For Latter-day Saint teens · and anyone curious
Ready for the hallway question.
Kind, honest answers to what friends ask about your faith. Fifteen seconds, five minutes, or as deep as you want to go.
Start here
Everyday questions
Coffee, dating, Sundays, swearing, what you wear. These are the questions that come up at lunch, at practice and in group chats.
Why don’t you drink coffee?
It’s part of a health law my church follows called the Word of Wisdom. I skip coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco and vaping. Honestly, I like that it’s one less thing I’ll ever need to quit.
Read the answers Food & drinkWait, so can you even drink Coke or energy drinks?
Yep. The Word of Wisdom names coffee and tea, not caffeine itself, so soda is a personal call. Some members skip it and some don’t. We’re just asked to use good judgment about what’s healthy.
Read the answers Food & drinkYou’ve never even tried a drink? Not even once?
Nope, and I’m planning to keep it that way. It’s a commitment I made to God, and it means I’ll never have to wonder what I did last night. I’m still happy to come and be the designated driver.
Read the answers SundayWhy won’t you play (or work) on Sundays?
Sunday is the day I set aside for God, church and family. It’s my reset button for the week. I know it’s inconvenient sometimes, but it’s worth it to me.
Read the answers LanguageWhy don’t you swear? Like, ever?
I try not to. Partly respect for God, especially using His name, and partly I just think words matter. Yes, I say “oh my heck” sometimes. It’s a whole thing.
Read the answers Dating & relationshipsWhy can’t you date until you’re 16?
My church suggests waiting until about 16 for one-on-one dates, and keeping it to group stuff before that. It actually takes a lot of pressure off. We do a ton of group things anyway.
Read the answers AppearanceWhy do you dress like that? Aren’t you hot?
I just try to dress in a way that shows respect for my body and who I am. It’s my choice. Not a rule I’m being forced into, and it doesn’t mean I think anything bad about what you wear.
Read the answers Media & phonesWhy won’t you watch that show (or movie) with us?
I try to be picky about what I watch, mostly because of how it makes me feel afterward. I’m not judging you. I’ll pick the next one, and it’ll be a banger.
Read the answers School & churchWhy do you get up at 6 a.m. for church class?
That’s seminary. A scripture class for teens, before school or during a free period depending on where you live. It’s early, but it’s a solid way to start the day, and there are usually donuts.
Read the answers School & churchAre you going on a mission? Why would you do that?
I’m hoping to. Missionaries volunteer, and even pay their own way, to share what they believe about Jesus and to serve. It’s a big sacrifice, but people come home saying it was the best thing they ever did.
Read the answers MoneyYou give 10% of your money to your church? Why?
Yep, tithing. It’s from the Bible, and I see it as giving back to God for everything He gives me. Even on babysitting money, it’s cool knowing it helps build churches and temples around the world.
Read the answers AppearanceAre you not allowed to get tattoos?
It’s more about respecting my body as something sacred. My church encourages us to think really carefully before doing permanent things to it. So for me, it’s a no.
Read the answers Dating & relationshipsSo you’re really waiting until you’re married?
Yeah, I am. I believe sex is sacred and belongs in marriage, and that’s worth waiting for. It’s not that I think it’s gross. I think it’s important.
Read the answers FriendshipDo you think you’re better than us?
Not at all. I’m definitely not perfect. I make my choices because of what I believe, not to judge anyone. If I ever come off that way, please tell me.
Read the answers FriendshipDoes your church hate gay people?
No. My church teaches that everyone is a child of God and deserves kindness, and I care about my LGBTQ friends. We do believe marriage is between a man and a woman. But loving people isn’t up for debate.
Read the answersWhat we believe
Who we are
“Are you Christian?” “What’s the Book of Mormon?” “Why can’t I go in your temple?” Clear answers about what Latter-day Saints believe, plus the most common mix-ups.
Are you guys even Christian?
Yes! Jesus Christ is the center of everything we believe. His name is literally in our church’s name. We just see some things differently from other Christian churches, like the Trinity.
Read the answers Who we areAren’t you a Mormon? Why does everyone say “Latter-day Saint” now?
Yep, that’s my church. The real name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We use the full name because it puts Jesus Christ front and center. “Mormon” comes from the Book of Mormon, so it’s a nickname.
Read the answers ScriptureDo you even believe in the Bible?
Yes, we do! It’s the word of God and we study it all the time. My seminary class is spending a whole year on it. We just also have more scripture, like the Book of Mormon, that teaches about Jesus too.
Read the answers ScriptureWhat even is the Book of Mormon?
It’s a book of scripture, kind of like a companion to the Bible. It’s about ancient people in the Americas, and its main point is Jesus Christ, including Him visiting them after He was resurrected. And no, the musical isn’t accurate.
Read the answers BeliefsYou really think there’s a prophet today?
Yeah, I do. God had prophets in the Bible, and we believe He still does. Right now that’s President Dallin H. Oaks. It’s honestly comforting that God still speaks today.
Read the answers BeliefsDo you guys worship Joseph Smith?
No. We worship God the Father and pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, kind of like Moses or Peter. We honor him, but he isn’t the one we worship.
Read the answers TemplesWhy can’t I go inside your temple? What’s the big secret?
It’s not secret, it’s sacred. Our regular churches are open to anyone, any Sunday. Temples are special places for promises with God, so you go in when you’re prepared. But when a new temple opens, there’s an open house anyone can tour.
Read the answers Myths & mix-upsIs it true you wear special underwear?
Adults who make promises in the temple wear simple garments under their clothes, as a reminder of those promises to God. There’s nothing magic about them. It’s a bit like a wedding ring, but private.
Read the answers TemplesIs it true you baptize dead people?
Kind of. We don’t do anything to bodies! In the temple, living people are baptized on behalf of ancestors who never had the chance. Then it’s completely up to them, in the next life, to accept it or not.
Read the answers BeliefsDo you think I’m going to hell because I’m not in your church?
No! We believe almost everyone ends up in a kingdom of glory, places so good we can hardly imagine them. And God makes sure everyone gets a fair chance to hear about Jesus, even after this life.
Read the answers Faith & questionsIs it bad to have questions about your church?
Not at all. My church literally started because a 14-year-old asked God a question. I’m encouraged to ask, study and pray about things. I just try to ask in faith, not only in doubt.
Read the answers Who we areIsn’t your church a cult?
Ha, no, though I’ve heard that. Anyone can come to our church on Sunday, read what we believe online, ask any question, or leave. You’re honestly welcome to come see for yourself.
Read the answers Myths & mix-upsDo you guys have multiple wives?
No. The Church stopped that back in 1890, and anyone who practices it today can’t be a member. The groups you see on TV are different churches that split off a long time ago.
Read the answers
How to handle any question
Seminary teaches three principles for questions you can’t answer yet. Every answer here is built on them.
Act in faith
Keep living what you already know, and take the question to Heavenly Father in prayer. It’s okay not to know everything today.
Think with an eternal perspective
Look at the question through God’s plan and the teachings of Jesus Christ, not just the trend of the week.
Use good sources
Scriptures, living prophets, parents and leaders first, then careful scholarship. Every answer here links to its sources.
Didn’t see your question? Ask it.
What did someone ask you at school, on a team or online? Tell us in their words. We don’t need your name. Questions from real hallways decide what gets written next.
Looking for history or harder topics? Visit Going Deeper
Weak Things is an independent site, not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Answers are written to match the Church’s published teachings, and every answer links to its sources.