The Mormon Church is officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It places a strong emphasis on genealogy and family history. The practice of genealogy within the LDS Church is often referred to as “Mormon Church genealogy” or “Mormon genealogy.” It is a significant part of the religious and cultural practices.
It involves researching and documenting one’s family history, locating ancestors, and connecting them through proper sourcing and verification. Members of the LDS Church often work to gather as much information as possible about their ancestors, including names, dates, and places of birth, marriage, and death. They also strive to identify the relationships between family members.
Although, It’s important to note that while genealogy and family history are important aspects of the LDS Church’s teachings and practices, not all members of the LDS Church engage in genealogical research, and it is not exclusive to the LDS Church. Many individuals and organizations around the world, regardless of religious affiliation, pursue genealogy as a means of discovering and preserving their family history.
What is Temple Work?
The LDS Church encourages its members to engage in family history research and perform temple ordinances on behalf of their ancestors. This practice is often referred to as “temple work” or “temple ordinances for the dead.”
Members believe that through this work, they can provide their ancestors with the opportunity to accept or reject the ordinances and blessings of the LDS Church.
What is the purpose of Mormon church genealogy?
The purpose of Mormon Church genealogy is to identify and trace the lineage of individuals and families, connecting them to their ancestors.
The LDS Church teaches that families can be united eternally through sacred ordinances performed in their temples. They believe that these ordinances are necessary for salvation and exaltation. According to them, individuals can perform these ordinances on behalf of their deceased ancestors.
FamilySearch – the genealogical database
To facilitate the pursuit of genealogical research, the LDS Church operates a vast genealogical database known as FamilySearch.
FamilySearch is a free online resource available to the public. It contains an extensive collection of historical records, including birth, marriage, death, and census records, as well as family trees submitted by individuals. It is one of the largest genealogical databases in the world and continues to grow as new records are digitized and added.
Why are Mormons interested in Genealogy?
Here are some of the possible reasons why Mormons are so interested in genealogy:
- They believe in eternal families. They believe that families can be together after this life. That’s why they see genealogy as a way to strengthen relationships with all family members, both those who are alive and those who have died.
- They believe that it is a religious obligation. The church teaches that it is important to know your ancestors so that you can pray for them and help them progress in the afterlife.
- It can help Mormons learn about their cultural heritage and connect with their ancestors’ countries of origin.
- It is a way to feel connected to their ancestors. Genealogy can help Mormons feel a sense of connection to their ancestors and learn about their lives.