Discover the intriguing truths behind the beliefs, culture, and history of Mormons that often go unnoticed. This article will reveal the depth and diversity of the Latter-day Saint community. Read on and see Mormons in a new light!
Mormons baptize dead people
In Mormonism, only those who have been baptized into the faith can enter the Kingdom of God. To help more people gain access, Mormons perform baptisms for the deceased, often without their families’ consent. They maintain extensive lists of names for this purpose, which have included several well-known individuals.
They act like pioneers at summer camp
Each summer, groups of young Mormons participate in the “Pioneer Trek,” retracing the journey of their ancestors who moved from the East to the West in America. Dressed in pioneer-style clothing, they push handcarts over long distances to get a sense of what life was like during that time. It’s a fun and meaningful experience!
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stecman via reddit
Flirt to convert isn’t encouraged
Many people believe that Mormons flirt with others during their missions to encourage conversions. Similarly, outside of missions, there is a perception that individuals may promote conversion to be eligible for dating. While this isn’t an official policy of the Church, numerous former Mormons have confirmed that such practices do occur.
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They love soda
Since Mormons avoid fancy cocktails and coffee, many turn to soda for a fun drink. In Utah, “dirty soda” is popular—a mix of soft drinks with syrup, fruit juice, or cream for an all-day sugar rush. Numerous soda shops offer these creative beverages, making it a local favorite.
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Jesus visited America after his resurrection
One unusual Mormon belief is that after his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus visited the Americas. According to this belief, he came to establish a church for his disciples in the New World, expanding his flock beyond Jerusalem.
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captuska83 via Reddit
The CIA and FBI recruit Mormons
Government agencies like the CIA and FBI often seek out young Mormon men for recruitment. Why? They believe Mormons are more likely to be respectful, dedicated, and less prone to distractions from life’s pleasures, making them ideal candidates for such roles.
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U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation via wiki
They give 10% of their income to the church
Many churches have tithe boxes or collection plates where people can give as they feel led. In contrast, Mormon congregations strictly require members to tithe 10% of their income, regardless of their job or financial situation. This practice is a key factor in the wealth of the Mormon Church.
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geographer via wiki
Twilight is actually about Mormon marriage
Did you know that the *Twilight* series, despite featuring vampires and werewolves, is actually inspired by Mormon views on marriage? Edward and Bella’s union reflects the idea of being sealed for eternity, and after their wedding, they become eternal beings—much like the Mormon belief of becoming gods.
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r/twilight via reddit
The first temple was in Ohio
Though Utah is now the heart of the Mormon Church, the first temple was actually built in Ohio. Known as the Kirtland Temple, it was constructed after Joseph Smith received a revelation to build a temple in the small town of Kirtland, near the shores of Lake Erie.
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jonridinger via wiki
The Book of Mormon is historically inaccurate
While the Book of Mormon claims Jesus visited America, the accuracy of this event is difficult to confirm. However, there are several historical inaccuracies in the text, such as the mention of metals, windows, and elephants existing in ancient America—things that did not exist in the region during the time period described.
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prosfilaes via wiki
Utah banned polygamy to become a state
When Utah sought to join the United States in the mid-19th century, it quickly became apparent that Congress would not allow this as long as polygamy remained legal. Consequently, polygamy was banned in 1890, and Utah achieved statehood six years later.
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Andyknelson (talk)Andy K. Nelson via wiki
They wear specific underwear
One of the most well-known Mormon practices is wearing special garments under their clothing, covering from shoulder to knee, with sacred symbols embroidered on them. While the Church denies these garments have any magical powers, some individuals have credited them with saving their lives in car accidents or protecting them from fires!
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It doesn’t turn white when they sin
A peculiar myth among non-Mormons suggests that Mormon undergarments turn white when the wearer commits a sin. In reality, this is completely false—all garments are simply sold in white as the standard color.
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They have specific temple garments
Dressing for the Mormon Temple involves careful consideration, as specific clothing and accessories are required for the endowment ceremony. Participants wear a white pleated robe, a bonnet or hat, and a green apron resembling the leaves worn by Adam and Eve. Quite a unique style!
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They believe in eternal marriages
In Mormonism, marriage is viewed as eternal—once you’re sealed in a Mormon temple, death won’t separate you from your spouse. Instead, you and your partner are believed to be reunited in the afterlife. It certainly adds a romantic twist to the concept of marriage!
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Polygamy is fine in the afterlife
Polygamy has been banned in Mormonism since 1890, yet remnants of the belief still persist. For instance, if a man marries multiple women during his lifetime, he is believed to be reunited with all of his wives in the afterlife, rather than having to choose just one.
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People can become like Gods
Another central belief in Mormonism is that after death, individuals can attain a nearly Godlike status. They are promised eternal life in the celestial kingdom and, according to one Church manual, will receive “everything that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have—all power, glory, dominion, and knowledge.” It certainly sounds appealing!
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BodyRevolutionary398 via reddit
Many famous businesses have Mormon roots
When traveling across the country or dining at your favorite restaurant, you might not consider the religious background of its owners. However, many major American businesses were actually founded by Mormons! Companies like JetBlue, Marriott, and Black & Decker are just a few examples of businesses established or owned by members of the Mormon faith.
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12anonymoususer34 via wiki
They don’t believe that the Garden of Eden was in Missouri
If you’ve seen the musical *The Book of Mormon*, you might recall a line about Mormons believing the Garden of Eden was in Missouri. While this was indeed a past belief, it has evolved over the years. Nowadays, Mormons generally view Missouri as the place where Adam and Eve lived after being expelled from the Garden.
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Peter Paul Rubens/Jan Brueghel the Elder via wiki
You can go to spirit prison after you die
If you’ve lived a wicked life and haven’t repented before death, bad news—according to Mormon doctrine, your soul would go to spirit prison. However, there is still hope! Even in this state, you can study the gospel and have the opportunity to change your ways.
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Children are capable of sin at the age of 8
In many churches, the concept of ‘Original Sin’ means that all children are born with sin due to Adam’s transgression in the Garden of Eden. However, in the Mormon Church, babies are considered sinless—what Adam did is not their fault! Instead, children become accountable for their actions around the age of 8, when they are seen as more responsible for their choices.
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Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon with a stone and a hat
According to Mormon tradition, the most important document, the Book of Mormon, was translated from gold plates discovered by Joseph Smith. His translation method was quite unusual—he placed a stone in a hat, which reflected the English words, and then he read those words aloud for someone to write down. It’s definitely a curious process!
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Edward Stevenson (1820–1897) via wiki
Mormons were among the first gold miners
Eureka! Did you know that Mormons were among the first pioneers in the gold rush and played a significant role in the development of the western states? Facing unpopularity in the Midwest, they gradually moved westward, establishing new lives for themselves in the mining industry.
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unknown author via wiki
African Americans weren’t given the priesthood until 1978
The mid-20th century was a crucial period in America for advancing civil rights and dismantling segregation and Jim Crow laws. However, the Mormon Church was slower to adapt, as it wasn’t until 1978 that African-American men were allowed to receive the priesthood.
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Rod Johnson via youtube
They once believed that African Americans were cursed
Early Mormon leaders Joseph Smith and Brigham Young held some troubling and inaccurate beliefs about skin color, viewing dark skin as a curse known as ‘the mark of Cain,’ referencing the first murderer. This foundational belief has contributed to the presence of racism within the Mormon Church for much of its history.
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Sharp_Excitement2971 via reddit
Women still aren’t allowed the priesthood
Mormonism is deeply patriarchal, meaning that despite advancements in women’s rights during the 20th century, women are still not permitted to hold the priesthood. The religion emphasizes family values and often prioritizes the roles of women as good wives and mothers over religious leadership positions.
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mrs isabelle miller via wiki
Some celebs were raised Mormon
Many celebrities don’t often discuss their faith, so you might be surprised to learn that some of your favorites were raised as Latter-day Saints! Stars like Ryan Gosling, Katherine Heigl, and Amy Adams all have Mormon backgrounds.
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raph_ph via wiki
They don’t like being called Mormons
While you may know them as Mormons, they prefer to identify as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The term “Mormon” carries negative connotations they wish to distance themselves from, and they feel it’s too casual a label.
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david wiley via wiki
Special handshakes identify each other
When Mormons are endowed in the temple, they learn various hand gestures, symbols, and shakes that they perform with a priest sitting behind a curtain. Members are instructed never to discuss these rituals with anyone outside the temple, particularly not with non-Mormons.
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government-great via reddit
Church services last 3 hours
In the 21st century, where everyone is busy and often in a rush, some modern churches have adapted by shortening their services to fit fast-paced lifestyles. However, Mormon services remain lengthy and can last for several hours.
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very_loud_icecream via reddit
They travel to convert people
If you’ve seen two well-dressed young men in crisp white shirts with name badges, chances are they were Mormon missionaries. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll likely encounter missionaries eager to share the message of the Book of Mormon and encourage others to convert.
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Men do longer missions than women
In Mormonism, both men and women serve missions, though separately. Men are required to commit for two years, while women serve for 18 months. Some believe this shorter duration allows women to return sooner to focus on finding a husband and starting a family.
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PanaceaNPx via reddit
It’s one of the fastest growing religions
Mormonism is one of the fastest-growing religions, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. Two key factors contribute to this growth: first, Mormon families are encouraged to have many children, and second, their active missionary efforts lead to new conversions every day.
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running4cover via wiki
25% of Mormons converted
Conversion significantly affects the number of Mormons worldwide, with around a quarter of all Mormons having converted to the faith rather than being born into it, despite many Mormons having large families. This illustrates the effectiveness of their missionary efforts!
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They once re-enacted the Book of Mormon every year
One of the highlights of the Mormon calendar was the Hill Cumorah Pageant, which was sadly canceled a few years ago. Featuring impressive special effects like floods and fireballs, along with a ten-level stage, hundreds of Mormons would gather in New York to perform scenes from the Book of Mormon.
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tim lenz via wiki
They love to sing
While Mormons may not be singing the satirical tunes from the musical *The Book of Mormon*, they share a love for music like many other religions. They have a collection of hymns that children learn in Sunday school, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has released chart-topping albums and performed at presidential inaugurations.
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ldsdiscussion via reddit
Family nights are mandatory
Every week, Mormon families participate in something called Family Home Evening, typically held on Mondays. This night includes prayer, singing hymns, and religious lessons, along with family bonding and planning for the week ahead. It sounds like a sensible idea, though it can be a bit intense!
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Linda Bartlett (Photographer) via wiki
The founder had over 50 wives
While polygamy has been officially banned in Mormonism, many people still associate the practice with the faith due to its founder, Joseph Smith. Smith himself is believed to have had around 50 wives, although the exact number is difficult to determine because of missing records.
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Unknown photographer via wiki
Mormons have run for president
In addition to being successful business owners, some Mormons have attempted to run for president, though with less success. Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee in 2008, while Joseph Smith himself ran as an independent candidate in 1844!
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United States Congress via wiki
Mormons practice regular fasting
Another core belief in Mormonism is that fasting can bring you closer to God and enhance your spiritual strength. By forgoing distractions like food, you can focus more on prayer and deepen your relationship with God. For this reason, members are encouraged to fast at least one Sunday each month.
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