Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

As many of you who know me, or know of me, will have learned that we moved over here to Canada and moved into the little township of Raymond which is predominantly populated by followers of the Mormon or LDS faith.

This faith or religion is much more common over here in North America than it is in Europe. In fac I think it would be fair to say that when your average “Brit” hears the term Mormon then then paint a picture of a couple of smartly dressed gents knocking at the door trying to convert you or sell you some publication or another. Or one family name springs to mind, and that would be the Osmands. Oh yes for my younger readers, please don’t send in comments asking who the Osmands are, just google it or ask mom or dad……

Even better get Dad to bang out a few lines of “Crazy Horses” or persuade Mum to croon “Puppy Love” into the old hairbrush, please note at this stage that Lyndon’s Trucking Life will accept no responsibility whatsoever for the resulting murdering of the aforementioned songs, but I will say it would be more entertaining after a few cold ones from the fridge………….. that’s for them not you 8-)

So whats it like living in a community of Mormons ???

Its……er basically like living in any other community, except that everyone is friendly to each other, everyone is very community spirited, there is almost no crime. Luke went away with the church last year on a snow caving, fishing, tobogganing and tons of other stuff week expedition which he absolutely loved, and the crazy thing is no-one tried any kind of converting stuff on him, weird isn’t it.

I will say though the town does close down somewhat on a Sunday and the temples (churches) we have in town are ram packed full, and it is impossible to buy booze or liquor in town, Even though we do come from an envoironment that takes Sunday shopping and popping down to the pub for a swift one, for granted, life in Raymond hasn’t caused us to change our lifestyle too much, and where it has changed I think is for the better.

Now I am not by any means a religious man, I do have my own beliefs although very diluted and you will only ever see me in church for christenings, weddings and funerals. If God does exist then that is the way he created me and who am I to try to change is work…………that’s my excuse anyway.

Im writing this article coz I want to bust a few myths and a few misconceptions about these friendly, community spirited people who originally migrated up from their Zion which is Salt Lake City in Utah to settle the fertile Albertian lands and found the little community of Raymond, the place I now call home.

Please let me shed a little light on my new friends……………………………………….

A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Although Mormons say they prefer that the entire name be used to refer to them, or the shortened “Latter Day Saint,” the nickname Mormon is also acceptable. For many non-members, Mormons are a mysterious group of people, and misconceptions regarding their beliefs abound. It is a relatively new church, although members believe that the church is in actuality, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In the year 1820, a young Joseph Smith began the restoration of the gospel which today, has over 12 million members worldwide.

The basic beliefs of the Mormon religion are quite similar to many Christian denominations. They believe that God is man’s Heavenly Father and that he is the creator. His son, Jesus Christ is their Savior and atoned for the sins of mankind. Through repentance and adherence to God’s commandments man can return to live with God for eternity. Mormons also believe in the Holy Ghost, which guides them and gives them knowledge of the truth of the gospel. Although Mormons believe in the Godhead, they do not believe in the Holy Trinity version which claims that all three are one unified being.

Mormons believe in a living prophet, not unlike the prophets of the Old and New Testament. As of 2006, President Gordon Hinckley is one of the oldest and longest serving prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Its headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, a state where approximately 14 percent of its membership resides. According to their beliefs, members receive timely instructions from God through the prophet as to how they should live their lives and how the business of the church should be conducted.

Some people associate the Mormon lifestyle with strong family values, clean living and extensive church attendance and involvement. This is due to the fact that one of the foundational commandments of the Mormon religion is to strengthen the family emotionally and spiritually so that, as a unit, the family can live together forever with the Heavenly Father. The Word of Wisdom, which believers say came from God through Joseph Smith, outlines a strict anti-tobacco, anti-drug, and anti-alcohol code. Basically, Mormons are anti-addiction which makes drinks such as coffee and tea forbidden. Instead the Church stresses moderation.

Many a Mormon will tell you that they spend a lot of time involved in church activities and services. The Sunday service is three hours long, and members are expected to serve in a “calling.” All its clergymen are unpaid, and every role in the church, including Sunday school teachers and missionaries is unpaid, except for a few full time positions at the church’s headquarters. A full ten percent tithing is required of members, which supports the expenses of the church. Tithing is used to support the church’s infrastructure as well as missionary work and humanitarian services worldwide.

Missionaries are probably the most visible and well known members of the church. Approximately 60,000 missionaries serve worldwide. Young men in particular, but more and more young women of the church are expected to serve 18 to 24 month missions to proselytize and perform service. Above all, a Mormon is expected to endure daily trials, repent of sins, achieve his or her full spiritual and earthly potential, build a strong family, fellowship both members and non-members and attempt to determine their life's purpose.