One of the things that many people seem to associate with the Mormon Church are its “rules.” Practicing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the official name of the often misnamed “Mormon Church”) are frequently asked about these “Mormon rules” or “rules of Mormonism.”
This website explores some “Mormon rules and regulations” and many common misconceptions about them. Feel free to explore and learn!
Why do we follow rules?
In the Mormon Church, we actually don’t refer to them as “rules,” but rather as “commandments.” When Jesus was on the earth, he taught His disciples about His gospel and instructed them to follow His commandments. In addition, God has called prophets throughout time to help His children be happy in this life and return to live with Him again in the next.
By following the commandments given to us through prophets, we are promised great blessings from God. In the preface to For the Strength of Youth pamphlet published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which outlines the principles of the gospel for all members of the Church, the First Presidency writes:
We promise that as you keep the covenants you have made and these standards, you will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, your faith and testimony will grow stronger, and you will enjoy increasing happiness.
Why should you care?
It’s likely that you may have Mormon friends, Mormon neighbors, Mormon co-workers, or even Mormon family members. If so, understanding what guidelines they follow can mean a lot to them and can help you understand their principles. For example, it’s not likely that a Mormon will be offended if you offer him or her an alcoholic drink, but they will likely be very appreciative if you know they don’t drink alcohol and offer them another beverage from the get go.
Have questions?
You should always feel comfortable asking any Mormon you know more about his or her beliefs. Hopefully this website will answer some more questions for you. If you have more questions, feel free to contact any Mormon missionaries in your area. You can also chat with missionaries online!