McConkie's popular book Mormon Doctrine stated that all those using condoms or other artificial contraception are "in rebellion against God and are guilty of gross wickedness." The BYU Honor Code in 1968 stated that "the Church does not approve of any form of birth control."
Official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not forbid any foods; according to current teachings, only coffee, tea and alcohol are explicitly prohibited. Many younger cooks use wine in cooking (in the belief that the alcohol is cooked off) and wine vinegar in salad dressings.
As interpreted today, this code states that Mormons should abstain from coffee and tea, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. Over time there has been dispute and changing mores within the church regarding exactly what the Word of Wisdom disallows.
Church leaders have stated that outside of marriage "passionate kisses", defined as "more intense and last[ing] longer than a brief kiss", and "prolonged kisses that involve the tongue and excite the passions" are "off limits".
Marrying a non-member is allowed, however, the marriage ceremony cannot be done in the temple.
For some reason, many people seem to think that Mormons aren't allowed to dance. While I agree that some Mormons can't dance very well, Mormons certainly can dance! In fact, the Mormon Church frequently sponsors dances for young men and women, ages 14-18.
Both premarital sex and adultery are prohibited, and marriage below the age of 18 years is rare. In keeping with the Mormon belief that heaven is full of millions of spirits awaiting an earthly body, birth control and abortion are also forbidden.
LDS Church teachings
Members are told that they should not partially or completely remove any portion of the garment to participate in activities that can "reasonably be done with the garment worn properly beneath the clothing".
Of course, it's important to look your best as a representative of Christ, take care of your body, and be healthy. And it's OK to wear makeup. When used in moderation, it can enhance natural beauty.
The Word of Wisdom prohibits Mormons from consuming alcohol, coffee, and tea. These restrictions began to be observed more closely in the 20th century. Traditionally, members are encouraged to fast two meals during the first Sunday of each month.
Church members believe God loves all of His children, regardless of what they look like. Previously existing tattoos will not prevent one from serving in the Church and receiving all of God's blessings.
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Christmas season is a special time to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year, Latter-day Saints gather with family and friends and recall the tender scene of “the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
Theres no rule against it at all. But many girls don't feel comfortable getting in a pool of any kind during their period. So they will often just sit and ponder in the waiting area or do confirmations. It's simpler than worrying about a pad or tampon.
The LDS Church has no general policy on facial hair for its members. However, all of the church's presidents have been clean-shaven since President David O. McKay in 1951. Almost all other general authorities have lacked facial hair the past 50 years too.
If women do choose to wear cosmetics, they should be "neutral and conservative in style and color." The same goes for nail polish. And of course, "bathe daily, use deodorant, and wash your hair frequently." Perfume, if worn, can't be "overpowering or distracting."
Nevertheless, Mormon women are encouraged to buy swimsuits that uphold the church's general standard of modesty. While this does not mean their suits have to cover as much as the garments would, they generally are expected to cover midriffs and to wear bottoms with sufficient coverage.
More Latter-day Saint women are comfortable in trousers at church, especially outside Utah and in far-flung regions.
One type is a modest swimsuit that covers the chest, shoulders, and midriff. This type of swimwear is popular because it allows Mormons to enjoy the water while still being modest. Another type of swimwear popular among Mormons is a two-piece swimsuit with a tank top or rash guard.
As of 31 December 2021, the LDS Church reported 155,383 members in 309 congregations in Australia which is the largest body of members and congregations in Oceania. This is an increase of 30,945 members since 2009 which is the largest increase of members in Oceania.
Mormons also tend to have more children than other groups. Mormons ages 40-59 have had an average of 3.4 children in their lifetime, well above the comparable figure for all Americans in that age range (2.1) and higher than any other religious group.
The church does not rule against medication and caesarean section births. There have been no attempts to prove this medically or scientifically and the church does not claim silent birth as a medical approach but a religious and philosophical one.
Cultural practices which are centrally based on church doctrine include adhering to the church's law of health, paying tithing, living the law of chastity, participation in lay leadership of the church, refraining from work on Sundays when possible, family home evenings, and ministering to other church members.
Aside from counseling against “passionate kissing” before marriage (For the Strength of Youth [2011], 36), Church leaders have not given specific guidelines about when kissing is “permitted” for youth.
Latter-day prophets strongly discourage the piercing of the body except for medical purposes. If girls or women desire to have their ears pierced, they are encouraged to wear only one pair of modest earrings.