -- that type I felt like my obedience to the church is what was going to bring meaning. The most happiness day in this life and the next a lifelong Mormon until last year when church officials called him in for a hearing. After they deliberated for about 45 minutes -- decided. That the best decision was for me to be excommunicated. You could have been surprised -- I was surprised. I didn't think that the church was so concerned about. -- image as opposed to saving souls and allowing people to express themselves and and to find themselves as an individual what you said your project is trying to make a statement. That is deliberately tried to question. Some of the tenants of the church right not necessarily. On the project is not designed to question the beliefs of the church . It's it's it is designed to she challenged the stereotypes. And the -- -- -- Confines of having to conform. I'm in order to be a member of the church that's what we challenged. We contacted LDS officials in Salt Lake City who did not want to comment on this story. In addition to the ex communication the calendars also cost party his diploma at church owned Brigham Young University. They're selling. Yes none of the models has been disciplined for participating with the -- to feel the sting of criticism. I didn't feel I was mocking the church or degrading in any way it was just kind of showing you know at different society and and and you know I think -- kind of got you know not pretty hard for -- from members of the church that we don't giants and we got juts sharply for this. Despite all the criticism that biggest sales for the Mormon calendars. In Utah. It does appear there is an appetite for muffins or something else every single day I still get women.
5. 
   What Heaven Looks Like

   Fri, 6 Jul 2012

   famedabyssinian baptist church , says he remembersmany candidateand mormon mitt romney the face of mormonism , one of the misconception about the mormon religion leaderwithin the mormon church , more properly jesus christof latter - day saints . Do mormons

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   what a welcome. Before he reachesthe end of his life, presidential candidateand mormon mitt romney hopes to first pass throughthe gates that lead to this house. I believe in my mormon faith. And I endeavorto live by it. Romney, to many americans,is the face of mormonism , one of the world'sfastest growing religions. What isthe biggest misconception about the mormon religion? Well, I think there aresome people who think we're not christian, and that'sa huge misconception. We believe literally that jesus christis the son of god. walker is the senior leaderwithin the mormon church , more properly called the church of jesus christof latter - day saints . Do mormons believein heaven? Oh, yes, we do, barbara. We believe absolutelyin heaven, and believe that if godis our father in heaven,
6. 
   What Heaven Looks Like

   Fri, 6 Jul 2012

   Abyssinian Baptist Church says he remembers candidate and Mormon Mitt Romney believe in my Mormon faith. And About the Mormon religion of god. Elder William walker within the Mormon Church . Not properly called the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints or mormons

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   eight. -- Reverend Calvin Butts pastor of New York's famed Abyssinian Baptist Church says he remembers many visions of heaven -- -- news and. No tears. And -- and suffering. It's. And just at the

   has. Before he reaches the end of his life. Presidential candidate and Mormon Mitt Romney hopes to -- passed through the gates that lead to distance. I believe in my Mormon faith. And I endeavor to live by Monday to many Americans is the face of monus and -- of the world's fastest -- villages. What does the biggest misconception. About the Mormon religion -- I think there are some people who think we're not Christian and that's a huge misconception we believe literally. That Jesus Christ is the son of god. Elder William -- walker this is senior leader within the Mormon Church . Not properly called the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints or mormons. Believe in heaven. Caller yes we do Barbara we believe absolutely and happen and believe that if god is our
7. 
   Young Mormons on a Mission

   Fri, 5 Oct 2012

   people to the church of jesus christ of latter day saints . One of from the church -- Reporter two-year mission is a right most young mormon men. Have ushered in a mormon moment in the faith. Elder dustin Reporter: Elder is a church serving on a mission in la mras traditions. What church do you attend between the latter day saints and other the book of mormon . While some the book of mormon . Reporter I'd hire a missionary , because

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   Young men in shirts and ties, hoping to convert people to the church of jesus christ of latter day saints . One of the fastest growing religions in the world. This work is part of a demanding two-year right of passage, a journey once taken by mitt romney. Abc's bob woodruff brings us this look inside. hi, how are you doing to we're missionaries from the church -- Reporter: The two-year mission is a right of passage for most young mormon men. Have you ever seen missionaries in this neighborhood before? Reporter: There are 55,000 missionaries, serving around the world. And the church allowed our team rare access into their world for two days. Of door knocking, teaching -- called the vision of the tree of life. Reporter: And community service. I am a mormon . I'm a mormon . Reporter: Mormons have never been so visible. While mitt romney's presidential candidacy may have ushered in a mormon moment in this country, the church remains largely a mystery to those outside of the faith. Elder dustin. I'm sorry. Elder dustin. Elder ? Yes, sir. Right here on my name tag, if that helps. It does. Reporter: Elder is a church term for the missionaries, though at age 21 and 20, they are anything but old. I like your hat. Reporter: They are serving on a mission in la mras, louisiana, a long way from home in utah. I didn't know too much about it. People would tell me, you're going to have jambalaya and gumbo. I'm like, what is that? I don't know what is that. Reporter: The church determines, they believe wh devine guidance, where missionaries are placed. Mitt romney served in bordeaux, france, where he has said he learned about rejection, trying to convince the french to give up wine. We're missionaries from the church of jesus christ -- we have our own religion, thank you. Zblf that's okay. Reporter: In the deep south, the missionaries often come across people with deeply rooted religious traditions. What church do you attend? Glory of god. Would it be all right if i left you with a little pamphlet? No, thank you.

   What do they mean about the gospel? A key difference between the latter day saints and other christians is that mormons believe that after the resurrection, jesus came to the ancient americas in a journey described in the book of mormon . While some continue to associate mormons with polygamy -- get out of here. Now. Reporter: And shows like "big love" add to the public's fascination with the topic, the church banned polygamy in 1890. Those some breakoff sects have continued the practice. The material that's most frequently asked for is copies of the book of mormon . Reporter: This is the baton rouge mission headquarters. That go okay? That was awesome. We pretty much just killed it, i guess. Reporter: President jim wall is a surrogate parent to the missionaries who are only allowed to call home twice a year, even though they pay most of their own way. Missionaries are required to turn in receipts for everything down to their gas miles. I think if I were a corporation, I'd hire a missionary , because they have such good training. Reporter: The missionaries work in pairs. Why do you keep these two young men together? They

   want a person to think that they're a number. Reporter: But the church does track converts and their statistics show nearly 300,000 converts were baptized in 2011. All taught, at one point, by missionaries. And it is moments like this one that seem to excite the missionaries the most. Rick seems eager to hear their message. The book of mormon is a record of just that, the people that lived here in the ancient americas and how christ isn't just tior of the middle east, but he's the savior of the world. Reporter: They make an appointment to return. Good to meet you, rick. I've been a missionary for 20 months, knocked on countless doors, talked to countless people and the excitement doesn't go away. The excitement to tell people