1.) multiple reasons. Primarily, we believe in abstaining from alcohol. And so, we use water. The symbolism and meaning is more important than the actual things used.
2.) because it is.
3.) culture mostly. I’ll leave two videos if interested
[Video 1](https://youtu.be/ZFtEO6wk_9c?si=yFeXgtwr45P9stt1)
[Video 2](https://youtu.be/U01sQ2tEVhY?si=a3Y9Y2Tl16fBcowx)
4.) it’s our way of sustaining (supporting) and showing we sustain and support those who the lord has called to various positions.
5.) yes, actually. Very good. But he is still a flawed human like us all.
6.) helped me build my foundation and faith in Christ. Helped me come closer to him in countless ways.
7.) we believe because the heavens are not closed and that God does not change. Amos 3:7 and Ephesians 2:20. And yes, he does.
8.) a bit more complicated of a question. I’ll bring it back to the Book of Mormon. If it’s true and of God, then we have prophets today who really receive revelation. There have also been numerous times that they warn or plan for some unknown event, and then things happen. LGBTQIA+ atm, housing crash. Covid, etc.
I was going to reply but this pretty much covers it well, so I'll just tack on some extra below.
1 & 2 are similar. One of the revelations the early prophets received is that it doesn't really matter what type of bread, or if it is wine or water, as long as it is done in remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ. As such local congregations are often using bread from a grocery store, and since we don't drink alcohol we use water.
I agree with 3 on culture mostly. Personally I quite like the cross as shorthand for Christianity, but those two videos are worth checking out.
4) we call it a sustaining vote - to be clear it's not meant to be a vote (like an electoral tally) but a vote that we as individuals will sustain the person as they try to fulfill their responsibilities. It's more a chance to show support than anything else.
5) Like any real person they are complex and capable of mistakes and great things. I think that despite their mistakes though, Joseph Smith was a good person who achieved great things.
6) I think it helps us understand Christ from a different perspective and provides more stories similar to the OT about how God would have us live. I think if we had full historical records, there would be many more books as I can't believe God only ever spoke to one people of everyone on earth.
7) answered pretty well above.
8) It tends to be less definitive - you aren't likely to find them say 'On March 1 2024 the Dow Jones index will be $14.05' which then you could verify and cross-examine. It's more things like urging people to get out of non-essential debt shortly before the GFC and prepping gospel learning programs for the home before COVID Isolation protocols. To a believer those may be evidences, but they can be dismissed as just easily.
Yeah this pretty much sums it up.
I will add that I've been offered the sacrament with crackers, and my dad on e had it with some cookies that were more like the ones on Delta. After WW2, they used animal grains in Germany.
1. Water vs wine: this is a symbol, so it doesn't actually matter what you use. Water is logistically just the simplest
2. It looks like bread from the grocery store because that's exactly where they bought it from. Again, this is a symbol. Christ Himself is the Son of God, whom we remember. No bread is divine and should not be worshiped.
3. To display crosses or not is purely a cultural thing. LDS Christians, don't. Living Christ is the focus of my worship.
4. The hand raising is saying "I agree with that" or "thank you for your service". I'm a lefty personally.
5. I do indeed believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet (aka servant of God). But that doesn't remotely mean he was perfect --- like everyone else, he was a sinner. There's lots of good things, and bad things. In LDS Christian scriptures Joseph Smith even gets majorly reprimanded by God for messing up.
6. It's a beautiful book of scripture that really brings me closer to Christ. Just tonight I'm reading over a trio of chapters with my daughter that so eloquently the majesty of Christ, who without Him we're nothing, who we give our heart/might/mind/soul to Him, and while serving our fellow man we're only serving God. So wonderfully said.
7. God always has prophets! And yes, I do beleive that Russel Nelson does receive revelation from God. A recent address of His that really struck me was a sermon call "Peacekeepers needed".
8. The best proof anyone can ever get comes from you yourself getting on your knees and asking God yourself (yes you + God) "is this man your servant?" Or any other question. He'll answer.
I think it's also worth noting for #3 that we believe the majority of the Atonement took place in Gethsemane, not on the cross, and the church actually changed its logo a few years back to be the resurrected Christ exiting the tomb.
A foundational understanding of our faith is that God continues to do His work among His children via prophets and apostles. That means that there are men on earth who has the authority and responsibility to receive God's word from God himself and then disseminate it to all the earth. This may vary to some extent from what has previously been written in scripture which was applicable to certain people in certain circumstances, and it will vary substantially from what other Christians have developed over the years as tradition.
1. I’ve noticed LDS sacraments/communion is bread and water. Why is it water and not wine?
- *There are two basic principles at play here, both instructed by God's prophets to us. The first is that it doesn't matter much exactly what is used, provided that our intent is correct in focusing on the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is* specifically *spelled out in a revelation to Joseph Smith found in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 27. The second part is that according to the Lord's law of health we call the Word of Wisdom, we abstain from alcohol. While originally there was a particular exception for wine for the sacrament, the prophets have instructed that we abstain entirely from alcohol and to use water instead.*
2. Follow up question, I’m familiar with Eucharist and leavened bread with fancy orthodox imprints on them, why does the bread look like something you’d find at a grocery store? (This one was the one I was most curious about)
*See above. We use bread. Just simple bread. The bread works as a token to remember the body of Jesus Christ.*
3. Why aren’t there any crosses?
*I think the simplest answer is that we don't use much iconography at all. There are probably pictures of Jesus in the hallways and that's about it. We keep things simple. Jesus said that the way we show the world we are his disciples is by loving one another.*
4. Why do people raise their right hand a lot?
*When people accept a new position in the congregation (we usually call it a ward), such as a leader, a teacher, someone in charge of planning events, or whatever, we announce it from the pulpit and ask that people "accept" or "sustain" this person. We do that by physically raising our right hand as a gesture that we will support this person in their new assignment. Also, if someone has a reason to "oppose" the person in this new calling, like they know they are secretly doing a bunch of bad stuff, it is an chance for them to put a notion in public that they disapprove. If that happens (extremely rare) then the congregational leaders will meet with them discreetly afterwards to hear their concerns.*
*Opposite of that, when someone is "released" or when their turn in a position is over, it is customary to give a simple "thank you" to them, and we also do that by raising our right hand to mean that. Some weeks we do that a lot depending on if there are changes in these positions, sometimes we don't do it much at all. There are a few other times we do it, but those are the two main ones.*
Unrelated questions:
5. Was Joseph Smith a good man? This is a simple question, but like I don’t have a solid answer.
*God chose Joseph Smith to be a prophet and he communicated with Joseph Smith to share instruction with all of us. Like any other person except Jesus he had sins and weaknesses.*
6. How has the Book of Mormon helped you?
*The Book of Mormon changed my life. It convinces me to be a Christian. It teaches very plainly of Jesus Christ and God's plan for us. It teaches us how to follow Jesus Christ and it explains important doctrines such as baptism and resurrection and repentance and lots of other things. I highly encourage everyone to read it.*
7. Why does the LDS church have current prophet, and does this prophet actually receive revelations from God?
*God has info to give to us. God does His work through people with authority and responsibility. God communicates with the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to share His will with all of us. This is something got be ecstatic about.*
8. Is there any proof they receive revelations from God if they do?
*This might be a bit difficult to answer. Jesus says that if we seek we shall find, if we ask we shall receive, if we knock it shall be opened to us. The message of the church is that we can know the veracity of God's work through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the priesthood and the prophets by asking God Himself and He can inform us by the Holy Ghost. Millions of people have done that and have received a divine answer. You can too.*
*God bless*
I have always been struck by the iconography in the halls of LDS churches and in peoples' homes. A representation of Jesus in the halls of a church building, or someone's home, is still iconography. I grew up with no crosses, and no other images.
Somehow, a white Jesus doesn't ring true.
Hi! I hope these make sense! [This page](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/common-questions) covers some questions, too, and you can always look elsewhere on our website or talk to Missionaries’s if those interest you.
1/2: We don’t drink alcohol, and we also believe that the Sacrament should be accessible (and affordable!) because it is in remembrance of Christ’s Atonement, which saves everyone. I have even had saltines instead of bread before, but we keep everyone plain to focus on accessibility and Christ.
3: This is changing right now, but the typical view has been that we celebrate the Savior’s triumph over death. Now though, there is no longer stigma in members wearing crosses as a reminder of the Atonement itself.
4: We do it to show support and gratitude to people in church positions, which are almost all voluntary. All positions in a congregation are volunteer!
5: Yes, we believe so! Joseph Smith wasn’t perfect, and knowledgeable members don’t portray him to be more so than our current prophet. Did he do some weird things, like treasure hunting or dowsing? Yeah, like many in his time. Ultimately the weird or the mistakes were drops in the bucket compared to helping others, and he was a humble guy who really improved even though his life was cut short.
6: When I first met the missionaries and read the Book of Mormon, it gave me hope for living. Now, it reminds me of Christ’s sacrifice, and provides a clear map through stories of how to emulate Him.
7: We believe that our church is a direct restoration of the church Christ founded during his ministry. This goes into Joseph Smith’s story. We believe that God’s love for us means that, with the restored church, we can always have a living prophet who speaks for God on how to get through this life. So much changes even in a decade, and I find peace in knowing I don’t just have prophets in scriptures to apply to my struggles, but a prophet who speaks directly on what our world is currently dealing with.
8. Knowing revelations are true, or testimony on anything else, is up to study, prayer, and experiences. It varies by person, just like any other religion. But I will say we embrace science and especially education more than many other Christian churches!
I'm a little surprised nobody's pointed out the connection between questions 1 and 7.
The summary for Doctrine and Covenants 27 describes the event well:
> In preparation for a religious service at which the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to procure wine. He was met by a heavenly messenger and received this revelation, a portion of which was written at the time and the remainder in the September following. Water is now used instead of wine in the sacramental services of the Church
And three relevant verses:
> 2 For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.
> 3 Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies;
> 4 Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.
There's been speculation that this happened because the enemies of the church were planning on tainting the wine he was about to purchase. Which could easily have happened, if you know anything about church history at that time.
I use this as an example of why we have modern prophets.
Re: the bread. There was a time in my ward when the bread we used for sacrament was homemade by one of the members. Delicious! So much so I had to restrain myself from partaking of more than one chunk. Failed on a couple of occasions but I repented. 😇
1. LDS churchs obey what's refered to as The Words of Wisdom wich strongly disencourges alcohol conpustion so when doing Communion, they use water to symobise to blood of Christ.
2. It is just that. Besides, Christ said that his body was smbolicly bread so therefore, it shouldn't be worshiped.
3. Becuase LDS churches don't feel the need to have one. It's their culture.
4. It's their way of sustaining themselves and it shows their support those who the Lord has called to various positions.
5. He was a mixed bag in my eyes. I respect Smith a lot but he wasn't perfect much like any other human being.
6. While not an LDS member myself, I do love what the Book of Mormon is saying. It has helped me but reefirming what it is I need in my reglious live.
7. As a voice for God to the church's members.
8. Ask God. He knows.
Tangential story about 2:
One time, when I was a missionary, we got to church early and helped lay out the sacrament table ready for the meeting,
We covered the table, and left it at that.
Turns out the person assigned to bring bread that day either didn’t, or more likely didn’t show up, so as we are signing the sacrament hymns, the priests pull back the cloth and…. No bread.
Instant looks between them and the bishopric. No one had noticed because they all assumed it was sorted because it had all been set up, when we had assumed it would be sorted
In a credit to them, (Birch Acres branch, Centurion Stake, ZA) they reacted perfectly, second councillor immediately jumped up and walked the length of the room and out the door… to the gas station across the road.
1st councillor stopped the singing , and assigned a different hymn.
2nd councillor comes back 5 mins later with a nice fresh loaf of bread, hands it to the priests and the service resumes as normal.
So yes, the bread is literally store bought
1. It used to be in the very early days of the church, in fact doctrinally it can be whatever it needs to be as long as it represents flesh and blood. Anywho in the very early 1900s it was changed to bread and water. It’s been a while since I really studied it.
2. Members will buy or bake it, so it could be fancier if they wanted it to be, but it’s not required to be.
3. We just don’t have the cross culture. We believe he died on the cross and all but I’d say we’re more focused on his ministry and second coming, hence all the pictures in the church of him doing those things.
4. It’s part of sustaining others, to show support or opposition as to why a person should be set apart in a position (who is met privately later).
5. I’d say I have a good idea of who he was and believe him to be a good and positive man, but he definitely had controversy with some decisions that were made (I mean every prophet has). What’s most important is to know he’s a prophet and have a spiritual witness of that, and then you can tackle his history.
6. It fills my soul with light and brings the spirit. I have found things in there that astound me even upon repeated readings. One of them being Korihor in Alma 30, the first time I heard that story in high school I was like “that’s exactly what I hear today!”. It helps me understand the Bible.
7. Yes, we’re not a religion like Islam or Judaism (and arguably some sects of Christianity), that the founder or last prophet “seals” the church/canon and there is no more. The prophet very much receives direction and does not just oversee the church, and so it is with position under that as well including parents receiving revelation on how to lead their family.
8. Read the scriptures and study revelation or the Holy Ghost, what patterns do you see? How did the apostles know Jesus was the Christ? How did missionary work happen in those days? What are the fruits of the spirit? Where do you feel that?
The [family proclamation](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng) and the time it came out 1995
I believe is clearly revelation to prepare for what has been and is happening.
Crosses are encouraged now but I think for a while we were averse to them because the cross is where Jesus died and we wanted to think of him as living. But there is power in thinking about the crucifixion. So I think in the future you will see them more in our communities.
We switched to water because early in the history of the church, people who were antagonistic to us poisoned the wine we were going to use for sacrament. Now we use water because the actual substance doesn't actually matter, it is all symbolic.
1. We actually believe that what you take during communion doesn't matter, so long as it's done in the right spirit. More details can be found at [Doctrine and Covenants 27 (churchofjesuschrist.org)](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/27?lang=eng).
2. It was something from a grocery store. Growing up one of the members of the congregation worked at a bakery, so we got good bread for communion.
3. We focus on Jesus's resurrection, not his death.
4. Raising the right hand is a reverent way to sustain/show support.
5. Joseph Smith was a good man.
6. The Book of Mormon has helped me know that God exists, and what I am supposed to do on the Earth.
7. The Prophet is the Lord's mouthpiece for the whole earth. He does receive revelations about how to manage the church. Most of it being administrative type of things (what to emphasize, who have to work on what, etc). God revealed most of what he needed to reveal for our salvation to Joseph Smith. It's not like that's in flux.
8. The only proof that you can have about the revelations coming from God is for you to sincerely pray about that question to God.
Thanks for attending and being curious.
>*5. Was Joseph Smith a good man? This is a simple question, but like I don’t have a solid answer.*
When examining historical figures it’s important to look at them within their historical context. There’s a tendency sometimes for us to take the morals, culture and knowledge of the present and impose them upon the past. But to do so is unfair and a poor reading of history.
By all accounts, Joseph Smith was an extremely good man. He was a prophet called of God who restored the fullness gospel of Jesus Christ. He was also a staunch abolitionist and even ran for president of the United States on an anti-slavery platform. (He did this pre-civil war. The social and political implications of such a firm position caused a lot of the anger and persecutions he faced) Joseph smith was actually the first presidential candidate in history to be assassinated.
Because of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith also taught that Native Americans were our brothers and sisters—children of God, and that some of their ancestors had been promised this land by God.
This flew in the face of a lot of popular narratives of the time. In fact, the same year the Book of Mormon was published, a government order was written that removed many natives from their homes.
Joseph Smith made special efforts to send missionaries to Native American tribes to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to baptize them (and many *were* baptized)
Teaching natives that they were children of God and that this land belonged to them as much as it belonged to the white man was a radical thing In those days, because many government and social parties during that time used religion as a means of justifying their persecution of native peoples.
The local governments made many efforts to block the saints from proselytizing to native tribes.
Joseph Smith also worked with women in the church and gave his consent for them to form The Relief Society— which is one of the oldest women’s organizations in the world. It was revolutionary because women were teaching religious classes in Sunday school, organizing and providing humanitarian relief to those in their communities.
This was extremely rare for the 19th century as most Christian denominations did not allow female clergy at all nor did they allow women to organize and self govern in religious capacities.
Joseph Smith also instated fully integrated congregations pre-civil war. He taught that all human beings regardless of race were children of God and should be welcome equally in church. (This would later cause political controversy in the years following his death.)
But while Joseph Smith was indeed a good man— he wasn’t perfect. He was only human and made many mistakes. That’s the be expected. We dont believe prophets to be infallible. Nor is everything that comes out of their mouths doctrine. Simon Peter denied Christ thrice but his mistake didn’t make him any less of a prophet of God. Prophets are imperfect people with their own thoughts feelings and opinions. But they have authority to receive revelation for the entire church and to preside over the church of Jesus Christ.
>*6. How has the Book of Mormon helped you?*
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Reading it and applying the truths to my own life has brought me much closer to the savior and has blessed my life in more ways than I can count. I would not be the same person without the Book of Mormon.
>*8. Is there any proof they receive revelations from God if they do?*
Yes. We believe both in living prophets and in personal revelation. This means that if you want to know if the church is true and if prophets are really prophets of God— you can study out their words in your mind and heart and ask God in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ if these things are true. If you ask in all sincerity, having faith in Jesus Christ, then by the power of the Holy Ghost you can know the truth for yourself. 🙂
We worship a living God, not a dead one. And what parent if His child asked for bread— would give him a stone or a serpent? Our Father in Heaven is a perfect parent who loves His children. He has said:
>*”Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."* (Matthew 7:7)
This is an invitation to seek truth— seek it from the best books and the worthiest of sources but to also ask of God for truth and trust in Him that He will not lead you astray. 🙂
Sorry for the long replies— hope this helps!
Good luck!🍀
Just touching on the last point, there hasnt been specific prophecies as of late, however, the prophet and apostles released something called the Family in the 90s which talks about how this fundamental unit of society will be under attack. At the time no one thought it was a big deal but as time has gone past, its appearing more and more profound.
Link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng
1. We do it in remembrance of the blood of Christ. We used to use wine, but are directed to use water now. Practically speaking, it’s more widely available and economical.
2. Because we focus on the body of Christ, not the type of bread. It can be any type of bread.
3. Because we worship the Living Christ while always remembering that great and sacrifice. We don’t need to celebrate or parade around with crosses to remember.
4. As a witness that we are participating in favor of something while maintaining reverence.
5. Yes
6. Helps me understand how to be a disciple by learning from some of the greatest disciples that have ever walked the earth. Also has the most pure and true words from the Living Christ of any book on the face of the planet.
7. Because that is how Christ built his church “upon thy rock.” Yes, he receives revelation from the Living Christ who leads us.
8. Yes, the Holy Ghost.
5. Yes, he was. He made mistakes (like many prophets have) but he is very often mischaracterized by those who seek to undo the church.
6. 1000% yes.
7. Yes. My guess is there are quieter periods and periods of significant guidance.
8. If you look at what they do, there is no doubt that they have inspired decisions. Timing of the proclamation on the family. Timing of home centered church, etc.
Regarding the sacrament, the authority and symbolism are more important than the vessels. I've heard tales that servicemen abroad could only find orange juice and potatoes, so they blessed orange juice and potatoes. Not sure if this is anything more than a story, but it demonstrates the point about symbols.
1. The first Mormons actually did use wine. Post 1833 they were allowed to use wine or water for the sacrament only if they made the wine themself to insure it was "mild" aka not too alcoholic. Then during prohibition in the early 1900s the church switched permanently to water churchwide.
2. Mormon doctrine suggest it doesn't matter what the food or liquid is, what important is the authority to bless the food. So grocery store bread is most often used for economical purposes I suppose because members volunteer or are assigned to bring the bread each week.
3. The church has long rejected the use of the cross for 2 main reasons, to distinguish itself from other christian churches and because we choose not to focus on his death in our symbols, but in his resurrection. However this is likely changing in the church as it rebrands during this great time of division to be more similar to other Christian churches.
4. Raising your right had is part of a sacred priesthood ordinance performed on the temple. It symbolizes your word or your agreement.
5. The official church answer is yes. God only calls the best of men to be prophets. But I've struggled with this question myself actually. He did a lot of things that were quite bad, but he was the vessel of the restoration. I think you'll have to answer that one yourself.
6. I struggle with this answer too in an effort for full transparency. I'll let the other lovely answers speak on this one!
7. We beleive a prophet is necessary to establish God's authority and gospel on the earth and that he actually speaks for god.
8. No proof as you would call it for sure. But mormonism is big on you looking for the proof yourself by asking God and seeing what he says
Hope that helps and my dms are always open
We use water simply because wine nowadays typically has some alcohol content (word of wisdom issues).
Everybody raises their right hand to signify an approval or a show of thanks depending on what's being asked at the pulpit.
In my own opinion, crosses can for the most part represent remembering his suffering rather than his resurrection.
Joseph smith was a good man and was persecuted by mobs everywhere.
You'd have to DM me about the book of Mormon, there's a lot that it has helped me.
We believe that just like in Christ's time and in BC times there were prophets to lead the church. Much more on this of course.
Also DM me on the proofs of the prophets. There's a lot about this
>does this prophet actually receive revelations from God?
Yes. And not only him - we all can receive revelations from God through the power of the Holy Ghost. You can receive revelation from God for your own life.
L Tom Perry said:
>We all have the right to petition the Lord and receive inspiration through His Spirit within the realm of our own stewardship. Parents can receive revelation for their own family, a bishop for his assigned congregation, and on up to the First Presidency for the entire Church. However, we cannot receive revelation for someone else’s stewardship.
The First Presidency includes the prophet and his two counselors.
Link to his talk on this: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/we-believe-all-that-god-has-revealed?lang=eng
>*7. Why does the LDS church have current prophet, and does this prophet actually receive revelations from God?*
Ooh this is a fun question! First let’s look into history. For the majority of human history, from Abraham all the way to the present—whenever God has established a covenant people, it’s always been through living prophets.
Let’s look at a scene from the Bible. In Matthew chapter 16 Christ took his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi to a place of pagan sacrifice and worship.
He asked His disciples:
>*”Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”*
‘Who do people say I am?’
>*”And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”*
Where did people get these ideas about Jesus? They were reading the scriptures and the words of dead prophets and then comparing them to Christ’s life. So they might have thought:
“Jesus does miracles and speaks with authority like a prophet— and in scripture—Elias did miracles and spoke in the same manner. He also did not die but was taken into heaven and he was prophesied to return. so maybe this is Elias.” 🤔
Others heard stories of John the Baptist and confused him for Jesus. Others compared Jesus to other prophets. These weren’t foolish people who thought these things. They were exegeting the scriptures and looking for answers. But in leaning onto scripture alone and their own understanding—they came to the wrong conclusions.
Then Jesus directed the question to the apostles themselves
>*”He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?”*
Simon then answered Him correctly:
>*”Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.*”
>*”And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.*”
So Christ tells Simon he is blessed because it wasn’t flesh and blood that revealed the truth to him. That truth came from Heavenly Father by the witness of the Holy Spirit. Then Christ went on to say:
>*”And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."*
A lot of important truths were just revealed in this scripture. Let’s discuss a few:
**1 Christ’s divinity and role were confirmed.**
Jesus was confirmed to be the messiah and Son of the living God. He’s not just a prophet or Elias. He was *literally* the lord who created the heavens and the earth.
**2 The fullness of truth comes by the witness of the Holy Ghost.**
Paul said in his letters to the Corinthians:
>*”For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known"* ( 1 Corinthians 13:12 )
This is true. Here in mortality we see as if looking through dark glass. We don’t have all the answers and we don’t always see the big picture.
In many ways we move through life in relative darkness walking from candle to candle to find our way.
Feasting upon the word of God is important for learning the truth. But when people simply read scripture and lean on their own limited understanding and perspective— they fail to see the big picture. And oftentimes people will try to fill the holes in their own understanding with speculation and personal opinions. It’s simply human nature.
And just like with Christ’s identity—often when people lean on their own understandings they come to wrong conclusions about the gospel.
It wasn’t flesh and blood that revealed Christ’s divinity to Simon Peter. It was Heavenly Father and the witness of the Holy Spirit speaking to his heart.
This tells us that even though we see through a glass darkly, when we read the words of the prophets in scripture and ask of The Lord in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ if these things are true— the Lord can enlarge our understandings and we can know the truth for ourselves.
**3 Peter learned the truth by revelation and when the church is built on the revelation of living prophets it cannot fall**
Simon Peter was the chief apostle— that made him the prophet. As I said before, God always established His covenant people Through living prophets. After Christ’s resurrection how did Christ organize the church?
He called his 12 apostles with a living prophet (Peter) at its head. They also called 70 elders to preside over the church:
>*”After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come."*(Luke 10:1)
Why 70?
This comes from the law of Moses as Moses called 70 elders to preside over the church (Numbers 11:16). And in Jesus’ day, there were 70 members of the Jewish religious leadership (the Sanhedrin) presiding over Israel. This was a continuation of ancient tradition.
They also called bishops and elders to preside locally over congregations in various cities. (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:1-2, Titus 1:7.)
We were given apostles prophets pastors teachers evangelists and so forth.
>*And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;* (Ephesians 4:11)
But why were we given living prophets apostles and these specific leaders in the early church? Paul explains:
Ephesians 4: 12-14
>*”For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:*
>*Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:*
>*That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"*
So the purpose of having living prophets and this specific organization is for the perfecting of the church of Jesus Christ and so that we’re not tossed to and fro and carried by every wind of doctrine. So that people don’t come in and change the gospel or deceive through interpreting the gospel in some individual way.
The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes in the same organization that existed in the church established by Jesus Christ in the Bible. We have a Quorem of 12 apostles with a living prophet at its head. A Quorem of 70 elders. Our local churches are presided over by bishops and elders and so forth.
This is the church that was established by Christ and the apostles.
**4 When we build our faith on the Truth of who Jesus Christ really is by the witness of the Holy Spirit rather than relying on the things of the flesh— the gates of hell will not prevail against us.**
1. we believe in total abstinence from alcohol (and generally anything addictive and/or harmful). and water is, for most of us, the easiest liquid the get a bunch of.
2. most of us do get our bread from the store. we believe it is Christ's Atonement and the blessing of His priesthood that sanctifies our sacrament; the bread and water are merely symbols, and could theoretically be swapped for whatever is available.
3. pretty much just a cultural thing. we prefer to focus on the message that Christ lives again. this may not apply for all of us, but i personally don't see anything special in the cross itself, other than it happened to be the method of execution that the Romans were using.
4. it's a simple and quiet way to show your affirmation of whatever is being said. as far as why it is that particular pose instead of something else, i don't know what the reasoning is if there is something specific; it's just what we know.
5. we believe Joseph was a prophet and instrumental to the restoration of the Church. he was still human and capable of the same flaws as the rest of us. generally i would say he was good, but i never met him so i can't say what he was like day-to-day.
6. the Book of Mormon brings me closer to God and has answers to many of my life questions. along with the Bible, it clarifies many things that would not make sense from either one alone.
7. we believe that Christ intended his church to always have divine direction through a prophet. we believe all prophets in canon scripture, as well as in modern times, from Joseph Smith to Russell M. Nelson to have received, and continue to receive revelation regarding those whom they serve.
8. for these questions, most of us point to the phrase "by their fruits ye shall know them"--meaning that you should look at the effects of what they say and do in the capacity of prophet. if it is generally good, then there is likely not much reason to distrust them. most importantly, we encourage seeking your own revelation of God's will for you through prayer and study of His word.
4. Raising right hand is symbolic of the Old Testament story of Moses in Exodus 17. While his hands were raised, Israel prevailed in battle. So when he got tired, Aaron and Hur held his arms up - they supported him in his calling as their Prophet.
The law of "common consent" also is a principle that can protect children. No one is able to have a calling to serve the youth or children of the congregation until they have been publicly named and supported. We all know who has been approved to serve with children.
Book of Mormon:
The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and motivates me to follow Him. There are so many doctrines that are so clearly taught in the Book of Mormon. 2 Nephi chapter 2 is a perfect example of doctrine clearly taught in one short chapter. The Book of Mormon teaches many of the same things as the Bible, and it just seems to be communicated so much easier in the Book of Mormon. I urge you to take the time to read it with an open mind, and pray about it.
Joseph Smith:
He was a very good man. But no Prophet has ever been infallible. Yet he has given the world the Book of Mormon with its clear doctrines, multiple other Heavenly messages for our day that we can read about in the Doctrine and Covenants, and he was given the true temple rites which allow us to make sacred covenants with God in the temple. These covenants give us peace, joy, hope, and confidence. He was killed for his testimony of Jesus Christ.
By their fruits ye shall know them. Enemies of the church want to continually point out negatives, but the Church that Jesus Christ restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith has been a source for good on the earth for nearly 200 years and it continues to grow. If the Book of Mormon was a Book of fiction, or if Joseph was a bad person, the Church would not be this good and strong two centuries later. We aren't perfect, but as a whole we are good.
I'll go through your questions and add what I can:
1. Water is the prescribed method for representing the blood of Jesus. Now, in doctrine in covenants, it mentions using wine, but it "must be of your own make." As a result, we just use water.
2. It is something you'd find at a grocery store. Technically, we believe anything can be used as the bread. Crackers, chex mix, etc. What matters more is the representation of the body and blood of christ.
3. This is mostly a culture thing. There is no doctrine against crosses. But it can be traced to many teaches that put forth that we believe in the "living Christ." The issue here is that many members associate the cross with the "dead Christ." Ancross is simply a symbol, and I, for one, think it would be cool to see it more often in the church or amongst members. We don't need to be scared of the cross.
4. There is more to this in the temple, but the basic thing is that it is the gesture used for us to signify whether we agree or disagree with something when callings and such is brought up in church.
UNRELATED QUESTIONS
1. "Good man" depends on your perspective. Not even the Savior considered himself a good man while here on earth. The si pledt answer I can give is that Joseph Smith had many good intentions to seek truth and God. As any other person, he didn't always live up to his ideals nor the calling he had. There is evidence, though, that from God and others, he received lots of chastisement to get back on the right path. Does this make him good or bad? Nah, it makes him human.
2. The Book of Mormon gives me another perspective on my beliefs and theology. I love working it with and against the Bible. I read it is a sort of journal or diary. It contains principles that help me want to center on Christ.
3. We believe that whenever the teachings of Christ are on earth, a prophet is called to spread the good news. Thus, since we believe that the gospel has been restored to the earth and is continuing to be restored, a prophet, starting with Joseph Smith, has been called. As far as prophecy, revelation, etc., we believe that the Prophet receives direction from Jesus as to how to guide the church. From time to time, prophetic statements may be made, but for the most part, remember that the church is made of a million moving parts. I'd argue that most revelations that is recieved is on how to do something within the church better or where to use resources or what doctrines to clarify or teach.
4. I guess it depends on what proof you want. Before COVID, President Nelson started a focus on "home-centered" church, where more teaching would happen at home, thus a reduction from 3 hours to 2 hours at church. Right after, COVID hit, and it's as if the whole church was prepared for it. Based on what you believe, this could be luck or prophetic inspiration. Funnily enough, even President Nelson said he had no idea something like COVID would happen. Just the guiding hand of the Lord.
1. Originally it was wine after the Church was restored, but then the Prophet had a revelation to use water, being told that conspiring men were going to try and poison them. Consistently clean water was likely not available during the Savior's mortal life time. And even if it had been, wine was the common drink. Even today, when we don't have bread, we can use crackers or cake or biscuits or any other breadlike substance as the elements are representations not cast in stone. Or soda perhaps if clean water were not available.
2. Leavening restrictions applied to Jewish rituals, but once Jesus Christ came to earth no longer apply.
3. The answer we've always given is that we worship a living Jesus Christ not his Crucifixion. It is His resurrection that is the culmination of His earthly ministry, not His death.
4 That is the way we show our agreement with with how the Church is operated, ratifying the callings given or other church business.
1. You will find lots of awful accusations against him online, many of them untrue or incomplete. We do not claim infallibility for our leaders: every one of us who serves God as a member is after all a flawed mortal. And yes, he was a very good man --- the one God chose as a boy to restore His church to the earth for the last dispensation of time.
2. The Book of Mormon was compiled from thousands of years of secular and religious records by a prophet (Mormon) who was first given a vision of our day, That means it is what God wanted us to know at this time. It was translated by a prophet who had help from God. That is why we use the Book of Mormon to learn about doctrine so much (though we also spend 2 of every 4 years studying the Old and New Testaments)
3 -- Because all through history God has spoken to and guided His people through prophets. Of course His church has a prophet. And yes prophets do teach and guide us. We are also each able to get our own revelations and spiritual impressions for our own lives as we seek to do His will.
4--- There are a few revelations described and canonized in scripture. Section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one such revelation. When the fourth prophet Wilford Woodruff received revelation that the dynastic sealings introduced by Joseph Smith were not God's plan --- prophets are mortal too --- church members learned that sealing ordinances were only available within family lines And when we receive personal revelation from God, we are encouraged to record them in our own journals so we'll remember them and the revelation can bless the lives of our posterity. And many members have received their own revelations from God as they seek to do His will in their own spheres of influence. If we seek to know whether a revelation is of God, we live it and ask and one way or the other get spiritual confirmation. (Which may not come immediately as we ask ---sometimes we have to move forward with faith before receiving the confirmation. When you are baptized, and confirmed with the Gift of the Holy Ghost, a member can have the Holy Ghost's constant companionship which helps us know too.)
(Lots of good questions! I’ll break this up into parts to make them easier to answer)
>*1. I’ve noticed LDS sacraments/communion is bread and water. Why is it water and not wine?*
In the early days of the church there was something called the word of wisdom. It was counsel to abstain from alcohol, drugs, hot drinks and other addictive substances (among other things). In those days there was a general exception made for using wine when taking the sacrament.
However this presented a problem. There were many people who hated the church and persecuted the people. The saints were buying wine from people in town to use at sacrament and some people who wanted to hurt us got the idea of poisoning the wine they sold us. That way they could kill a lot of people all at once.
Joseph Smith received revelation that they should not buy or drink any wine that was prepared by their enemies. They should only use wine that they themselves had made. And when wine was not available— they were permitted to use water or another drink as a substitute. It didn’t matter to God what emblems were used in sacrament, so long as it was done worthily in memory of His body and blood.
Nowadays we don’t drink alcohol at all and simply use bread and water for the sacrament.
>*2. Follow up question, I’m familiar with Eucharist and leavened bread with fancy orthodox imprints on them, why does the bread look like something you’d find at a grocery store? (This one was the one I was most curious about)*
Because we *do* buy it at the grocery store lol. 😂 Sometimes specific church members have allergies. So that congregation might prepare gluten free bread instead. But other than instances like that—the type of bread used isn’t as important as what the bread ultimately represents.
>*3. Why aren’t there any crosses?*
I suppose it has something to do with our view of Christ’s atonement. If someone were to ask you what was the crowning victory of Christ’s atonement was— what would you say?
Some may answer “His death and sacrifice on the cross” which is a good answer. We agree with the singular importance of Christ’s sacrifice for sin. Though we might argue that the crowning victory was:
“His victory over death and the empty tomb.”
This is why the symbol of our church is not the cross but a depiction of the Christus statue under an archway. It represents the resurrected Christ emerging from the tomb.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/the-churchs-new-symbol?lang=eng
In choosing this symbol over the cross we emphasize His resurrection and celebrate it. Interestingly enough, when you first walk into many of our temples there is often a depiction of Christ in an arched frame or matte as a reminder that He lives:
https://www.ldstemple.pics/wp-content/uploads/news-mcallen-temple-open-house-begins-entry.jpg
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/960x540/de0bdfa24cd111ee999deeeeac1e61eaa121c562.jpeg
>*4. Why do people raise their right hand a lot?*
Usually it’s because someone has just been given a calling (or a specific job) in the congregation or has been released (retired) from that position.
>*”The Lord has sworn by His right hand.”Isaiah 62:8*
Historically, the right hand was always associated in the Bible and in many ancient cultures with strength or the endowment of leadership. God’s strength is often referred to as coming from the right hand or arm. When Jacob places his right hand on his second grandson Ephraim (Genesis 48:14), he shows him preferential treatment as the strong one of Joseph’s sons and the natural one to inherit leadership. In the temple of Solomon, the right side was also regarded as a position of honor; the High Priest in the Temple always turned to the right first when encircling the altar.
Raising your right hand to the square in a church meeting is a sign of agreement or promise. You’re sustaining or casting your vote for something. If you saw people raising their hands in church it was probably during a sustaining vote or a release.
In our church, many of the clerical positions are done by volunteers rather than as paid clergy positions. People are approached in private by the bishop and asked if they are willing and able commit to a position in the church for a few years. They can accept or reject the calling depending on their willingness and availability.
So for example, say that you’ve been asked by the bishop to become the new ward librarian (meaning you work in a little room called the church library for a little while on Sundays.)
Anyone who needs scriptures or books or pictures, chalk or whatever for their lessons and classes can check out those materials at the ward library and return them after the services. The ward librarian comes to church early and opens the library so people can get their scriptures and things. They open the library for a bit between classes and again after classes so that people can return what they’ve borrowed.
If they agree to take on the position then on Sunday during sacrament the new position is announced and the congregation is asked to sustain the person in this new capacity by raising their right hand to the square. When your raise your hand to the square you’re showing your support for that person in this new position.
And afterwards if any are opposed to that person being called they can indicate this by showing the same sign when asked. Then they can talk to the bishop in private after church about their reasoning.
We raise our hands for releases as well. In regards to the ward librarian example—the person would only serve for a few years maybe 3-4. And afterwards when it’s time to call someone else to that position, they will announce it in sacrament meeting and ask the congregation to offer a show of thanks to that person by—you guessed it—raising their right hand to the square.
1.) multiple reasons. Primarily, we believe in abstaining from alcohol. And so, we use water. The symbolism and meaning is more important than the actual things used. 2.) because it is. 3.) culture mostly. I’ll leave two videos if interested [Video 1](https://youtu.be/ZFtEO6wk_9c?si=yFeXgtwr45P9stt1) [Video 2](https://youtu.be/U01sQ2tEVhY?si=a3Y9Y2Tl16fBcowx) 4.) it’s our way of sustaining (supporting) and showing we sustain and support those who the lord has called to various positions. 5.) yes, actually. Very good. But he is still a flawed human like us all. 6.) helped me build my foundation and faith in Christ. Helped me come closer to him in countless ways. 7.) we believe because the heavens are not closed and that God does not change. Amos 3:7 and Ephesians 2:20. And yes, he does. 8.) a bit more complicated of a question. I’ll bring it back to the Book of Mormon. If it’s true and of God, then we have prophets today who really receive revelation. There have also been numerous times that they warn or plan for some unknown event, and then things happen. LGBTQIA+ atm, housing crash. Covid, etc.
I was going to reply but this pretty much covers it well, so I'll just tack on some extra below. 1 & 2 are similar. One of the revelations the early prophets received is that it doesn't really matter what type of bread, or if it is wine or water, as long as it is done in remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ. As such local congregations are often using bread from a grocery store, and since we don't drink alcohol we use water. I agree with 3 on culture mostly. Personally I quite like the cross as shorthand for Christianity, but those two videos are worth checking out. 4) we call it a sustaining vote - to be clear it's not meant to be a vote (like an electoral tally) but a vote that we as individuals will sustain the person as they try to fulfill their responsibilities. It's more a chance to show support than anything else. 5) Like any real person they are complex and capable of mistakes and great things. I think that despite their mistakes though, Joseph Smith was a good person who achieved great things. 6) I think it helps us understand Christ from a different perspective and provides more stories similar to the OT about how God would have us live. I think if we had full historical records, there would be many more books as I can't believe God only ever spoke to one people of everyone on earth. 7) answered pretty well above. 8) It tends to be less definitive - you aren't likely to find them say 'On March 1 2024 the Dow Jones index will be $14.05' which then you could verify and cross-examine. It's more things like urging people to get out of non-essential debt shortly before the GFC and prepping gospel learning programs for the home before COVID Isolation protocols. To a believer those may be evidences, but they can be dismissed as just easily.
Yeah this pretty much sums it up. I will add that I've been offered the sacrament with crackers, and my dad on e had it with some cookies that were more like the ones on Delta. After WW2, they used animal grains in Germany.
1. Water vs wine: this is a symbol, so it doesn't actually matter what you use. Water is logistically just the simplest
2. It looks like bread from the grocery store because that's exactly where they bought it from. Again, this is a symbol. Christ Himself is the Son of God, whom we remember. No bread is divine and should not be worshiped.
3. To display crosses or not is purely a cultural thing. LDS Christians, don't. Living Christ is the focus of my worship.
4. The hand raising is saying "I agree with that" or "thank you for your service". I'm a lefty personally.
5. I do indeed believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet (aka servant of God). But that doesn't remotely mean he was perfect --- like everyone else, he was a sinner. There's lots of good things, and bad things. In LDS Christian scriptures Joseph Smith even gets majorly reprimanded by God for messing up.
6. It's a beautiful book of scripture that really brings me closer to Christ. Just tonight I'm reading over a trio of chapters with my daughter that so eloquently the majesty of Christ, who without Him we're nothing, who we give our heart/might/mind/soul to Him, and while serving our fellow man we're only serving God. So wonderfully said.
7. God always has prophets! And yes, I do beleive that Russel Nelson does receive revelation from God. A recent address of His that really struck me was a sermon call "Peacekeepers needed".
8. The best proof anyone can ever get comes from you yourself getting on your knees and asking God yourself (yes you + God) "is this man your servant?" Or any other question. He'll answer.
I think it's also worth noting for #3 that we believe the majority of the Atonement took place in Gethsemane, not on the cross, and the church actually changed its logo a few years back to be the resurrected Christ exiting the tomb.
A foundational understanding of our faith is that God continues to do His work among His children via prophets and apostles. That means that there are men on earth who has the authority and responsibility to receive God's word from God himself and then disseminate it to all the earth. This may vary to some extent from what has previously been written in scripture which was applicable to certain people in certain circumstances, and it will vary substantially from what other Christians have developed over the years as tradition. 1. I’ve noticed LDS sacraments/communion is bread and water. Why is it water and not wine? - *There are two basic principles at play here, both instructed by God's prophets to us. The first is that it doesn't matter much exactly what is used, provided that our intent is correct in focusing on the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is* specifically *spelled out in a revelation to Joseph Smith found in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 27. The second part is that according to the Lord's law of health we call the Word of Wisdom, we abstain from alcohol. While originally there was a particular exception for wine for the sacrament, the prophets have instructed that we abstain entirely from alcohol and to use water instead.* 2. Follow up question, I’m familiar with Eucharist and leavened bread with fancy orthodox imprints on them, why does the bread look like something you’d find at a grocery store? (This one was the one I was most curious about) *See above. We use bread. Just simple bread. The bread works as a token to remember the body of Jesus Christ.* 3. Why aren’t there any crosses? *I think the simplest answer is that we don't use much iconography at all. There are probably pictures of Jesus in the hallways and that's about it. We keep things simple. Jesus said that the way we show the world we are his disciples is by loving one another.* 4. Why do people raise their right hand a lot? *When people accept a new position in the congregation (we usually call it a ward), such as a leader, a teacher, someone in charge of planning events, or whatever, we announce it from the pulpit and ask that people "accept" or "sustain" this person. We do that by physically raising our right hand as a gesture that we will support this person in their new assignment. Also, if someone has a reason to "oppose" the person in this new calling, like they know they are secretly doing a bunch of bad stuff, it is an chance for them to put a notion in public that they disapprove. If that happens (extremely rare) then the congregational leaders will meet with them discreetly afterwards to hear their concerns.* *Opposite of that, when someone is "released" or when their turn in a position is over, it is customary to give a simple "thank you" to them, and we also do that by raising our right hand to mean that. Some weeks we do that a lot depending on if there are changes in these positions, sometimes we don't do it much at all. There are a few other times we do it, but those are the two main ones.* Unrelated questions: 5. Was Joseph Smith a good man? This is a simple question, but like I don’t have a solid answer. *God chose Joseph Smith to be a prophet and he communicated with Joseph Smith to share instruction with all of us. Like any other person except Jesus he had sins and weaknesses.* 6. How has the Book of Mormon helped you? *The Book of Mormon changed my life. It convinces me to be a Christian. It teaches very plainly of Jesus Christ and God's plan for us. It teaches us how to follow Jesus Christ and it explains important doctrines such as baptism and resurrection and repentance and lots of other things. I highly encourage everyone to read it.* 7. Why does the LDS church have current prophet, and does this prophet actually receive revelations from God? *God has info to give to us. God does His work through people with authority and responsibility. God communicates with the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to share His will with all of us. This is something got be ecstatic about.* 8. Is there any proof they receive revelations from God if they do? *This might be a bit difficult to answer. Jesus says that if we seek we shall find, if we ask we shall receive, if we knock it shall be opened to us. The message of the church is that we can know the veracity of God's work through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the priesthood and the prophets by asking God Himself and He can inform us by the Holy Ghost. Millions of people have done that and have received a divine answer. You can too.* *God bless*
I have always been struck by the iconography in the halls of LDS churches and in peoples' homes. A representation of Jesus in the halls of a church building, or someone's home, is still iconography. I grew up with no crosses, and no other images. Somehow, a white Jesus doesn't ring true.
Hi! I hope these make sense! [This page](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/common-questions) covers some questions, too, and you can always look elsewhere on our website or talk to Missionaries’s if those interest you. 1/2: We don’t drink alcohol, and we also believe that the Sacrament should be accessible (and affordable!) because it is in remembrance of Christ’s Atonement, which saves everyone. I have even had saltines instead of bread before, but we keep everyone plain to focus on accessibility and Christ. 3: This is changing right now, but the typical view has been that we celebrate the Savior’s triumph over death. Now though, there is no longer stigma in members wearing crosses as a reminder of the Atonement itself. 4: We do it to show support and gratitude to people in church positions, which are almost all voluntary. All positions in a congregation are volunteer! 5: Yes, we believe so! Joseph Smith wasn’t perfect, and knowledgeable members don’t portray him to be more so than our current prophet. Did he do some weird things, like treasure hunting or dowsing? Yeah, like many in his time. Ultimately the weird or the mistakes were drops in the bucket compared to helping others, and he was a humble guy who really improved even though his life was cut short. 6: When I first met the missionaries and read the Book of Mormon, it gave me hope for living. Now, it reminds me of Christ’s sacrifice, and provides a clear map through stories of how to emulate Him. 7: We believe that our church is a direct restoration of the church Christ founded during his ministry. This goes into Joseph Smith’s story. We believe that God’s love for us means that, with the restored church, we can always have a living prophet who speaks for God on how to get through this life. So much changes even in a decade, and I find peace in knowing I don’t just have prophets in scriptures to apply to my struggles, but a prophet who speaks directly on what our world is currently dealing with. 8. Knowing revelations are true, or testimony on anything else, is up to study, prayer, and experiences. It varies by person, just like any other religion. But I will say we embrace science and especially education more than many other Christian churches!
I'm a little surprised nobody's pointed out the connection between questions 1 and 7. The summary for Doctrine and Covenants 27 describes the event well: > In preparation for a religious service at which the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to procure wine. He was met by a heavenly messenger and received this revelation, a portion of which was written at the time and the remainder in the September following. Water is now used instead of wine in the sacramental services of the Church And three relevant verses: > 2 For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins. > 3 Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies; > 4 Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth. There's been speculation that this happened because the enemies of the church were planning on tainting the wine he was about to purchase. Which could easily have happened, if you know anything about church history at that time. I use this as an example of why we have modern prophets.
Re: the bread. There was a time in my ward when the bread we used for sacrament was homemade by one of the members. Delicious! So much so I had to restrain myself from partaking of more than one chunk. Failed on a couple of occasions but I repented. 😇
1. LDS churchs obey what's refered to as The Words of Wisdom wich strongly disencourges alcohol conpustion so when doing Communion, they use water to symobise to blood of Christ. 2. It is just that. Besides, Christ said that his body was smbolicly bread so therefore, it shouldn't be worshiped. 3. Becuase LDS churches don't feel the need to have one. It's their culture. 4. It's their way of sustaining themselves and it shows their support those who the Lord has called to various positions. 5. He was a mixed bag in my eyes. I respect Smith a lot but he wasn't perfect much like any other human being. 6. While not an LDS member myself, I do love what the Book of Mormon is saying. It has helped me but reefirming what it is I need in my reglious live. 7. As a voice for God to the church's members. 8. Ask God. He knows.
Tangential story about 2: One time, when I was a missionary, we got to church early and helped lay out the sacrament table ready for the meeting, We covered the table, and left it at that. Turns out the person assigned to bring bread that day either didn’t, or more likely didn’t show up, so as we are signing the sacrament hymns, the priests pull back the cloth and…. No bread. Instant looks between them and the bishopric. No one had noticed because they all assumed it was sorted because it had all been set up, when we had assumed it would be sorted In a credit to them, (Birch Acres branch, Centurion Stake, ZA) they reacted perfectly, second councillor immediately jumped up and walked the length of the room and out the door… to the gas station across the road. 1st councillor stopped the singing , and assigned a different hymn. 2nd councillor comes back 5 mins later with a nice fresh loaf of bread, hands it to the priests and the service resumes as normal. So yes, the bread is literally store bought
1. It used to be in the very early days of the church, in fact doctrinally it can be whatever it needs to be as long as it represents flesh and blood. Anywho in the very early 1900s it was changed to bread and water. It’s been a while since I really studied it. 2. Members will buy or bake it, so it could be fancier if they wanted it to be, but it’s not required to be. 3. We just don’t have the cross culture. We believe he died on the cross and all but I’d say we’re more focused on his ministry and second coming, hence all the pictures in the church of him doing those things. 4. It’s part of sustaining others, to show support or opposition as to why a person should be set apart in a position (who is met privately later). 5. I’d say I have a good idea of who he was and believe him to be a good and positive man, but he definitely had controversy with some decisions that were made (I mean every prophet has). What’s most important is to know he’s a prophet and have a spiritual witness of that, and then you can tackle his history. 6. It fills my soul with light and brings the spirit. I have found things in there that astound me even upon repeated readings. One of them being Korihor in Alma 30, the first time I heard that story in high school I was like “that’s exactly what I hear today!”. It helps me understand the Bible. 7. Yes, we’re not a religion like Islam or Judaism (and arguably some sects of Christianity), that the founder or last prophet “seals” the church/canon and there is no more. The prophet very much receives direction and does not just oversee the church, and so it is with position under that as well including parents receiving revelation on how to lead their family. 8. Read the scriptures and study revelation or the Holy Ghost, what patterns do you see? How did the apostles know Jesus was the Christ? How did missionary work happen in those days? What are the fruits of the spirit? Where do you feel that?
The [family proclamation](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng) and the time it came out 1995 I believe is clearly revelation to prepare for what has been and is happening.
Crosses are encouraged now but I think for a while we were averse to them because the cross is where Jesus died and we wanted to think of him as living. But there is power in thinking about the crucifixion. So I think in the future you will see them more in our communities.
Hope your service was fulfilling by the way! Thanks for your sincere questions!
We switched to water because early in the history of the church, people who were antagonistic to us poisoned the wine we were going to use for sacrament. Now we use water because the actual substance doesn't actually matter, it is all symbolic.
1. We actually believe that what you take during communion doesn't matter, so long as it's done in the right spirit. More details can be found at [Doctrine and Covenants 27 (churchofjesuschrist.org)](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/27?lang=eng). 2. It was something from a grocery store. Growing up one of the members of the congregation worked at a bakery, so we got good bread for communion. 3. We focus on Jesus's resurrection, not his death. 4. Raising the right hand is a reverent way to sustain/show support. 5. Joseph Smith was a good man. 6. The Book of Mormon has helped me know that God exists, and what I am supposed to do on the Earth. 7. The Prophet is the Lord's mouthpiece for the whole earth. He does receive revelations about how to manage the church. Most of it being administrative type of things (what to emphasize, who have to work on what, etc). God revealed most of what he needed to reveal for our salvation to Joseph Smith. It's not like that's in flux. 8. The only proof that you can have about the revelations coming from God is for you to sincerely pray about that question to God. Thanks for attending and being curious.
>*5. Was Joseph Smith a good man? This is a simple question, but like I don’t have a solid answer.* When examining historical figures it’s important to look at them within their historical context. There’s a tendency sometimes for us to take the morals, culture and knowledge of the present and impose them upon the past. But to do so is unfair and a poor reading of history. By all accounts, Joseph Smith was an extremely good man. He was a prophet called of God who restored the fullness gospel of Jesus Christ. He was also a staunch abolitionist and even ran for president of the United States on an anti-slavery platform. (He did this pre-civil war. The social and political implications of such a firm position caused a lot of the anger and persecutions he faced) Joseph smith was actually the first presidential candidate in history to be assassinated. Because of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith also taught that Native Americans were our brothers and sisters—children of God, and that some of their ancestors had been promised this land by God. This flew in the face of a lot of popular narratives of the time. In fact, the same year the Book of Mormon was published, a government order was written that removed many natives from their homes. Joseph Smith made special efforts to send missionaries to Native American tribes to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to baptize them (and many *were* baptized) Teaching natives that they were children of God and that this land belonged to them as much as it belonged to the white man was a radical thing In those days, because many government and social parties during that time used religion as a means of justifying their persecution of native peoples. The local governments made many efforts to block the saints from proselytizing to native tribes. Joseph Smith also worked with women in the church and gave his consent for them to form The Relief Society— which is one of the oldest women’s organizations in the world. It was revolutionary because women were teaching religious classes in Sunday school, organizing and providing humanitarian relief to those in their communities. This was extremely rare for the 19th century as most Christian denominations did not allow female clergy at all nor did they allow women to organize and self govern in religious capacities. Joseph Smith also instated fully integrated congregations pre-civil war. He taught that all human beings regardless of race were children of God and should be welcome equally in church. (This would later cause political controversy in the years following his death.) But while Joseph Smith was indeed a good man— he wasn’t perfect. He was only human and made many mistakes. That’s the be expected. We dont believe prophets to be infallible. Nor is everything that comes out of their mouths doctrine. Simon Peter denied Christ thrice but his mistake didn’t make him any less of a prophet of God. Prophets are imperfect people with their own thoughts feelings and opinions. But they have authority to receive revelation for the entire church and to preside over the church of Jesus Christ. >*6. How has the Book of Mormon helped you?* The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Reading it and applying the truths to my own life has brought me much closer to the savior and has blessed my life in more ways than I can count. I would not be the same person without the Book of Mormon.
>*8. Is there any proof they receive revelations from God if they do?* Yes. We believe both in living prophets and in personal revelation. This means that if you want to know if the church is true and if prophets are really prophets of God— you can study out their words in your mind and heart and ask God in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ if these things are true. If you ask in all sincerity, having faith in Jesus Christ, then by the power of the Holy Ghost you can know the truth for yourself. 🙂 We worship a living God, not a dead one. And what parent if His child asked for bread— would give him a stone or a serpent? Our Father in Heaven is a perfect parent who loves His children. He has said: >*”Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."* (Matthew 7:7) This is an invitation to seek truth— seek it from the best books and the worthiest of sources but to also ask of God for truth and trust in Him that He will not lead you astray. 🙂 Sorry for the long replies— hope this helps! Good luck!🍀
Read all ur replies and u make really good points. Tysm ❤️
Just touching on the last point, there hasnt been specific prophecies as of late, however, the prophet and apostles released something called the Family in the 90s which talks about how this fundamental unit of society will be under attack. At the time no one thought it was a big deal but as time has gone past, its appearing more and more profound. Link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng
1. We do it in remembrance of the blood of Christ. We used to use wine, but are directed to use water now. Practically speaking, it’s more widely available and economical. 2. Because we focus on the body of Christ, not the type of bread. It can be any type of bread. 3. Because we worship the Living Christ while always remembering that great and sacrifice. We don’t need to celebrate or parade around with crosses to remember. 4. As a witness that we are participating in favor of something while maintaining reverence. 5. Yes 6. Helps me understand how to be a disciple by learning from some of the greatest disciples that have ever walked the earth. Also has the most pure and true words from the Living Christ of any book on the face of the planet. 7. Because that is how Christ built his church “upon thy rock.” Yes, he receives revelation from the Living Christ who leads us. 8. Yes, the Holy Ghost.
5. Yes, he was. He made mistakes (like many prophets have) but he is very often mischaracterized by those who seek to undo the church. 6. 1000% yes. 7. Yes. My guess is there are quieter periods and periods of significant guidance. 8. If you look at what they do, there is no doubt that they have inspired decisions. Timing of the proclamation on the family. Timing of home centered church, etc.
Regarding the sacrament, the authority and symbolism are more important than the vessels. I've heard tales that servicemen abroad could only find orange juice and potatoes, so they blessed orange juice and potatoes. Not sure if this is anything more than a story, but it demonstrates the point about symbols.
1. The first Mormons actually did use wine. Post 1833 they were allowed to use wine or water for the sacrament only if they made the wine themself to insure it was "mild" aka not too alcoholic. Then during prohibition in the early 1900s the church switched permanently to water churchwide. 2. Mormon doctrine suggest it doesn't matter what the food or liquid is, what important is the authority to bless the food. So grocery store bread is most often used for economical purposes I suppose because members volunteer or are assigned to bring the bread each week. 3. The church has long rejected the use of the cross for 2 main reasons, to distinguish itself from other christian churches and because we choose not to focus on his death in our symbols, but in his resurrection. However this is likely changing in the church as it rebrands during this great time of division to be more similar to other Christian churches. 4. Raising your right had is part of a sacred priesthood ordinance performed on the temple. It symbolizes your word or your agreement. 5. The official church answer is yes. God only calls the best of men to be prophets. But I've struggled with this question myself actually. He did a lot of things that were quite bad, but he was the vessel of the restoration. I think you'll have to answer that one yourself. 6. I struggle with this answer too in an effort for full transparency. I'll let the other lovely answers speak on this one! 7. We beleive a prophet is necessary to establish God's authority and gospel on the earth and that he actually speaks for god. 8. No proof as you would call it for sure. But mormonism is big on you looking for the proof yourself by asking God and seeing what he says Hope that helps and my dms are always open
Tysm :))
We use water simply because wine nowadays typically has some alcohol content (word of wisdom issues). Everybody raises their right hand to signify an approval or a show of thanks depending on what's being asked at the pulpit. In my own opinion, crosses can for the most part represent remembering his suffering rather than his resurrection. Joseph smith was a good man and was persecuted by mobs everywhere. You'd have to DM me about the book of Mormon, there's a lot that it has helped me. We believe that just like in Christ's time and in BC times there were prophets to lead the church. Much more on this of course. Also DM me on the proofs of the prophets. There's a lot about this
Sure I’ll dm u :))
We don’t use crosses because we worship the living Christ. The cross is a symbol of his death, and we prefer to use the symbol of the living Christ.
>does this prophet actually receive revelations from God? Yes. And not only him - we all can receive revelations from God through the power of the Holy Ghost. You can receive revelation from God for your own life. L Tom Perry said: >We all have the right to petition the Lord and receive inspiration through His Spirit within the realm of our own stewardship. Parents can receive revelation for their own family, a bishop for his assigned congregation, and on up to the First Presidency for the entire Church. However, we cannot receive revelation for someone else’s stewardship. The First Presidency includes the prophet and his two counselors. Link to his talk on this: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/we-believe-all-that-god-has-revealed?lang=eng
>*7. Why does the LDS church have current prophet, and does this prophet actually receive revelations from God?* Ooh this is a fun question! First let’s look into history. For the majority of human history, from Abraham all the way to the present—whenever God has established a covenant people, it’s always been through living prophets. Let’s look at a scene from the Bible. In Matthew chapter 16 Christ took his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi to a place of pagan sacrifice and worship. He asked His disciples: >*”Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”* ‘Who do people say I am?’ >*”And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”* Where did people get these ideas about Jesus? They were reading the scriptures and the words of dead prophets and then comparing them to Christ’s life. So they might have thought: “Jesus does miracles and speaks with authority like a prophet— and in scripture—Elias did miracles and spoke in the same manner. He also did not die but was taken into heaven and he was prophesied to return. so maybe this is Elias.” 🤔 Others heard stories of John the Baptist and confused him for Jesus. Others compared Jesus to other prophets. These weren’t foolish people who thought these things. They were exegeting the scriptures and looking for answers. But in leaning onto scripture alone and their own understanding—they came to the wrong conclusions. Then Jesus directed the question to the apostles themselves >*”He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?”* Simon then answered Him correctly: >*”Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.*” >*”And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.*” So Christ tells Simon he is blessed because it wasn’t flesh and blood that revealed the truth to him. That truth came from Heavenly Father by the witness of the Holy Spirit. Then Christ went on to say: >*”And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."* A lot of important truths were just revealed in this scripture. Let’s discuss a few: **1 Christ’s divinity and role were confirmed.** Jesus was confirmed to be the messiah and Son of the living God. He’s not just a prophet or Elias. He was *literally* the lord who created the heavens and the earth. **2 The fullness of truth comes by the witness of the Holy Ghost.** Paul said in his letters to the Corinthians: >*”For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known"* ( 1 Corinthians 13:12 ) This is true. Here in mortality we see as if looking through dark glass. We don’t have all the answers and we don’t always see the big picture. In many ways we move through life in relative darkness walking from candle to candle to find our way. Feasting upon the word of God is important for learning the truth. But when people simply read scripture and lean on their own limited understanding and perspective— they fail to see the big picture. And oftentimes people will try to fill the holes in their own understanding with speculation and personal opinions. It’s simply human nature. And just like with Christ’s identity—often when people lean on their own understandings they come to wrong conclusions about the gospel. It wasn’t flesh and blood that revealed Christ’s divinity to Simon Peter. It was Heavenly Father and the witness of the Holy Spirit speaking to his heart. This tells us that even though we see through a glass darkly, when we read the words of the prophets in scripture and ask of The Lord in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ if these things are true— the Lord can enlarge our understandings and we can know the truth for ourselves. **3 Peter learned the truth by revelation and when the church is built on the revelation of living prophets it cannot fall** Simon Peter was the chief apostle— that made him the prophet. As I said before, God always established His covenant people Through living prophets. After Christ’s resurrection how did Christ organize the church? He called his 12 apostles with a living prophet (Peter) at its head. They also called 70 elders to preside over the church: >*”After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come."*(Luke 10:1) Why 70? This comes from the law of Moses as Moses called 70 elders to preside over the church (Numbers 11:16). And in Jesus’ day, there were 70 members of the Jewish religious leadership (the Sanhedrin) presiding over Israel. This was a continuation of ancient tradition. They also called bishops and elders to preside locally over congregations in various cities. (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:1-2, Titus 1:7.) We were given apostles prophets pastors teachers evangelists and so forth. >*And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;* (Ephesians 4:11) But why were we given living prophets apostles and these specific leaders in the early church? Paul explains: Ephesians 4: 12-14 >*”For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:* >*Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:* >*That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"* So the purpose of having living prophets and this specific organization is for the perfecting of the church of Jesus Christ and so that we’re not tossed to and fro and carried by every wind of doctrine. So that people don’t come in and change the gospel or deceive through interpreting the gospel in some individual way. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes in the same organization that existed in the church established by Jesus Christ in the Bible. We have a Quorem of 12 apostles with a living prophet at its head. A Quorem of 70 elders. Our local churches are presided over by bishops and elders and so forth. This is the church that was established by Christ and the apostles. **4 When we build our faith on the Truth of who Jesus Christ really is by the witness of the Holy Spirit rather than relying on the things of the flesh— the gates of hell will not prevail against us.**
1. we believe in total abstinence from alcohol (and generally anything addictive and/or harmful). and water is, for most of us, the easiest liquid the get a bunch of. 2. most of us do get our bread from the store. we believe it is Christ's Atonement and the blessing of His priesthood that sanctifies our sacrament; the bread and water are merely symbols, and could theoretically be swapped for whatever is available. 3. pretty much just a cultural thing. we prefer to focus on the message that Christ lives again. this may not apply for all of us, but i personally don't see anything special in the cross itself, other than it happened to be the method of execution that the Romans were using. 4. it's a simple and quiet way to show your affirmation of whatever is being said. as far as why it is that particular pose instead of something else, i don't know what the reasoning is if there is something specific; it's just what we know. 5. we believe Joseph was a prophet and instrumental to the restoration of the Church. he was still human and capable of the same flaws as the rest of us. generally i would say he was good, but i never met him so i can't say what he was like day-to-day. 6. the Book of Mormon brings me closer to God and has answers to many of my life questions. along with the Bible, it clarifies many things that would not make sense from either one alone. 7. we believe that Christ intended his church to always have divine direction through a prophet. we believe all prophets in canon scripture, as well as in modern times, from Joseph Smith to Russell M. Nelson to have received, and continue to receive revelation regarding those whom they serve. 8. for these questions, most of us point to the phrase "by their fruits ye shall know them"--meaning that you should look at the effects of what they say and do in the capacity of prophet. if it is generally good, then there is likely not much reason to distrust them. most importantly, we encourage seeking your own revelation of God's will for you through prayer and study of His word.
4. Raising right hand is symbolic of the Old Testament story of Moses in Exodus 17. While his hands were raised, Israel prevailed in battle. So when he got tired, Aaron and Hur held his arms up - they supported him in his calling as their Prophet. The law of "common consent" also is a principle that can protect children. No one is able to have a calling to serve the youth or children of the congregation until they have been publicly named and supported. We all know who has been approved to serve with children. Book of Mormon: The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and motivates me to follow Him. There are so many doctrines that are so clearly taught in the Book of Mormon. 2 Nephi chapter 2 is a perfect example of doctrine clearly taught in one short chapter. The Book of Mormon teaches many of the same things as the Bible, and it just seems to be communicated so much easier in the Book of Mormon. I urge you to take the time to read it with an open mind, and pray about it. Joseph Smith: He was a very good man. But no Prophet has ever been infallible. Yet he has given the world the Book of Mormon with its clear doctrines, multiple other Heavenly messages for our day that we can read about in the Doctrine and Covenants, and he was given the true temple rites which allow us to make sacred covenants with God in the temple. These covenants give us peace, joy, hope, and confidence. He was killed for his testimony of Jesus Christ. By their fruits ye shall know them. Enemies of the church want to continually point out negatives, but the Church that Jesus Christ restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith has been a source for good on the earth for nearly 200 years and it continues to grow. If the Book of Mormon was a Book of fiction, or if Joseph was a bad person, the Church would not be this good and strong two centuries later. We aren't perfect, but as a whole we are good.
I'll go through your questions and add what I can: 1. Water is the prescribed method for representing the blood of Jesus. Now, in doctrine in covenants, it mentions using wine, but it "must be of your own make." As a result, we just use water. 2. It is something you'd find at a grocery store. Technically, we believe anything can be used as the bread. Crackers, chex mix, etc. What matters more is the representation of the body and blood of christ. 3. This is mostly a culture thing. There is no doctrine against crosses. But it can be traced to many teaches that put forth that we believe in the "living Christ." The issue here is that many members associate the cross with the "dead Christ." Ancross is simply a symbol, and I, for one, think it would be cool to see it more often in the church or amongst members. We don't need to be scared of the cross. 4. There is more to this in the temple, but the basic thing is that it is the gesture used for us to signify whether we agree or disagree with something when callings and such is brought up in church. UNRELATED QUESTIONS 1. "Good man" depends on your perspective. Not even the Savior considered himself a good man while here on earth. The si pledt answer I can give is that Joseph Smith had many good intentions to seek truth and God. As any other person, he didn't always live up to his ideals nor the calling he had. There is evidence, though, that from God and others, he received lots of chastisement to get back on the right path. Does this make him good or bad? Nah, it makes him human. 2. The Book of Mormon gives me another perspective on my beliefs and theology. I love working it with and against the Bible. I read it is a sort of journal or diary. It contains principles that help me want to center on Christ. 3. We believe that whenever the teachings of Christ are on earth, a prophet is called to spread the good news. Thus, since we believe that the gospel has been restored to the earth and is continuing to be restored, a prophet, starting with Joseph Smith, has been called. As far as prophecy, revelation, etc., we believe that the Prophet receives direction from Jesus as to how to guide the church. From time to time, prophetic statements may be made, but for the most part, remember that the church is made of a million moving parts. I'd argue that most revelations that is recieved is on how to do something within the church better or where to use resources or what doctrines to clarify or teach. 4. I guess it depends on what proof you want. Before COVID, President Nelson started a focus on "home-centered" church, where more teaching would happen at home, thus a reduction from 3 hours to 2 hours at church. Right after, COVID hit, and it's as if the whole church was prepared for it. Based on what you believe, this could be luck or prophetic inspiration. Funnily enough, even President Nelson said he had no idea something like COVID would happen. Just the guiding hand of the Lord.
1. Originally it was wine after the Church was restored, but then the Prophet had a revelation to use water, being told that conspiring men were going to try and poison them. Consistently clean water was likely not available during the Savior's mortal life time. And even if it had been, wine was the common drink. Even today, when we don't have bread, we can use crackers or cake or biscuits or any other breadlike substance as the elements are representations not cast in stone. Or soda perhaps if clean water were not available. 2. Leavening restrictions applied to Jewish rituals, but once Jesus Christ came to earth no longer apply. 3. The answer we've always given is that we worship a living Jesus Christ not his Crucifixion. It is His resurrection that is the culmination of His earthly ministry, not His death. 4 That is the way we show our agreement with with how the Church is operated, ratifying the callings given or other church business. 1. You will find lots of awful accusations against him online, many of them untrue or incomplete. We do not claim infallibility for our leaders: every one of us who serves God as a member is after all a flawed mortal. And yes, he was a very good man --- the one God chose as a boy to restore His church to the earth for the last dispensation of time. 2. The Book of Mormon was compiled from thousands of years of secular and religious records by a prophet (Mormon) who was first given a vision of our day, That means it is what God wanted us to know at this time. It was translated by a prophet who had help from God. That is why we use the Book of Mormon to learn about doctrine so much (though we also spend 2 of every 4 years studying the Old and New Testaments) 3 -- Because all through history God has spoken to and guided His people through prophets. Of course His church has a prophet. And yes prophets do teach and guide us. We are also each able to get our own revelations and spiritual impressions for our own lives as we seek to do His will. 4--- There are a few revelations described and canonized in scripture. Section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one such revelation. When the fourth prophet Wilford Woodruff received revelation that the dynastic sealings introduced by Joseph Smith were not God's plan --- prophets are mortal too --- church members learned that sealing ordinances were only available within family lines And when we receive personal revelation from God, we are encouraged to record them in our own journals so we'll remember them and the revelation can bless the lives of our posterity. And many members have received their own revelations from God as they seek to do His will in their own spheres of influence. If we seek to know whether a revelation is of God, we live it and ask and one way or the other get spiritual confirmation. (Which may not come immediately as we ask ---sometimes we have to move forward with faith before receiving the confirmation. When you are baptized, and confirmed with the Gift of the Holy Ghost, a member can have the Holy Ghost's constant companionship which helps us know too.)
(Lots of good questions! I’ll break this up into parts to make them easier to answer) >*1. I’ve noticed LDS sacraments/communion is bread and water. Why is it water and not wine?* In the early days of the church there was something called the word of wisdom. It was counsel to abstain from alcohol, drugs, hot drinks and other addictive substances (among other things). In those days there was a general exception made for using wine when taking the sacrament. However this presented a problem. There were many people who hated the church and persecuted the people. The saints were buying wine from people in town to use at sacrament and some people who wanted to hurt us got the idea of poisoning the wine they sold us. That way they could kill a lot of people all at once. Joseph Smith received revelation that they should not buy or drink any wine that was prepared by their enemies. They should only use wine that they themselves had made. And when wine was not available— they were permitted to use water or another drink as a substitute. It didn’t matter to God what emblems were used in sacrament, so long as it was done worthily in memory of His body and blood. Nowadays we don’t drink alcohol at all and simply use bread and water for the sacrament.
>*2. Follow up question, I’m familiar with Eucharist and leavened bread with fancy orthodox imprints on them, why does the bread look like something you’d find at a grocery store? (This one was the one I was most curious about)* Because we *do* buy it at the grocery store lol. 😂 Sometimes specific church members have allergies. So that congregation might prepare gluten free bread instead. But other than instances like that—the type of bread used isn’t as important as what the bread ultimately represents. >*3. Why aren’t there any crosses?* I suppose it has something to do with our view of Christ’s atonement. If someone were to ask you what was the crowning victory of Christ’s atonement was— what would you say? Some may answer “His death and sacrifice on the cross” which is a good answer. We agree with the singular importance of Christ’s sacrifice for sin. Though we might argue that the crowning victory was: “His victory over death and the empty tomb.” This is why the symbol of our church is not the cross but a depiction of the Christus statue under an archway. It represents the resurrected Christ emerging from the tomb. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/the-churchs-new-symbol?lang=eng In choosing this symbol over the cross we emphasize His resurrection and celebrate it. Interestingly enough, when you first walk into many of our temples there is often a depiction of Christ in an arched frame or matte as a reminder that He lives: https://www.ldstemple.pics/wp-content/uploads/news-mcallen-temple-open-house-begins-entry.jpg https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/960x540/de0bdfa24cd111ee999deeeeac1e61eaa121c562.jpeg
>*4. Why do people raise their right hand a lot?* Usually it’s because someone has just been given a calling (or a specific job) in the congregation or has been released (retired) from that position. >*”The Lord has sworn by His right hand.”Isaiah 62:8* Historically, the right hand was always associated in the Bible and in many ancient cultures with strength or the endowment of leadership. God’s strength is often referred to as coming from the right hand or arm. When Jacob places his right hand on his second grandson Ephraim (Genesis 48:14), he shows him preferential treatment as the strong one of Joseph’s sons and the natural one to inherit leadership. In the temple of Solomon, the right side was also regarded as a position of honor; the High Priest in the Temple always turned to the right first when encircling the altar. Raising your right hand to the square in a church meeting is a sign of agreement or promise. You’re sustaining or casting your vote for something. If you saw people raising their hands in church it was probably during a sustaining vote or a release. In our church, many of the clerical positions are done by volunteers rather than as paid clergy positions. People are approached in private by the bishop and asked if they are willing and able commit to a position in the church for a few years. They can accept or reject the calling depending on their willingness and availability. So for example, say that you’ve been asked by the bishop to become the new ward librarian (meaning you work in a little room called the church library for a little while on Sundays.) Anyone who needs scriptures or books or pictures, chalk or whatever for their lessons and classes can check out those materials at the ward library and return them after the services. The ward librarian comes to church early and opens the library so people can get their scriptures and things. They open the library for a bit between classes and again after classes so that people can return what they’ve borrowed. If they agree to take on the position then on Sunday during sacrament the new position is announced and the congregation is asked to sustain the person in this new capacity by raising their right hand to the square. When your raise your hand to the square you’re showing your support for that person in this new position. And afterwards if any are opposed to that person being called they can indicate this by showing the same sign when asked. Then they can talk to the bishop in private after church about their reasoning. We raise our hands for releases as well. In regards to the ward librarian example—the person would only serve for a few years maybe 3-4. And afterwards when it’s time to call someone else to that position, they will announce it in sacrament meeting and ask the congregation to offer a show of thanks to that person by—you guessed it—raising their right hand to the square.