This week's culture studied for my transcultural nursing class is the Latter Day Saint culture, otherwise known as Mormons.  My expected learning outcomes for this culture was absolutely none.  I am a member of the LDS church, I grew up as a Mormon from infancy, and I did not think anyone would be able to come up with an article that would have new information for me.  I was, however, pleasantly surprised.

Some new things I learned about the LDS faith and culture were parts of the history of the church I did not previously know.  I previously thought that as soon as God established His church again on this earth through His prophet Joseph Smith, all the keys of the priesthood were restored and the temple ordinances were received as soon as there was a temple presence on the earth again.  That is apparently wrong.  According to articles that were found, the process of restoring these ordinances and keys took twelve years to get right.  It took a series of revelations and adjustments to be the way the Lord wanted it.  It was not until the saints reached the Salt Lake Valley and the Salt Lake Temple was completed that the temple ordinances were solidified.

A lot of what was discussed in my group about the LDS culture was the revelation of the Word of Wisdom.  It gives guidelines about what is good to consume such as grains, herbs, fruits and vegetables in their seasons, and meat sparingly as well as what is not good for the body such as strong drinks (alcohol), tobacco, and hot drinks like black and green tea and coffee.  Knowing there are cultural limitations of the LDS faith, I will be more sensitive to other cultures and beliefs that have similar restrictions such as Jews, Muslims, and Jehovah's Witnesses.  I want to be sensitive to restrictions that others believe in by not offering those things and making sure I understand why.

I obviously am partial the the LDS culture as I am a part of it.  I personally believe in the teachings of this church, in Jesus Christ being our Lord and Savior, of the restoration of the gospel by Joseph Smith in these latter days, and in the Book of Mormon.  I know that the people of the LDS church are not perfect, but the teachings are and I try to live by them every day.

Joseph Smith Jr.
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