Unearth The Voyage
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon faith, has guidelines that are often simplified or misinterpreted by those outside the community. Many people hear a rule or two and assume they understand the whole picture, but the reality is much more nuanced. Understanding these practices can help bridge cultural gaps and clear up common misconceptions about what members actually believe and why.
1. The Word of Wisdom (Health Code)
Many people know this guideline as simply avoiding coffee and alcohol, but there’s actually a lot more to it. The Word of Wisdom is a health code that encourages members to treat their bodies with respect and care. It includes recommendations about eating nutritious foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and using meat sparingly.
The principle behind this practice is about self-control and making wise choices for long-term health. It’s not just about following a list of forbidden items. Members view it as a way to keep their minds clear and their bodies strong.
Some outsiders think it’s overly strict, but many Mormons see it as empowering. By choosing to follow these guidelines, they feel more in control of their health decisions. The focus is really on moderation and balance, not just avoiding certain drinks or substances.
2. Sunday as a Day of Worship
Sundays hold special significance for members, who dedicate the day to worship, rest, and spending time with loved ones. The emphasis isn’t on creating a long list of forbidden activities. Instead, it’s about choosing what brings spiritual renewal and family connection.
Families might attend church services, share meals together, or engage in uplifting conversations. Some members avoid shopping or working on Sundays to keep the day different from the rest of the week. This isn’t about judgment or rule-following for its own sake.
The real goal is creating space for reflection and togetherness in our busy lives. Different families interpret this guideline in ways that work for them. What matters most is the intention to set aside time for what’s truly important, whether that’s faith, family, or personal restoration.
3. Tithing (Donating 10%)
Tithing means donating ten percent of your income to the church, but it’s often misunderstood as a mandatory membership fee. Actually, it’s considered a voluntary act of faith and gratitude. Members choose to pay tithing because they believe in supporting their religious community and its charitable work.
Nobody checks your bank account or enforces payment. The decision is deeply personal and based on individual faith. Many members view tithing as a way to show trust in God and contribute to something larger than themselves.
The funds support church operations, humanitarian efforts, and community programs around the world. For believers, it’s about spiritual growth and responsibility rather than obligation. Some members pay tithing even during financial hardship because they see it as an expression of their commitment and priorities in life.
4. Emphasis on Family Life
Family sits at the heart of Mormon teachings, but this doesn’t mean every family looks identical or follows the same pattern. The church celebrates families of all shapes and sizes, including single parents, blended families, and those without children. What matters is the commitment to supporting and loving one another.
Single members are valued and included in the community, not treated as incomplete. The emphasis on family is about creating strong, loving relationships wherever you are in life. It’s not about enforcing a single model or making anyone feel less than.
Weekly family activities, like home evenings, encourage bonding and teaching values together. But how families practice this varies widely based on their unique situations. The core message is that relationships matter deeply and deserve our attention, care, and nurturing throughout our lives.
5. Missionary Service
When people think of Mormons, they often picture young men in white shirts and ties knocking on doors. While missionary service is encouraged, it’s definitely not required or mandatory. Many faithful members never serve missions and remain fully active in their faith.
Young women can also serve missions, typically starting at age nineteen. Senior couples often serve later in life, contributing their experience and wisdom. The decision to serve is personal and depends on individual circumstances, health, and readiness.
Missions last about two years for young men and eighteen months for young women, but these aren’t rigid rules. Some people serve shorter missions due to health or family needs. The church respects that everyone’s path is different, and choosing not to serve doesn’t make someone less faithful or committed to their beliefs.
6. Modesty Standards
Modesty guidelines exist to help members dress in ways that show self-respect and simplicity, not to shame anyone or control their choices. The standards encourage clothing that’s appropriate for different settings and occasions. What’s modest for the beach differs from what’s appropriate for church services.
These guidelines aren’t about policing fashion or making people feel bad about their bodies. Instead, they’re meant to help individuals feel confident and comfortable. The focus is on inner worth rather than outward appearance or following trends.
Different members interpret modesty in personal ways that feel right to them. Some choose more conservative styles, while others take a relaxed approach. The church emphasizes that modesty is ultimately about attitude and intention, not measuring hemlines or sleeve lengths with rulers or creating unnecessary anxiety about clothing choices.
7. No Sex Outside Marriage
This teaching encourages members to save sexual intimacy for marriage, viewing it as part of a broader commitment to responsibility and respect. It’s not about claiming moral superiority over others who make different choices. The guideline reflects beliefs about the sacred nature of physical intimacy and its connection to emotional bonds.
Members believe that waiting strengthens marriages and creates deeper trust between partners. This doesn’t mean judging those who choose differently or treating them as less worthy. Everyone makes their own decisions about relationships and intimacy.
The church offers support and understanding for those who struggle with this standard. Mistakes don’t define a person’s worth or exclude them from the community. The emphasis is on learning, growing, and making choices that align with personal values rather than living in shame or fear of judgment.
8. Avoiding Profanity
Members are encouraged to use language thoughtfully and avoid profanity, but this isn’t about rigid enforcement or punishment. The guideline promotes mindful communication and treating others with kindness through our words. It’s based on the belief that language shapes our thoughts and relationships.
Using clean language helps create positive environments where everyone feels respected. This doesn’t mean members never slip up or that saying a bad word makes you a bad person. We’re all human and learning.
The focus is on choosing words that uplift rather than tear down. Many members find that watching their language helps them think more clearly and communicate better. It’s about developing habits that reflect respect for yourself and others, not about being perfect or judging those who speak differently than you do.
9. Lay Ministry (No Paid Clergy)
Unlike many religious organizations, the Mormon church operates with volunteer leadership rather than professional clergy. Regular members serve in teaching, administrative, and leadership roles without receiving payment. This surprises many people who assume religious leaders are always paid professionals.
A teacher might lead Sunday school one week, then return to their regular job on Monday. Bishops and other leaders volunteer their time while maintaining careers and family responsibilities. This system creates a sense of shared ownership and participation in the community.
Everyone contributes their unique talents and experiences to help the congregation function. The approach keeps leadership connected to everyday life and challenges. It also means leadership positions rotate, giving many people opportunities to serve and learn. This structure builds strong communities where everyone’s contribution matters and leadership feels accessible.
10. Regular Church Attendance
Attending church services regularly is encouraged as a way to build community and support spiritual growth. However, this isn’t about tracking who shows up or punishing those who miss. Life happens, and members understand that circumstances vary widely from week to week.
Church attendance provides opportunities to learn, serve, and connect with others who share similar values. It’s seen as beneficial rather than obligatory. Some members attend every week, while others come less frequently based on their situations.
The emphasis is on what you gain from participation rather than checking boxes. Worship services include singing, lessons, and taking sacrament together as a community. For many, it’s a chance to reset and refocus on what matters most. Nobody stands at the door with a clipboard, and missing church doesn’t result in punishment or exclusion from the community.
11. Personal Scripture Study
Reading scriptures individually and as families is strongly encouraged, but nobody monitors whether you’re doing it. The practice is viewed as personally beneficial for spiritual understanding and growth. Members study the Bible, Book of Mormon, and other texts considered sacred in their tradition.
Some families set aside time each day for scripture reading together. Others read individually when it fits their schedule. There’s no single right way to approach scripture study, and people find methods that work for their lives.
The goal is developing a personal relationship with religious texts and finding guidance for daily challenges. Many members find comfort and inspiration in scripture study, but it remains a personal choice. Children might read shorter passages while adults tackle more complex chapters. What matters is making space for spiritual learning in whatever way feels meaningful and sustainable.
12. Food Storage & Preparedness
The church encourages members to maintain food storage and emergency supplies, but this often gets misunderstood as extreme survivalist behavior. Actually, it’s about basic self-reliance and being ready for unexpected situations like job loss, natural disasters, or health emergencies. The recommendation is practical, not paranoid.
Members are encouraged to gradually build supplies of non-perishable foods, water, and essential items. This might mean having a few weeks’ worth of basics rather than massive underground bunkers. The principle is taking responsibility for your family’s wellbeing.
Many people find comfort in knowing they’re prepared for emergencies. It’s similar to having insurance or a savings account for difficult times. The practice also encourages financial planning and budgeting skills. Food storage isn’t about fearing the end of the world but about being wise and prepared.
13. Service to Others
Service plays a central role in Mormon life, but it’s typically quiet and local rather than large public displays. Members regularly help neighbors, participate in community projects, and support those in need. This might look like mowing an elderly neighbor’s lawn or organizing meal deliveries for someone recovering from surgery.
The church organizes service activities, but much happens informally between individuals. Members believe that helping others strengthens communities and develops Christlike qualities. Service isn’t about recognition or praise but about genuinely caring for people around you.
Young people participate in service projects as part of their religious education. Adults continue serving throughout their lives in various ways. The emphasis is on seeing needs and responding with compassion. Whether it’s helping someone move, tutoring a struggling student, or visiting the lonely, service happens daily in small, meaningful ways.
14. Temple Worship
Temples hold special significance as sacred spaces where specific religious ceremonies take place. These buildings differ from regular meetinghouses where weekly services happen. Only members in good standing can enter temples, which leads some to view them as secretive or exclusive.
Actually, temples are considered deeply sacred rather than secret. Members participate in ceremonies they view as spiritual and personal. These include marriages meant to last beyond death and ordinances performed on behalf of deceased ancestors.
Temples aren’t political institutions or mysterious organizations. They’re places for quiet reflection and important religious rituals. Members dress in white inside temples to symbolize purity and equality. The peaceful atmosphere provides escape from daily stress and noise. While the practices inside remain private out of respect for their sacred nature, there’s nothing sinister or hidden about temples themselves.
15. Agency and Personal Choice
A core teaching in Mormon doctrine is agency, the belief that everyone has the right and responsibility to make their own choices. This principle means that guidelines are meant to guide rather than force or coerce. Members are taught to think for themselves and make decisions based on personal conviction.
Church leaders provide counsel and direction, but ultimately individuals decide how to live their lives. This includes whether to follow church guidelines at all. Some members observe every guideline closely, while others take different approaches.
The emphasis on agency means respecting others’ choices even when you disagree. Parents teach children principles but recognize that kids will make their own decisions as they grow. This fundamental belief in personal choice shapes how Mormons view rules and expectations. Guidelines exist to help people, not control them or take away their freedom to choose.
