When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints started in 1830, it had no more than a dozen members, but it now boasts a membership of over 16 million congregants. That exponential rate of growth makes Mormonism one of the fastest-growing religions in the world and the fastest in the US. Despite this, many myths persist about the religion, largely due to the controversial reputation of certain sects that have emerged over the years. These misconceptions often associate Mormonism with the practices of these fringe groups. However, there is much to appreciate about Mormonism, and these ten popular myths need to be reconsidered because they are simply not true.
Myth 1: All Mormons Are Polygamous
Polygamy has been outlawed in the LDS religion since 1890, when the then-president, Wilford Woodruff, issued a decree commanding all church members to abide by the law of the land. There is a sect called the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) that still practises polygamy, but this is not a universal practice within the religion. The Book of Mormon, which is the primary text of the faith, does reference the concept of multiple wives, but less than 20% of members support it. The sects that practise polygamy are not recognised as part of the mainstream LDS congregation.
Myth 2: All Mormons Are Republicans
Utah is a majority Republican state, which is why many assume that all Mormons are conservative. However, this is not the case. While approximately 60% of Mormons identify as Republicans, the remainder do not, and millions of Mormons in states such as Nevada vote Democrat. There are even Democratic elected officials in Congress and the Senate who are Mormon, including former Nevada senator Harry Reid.
Myth 3: Mormons Baptise Dead Bodies
Mormons indeed practise baptism for the dead, but it does not involve baptising corpses. Baptism for the dead is a proxy practice where a living relative is baptised on behalf of an ancestor or loved one who passed away without having heard or accepted the teachings of Jesus Christ as taught by the LDS Church. During the ceremony, the living individual is immersed in water on behalf of the deceased. This practice has contributed to the development of the largest genealogical database in the world.
Myth 4: Mormons Worship Naked in Their Temples
This myth is entirely false. Most rumours about nudity stem from the ritual practices of washing and anointing, which have been significantly modernised. The anointing ritual involves the pouring of oil on the head of the recipient, who is dressed in a white robe. There is no sexual aspect to the ritual, and men anoint men, while women anoint women. Worshippers arrive at the temple dressed in ceremonial robes, meaning no nudity is involved.
Myth 5: Mormons Don’t Use Birth Control
Mormons tend to have larger families than the average Western household, leading some to assume that birth control is prohibited in the religion. However, sexual relations within marriage are considered deeply personal, as is the decision to have children. The LDS Church’s doctrine handbook states that the decision of when and how to have children is between the couple and God. Once born, children are considered a blessing to the church and their parents.
Myth 6: Mormons Practise Blood Atonement
The TV series Under the Banner of Heaven, starring Andrew Garfield and Sam Worthington, was heavily criticised by Mormon communities for portraying their faith as extreme. Blood atonement is an old and controversial concept suggesting that certain sins can only be forgiven through the sinner’s own bloodshed. While some FLDS sects were historically associated with the practice, it is not practised in modern Mormonism.
Myth 7: Mormons Can’t Be Politicians
Historically, the relationship between the LDS Church and the US government has been strained, leading to the misconception that Mormons are discouraged from entering politics. However, there is no doctrine prohibiting members from holding political positions. In fact, many Mormons have held prominent political roles, including Mitt Romney, who ran for US president twice, in 2008 and 2012. The LDS Church has members in Congress on both sides of the political spectrum.
Myth 8: Mormons Don’t Believe in the Bible
While Mormon beliefs differ from those of other Christian denominations—especially regarding the Trinity—Mormons do believe the Bible to be the word of God. The Bible is frequently referenced in sermons and evangelical missions. Some do not consider Mormons to be Christians because they also follow the teachings in the Book of Mormon, among other texts. However, Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the Saviour, making them part of the Christian faith.
Myth 9: All Mormons Live in Utah
Due to its historical significance, Utah remains home to the largest concentration of Mormons in the US. However, the country only has about five million members, which is roughly one-third of the church’s global membership. Interestingly, the country with the highest concentration of Mormons is Tonga, followed by Samoa. Utah itself has around two million Mormons, which represents only a small percentage of the church’s worldwide following.
Myth 10: Mormons Don’t Party
Many people mistakenly equate Mormons with the Amish. While Mormon teachings prohibit the consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tea, Mormons still enjoy social gatherings and celebrations. Dancing, music, and other forms of entertainment are common, proving that Mormons are not reserved or anti-social.
Conclusion
Mormonism is often misunderstood due to misconceptions that stem from its history, cultural differences, and misrepresentations in the media. As one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, it is important to separate fact from fiction. By learning more about the LDS Church and its beliefs, we can foster a better understanding and appreciation of its members.
Do you know any Mormons? Have you heard any of these myths before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!