Mormon Myths

There have been some questions and suggestions that I address some Mormon Myths on my blog.  Questions like, “Why can’t Mormons drink coffee?”  or “Why can’t non-Mormons go into Mormon temples or attend their weddings?”  As I have pondered and prayed about this topic I have felt completely under qualified to address all of these questions and give detailed, educational answers.  Instead, I felt like my knowledge and love for the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel were all the tools I needed to direct others to find those answers themselves. 

Many will stop reading at this point because they want the work done for them.  But, I can testify to you now, no matter what I “tell” you, you will never be satisfied with my answers when it comes to the things of God.  I could go on for days or have experts try to persuade you to understand the commandments, practices, or traditions of the church but with much frustration on both sides of the conversation it will always come back to one question, “Is the Book of Mormon true?”  You may be thinking, “How can that possibly answer my question about coffee?”  I will let Preach My Gospel explain: 

President Ezra Taft Benson taught how the Book of Mormon can be the central resource in responding to such situations:

“We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church. …

“… All objections, whether they be on abortion, plural marriage, seventh-day worship, etc., basically hinge on whether Joseph Smith and his successors were and are prophets of God receiving divine revelation. …

“… The only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was his prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation.

“Our main task is to declare the gospel and do it effectively. We are not obligated to answer every objection. Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand” (A Witness and a Warning, 4–5).

For example, sincere investigators might object to what you have taught about the Word of Wisdom. Help them see that their real question is whether Joseph Smith was speaking as God’s prophet when this commandment was renewed in this dispensation. You might say: “Having the faith to accept this teaching will require the assurance that this commandment came to us through revelation from God to the Prophet Joseph Smith. The way to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God is to read and pray about the Book of Mormon.”

Investigators must resolve for themselves their concerns and objections. You can help as you focus them on what will strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ—reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. When they strengthen their testimony of the Restoration, they will have the strength to overcome their objections and concerns.

As you answer concerns, remember that our understanding comes from modern prophets—Joseph Smith and his successors—who receive direct revelation from God. Therefore, the first question for an investigator to answer is whether Joseph Smith was a prophet, and he or she can answer this question by reading and praying about the Book of Mormon.

(https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/what-is-the-role-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng)

I promise you that if you have burning questions about something the church does or doesn’t do you can find your answers in the Book of Mormon.  This is no easy task!  You may need the help of missionaries, family, friends, or ward members to help you on your journey.  I in no way mean to undermine those questions that were asked; I only know that without your own understanding and testimony of the Book of Mormon it would be hard to accept the truth about those things you are seeking.  I promise you that your life will be filled with more happiness, security, and direction if you find out the truth of the Book of Mormon.  

The Introduction of the Book of Mormon states:  

  

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

 Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah."

(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/introduction?lang=eng)

I encourage you to do the same.