Latter-day Saint
Glossary and Vocabulary
These words are frequently encountered when reading or listening to
discussions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Activity
in the Church
"For Latter-day Saints, activity in the Church involves a broad range
of public and private religious practices intended to enhance the spiritual well-being of
the faithful and accomplish good works." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Agriculture
"The Latter-day Saints were pioneers in developing techniques and
institutions of irrigated agriculture and dry farming in the Far West, probably because of
a particular juxtaposition of modern attitudes toward farming and farm life, skills gained
in early industrial Britain and the United States, and the pressing need to increase
production on Utah's hardscrabble farms."
Attitudes
Toward the Arts and Media
Latter-day Saints have a great love for all of the arts, including Art,
Media, Music, Literature, and Architecture.
Music
Music resources in the church.
Attitudes
Toward Health, Medicine, and Fitness
"In light of modern revelation, Latter-day Saints believe that the
physical body and its health and well-being are an essential part of the gospel of Jesus
Christ." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Attitudes
Toward Business and Wealth
"Elements of history, theology, and practice combine to form a
positive LDS attitude toward honest business endeavors." Encyclopedia
of Mormonism
Church
Organization and Priesthood Authority
"Jesus Christ is the great
High Priest of God; Christ is therefore the source of all true priesthood authority and
power on this earth (Heb. 5- 10). Man does not take such priesthood power unto himself; it
must be conferred by God through his servants (Heb. 5:4; D&C 1:38)." Encyclopedia
of Mormonism
Dating and
Relationships
A description of LDS dating and courtship practices
Education
"The Articles of Faith underscore the deep and fundamental role that
knowledge plays in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek
after these things" (A of F 13)." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Family
History or Genealogy
"The terms 'family history' and 'genealogy' are
synonymous for Latter-day Saints... LDS interest in family history is based on the
fundamental doctrines of salvation, agency, and exaltation." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
Family
Home Evening
"Family Home Evening is a weekly
observance of Latter-day Saints for spiritual training and social activity, usually held
on Monday evenings" Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Church
History
A selection of articles about some of the events and personalities in LDS
history.
Holidays
and Celebrations
"Through their religious and community celebrations,
members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints express
some of their spiritual and social values and expectations." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
Hunting
"...to take the life of [animals] wantonly is a sin before the
Lord." President Joseph Fielding Smith
Interfaith
Relationships
A discussion of the interfaith relationships between Mormonism and other
Christian denominations as well as non-Christian faiths.
Teachings
About Law
"Three types of laws exist: spiritual or divine laws, laws of nature,
and civil laws. Latter-day Saints are deeply and consistently law-oriented, because laws,
whether spiritual, physical, or civil, are rules defining existence and guiding action.
Through the observance of laws, blessings and rewards are expected, and by the violation
of laws, suffering, deprivation, and even punishment will result." Encyclopedia
of Mormonism
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Military and the Church
"The Church considers being loyal citizens to be a duty of its
members, irrespective of nationality. Responding to a call for military service is one
appropriate manner of fulfilling this duty of citizenship.." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
Missionary
Work
"The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to
invite everyone to come to Christ. This includes a mandate to proclaim the gospel of Jesus
Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people." Encyclopedia
of Mormonism
Modesty in Dress
"Latter-day Saints believe that modest dress reflects commitment to a
Christlike life and shows respect for self, for fellow beings, and for God. In their homes
and in the Church, they are taught that modest dress has a positive effect on both
self-esteem and behavior." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Parenting
Latter-day Saints believe it is a great responsibility and also a divine
privilege to have Heavenly Father's children entrusted to our care. We are expected to
teach our children the principles of eternal life and help them grow into adulthood.
Policies, Practices,
and Procedures
"The First Presidency and
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have developed policies, practices, and procedures to give order and continuity throughout
the units of the Church and to provide guidelines for its leaders." Encyclopedia
of Mormonism
Politics
"Concerning the general duties of government and citizen, latter-day
scriptures and the prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach that
governments should protect freedoms and provide for the public interest and that citizens
should honor and uphold laws and governments." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
Prayer and
Fasting
Prayer is "... the way to commune with God and receive revelation
from him. Faith, sincerity, obedience, and seeking are attributes that lift the soul to
God; this is the essential character of prayer for the Latter-day Saint." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Recreation
"Recreation is an essential and vital part of the gospel of salvation
-- a gospel which makes provision for every need of man, both temporal and
spiritual." Elder Bruce R. McConkie
Reverence
"Latter-day Saints share with other religious people an inner
yearning or inclination to venerate that which is holy." Encyclopedia
of Mormonism
Sabbath
Day
"The Sabbath is a day set apart for rest and spiritual
renewal. The importance of Sabbath observance, taught from the Creation and throughout
religious history, is reconfirmed in modern scripture and in the teachings of LDS
leaders." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Sexuality
"In LDS life and thought, sexuality consists of attitudes, feelings,
and desires that are God-given and central to God's plan for his children, but they are
not the central motivating force in human action. Sexual feelings are to be governed by
each individual within boundaries the Lord has set." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
Social Characteristics
"Comparisons can be based on information that has been gathered about
Latter-day Saints in the United States regarding their family characteristics, such as
marriage, divorce, fertility, and sexual attitudes, as well as their social class, gender
roles, substance use and health, political affiliation, attitudes toward social issues,
religiosity, and migration." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Welfare
and Humanitarian Assistance
The Church has extensive programs available to help both members and
nonmembers in need.
Word
of Wisdom
"The practice of abstaining from all forms of alcohol,
tobacco, coffee, and tea, which may outwardly distinguish active Latter-day Saints more
than any other practice." Encyclopedia of Mormonism |
