Myth: Mormons are not Christians and do not worship Jesus Christ.

Truth: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) is the official title of the Mormon Church and they are classified under the Christian branch of theology. Additionally, Mormons recognize Jesus and his teachings as the main tenet of their faith.

Myth: Mormons practice polygamy.

Truth: In the mid-1800s, one of Mormonism’s early leaders, Brigham Young, publicized the practice of plural marriage. This garnered a large amount of backlash from Americans outside the LDS. In 1890, the church officially renounced the practice. However, there are still various small religious groups that engage in polygamous marriage and identify themselves with the LDS. The LDS church does not condone this practice. “It’s a sin but it’s not like [the LDS church] is judging them. They can do what they want, but we know it’s not right so we’re not going to do it,” senior Brock Stone said.

Myth: Mormons baptize dead bodies.

Truth: Mormons do not actually use corpses in baptism. They do, however, posthumously baptize individuals in a ritual that takes place in Mormon temples. In this proceeding, a church member dressed in all white is submersed in water by another member who speaks a recitation on the deceased’s behalf. Through this ritual, it is believed the dead individual can be vicariously saved and can accept to be taken into Heaven.

Myth: Mormons have to follow strict religious rules.

Truth: LDS advises against what they view as potentially harmful behavior. This includes the use of tobacco, alcohol, tea, coffee, and illegal drugs. They are also encouraged not to date until the age of 16. However, many LDS members interpret these teachings at their own individual discretion. “It’s not like if you don’t follow them they will kick you out of the church or anything. It’s totally up to you,” senior Jordan Bucknum said.

Myth: Mormons are all conservative, white Americans.

Truth: About 14 percent of Mormons in the U.S. are a race other than white and about 60 percent identify themselves as Republican. Additionally, there are over nine million individuals belonging to LDS outside of the U.S., compared to about six million domestically.

Myth: Mormons do not believe in the Bible.

Truth: The Church of Latter Day Saints follows the teachings of four scriptural texts. These are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, as well as the Doctrine and Covenants. Moreover, the majority of LDS canonizes the use of spoken revelation by Prophet Joseph Smith (which is accepted as lost Bible texts) and additional works believed to have been transcribed by ancient prophets.

Myth: Mormons discriminate against women and blacks.

Truth: Following the death of Joseph Smith in 1844 and up to about 36 years ago, LDS had a policy in place which prevented individuals of black African descent from being ordained into the church. In 1978, the president of LDS officially discontinued this policy. Currently, the church’s lay priesthood does not allow women. However, they do maintain that women are allowed to attend church services, teach scripture studies and preach to the congregation.