What Are "Mormon Rules"?

What “Rules” Really Are in the LDS Context

In Mormonism, “rules” aren’t part of doctrinal vocabulary. Instead, members follow “commandments, or divine guidance from God.” The reasoning emphasizes that adherents view these not as oppressive but as guidance toward “spiritual growth, family strength, and genuine peace.”

The Foundations: Love God and Love Your Neighbor

The faith centers on two core teachings from Jesus Christ: loving God completely and loving others as yourself. All other commandments derive from these foundational principles.

What Rules Do Mormons Follow?

1. No Sex Before Marriage (The Law of Chastity)

Members practice sexual purity within marriage. The doctrine holds that sexuality belongs “only within a faithful, lawful marriage between a man and a woman.” Repentance pathways exist for transgressions, though “sexual assault or abuse victims are considered innocent.”

2. No Drugs, Alcohol, Tea, or Coffee (The Word of Wisdom)

Introduced by Joseph Smith in 1833, this health code prohibits:

• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Illegal or recreational drugs
• Coffee and traditional tea (herbal teas permitted)

Members receive encouragement toward wholesome eating habits and body care.

3. Sabbath Day Observance

Followers keep the Sabbath holy through church attendance, avoiding shopping and unnecessary work, and emphasizing “worship, family time, and rest.”

4. Donating 10% of Your Income (Tithing) and Financial Stewardship

Members give 10% of income to support operations, missions, and temples. In 2024, the Church allocated “$1.45 billion in humanitarian expenses.” Leaders consistently emphasize debt avoidance and disciplined finances.

5. Service, Charity, and Community Engagement

Service commitment is central. Members volunteered “6.6 million hours to charitable projects in 2024.” Congregation roles remain unpaid.

6. Family Focus

Family unity receives paramount importance, with beliefs about eternal family bonds.

7. Missionary Work

While optional, members aged 18+ may serve full-time missions. Service missions provide alternatives for those unable to serve traditionally.

Myths, Misunderstandings, and Clarifications

Myth: Missionaries don’t swim because they believe Satan controls water.

Many people assume that the prohibition against swimming for LDS missionaries stems from theological beliefs about supernatural forces. In reality, missionaries avoid swimming primarily for safety reasons; water itself holds no supernatural significance in Mormon theology.

Myth: Mormons can’t get tattoos, and those who have them must remove them.

The Church discourages tattoos as part of body sacredness beliefs, but members aren’t required to remove existing tattoos. Many practicing Latter-day Saints have tattoos.

Myth: Mormons have a strict dress code for church services and everyday life.

Members dress modestly and respectfully, particularly for church, but no universal bans exist. Sabbath dress emphasizes reverence rather than specific garments.

Myth: Members can’t watch TV or go anywhere on Sundays.

Families apply Sabbath observance differently; many still enjoy wholesome entertainment or spend time with loved ones.

Why These “Rules” Matter

For adherents, these guidelines represent alignment with personal values and “Jesus Christ’s example.” Members believe following commandments brings “peace, purpose, hope, and blessings,” encouraging resistance to harmful influences while strengthening families and communities.

Sources

• Genesis 14:17–20
• Exodus 20:8–11
• 1 Corinthians 6:19
• Deseret News: Church humanitarian expenses (2024)
• LDS Church: Volunteer statistics (2024)