# Ask the Mormon **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 21, 2003, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971 "2003-03-21T02:31:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cadolphin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c37758/32.png) [@cadolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cadolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/1 "2003-03-21T02:31:27Z")
[In response to this request](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3162514#post3162514) wherein **MixieArmadillo** asked that someone start an “Ask the Mormon” thread. Here I am. **Qualifications:** [ul] [li]Raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aka LDS aka Mormons[/li][li]Actively involved in all types of LDS Church\* activities from a very young age.[/li][li]Attended Church meetings and activities several times a week for most of my life.[/li][li]Attended Early Morning Seminary.[/li][li]Attended Brigham Young University - graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree[/li][li]Have attended countless Continuing Ed. courses in LDS Doctrine.[/li][li]Graduated from the LDS Institute of Religion.[/li][li]Took out my endowments from the Los Angeles LDS Temple in 1977.[/li][/ul] - Hence forth, Church will be used to refer to the religion we are discussing. **Possibly pertinent background information:** [ul] [li]Born in Los Angeles, California in 1957.[/li][li]Lived in the same house until I graduated from High School.[/li][li]My mother’s side of the family have been Church members since the early beginnings of the Church.[/li][li]My father’s side of the family (for the most part) has no use for the LDS Church to the extent that my own sister was ashamed to tell anyone her little sister was attending BYU.[/li][li]My mother was born/raised in Utah, however she was not an active member of the Church until I was 12.[/li][li]My father was raised Methodist but was not involved in any way with organized religion during my life.[/li][li]Church services I attended frequently until the age of 10 were: LDS, Methodist, Lutheran, and Catholic.[/li][li]At the age of 10, my Church attendance changed to solely LDS.[/li][li]I was married in the LDS temple at the age of 19/divorced (civilly) 22 months later when I understood that the gun facing me was loaded and one of those times, the trigger would be pulled.[/li][li]My current husband was an active member, raised in the church from childhood, however, when I married him, I was fully aware that he has no interest whatsoever in attending the Church again and I have no intentions of trying to “change” him.[/li][li]I have only been married these 2 times, meaning I was a divorced, active member of the LDS Church for 22 years, living in Utah during the majority of that time.[/ul][/li] **Disclaimers:** [ul] [li]This thread **MUST** remain an “Ask the” thread. If there is any hint whatsoever of it turning into a Great Debate or attack of any kind, I will stop responding and ask that it be locked. I am **NOT** a debater, never have been, never want to be! Let me make that perfectly clear.[/li][li]I am not a blind sheep member of the Church.[/li][li]I am brutally honest.[/li][li]If I know (and am certain I am correct of ) the answer, I will give it to you. If not, and I cannot find the answer from a source that can be referenced, I will let you know. But, let me assure you, I will make every attempt to answer any and all questions you have.[/li][li]If anyone brings any cites from Anti-Mormon sites into this thread, I will request it be closed.[/li][li]I am not right winged or left winged. I’m very much a moderate in my Religious beliefs, consequently, my responses will reflect that and will cause some dissention from some members of this board. When that happens, please take it to the pit instead of bringing it into this factual thread.[/li][li]This will come up! There will be questions regarding the Temple and what happens inside that are considered _sacred_ by members of the church, consequently, we have taken covenants (made promises to God) not to discuss these outside of the temple so that these principles will not be defiled by misunderstanding or taken out of context. There is nothing _secret_ as the entire contents can be located in the Library of Congress and I have heard on the internet, but I’m not personally familiar with those sites so I can’t speak to the accuracy of them. I will answer these questions in general terms, no specifics will be given and you must be willing to accept that before you ask the question.[/li][/ul] I searched through MPSIMS and IMHO to see if anyone else had started this thread when I began mine. I didn’t find one, however if one has opened during the time I have been composing this, I will defer to them as that seems like the only fair thing for me to do. I realize that due to circumstances of the past week, this is a potentionally difficult time to open a thread like this, but I am willing to give you honest answers if you are willing to treat me with respect. With this said, let the games begin… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/2 "2003-03-21T02:48:37Z")
What’s your take on the Smart family (as in Elizabeth Smart)? Whacko and Mormon are words being used in the same sentence much more often since they arrived on the scene. ---
**Author:** ![schplebordnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@schplebordnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/schplebordnik)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/3 "2003-03-21T02:49:47Z")
1. Do Mormon men wear special underwear? If so, when is it OK to not wear it (e.g., during sex, playing in the NCAAs for BYU, etc.)? 2. Same question, but for Mormon women. 3. Do Mormons believe after death they can become “god-like” on a level that Jesus attained after death? 4. Are you bummed that you were born after the Mormons outlawed “plural marriage”? ---
**Author:** ![Interrobang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/interrobang/32/17463_2.png) [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/4 "2003-03-21T03:14:23Z")
In all seriousness: Why did lime Jell-O become the most famous element of LDS cuisine? (It can’t all be stereotyping – Utah’s been the national leader in Jello sales, although I don’t think they are currently.) Also: do you drink caffeinated beverages? ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/5 "2003-03-21T03:17:46Z")
If it’s all right with cadolphin, I’ll post here too, as a full-time Mormon. Cadolphin? ---
**Author:** ![Laurasia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@Laurasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laurasia)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/6 "2003-03-21T03:18:35Z")
a couple questions: 1. what’s wrong with caffine? 2. Could you give me a simple explanation of the whole converting people after they have already died? Is that simply like praying for the dead or is it something totally different? ---
**Author:** ![Laurasia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@Laurasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laurasia)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/7 "2003-03-21T03:19:56Z")
I mean cafeine…sorry, typo ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_of\_Sandwhich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/91b2a8/32.png) [@Earl\_of\_Sandwhich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_of_Sandwhich)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/8 "2003-03-21T03:28:38Z")
What is The Church of Latter Day Saints’ position on birth control? ---
**Author:** ![Bob55](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Bob55](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob55)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/9 "2003-03-21T04:13:19Z")
How accurate is [this analysis & comparison](http://invitation.to/dance/cults-mormon-documents.htm) of Mormanism? ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/10 "2003-03-21T04:15:48Z")
> [@](#): > > In all seriousness: Why did lime Jell-O become the most famous element of LDS cuisine? (It can’t all be stereotyping – Utah’s been the national leader in Jello sales, although I don’t think they are currently.) Because Lime Jello is easy to make and tastes great with mini-marshmallows. ---
**Author:** ![cadolphin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c37758/32.png) [@cadolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cadolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/11 "2003-03-21T04:26:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Philster \* > \*\*What’s your take on the Smart family (as in Elizabeth Smart)? > > Whacko and Mormon are words being used in the same sentence much more often since they arrived on the scene. \*\* I have opinions about being abducted, abused, etc. but this thread is not about that. Horrible, unspeakable, inhumane things happen to people across all cultures, races, socio economic levels, and religions. My Church has been connected with this horribly terrible situation because: 1. The Smart Family is LDS. 2. The man and woman who allegedly committed these acts were at one time members of the Church. [Quote taked from an article on KSL dated March 19, 2003 where Brian David Mitchell aka Emanuel’s father Shirl Mitchell is being quoted:] ([http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?nid=84&sid=15307](http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?nid=84&sid=15307)) > [@](#): > > Mitchell remembers having religious conversations with his son a couple of years ago. He says back then, they were rational, intelligent conversations. He says before his son was ex-communicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was second counselor to the bishop in a Salt Lake City ward. Kathy ---
**Author:** ![Blackeyes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f6c823/32.png) [@Blackeyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackeyes)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/12 "2003-03-21T04:32:23Z")
Is it true about black people? ---
**Author:** ![Blackeyes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f6c823/32.png) [@Blackeyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackeyes)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/13 "2003-03-21T04:34:08Z")
Correction: Is it true what they (non Mormons) say about black people in the LDS? ---
**Author:** ![JerseyDiamond](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8491ac/32.png) [@JerseyDiamond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerseyDiamond)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/14 "2003-03-21T05:06:41Z")
What do you believe about God? ---
**Author:** ![Briny\_Deep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/briny_deep/32/17188_2.png) [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/15 "2003-03-21T05:11:33Z")
> [@](#): > > Took out my endowments from the Los Angeles LDS Temple in 1977. If I had to guess, I’d guess that this means officially committing to the Church, “signing on” as it were. But since you’re here and all, I’ll just ask: what does this mean? ---
**Author:** ![cadolphin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c37758/32.png) [@cadolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cadolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/16 "2003-03-21T05:26:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by schplebordnik \* > \*\*1) Do Mormon men wear special underwear? If so, when is it OK to not wear it (e.g., during sex, playing in the NCAAs for BYU, etc.)? > 2) Same question, but for Mormon women. > > After a man or woman has been though the temple and made their Covenants with God, they wear underwear (called garments) that will remind them of the promises they have made. Garments are white and the male’s looks like a t-shirt and boxers. The female garments cover as much of your body as the male, but are made a more feminine style. It is Ok to not wear your garments during sex, or when playing sports that would not cover your garments such as swimming or tennis. > > 1. Do Mormons believe after death they can become “god-like” on a level that Jesus attained after death? > > You have infinite potential > > As a child of God, you have the divine potential to learn and grow and become like Him. > Just as you may have inherited characteristics from your earthly parents, such as your mother’s sense of humor or your father’s love of music, you have inherited qualities from your Heavenly Father. > > He is a God of love, goodness, mercy, charity, truth, power, knowledge, justice, and wisdom. You can nurture these divine attributes. Within you are the seeds of divinity and the power, through Christ, to grow and progress for eternity. \*\* I found this quote by going to [the main page for the Church](http://lds.org/) and then clicked on the link [Basic Beliefs](http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1116-1,00.html) 4) Are you bummed that you were born after the Mormons outlawed “plural marriage”? My Daddy taught me to share and I learned it pretty well. But I won’t share my husband with another woman (or man for that matter). Kathy ---
**Author:** ![cadolphin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c37758/32.png) [@cadolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cadolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/17 "2003-03-21T05:27:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by genie \* > \*\*If it’s all right with cadolphin, I’ll post here too, as a full-time Mormon. Cadolphin? \*\* That water is great **genie** …come on in 😃 Kathy ---
**Author:** ![cadolphin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c37758/32.png) [@cadolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cadolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/18 "2003-03-21T05:49:00Z")
**Interrobang!?** and \*\* Laurasia\*\* you both have asked the same question about Church Doctrine identified as “The Word of Wisdom”. The Word of Wisdom Your body is a precious gift from God. To help keep our bodies and our minds healthy and strong, God gave a law of health to Joseph Smith in 1833. This law is known as the Word of Wisdom. In addition to emphasizing the benefits of proper eating and physical and spiritual health, God has spoken against the use of: [ul] [li]Tobacco[/li][li]Alcohol[/li][li]Coffee and tea[/li][li]Illegal drugs[/li][/ul] God promises great physical and spiritual blessings to those who follow the Word of Wisdom. Today, the scientific community promotes some of the same principles that a loving God gave to Joseph Smith nearly two centuries ago.[The Word of Wisdowm](http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1301-1,00.html) Kathy ---
**Author:** ![schplebordnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@schplebordnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/schplebordnik)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/19 "2003-03-21T05:54:28Z")
Why is it just “illegal drugs”? Aren’t the drug laws set by man, not god? ---
**Author:** ![lel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8797f3/32.png) [@lel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lel)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2003, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971/20 "2003-03-21T05:56:03Z")
I hope this isn’t getting too far into opinions, but I do have a few questions. Also, I’d like to hear the answers of any and all who identify as LDS if that’s also okay with you, **cadolphin**! Is there any debate within the LDS church regarding the literal truth of the Book of Mormon, or is it required that one must believe the literal truth of it to be a member of the LDS Church? (Not looking for a GD here, but if anyone has any rough ideas on if there’s any debate at all, that would be great.) Also, who draws ward and stake boundaries? Why does it seem easier to get hard copies of the Book of Mormon than the [Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price](http://scriptures.lds.org)? Are all these documents considered equally sacred (in addition to the Bible)? What exactly is required of a person to be temple worthy? (I don’t know how much you can say about this, of course.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-mormon/162971.md?page=2)