What Can You Not Do As A Mormon?

As someone who is curious about the beliefs and practices of Mormons, it’s natural to wonder about the restrictions and limitations that come with being a member of this religious community. In this article, we will explore the unique aspects of being a Mormon and shed light on some of the activities and behaviors that are considered off-limits. From abstaining from alcohol and tobacco to adhering to a strict code of modesty, understanding what you cannot do as a Mormon will provide a fascinating glimpse into this faith-based lifestyle. So, let’s embark on an enlightening journey of discovery together!

Table of Contents

Introduction to Mormonism

Mormonism, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), is a religious movement founded in the early 19th century. It is characterized by its belief in modern-day revelation, the Book of Mormon, and a strong emphasis on family and community. While Mormonism encourages its followers to live virtuous and wholesome lives, there are certain doctrinal and lifestyle restrictions that practicing Mormons adhere to. In this article, we will explore some of the things that practicing Mormons are discouraged from doing in order to maintain their faith and alignment with their religious beliefs.

Doctrinal Restrictions

As a Mormon, there are several doctrinal restrictions that you need to be aware of. These restrictions help maintain the moral and spiritual integrity of the individual and the community as a whole. Some of the main doctrinal restrictions include:

Avoiding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs: The Word of Wisdom, a revelation given to Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, urges Mormons to abstain from these substances as they are seen as harmful to both the body and the spirit.
Abstaining from premarital sex: Mormons believe that sexual relations are sacred and should only be shared within the bonds of marriage. Therefore, engaging in any form of sexual activity outside of marriage is strongly discouraged.
Observing the law of chastity: Mormons are expected to maintain purity in their thoughts, actions, and attitudes towards sexuality. This includes avoiding pornography, immodest dress, and inappropriate behavior.

Lifestyle Restrictions

Along with doctrinal restrictions, there are certain lifestyle restrictions that practicing Mormons adhere to. These restrictions are intended to promote a clean and disciplined way of living. Some notable lifestyle restrictions include:

Following a healthy and balanced lifestyle: Mormons are encouraged to take care of their physical well-being, including adopting healthy eating habits, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful behaviors that may compromise their health.
Observing the Sabbath day: Mormons believe in setting aside Sundays as a day of rest and worship. They refrain from engaging in commercial activities, work, and recreational pursuits that detract from the purpose of the day.
Honoring a modest and respectful dress code: Mormons are encouraged to dress modestly and avoid clothing that is revealing or suggestive. This includes refraining from wearing clothing with offensive slogans or graphics.

Church Participation

Being an active participant in the Mormon Church is highly encouraged and involves certain obligations and responsibilities. Some aspects of church participation that practicing Mormons need to be aware of include:

Regular attendance at church services: Mormons are expected to attend Sunday worship services and actively participate in the sacraments and ordinances.
Serving in callings and responsibilities: Mormons are often assigned specific callings or responsibilities within their local congregation. This could involve teaching, leadership roles, or assisting with various church programs.
Payment of tithing: Mormons are required to contribute ten percent of their income to the church as tithing. This financial contribution supports the operations of the church and its various charitable endeavors.

Marriage and Relationships

Mormons hold marriage and family as central to their religious beliefs. Therefore, there are certain guidelines and restrictions in place regarding marriage and relationships:

Marrying in the temple: Mormons believe in eternal marriage and that families can be sealed together for eternity through temple marriages. In order to have a temple marriage, both partners need to be living the principles of the church and be deemed worthy by their ecclesiastical leaders.
Avoiding extramarital affairs and adultery: Faithfulness and loyalty within marriage are strongly emphasized in Mormon doctrine. Infidelity and any involvement in extramarital affairs or sexual relationships outside of marriage are strictly prohibited.

Media and Entertainment

Mormons are encouraged to carefully select the media and entertainment they consume in order to maintain their moral and spiritual well-being. Some restrictions in this area include:

Avoiding explicit content: Mormons are advised to avoid explicit content, including pornography, explicit movies, music, literature, or other forms of media that contain inappropriate or offensive material.
Exercising discernment: Mormons are encouraged to be mindful of the values and messages portrayed in the media they consume. They strive to choose media that aligns with their religious beliefs and promotes positive values.

Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom, a health code revealed through Joseph Smith, contains specific guidance on what Mormons should eat and drink. Some key elements of the Word of Wisdom include:

Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs: Mormons are advised to avoid consuming these substances as they are believed to be harmful to the body and spirit.
Moderating the consumption of meat: While not a strict prohibition, Mormons are encouraged to eat meat sparingly and focus on a balanced and healthful diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Financial Practices

Mormons believe in being responsible stewards of their finances and following certain financial practices. Some important financial principles include:

Paying tithing: As mentioned earlier, Mormons are required to contribute ten percent of their income as tithing to the church. This practice is seen as an act of faith and a way to support the church’s mission and programs.
Living within means: Mormons are encouraged to live within their means and avoid excessive debt. Financial responsibility and self-reliance are emphasized as important aspects of Mormon lifestyle.

Dress and Appearance

Mormons pay attention to their dress and appearance as a way to reflect their beliefs and maintain modesty. Some guidelines for dress and appearance include:

Wearing modest clothing: Mormons are encouraged to dress modestly, avoiding revealing or immodest clothing that may detract from their spiritual focus. This includes refraining from clothing that exposes too much skin or is overly suggestive.
Choosing appropriate grooming and hairstyles: Mormons are expected to maintain clean and well-groomed appearances. While personal styles may vary, extremes in hairstyles or grooming practices that draw excessive attention are typically discouraged.

Social Activities

Mormons are encouraged to engage in social activities that uphold their religious standards and promote positive interactions within their communities. Some considerations for social activities include:

Avoiding activities that conflict with church teachings: Mormons are advised to stay away from activities that promote immorality, violence, or substance abuse. This includes avoiding parties or events that go against their religious beliefs and values.
Participating in church-sponsored events: Mormons have ample opportunities to engage in social activities within their local church congregations. This fosters a sense of community and allows Mormons to build strong relationships with like-minded individuals.

In conclusion, being a practicing Mormon entails adhering to certain doctrinal and lifestyle restrictions. While these restrictions may initially seem challenging, for many Mormons, they serve as a source of strength and guidance in living a virtuous and purposeful life. By understanding and embracing these restrictions, Mormons are able to align themselves with their religious beliefs and nurture their spiritual well-being.