Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

Scott answered…

The very order of Heaven is based on family relationships. After this life, our goal is to live in Heaven with God and Christ, but things will be organized as a network of families from Adam, down to the latest generation. In order to achieve this organization, we must identify our ancestors and have the required ordinances done for them so they, too can be eternally joined into the heavenly family.

Amber Haptonstall answered…

Becouse if we do not care for our elders then who will. Wethear thy have whent on or live right next door, we should get to know as much about them as we can.
For if we learn to know them, then just mabe we learn about oure selfes.

Kathy answered…

We believe that people can have ordinances performed for them after they have died. We know that these people have the opportunity to accept these ordinances and that many are waiting to gain these ordinances so that they may continue in their progress toward returning to live with Heavenly Father again.

I have had the opportunity to work on finding my ancestors and feeling their Spirits as I was doing ordinance work fo rthem. This is one of my favorite experiences. I felt the Spirit of the Lord more at that time than at any more in the world.

Lenny answered…

You may have already heard this before, but we offer do work in proxy for those who have died and did not have the opportunity to do and accept this work while living. Christ did work for the dead through the atonement and resurrection. This work for the dead accomplished through genealogy work is an extension of what the Savior started.

As stated in my profile, this was a missing key to my personal success in business. I knew I was promised blessings enough to take care of my families earthly needs, but until I added this to my life, I was not getting the results i knew the Lord wanted to bestow upon my family.

Additionally and ultimately more important, I have felt an overwhelming warmth of the spirit throughout my days from this work. I can feel the presence and love of my ancestors as i do this work. I also continue on in my daily activities with a constant presence of the Holy Ghost note, I have also been given this gift after baptism, but it takes an effort on our part to invite the spirit to stay with us constantly.

The Holy Ghost and Comforter have been describes as the ULTIMATE Warm Fuzzy. For me, it brings peace and comfort from worry and stress, a joy that cannot be matched by imitations ie, sinful methods, and such an overwhelming feeling that literally brings tears to my eyes.

Peggy answered…

Mormons do family history to link our generation to our forefathers. We believe in being an eternal family and if we don't know who our ancestors are, how can we "link" us together forever. I have been researching my family and with the help of the internet, I have been able to find information and even life stories and a few pictures of those who have passed on before as far back as the 1400s. It has been exciting to know more about them. It has made me appreciate the sacrifices and challenges that they faced in their lives. Many of these sacrifices have made it possible to live where I do today and to have the Gospel in my life.

Daniel P answered…

We believe that the families are eternal. That why we work for our ancestry because they need to receive sacred ordinances to be blessed to become eternal family.

Xavier Salas answered…

La Obra genealogica es importante .....porque no podremos salvarnos sin nuestros muertos.

Jessica Marie answered…

We study our family history so that we can provide our ancestors with the opportunity to be together for all eternity. We believe that families can be together forever if we follow the principles of the gospel. Those members of our family that did not have the opportunity to hear or did not accept the gospel during their time on Earth, can embrace it in the spirit world. We can help them here by providing them with a baptism by proxy (we are literally baptized on behalf of our ancestor) and they can accept that baptism, or not. It is still a choice for them, we are simply giving them the chance.

Joe Dee Kay answered…

The beginning of my answer applies to everyone. Malachi said that in the last days God would send Elijah the prophet to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:5-6). In quite moments of reflection many people feel a yearning to know where they came from. In the church we often refer to this yearning as the spirit of Elijah because of this scripture in Malachi. If you act on this yearning and begin to do a little research into your parents, grand parents and beyond, you will find an excitement that you'd never expect to have. The further you go back the more exciting it becomes as you discover ancestors who lived during historical time periods, migrated from far away places, and who lived, worked, and raised families. You begin to feel a connection to these long dead ancestors.

In the church we teach that all of God's children are organized into families and that this family organization can continue in the next life. Through genealogy and the work we do in the temple we provide the opportunity for each member of this large and historic family organization to stay connected with each other and with God throughout eternity.

Jim answered…

Ever since I was a young boy, I have been interested in learning about my ancestors and where they came from. I have always wanted to hear stories about my family and what they did. I felt like it was a part of who I am and what made me! After I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I learned that those feelings were inspired by the Lord. I also learned that I could perform an unselfish service for my family that would bless them forever.

Like many converts to the Church, no one in my family had previously heard the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and had the opportunity to be baptized and receive all the saving ordinances of the Gospel. How exciting it was for me to learn that I could discover who my ancestors were and then go to the Temple and perform sacred saving ordinances, like baptism, for them. This is called "proxy" work. I go to the temple for them so that they may have the same opportunities that I have had. They have the choice to accept what I have done for them or not, but I feel the desire to do this work for them so that they at least have the opportunity like I have had!

Tami answered…

We are all part of an eternal family. I want to be with my ancestors for eternity. It is through family history we can have this opportunity!

Alison answered…

Because it's fun. That's what my husband would say. And he'd be right. But there are other reasons, too. We do it because we believe in a loving Heavenly Father. He wants all His children to have the teachings and ordinances they need to return to Him. Baptism is one of those ordinances. Christ himself said, "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
So we seek out the names of our ancestors and in our temples we perform those necessary ordinances in their behalf. We do it knowing full well that our ancestors might reject those ordinances. But at least they'll have the choice.
It's a labor of love, then--ours and Father in Heaven's.

Jen answered…

I am the first member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in my family. My ancestors never had the chance to learn about and join The Church. I do family history because I want my ancestors to have the chance to receive all of the wonderful blessings that come from being a member of this religion.

Scot answered…

I do family history work because I am interested in my ancestors and what they went through. One would hope that each generation could be a little more comfortable, a little more educated, a little more successful than the last. They are my heritage. They are where I came from. I can learn from them. I can also give them the opportunity for accepting the gospel by doing temple work for them. If they choose to accept it, then it has been done for them. Genealogy helps ground me in my roots and remember sacrifices made so that I could be where I am today.

Paula answered…

We believe that families can and are sealed together forever in the Temples of the Lord. We want to spend eternity with all of our family members, not just the ones who were baptized members of the church in their lifetimes. We do family history or genealogy to search out family membes who may have not had the opportunity to come unto Christ or to learn of him in their lifetimes here. We do not want to leave any family member unknown or unlocated. We want others to have this opportunity too which is why we also do work for people who are not direct relatives of our own families.

Ross answered…

Where did we come from? You can start answering that question by looking at your parents, their parents, etc... Where it starts getting interesting is when you learn something about a person you didn't already know. Was one of your ancestors in a war? What did they do in that war? What countries did your ancestors come from. All of these answers, and more, tell you not only who they are, but you are a part of them, so it tells you more about you.

Ultimately, if you could trace your ancestors back to Noah, then back to Adam, that just leaves our Heavenly Father (and mother). He wants all of His children back with Him. The way that happens is in our temples. We perform temple ordinances for our ancestors which seals us all eternally together as one big family. You (reader) and I are eternal brothers and sisters. We should view each other that way.

Ron answered…

We do genealogy work to connect missing relatives to their families so that their spirits may be united for all time and eternity. Family history is an important work to us because we believe that our ancestors who have passed before us are waiting to be joined as families in Eternity. That cannot be accomplished by anyone except living mortals. Genealogy work is fascinating and immensly rewarding when we finally discover whole families, learn something of their lives and are able to unite them.

mark answered…

we do family history because of 2 reasons (that i know of) first is for baptisms for the dead. we thake the record of one of our family members, and we perform temple ordinances. second, it is a blessing to know who went through what to get you to where you are now. hundreds of people influenced you.

Karen Meyer answered…

Connecting with a name on a piece of paper, or discovering a picture of a lost loved one through time, can do much to improve your own purpose in this life. Sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday and forget that people like you and me, made it through these trying times, before we came to this earth.

I do research for other people and for my own family. It has been a source of great joy to me to see people connect with their families through this great work. Since the internet has come into my life, the research has become much easier than it was 30 years ago. More families are putting their trees and pictures up on the net. People are naturally curious what their ancestors looked like or how they lived their lives. When they are struggling with this life and think of all that their forefathers must have endured, sometimes, an attitude of gratitude engulfs their being and today seems easier to bear.

One Thanksgiving, we took our laptop and questioned the matriarch of a sister in law. She was 85 and had not seen the pictures of her grandparents since they were taken from her home, shortly after their death when she was 10. Just shadows remained on the cindered walls and she had to look up and imagine what once was on the walls. After adding about 385 people to the tree that evening, suddenly we connected with another family tree and the pictures reappeared after 75 years of being missing. Tears of joy and remembrance flooded the room and we immediately printed the pictures down for all of the grandchildren in attendance. The Great Grandmother now had her pictures back and it made us happy to watch her throughout the evening gently touch the edges of those pictures lovingly and remember how these great people touched her life. I will never forget it.

These names can be taken to the Temple and people can be sealed to their families for time and all eternity. The names are not lost. They are living in Heaven, waiting for us to return.

Deena Linn answered…

To help our Savior with his mission which is to- Redeem the dead, Proclaim the Gospel and Perfect the Saints.

Justin answered…

This gives those who have gone before the chance to have baptism and other ordinences by the proper authority, that they did not have in life.

Chloe answered…

 Mormons participate in family history because we believe in eternal families. To me this is greatest joy of the Gospel to know that we can be sealed to our loved ones for time and all eternity and never be separated if we are true and faithful.
We believe that our hearts should indeed be turned to our fathers and to find out where we come from and who we are.
We know we are children of our Heavenly Father. Our genealogy brings joy to our lives when we know the stories of those who have gone before us.
Once we research and 'find names' we take those names to our temples and perform priesthood ordinances vicariously for them. We do this in a reverent and peaceful setting that allows for respect and joy to be felt by all thos ein attendance.
As an avid family historian, I can bear witness that family history is one of the most fulfilling duties. I love the realtionship I am able to build with those who I have yet to meet. I believe that the power that is found in families is unbreakable and that true power is indeed found in one's posterity.

Sarah Lynn answered…

We believe that those that have come before us have given us the opportunities that we are able to enjoy. With out the work of our ancestors we wouldn't be where we are now. This love and respect we have for our ancestors drives us to do vicarious work for our dead.

Eileen answered…

Part of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints is researching and recording your family history. We are taught that by doing this, finding our ancestors and recording their names and then taking their names to the temples to have them baptized by proxy and other ordinances done for them, that we then are giving them a choice of accepting or rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ with full knowledge of their choice.

We had a choice here in this life as the gospel was available and when we were given the choice we accepted it. Our ancestors did not have that choice as some of them lived in countries that didn't allow them the freedom to choose what religion they would follow or they were born before the gospel was restored to the earth. So it is our obligation and blessing to find them, record their stories and give them the same chance we were given.

Russ Rigby answered…

I would wager many mormons work on their genealogy for the same reason that so many non-mormons do: it is interesting to them. Mormons, though, have an additional driving motivation to do this work.

Mormons believe that there are steps taken on earth that have eternal significance, and therefore must be performed for each individual who has ever lived. Baptism is a prime example of this, which Chris taught during his ministry on earth. God's law requres each of used to be baptized; Jesus Christ himself was baptized, as an example to us, and to fulfill this law.

In the history of the world there have been billions of people that have not been baptized before they died. And yet God's law requires baptism. What of a young child that dies, or one that is stillborn? Could a merciful and just God allow them to suffer for eternity for not having been baptized? Thankfully not. The Lord has given a way to fulfill His law and be both just and merciful: baptism by proxy.

It is simple, much like baptism of a living person. The only difference is that the person being baptized is baptized in the name of someone else, who has died. In order to do these baptisms, however, we must know who we are being baptized for, and this requires detailed genealogy work.

One other interesting point is how Mormons go about genealogy work. From the early days of our faith, genealogy and records have been of upmost importance. That is a great resource for those sufficiently interested in genealogy that they would go to one of the record repositories and search through ancient records. Today, in the internet age, the Church has digitized many millions of pages of these records, previously kept in microfische or other older technology. With the help of volunteer "indexers," these images of old records are turned into text-searchable records available free to all on familysearch.org.

I have been involved as an indexer for some time. I'd recomment it to anyone with even the slightest interest in history or genealogy.

Larry Lynch answered…

We do genealogy work because it is the way for our ancestors to be baptised so that they might share in the joy of the gospel. Everyone has to be baptised before entering the Kingdom of Heaven. God has said no unclean thing can enter into his presence. We have a responsibility to do this work while we are here on earth.

Cindy answered…

Mormons who do family history work and genealogy are working at finding information on their ancestors, so that their ancestors can be tied to them. A good percentage of people want to find their heritage; their roots, and to discover that special connection of where their families came from, and what their life was like long ago. Also, Mormons do work vicariously in Mormon temples for their ancestors who have passed from this life, who did not have the opportunity to be taught the Gospel while on the earth.

Ryan K answered…

Family history research has helped me understand the roots of my character. The foundation was laid by my parents, as their foundations were prepared by their parents. My great-great-grandparents began the process of compiling stories and vital dates; modern tools have enabled me to extend their work. Although previous generations have passed on, I feel, evermore, kinship with them.

Anita answered…

It help you to come to know who you are. where you get your looks. How you talk, We can learn how they over come their hardships and challenges. Genealogy help you to understand why you are living where you our. Why you have the tradition that you have. It gives you a clear picture of who you are because of your ancestors. It unites you with your family and family history is a lot of fun. It is the greatest mystery, puzzle, and sleepless nights you will ever enjoy.

Shellie answered…

I enjoy learning more about my family. In doing family history work I was able to find an obituary from a small town where my great-great grandparents had lived. I didn't know much about this great-great grandfather, but his obituary tied me to him immediately. He was a miner and was all over the place trying to find work to support his family. At one point he came down with the flu and knew he wasn't going to make it home. He didn't want his family to think that he had just run away from them so he started to walk home. He walked over 500 miles until he could find a train to take him the rest of the way. He had to be carried home from the train and made it home just in time. He told his family that he needed to make it back to the dearest spot on earth for him. After having seen his wife and children, he died the next day. I'm so grateful for this good man and the sacrifices he made for his family.

Brent answered…

Mormons have a very concrete idea about heaven - that we will be with those we loved here on earth, and be fully engaged in living and serving and growing and learning.

So when I learn about my family, I am learning about myself - but also about the people I will continue with after this life. We have a way of doing earthly ordinances on their behalf - and that strengthens the ties we have together.

Mormon doctrine includes this idea that the whole human family - starting with Adam and Eve - will be bound together through loving ties. I love that feeling of connectedness and continuity - it's something I hope to pass on to my own kids and their kids.

Katie answered…

Through the sealing power of the priesthood, the ability to act in God’s name, in our holy temples, we believe that marriages can last through the eternities if a loving relationship is nurtured throughout this life. Children can also be sealed to their parents, thus linking the generations together. Family History work allows us to do those sealings, as proxies, for those who were unable to do so in their lifetime. Didn’t have the opportunity to accept the gospel, but chose to in the next life All sealings must be performed on this earth, but any sealing done by proxy not accepted by the individuals on the other side will not hold. I look forward to the day I will marry my sweetheart in one of our sacred temples for time and all eternity, and am excited about my opportunity to provide that blessing for my ancestors so I may enjoy eternity with them.

Jeff answered…

It is not only Mormons who do genealogy. I do it because I like to know things about my families history. The main reason we do it is so that we can do the Temple ordinances for our families who may not have been given the chance to learn of Christ's Church while they were alive on this earth.

Malina answered…

Mormons are big in family history work because we believe that everyone should have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and choose to join. We believe in doing our genealogy and offering our ancestors the chance to join the church even though they didn't get the chance while they were alive.

N. Ross answered…

Family history work supports temple worship. Temple ordinances help knit families together forever and enable ancestors to continue to grow and learn. I have spent a lot of time working on family history and I feel that it has great value. I imagine my ancestors waiting in a waiting room, stuck there until someone calls their number. They can't progress, or get out of that waiting room, without temple work. When I am in the temple helping them, I feel their love and gratitude.

Harley. answered…

We do family history for those who didn't get a chance to get baptized during their earth life. When my brother passed away I think the thing that led to the most confusion was that my family didn't know where he went. When I heard that the Church did baptisms for the dead it made me realize that Heavenly Father didn't forget about him and he really does have a plan for him. I was able to watch my brother's baptism get done last year, and it was such an amazing experience.

Amanda answered…

We believe that families can be together forever, sealed together by the priesthood of God. In fact we believe this must happen in fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy (Malachi 4:5-6). And we believe that those who didn't have the opportunity to receive the gospel in this world are taught it after death, generations and generations before us, where they can accept or reject it. We research our ancestors and seal them to us in holy temples dedicated to God. The family is eternal.

Deborah answered…

We do family history work so we can be linked to all the family of the earth. We learn to love both our ancestors and our descendants as we serve them, learn about them, and help them have the opportunity to make covenants with God.

I have experienced remarkable moments gathering the history of my own and my husband's family. I have grown to love people in ways I never thought possible.

Aaron! answered…

We know that families can be sealed together throughout eternity, so you've got a whole line of ancestors that you need to get to know! We also gather the information on our ancestors so we can perform saving ordinances (such as baptism) for them if they didn't receive it while they were still living on earth.

Cheryl answered…

Family History is our opportunity to reach back and come to love and respect those who have passed away. We want to remember who we are and part of that is who we came from. Actually, once you begin researching your own family line, you will find that assembling your family tree is facinationg and other things not so facinating, like dinner and ironing may go by the wayside! As Church members we have a special message and take opportunity to share this. Even those who left this life have the opportunity to know of Jesus Christ and make their own decisions if they will follow his gospel. To extend these blessings to them, members will receive the fullness of the blessings in proxy for those who no longer can do it for themselves. We as members weld that family chain, link by llink, so that no one is forgotten or left behind. Temple service is a labor of love.

Carrie answered…

I do family history work because I truly believe that all people must be baptized by proper authority in order to dwell with God again. I want all of my ancestors to receive the opportunity to choose whether or not to accept the ordinance of baptism, and the ordinance of being sealed together as a family for time and all eternity. This is what we do in the temples.

As I work on my own family history, I am filled with a great love for my ancestors and a desire to learn all about their lives. I share this love with my children through books we create to remember past generations. Also, as I have recorded the life stories of my parents and grandparents, it captures their lives for future generations who can enjoy them as much as we do.

Lisa answered…

This is something that my husband and I have started doing. IT IS SO...COOL! We are really focusing on my husbands side of the family. His whole family is from Poland and Germany, thus far. And as far as we know, he is the ONLY one that is not Catholic. Some pretty cool stuff! We are really excited to learn more...

Emily answered…

I love to do family history work because when I read about my ancestors and their strength and virtue and faith, it strengthens my resolve to live up to the legacy they have left me.

I found out that many of my ancestors were early pilgrims in America. They were part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and settlers in Jamestown. I am proud of this heritage. It gives me a greater sense of identity.

Crystal answered…

Latter-Day Saints Mormons work on their family history because we believe that our ancestors are waiting for their work to be done and at the heart of our drive to complete this work is our belief that families are eternal and will and are together after this life. In order for us to be together forever we must receive all of the ordinances baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, endowment, and marriage by one hold proper authority not only as we are alive, but also for those who did not have the opportunity to hear the gospel in their time here on earth.

Lindy answered…

We believe that God has doctrine that He does not waver from. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and what he stands for does not change for the convenience of people on earth. One of these doctrines, for example, is that you must be baptized with proper authority. It seems unfair, however, for God to require some guy in Asia who had never even heard the name "Jesus" in his whole life to be baptized. He never had the chance. There are provisions for situations like this. After Jesus died, he open the keys of spiritual prison, and from then on, people who have died are taught the true gospel of Christ and are given the chance that they might not have had on earth, to be a disciple of Christ. This means ordinances that needed to be done on earth, like baptism, have to be done by proxy. Those that are living get baptized for and in behalf of those that have passed on. Then those who are dead can CHOOSE to accept the proxy service that was preformed for them. We do genealogy work so we can find our ancestors, and help them receive all the ordinances they need to progress after this life. Besides baptism, the sealing of families is an ordinance for the LDS church. Through the priesthood authority of God, husbands and wives are "sealed" or bonded to each other for eternity. Likewise, children are then sealed to their parents. When we do our family history, we are completing the family tree and sealing us altogether for the eternities, so that when we cross into the next life, our families, including the generations before us, will be forever joined and knit together under Jesus.

I have had the wonderful experience of doing family history work on my mother's side of the family, and it makes me a stronger person to know where I came from and to know that I am serving my ancestors in something that they can not do for themselves. I can feel of the lives they lived and how their spirits are not forgot or even dead. Their spirits continue to live on, and I am blessed in this life because of it.

Crystal answered…

We do genealogy so that we can link families together, do their temple work and seal families together forever.

Kimberly answered…

I have two children with Tourette's Syndrome--one with vocal tics, and clearing of the throat and one with the vocal tics and clearing the throat and blurting out repetitive phrases. The one with the blurting type of Tourette's is also Autistic. He is a special, but sometimes challenging kid. I may add more information about this from time to time.

Brian answered…

It's fun! OK, perhaps that's not the reason I started. We research our ancestors so we can provide baptism and other ordinances for them. The ancestors, who are dead, can accept or reject the ordinances in the after life. We believe this is fulfillment of the scripture in Malachi 46 about the hearts of the children turning to their fathers. We sometimes refer to this as the spirit of Elijah. As you begin to learn more about your ancestors, a funny thing happens the genealogical research goes from an duty to a fascinating research puzzle. It becomes interesting, enjoyable and -- fun! It is a favorite hobby.

Teresinha Lopes answered…

Because we believe that families can be together for ever .

Lori answered…

We do genealogy to find our ancestors and link us together as an eternal family. I have had wonderful family experiences as I've done this. My parents divorced when I was a teen and I had no contact with my fathers family for many years. As a result of doing genealogy I've contacted many of my father's family and renewed relationships with living relatives while connecting our family lines. I've met many wonderful people both members of our church and those of other faiths while doing genealogy. There is a feeling I get when doing family history that is especially joyful and peaceful and many others have described having similar feelings. It's a wonderful way to serve!

Garrett Leidich answered…

We beleive it to be an active fullfillment of prophecy. Family History work also helps preserve our history and a whole and keeps our ancestors in our memories.

Brad answered…

I feel very close to my ancestors when I learn about them. Knowing we can be with our family in the next life help me feel a special bond to them.   

Kristi answered…

I used to think that family history was just something old people do. I didn't understand the importance of it until I had an amazing experience that gave me a strong testimony of the blessings that come to us as we seek out information about our ancestors. We found my father-in-law, alive, 30 years after we thought he had died. What joy! We do not know the blessings that God has in store for us and for our families as we obey his commandment to seek out our ancestors.

This command is so important that it is the last thing mentioned in the Old Testament! I believe that the prophets who wrote the Bible had some understanding of the selfish and self-centered world that we would live in today. Maybe they knew the blessings we needed to help us avoid some these traps of worldliness and pride come from sacrificing our time to build our family trees and learn the lessons of those who have gone before us. Please, go to www.familysearch.org and start your genealogical journey. Mine has already taken me half way around the world and I am sure that is just the beginning. God has great, personalized blessings for each person who has the courage to do this work. You have my promise that if you will just start, the blessings will be well worth the effort. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

Donnell answered…

God's plane for us is to have families continue forever. Grandparent, parent, child and grand children, will all continue their loving relations after this life. We have been married in the temple of God forever and we can have the same connection with our loved ones from the past. This includes those who died long ago. For this reason we search our family history to make sure no one is left out.

Mark Jones answered…

As Mormons, we believe that families can be together forever. In order for this to happen, ordinances must be performed, such as baptism. As discussed in the question above, we build temples wherein these sacred ordinances are performed for the living, as well as for the dead by proxy. In order to ensure our family links are made eternal, we search out our ancestors so that we can ensure that the necessary ordinances have been performed.

Stacey answered…

Family history work is a way that we can learn more about ourselves by learning about our ancestors. As members of the church we have been asked to search out our families through all the generations. This is an important part of God's work. Everyone needs an opportunity to accept Christ and his gospel. By doing this work we can ensure that our families can be linked together througout all time. Then through God's plan, we can make covenants that can bind our families for eternity.

In searching out my ancestors, I came to learn about one woman in particular. She was my great-great-great Grandmother. She was a valiant leader during the early days of the pioneers. She had great losses, but her beliefs never faltered. Reading her testimony or beliefs as she wrote them in her own words of the truthfulness of this church and of her experiences in meeting the Prophet Joseph Smith personally has strengthened my life and my family.

Kristen answered…

Because they want to know who there ancestors are and they want to do there ordinances for them.

Sharisa answered…

There are certain ordinances such as baptism and temple covenants which are necessary for salvation. God is a just Being, and He has provided a way for everyone to receive those ordinances, including those who died with no knowledge of the gospel. In Mormon temples, we perform proxy work for our dead ancestors, allowing them to enter into the same covenants which we do in this life.

We believe that families can be eternal. In the temples, sacred sealing ordinances are performed through the power of the priesthood. These sealings bind husbands to wives and children to parents, and generations are thus bound together. We do genealogy work and seek out the names of our kindred dead in order to be able to take their names to the temple and perform sacred, saving ordinances for them, and then seal them to us for eternity. Family is central to Mormon doctrine and to God's plan, and we want to be with our families forever.

In addition to performing salvific and sealing work for our ancestors, we perform genealogy in order to learn more about these men and women who gave us their legacy. I know that as I have read and learned about my ancestors, I have felt a deep love and appreciation for these great individuals. Through identifying my ancestors and learning about them, I am able to have a greater understanding of where I came from. I want to live up to the goodness and courage displayed by my ancestors. They inspire me to live my life well and be the person I have the potential to be.

Benji answered…

Part of the reason so many people struggle to accept the teachings of Christ is because he taught that baptism is essential to salvation. In a world where only a small percentage of people have had the opportunity to be baptized by one with authority, it seems like either God doesn't love us, or Jesus was wrong.

There is a third option, and it has to do with the temple ordinance known as "baptism for the dead". Mormons believe that, after death, the spirit leaves the body and goes to a place called "the Spirit World". The gospel is preached there, just as it is here, and the deceased have an opportunity to either accept or reject the message. For those who accept the teachings, they can also accept ordinances such as baptism that are performed on their behalf in the temple.

When people join the church, they are naturally inclined to share the joy they have found with the people they care about most. For many, this includes enabling deceased relatives to have the same opportunities.

The first time I participated in performing "baptisms for the dead" I felt a warmth in my heart. It is comforting to know that God has provided a way for all of His children to accept the gospel and return to him.

Josie answered…

Genealogy is a great way to get to know who you are by learning who came before you! We do family history work to find members of our extended family so that we can do ordinences for them in the temple.

Aaron answered…

Researching family history is something that is really starting to grow among all people. This is often refered to as the spirit of Elijah, and the turing of the hearts of the children to the fathers. (Malachi 4:5-6) This is something that is affecting everyone whether the know it or not. There is another reason that we do genealogy work and it is something that is deeply more personal to ourselves. We know that there are many things that God has commanded for us to do, such as Baptism, and there are many of our ancestors who have not been able to have the blessings of these ordinaces. These ordinaces are able to be performed, in proxy, for those anscestors that have passed on before and not had the chance to receieve them. This work has been performed in the past (1Corinthians 15:29) and has been restored along with the rest of the Gospel of Jesus Christ thanks to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Andrew answered…

We believe that the gospel is for every one that has ever lived, does live, or will ever live on the earth. We do family history work so that we might share the blessings of the gospel with all of God's children, even those who have passed on. As we learn of our ancestors, we can perform saving ordinances for them in the temples so that they too may have the opportunity to accept the gospel for themselves, even if they did not have the opportunity to in this life.

Melissa answered…

I have a great love for family history. I personally work as a librarian at one of the Mormon Family History Centers. We love family history because we believe we can be with our families once more after we die. I can't think of anything better than doing family history research and finding out stories, places, and other information about our ancestors who have passed on. When we do see them again someday, wouldn't it be wonderful if we had taken the time to get to know who they were? We also do important work in the temple for our loved ones who have passed away so that they can be spiritually linked to us forever.

Mary answered…

One of the greatest things about the Lord's church is that everyone is equal. God makes it possible for everyone to achieve the same blessings, reach the same heaven, no matter where or in what time they live or have lived. What I find even more amazing is that He makes it so that we can all help each other get there. I love researching my ancestors and learning their stories. I look forward to the day when I will be able to meet them and talk to them. They'll thank me for finding them and making it possible for them to be baptized and return to Heavenly Father, and I'll thank them for their stories, for their lives, for giving me life and giving me a history and a name to remember and cherish and build on. Through doing family history work, I feel closer to and more united with my family, both those living and dead.

Kiara answered…

It's important to recognize those who came before you, and the stories they have! We also research our family so that those who have passed on have a chance to be baptized. We submit the names to the temple and a proxy gets the baptism in their name. They then have the chance to accept it when they are in the spirit world. I have learned many things just from the stories and many great wisdoms as well.

Chad answered…

Imagine what the world would be like without Scriptural records. The bible has shaped more than religion--it has inspired plays, stories, charities, and even national laws. The Bible is a collection of records inspired men have written to show their posterity and others God's dealings with His people. In our day, there is so much pulling youth away from the traditions of their fathers. For me, writing my own record is a contribution to my children and generations to come, that they may know God is not dead, that he loves and helps us today, and to encourage them to read and study the scriptures for strength. Furthermore, it allows me to provide examples to help them recognize God's hand in their own life. Utilizing the records of my progenitors has blessed my life with direction, and has been a strength and encouragement to be to stay on the straight and narrow path.

John. answered…

There is such a powerful feeling that comes from knowing who we are, and many times we can connect with who we are through our own family history.

As I have done family history, I have had the chance to learn who my ancestors were and what kind of lives they lived. I find myself trying to imagine the things they experienced in their lives.

I can't help but feel a personal connection to them, which creates a caring feeling to be connected to them, and a part of their family... forever.

Family history allows us to create an eternal connection to our ancestors, and benefit from that relationship through eternity.

Gloria Williams Miller answered…

We believe in Eternal Families. I know that if I live according to the commandments given to us, that I will have the opportunity to be with my family again. This is one of the things that has drawn me to this Church. Doing family history has also helped with to make medical decisions for me and my family because I have learned about some of our medical history. In addition, I have found family that I never knew about and it is wonderful getting to know them. It gives me much confidence knowing where I came from, the kind of people my forefathers were, and knowing that they not only survived but thrived in a time when things were very tough.
I have learned where some of my mannerisms come from. It has given me since of belonging to a huge family filled with love. Although I am in no hurry to cross over, I know that I have family waiting to greet me and that gives me much comfort. I believe that we can spend all eternity with our families that have made the same committment to follow The Christ as I have. What a wonderful reunion.

Patricia A Johnson answered…

Genealogy and family history is an important part of our belief. To identify our ancestors allows us to do religious work for them that they could not do for themselves. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints shares with the world the records we gather in this work.

Scott answered…

First of all, I am a convert to the Church. If have been doing family research since I have joined and have really learned about my family. No one in my family has ever traced the family back before. I have had the opportunity to go though my grandmother’s photographs. In these thousand of photos and memorabilia I have found very old pictures from the eighteen hundreds of family members never seen before. I have learned so much about my heritage. I became a firefighter in 2005 or about not knowing that my grandfather that I knew was also a firefighter. To learn of your heritage and provide answers to your children on who they are and where their family came from is awesome.
But that isn’t the only reason I research my family. I wish to be reunited with my family members after I pass. I wish that they be introduced to the gospel and be given the choice to decide if the gospel is true. We provide the necessary ordinances such as baptism so that those who were not baptized on earth can receive those blessings.
I enjoy helping members of the Church lean how to do this special family work. I also spend time helping people of the community to research their families. In today’s world there are many resources available.

Jared answered…

Many people feel a need to be closer to their ancestors and to know where they came from. Mormons feel that need as well, but there is another level to it. Through the scriptures and living prophets we have learned that everyone who has lived on this earth will have the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ and accept his blessings. As such, we seek information about those of our ancestors who have passed away so that we can perform ordinances or special religious ceremonies-such as baptism-for them that they did not have the chance to perform for themselves while here on earth.

As we perform these ordinances, we are in no way disrespecting the beliefs of our ancestors. We believe that they have the choice to accept or reject the gospel as it is taught to them just as living people do on earth, and if they have no interest in the ordinances of the church then they do not have to accept them. We are simply "giving them the option" you might say, and making it possible for them to enjoy these blessings if they so choose. It also serves to link all the generations of our family together and make us stronger.

One of the great principles of the gospel is that all people are God's children, and we are all part of one big family. As we go back through the ages, we find links that connect us to our brothers and sisters of the past and the present, showing us that for all of our differences we are connected. For my part, I can trace my heritage back to several other countries besides the United States, giving me cultural connections to these lands and the people there. It is truly thrilling to learn about the different people whose choices have all in some way helped shape who, where, and what I am.

Doing family history is also a great opportunity for education. By learning about the lives of my ancestors, I come to know more about the times and circumstances that they lived in. Their experiences help to teach me more than I could learn through my own efforts alone.

Rachael answered…

Family is the most important thing in this life. It is our hope to be reunited with them through living the Gospel and participating in sacred ordinances in the Temple. In order for our family to be reunited, we need to know who they are! Family history genealogy is how we find our ancestors. Necessary Temple work can then be done for them by proxy so they can enjoy all that eternity has to offer!

Eric answered…

Me personally, I do it to learn about my ancestry! It is amazing to see how much my ancestry affects who I am today!

Felix answered…

Since families are the most important unit on earth and it means a lot to make sure that we all, those who have gone before us and those are going to be here after us to all be together. There's nothing more joyfull than the fact that families can all be together forever but in order to do so, we need to make sure everything is done in order the way God wants it to be done.

Vicki answered…

It is important to search out our ancestors so we can be connected with them. I have always enjoyed searching out my ancestors but have never had much time for it. My father's family is not LDS and they were always leary about giving out any information. I sent a letter to all of my father's cousins asking for any information that they had. There is a cousin doing genealogy that I didn't even know about. All I had on my father's grandmother was a name. One day I received a picture to go with that name and I just sat and cried when I saw it. Sometimes we wonder how to find information, but with prayer, the Lord will help us find ways that we have never even thought of.

Mike answered…

The missionary efforts of the church are three fold; To share the gospel, strengthen our brethren (grow with and help other church members along the way) and to provide those that did not have opportunity to accept Christ during their life the chance to do so, by performing those ordinances like baptism and temple marriage for our family members that have passed on.

Aside from that, it's amazing to learn about where you and your family comes from, who made it possible for you to be alive, who made what sacrifices to ensure you and your ancestors got to where they were and are now. You can learn so much about yourself through getting to know your roots and ancestral family members. You'll find yourself being humbled and indebted to those that have gone before us.

Tom answered…

Mormons beleive that families are a key part of God's plan for us here on earth and that the family associations we develop here can carry on into the next life. Mormons also believe in the teachings of the prophets. In the 4th chapter of Malachi we read, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smith the earth with a curse." (verses 5, 6).

Those who know a little about the history of the Mormon church know that the founder, Joseph Smith, claims to have received a heavenly visitor in his room known as Moroni but what they might not know is after Moroni talked to Joseph about plates of gold that would one day be translated into the Book of Mormon, he also quoted these same verses from Malachi with only a slight variation. The act of turning our hearts to our ancestor fathers, mothers, aunts and uncles is a commandment from God. For that reason the church has been busy for decades, long before geneology became a popular hobby, gathering records. The church has photocopied billions of birth, marriage and death records, immigration records, census data, land records to name a few. These records help establish family connections, parents to children, long lost from anyone's memory. Pedigree charts are created showing these family relationships and family group sheets are completed showing husbands, wives and their children along with important birth, marriage and death dates providing a positive identification of the correct name and relationship.

On April 3, 1836 Joseph Smith records that he and fellow church member Oliver Cowdery were visted by the prophet Elijah in the Kirtland temple and he gave to them the authority to seal on earth and in heaven family relationships. This is the purpose of temple to perform these sealing ordinances for us and our ancestors.

Steve answered…

I do family history to know my ancestors; to help me understand who I am. I was not raised by my parents, so I didn't know anything about my ancestors. I felt like I needed to be connected to them to make me whole. One day I had a dream I was with my father and another man. In the dream I greeted this other man before I greeted my father. I had a strong love towards this man even though I did not know who it was. When I woke up from my dream, I asked myself who is this person? And the thought came to me that it was my grandfather. I felt the need to research and find out who it was. I was able to find out that he was a Merchant Marine and his ship was torpedoed during WWII and I was able to acquire pictures of him. More important, there are no boundaries of love for individuals who have come before us and understand the sacrifices they made. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Dile answered…

How I live my faith
I've always liked helping people -- Maybe that is why I enjoyed my profession as a utility engineer/supervisor. I always tried to provide service to new homes or businesses when or before customers wanted, to improve facilities so the power stayed on and was very reliable, and to help restore power when things failed such as in big storms. It was a satisfing career, and now I continue by helping people in other ways  

Martine. answered…

I, as a Mormon, search out my ancestors for two reasons: 1 So I can feel closer to those whose legacy - and features! - I enjoy and 2 To give them the chance to consider the life truths I value, and either accept or reject them.

Tiffany answered…

We do family history work so we can know our ancestors. When we have discovered our ancestors, we visit the temple to perform work for them that they didn't have the opportunity to do for themselves while they were living on the earth. We believe that our ancestors have the opportunity to accept or reject the work that we do for them in the temple. We believe that this work performed in temples can unite families for eternity .

I have learned much about myself as I find out about my ancestors. As I read about their lives, their joys and their struggles, I feel a love for them. I can't wait to meet them again.

Sharon answered…

Mormons do family history work because it brings them closer to Heavenly Father. I believe that you cannot do geneology work without be led by the gift of the Holy Ghost. You certaininly feel closer to the saviour and he wants us to be successful i our search for our ancestors. We are doing this to find all our ancestors so we can be sealed for time and Eternity. This is where we want to be. Doing this work is the most satisifying more I think we do.

Marie Hamilton answered…

In the New Testament the Savior mentions baptisms for the dead. He said that the way is "strait", as in, a narrow passage, and by being baptized he set an example for us.

However, there have been many people on earth that did not have the opportunity to be baptized. When a living person is baptized as a proxy, the work is done on the behalf of the deceased, so that the deceased may inherit the same blessings.

Also, other ordinances may be performed on their behalf, such as being sealed to their parents to be part of an eternal family unit.

Rachel answered…

 We believe in a Plan of Happiness called the Plan of Salvation. This plan allows everyone the opportunity to return and be with God and be with their families forever. But in order to do that sacred ordinances must be preformed such as baptism, and “Jesus answered…Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”John 3 5 Genealogy provides us the way to find all of our family and perform these ordinances on their behalf. It also allows us to understand and appreciate their sacrifices for us. It is a beautiful and rewarding experience when you are able to do work for these individuals. I have a particular love for genealogy because I feel that it is one of the most sacred acts of service that a person can do for their deceased ancestors.  

John answered…

Family history is both a hobby and a doctrine of salvation for those who departed this life without having had the opportunity to be taught about Jesus Christ, nor the opportunity to participate in the required ordinances outlined in the scriptures such as baptism. Members of the church spend time searching for the names, birth, marriage and death records of their kindred dead, especially direct line ancestors, and then submit their names and the required dates to one of our many temples where the necessary ordinances are performed by proxy for them. They then have their agency, after being taught in the spirit world, to accept or reject the things that they are taught. If they accept the doctrines so taught, then they will be judged accordingly. This work is an unselfish work of love that one generation can provide to previous generations.

Mell answered…

To find out where we came from & so we can do temple work for our deceased ancestors so that one day we can live as an eternal family with Heavenly Father.

Katie G. answered…

This past year or so, I have for the first time, really gotten interested in Family History and Genealogy. The New Family search program made finding my ancestors so much more easy and I was able to know who needed their ordinance work done for them. Mormons do proxy work in the temple for those who did not have the opportunity to have their work done while they lived on this earth. We believe that there are certain things that have to be done while on this earth and that is one of the greatest purposes for our existance here. Many who didn't have the opportunity to hear the gospel will be able to hear it and either accept or reject the ordinances that we do for them. Finding our Ancestors is important because the Lord needs all his children to have the opportunity... it is a part of His plan, and vital for living in the eternities as families. I have been privledged to experience and know that some of those who I have been going through the temple for as their proxy, have rejoiced when their work was completed. I knew that they had been waiting for so long, and I had felt that they fully accepted the work that had been done for them. Others may not, but because we have our free agency, the Lord will let us decide if we want to accept these ordinances.

Lee answered…

 For me, it has been awesome to learn personal stories about my great grandfather and some of his experiences when he came to the U.S. in the early 1800's. Learning about him, his wife, and their kids have helped me understand myself that much more.

Diane answered…

We believe that those that have died without knowing the gospel in their lives deserve a chance to accept or reject the gospel. We do geneology on our own familes to trace back our ancestors as far as we can and then do baptisms for the dead. They now have a chance to accept the gospel.

Evelyn answered…

Mormons do family history work to find out who their ancestors are, and so that we can bind them to us by the power of the priesthood. This is the power spoken of by Jesus Christ, when he bestowed it upon his apostle Peter and told him that "Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." We feel it is essential to create lasting links with all members of our families - past, present, and future - as we hope to be reunited with them in the eternities. Our ancestors are real people who lived before us, and as we learn more about them, that familial bond grows and we see them as more than just a name on a page. As an African-American, I especially get excited about family history work, because I get the opportunity to do research that can connect me to my true origins. Many people feel that there is something empowering about knowing who you are and where you come from.

Tracy answered…

I do family history or genealogy work because I am interested in my ancestors. My ancestors left a legacy for me which has provided the opportunities I have had in life. I will leave a legacy for my descendants. I believe I will meet my ancestors when it is my time to leave this earth. I would like to know more about them and their lives prior to meeting them. If they are interested in learning more about Jesus Christ, I look forward to the day I do get to meet them and share my love and testimony of Christ and his gospel with them.

Nicole answered…

 We serve our ancestors and the ancestors of others because they never had the opportunity during their earthly lives to hear the Gospel of Christ. After their death they are taught by others in heaven, so we here on the earth are baptized and sealed for them and their families by proxy. We hope that they are on the other side waiting happily and accepting the work that we have done on their behalf.

Katie answered…

Doing family history work makes it possible for us to give our family members who have passed on the opportunity to learn the gospel. We are able to be sealed to our families for eternity through sacred ordinances in the Temples. I know that we have family members who have passed from this life who are angels watching over us. We can do for them what they cannot do for themselves. In Temples we can stand in their place and be baptized and sealed for them.

Margaret answered…

To understand that in the afterlife, there is still work to be done and our ancestors will appreciate that we shared this opportunity to be baptized after they have passed on and to be able to seal families together forever.

Steve answered…

Before one can know who they are, they need to understand whose they are. Growing up I was never very proud of my last name. In fact, I chose to be known by a different last name for many years. This side of the family that I am referring to is not close-knit, and very few are found active in the church to this day. However, I recently learned that it didn't begin this way. Now that I know where I come from, I am proud to belong to this family. I descend from an Englishman named Thomas. Thomas joined the church in the late 1840's and sailed across the ocean to join the saints in Utah. On arrival he was employed by one of Brigham Young's brothers. On assignment he went to pick up a hand cart or wagon from a nearby home in the valley. He knocked on the door, introduced himself, and explained his assignment. The sister who stood there (Sabrina Curtis) didn't understand a single word due to his thick English accent. She annoyingly called to someone in the house and said "Do come and see what this silly old fool wants"! He was slightly insulted by this, and perhaps a little embarrassed. But as fate would have it they were married to each other by Brigham Young only 6 months later! Thomas never let Sabrina live that down, for when he was in need of something he would say "Sabrina! Do come and see what this silly old fool wants"! Thomas and Sabrina were faithful saints and knowing this give me a sense of pride and I can say that I am proud to be a Harward and this is one of many reasons why doing genealogy is so important to members of the church.

Kimberly answered…

I love family history work! Family history shows our dedication to the belief that our Heavenly Father loves each of His children and desires for their happiness. One thing I love about the gospel is that we believe that ALL have the opportunity to hear and accept the gospel. This is a choice each will be able to make, whether or not they had the opportunity to hear about it in this life or the next.

Family history gives me the opportunity to learn more about my family. I have learned about a great-great grandmother who went with a handcart company to Utah, about a great-great grandfather who left his family in England to come to America for his faith, and more about who I am because of them.

The beautiful, and perhaps most misunderstood aspect of family history work is doing vicarious ordinance work for our ancestors. What this means is that we give them the opportunity to choose if they would have wanted to be baptized. We do not force any part of the gospel on any one who doesn't want it. We merely provide the opportunity for them to accept or reject ordinances like baptism and eternal marriage. It can be compared to missionary work. We ask others if they are interested in learning more. They have the choice to come and learn or decide it is not for them. Performing work for our ancestors no more forces the gospel on them than would asking a friend if they would like to learn more about the Church. A major aspect of Church doctrine is agency. Through family history, we not only learn more about our ancestors, but give them agency, or the opportunity to choose for themselves.

Natalie answered…

For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, families are the center of the gospel. We are all the spirit children of God, and the earthly children of Adam and Eve. We feel it is important to know not only who we are as children of God, but who we are as children of those who have lived and passed on before us. By knowing who we are and helping those who have passed on before, we can truly reach our potential.

Lauren answered…

I used to wonder the same thing (and I've been around the church my whole life). I recently discovered that when I learn about my ancestors, I feel the spirit. It's not like they are people who once existed and will never be seen again. We are eternal spirits and these people are people that I hope to know in the life to come. Why not start now? I've been able to talk to my grandma about her father and mother and their lives, and it has been a touching experience for me. I've been able to learn about my ethnic history and even where some of my personality characteristics come from. It has helped me to see how keeping a journal is so very important for the future generation. I think that our reunion in heaven will be so much sweeter if we are greeted by people we have come to know and love.

Jason answered…

We know that families can be together forever. If a couple is married in a sacred temple of God there are men who have the power to marry them not just until death, but forever. This blessing also ties parents to children so that, as a family unit, they can be together in Heaven. We work on family history in hopes that we can give all families this great blessing. As I have worked personally on my family history, I have felt a connection with and love for my ancestors who I have never met before.

Lisa. answered…

Mormons work on the their family history in order to get to know their families that have passed on. They also do family history to take the names to the temple. In the temple these names are used to connect us (seal us) to our families after we pass away. We can feel close to our families as we do this work. Their spirits are felt as the work is being completed.