Famous Mormons celebrities that you didn’t know

It’s uncommon to associate ” Mormon ” with “famous.” The Mormon religion is known for its strict rules and the exact opposite of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. However, several well-known sports and entertainment industry individuals were raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While some have strayed from the faith, there are still those who remain devout believers.

The Mormon organisation was founded by Joseph Smith in April 1830, with additional texts outlining the principles of the faith. When Brigham Young took over as the head of the church in 1847, the religion was elevated to new heights. The church’s headquarters remain in Salt Lake Valley, Utah, where it thrives. Brigham Young also established Brigham Young University, which requires its students to follow the doctrines of Mormonism.

Facts About Mormons You Didn’t Know.

Mormonism Is Among The Most Rapidly Growing Religions In The U.S.

With a population of 6 million, Mormonism is now the fourth-largest religious group in the United States; according to the most recent figures from the Pew Research Center—Mormonism claims to grow around 1 million new members yearly.

Over a quarter of all American Mormons – – including Fox News host Glenn Beck converted to the faith.

Mormons Are Just A Nickname.

They are part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and were a part of the church members of Christ’s church in their later days. Besides, they are called LDS or “Latter-day Saints.” The word “Mormon” is the name of a renowned prophet who composed The Book of Mormon, an original scripture book in their community (that’s the book we’re reading in these images).

We understand it’s challenging to mention the “Mormon church” entirely. A church, but you could be (politely) requested to change it when you refer to it as “Mormon Church” in your name.

Membership In the Famous Mormons Church Has More Than Doubled Since The 1980s.

According to church statistics from 2010, there are over 14 million Mormons worldwide, with the majority residing outside the U.S. The church’s commitment to pro-stylization, primarily through the work of missionaries, is a significant factor in the religion’s growth. Every teenage Mormon male must participate in a two-year mission overseas, which many describe as the most significant experience. Currently, more than 50,000 Mormon missionaries are serving in churches worldwide. Additionally, many Mormons become proficient in foreign languages during missionary work, such as Jon Huntsman in Chinese and Mitt Romney in French.

The Book Of Mormon Is Meant To Be A Support For, Not A Replacement For, The Bible.

The primary purpose of the Book of Mormon is to be a witness to Christ. Another of the main motives of this Book of Mormon is to help support the Bible’s testimony about Christ. According to Russell M. Nelson, “Love for the Book of Mormon expands one’s love for the Bible, and the reverse is true. Scriptures of the Restoration do not rival the Bible; They complement it. Bible.” A major part of the Church’s most significant missionary initiatives is its Bible program for free.

Missionaries Of The Latter-Day Saints Are Not Paid.

You may have encountered Latter-day Saints missionaries, but did you know they do not receive payment for their work? They often cover their expenses, with the help of family and friends, which can add up to as much as USD 10,000. They do not receive college scholarship funds, nor are they guaranteed a job upon their return home.

Instead, their reward comes from sharing their passion with others and witnessing its positive impact on people’s lives. It’s essential to recognize that these missionaries are not simply salespeople but devoted Christians committed to fulfilling Jesus’ great commission by spreading the gospel to all.

It Was Legal To Kill A Latter-Day Saint Until 1976.

Every Star Wars fan knows of Order 66 (where the emperor directed the destruction of Jedi). However, all Americans should be aware of Executive Order 44.

After taking the guns away that were seized from Latter-day Saints in Missouri and promising the state that it would safeguard the guns, on October 28, 1838, the governor of Missouri issued Missouri Executive Order 44, also known as “The Extermination Order.” It reads: “The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and they must be killed or exiled out of the state if needed for the peace of the state.” It was on these grounds that Latter-day Saints were murdered and removed from the state during the cold of winter. They were displaced by religion, and people from Illinois were able to accept it.

It wasn’t until June 25, 1976, that former Governor Christopher S. Bond apologised and reversed the extermination order.

Temples Are Sacred, Not Secret.

There is a common misunderstanding about Latter-day Saints that their temples are kept secret and inaccessible to non-members. However, this is not true. In fact, every temple has an open-door policy that welcomes everyone to explore all of its rooms. After a temple has been dedicated, only those who have followed God’s commands in their preparations are allowed to enter. But, anyone can gain admission into the temple if they are willing to make the necessary preparations.

Famous Mormon Stars That You’d Not

Did you know that there are celebrities who happen to be Mormons? Surprisingly, this list includes entertainers and top stars from Hollywood. It’s interesting to note that the information presented in this list may challenge any preconceived notions you have about Mormonism or any other religion. You’ll also discover various perspectives on how active Mormons view their faith.

Eliza Dushku

Eliza Dushku, a renowned actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and True Lies, was born into a Mormon family. Her mother was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Eliza and her siblings were also raised in the faith. However, as she grew older, she and many others drifted away from the LDS community. Despite this, Eliza still cherishes the memories of her time in the religion and is grateful for its positive impact on her upbringing. She even has a Mormon tattoo that she got as a child.

Paul Walker

Paul Walker, a beloved actor who has passed away, was brought up in a Mormon family along with his four younger brothers – Aimee, Ashlie, Caleb, and Cody. They were all subjected to the Mormon religion during their upbringing. However, as an adult, Walker renounced his beliefs in The Latter-Day Saints. Despite no longer practising as a Mormon, he found solace in his non-denominational Christian faith.

In his IMDB bio, Walker expressed his thoughts on atheism, his love for snowboarding and surfing, and how he found inspiration in the natural world. He wondered how anyone could not believe in God, as he found everything around him awe-inspiring.

Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler, a comedian, was raised by a strict Mormon mother and a Jewish father. Although she didn’t follow her mother’s faith, she was exposed to Mormonism during her upbringing. However, Handler eventually chose to follow her father’s religion and was educated as a Reform Jew. She even had her own Bat Mitzvah. In several interviews, Handler has expressed her lack of respect for Mormonism. At the 2020 Makers Conference in Los Angeles, she discussed her experience with Mormonism. She stated that while raised in both religions, she ultimately chose to identify as Jewish and views Mormonism negatively.

Jon Heder

Jon Heder, a well-known actor born into the Mormon faith, is vocal about his beliefs. Despite his success in acting, he recently revealed that he had to turn down certain roles because they conflicted with his Mormon values.

Specifically, he cannot accept roles that involve sexual content due to the norms of his upbringing. For Heder, being a Mormon is more than just a belief system; it has shaped his identity. He is married to Kirsten Bales, the daughter of a Mormon, and the couple has four children.

David Archuleta

David Archuleta had an upbringing as a Mormon and has since become a member involved in the church. He has been open about his passion for God and that the Lord always encouraged him to live an ethical life.

The roots of his devotion to God resulted in his becoming an evangelist. But that didn’t hinder him from examining himself after discovering that homosexuality was a part of his identity.

Despite the contestant’s doubts about himself, his denominational mission leader and relatives embraced the American Idol season 6 contestant.

Alan Sparhawk

Alan Sparhawk is a lifelong member of the Latter Days Saint Church. He grew up in Seattle, Washington, and later relocated to Utah before settling in Minnesota. As the son of a Mormon with a successful career, Alan and his wife, Mimi Parker, formed an indie rock group in 1993 that reflected their deep faith and beliefs. With the addition of Steven Garrington in 2008, the group’s talent and message reached a wider audience, resulting in successful recordings on various labels, including Rocket Girl, P-vine, Sub Pop, and Kranky.

Mitt Romney

The well-known American political and commercial figure Mitt Romney was born on March 12, 1947. He is the great-grandson of Miles Park Romney. He spent over two years in France as a Mormon Missionary.

Other than that, Mitt has served as the 70th governor of Massachusetts. Mitt is currently his second-in-command United States senator since 2019.

Bryce Harper

The star baseball player is known for being one of the few remaining Mormons in the sport. Currently playing as a right-fielder for The Philadelphia Phillies, he is a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Although he doesn’t openly advertise his beliefs, he has spoken about them on several occasions throughout his career. Harper has shared that he abstains from alcohol and has even admitted to drinking coffee, which is against the teachings of his faith.

While men in his church are encouraged to serve on a mission, Harper believes that his mission is to play on the baseball field. In a 2016 article published by The Washington Post, he explained his decision to pursue baseball instead of serving on a mission.

Katherine Heigl

The main character of Grey’s Anatomy, 27 Dresses, and Knocked Up was part of the LDS church in her early years. The fact that she was part of the church only became apparent at age eight. Before that, her mom was a Lutheran, and her father was a Catholic. After her oldest brother was killed in a car incident at 26, her family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heigl was raised in a Mormon family along with her two brothers.

Like Eliza Dushku, Heigl still retains a connection to her time as she was a Mormon. While speaking with Vanity Fair, she revealed that she and her husband Josh Kelley, a Josh Kelley musician Josh Kelley, didn’t live together before the wedding.

Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer is the American author of the Twilight series of novels about vampire romance. The Twilight series has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 37 different languages.

Meyer often discusses how Mormonism influences her writings. Mormon traditions and religion when she writes.

Kaycee Stroh

American actress, singer, and dancer Kaycee Stroh has been a Mormon.

The High School Musical actress married her husband, Ben Higginson, in the church in 2009. In 2014 the Higginson family travelled for a visit to the LDS Ogden Temple during its open house.

Gladys Knight

Unlike most individuals, Gladys Knight was not born into a Mormon family. However, after a spiritual journey, she found solace in religion through her children in 1997. Growing up, Knight always sought a closer connection to God, eventually finding it within the Mormon faith. Her son Jimmy was the first to convert, followed by his daughter Kenya, and together they introduced Knight to the Church through their shared love of singing. Today, Knight is a proud member of the Mormon community. Her husband, William McDowell, also joined the church.

Brandon Flowers

Brandon Flowers, the singer in The Killers band, Brandon Flowers is an extraordinarily well-known and well-known Mormon. The singer was brought up in the religion and has used his fame to promote the religion while also appearing on the church website.

While he has several recordings on churches, the one recording that remains interesting is when he spoke about why he decided to believe in the gospel.

He claims that he’s experienced the Holy Ghost several times. This is not because he’s seen fire pillars but because his way is now lit up. He also said that he believes every rule he follows will improve his life.

Are there any celebrity Mormons?

People who are members of the Latter-Day Saints movement, also known as Mormonism, are commonly called Mormons. The initiative was launched in New York by Joseph Smith in the 1820s. Surprisingly, several famous people in the entertainment industry are Mormons, including singers, actors, and show hosts.

This may seem unusual, given the strict nature of the religion. Still, many celebrities are proud to be accepted into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Notable A-listers who grew up in the Mormon church include Katherine Heigl, Amy Adams, and Ryan Gosling. The Heigl family embraced Mormonism after the tragic death of her brother Jason in a car accident in 1986.

Are Mormons Christians?

The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints state clearly that they are Christians. They have faith in God, eternal Father and the name of Jesus Christ. When asked about their beliefs, Joseph Smith, a central figure in their religion, emphasized the importance of Jesus Christ: “The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, ‘that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven;’ and all other things are only appendages to these, which pertain to our religion.”

What is Mormon known for?

Mormons follow Christian beliefs and worship both God and Jesus. Their faith is based on two primary sources: the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints describes the Book of Mormon as a compilation of writings from ancient Christians who journeyed from Jerusalem to the Americas during biblical times. The book was translated by Joseph Smith, who is considered a prophet by Mormons. This aspect sets Mormonism apart from other Christian religions.

Who is the current Mormon prophet?

Russell M. Nelson is the current Prophet for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He became the 17th prophet and president of the LDS Church on Sunday, January 14, 2018, after his confirmation in the upper room of the Salt Lake Temple. President Nelson has been an active Quorum of the Twelve Apostles member since April 7, 1984.

Aside from his religious duties, President Nelson is also a well-known doctor and surgeon, having earned his B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Utah and his PhD degree from the University of Minnesota. He has received numerous honours and awards for his academic and religious work, including honorary doctorates from Brigham Young University, Utah State University, and Snow College.

Are Mormons close to Muslims?

Comparing the prophets of the Mormon and Muslim faiths is a topic that is often discussed, sometimes for negative reasons but also academic and impartial purposes. While there are many similarities between Mormonism and Islam, there are also significant differences. Historically, there has been a friendly relationship between Mormons and Muslims. In recent times, there has been an increase in dialogue and cooperation in charitable initiatives between the two religions.

Regarding mainstream views, Mormons are sometimes compared to the Ahmadiyya sect in Islam, as they are not always considered part of the mainstream of Christianity or Islam.

How many Indian Mormons are there?

The LDS Church reports that there are approximately 14961 Mormons in India, and they are looking to expand their reach by focusing on the country. While conversion rates in India may not be as high as in Latin America, those who have accepted the Church’s teachings are enthusiastic. Since 1992, efforts have been made to make a prophecy of a temple in New Delhi come true following the visit of elders from the Quorum of the Twelve to Bangalore.

Who do Mormons say Jesus is?

Many people believe that Jesus is the son of God. They believe that God the Father passed on his divine powers to Jesus, including immortality and the ability to live for eternity. As Jesus walked the dirt roads of Palestine as a man, he possessed the power of God. He acted as a minister with authority, with the ability to control the elements and even mortality and eternal life.

Why is Mormonism so popular?

The popularity of the Mormon Church may stem from its focus on family values, which are highly prioritized within the organization. Unlike other religious groups, the Mormons place great emphasis on creating and maintaining traditional family structures.

Approximately 80% of Mormons consider good parenting a crucial aspect of their lives, while roughly 75% believe that being in a happy marriage is one of their most significant goals. Furthermore, most Mormons, including men and women, believe that the ideal relationship involves the husband being the primary caregiver while the wife stays with the family.

Can a Mormon marry a non-Mormon?

Polygyny, which involves one man having multiple wives, was a significant aspect of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ teachings for almost 50 years. Joseph Smith introduced the practice, but it gained widespread attention during Brigham Young’s leadership. For the past 120 years, the Church has strictly forbidden the practice of polygamy. In 1831, Joseph Smith, the Church’s founder, prayed about the Old Testament’s practice of plural marriage and received divine guidance to reinstate it as a spiritual principle.

Can a Mormon marry a non-Mormon?

Many believe that weddings held in Latter-day Saint temples have eternal significance, enduring beyond death itself. The union of a man and woman in holy matrimony within the temple is a sacred obligation to God, in which they pledge to cherish and support one another, following His commandments. This ceremony is often referred to as “sealing,” as it binds the couple and their family for all eternity. Children of couples who are wed in the Church are forever connected to their parents.

To receive this divine blessing, both husband and wife must remain faithful to each other and to God throughout their lives.

It is important to note that only committed church members, both men and women, can be married in the Temple. While marriage to someone outside the Church is permitted, the ceremony cannot occur within the Church.

Do Mormons celebrate Christmas?

During the Christmas season, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints take time to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. This special moment is remembered with loved ones, reflecting on the image of the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger, as described in Luke 2:12. Like other Christians, Latter-day Saints recognize the profound importance of Christ’s atoning sacrifice and triumphant Resurrection, which imbue the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem with its full significance today.

What do Mormons worship?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practices worshipping in temples, which are considered the most sacred sites in the world. Currently, there are approximately 160 temples across the globe. In contrast, hundreds of chapels are available for Sunday services.

These temples provide a sanctuary away from the chaos and noise of daily life, where the most precious of human connections are created eternal. As a result, the life of the temple’s worshippers reflects the space’s sanctity. Unlike traditional Sunday worship, which is open to everyone, temple worship is reserved for Latter-day Saints who observe the fundamental principles of the faith.