Married at First Sight Australia 2023’s, Alyssa Barmonde was raised Mormon in Utah, USA, and while she has since left the church, her upbringing still has a major impact on her life.
Although her relationship with Duncan James has gone from strength to strength, the 35-year-old has struggled with intimacy due to the values she was taught, leaving us to question — what exactly are the rules of the Mormon church?
**NOTE: These are regulations the church follows as a general rule; however, we cannot say whether Alyssa herself adhered to them.**
What is the Mormon Church?
Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, which is the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement.
Started by Joseph Smith in New York during the 1820s, the Mormons developed a strong sense of community that stems from their doctrine and history.
According to News.GU, when asked what Mormonism is, members of the Church will often speak of their love of the “Saviour Jesus Christ”.
The faith also encourages all young men who are “physically and mentally fit to serve as missionaries”, i.e. door knockers who try to convert others into the mission.
What rules do Mormons follow?
You may be familiar with the musical The Book of Mormon, a satirical look at the faith; however, in the church, it is actually a religious text of the Latter Day Saint movement known as the Words of Wisdom and is an important aspect of the church, which allows Mormons to lead their lives in a way that pleases God.
While not all members follow every rule, according to BBC UK, several regulations are followed.
- Honesty — The thirteenth Article of Faith says, “We believe in being honest”.
- Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and drugs (including for medical use) are specifically banned in the Words of Wisdom.
- Gambling — Gambling in any form is condemned as a “moral evil”.
- Profanity — Profane, vulgar or crude language should be avoided.
- Occult Practices — Mormons should not engage in “so-called Satan worship” or any form of occult.
- Sexual Ethics — The religion believes that sexual desires “should only be satisfied in heterosexual marriage” and that sex outside of that union is banned. i.e. No sex before marriage. This also includes “necking or petting”. Masturbation is also discouraged. Many Mormons do not go out with members of the opposite sex until they are at least 16 years old.
- Contraception and birth control — It is not banned by the Church, however, couples are expected to reproduce.
- Pornography — Must be avoided.
- Polygamy —This is not frowned upon; however, very few Mormons practice it today.
- Abortion — Mormons do not believe in abortion; however, there are circumstances in which it is accepted.
- Infertility treatment — Only conventional infertility treatment, including artificial insemination by the husband is accepted.
- Organ Transplants — Organ donation is completely up to the individual.
For more information about Mormonism, click here.
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