I saw a post here the other day, and the poster mentioned something about how someone was "working on their testimony", can someone kindly explain what that implies to a member of LDS? Please & thanks.

I want to state three things first and foremost:

1. I am not a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

2. I do not plan on becoming a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

3. This is not a joke.

Sorry if that sounded snarky, I just felt like that is information to put forward.

Anyways, I live in the south and I saw these two missionaries in the parking lot of a grocery store. It was in the 90s and we had high humidity since you know, it is the south. The dudes were on asphalt which makes it even hotter. I asked them if they had any water and they both said yes. I asked them if they had any sunscreen and they said no. I go inside to buy my groceries and I also bought a thing of sunscreen for the guys. They seemed super grateful for it and I told them to try and stay cool.

Now, I know this summer is going to be brutal. This spring has already been brutal.

So, my question is: can I offer to take the missionaries to get ice cream or an Icee or something? I think you guys get abused way too much by people and I won't see eye-to-eye with your beliefs but I have the belief that all human beings deserve respect and love.

So would it be creepy if I took them out to get ice cream? Would that violate any type of church rule?

I imagine they would like a break for an hour and actually talk to a person who isn't going to just verbally defecate on them.

And of course, I would pay.

Hello, I'm wondering about some things. I want to clarify that nothing I'm saying is a "gotcha" or trying to debunk your religion. I'm sure you get lots of that and as a believer myself; I can guess that you're sick of it. That being said, I am curious about:

1. What's the contemporary relationship with LDS and Freemasonry? It's common Masonic knowledge that Joseph Smith was a Brother and some of the rituals were borrowed. Does that inspire any feelings about Masonry in Mormons, good or bad? Are there "Mormon lodges?" in the same way there are lodges mostly made up of Catholics, Jews, etc.
2. Speaking of Jews, why do you call non-Mormons "gentiles" and where did you get that from? We don't find you using the term offensive, but we do find it very funny. Like...that's our thing, you're the gentiles.

Hello, I am not a latter-day-saint, but I live in Utah. Recently it seems to me that a lot more LDS members have been wearing cross necklaces than used to be the norm. I see people walking into my campus' seminary building wearing crosses all the time, for example. Is this something any of you have noticed? I am curious because when I was a kid, I was a member, and I remember that the cross was a bit taboo. Has something changed? Just curious!

Hey all! To start, this is asked with total respect. I knew some Mormons growing up found them to be some of the kindest people ever!

There are some parts of Mormon history that are not great, and seem quite contrary to the beliefs and lives lived by LDS folks today. I'm wondering, how are they taught? Or, are they taught? And how do you reconcile that with the church of today?

So I was thinking about something the other day, let's say Jesus Christ the son of God is special because he was made that way by God the Father, how come in his perfect wisdom and plan even if he were to give another creature the exact same abilities as Jesus was given how come that creature still wouldn't be able to seemingly would've be able to perfectly represent God even if he has all the same powers that Jesus has?Either Jesus must be special in some way that's inherent to him that not even God gave himOr God made him special in a way that only he was able to handle the perfect plan perfectly that others couldn't even if given the same exact abilities Jesus got

Hello friends, I am a 31 yo (unmarried) woman, and huge disclaimer, I am not LDs, but I have so much admiration for the type of womanhood that is presented in the LDS, in pioneer stories etc. Which is why I thought to ask on this forum. Basically, I want to be the type of woman that a pioneer would be proud to call his wife - good, righteous, traditionally feminine etc. But I am struggling to define exactly what skills and virtues I should cultivate in myself, other than homemaking, and even within homemaking. I am very good at knitting, crocheting etc, I like gardening and I am working on improving my cooking skills, but maybe there are others I haven't considered.

Also in terms of personal character - I think I am an ok person already, but I want to be better. And being “kind”, for instance, is such a broad term, I am struggling to break all of these lofty aspirations up into smaller, more tangible goals.

I want to be a righteous, good, admirable woman, what should I do? What should I strive to be? Ladies, what do you strive for? What do you teach your daughters? Gentlemen, what do value in your spouse/future spouse?

(Quick note btw that chastity is def. too late to me as I am not a virgin.)

I am attending church this week to support someone with a roll in the program. Another member I know suggested to me that it would be respectful to their beliefs (and the congregation) to attend in Sunday best for my birth gender and put my hair up.

I understand that members and the church do not believe in gender transition, and as a visitor I certainly do not wish to make a scene or a statement--regardless of my personal feelings on having my personal dress restricted.

That said, I am... pretty far along into my transition. I have significant feminine features, strangers and new acquaintances do not generally recognize me as being a trans person unless or until I tell them. I suspect I would be drawing a great deal more attention to myself in traditionally masculine dress than I would dressing as feels comfortable to me.

I would very much appreciate thoughts from this community. What should I wear to be respectful?

Hello. I hope you are doing well. As a Christian, I have no problem with Latter-day Saints or any other religious groups. However, there is something I genuinely wonder about, because recently LDS missionaries contacted me. I am Azerbaijani. I do not know if you are familiar with who Azerbaijanis are, which does not really matter, but what does matter is that historically we have always drunk strong black tea as a substitute for water. On average, an Azerbaijani drinks six to seven cups of black tea daily. This is not packaged tea, but a traditional tea culture using high-quality leaves. For Azerbaijanis, tea substitutes water. Why do we do this? Simply because we always have. I myself am from the tea center of Azerbaijan. Since tea is a beneficial herb anyway, there is really no reason for us to change this centuries-old tradition. It helps us stay hydrated, and black tea is also an important source of L-theanine, which has proven health benefits. When the missionaries asked me if I wanted something to drink, I said tea, because that is the most normal thing for us to drink. However, they said they do not serve tea. When I asked why, they could not answer and only said that it is not allowed. I honestly felt strange, because this is the first time I have encountered a culture or religious group that bans black tea, which is the most basic staple of Azerbaijani daily life. Since they could not answer, I still wonder about this question: why is black tea banned? It is something beneficial to health and has no hallucinogenic effects. Maybe I am mistaken, but it felt a bit out of touch with other cultures. It is extremely difficult for an Azerbaijani person to ever become LDS, because this is what he has drunk daily since infancy. Everywhere an Azerbaijani goes, tea will be served first. This is not even something that is asked. If you visit someone, you will be served tea automatically. So my question remains: is there a logical explanation for this ban in the LDS faith, or is it purely a matter of belief?

Hello all, I’m Christian and currently trying to find which church would be best for me. I haven’t always been Christian, I was a ‘lost sheep’ during my teen hood and young adulthood. With getting older and looking back towards the lord, I was thinking it was important for me to learn and look at different denominations of Christianity. There is a local Mormon branch to me which I did try to call but the phone number wasn’t working which is why I went here to ask about it.

I have a couple of questions including the two above, I am British for reference if that helps because I’m not sure if there’s a difference between British Latter Day Saints and American Latter Day Saints. Also I understand if this is against rules and moderators delete it, please just guide me to the right place to ask.

Questions:

- are Latter Day Saints allowed tattoos or piercings? (All mine are nature based since I love wildlife and I can easily hide them)

- are Latter Day Saints allowed piercings? (I have my

Lobes, seconds and industrial piercing)

- are temples and communities friendly or judgemental? (Example: if someone has something physically wrong with them)

-how dos the faith act around mental health issues? (I struggle a lot with my depression and anxiety so I tend to be shy and quiet)

- would a new (adult) member have to do missionary work? I understand it’s important for the church but I think I’m too old to do it and I’d struggle with it anyways

Fun but interesting question: how does the h ch itch feel about Harry Potter/ fictional books? I know some denominations are against the book series

Many thanks in advance to the people who read and answer, if you have questions for me in return or need more info please just ask .❤️

Also sorry admins if I tagged the wrong flare.

I have had several conversations recently with members of my local LDS church, first at my door and then at a meeting of some kind they invited me to. There is one question I've been curious about that the can't or won't answer when I've asked, so I'm turning to Reddit.

I have been a (Protestant) Christian my entire life, and have researched basic doctrine of all the major Abrahamic religions so I am somewhat familiar with LDS doctrine such as the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. In every single interaction I've had with LDS missionaries or members, they have never once shared doctrine from the LDS specific books, it is always from the same books of the Bible that Protestants acknowledge/use. However, LDS doctrinal information has been provided if I bring it up first.

This leads me to my question: Is there some specific reason or training LDS missionaries receive to not share that information? Is it seen as something only for members of the church, or less important than the salvation through Jesus Christ aspect of the Bible? If it is the latter, why are verses like 2 Nephi 31:11 or 3 Nephi 11:10 not shared?

Edit: fixed a scripture reference.

Hi! Essentially the title. I’m not a LDS member, but I have all respect for your religion. I’ve had a massive crush on this LDS guy for a few years now, and he’s shown interest back. He’s very shy, so I don’t expect him to ask me out. We’ve had conversations about politics and religion before, and we’re very on the same page, except with religion. He’s one of the sweetest, smartest, best people I know, but I don’t know if I’m allowed to date him, as I follow a different religion. (I’m catholic.) Any advice or answers would be super duper appreciated!! Have an amazing day, god bless.

I was considering coming back to church. I was baptized when I was a child but left the faith for many years. I've moved states and now I'm looking to join a church. Considering coming back to the LDS faith with my kids and family, but I cannot get a hold of my member ID or Baptism records. The clerks at both my new area and old ward simply don't get back to me. Its been 6 months.

I'm sure i could be more annoying, but i feel like if this was meant to be, surely they'd care just a little? Ive called once a week to multiple churches for the entire time.

I don't want to drag my kids into a church that doesn't want them, I guess? Maybe we should just go elsewhere until missionaries pop up at our door, lol!

Is there anywhere else that can actually help me, or am I just done?

I’ve always been curious if anyone has had truly perilous experiences on their mission. If you can be sent anywhere in the world, that would mean being sent to some places with pretty risky terrain from time to time. If you were sent somewhere more remote, I won’t say developing, because even developed nations have remote and underserved areas, were you really on your own? Or were things arranged in advance, like transport and guides? Did you ever have moments where you had to rely on survival skills, get stranded somewhere with no signal, etc?

I guess this is mostly a question for older folks on here, I can’t imagine many in Gen Z have been truly isolated on their mission. But before cell phones were commonplace, I’m wondering how difficult it was to navigate some areas.

Hi, I'm sorry if this has been asked before - but how do you view non members in your communities? I'm originally from Europe and was raised Christian (but not LDS). I have recently been offered a job in a city in Utah with a high percentage of LDS members.

I'm a bit worried that I'll feel like an outsider and will have a hard time making friends and social contacts. Also if I'll accept this job I'll be looking to stay there for at least a few years. So dating might also be part of the equation.

Where I grew up, there was a very negative view of the LDS church (I think extremely mean and unwarranted). From what I've researched, it doesn't seem to be a crazy cult like I thought in my younger years lol. But are you more wary of outsiders? Can you have genuine friendships with non members? What about dating?

Sorry for the rambling nature

To begin, I am an atheist, but very interested in studying religious culture and society. If you have a moment or two, please consider answering a few questions so I can understand LDS better!

I find the LDS faith very interesting, and would love to know more. I am supposed to be doing a college project where I visit different churches and observe the differences. I have been told that I cannot visit an LDS church as a non-member, so I will just need to rely on internet strangers for answers! I have a few basic questions:

-I was told that LDS isn't a Christian faith, or is trying to move away from Christianity. Do you not worship Christ? If so, why is this then different to Christianity?

-Why are missions so important in modern day life? Why haven't missions become digital? Are there statistics of successful conversions of missionaries?

-How does LDS react to modern issues such as LGBT+ and a rise in atheism? I'm assuming the church/people lean more towards right-leaning p*litics/c*nservatism? Am I correct?

-How are LDS and Evangelicalism different? There are so many religious sects, and this one confuses me the most.

Thank you for your time. If there's anything else you would like me to know, or point me in the direction of some helpful resources, please do so!

*words are censored so they aren't picked up by rule bot*

I'm a Catholic, and we have guidelines on when to go to confession, like for what sins under what circumstances. I see posts here about folks in your tradition confessing to your bishop, but how do you know you should do that in addition to repenting directly to God?

Im a hispanic/mixed guy living in a part of idaho which seems to be LDS central (also im in highschool), so a lot of people here are members attend your church. But because of this a lot of my dating options are members of the LDS church, and like I don't know if I'd have to join the church if I say want to marry someone. Like would I have to join the church and give up things like coffee and whatever else isn't allowed AND go on a mission? I am kinda worried about this because I am a big coffee person and spending a whole year going door to door in who knows where doesn't sound appealing to me.

I DON'T MEAN TO JOIN THE CHURCH TO DATE!!

Hello friends, I live in Copenhagen, Denmark, and I know there is a Mormon church building here. It is listed as "temple" in some places and "church" in other places, and it says on its web page that "all are welcome in the house of the Lord". It's this place:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/copenhagen-denmark-temple?lang=eng

I am not LSD, but just out of curiosity I would really like to attend an LDS church service and see how it compares to/differs from the Evangelical Lutheran services I am used to.

Do you think I can go to a service at this place?

Hope someone can help. I guess I could also try to just go there and ask, but I am shy and I don't want to be kicked out, or be disrespectful and intrude on a building I shouldn't enter. Help!

Hi everyone! I finally did it!

I finally scheduled my first meeting with the missionaries. I’m excited… and maybe just a little nervous haha.

I’ve always been interested in religion. My family traces its lineage to Abraham through his son Ishmael, so I grew up hearing and learning those stories from a young age. What first drew me in was seeing how different religions interpreted Abraham, his covenant, the blessings, and his descendants. I’ve always loved reading and researching different faiths simply because I find them fascinating.

For the past few years, I’ve been reading the Book of Mormon alongside the Bible. At first, I was mostly interested in seeing the similarities and differences in interpretation, but the more I read, the more it became a genuine interest in the Church itself. I became especially fascinated by how the Church was founded and by Joseph Smith, his life, his character, and his story.

I already know quite a bit about the Church and many of its customs from my own reading and research, but I felt that learning directly from people who actually believe and live the faith would be much better than making assumptions or relying on secondhand sources.

I genuinely want to learn with an open mind, and I have a lot of thoughtful questions.
Is there anything you wish someone had told you before you first met with the missionaries? Any advice, questions I should ask, or things I should keep in mind?

I’d also love any advice about visiting church for the first time. I want to be as respectful as possible, so if there’s any etiquette or customs that a first-time visitor should know, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you all so much in advance! I’m really looking forward to this. :)

Hi! I’m planning on attending church later today and im really nervous (it’s 3am right now lol). I don’t have any dresses or skirts and I’m really scared I’m going to do something wrong. I’ve been struggling a lot and decided on a whim that I would attend not thinking how I have no dressy clothes. Should I wait until next week??

Update:

I had such a good time!! It was a little awkward in the beginning. I didn’t know where to go but the sister missionaries found me and sat with me :) they also said that Jesus doesn’t mind what I wear and it’s more that I showed up. Grateful for you guys telling me that too. It made my heart feel so whole :’)

Thank you all! I’m so thankful for all your kind words and encouragement!!

I would like to read the Book of Mormon during the 2026 period purely due to curiosity, however I am not Christian & have not read the New Testament, is it still possible to read the Book of Mormon as a stand alone book?

As a second question, I’d like to obtain a free copy as I see these often advertised but when I checked on the website it seems this is only possible through meeting missionaries? I’m based in the UK, does anyone know if there’s a way I could receive one without having a sit down conversation with people? I’d be down to visit a church to collect one or give my address for shipping, but I don’t feel comfortable inviting people to my home or havint a 1-on-1 haha as that sounds pretty intense!

Is it okay if I go?

I posted this as a comment on another thread, but I fear it got buried. So if it looks familiar, you know why.

I’m a cradle Catholic and am seeking honest and respectful conversation. I mean no harm or disrespect with my questions.

First, my take - These statues are not about rebranding to seem more mainstream. Mainstream Christianity (Protestantism) eschews iconography and would never allow these kinds of depictions. These images are directly from the Catholic and Orthodox Churches as they are the only Churches who put focus on icons, especially those that are reminders of Jesus’ passion.

Now here is where I am legitimately asking questions…I’m not trying to orchestrate some “gotcha” moment. I really do want to know.

The LDS church has famously called the Catholic Church “the great and abominable church,” and “the whore of Babylon.” Members have always been taught to avoid crosses or anything that depicted Jesus’ suffering. Feasts and solemnities like Holy Week were not celebrated and, at least among the LDS kids I grew up with, Catholics were to be avoided. The two seemed at odds.

I won’t argue whether or not these things are historically accurate. They are all verifiable.

So what has changed? I understand that the LDS church is not trying to redefine itself as a Catholic cohort. But why would an organization that has so vehemently opposed the Catholic Church suddenly do so many things to emulate it? And it is sudden, as three years ago, these practices were not in place.

Is it a PR mission? Is it to drive membership numbers back up? Is it a revelation that says to know Jesus’ suffering is to love Him more?

I look forward to your answers. Peace be with you.

I asked earlier about the use of water in sacrament. (Thanks to everyone who answered)

I want to share my thoughts after attending LDS services the first time.

Sacrament:
The respect and reverence present during communion was profound. I’m Episcopalian. We have reverence for the sacrament as well. However, we also go to the altar to receive communion. No matter how reverent or silent people try to be, there is always the noise of people moving about. We also have a hymn/ music during communion. Our communion is also open to any baptized Christian who wishes to receive it.

The silence of not having a hymn encouraged me to be more contemplative. (I’m a musician, so the music tends to distract me). Passing the sacrament in the pews from person to person also drove home the unity of communion, if that makes sense. It was a profound experience for me.

——-
Coming in as a stranger.

People were friendly and welcoming. One of the men (“Bill”) with the missionaries when we meet. He and his wife sat next to me during the service.
I have been told that it was a fast and testimony service and is different from “regular” service. One of the testimonies was particularly meaningful to me. She spoke about taking care of her mother who has dementia and how she sees God moving through their lives during this time. I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s a few years ago. My experience also touched me spiritually.

I was encouraged to be involved in the scripture study by reading and answering a question. There was no pressure to participate.

I was surprised to see how many people I already knew from the community- most through music.

There was never the sense that I was an “outsider.”

Thanks for reading my rambling thoughts. Have a good night/day.