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Yes, I'm Mormon, But No, I'm Not From Utah

8 common misconceptions all Mormons have been asked.

Madison Smith

Mar 05, 2018

University of Virginia

394

Yes, I'm Mormon, But No, I'm Not From Utah

Sister Brianna Wastlund

As an LDS (Mormon) convert, I get a lot of questions from my own family and friends about my beliefs. Many people think that they know what we believe, but a lot of them are just misconceptions and false information from the media or non-members. Here are 8 of the more common questions that I have been asked or have heard.

1. You worship Joseph Smith, right?

That is false. We do not worship Joseph Smith but believe that he was a prophet, translated the Book of Mormon, and restored the one true church.

2. Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

Yes, our church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Jesus Christ is the head of our church.

3. Do you celebrate Christmas?

We are Christians and believe in Jesus Christ, so yes.

4. Why can't you have caffeine?

I actually can have caffeine. Some members choose not to consume caffeine, but in doctrine known as the Word of Wisdom, it is advised that members not drink tea and coffee. It is a choice, so nobody is forcing you to not consume these substances but in order to go to the temple, you have to follow this commandment.

5. So...you're from Utah?

While many people in Utah are Mormon, we don't all live there.

6. Why are y'all forced to go on a mission?

Members are not forced to go on a mission. It is a personal choice that one must pray about.

Members go on missions to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help others come unto Christ. Women serve a mission for eighteen months while men serve for two years.

7. So you don't believe in the Bible?

We believe in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

8. What do you do in the temples, and why can't I go inside one?

The temple is sacred, not secret. Many different things happen in temples such as baptisms for the dead, sealing ordinances, and endowments. In order to go to the temple, one must be a member of the LDS church and obtain a temple recommend. To obtain the temple recommend a member must be interviewed and deemed worthy to go into the temple by following all of the commandments.

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to a missionary online and they will be happy to answer.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Yes, I'm Mormon, But No, I'm Not From Utah

8 common misconceptions all Mormons have been asked.

1. You worship Joseph Smith, right?

2. Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

3. Do you celebrate Christmas?

4. Why can't you have caffeine?

5. So...you're from Utah?

6. Why are y'all forced to go on a mission?

7. So you don't believe in the Bible?

8. What do you do in the temples, and why can't I go inside one?

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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

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1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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