Author: Contributing Author

Question Box: Can Mormons be cremated?

Can Mormons be cremated and other ashes put together?

Cremation is permitted but not encouraged. At burial, faithful members are clothed in ceremonial garb as a symbol of their readiness to enter the spirit world. So cremation puts a bit of a hiccup in that rite. Wherever possible, they should be cremated while wearing the ceremonial garb.

 

If you like this, you may also like:

http://www.whatdomormonsbelieve.com/2010/02/dressing-the-dead/

http://www.whatdomormonsbelieve.com/2009/03/what-happens-at-funerals/

http://www.whatdomormonsbelieve.com/2009/06/the-plan-of-salvation/

Mormon in the White House

I have been asked to write about Mitt Romney’s presidential bid.

You should know, the LDS Church has a fairly firm political neutrality stance, you can see more about it in this video. And I think our website here does as well.

Yes, a member of the LDS church is running for president. This is seen as a boon for the Church as it has increased awareness of our beliefs and general existence. At times it seems that the media cannot leave Romney’s religion alone, as if it matters more than his policies or goals. Generally we welcome this attention, even though it too often seems that they are missing the mark. I like that mormonnewsroom.com, a church-run site for church news has started a series of blogs titled “Mormonism in the News: Getting It Right” where they highlight mainstream media attention that gets the story straight. It’s a great way to weed through the deluge and get the accurate details.

No, we do not, as members, have to vote for him, agree with him or support him. Though many may choose to do so. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) and many others probably won’t. The Church does not endorse any political candidates. Nor will the Church organization exert any influence over the politics or policies of Romney.

Yes, Romney is a Mormon, a Christian, and a Politician.

No, this is not the first time that a Mormon has run for President. The Prophet Joseph Smith announced his candidacy for President in 1844 as an independent but was killed in July of that year.

If you do not like Romney, but you still like Mormons, that’s fine, maybe you will like Yeah Samake, the LDS candidate running for president of Mali.

 

Question Box: self-harm

Question: I was curious if we believe in self harm (cutting and slapping yourself) and I was also curious to know if we believe in having eating disorders?

A: I don’t fully understand the question. I think we believe that these are problems and we should be treating our bodies as sacred gifts from our Heavenly Father given to us to house our spirits while we are on this earth. So…don’t do self-harming. Keep your body healthy and strong so you can serve others and your Heavenly Father. We understand that these problems do exist, and we fully support getting therapy or other needed help. We don’t look down on those that struggle with these problems, but we care about them and encourage them to get the help they need to overcome these problems. If you’re not sure where to stop, visit your Bishop for some advice and counsel.

Question Box: Adopted Sealings

Q: If a Mormon couple adopts children, can they be sealed into an eternal family?

A: Absolutely! Any child legally adopted can be sealed to their family in the temple. I know of families who have all adopted children and some who have adopted one and added to their other children. It’s wonderful that our earthly families can be our eternal families.