Answer #2, Baptism
Jesus showed us in the bible that we should be baptized. Because he was baptized, and he clearly tells us to follow his example. If we do not follow his example and bear good fruits (actually try to follow him every day and do his will) he talks about the tree being cut down because it bears no good fruits. So it isn’t useful to god. What I’m wondering is why is baptism only done sometimes? Why is it optional?

From what I understand, Jesus gave his authority by the laying on of hands to his disciples. The only churches (that I know of) that claim to have that same authority are the Mormon Church and the Catholic Church. Without Christ’s authority how are we able to claim to be a part of his church?

Dear Reader: The following six part dialogue is from a confused former Mormon, whom we shall call Lucy, who has recently received Jesus into her heart. She has valid questions that we at Vigilant Minds answered and it was suggested that posting these Questions & Answers may help others who are also in the same boat as Lucy.

September 21 of this year marks the 200th anniversary of the date that Joseph Smith claimed to have been visited by the Angel Moroni in Palmyra, New York.

Moroni instructed Joseph where to dig up sacred plates that he translated into the Book of Mormon, which is the cornerstone for a new world religion boasting a membership of 17 million across the globe.

A recent work is unveiling the untold story of Brigham Young’s southern Utah wine mission. This adventure boosted LDS profits, fulfilled prophecy, and paradoxically, fueled alcoholism. This recent work unearths the surprising history of wine consumption and production in the early days of the Word of Wisdom.

Location of future Lethbridge LDS Temple revealed.
Alberta is about to be blessed with yet another Mormon temple. This latest edifice will be erected in Lethbridge using up more than nine acres of land.
Construction plans include a 45,000 square foot multi-story temple, along with a distribution center.

A $10M investment in Joseph Smith

“One of Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller’s favorite LDS hymns is ‘Praise to the Man’ because of the line, ‘Millions shall know Brother Joseph again.’

“Miller likes it so much he is bankrolling a project to boost the worldwide exposure of Joseph Smith, who — 175 years ago tomorrow — founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The author of the following portion of a newsletter from Intermountain Christian Ministries is a personal friend of Vigilant Minds who has been ministering to Mormons in Utah for 50 years.

Your editor as well as some friends in Christian ministry in Utah have been asked many times over the last few years or so why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is building so many temples. The guesses, and that is all we can do as we are not “on the inside,” have been...

"A report from the United States suggests that the LDS Church could be a $1 trillion denomination by 2044"

With an estimated wealth of $236 billion in 2022, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could potentially cover all of its current expenses "forever" with returns from current investments without collecting any additional tithes from congregants. It could also become a $1 trillion denomination as early as 2044, a new report from The Widow's Mite contends.

According to an article found in the December 13, 2015 Calgary Herald there were approximately 22,000 Mormons living in Calgary at that time. The total count of Mormons living in Alberta in 2015 amounted to about 1.1% of the population.