What Are “Mormon Rules”?

Pop culture often portrays the rules members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow as a long list of bizarre, nitpicky do’s and don’ts. But in the context of how real members see these “Mormon rules,” they’re better understood as commandments, standards, and inspired guidance meant to help individuals and families live meaningful, happy lives. Here’s a simple guide to the core principles Latter-day Saints follow, why they follow them, and what life as a Mormon looks like under these guidelines.

What “Rules” Really Are in the LDS Context

In Mormonism, “rules” aren’t really part of their doctrinal vocabulary. Instead, members believe they are following commandments, or divine guidance from God. The reason God gives commandments is because they’re instructions on how to grow spiritually, strengthen families, and experience true peace and happiness.

Rather than seeing commandments as oppressive micromanagement, Latter-day Saints typically view them as a path to freedom. For example, by keeping the Word of Wisdom, they never have to worry about forming addictions to things like alcohol or drugs. 

The Foundations: Love God and Love Your Neighbor

The heart of the Mormon religion is two fundamental commandments that Jesus Christ taught: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. All other commandments are understood as expressions of these two greatest commandments—ways to show love and commitment to God and to others.

What Rules Do Mormons Follow?

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

Latter-day Saints are taught to live with sexual purity. In their understanding, this means human sexuality is highly sacred, and is meant to be used only within a faithful, lawful marriage between a man and a woman. They believe marriage is a divine institution from God. It creates stability and happiness, protects the sanctity of procreation, and increases the likelihood of children being raised in a safe, healthy environment.

This standard is what Mormons call the Law of Chastity, and it’s one of the most serious commandments in the faith. However, even if a member breaks the Law of Chastity, they still have options to help them repent and make amends. Depending on the case and to what extent their actions have harmed others, members can counsel with their local leaders to work towards renewing their good standing in the Church. Latter-day Saints who have experienced sexual assault or abuse are considered innocent victims, and do not require repentance.

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

Latter-day Saints have a health code known as the Word of Wisdom, which Joseph Smith introduced as a revelation from God in 1833. Keeping the Word of Wisdom means:

• Members do not drink alcohol.
• They do not smoke or use tobacco.
• They do not use illegal or recreational drugs.
• They do not drink coffee or traditional tea (herbal teas are typically okay).
• They are encouraged to eat wholesome foods and treat their bodies with care.

Following the Word of Wisdom is seen as a way to strengthen both physical and spiritual well-being. While some of its benefits are more obvious, like avoiding drug abuse, others are less so, such as not drinking coffee. Latter-day Saints typically think of rules like this as a test of faith and obedience. 

3. Sabbath Day Observance

Latter-day Saints are taught to keep the Sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8–11). For them, this includes attending church services, refraining from shopping and unnecessary work, and focusing on worship, family time, and rest.

Some families choose additional ways to honor the Sabbath, such as avoiding secular entertainment. Others might focus on acts of service or family activities. Individual practices can vary, but the underlying intention is to center the day on God and spiritual renewal.

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

Church members are encouraged to pay tithing, which traditionally means giving 10% of one’s income to the Church. Tithing supports Church operations, missionary work, and building and maintaining meetinghouses and temples. A significant portion of these donations also goes to humanitarian aid, as the Church spent $1.45 billion in humanitarian expenses in 2024.

Latter-day Saints believe paying tithing is an act of sacrifice, humility, and gratitude. It’s an ancient practice—the Bible says even Abraham paid tithes (Genesis 14:17–20). Some members consider tithing a way to “give back” to God to show appreciation for His blessings, while others feel that tithing helps them avoid fixating on money as a primary source of meaning in life. 

Church leadership has also consistently taught members the importance of avoiding debt and managing finances with discipline. Latter-day Saints view debt as a form of captivity, and try to follow guidance from their leaders in paying their debts as soon as possible.

5. Service, Charity, and Community Engagement

A major part of LDS practice is service to others, whether through organized Church programs, helping neighbors, or supporting humanitarian causes. Members are encouraged to develop kindness, compassion, and civic responsibility. Reports show that Latter-day Saints volunteered 6.6 million hours to charitable projects in 2024.

Roles in local congregations, like bishops, Sunday school teachers, and musicians, are unpaid and service-based. Many Latter-day Saints spend hours each week dedicated to serving their church communities.

6. Family Focus

Family is central in LDS belief. Members believe that families can be together beyond death, so they prioritize strong relationships, praying and studying the scriptures together, and planning meaningful family time.

7. Missionary Work

While it’s not technically a rule, members of the Church have the option to serve as missionaries. Eighteen is the youngest age when men and women in the Church can choose to become full-time missionaries, sharing their faith and offering community service around the world. While optional, serving a mission is particularly encouraged for young adult males as part of their priesthood responsibility.

Full-time proselytizing missions are very demanding—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. For this reason, potential missionaries need to meet certain standards of overall health and well-being to stay safe, happy, and capable in the field. If a member who doesn’t qualify for a proselytizing mission wants to serve, they have the option to become a service missionary. Service missionary assignments vary widely, but usually entail dedicating time to assisting their communities while living at home.

Myths, Misunderstandings, and Clarifications

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what Latter-day Saints are and aren’t allowed to do. Here’s some clarification on a few common ones.

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

Fact: Missionaries are discouraged from risky activities like swimming primarily for safety—Mormons don’t typically believe there’s anything supernatural about water.

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

Fact: The Church discourages tattoos as part of believing the body is sacred. However, the idea that members are told to get tattoos removed is not at all true. There are many reasons why a practicing Latter-day Saint could have a tattoo, and members are discouraged from judging others for their choices.

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

Fact: Members generally dress modestly and respectfully, especially for church services, but there is no universal ban on specific items like pants for women. The only real clothing guideline for church is to show reverence by wearing one’s best. Whether one’s best is a dress/collared shirt and tie or a clean t-shirt and jeans, anyone is welcome to a Latter-day Saint sacrament meeting.

Outside of Sunday church meetings, Latter-day Saints still believe in dressing modestly and treating their bodies like temples (1 Corinthians 6:19). However, this “dress code” may not be as legalistic as some might think. While some sources might portray Mormons as taking modest dress to an old-fashioned, puritanical degree, the reality is that most Latter-day Saints wear current styles. 

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

Fact: Latter-day Saints do try to keep the Sabbath day special and spiritually focused, but families apply this in different ways. Many still enjoy wholesome entertainment or spend time with loved ones.

Why These “Rules” Matter

For Latter-day Saints themselves, these commandments and standards are not about simply following rules. They’re about aligning daily life with their personal values and honoring Jesus Christ’s example. Members believe following commandments brings peace, purpose, hope, and blessings. These guidelines help individuals resist harmful influences and make positive life choices while strengthening their families, communities, and personal character.

Seen this way, what some might see as restrictive “Mormon rules” are viewed by members as invitations to grow closer to God and to become better versions of themselves. These standards are taught with an emphasis on free will, personal growth, and spiritual maturity rather than strict obedience for its own sake.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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