Category: A-Z Glossary
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Sons of Perdition (Defined)
Sons of Perdition: Those who rebelled with Lucifer in the pre-existence. The term can also apply to Mormons who willfully and deliberately deny the Holy Ghost and the truth of Mormonism while knowing it to be true. This sin will not be forgvien and will result in outer darkness.
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Sister (Defined)
Sister: Title given to a female church member. Also the official title given to female missionaries. Return to dictionary here.
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Sin (Defined)
Sin: Acts of transgression against divine law. It is taught that man is by nature a lover of truth and righteousness. Brigham Young stated, “It is, however, universally received by professors of religion as a Scriptural doctrine that man is naturally opposed to God. This is not so” (Journal of Discourses 9:305). Third President John…
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Seminary (Defined)
Seminary: Elective religious classes offered at LDS buildings, often located near public high schools or in members’ homes. In Utah, high school students are given the chance to leave the campus so a paid Mormon teacher can instruct them about the Standard Works and church history. In other states, students typically gather in the morning before…
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Seer Stone (Defined)
Seer Stone: Described as a chocolate-colored, egg-shaped rock Joseph Smith found while digging a well near Palmyra, New York (Comprehensive History of the Church 1:129). A number of witnesses claimed Smith used the stone when translating the Book of Mormon. According to historian Richard Bushman, “Joseph Jr. never repudiated the stones or denied their power to…
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Seed of Cain (Defined)
Seed of Cain: Members of the black race (Moses 7:2). Until 1978, LDS leaders taught that “one drop of negro blood” banned a Mormon male from holding the Mormon priesthood. The dark skin was the mark given to those pre-mortal spirits who were “less valiant in pre-existence” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 527, 1966 edition) when Lucifer…
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Second Estate (Defined)
Second Estate: Also known as mortal probation, this refers to the mortal life on this earth wherein physical bodies are given to those who were faithful to Jesus in the preexistence. Return to dictionary here.
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Second Anointing (Defined)
Second Annointing. A rare temple ordinance whereby a person has his or her “calling and election made sure.” Only Mormons who have received the second anointing can know for sure in this life if they will obtain godhood upon death. Not much is known about the second anointing because of the secret nature of this…
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Sealing (Defined)
Sealing: Temple ceremony binding a husband and wife together for eternity. Children who are not born in the covenant also can be sealed to parents.Return to dictionary here.
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Scripture (Defined)
Scripture: The four written works (Bible, Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price) are called the Standard Works. In addition, this could also include the inspired words of the living prophet, official church writings, and General Conference addresses. As tenth LDS President Joseph Fielding Smith explained, “WHAT IS SCRIPTURE? When one…
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Salvation (Defined)
Salvation: Broken down into two categories: Individual or personal salvation (more correctly termed “exaltation“) and general salvation that everyone receives through the Atonement and grace. According to tenth LDS President Joseph Fielding Smith: “Salvation is twofold: General – that which comes to all men irrespective of a belief (in this life) in Christ- and, Individual…
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Sacrament (Defined)
Sacrament: Similar to the Protestant version of communion, or the Lord’s Supper. Performed weekly in LDS services, with bread and water serving as elements. According to the Church Handbook of Instructions, “Church members meet on the Sabbath to worship God and partake of the sacrament (see D&C 20:75; 59:9).
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Sabbath (Defined)
Sabbath: Sunday. This is a day Mormons are told to “Keep the Sabbath Day holy” by attending church while refraining from shopping, doing chores, and participating in recreational activities. Return to dictionary here.
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RM (Defined)
RM: Short for “returned missionary.” See missionary.
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Personal Revelation (Defined)
Personal Revelation. Ability given to individuals by the Holy Ghost, enabling them to see the truthfulness of all things, especially issues pertaining to Mormonism. According to Apostle Russell M. Nelson, “Every Latter-day Saint may merit personal revelation” (“Ask, Seek, Knock,” Ensign (Conference Edition), November 2009, p. 83).
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Continuing Revelation (Defined)
Continuing Revelation: God’s ongoing communication to humankind through the words of General Authorities and their ability to receive direct guidance from God in the latter days.Return to dictionary here.
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Restoration (Defined)
Restoration. Reestablishment of true Gospel principles when Joseph Smith founded the LDS Church in 1830. Besides the Gospel, Priesthood authority was returned after it had been taken from the earth during the great Apostasy. According to the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, “When Latter-day Saints speak of the ‘restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ’ they refer primarily…
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Repentance (Defined)
Repentance: The process by which a member receives forgiveness. True repentance involves six steps, including confession and a successful abandonment of sins. According to a number of church manuals:
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Reformed Egyptian (Defined)
Reformed Egyptian: Mormon 9:32 describes the characters written upon the gold plates (containing the Book of Mormon) to be in a language called Reformed Egyptian. There is no evidence to show that this language ever existed. Listen to a Viewpoint on Mormonism podcast with Rob Bowman on Reformed Egyptian that aired September 27, 2017. Return to…
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Relief Society (Defined)
Relief Society: Organization for female members who are eighteen or older. For more information, see here. Return to dictionary here.