Mormonism Research Ministry

Category: Mormon Culture

  • Friendshipping and Dating in the Mormon Culture

    Eric Johnson

    Just what is “friendshipping”? And is dating ever used by Latter-day Saints to proselytize? 

  • What is a Jack Mormon?

    Bill McKeever

    What is a Jack Mormon? By Bill McKeever The following was originally printed in the May-June 2011 edition of Mormonism Researched. To request a free subscription, please visit here. 

  • To be a Mormon Woman

    Sharon Lindbloom

    The following was originally printed in the February 2008 edition of MRM’s Update, a special edition mailed to financial supporters who also receive the publication Mormonism Researched. To request a free subscription of Mormonism Researched, please visit here. Mormonism is structured as a patriarchal society. The highest positions of leadership are held by men; and only men…

  • Mixed Faith Marriages Are a Recipe for Disaster

    Mixed Faith Marriages Are a Recipe for Disaster

    Eric Johnson

    One of the common questions we are asked by Christians deals with the issue of whether or not a Christian can/should date a Mormon.

  • The Mormon Taqiyya

    Eric Johnson

    The concept of “taqiyya” in Islam parallels deceptive practices within Mormonism, where church leaders often misrepresent doctrines to protect the faith’s image, prioritizing reputation over truth, and encouraging misleading communication with outsiders and potential converts.

  • Mormon (Defined)

    Eric Johnson

    Mormon. Claimed by Latter-day Saints to be an ancient Nephite prophet who abridged and compiled the records of his people known today as The Book of Mormon. In addition, the term “Mormon” was a derogatory term given to followers of Joseph Smith. Today it is a non-offensive nickname commonly used to describe either The Church of…

  • Mormonism and Depression

    Eric Johnson

    By Sharon LindbloomUtah has the unfortunate reputation of being “the runaway leader in antidepressant use.” In February of 2002 the Los Angeles Times reported the findings of a study which showedAntidepressant drugs are prescribed in Utah more often than in any other state, at a rate nearly twice the national average.Utah’s high usage was cited…

  • Are Any Non-Mormons Christian?

    Sharon Lindbloom

    Howard P. Kainz at First Things wrote a blog last week titled, “Mormons and Christianity: Asking the Right Questions.” Dr. Kainz reminds his readers about an article written a dozen years ago by the late Richard John Neuhaus in which Fr. Neuhaus “discussed the issue of Mormon claims to be Christian in considerable detail.” Dr.…

  • “Mormon” History

    Sharon Lindbloom

    The LDS Church continues the effort to distance itself from Mormon Fundamentalists. In a July 10, 2008 article printed in the Salt Lake Tribune, LDS spokesperson Scott Trotter is quoted as saying, “there is no such thing as a Mormon fundamentalist or a Mormon polygamist. Regrettably, those who suggest otherwise only add to the confusion…

  • Anti-Mormon: The Mormon N-Word

    Bill McKeever

    By Bill McKeever

  • Doctrine and Heritage

    Bill McKeever

    Many Latter-day Saints value their faith due to heritage rather than doctrine. Emotional ties prevent them from leaving, despite recognizing issues. Understanding this can foster patience in discussions.

  • Why Do Some Latter-day Saints Dislike Being Called Mormon?

    Bill McKeever

    By Bill McKeever Have you ever had a Latter-day Saint get upset at you when you used the term “Mormon” to describe either them or the LDS Church? We have noticed that this has become more and more of a response by those we attempt to share the Gospel with.

  • The Disneyland Hearse – Was it Brigham’s?

    Bill McKeever

    By Bill McKeever  For several years it has been rumored that the horse-drawn hearse that sits in front of the haunted mansion at Disneyland was the same hearse that carried Brigham Young, Mormonism’s second president. It is a popular myth, but a myth nonetheless.

  • Lying for the Lord

    Bill McKeever

    In the October 1994 Ensign article, Robert J. Matthews discusses the implications of the ninth commandment, emphasizing that withholding information or sharing half-truths can constitute lying.

  • Was There a "Miracle" of the Seagulls?

    Bill McKeever

    Located east of the Assembly Hall on Temple Square is a golden monument recognizing the 1848 “miracle of the seagulls.” LDS tradition tells how tens of thousands of seagulls miraculously appeared to devour millions of crickets that were attempting to destroy the crops of the Mormon pioneers who had arrived a year before. However, because…

  • Is Salt Lake City Isaiah’s "Mountain of the Lord"? A look at Isaiah 2

    Eric Johnson

    By Ed Mellott 

  • Large Families No Longer Necessary – Small Families No Longer a Sin

    Bill McKeever

    By Bill McKeever 

  • Should a Christian Date a Mormon?

    Should a Christian Date a Mormon?

    Bill McKeever

    The Christian and LDS faiths are fundamentally incompatible. Unequally yoked relationships lead to spiritual and relational turmoil.

  • The Name of God’s Church

    Eric Johnson

    Most Mormons believe their church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)) should be considered Christian since it has Jesus’ name in its official title. In his book written in 1991, LDS author Stephen E. Robinson summed up this idea when he asserted: “…Is not the name of our church The Church of…

  • Prophet Counsels Against Being “Unequally Yoked”

    Prophet Counsels Against Being “Unequally Yoked”

    Sharon Lindbloom

    During the Priesthood Session of last September/October’s General Conference, LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke to the men and boys of the Church, urging them to be worthy of the LDS priesthood. President Hinckley instructed them to shun unclean thoughts, pornography and abuse of any kind. He told them to watch their language and stop…