Games to Play in the Mormon Church

A Mormon church displays its inspiring architecture.

Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. According to the Church's official Website, Mormons believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ but differ from most other Christian churches in their acceptance of Joseph Smith, a man living in nineteenth century United States, as a prophet chosen by God to "establish Christ's Church and restore the priesthood...to the earth." The Church stresses family strength and unity, discourages the consumption of alcohol and substance that may be habit-forming. The Church places great emphasis on family as a vehicle "to learn to love others." With the family-oriented lifestyle professed by the Church what type of games might be considered "kosher" for Mormons? Games can include everyday group activities, sports-oriented games or faith-based events.

Games Centered Around Mormon Values

The Book of Mormon is holy scripture.

When it comes to games for youth that involve the teaching of values the church holds dear, there are a variety of activities. According to Mormonshare, children can engage in "Life as a missionary," in which they act out the life of missionaries within their own home. Parents can set up "stations" such as an ironing board where youth learn how to iron. Another such station could be in the kitchen, where youth learn how to cook. Finally, young people conclude the game with the creation of care packages for missionaries. Other types of games listed include Etiquette, a "youth activity night" that teaches social protocols and a "dating panel" evening in which "older youth and youth leaders" engage in a panel and discuss church standards for dating.

Sports and Other Games

Outdoor sports are important to Mormon families.

Like many other kids, Mormon youth enjoy outdoor sports. Ice skating, roller skating, river rafting, water-balloon night, hiking, and campfire stories and sing-alongs are all recommended by Mormonshare. Arts and crafts are also possible. Children love to color and blank pictures such as an outline of the church president can be printed on a home computer. Puzzles involving church themes can be downloaded or created for younger children.

Teaching Activities

Teaching activities include learning the importance of ancestors, the teaching of scripture and "teaching for our times." Mormonshare offers a game in which children research and then offer talks about their own family's heritage or engage in scavenger hunts where hidden clues deal with church teachings. When approaching more serious subjects, teachers, priesthood candidates or church leaders may engage their students in discussions dealing with modern-day issues that affect the church in some way. While not a game in the traditional sense, this activity offers older youth the opportunity to discuss the world around them within a church-sensitive framework.

Family Activities

When it comes to family time, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints offers on its official website a page devoted to "Family Home Evening." These evenings are meant to involve the entire family in spiritual activity. This may not seem like a "game" in the secular tradition but Mormons use this activity to strengthen their faith and enjoy time together in a shared activity -- a faith-based activity for all. Family Home Evening Lessons include "The Commandments -- Gifts from a Loving Father" as well as "Studying the Scriptures Together" and "Jesus is My Example," all of which are geared towards involving all members of the household. The church offers advice on making these evenings a success, meeting the needs of young adults, teens and young children as well as offering the possibility for a family to create its own lessons.

References

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Strengthening Family
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Joseph Smith
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Family Home Evening Resource Book
• Mormonshare: Help for LDS Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, Seminary, Primary & Priesthood Leaders
• Mormonshare: Activity Ideas
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: The Teachings of our Time

Resources

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• Mormonshare: Mormon Share LDS Clipart and Lessons Help