What's the difference between LDS and Mormon?

There's no difference; "Mormon" is a widely used nickname for members and followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, derived from their scripture, the Book of Mormon, while "Latter-day Saint" (or "LDS") is the preferred term, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the center of their faith, a distinction emphasized by the Church leadership to align with the official, Christ-focused name. Think of it like "Catholic" vs. "follower of the Catholic Church"—same people, different emphasis.

Are Mormons and LDS the same thing?

Yes, "Mormon" and "LDS" (Latter-day Saint) usually refer to the same large religious group, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the church now encourages using its full name or "Latter-day Saints" to emphasize Jesus Christ, as "Mormon" is a nickname from the Book of Mormon, which isn't the only scripture. "Mormonism" also describes the broader movement, including smaller splinter groups, but the LDS Church is the main one. 

Why LDS instead of Mormon?

The official reason for the name change is that it was revealed to Church President Russell Nelson that the term ``Mormon'' was offensive to the Lord and that the church should go by its official name to emphasize that it is the Church of Jesus Christ, not of a man. The real reason? Who knows.

Can LDS use condoms?

Leaders of the church have gone from historically condemning the use of any birth control as sinful, to allowing it in the present day. In the past the use of birth control methods including artificial contraception was explicitly condemned by LDS Church leaders.

Is it better to say LDS or Mormon?

When referring to Church members, it is preferable to use the phrase ``members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.'' As a shortened reference, ``Latter-day Saints'' is preferred and ``Mormons'' is acceptable.

The BIG Difference Between Mormonism and the Bible

Can Mormons kiss while dating?

Yes, Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) can kiss while dating, but church guidelines strongly discourage passionate kissing and anything that arouses sexual feelings, emphasizing "chaste" affection like a mother's kiss, with heavier intimacy reserved for marriage to maintain purity and prevent spiritual/psychic harm, focusing on self-governance within the principle of chastity. 

Who do Mormons say Jesus is?

According to Mormons, Jesus Christ is their elder brother, since he was the firstborn in the spirit world. That is, God the Father and one of his heavenly wives begot Christ's spirit at some point in the eternity before earthly creation.

What are the two unforgivable sins in the LDS?

Those guilty of committing the unpardonable sin of denying the Holy Ghost and the unforgivable sin of shedding innocent blood must face the justice of God. They must pay the full demands of justice.

What is not allowed in LDS?

In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord commands Mormons to abstain from harmful substances. Mormons are taught not to drink any kind of alcohol (see D&C 89:5–7). Mormons are also taught not to drink “hot drinks,” meaning coffee or any tea other than herbal tea (see D&C 89:9), and not to use tobacco (see D&C 89:8).

Can Mormons use tampons?

Yes, Mormon (Latter-day Saint) women can use tampons; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn't forbid them, and many members use them for comfort, hygiene, or activities like swimming, though some traditional beliefs or personal convictions might influence individual choices, and the church even provides special feminine absorbents. There's no official doctrine against tampons, and members are encouraged to decide for themselves after prayer, with some temple settings providing tampons for comfort during ceremonies like baptisms. 

What are Mormon wives' rules?

Mormon wives follow general church guidelines, emphasizing modesty, family focus (often as stay-at-home mothers), and the health code known as the "Word of Wisdom," which prohibits alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, while encouraging education and modest dress. Core expectations center on nurturing families, being supportive partners, and upholding faith, though personal interpretations vary, with some women choosing careers or challenging traditions, as seen in reality shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which highlight these cultural tensions.
 

What is the most controversial Mormon belief?

The most historically controversial Mormon belief, especially externally, was polygamy (plural marriage), leading to conflict and Utah statehood issues, though the mainstream LDS Church officially ended it in 1890. Internally and historically, other highly controversial topics include the Adam-God doctrine, the practice of blood atonement, and the past exclusion of Black men from the priesthood, though the latter was ended in 1978. 

What did Tom Hanks say about Mormons?

Tom Hanks generated controversy in 2009 by calling Mormon supporters of California's Proposition 8 (banning same-sex marriage) "un-American," but he later apologized, saying it was divisive and that everyone has a right to vote their conscience, though he still believed Prop 8 was discriminatory. His comments were linked to his role as executive producer for HBO's Big Love, which depicted fundamentalist Mormon polygamy, and his personal exposure to Mormonism through his stepmother. 

What church is Donald Trump a member of?

Donald Trump identifies as a non-denominational Christian, though he was raised Presbyterian and baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens and had long ties to Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. He often attends services for major holidays like Christmas and Easter, generally with evangelical or other Protestant congregations, rather than a single home church. 

Why do LDS not like being called Mormon?

In 2018, the church reversed course again after Russell M. Nelson became church president. In August 2018, Nelson announced a renewed effort to discourage the use of the word "Mormon" in reference to itself and its members, saying that terms like "Mormon Church" offended Jesus and were a "major victory for Satan".

What does a Mormon wife do?

Mormon wives, within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focus on building strong families, creating happy homes, and supporting their husbands, often balancing these roles with education, careers, and extensive community/church service, primarily in organizations like the Relief Society, teaching, and leading youth, with roles evolving across different life stages. While traditional views emphasize nurturing the home as a divine calling, modern LDS women pursue diverse paths, using their talents in careers and community leadership while adhering to core beliefs about family and partnership. 

Why can't LDS drink coffee?

Latter-day Saints (LDS) don't drink coffee because of the Word of Wisdom, a health revelation advising against "hot drinks," interpreted by church leaders to mean coffee and tea. While initially counsel, it became a commandment and is required for temple access, demonstrating obedience, self-control, and care for the body, even though some debate whether the rule targets caffeine or the substances themselves. 

Is Chick-fil-A run by Mormons or Christians?

Chick-fil-A is rooted in Christianity, not Mormonism; its founder, S. Truett Cathy, was a devout Southern Baptist, and the company operates on Christian principles, famously closing on Sundays to allow employees time for family and worship. While some Latter-day Saints (Mormons) work there, the business itself is a private company with strong ties to Baptist faith and values, not the LDS Church. 

Is saying omg a sin?

Saying "OMG" (Oh My God) isn't universally seen as a major sin, but many religious interpretations consider it taking God's name in vain, a violation of the Second Commandment if used casually, disrespectfully, or as a thoughtless exclamation, especially as "OMG" is often just a shorthand for "Oh My God". Some believe the intent matters – a moment of awe might be different from using it in disgust, but many suggest avoiding it entirely for reverence and using euphemisms like "Oh my goodness" or "Wow" instead, to be safe and honor God's name. 

What are the most strict Mormon rules?

The ten strict Mormon rules that dictate how members must live...

• Underwear. ...
• No dating before 16. ...
• History of Polygamy. ...
• Haircuts, grooming rules. ...
• Alcohol ban. ...
• Coffee, tea, and hot drinks are banned. ...
• Clothing. ...
• Thought control.

What is Mormon durfing?

"Mormon durfing" refers to a slang term for a form of sexual activity among some young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), where couples engage in intimate acts through clothes, often described as "dry-humping," to circumvent the church's strict premarital sex rules, with "durfing" (from "durf" meaning to dry-hump) often linked to practices like "soaking" (penetration without thrusting) or "jump humping" (using a third person for movement).
 

Do Mormons believe Jesus died on a cross?

Yes, Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) absolutely believe Jesus Christ died on the cross as a crucial part of His atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins, though they often emphasize His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and His resurrection more than the cross symbol itself, which they don't typically use in their buildings. They see His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection as essential for overcoming physical and spiritual death, but focus on the living, resurrected Christ rather than the instrument of torture.
 

What religion was Jesus?

Of course, Jesus was a Jew. He was born of a Jewish mother, in Galilee, a Jewish part of the world. All of his friends, associates, colleagues, disciples, all of them were Jews. He regularly worshipped in Jewish communal worship, what we call synagogues.

Do Mormons believe in the virgin birth?

Yes, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called Mormons) firmly believes in the Virgin Birth, affirming that Jesus was miraculously conceived by God the Father and born to the virgin Mary, making Him the literal Son of God in the flesh, a core tenet essential for His unique Atonement. While they accept the Bible's account, they differ from Catholicism by not believing in Mary's perpetual virginity and by seeing God as Jesus's literal Father, not just the Holy Spirit.