Doctors and Doctrine

"Do you drink?"

"No." I knew the next question so I just told her. "I don't drink or smoke."

(She's been my doctor for over 15 years.)

"Is this a religious thing?"

(… And here I thought this clever, fix everything, super-power pro knew all there was to know about me.)

"Yes. I'm a Mormon, we have this doctrine called the Word of Wisdom. It tells us smoking and drinking are not good for the body."

"Well, not smoking or drinking is wise. For a 50 yr old, you look 25!"

Interesting compliment and -Day made.

More interesting was her next question…

"I didn't know you were a Mormon. Isn't that the group that has 4 or 5 wives?"

"Nooooooooooo," and I think I said that with humor.  

For the record, Multiple wives--or polygamy--does not exist in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The shows on television are not at all affiliated with any of the teachings of the LDS Church. I have one husband.

My doctor was very happy for me.

But as we talked, and as I thought about it, I realized there had been so many strange questions, which I thought I might address in case these questions really do go unanswered.

My favorite (since high school) has been the question, "Are Mormons allowed to dance?" (Thanks, Footloose.)  :)

Many know the film was made in Lehi, Utah, but it is all fiction.  You can Find LDS Teens at every stake center dancing away to pop songs with their peers. Mormons of all ages take dance lessons and some become professional dancers. Remember Benji Schwimmer from "So You Think You can Dance?" The church hosts adult dances as well, as with a Valentine's sweetheart dance each February. Mormons definitely dance.

Can Mormons drink Coke Products? This has been a question of many. There is no reason why Mormons cannot have Coke/ Pepsi products. In fact, church leaders came right out to make that clear. Where caffeine is concerned, everything in moderation. Everyone knows caffeine is addictive.

Can Mormons play with cards, Face cards? I'm not sure where that came from. But it is a question I have been asked. Perhaps some liken face cards to gambling. Regular card games are simple family games, just as board games. I've played Slap Jack, Crazy Eights, War, 21, Hand and Foot, Gin Rummy, 52 Pick up, and others.  I believe the issue is with where something can become an addictive behavior and place one at risk or one's funds at risk. (* 52 Pick up is only addicting to 7 yr olds, and only if they get to toss the cards.)

What's with Sunday? Sunday is different. My children never had trouble sharing that with their friends. For us we go to church and spend the day as a family. Practicing Mormons keep the commandment "Keep the Sabbath Day Holy."  I once asked a bishop what that meant, as a young newlywed and adopted his definition. As far as activities go, each family keeps the Sabbath differently, but for him it was not doing anything he couldn't do in his church clothes. Sunday is a day of rest, reserved for the family, as the Lord rested on the seventh day.

Do Mormon's celebrate Christmas? Mormons are Christian. Jesus is our Savior and we do celebrate his birthday and all the beauty that comes with that glorious season. Christmas trees, gift exchanges and brotherly service are all part of the Christmas spirit. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has many beautiful Christmas recordings.

Why do Mormon's store food? One of the teachings of the church is called Provident Living, or self reliance. We're taught to live within our own means, avoid unnecessary debt, and to have a storage of food should we need it, as with situations where income is compromised. Many of us have had to use that resource as today's job market has become less stable. Sickness, layoffs, and the unpredictable can have adverse effect on the unprepared.

Why can't just anyone go into the temple? The temple is the most sacred place on earth to a Latter-day Saint (or Mormon.) Only a Mormon who is living set standards may receive a temple recommend. However, many temple's now have Visitor Centers where anyone can go inside to learn more about the temple and what Mormon's believe. The beautiful grounds are open for all to enjoy. Our local Portland Temple just opened a Visitor's Center last year on the grounds.

Is the Book of Mormon the Mormon Bible? The Book of Mormon is not a Mormon Bible, but a second testament of Jesus Christ. Mormons have a set of Scripture. The Old Testament, The New Testament, The Book of Mormon (a record of a group of people that left Jerusalem and came to the Americas) The Doctrine and Covenants (Revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he was prophet--you can read about the organization of the church here in detail) The Pearl of Great Price (another scripture which lets us have an eternal perspective and learn life is not just this minute fraction of time spent on earth--but how we existed before this world, and how we'll exist after.

Mormons believe in the church as it existed in Christ's day with a church President (Prophet) and 12 apostles and that revelation continues. We don't believe God would leave this generation alone without His voice. In the scriptures God talked to the people of the Old and New Testament, and we believe he does so in our dispensation.

Is it true the Mormon Church does not have a paid clergy? Yes, it's true that the members of the church volunteer their time and talents. They lead, teach, organize, and give. We receive what is called, Callings, which is an area in which to serve, which can be leadership positions as with a bishopric, or financial clerk, and teaching adults, youth, or children (including morning seminary or scouting, primary, or nursery children.) There are many, many callings and many organizations. All callings are important working together to create a magnificently working ward organization.

Why do Mormons research ancestry? The Mormon church probably has one of the largest genealogical centers in the world. Families are forever and genealogy links family past, present and posterity. It's a beautiful thing to know where we came from and what our ancestors stories are. Many Stake centers have Family History Centers, which are open to the public. Family is central to God's plan for man, and is important to many faiths, including the LDS faith.

At what age is baptism? For the Mormon Faith, a child may choose to be baptized at eight years old. Eight is determined to be the age of accountability, when a child knows right from wrong. Baptism is performed by immersion, as Christ was baptized. It represents the burial and resurrection of Christ. With baptism Mormon's believe all sins are washed clean and it's a new beginning. After baptism, one may become clean again with repentance.

I hope this answers a lot of questions and opens doors for others. I enjoy learning about other religions and hope you enjoyed learning about mine. I love my faith.

Mormons today are called Latter-day Saints.

To Learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints check out www.mormon.org