Defining the Terms

When we hear the words “perfect,” “perfectionist,” or “perfectionism” what thoughts come to mind? The philosophical definition of perfectionism is “a doctrine holding that religious, moral, social, or political perfection is attainable, especially the theory that human moral or spiritual perfection should be or has been attained.” The Apostle Paul addressed the subject of being perfect in his treatise to the saints of the church at Philippi. In Philippians 3:12-16 Paul exhorts:

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

What Paul is telling the saints is that he is not perfect, but he lives his life in such a manner as to daily strive to become perfect or more Christ-like. He further explains that he has left behind those things in his life which he once thought would gain him favor with God, and instead continues to look ahead and set the attaining of a Christ-like life (a perfect life) as his spiritual and moral target.

High Expectations and Striving for Perfection

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are taught to have high expectations and to strive for perfection, a task which frequently leaves members finding themselves falling short of the mark. This often leads to feelings of discouragement, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and stress. However, Professors G. E. Kawika Allen from the McKay School of Education at Brigham Young University, and Kenneth T. Wang at the Fuller Theological Seminary, argue that perfectionism, or striving for high standards, is not the problem.

In a recent study published by the American Psychological Association in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality which focused specifically on Latter-day Saints, they surveyed approximately 267 active members of The Church of Jesus Christ in Utah which consisted mostly of young adults in their mid-20’s, and asked questions ranging from their satisfaction with life to inward and outward commitment to their faith. From their study they were able to categorize the responses into three main groups:

The first group, 22% of people surveyed, were not perfectionists, that is, they don’t believe they hold themselves to high personal standards. The rest were considered perfectionists, but had an interesting split among them – a new type of perfectionism. Of the perfectionist group, 30% were classified as what Allen and Wang labeled maladaptive perfectionism, while 47% were classified as adaptive.

Allen admits that the populace surveyed for the test was perhaps the most appropriate as it is at that crossroads in a person’s life when they feel the most pressure to live up to the high standards of perfectionism as they contemplate going on a mission, getting married, and pursuing a higher education.

The study indicated that over half of the 267 LDS members surveyed could be classified as adaptive perfectionists which can be described as follows:

Adaptive perfectionists are likely to feel acceptance of themselves and their efforts, even when they fail or fall short of the high personal standards they have set for themselves. They are also more inwardly and outwardly committed to their LDS faith, which supports previous peer-reviewed findings that religious commitment plays a role in achieving better psychological health. That means adaptive perfectionism is actually healthy.

Taking this into consideration, the Apostle Paul would be classified as an adaptive perfectionist.

By contrast, however, members who were classified as maladaptive tend to feel less satisfied with their lives, and often experience depression and anxiety. They also tend to have a deeper fear of being punished by God for their sinful behavior. The study renders the following explanation about maladaptive perfectionists:

Maladaptive perfectionists are those folks who have high standards and high expectations for themselves, but when they are unable to meet those expectations, whether it’s school, family, or personal expectations, they struggle a little more with feelings of failure, feelings of not being good enough, disappointment, discouragement, and they feel down about themselves because they’re not able to meet those high standards.

Allen further commented that “adaptive perfectionists are more resilient to discouragement and create a ‘buffer’ for themselves if they fail —allowing themselves a chance to simply try again and again and again and do their best. He relates this to the repentance process.

How Members Can Achieve a Healthier Perfectionist Behavior

Allen offers three basic suggestions for helping members to become adaptive perfectionist versus maladaptive perfectionists. He states that the first step is for a member to figure out the type of perfectionist that he or she is. For those who struggle with maladaptive perfectionism, Allen states that, “Knowing that they have this negative tendency is half the battle. Then they can begin practicing more patience with themselves and studying the Atonement – both key steps to becoming an adaptive perfectionist.” He also states that it can be encouraging for adaptive perfectionists “because it reinforces the ‘Okay, I can be perfectionist in an adaptive way, and I can feel good about myself when I’m not able to meet those expectations.”

The second step in the process is to not allow fear to rule how the gospel is lived. Allen states,

Oftentimes we find ourselves doing things out of fear and anxiety rather than wanting to do it out of the love and out of faith—our own faith. When we’re driven by fear and anxiety, that’s when we need to take another look at the meaning of the Atonement and grace and our testimony of the living Christ.

He further emphasizes that adaptive perfectionists are motivated by love for the Savior more than they are by fear of repentance or punishment.

The third step is to apply the atonement in daily living and remember the unconditional love that God has for each of us. Allen commented:

As we let go of fear, we also need to strive to understand the Atonement and God’s love. When we understand that the Atonement allows us to strive for perfection simply by doing our very best and we remember that we are already imperfect, it helps us pick up the pieces and start again when we make a mistake.

Each of Us Strive for Perfection

None of us are perfect. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). The psalmist also declared, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:1-3).

The only One who is perfect is Christ Himself. He is our Exemplar. As mortals, being perfect is an impossibility, but yet we should continue to strive towards becoming perfect. If we would keep that as our perspective and goal in life, we will be able to become adaptive perfectionists, continuously working to improve ourselves. Allen concludes with this counsel:

The next time you find yourself feeling like a failure, and that achieving perfection is impossible, take a step back, pick yourself up, and remember that the beauty of the Atonement is our ability to frequently fail, but always be able to move forward, a little better than we were before.

Mormon Are Counseled to Prepare

The Mormon pioneers who trekked across the plains were required to adequately prepare their food supply for the exodus west. The trip took several months to complete, and even with church-supplies rations, hunger was a very real concern for those early pioneers. Without the preparation from these early members, certainly none of the companies would have made a successful trip.

Mormons today are still counseled to prepare for emergencies, and The Church of Jesus Christ does what it can to make that preparation as easy as possible. Spread throughout the United States are food storage facilities and farms whose product goes directly to the Church for storage purposes. These storehouses are often used to provide food and living supplies (like dish soap, shampoo, and toilet paper) to those in need.

The Church of Jesus Christ also produces food storage kits that are available at cost to members. The Church, however, isn’t the only producer of these kits. Several companies have sprouted that cater to emergency preparedness. Some offer specialized kits geared toward a certain food type, like grains, freeze-dried veggies, or dry dairy products. Some collections include ingredients for full meals. Most food storage companies offer food that can be shelved for up to 25 years.

The Importance Behind Food Storage

Food storage is more than about preparing for the apocalypse, though that’s the tone many Mormon leaders adopted during the Cold War. The Church of Jesus Christ does not preach doom and gloom, and does encourage its members to live their lives as fully as possible. Life, however, is not free from bumps and detours. Job loss is still a very real pitfall for many breadwinners, and a well-stocked food storage can go miles in stretching a family’s food and finances.

Food storage emphasizes self-reliance, a principle that has long been valued by The Church of Jesus Christ. In addition to encouraging food storage, Mormon leaders have counseled members to work out of financial debt and save funds for emergencies and for the future. Again, these principles are nothing new. Financial gurus all across the nation purport those same ideas in books, podcasts, and classes.

The Ease of Preparedness

With temporal and financial preparedness becoming more mainstream, becoming prepared is easier and easier. If you don’t want to buy a whole food storage kit, you can find countless lists for long- and short-term storage online, as well as lists for 72-hour kits and other emergency kits. Being prepared for emergencies is now a major industry for web content and physical production, and those who wish to equip their homes and families have every resource available to them.

If you are needing to get your home in order with food storage and emergency preparedness, visit The Church of Jesus Christ’s page about provident living.

Throughout the history of The Church of Jesus Christ, members of the Relief Society (an auxiliary to the priesthood) have provided compassionate service, including meals, to women and their families. Furnishing a meal for extended family that have traveled long distances to attend a funeral is one way Relief Society women seek to ease burdens and lend support.

The recipe for Funeral potatoes may vary from cook to cook and region to region, but generally it consists of shredded or cubed potatoes, cheese, onions, a cream soup, and sour cream. It is often topped with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs.

photo source

Funeral Potatoes

1 package (32 ounces) shredded potatoes

1 can (10 ¾ ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

16 ounces sour cream

12 ounces grated cheddar cheese

½ cup chopped onions

½ cup melted butter or margarine

salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

¾ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs

2 tablespoon melted butter or margarine

Mix ingredients together and pour into buttered baking dish (9- x 13-inch). Top with breadcrumb or cornflake mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F until it starts to bubble. Reduce heat of oven to 275 degrees and bake one hour or until it is no longer soupy.

But I don’t want a self-help book marriage, or a Dr. Phil-type marriage, or even a Pinterest marriage.

I want a celestial marriage. A marriage that lasts from now until forever, even after we die. A marriage that is strong and stable, and can weather the challenges of life. A marriage that is happy.

I learned about a celestial marriage not from books, or teachers, or from the media, but from watching two people who had a happy, celestial marriage. My parents taught me by their example, and I’ve had plenty of time to observe them.

These are nine lessons I learned from their example:

1. Respect Each Other No Matter What

I saw my parents respect each other every day. They didn’t talk down to each other. They didn’t demean each other’s ideas or opinions. They valued what the other person contributed to the family.

2. Work Together—and Sometimes Separately

Countless times, I saw my parents work side by side making dinner, doing yard work, cleaning the house, planning the finances, and numerous other tasks. I also saw my dad go to work every day, and my mom stay home and do things like laundry and take care of us. I learned that marriage is a partnership, and sometimes it means I’ll do things together with my husband and other times we’ll do different, but equally important, things.

3. Husbands should preside

From my dad, I learned that husbands should preside. He organized our family prayer and scripture study, and took the lead in family meetings. When he was gone, my mom organized these things. I learned that both fathers and mothers are the spiritual leaders in the home, and that fathers should lead out and preside.

4. Get an Education

From my mom, I learned that I needed an education. I knew she had gone to college, and watched as she took continuing education classes, read books, and learned from people in the community. My parents taught me that education is important to provide financially for myself and my family, if needed, as well as to better teach my children.

5. Together, Make Decisions Prayerfully

I watched my parents make important decisions, and even not-so-important decisions, very carefully. They worked together to make the best decision possible, and always made their decisions a matter of prayer.

6. Go to the Temple Often

I don’t remember my parents ever telling this to us outright, but I do remember them going to the temple almost every month of my growing up years. It was a priority for them. Through their example, I learned the importance of temple attendance for strengthening a marriage.

7. Support Each Other in Church Responsibilities

In The Church of Jesus Christ, the work of the ward, or congregation, is carried out by the members. Members accept various callings, or responsibilities, to serve in their wards. I watched as my parents both accepted various callings, and supported each other. My mom supported my dad when he was in a leadership position that took him away from home more. My dad supported my mom when she was asked to organize a choir.

8. Teach your children the gospel of Jesus Christ together

Both of my parents taught us about the gospel. As kids, we needed both of their perspectives and formal lessons about religion. From their example, I learned that neither the husband nor the wife is solely responsible for teaching their children the gospel; it’s a team effort.

9. Never forget you love each other

When I was really young, my dad would leave sticky notes around our house for my mom. On the bathroom mirror, in the kitchen, by the phone. He was always reminding her that he loved her. Now, I see my parents interact, and I can tell that they love each other, and that they remember it. They do nice things for each other. They say, “I love you.” And they tell us, their kids, that they’re happy they got married.

Marriage Brings Stability

When I was growing up, I never thought about my parents’ marriage; I took for granted that they were married and committed to staying that way. Now I see that the very fact that they were married and committed made our childhood incredibly stable. We never had to worry that our parents were fighting, or that they would divorce, or do anything else to break up our family.

As I wrote this article, I realized that 90-percent of what I knew about marriage I had learned from my parents’ example. Sunday School, Young Women, and Institute taught me valuable lessons about marriage, ones that I cherish very much.

However, actions speak louder than words, and the actions of my parents always spoke much louder than any words they or a teacher could ever have uttered. I hope to one day have a marriage like theirs, and teach my children through example what a happy, successful marriage should be.

In a way, being a Mormon prepares you to deal with science fiction, because we live simultaneously in two very different cultures. The result is that we all know what it’s like to be strangers in a strange land. It’s not just a coincidence that there are so many effective Mormon science fiction writers. We don’t regard being an alien as an alien experience. But it also means that we’re not surprised when people don’t understand what we’re saying or what we think. It’s easy to misinterpret us. [1]

As a Latter-day Saint myself, I love this perspective. But in a way, I think it’s true for everyone. At some point in our lives, we’ll feel like the alien—and at another point, we’ll feel like the earthling encountering the alien. From my own perspective as an earthling and a Latter-day Saint, here are 5 universal truths we learn from alien encounters—literal and figurative ones.Don’t blast off too soon—or jump to conclusions.

1. Don’t blast off too soon—or jump to conclusions

During the countdown to any blastoff, the rocket is not launched until the countdown is finished. This gives everyone time to prepare. Too many misunderstandings and arguments occur because someone jumped to conclusions—or didn’t wait for the countdown to finish. In “Ender’s Game,” an entire insectoid alien species is almost wiped out because of a misunderstanding. The two sides didn’t stop to figure out what was really going on.

In our own lives, the fate of a species is rarely at stake—but our relationships with family, friends and strangers often are. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—with the First Presidency, the governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ—said:

We should, if possible, refrain from judging until we have adequate knowledge of the facts. … Someone has said that you cannot slice cheese so fine that it doesn’t have two sides. [2]

Elder M. Russell Ballard, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, said:

Perceptions and assumptions can be very dangerous and unfair. … Surely good neighbors should put forth every effort to understand each other and to be kind to one another regardless of religion, nationality, race, or culture. [3]

2. Put yourself in the alien’s shoes

Once we stop and refrain from jumping to conclusions, it’s helpful to put ourselves in the alien’s shoes. The plot line for the movie “Chicken Little” is a great example of this. A little alien gets left on earth by accident, and everybody freaks out when they see him. Then Chicken Little and his friends realize that this little guy is afraid. He’s a stranger in a strange land, where nothing is familiar and nobody looks like him. And the aliens trying to destroy the world? They’re just his parents, frantically trying to find their lost kid. And let’s face it, even the most careful parents have had that moment of panic when they realize their child was right beside them but now is gone. Even if your kid is just in the next aisle over, it’s still scary. I’ve also seen the terrified look in my son’s eyes when he couldn’t find me because he’d wandered off. If we step back and look at things from the alien’s perspective, we sometimes find that things aren’t really what they seem.

This insight and understanding leads to compassion and empathy—and reaching out to those around us. President Thomas S. Monson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ, said:

There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.

Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, “To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is godlike.”

Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others. [4]

3. True friendship can build bridges between worlds
   

In many a science fiction story, extraterrestrial creatures and humans look very different. Sometimes they act differently too. Interplanetary visitors are truly strangers in a strange land. But underneath it all, we just might find out that we’re more alike than we think. “Star Wars” is hands down my favorite sci-fi series—and one of the plotlines illustrates this perfectly. Luke Skywalker is a Jedi Knight—one of the good guys. And his arch enemy is Darth Vader—and evil Sith. Luke hates Darth Vader and sets out to destroy him because he was told that the Sith lord killed his father. He could find no similarities between them. But then Vader uttered that famous phrase: “Luke, I am your father.” There is so much more to the plot than this, but the analogy is the same: even with our most hated enemies, we have more in common than we think. Luke and Vader had the same blood running through their veins. And because of this, Luke refused to give up on his father—building on the commonalities between them.  Luke saw the good in Vader even as he recognized his father’s wicked ways. Of course it’s an extreme example, but one worth noting: Sometimes our differences are so glaring that we can’t see the similarities—and sometimes we’re so focused on our differences that we can’t see our glaring similarities.

The Savior teaches this same lesson of seeing past our differences in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In it, a Jewish man is beaten, robbed and left for dead on a highway. Two religious men pass him by without helping. Then a Samaritan stops and renders aid to the injured man. (See Luke 10:25–37.) Of this, Elder Ballard said:

Every time I read this parable I am impressed with its power and its simplicity. But have you ever wondered why the Savior chose to make the hero of this story a Samaritan? There was considerable antipathy between the Jews and the Samaritans at the time of Christ. Under normal circumstances, these two groups avoided association with each other.

His deliberate use of Jews and Samaritans clearly teaches that we are all neighbors and that we should love, esteem, respect, and serve one another despite our deepest differences—including religious, political, and cultural differences. …If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times, particularly in times of need. [3]

True friendships are based on the commonalities we all share—and not on the differences we all have. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (the second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ) has a recipe for family success that is just as applicable to friendships—intergalactic or just between humans. He said:

In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. [5]

4. Working together for the common good makes the universe go round

If there’s one thing we learn from science fiction and alien encounters, it’s this—one person can make a difference, but everyone must work together to make the universe a better place. Whether it’s protecting a planet from destruction or another species from annihilation, we all have to work together to get it done. Sometimes that requires us to lay aside our deepest differences. In “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” the crew of the Enterprise is intergalactically diverse—with humans, Klingons, Androids and other species working together to help others. The crew must work together to complete their assignments—each individual plays a crucial role in the execution of the task.

Elder Ballard offers an earth-life example of this:

Honeybees are driven to pollinate, gather nectar, and condense the nectar into honey. It is their magnificent obsession imprinted into their genetic makeup by our Creator. It is estimated that to produce just one pound (0.45 kg) of honey, the average hive of 20,000 to 60,000 bees must collectively visit millions of flowers and travel the equivalent of two times around the world. Over its short lifetime of just a few weeks to four months, a single honeybee’s contribution of honey to its hive is a mere one-twelfth of one teaspoon.

Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee’s one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey is vital to the life of the hive. The bees depend on each other. Work that would be overwhelming for a few bees to do becomes lighter because all of the bees faithfully do their part. [6]

The same applies to us as humans—when we all do our part and work together, we can accomplish much good.

5. Aliens and Androids can help us remember what it means to be human

Data is one of my favorite characters on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” He is an Android who, akin to Pinocchio, desperately wants to be a “real boy.” He wants to have a human experience—even though he’s made of electronic parts. Seeing things through the lens of Data’s innocence really brings focus on our human experiences. Humans laugh. We love. We cry—out of grief, sadness, joy or pain. Sometimes we cry just because. We get angry and frustrated. We have a full range of emotions, and we often see things through the lens of our experience. Data, for the most part, feels none of these emotions, and often has difficulty understanding them. As Data often offers analytical observations of situations, we can see how humans filter their experiences through their emotions. It helps us see that sometimes we need to take away our emotional filters. And sometimes we just need to enjoy them. The greatest lesson that Data teaches me is to enjoy my humanity.
Enjoy my full range of emotions and experiences. Because without them, life wouldn’t be as much fun.

We can find happiness in the simple joys of life. We don’t need everything—just the full range of human emotions to have a rich and meaningful life… no matter which planet we live on. Elder Richard G. Scott said:

Children teach us how to find joy even under the most challenging circumstances. Children haven’t yet learned to be depressed by concentrating on the things they don’t have. They find joy in what is available to them. I remember a small boy playing along a riverbank. He had tied a piece of fishing line to the ends of two discarded soft-drink cans. He threw one can over a limb, then filled it with water. He would pull on the other can, then let it go. The weight of the first can would draw the second one up as it fell. He laughed and danced with glee. Simple, rejuvenating experiences surround us. [7]

It’s amazing the things that we can learn from extraterrestrial encounters—even an imaginary ones. Life lessons are all around us… we just need to look for them.

User-friendly access

The Church of Jesus Christ has a whole network of websites dedicated to making its message of the Savior accessible and easy to understand. LDS.org is the primary site for members and contains access to canonized scripture, lesson manuals, General Conference messages, church magazine articles, and web-only featured content. Church members can register at the site and then gain access to online notebooks for personal study as well as congregation directories and calendars. The site has evolved over the years to be more user-friendly and interactive, and it continues to improve in the richness of its content, adding streaming of conferences, audio files, and video.

In addition to LDS.org, The Church of Jesus Christ maintains several other websites. Mormon.org is a site directed to those who aren’t Mormons and who are looking to learn more about the faith and teachings. Through Mormon.org, users can read profiles of Mormons (submitted directly by members), read concise content about beliefs, order their own free copy of the Book of Mormon, and even live-chat with missionaries.

In addition to several other sites, The Church of Jesus Christ also operates FamilySearch.org, a family history and genealogy website; Mormonsandgays.org, a site for openness and dialogue regarding the Church’s standing on homosexuality and gay marriage; and Overcomingpornography.org, a website to foster support and recovery for those struggling with pornography addiction.

The Church of Jesus Christ officially manages the following sites:

• LDS.org

• Mormon.org

• JesusChrist.lds.org

• Ensign.lds.org

• Youth.lds.org

• ProvidentLiving.org

• LDSjobs.org

• YouTube.com/MormonMessages

• Temples.lds.org

• FamilySearch.org

• Countries.lds.org

• Languages.lds.org

• Images.lds.org

• Braille.lds.org

• Music.lds.org

• OvercomingPornography.org

• MormonTabernacleChoir.org

• ItsAboutLove.org (LDS family services adoption website)

• Newsroom.lds.org

• AddictionRecovery.lds.org

• MormonsAndGays.org

• MormonsAndChina.org

Faith on-the-go

The Church of Jesus Christ has jumped on the smart-device bandwagon and has developed apps for both phones and tablets. Especially for millennials, these technological adaptations make scripture much more accessible. You can literally carry thousands of pages of scripture in your pocket and access it at any time. The app enables access to canonized scripture, General Conference messages, church magazine content, hymnbooks, and dozens of lesson manuals. The app also has highlighting, note-taking, and bookmarking tools; you can even create specific “notebooks” to store specific content. (For example, I have an in-app notebook for my personal goals and one for my Sunday lessons.) And unlike the log-in access on LDS.org, the Gospel Library app doesn’t require a username and password. It’s free and available for anyone.

With the Church adapting to technology by harnessing it, the organization ensures that its methods of spreading the word are still relevant. Some religions are having a hard time keeping up with the trends, and some are even being left behind. The Church of Jesus Christ knows how important its message is–that the Savior is the only and ultimate source of peace and redemption–and will use every honorable method it can to enable people to connect with God.

For members, The Church of Jesus Christ has also developed a practical app called LDS Tools. This allows members access to congregational and local leadership directories as well as local congregational calendars.

The YouTube presence

Mormons have staked out a clear spot on YouTube with the Church’s official channel, the Mormon Channel. The Church of Jesus Christ continues to produce short videos to spread its message and to help bring the faith out of the margins. Mormon Channel produces video series like Mormon Messages, Bible Videos, and the  I’m a Mormon campaign. These videos are able to be shared on social media platforms and are a great way to both introduce people to the faith and support and edify existing members.

Twice a year, General Conference can also be streamed live on YouTube (as well as through the LDS.org website and other internet channels), and the individual talks are promptly published in video, audio, and text formats just days after their initial broadcast.

Curriculum adapted for technology

The Church of Jesus Christ has also started adapting its curriculum to include more technological content. This weaving in of technology with curriculum has started with the content for the Church’s youth ages 12 – 18. The messages are the same, but the method of delivery has been updated. Lessons now include interactive PDFs and links to related video content. This new curriculum allows for teachers to better adapt the lessons to the needs of their students, because while the ultimate message of The Church of Jesus Christ doesn’t change, the needs of youth are so varied that the teachers need greater flexibility in presenting the curriculum.

Online missionary work

More and more Mormons are participating in online missionary work. Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles), said in a 2007 BYU – Hawaii commencement speech, that members should be doing more to share the gospel via blogs and social media. (Read this article by M. Russell Ballard, one of the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.)

In addition to an increase in “civilian” missionary work, the rise of online media has allowed for more full-time missionary service. Many more missionaries with disabilities who aren’t able to proselyte on the streets in foreign countries are able to spread the gospel officially through the internet. This is a wonderful advancement that is also more inclusive to all church members who want to participate in the “Great Commision,” that of taking the gospel to the world.

Technology is important

Technology is important in the work of God. While almost all technologies can be used for degenerate purposes, these same tools can also be harnessed to spread the joyful message of Jesus Christ. Mormons have been asked by their leadership to learn these new technologies and use them to help in the worldwide missionary effort.

The Church of Jesus Christ wouldn’t be advancing the way it has been without the use of valuable and advanced technology. The message Mormons have to share is relevant to everyone, and they’re using the new tools available to make a mark and spread the word.

Why? And how does The Church of Jesus Christ manage to grow and stay strong in a world that continually diminishes the importance and role of religion? The answer is simple: Mormons keep the message of the gospel at the forefront of their lives.

Doctrine Never Changes

The message of The Church of Jesus Christ is simple: Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and when we commit ourselves to Him, we find lasting peace, qualify for saving ordinances, and will eventually live with God and our families forever. The core doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ remain constant, and if there is a change in church operations or policy, it comes directly from general church leadership.

Curriculum is streamlined throughout the world so that no matter where you go to church, the lessons are what you would have heard in your home congregation. Members all around the globe are being taught the same doctrines and principles. This results in millions of members who have similar understandings of Christ’s teachings, thus making The Church of Jesus Christ consistent and secure. This worldwide curriculum is also evidence of the universality of the Church’s doctrines. The Church of Jesus Christ really is for everyone. The member demographics are broad and inclusive. No one is exempt from embracing the message The Church of Jesus Christ has to offer.

Some people argue that The Church of Jesus Christ discriminates against gays and lesbians. This is untrue. The Church does oppose same-sex marriage because it contradicts the eternal doctrine of the family, which is that marriage is ordained of God and is designed to be between a man and a woman. The Church does recognize that many people struggle with same-sex attraction and offers support for those who choose to live a lifestyle in harmony with the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ maintains a website, “Love One Another: A Discussion on Same-Sex Attraction,” to help explain and discuss its official stance on this sensitive issue. The Church of Jesus Christ in no way condones violence or discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Harnessing Technology

Many churches struggle to retain membership in the wake of technological advancements. The Church of Jesus Christ has capitalized on the technological wave and uses the new brands of communicating to make doctrine more widely available. The Church’s website, LDS.org, was updated a few years ago to be more user-friendly. It’s easy to search and find material, plus there are landing pages for members to find local congregational (called ward) directories and ward calendars, in addition to online notebooks to help members make the most of their online study.

The Church of Jesus Christ has also developed extensive and comprehensive apps for smart devices. These apps consolidate dozens of scriptural and teaching resources, including footnoted canonized scripture, decades of General Conference messages, and every official lesson manual. The apps also offer personal note-taking software that allows users to do their regular scripture study online.

Church leadership has made new curriculum for the youth aged 12 – 18 available for immediate use. This curriculum relies on online media and incorporates the use of interactive PDFs. Videos are part of the core material for the new curriculum, and lesson outlines are more fluid and adaptable to the specific needs of the class. Regular adult curriculum is expected to follow suit in 2014.

Mormon leadership also started a YouTube channel several years ago, where it publishes produced videos about a variety of topics. These videos include the I’m a Mormon series, the Bible Videos series, introductory videos, and Mormon Messages. These videos can be shared via social media and help make great strides towards exposure and understanding of church doctrine.

With The Church of Jesus Christ incorporating the technological trends into the way it spreads its message, it makes the doctrines of Jesus Christ more accessible to rising generations. The new media outlets also make doctrines and principles easier to understand. Mormons from all backgrounds have started embracing the new ways to access church material – from teenagers to young parents to retirees. Technology doesn’t alienate members, but rather serves to include them in a much broader and accessible way.

Church Leadership Avoids Politics

Another way The Church of Jesus Christ stays focused on the message of the gospel is by eliminating politics from its leadership decisions. Mormons operate under a lay clergy, meaning that no one gets paid for the service he or she provides. Everyone —  from local bishops (congregational leaders) to Sunday School teachers to the president of the Church himself — is called by God, not by popular vote.

The leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ operates under a clear and specific system of succession. This system allows the general Church leadership to steer clear of divisive politics. The prophet of the Church is sustained unanimously by his fellow members in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This sustaining is not a vote to decide, but rather a vote of support. Church members all around the world are given the opportunity to declare their support as well through sustaining. Sustaining church leadership is a declaration of support by church members rather than a majority-rules vote. (To read more about prophetic succession in The Church of Jesus Christ, read here.)

Simple Sunday Worship

When you walk into a Mormon chapel on Sunday, you’ll see men in ties, women in skirts, and children wearing Sunday best as they find a pew to sit in. You won’t see jumbo-trons or a rock band playing prelude music. You’ll see people saying hellos and the organist or pianist softly playing hymns. A handful of young men will be up front preparing the sacrament table.

When the meeting begins, the bishop or one of his counselors (a bishop is a leader of a local congregation) will welcome the congregants and outline the meeting. Sermons are often given by men and women who also serve in other capacities; no one is called as a public speaker or “official talk giver.” Sunday school lessons may involve a PowerPoint presentation or a YouTube video, but the message is never pumped up with light shows or displayed in flashing colors with overwhelming sound. Doctrine is taught by teachers who aren’t paid for what they do and involves plenty of participation and discussion to maximize learning and understanding.

Sunday worship in The Church of Jesus Christ is simple. It’s free from bells and whistles and allows the focus to be on doctrine. The message of The Church of Jesus Christ doesn’t rely on rock-concert elements to be taken seriously; it rests on the power of the truth it brings.

When you attend a Mormon Sunday meeting, you won’t be bombarded with marketing strategies and recruitment gimmicks. You will be surrounded by people who have a shared love of the Savior and who want to share that message with anyone who wants to listen. Mormons rely on the power of the message to persuade and affect people, not on lights and sounds to pump up what they have to share.

Mormons Support Religious Liberty

Just because Mormons believe that The Church of Jesus Christ is the only church with the full truth doesn’t mean that they think everyone else is going to hell. In fact, Mormons strongly support religious freedom. The eleventh Article of Faith states that “we claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

When it comes to heaven, hell, and the judgment day, Mormons’ beliefs are more intricate and rely entirely on the Savior’s mercy. They know they are in no place to judge and that Heavenly Father is in the perfect place to make those eternal calls. The Church of Jesus Christ allows each member to develop his or her own relationship with the Savior and encourages members to act in accordance with their conscience. Religious liberty is important; without it, The Church of Jesus Christ wouldn’t operate and thrive the way it does.

The Church of Jesus Christ is thriving and growing because its core message is true and unchanging. Throughout its almost-200-year presence in the world, the essential doctrines making up the Church have remained the same. If you want to know more about Mormons and what they have to share, you can talk to missionaries right here.

Mormons believe life is a three-stage process, the first beginning before birth, the second during our mortal life, and the final stage our eternal lives. For most people, eternity will be spent in Heaven. Mormons know Heaven to be a wonderful place. While not everyone will live with God (because the Bible outlines the rules for returning home to God), God has prepared a wonderful home for all but the most evil. Mormons don’t believe only Mormons go to Heaven—they don’t, in fact, believe only Christians go to Heaven. You do, however, have to accept Jesus as your Savior and agree to live the principles He taught in order to live in the presence of God. Those who die without the opportunity to do so will be taught the gospel after death and be permitted to make their choice then. Those who die too young to make a choice—children under the age of eight, return directly home to God without the need for baptism. The atonement of Jesus Christ covers them. The atonement also allows everyone to be resurrected, to live forever, and to repent. It makes salvation possible.

This means that a funeral is a cause for celebration for nearly everyone and is viewed as a graduation and going away party. Of course, it is held in the chapel, so it is reverent and respectful. However, while you will see plenty of tears, you won’t see hysteria, anger, or uncontrollable grief.

When someone dies, they are buried in white. If they had a temple recommend (permission to enter a Mormon temple as a result of personal worthiness) they are buried in the white clothing they wore in the temple, which includes a white dress for women and a white shirt, pants, and tie for men.

After the viewing, the family prays together and the casket is closed. When the casket is brought to the Mormon chapel (not the Mormon temple), the guests are already seated. The casket is displayed at the front of the chapel, usually to the side by the door located at the front of the chapel. The family enters and is seated in the front rows.

Visitors will notice most people are not dressed in all black clothing. They wear church clothing if they have it—dresses or skirts for women, and sports suits for men—and the nicest thing they have if they don’t have those items. All black clothing is not required because Mormons know that death is only a transition, not the end of existence or even the end of the family. Mormons believe you take your relationships with you. Mormon marriages that occur in the Mormon temples are forever, not just this life and their children are also theirs forever. This means that while Mormons will miss the person terribly, the farewell is not forever and does not signify the end of a happy marriage or family. Who would want to live forever without their families?

The funeral begins with an opening hymn and prayer. A priesthood holder conducts the meeting—often the bishop, who is a lay pastor. There will frequently be a musical number as well, since most congregations have many skilled singers.

Rather than a single sermon, there are usually several speakers at a Mormon funeral. One will remind—or explain if some guests are not Mormon—Mormon beliefs on life after death. Since Mormons believe life after death is nearly always wonderful, this is a reassuring and upbeat talk about family reunions and eternal joy.

Following this, the focus is on the individual who died. At a recent funeral I attended, a long-time family friend shared for the young adult children of the woman who had died the story of how the parents met and the miracles, prayers, and longing that led to the births of the children. They were reminded just how much they had been wanted. Another speaker, a sibling of the deceased, gave the eulogy. Throughout the talks, there was laughter over the humorous moments of a life joyfully lived, smiles at the successes of the life, inspiration in the courage of someone who faced many trials with courage and a smile, and longing for the loss of the daily influence of this person in our lives. However, there was also joy as we pictured her life now, in the final stage, and anticipation in our future reunions with her.

For Mormons, funerals are a sad time because our friend or family member has moved far away, but joy in knowing the challenges of life are complete and the person now knows only happiness and the peace of Heaven. The video below features the current president of the Mormons (before he was the president) talking about the death of a childhood friend and what he shared with the friend’s mother about eternal life many years ago.

Mormons celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mormon beliefs sometimes get confused with the beliefs and practices of other religions. One such belief concerns the celebration of Christmas. Mormons tend to be very passionate Christmas celebrators, with many Mormon congregations hosting nativity festivals or free sing-alongs of Handel’s Messiah each year.

While Santa makes an appearance in some Mormon homes, the focus is always on the meaning of Christmas. Christmas is considered a sacred holiday and Mormon families are encouraged to simplify the secular portions of it in order to make more room for the spiritual elements of the Christmas celebration.

Jesus Christ and celebrate His birth as a pivotal moment in eternal life. The Book of Mormon, which Mormons consider a companion book to the Bible, says, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” (2 Nephi 25:26.)

Mormon beliefs state that Jesus Christ is the redeemer of all mankind and that there is no other way but through Him to achieve eternal life and be saved. The Book of Mormon contains 284 references to being saved, rather an extensive discussion on the topic. Following are some of the verses on this subject:

And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day (3 Nephi 27:6).

For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved (1 Nephi 6:4).

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23.)

Mormons believe that Christmas is meaningful because of Easter and the two holidays are intertwined in their minds and celebration. Talks given on the subject of Christmas generally include discussions of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice on our behalf and His glorious resurrection from the dead.

“When all is said and done, when all the legions of the ages have passed in review, when man’s terrible inhumanity to man has been chronicled, when God’s great love for His children has been measured, then above all stands the lone figure of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, the living Son of the living God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One.

Isaiah spoke of Him centuries before His coming: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). (See Gordon B. Hinckley, “First Presidency Christmas Devotional: “My Redeemer Lives””, Ensign, Feb. 2001, 70–73.)

What might a typical Mormon Christmas season look like? It will be different for each family, but common traditions include:

Service Projects: Many Mormon families do additional service throughout the Christmas season, giving gifts to those in need, volunteering at a church or community service project or helping at a food bank. Gifts are usually collected at church to assist congregation members who have little, but Mormons also often donate to community groups.

Reading of the Four Gospels: The four gospels are the four books in the New Testament that tell of Jesus’ life. Many Mormons use the Christmas season to read these accounts and to work as a family to understand them better. Even the youngest child is encouraged to listen to the stories in the King James translation, perhaps supplemented by a children’s version afterwards. However, they want their children to become familiar with the language of the Bible, even if they are too young to understand it.

Reading quality Christmas literature: Church leaders often quote from great literature that helps to remind us of the deeper meanings of Christmas. For example, the current Mormon prophet, Thomas S. Monson, reads three books every Christmas: Luke (the Biblical account of the Savior’s birth and life), A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke. Mormon families often incorporate these examples as well as their own personal favorites into their own Christmas celebrations as a distraction from the usual Santa fair.

Singing sacred Christmas hymns: Although the more commercial Christmas songs are fun, Mormons also sing and listen to a wide range of sacred Christmas hymns, many traditional throughout the Christian world. Some of these are included in their official hymn book, such as Silent Night and Away in a Manger.

Displaying nativities. Most Mormon homes will display a nativity scene throughout the holiday season and many Mormons collect nativities. Some families even keep one or more nativity sets on display all year long as a way to keep the meaning of Christmas in their hearts all year.

Of course, Christmas is also a time for families. Mormons hold weekly family nights in which they have a short lesson, games, music, and treats. These are just for the family and are designed to build a bond with family members and to allow parents to share their values with their children. It also increases leadership skills, since everyone takes turns doing the various required tasks—conducting meetings, leading music, teaching lessons and preparing treats. Even a very young child might get an opportunity to teach his older family members about Jesus Christ. In December, many families focus their lessons on Jesus Christ and the messages of Christmas. Family nights also often include planning for a family service project to be done during the Christmas season.

Mormons are encouraged to simplify their holidays to allow more time for family and for spiritual things. We don’t have to go to every party, every parade, or every show. We needn’t spend too much time or money shopping for gifts. When we bring our Christmas down to its simplest components, we find it is a more rewarding season that can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ.

Latter-day Saints, whose members are sometimes informally referred to as Mormons. He said,

“Dear friends, future happiness and even the future of nations is linked to children. Families with children need to be re-enthroned as the fundamental unit of society. We simply must children more than we do! Without a new generation to replace the old, there is no wealth; without families, there is no future.”

The traditional family is a fundamental principle of Mormonism. Mormon beliefs center around Jesus Christ as the head of the church, and the family as the fundamental building block of society. Children learn their first values from their parents, and parents should always be the primary teachers of values. Churches and other organizations can only support the family in this process, not replace it.

Mormons have many programs to support families. Some involve practices carried out in the home. A practice that has received much attention and has been emulated by many who are not Mormon is the Family Home Evening program. Every Monday night, Mormon families turn off the telephone and close the doors to outsiders. This evening is devoted entirely to strengthening the family. Generally, the family-only meeting begins with a song and prayer and the conducting of family business. Then a lesson on an essential spiritual or moral lesson is taught. Following the lesson, families play games and enjoy treats before closing with a song and family prayer.

A unique feature of Family Home Evening is that each family member participates in the program. Most families have a chart that rotates assignments, often pairing young children with someone older. In the security of the home, children learn to lead a meeting, conduct a song, offer a public prayer, and teach a lesson. The meeting gives parents an opportunity to share sacred beliefs with their children and for children to learn and share their own beliefs. It also serves to strengthen the family bonds, which increases the ability of the parents to influence their children over the years.

The prayers offered in this meeting are only two of many given in the home. Mormon families gather for family prayer twice a day, in addition to their personal prayers and the prayers of the husband and wife together. Generally, the morning prayer includes a brief devotional, in which family members read the scriptures together and discuss them. Once again, parents have an opportunity to demonstrate how important Jesus and His gospel are to them, and to spend time with their children.

On Sundays, families attend the main worship service together. Even babies and small children are welcome and the increase in noise and movement from the little ones is accepted without complaint by church members because they understand how critical this meeting is for children. Even though the toddlers and babies do not understand much of what is said, they are experiencing church snuggled in a parent’s arms or playing quietly beside them, making their first memories of church pleasant. As they become a little older parents are able to begin training their children to be reverent in the church setting, rather than leaving it to teachers. All learning begins in the home.

The Mormons value their children. They have worked to create programs that support parents in the challenging work of training children to live the gospel. Organizational leaders and teachers understand they do not replace or come first before the parent, but only support them in their efforts by being an additional witness of the truth.

Formal classes begin at eighteen months. After attending the main worship service, known as Sacrament Meeting, as a family, families split up for various classes. The toddlers, ages eighteen months to three years of age, attend the Nursery Class. Here, although there is some playtime, children learn in age-appropriate and fun ways about Jesus Christ and His teachings. Older children have more structured classes, but which also teach through activities and music. Children ages eight to twelve have a weekday program as well. In most areas, boys belong to the Cub Scouting program through the church and girls belong to Activity Days. In areas where Boy Scouting isn’t approved, the boys use the girls’ program.

In these programs, children learn to set and achieve goals, to put gospel principles into action in the real world, master practical life skills, and serve others. For instance, girls might learn to hand sew and then make hand-sewn toys for needy children after learning that Christ taught us to serve others. A group of young boys might learn to cook simple meals for themselves and then make cookies to take to a retirement home. The gospel taught on Sunday is put into practice during their weeknight activities.

Mormon families are regularly counseled to put their families first, making certain employment and civic activities don’t get out of balance and deprive children of active parents. The Church offers parenting classes and many lessons include help for parents. Church men and women can turn to other parents for support and mentoring on an informal basis as well, because congregations are assigned by geographical boundaries and normally include a wide range of ages and experiences.

These support systems are one reason Mormon families are noted for their lower divorce rate. Both marriage and parenting are considered priorities in a Mormon home. Because marriage that takes place in a Mormon temple is forever, and not just until death, Mormons have a strong motivation to create strong loving families that can continue into eternal life. Husbands and wives can continue to be married after death, and children can continue to belong to their parents.

Society has a vested interest in the well-being of its families. At the same conference, Sheri L. Dew, also a Mormon, said, “We all know that every nation is ultimately at the mercy of its families. If families are riddled with problems, society eventually collapses under the weight of problems too vast for any government to meet. If families are strong, society is strong.”

In order for our society to succeed, we must begin to put families first and value the work of the parents who care for children. We must treat the children as if they matter.

Those who read the Bible remember that there was a day when Jesus had been working long, hard hours. A group of parents showed up late in the day with their children, but the apostles turned them away. However, the Savior summoned the children to Him, instructing His apostles to never turn away children. He demonstrated for His followers that day that He made children a priority, even during times of exhaustion. He understood that what children learn as children they generally take into adulthood. For this reason, we can’t wait until we have time to take care of the children of our world. As Elder Nelson said in the statement at the start of this article, “Families with children need to be re-enthroned as the fundamental unit of society.”