As a busy mom of 7 kids, from 8 years old up to newlyweds, my days are a whirlwind of school pickups, meal prep, laundry, and often, trying to find matching socks! Amidst all the beautiful chaos, I’ve found incredible peace and purpose in my faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love sharing glimpses into our family life on this blog – whether it’s a new recipe, a parenting hack (send help!), or just sharing the simple joys of motherhood.

Today, though, I want to dive into something close to my heart. Over the years, I’ve heard so many questions and assumptions about my faith. Sometimes they make me smile, sometimes they make me think, and sometimes they make me realize just how many modern myths are out there! So, with a light heart and a desire to share, let’s explore 20 common myths about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and uncover the real answers. My hope is that by the end, you’ll feel like you know us a little better, and maybe even be inspired to learn more.

20 Modern Myths About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Myth 1: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aren’t Christians.

The Real Answer: This is probably the most common myth we encounter, and it’s simply not true! The full name of our Church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” which pretty clearly states our focus. We believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, the Son of God, and the central figure of our faith. We believe in His atoning sacrifice, His resurrection, and that salvation comes through Him. Our worship services, our scriptures, and our daily lives are centered on Him. That is the definition of a Christian. Nobody has the authority to define it as something other than that. It’s simple and true. You can learn more about our foundational beliefs in Jesus Christ on our official website: ComeUntoChrist.org.

Myth 2: The Book of Mormon replaces the Bible.

The Real Answer: Not at all! We believe the Bible to be the word of God, “as far as it is translated correctly” (which is a belief many Christians share about ancient texts!). We study and cherish the Bible. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It tells the story of ancient inhabitants of the Americas and their interactions with God, including a visit from the resurrected Jesus Christ Himself. Think of it like this: if one witness testifies of a truth, it’s good. If a second witness testifies of the same truth, it strengthens that testimony. The Book of Mormon complements the Bible, enriching our understanding of God’s love and plan for His children. You can read more about how we view the Bible here: The Holy Bible.

Myth 3: Latter-day Saints practice polygamy.

The Real Answer: This is a historical misconception that often surprises people. While the early Church did practice plural marriage for a period of time in the 19th century, it was officially discontinued over a century ago in 1890. Today, polygamy is strictly prohibited in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and any member practicing it would be excommunicated. Groups that do practice polygamy are not affiliated with our Church. We believe in and practice monogamous marriage between one man and one woman, as outlined in our beliefs on marriage: Marriage and Family. I have studied polygamy, in depth, and actually put together a list of my favorite resources, for those who would like to learn more: Understanding Polygamy and the Mormon Church – The Best Resources

Myth 4: Women in the Church are second-class citizens.

The Real Answer: Oh, how this one makes me chuckle! As a woman in the Church, I can tell you firsthand that women are highly valued and play indispensable roles. We lead organizations, teach, serve in leadership positions within our congregations, and are integral to every aspect of Church life. The Relief Society, our global women’s organization, is one of the largest and oldest women’s organizations in the world, with millions of members dedicated to service and spiritual growth. In fact, my current calling is as the Relief Society President for my local congregation. I work very closely with our Bishop and other male and female leaders, as we strive to teach and encourage those we preside over to draw closer to Christ. I have first-hand experience of being a leader in the church and seeing the respect and consideration that women are given. It’s a beautiful thing. We believe in equal partnership and mutual respect in marriage and in the home. Learn more about the role of women: Women in the Church.

Myth 5: We can’t drink coffee or tea because of the caffeine.

The Real Answer: This is a common misunderstanding of what we call the “Word of Wisdom,” which is a health code given by God. It counsels us to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and “hot drinks” (which early Church leaders clarified as coffee and tea), and to eat wholesome foods in moderation. The emphasis isn’t on caffeine itself (many of us enjoy caffeinated sodas… I need to quit), but on avoiding substances that can be addictive or harmful to our bodies, which we believe are temples of God. It’s about respecting our bodies and striving for a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 6: Temples are secret.

The Real Answer: Temples are sacred, not secret! Think of them as special houses of the Lord, where members make sacred promises with God and participate in ordinances that help us understand His eternal plan. Before a new temple is dedicated, the public is invited to an “open house” to tour the entire building. Once dedicated, only members who are striving to live God’s commandments can enter, much like how ancient temples had restricted access. This is out of reverence for the sacred ordinances performed inside. We encourage everyone to visit a temple open house when one is announced near them! You can see pictures and learn more about temples here: Why does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have temples?.

Myth 7: We worship Joseph Smith.

The Real Answer: Joseph Smith was the first prophet and founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this modern era, but we do not worship him. We revere him as a prophet of God, much like ancient prophets such as Moses or Abraham. He was an instrument in God’s hands for the “restoration” of Christ’s Church on the earth. Our worship is directed to God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I have such a soft spot for Joseph Smith and am thankful for the sacrifices he made (even his own life) so that we can have God’s restored church on the earth today. Here’s a great link to read a portion of Joseph Smith’s story, from his own mouth.

Myth 8: Latter-day Saints don’t celebrate Christmas or Easter.

The Real Answer: We absolutely do! Christmas and Easter are incredibly important holidays for us because they celebrate the birth, life, atonement, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our celebrations are often very Christ-centered, focusing on the true meaning of these sacred events. Our homes are typically decorated, and we have special Church services. These are both holidays we LOVE at my house!

Myth 9: We believe we will become gods.

The Real Answer: This is a nuanced belief often misunderstood. We believe in the potential for all of God’s children to grow, progress, and become more like Him. We believe that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that we are His spirit children. Just as a child can grow to be like their parents, we believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and by living God’s commandments, we can develop divine attributes and eventually inherit all that God has. To me, it makes perfect sense that we can become like our Heavenly Parents (Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother), because of the Atonement and God’s grace. It doesn’t mean we will be like Them automatically. No, we have to pattern our lives after theirs, keep Their commandments, repent of our sins, and continue to seek out Their guidance. It’s a journey of eternal progression and becoming. Saints Unscripted, the YouTube channel, actually does a great job explaining this in just 6 minutes: Latter-day Saints Believe They Can Become Gods?!

Myth 10: Missionaries travel for free or get paid.

The Real Answer: This is another common misconception. Young men and women (and sometimes senior couples!) who serve as full-time missionaries volunteer their time and often pay for their own missions, usually with help from their families. It’s a significant sacrifice, both financially and personally, but it’s done out of a deep love for God and a desire to share His gospel. They truly believe in what they are sharing and are eager to serve. I have a son serve in Mexico. It was difficult to be without him for two years, but he grew so much in every way and also blessed the lives of those he served. I was always so thankful to the people he met who were kind to him. Missions are an amazing opportunity, as well as very important. God’s message is crucial to spread through all of the world. We all need to have the opportunity to accept or reject His gospel.

Myth 11: We have secret handshakes and rituals.

The Real Answer: The sacred ordinances performed in temples involve symbolic gestures and words, but they are not “secret handshakes” or rituals in the sense that some people imagine. These symbols help us remember sacred covenants (promises) we make with God. They are meaningful and profound to us, and while they are not discussed outside the temple out of respect for their sacred nature, they are not mysterious or sinister. They are beautiful, personal experiences designed to draw us closer to God. A lot of what we do in the temple is ANCIENT, passed down from the days of Adam and Eve and God’s ancient church, so of course it can seem strange to our modern minds. We are often seeing or engaging in rituals in our modern society, but because we are so used to them, they do not seem strange. Think of high school graduations, military advancements, medical school graduations, weddings, etc. We wear specific attire, do symbolic actions, make pledges, and other sorts of things to declare our commitment or recognize advancement.

You will find lots of sensational takes online about these ancient temple rituals and the temple garments, often exaggerated, straight lies, or shared without context. I would just encourage you to expand your mind, recognize the ancient connection, and go to reputable sources, like the Church, itself. The Church has a myriad of resources available to learn more and they hope you WILL learn more. I looooooove studying the temple. Nothing has increased my testimony of the truth of The Church more than that. The temple is fascinating and a gift from God. I’m sold. You can get started learning about temples here.

Myth 12: Latter-day Saints are discouraged from pursuing higher education.

The Real Answer: Quite the opposite! Education is highly valued in our faith, for both men and women. We believe in lifelong learning and developing our minds and talents. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life … he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”

The Church sponsors several universities and colleges (like Brigham Young University), and members are encouraged to pursue education and gain knowledge in all fields. They have even started an amazing program, called BYU Pathways, that allows people of all faiths, all over the world, to receive a college education at a highly discounted rate. That’s how much we believe in education! We believe that intelligence is a gift from God and that learning helps us serve others and contribute to society. I personally love learning and have especially love learning more about the Latter-day Saint faith, in depth.

Myth 13: We don’t believe in science.

The Real Answer: We believe that truth can be found in both spiritual and secular realms. Many Latter-day Saints are scientists, doctors, engineers, and researchers. In fact, our current living prophet, Russel M. Nelson, was a world-renowned heart surgeon (check out this video about that here!) We believe that science helps us understand the “how” of creation, while religion provides the “why.” There is no conflict between true science and true religion; they are two different lenses through which we can understand God’s magnificent creations.

Myth 14: Latter-day Saints worship angels.

The Real Answer: We do not worship angels. While we believe in angels as messengers of God (just like in the Bible!), our worship and faith is reserved for God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Angels, like Moroni from The Book of Mormon, are servants of God, not deities to be worshipped.

Myth 15: We don’t use the cross as a symbol because we don’t believe in the crucifixion.

The Real Answer: We absolutely believe in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; it is central to our faith and understanding of the Atonement. The reason we don’t typically use the cross as a symbol is that we choose to focus on the living Christ and His glorious resurrection rather than on the instrument of His death. Our faith is one of hope and new life in Christ. You’ll often see images of the resurrected Christ in our churches and homes, symbolizing His triumph over death. Elder Holland, one of my favorite apostles, gave a great talk on this: Lifted Up Upon the Cross

Myth 16: All Latter-day Saints are from Utah.

The Real Answer: While Utah has a significant population of Latter-day Saints due to historical settlement, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global faith! There are millions of members in countries all over the world, speaking countless languages. In fact, there has been a big jump in growth all over the world. It’s amazing! We are truly a worldwide Church. If you would like to learn more about the history of the church, I highly recommend the series called Saints. You can find it for free (to read or listen to) on the “Gospel Library” app. That app is packed full of amazing resources, to learn more about The Church and God.

Myth 17: We are a cult.

The Real Answer: A common definition of a cult involves authoritarian leadership, isolation from society, and often financial exploitation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t fit this description. Our leadership structure is transparent, we encourage active participation in communities, and all financial contributions are voluntary tithes and offerings used to build the Church and help others. We are a mainstream Christian faith with clear doctrines, open scriptures, and a global presence. This fallacy is perpetuated to scare people away from The Church. It makes no logical sense, it’s untrue, and seriously, how about we band together as Christians in this dark world, rather than turning on each other? One of my favorite things about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is our reverence for other religions. We strive to never speak ill and we often encourage service collaborations to build bridges. We all love our Savior. Let’s do what we can to spread His love around the world! Jesus Christ is the HEAD of our church, nobody else.

Myth 18: We believe in infant baptism.

The Real Answer: Nope. This is one of the differences between Latter-day Saints and some other Christian churches. We believe in baptism by immersion for the remission of sins when a person is old enough to understand and choose to follow Jesus Christ (usually around age 8). This aligns with the New Testament pattern of baptism for believers. We don’t baptize infants because we believe children are innocent before God and are covered by the Atonement of Jesus Christ until they reach the age of accountability. You can read more about our baptism beliefs, here.

Myth 19: We don’t believe in grace.

The Real Answer: We absolutely believe in grace! We believe that salvation comes “after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23 in The Book of Mormon), which means we believe in striving to keep God’s commandments, doing our best to serve Him and live like Him. We can’t just SAY we love Christ, and not behave like we do. He has asked us to follow Him, not just come to Him. However, we also know that our best efforts are not enough on their own. It is through the infinite grace and mercy of Jesus Christ that we are saved. Grace enables us to overcome our weaknesses and become more like Him. The atonement and our ability to repent and receive His help on improving is a beautiful gift. One of my favorite talks for understanding the concept of grace is by Brad Wilcox, His Grace is Sufficient.

Myth 20: Latter-day Saints are against fun.

The Real Answer: As a mom with a house full of energetic kids, and a husband that lives for fun… I can tell you our lives are full of fun, laughter, and joy! We love to go boating, ride 4-wheelers and dirt bikes, raft rivers, hike, snowboard, play sports, al the things. We believe that God wants us to be happy and enjoy life. We emphasize wholesome recreation, family activities, and clean entertainment. We have youth dances, camps, and community events, and we love to gather with friends, family, and neighbors. While we have standards that help us live a more abundant life, these standards enhance, rather than detract from, our happiness. In The Book of Mormon, you will read, “Adam fell that men might be, and men are, that they might have joy.” (2 Nephi 2:25) Of course, joy is bigger and deeper than “fun,” but it’s included. You can read more about why I love being a Latter-day Saint in this blog post: 10 Reasons I Love the Latter-day Saint Lifestyle.

Want to Learn More?

I hope this helped clear up some of the myths you might have heard! My goal is simply to share a little more about my faith and the beautiful truths that bring so much joy to my family and me. We believe that God loves all His children, and that He wants us to come to know Him.

If you’re curious and want to learn more, here are some fantastic resources:

Visit ComeUntoChrist.org: This is the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, designed specifically for those who want to learn more. It’s packed with information, videos, and answers to common questions.
Request a visit from missionaries: If you’re open to it, two young missionaries (often in white shirts and ties, or dresses for young women) would be delighted to visit with you, answer your questions, and share more about our beliefs. You can request a visit directly from the website above. They’re just regular people, often paying their own way, who genuinely want to share something they believe will bring you happiness.
Attend a Sunday service: Our Sunday meetings are open to everyone! You can find a local congregation near you on ComeUntoChrist.org and just walk in. You’ll experience a friendly, Christ-centered worship service. No pressure, just an open invitation.
Read The Book of Mormon: If you’re up for missionaries bringing you a book and teaching you more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can request a book on Come Unto Christ. If you’re not ready for missionaries, but would like to read The Book of Mormon, I would be happy to mail you one. The instructions for that are found in my blog post, How to Get a Free Book of Mormon Without Missionaries.

20 Modern Myths About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Real Answers