The Plan of Salvation
What was the fight in heaven about?
"Lucifer sought to destroy the agency of man. We chose to follow Jesus Christ's plan to have freedom to choose."
Gospel Topics: "Agency" & Moses 4:1-4
Why do you have to make 'covenants'? Can't you just believe in God without all the rules?
"A covenant is a sacred promise between us and God. It helps us stay connected to Him and gives us a clear path to receive His blessings."
Gospel Topics: "Covenant"
Why does the Church have so many rules about how you look or dress?
"Our bodies are sacred temples. Instead of a list of rules, we are taught to make choices that show respect for our bodies as a gift from God."
For The Strength of Youth Guide: "Your Body is Sacred"
I’ve heard people say you aren't actually Christian. How do you answer that?
"We are Christians. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Our Church is named after Him."
Gospel Topics: "Christianity"
Why is the Church so against debt? Is it a sin to have a loan?
"We are taught to avoid debt whenever possible to remain self-reliant. Staying out of debt gives us the freedom to follow the Spirit and serve others."
Gospel Topics: "Debt"
Do you believe only members of your church go to heaven, or is there a Hell?
"God provides degrees of glory for His children. Most people will go to a kingdom of glory based on the law they chose to live."
Gospel Topics: "Kingdoms of Glory" & D&C 76
Why do you do baptisms for dead people? Do they automatically become members of the church?
"We perform the ordinance as a gift, but spirits in the next life have the agency to accept or reject it. God is fair to everyone."
Gospel Topics: "Baptisms for the Dead"
Is it true you aren't allowed to date until you are 16? What if you are mature for your age?
"The guide suggests age 16 as a good guideline for when we are mature enough for dating, but the focus is on building genuine friendships first."
For The Strength of Youth Guide: "Making Wise Choices"
If you believe in Jesus, why don't you have crosses on your churches or wear them?
"We focus on the Living Christ. While we respect the cross, we prefer to emphasize His Resurrection and the fact that He lives today."
Gospel Topics: "Cross"
Does the Church allow divorce? Are you 'in trouble' if you get one?
"Marriage is intended to be eternal, but God knows that divorce is sometimes necessary. The Church provides support and healing for those involved."
Gospel Topics: "Divorce"
What happens to the earth and the people on it after Jesus comes back?
"The earth will be renewed to a paradisiacal glory. Christ will reign personally for 1,000 years of peace."
Gospel Principles: Ch. 44 & Article of Faith 10
Is a Patriarchal Blessing like a psychic reading or a roadmap for your life?
"It’s a personal letter from God that gives inspired direction and identifies your lineage in the house of Israel. It’s for guidance, not fortune-telling."
Gospel Topics: "Patriarchal Blessings"
Why don't you drink coffee, tea, or alcohol? Is it just a health thing?
"It’s a law of health given by God to keep our bodies clean and our minds clear so we can receive personal revelation."
Gospel Topics: "Word of Wisdom" & D&C 89
Why do you try to convert people? Why can't you just let people believe what they want?
"We want to share the joy the gospel brings us! We believe we are helping to gather Israel and prepare the world for Jesus to return."
Gospel Topics: "Missionary Work"
How can you believe in the Creation if you also believe in Science and evolution?
"We believe God is the source of all truth, whether it comes from a lab or a revelation. Science and religion simply answer different 'how' and 'why' questions."
Gospel Topics: "Science and Religion"
I’ve heard you believe in a 'Mother in Heaven.' Why is that?
"We are children of Heavenly Parents. This is a cherished belief that our divine nature comes from both a Father and a Mother."Gospel Topics Essays: "Mother in Heaven"
What happens in the 'Endowment,' and why do you wear special clothing under your clothes?
"The Endowment is a gift of spiritual power. We wear the garment as a private reminder of the sacred promises we made to follow Jesus Christ."
Temples Section: "About the Temple Endowment"
Why do you give 10% of your money to the Church? Doesn't the Church have enough money?
"Tithing is a law of sacrifice. It isn't about the money; it’s about showing God we put Him first. It pays for temples and humanitarian work."
Gospel Topics: "Tithing"
Where are the 'Golden Plates' now? If you don't have them, how can we know they were real?
"They were returned to the Angel Moroni. We know they were real because of the witnesses who saw them and the spiritual witness we get from reading the book."
Gospel Topics: "Book of Mormon"
Is it wrong for a Christian to fight in a war? How do you balance being a peacemaker?
"We follow the 'Law of Defense.' We are to be peacemakers, but we also have a duty to defend our families, our country, and our freedoms."
Gospel Topics: "War" & Alma 43
What is 'Eternal Life'? Is it different from just living forever?
"Eternal life is to live with God and to live as He lives. It is the greatest of all the gifts of God."
Gospel Topics: "Eternal Life" & D&C 14:7
I heard only men have the Priesthood. Can women use God's power too?
"Yes! Women exercise Priesthood authority to do God's work in their callings and when they perform sacred ordinances in the Temple."
Gospel Topics Essays: "Joseph Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women"
What’s wrong with a little gambling or the lottery if it’s just for fun or to help schools?
"The Church opposes gambling because it is based on chance, not effort, and it often leads to addiction and hurts families."
General Handbook: 38.8.18 "Gambling"
Why was a 'Restoration' even necessary? Did God just stop talking to people for 2,000 years?
"After Jesus and the Apostles died, the Priesthood authority was lost. God still loved people, but He had to bring back the authority to act in His name."
Gospel Topics: "Apostasy"
Why do you believe the US Constitution is sacred? Is it a 'Mormon' document?
"We believe God inspired the wise men who wrote it. It was designed to protect the 'agency' of all people, which allowed the Restoration to happen."
D&C 101:77-80 & Gospel Topics: "Constitution"