Editing Mormons (section)

== Culture and practices ==
{{Main|Culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}

Isolation in [[Utah]] had allowed Mormons to create a culture of their own.<ref name="Bushman47">{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=47}}.</ref> As the faith spread worldwide, many of its more distinctive practices followed. Mormon converts are urged to undergo lifestyle changes, repent of sins, and adopt sometimes atypical standards of conduct.<ref name=Bushman47 /> Practices common to Mormons include studying [[Religious text|scriptures]], praying daily, [[fasting]] regularly, attending Sunday worship services, participating in church programs and activities on weekdays, and refraining from work on Sundays when possible. The most important part of the church services is considered to be the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]] (commonly called [[Sacrament (LDS Church)|sacrament]]), in which church members renew covenants made at [[Baptism (Mormonism)|baptism]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/sacrament |publisher = churchofjesuschrist.org |title = Sacrament }}</ref> Mormons also emphasize standards they believe were taught by [[Jesus Christ]], including personal honesty, integrity, obedience to the law, chastity outside marriage, and fidelity within marriage.<ref name="StrengthofYouth">{{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth-fulfilling-our-duty-to-god |title = For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God |publisher = LDS Church }}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In 2010, around 13–14 percent of Mormons lived in Utah, the center of cultural influence for Mormonism.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/country/usa-utah |title = USA–Utah |date = July 27, 2011 |publisher = LDS Newsroom |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-date = June 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190629013943/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/country/usa-utah |url-status = live }}.</ref> [[Religion in Utah|Utah Mormons]] (as well as Mormons living in the [[Intermountain West]]) are on average more culturally and politically conservative than those living in some cosmopolitan centers elsewhere in the U.S.<ref>Mauss often compares [[Salt Lake City]] Mormons to California Mormons from San Francisco and [[East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)|East Bay]]. The Utah Mormons were generally more orthodox and conservative. {{Harvtxt|Mauss|1994|pp=40, 128}}; {{Cite report |url = http://pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/A-Portrait-of-Mormons-in-the-US--Social-and-Political-Views.aspx |title = A Portrait of Mormons in the U.S.: III. Social and Political Views |date = July 24, 2009 |publisher = Pew Research Center |access-date = September 22, 2011 |archive-date = September 10, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110910044847/http://pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/A-Portrait-of-Mormons-in-the-US--Social-and-Political-Views.aspx |url-status = dead }}.</ref> Utahns self-identifying as Mormon also attend church somewhat more on average than Mormons living in other states. (Nonetheless, whether they live in Utah or elsewhere in the U.S., Mormons tend to be more culturally and politically conservative than members of other U.S. religious groups.)<ref>{{Cite report |url = http://www.gallup.com/poll/125021/mormons-conservative-major-religious-group.aspx |date = January 11, 2010 |title = Mormons Most Conservative Major Religious Group in U.S.: Six out of 10 Mormons are politically conservative |publisher = [[Gallup poll]] |first = Frank |last = Newport |access-date = September 22, 2011 |archive-date = October 12, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111012194112/http://www.gallup.com/poll/125021/Mormons-Conservative-Major-Religious-Group.aspx |url-status = live }}; {{Cite report |url = http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1292/mormon-religion-demographics-beliefs-practices-politics |publisher = [[Pew Research Center]] |title = A Portrait of Mormons in the U.S |first = Allison |last = Pond |date = July 24, 2009 |access-date = September 22, 2011 |archive-date = October 12, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111012144516/http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1292/mormon-religion-demographics-beliefs-practices-politics |url-status = dead }}.</ref> Utah Mormons often emphasize [[Mormon pioneer|pioneer]] heritage more than international Mormons, who generally are not descendants of the [[Mormon pioneers]].<ref name="Thomas W. Murphy 1996" />

[[File:Igreja SUD uruguaiana rs.jpg|thumb|left|A Mormon meetinghouse used for Sunday worship services in Brazil]]

Mormons have a strong sense of communality that stems from their doctrine and history.<ref>Early Mormons had practiced the [[law of consecration]] in Missouri for two years, in an attempt to eliminate poverty. Families would return their surplus "income" to the bishop, who would then redistribute it among the saints. Though initial efforts at "consecration" failed, consecration has become a more general attitude that underlies Mormon charitable works. {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=36–39}}.</ref> LDS Church members have a responsibility to dedicate their time and talents to helping the poor and building the church. The church is divided by locality into congregations called "[[Ward (LDS Church)|wards]]", with several wards or branches to create a "[[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|stake]]".<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=53}} (The name "stake" comes from a passage in Isaiah that compares Zion to a tent that will enlarge as new stakes are planted); ''See [http://churchofjesuschrist.org/scriptures/ot/isa/33.20?lang=eng#19 {{nowrap|Isaiah 33:20}}] and [http://churchofjesuschrist.org/scriptures/ot/isa/54.2?lang=eng#1 {{nowrap|Isaiah 54:2}}]''.</ref> Most church leadership positions are [[Laity|lay]] positions, and church leaders may work 10 to 15 hours a week in unpaid church service.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=35, 52}}</ref> Observant Mormons also contribute 10 percent of their income to the church as [[Tithing in Mormonism|tithing]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=39}}</ref> Paying tithing is one of the prerequisites for entrance into Mormon temples. Many LDS young men, women, and elderly couples choose to serve a [[Proselytism|proselytizing]] [[Missionary (LDS Church)|mission]], during which they dedicate all of their time to the church without pay.<ref>A full-time mission is looked upon as important character training for a young man. {{Harvtxt|O'Dea|1957|p=177}}.</ref> Members are often involved in [[LDS Humanitarian Services|humanitarian efforts]].

Mormons adhere to the [[Word of Wisdom]], a health law or code that is interpreted as prohibiting the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea,<ref>{{cite news |author-link = Peggy Fletcher Stack |last = Stack |first = Peggy Fletcher |url = https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-08-31/national/35492011_1_drink-caffeine-lds-leaders-mormons |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130327204542/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-08-31/national/35492011_1_drink-caffeine-lds-leaders-mormons |url-status = dead |archive-date = March 27, 2013 |title = It's Official: Coke and Pepsi are OK for Mormons |agency = ([[Religion News Service]]) |newspaper = [[Washington Post]] |date = August 31, 2012 |access-date = September 20, 2013 }}.</ref> while encouraging the use of herbs, grains, fruits, and a moderate consumption of meat.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://scriptures.churchofjesuschrist.org/en/dc/89 |title = Doctrine and Covenants, section 89 }}</ref> The Word of Wisdom is also understood to forbid other harmful and addictive substances and practices, such as the use of illegal drugs and abuse of prescription drugs.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/word-of-wisdom |title = Word of Wisdom |year = 2004 |website = True to the Faith |pages = 186–88 |access-date = November 11, 2011 }}</ref> Mormons are encouraged to keep a year's supplies, including food and  financial reserves.<ref>February 2007 [http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7585-1-4081-1,00.html All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319020514/http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7585-1-4081-1,00.html |date=March 19, 2012 }} The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</ref> Mormons also oppose behaviors such as viewing pornography and gambling.<ref name=StrengthofYouth />

The concept of a united family that lives and progresses forever is at the core of Latter-day Saint doctrine, and Mormons place a high importance on family life.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=59}} (In the temple, husbands and wives are [[Sealing (Mormonism)|sealed]] to each other for eternity. The implication is that other institutional forms, including the church, might disappear, but the family will endure); {{Cite report |url = http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx#family |title = Mormons in America |publisher = Pew Research Center |date = January 2012 |access-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120115005308/http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx#family |url-status = dead }} (A 2011 survey of Mormons in the United States showed that family life is very important to Mormons, with family concerns significantly higher than career concerns. Four out of five Mormons believe that being a good parent is one of the most important goals in life, and roughly three out of four Mormons put having a successful marriage in this category); {{Cite journal |url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700214901/New-Pew-survey-reinforces-Mormons-top-goals-of-family-marriage.html?pg=1 |title = New Pew survey reinforces Mormons' top goals of family, marriage |journal = Deseret News |date = January 12, 2012 |access-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-date = January 16, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120116100601/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700214901/New-Pew-survey-reinforces-Mormons-top-goals-of-family-marriage.html?pg=1 |url-status = dead }}; See also: [http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/family/proclamation "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"].</ref> Many Mormons hold weekly [[Family Home Evening]]s, in which an evening is set aside for family bonding, study, prayer, and other activities they consider to be wholesome. Latter-day Saint fathers who hold the [[Priesthood (LDS Church)|priesthood]] typically name and [[baby blessing|bless their children]] shortly after birth to formally give the child a name. Mormon parents hope and pray that their children will gain testimonies of the "gospel"{{vague|What is a "testimony of the 'gospel' and how does one "gain" it?|date=May 2018}} so they can grow up and marry in temples.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|pp=30–31}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2008|p=58}}.</ref>

Mormons have a strict [[law of chastity]], requiring abstention from sexual relations outside opposite-sex marriage and strict fidelity within marriage. All sexual activity (heterosexual and homosexual) outside marriage is considered a grave sin, with marriage recognized as only between a man and a woman.<ref>{{cite web |title = Chastity |website = True to the Faith |year = 2004 |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/chastity |pages = 29–33 }}; {{Cite report |url = http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx |title = Mormons in America |publisher = Pew Research Center |date = January 2012 |access-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-date = January 15, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120115005308/http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-executive-summary.aspx |url-status = dead }} (79% of Mormons in the US say that sex between unmarried adults is morally wrong, far higher than the 35% of the general public who hold the same view).</ref> [[Same-sex marriage]]s are not performed or supported by the LDS Church. Church members are encouraged to marry and have children, and Latter-day Saint families tend to be larger than average. Mormons are opposed to abortion, except in some exceptional circumstances, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape or when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/official-statement/abortion |publisher = churchofjesuschrist.org |title = Topic: Abortion |date = November 8, 2012 |access-date = September 17, 2020 |archive-date = October 6, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201006032636/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/official-statement/abortion |url-status = live }}.</ref> Many practicing adult Mormons wear [[Temple garment|religious undergarments]] that remind them of [[covenant (Latter Day Saints)|covenants]] and encourage them to dress modestly. Latter-day Saints are counseled not to partake in any form of media that is obscene or pornographic in any way, including media that depicts graphic representations of sex or violence. Tattoos and [[body piercing]]s are generally discouraged.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth-fulfilling-our-duty-to-god/dress-and-appearance |title = Dress and Appearance |website = For the Strength of the Youth |publisher = LDS Church |year = 2001 |access-date = November 15, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}{{dead link|date=July 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}  {{cite web |url=https://www.ldsliving.com/whats-new-in-the-for-the-strength-of-youth-booklet/s/11043 |title=What are the biggest changes to the new 'For the Strength of Youth' booklet? |website=LDSLiving |year=2022 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026172130/https://www.ldsliving.com/whats-new-in-the-for-the-strength-of-youth-booklet/s/11043 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Homosexual Mormons|LGBTQ Mormons]] remain in good standing in the church if they abstain from homosexual relations and obey the law of chastity.<ref>Homosexual acts (as well as other sexual acts outside the bonds of marriage) are prohibited by the [[law of chastity]]. Violating the law of chastity may result in [[excommunication]]. {{cite web |url = http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/1998/11/what-are-people-asking-about-us |title = What Are People Asking about Us? |author = Gordon B. Hinckley |year = 1998 |access-date = November 11, 2011 |archive-date = July 5, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200705085517/http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ensign/1998/11/what-are-people-asking-about-us |url-status = live }}.</ref> While there are no official numbers, LDS Family Services estimates that, on average, four or five members per [[Ward (LDS Church)|LDS ward]] experience same-sex attraction.<ref>{{citation |url = http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm |title = Resources for Individuals |work = EvergreenInternational.org |publisher = [[Evergreen International]] |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121120213658/http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm |archive-date = November 20, 2012 }}.</ref> Gary Watts, former president of [[Family Fellowship]], estimates that only 10 percent of homosexuals stay in the church.<ref>{{Cite journal |url = http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_6668882 |title = Mormon church changes stance on homosexuality; New teachings say lifelong celibacy to be rewarded with heterosexuality in heaven |author = Rebecca Rosen Lum |date = August 20, 2007 |journal = [[The Oakland Tribune]] |access-date = December 20, 2007 |archive-date = May 12, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080512075347/http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_6668882 |url-status = live }}.</ref> Many of these individuals have come forward through different support groups or websites discussing their homosexual attractions and concurrent church membership.<ref>{{cite web |title = Mormons and Gays |url = http://www.mormonsandgays.org/ |publisher = The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints |access-date = February 18, 2013 |archive-date = June 16, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160616190527/http://mormonsandgays.org/ |url-status = dead }}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = North Star LDS Community |url = http://northstarlds.org/community/community-voices/ |publisher = North Star |access-date = February 18, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130404010645/http://northstarlds.org/community/community-voices/ |archive-date = April 4, 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.affirmation.org/history/in_the_beginning.shtml |website = Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons |title = In The Beginning: A Brief History of Affirmation |author = Paul Mortensen |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021171253/http://www.affirmation.org/history/in_the_beginning.shtml |archive-date = October 21, 2013 |df = mdy-all }}; See also:[[Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons]].</ref>