How to Go About Converting to Mormonism

Of all the religions in America, Mormonism is probably the most maligned and least understood. Most people seem to have images of men living on compounds in Utah with 8 wives and 43 children. Either that, or they think of the Osmonds (which is even more disturbing). Allow us to burst your bubble: There are actually over 10 million Mormons worldwide (including 6 million in the United States), and Mormonism has one of the highest conversion rates of any religion in the world (they recruit better than any basketball coach). So read on and discover what it means to be Mormon.
By the way, the decision to convert to a religion is a serious one, so please keep in mind that the humor used here is not meant to make a mockery of Mormonism. But you--being the sharp, inquisitive person you are--already knew that.

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Instructions

Make Sure You Agree With Mormon Beliefs

1. The first thing you should know is that every Mormon is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's the exact same thing. Look how fast you learn!
   It is important that you check out all available resources before you decide that converting to Mormonism is a good idea. For you computer literate readers, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' official web page (see Resources) lists all of the church's stances on controversial issues, such as abortion and homosexuality. Compared to other religions, Mormonism is pretty strict, so you should be aware of some basic beliefs you'll be expected to share.
   Accept Joseph Smith as a Prophet
   This is a really big one for Mormons, since the whole religion is founded upon his teachings. The story of Joseph Smith is one every convert needs to know. Here's the book-jacket version: At the age of 14, Joseph Smith was confused as to which church he should join. As he was praying for guidance on this decision, he saw a vision in which God, the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. Rather than joining a church that was already in existence, Joseph was instructed to restore the true church of God. To convert to Mormonism, it is essential that you accept this vision as truth and accept Joseph Smith as a true prophet of God.
   Thirteen Articles of Faith
   When investigating Mormonism, this should be one of your first stops. Pretty much everything Mormons believe can be found in the Thirteen Articles of Faith, written by Joseph Smith. While any convert under the age of 18 will most likely never have to recite these from memory, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these principles. Some beliefs expressed in the Articles are that Mormons do not believe in original sin (Article 2), do believe in modern-day prophets (Article 7) and do believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God (Article 8). The 13 articles are:
   1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
   2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
   3. We believe that, through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
   4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
   5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
   6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church--namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth.
   7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues and so forth.
   8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
   9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
   10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the Earth; and, that the Earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
   11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.
   12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
   13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
   Pay a tithing
   In a Mormon ward, you'll never see a collection plate being passed around. This isn't because the Church worries about sticky fingers, but rather because most members have already given a tithing. A tithing is a sum of money a member pays that goes to help in the running of the Church. A general rule of thumb is that 10 percent of everything earned should be paid in tithing. Obviously, this varies by person, but you will be expected to contribute something. This goes for all members--even children, who often contribute parts of their allowances. What is all this money used for? While there isn't a specific area to which the money is allotted, much of it goes into a fund used for members who have fallen upon hard times. The Church tends to frown upon accepting welfare from the government. Instead, money received from tithing will be used to help a financially strapped family get back on its feet.
   Baptism
   Mormons believe in baptism by immersion, which is just a fancy way of saying you'll be dunked from head to toe. Also, a person has to be at least 8 years old before she is eligible to be baptized. The reason for this rule is to make baptism a decision of the individual and not of his parents. Once a person has decided to be baptized, she will have to meet with a bishop for an interview session. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure you have good reasons for wanting to convert, and aren't just looking for a way to drive your parents crazy. While baptisms can vary, some general rules must be followed: The baptism is performed by an "Elder" (these need not be old people--in the case of converts, it is usually the missionary who introduced them to Mormonism), and at least two Mormons must witness the event.
   Body as a temple
   Mormons believe that the physical body is sacred and shouldn't be contaminated. This means no alcohol, no tobacco in any form, no use of recreational drugs and no caffeine (e.g. tea or coffee). While Mormons don't have to be vegetarians, they are encouraged to eat meat sparingly.
   Another way Mormons show respect for their bodies is through conservative dress. Anything "revealing" is frowned upon, so now would be a good time to donate your hot pants and Speedos to the Salvation Army. These restrictions are often difficult to adjust to, but you will be expected to uphold them, especially if you are planning a trip to the temple.
   While the above beliefs are very important in Mormonism, they are by no means all-inclusive. Like all religions, Mormonism has many levels that can only be understood through effort on your part. Conversion isn't for the lazy. You'll be expected to attend services, participate in Church activities and meet with the missionaries before you're allowed to be baptized. Oh, and don't be alarmed if, at meetings, members refer to you as Brother or Sister So-and-so. They don't think you're a long-lost relative; they just use the terms as signs of familiarity.

Next: Read the Sacred Texts

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Resources

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• Answerbag on Mormonism

[kingsfold]

on 5/6/2009 (6) Finally, it should also be mentioned that couples who marry and are sealed, and then later divorce, will not somehow be forced to remain together in the afterlife. The Scriptures teach that sealing is a three-way covenant between God and the married couple, and if any of the three do not uphold their part of the covenant, that the sealing will no longer be in force. ---------- Otherwise, a very good (and kind of fun) article.

[kingsfold]

on 5/6/2009 (5) There are other statements in the article, like �many Mormon families form their own baseball teams� (I lived in Utah until I was 25 and I�ve never met one of these �family baseball teams�) or �most families use this time to� listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir,� that kind of made me chuckle. It may imply to readers that forming a family team is somehow mandatory, or that church members *only* listen to the Choir, which is not true in either case. (I understand that these phrases were not intended to be relied upon, but I just don�t want someone to get the wrong idea.)

[kingsfold]

on 5/6/2009 (4) Also, tithing is 10%. Period. You either pay a full tithe or you don't. I suspect that most don't. Everyone will have to reconcile their own beliefs on tithing with what they actually give, but it isn't a "rule of thumb," it's a commandment. And more than "be[ing] expected to contribute something," converts are expected (and promise in their baptismal interview) to pay a full tithe of 10%.

[kingsfold]

on 5/6/2009 (3) The unique thing about this Church is that in order to endure such a turbulent world with faith intact, its members are continually required to look to God Himself, through his prophet here on earth, as the source of morality, whether they agree with his statements or not. At the same time, I understand that this is a significantly purist view, and that to some, it would sound like I'm advocating blind obedience, which I'm not. I'm simply saying that everyone should, as primary children sing, "Follow the Prophet," and pray to Heavenly Father for themselves for a confirmation that his words are God's will.

[kingsfold]

on 5/6/2009 (2) As such, if you can accept the principle of modern revelation, as well as the *possibility* that the Church could be led by a living prophet (as it was before, by Moses or Jeremiah or Malachi or Peter), you can come to a knowledge for *yourself* that the Church's teachings are true, even if you don't currently believe in (or agree with) them. Conversely, it is neither wise nor even possible to learn *all* of the teachings of the Church before baptism. My [sad] experience has been that those who join the Church simply because they agree with Church teachings quickly fall away when (1) those teachings are adjusted and updated for a changing world or (2) they learn something new that they don't agree with.