Mormons

By Richard.

Mormons live all over the world.  They don’t cloister themselves in enclaves, and they dress like everyone else in the locations where they live.  In most aspects of life, Mormons appear much like other people outside the Church. However, a closer look at the Mormon way of life reveals certain characteristics that set them apart from other groups of people. Many of these characteristics are common to members of the Church, regardless of their color, country, economic background, and culture as a result of their faithful adherence to certain standards set by the Savior for the eternal well-being of His children.

So what are Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like?

Mormons are Christians who value and adhere to the principles of the gospel taught by the Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, first prophet of the Mormon Church, gave a clear-cut summary of Latter-day Saints’ beliefs known as The Articles of Faith.  Mormons believe that living their lives in accordance with these beliefs brings lasting peace and happiness.

As Latter-day Saints strive to become like Jesus Christ, they try their best to look beautiful inside as well as outside. Mormons believe that the clothes and accessories they wear, their hairstyle – their overall look – says a lot about the depth of their commitment to the Lord, and has something to do with the way other people see the Church. As a result, they maintain a clean, wholesome, and bright look, which is distinctive of a true follower of Jesus Christ.

Mormons are very conscious about their health. They do not smoke, drink alcohol, or take harmful drugs. Mormons believe that these substances are not good for the body, are habit-forming, and must be avoided. When somebody visits a typical Latter-day Saint home, they will not find any coffee or tea on the kitchen table. Instead, they might be surprised to find the family working on  a 72-hour kit containing bottled fruit and vegetables, instant food, water, medicine, cash, batteries, flashlight, clothes, radio, and other necessities that could help them survive a calamity for at least three days while waiting for more help. Mormons do this because they are encouraged to become self-reliant and be ready to extend help to others during difficult times. This explains why Latter-day Saints are among the first to respond in terms of humanitarian aid in times of natural calamities and disasters.

Mormons are a family-oriented people. They believe that success in the home is more important than any other worldly achievements. However, they also emphasize getting as much education as possible and developing talents. Mormon families gather together for a Family Home Evening at least once a week, usually Monday nights. Here they sing hymns, pray, study the scriptures, play games, showcase their talents, and do other fun activities. They also use this occasion to discuss matters about school, finances, family responsibilities, and other things that can strengthen their relationship with each other.

Mormon families go to Church together on Sundays. They consider Sunday as a holy day, not a holiday, and they do only those things that can draw them closer to God. They do not go to malls, parties, or to the beach on this day. They rather stay home with their families or visit their friends and relatives after attending church services.

When it comes to fashion, Latter-day Saints never go out of style because they base their choice of clothing on standards of modesty. Mormons dress according to the fashions of the cultures in which they live. However, while they wear most types of clothing worn by other people outside the Church, they tend to be more careful in choosing only clothing and accessories that promote chastity and virtue. Women do not wear very short shorts, or clothes that are too tight or revealing. Men use the same principles in choosing what to wear. Women wear only one pair of earrings; men don’t wear earrings. In addition, they do not get piercings on random parts of their body or decorate themselves with tattoos. They believe that the human body is a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19), and so it should be treated with reverence.  Modest clothing is also mandated by the wearing of the “temple garment.”  Mormons who have attended the temple wear  special, symbolic clothing under their regular clothes.   Therefore, Mormons who have been to the temple don’t wear clothes that are sleeveless or show too much leg, except for swimming, rigorous dance, and athletics.

Aside from clothing, Latter-day Saints are also very careful about the words they use when talking to others. They do not use profane words, and all manner of foul language. They do not participate in offensive, malicious, racist,  and other forms of conversation that are meant to put down and offend other people. Mormons tend to be friendly and approachable, always greeting everyone they meet with a smile and a firm handshake. They love to associate with people – both inside and outside the Church. Mormons do not live in closed communities or practice plural marriages as some people think.

In all things, Mormons conduct their lives in a way that represents a true follower of Jesus Christ. They promote and advocate Christ-like virtues like honesty, chastity, etc. Indeed, they are trying to do their best to follow the teachings of the Savior to seek after things that are lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy, and of good report.

Sources:

http://mormonfaq.com/faqs/what-are-mormons-like

http://www.allaboutmormons.com/mormon_practices_humanitarian_service.php