Mormon Terms:Potential Terms

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These are suggested words for inclusion in Mormon Terms. Just because the word is on this list does NOT NECESSARILY mean that it should be included! Please review the standards for inclusion if you have any doubt!!

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Abomination a.p. - See assistant to the president. Aaronic Priesthood - The lower order of priesthood authority in the L.D.S. Church, encompassing the offices of deacon, teacher, and priest. Young males are usually ordained deacons at the age of twelve. Named for Aaron, the brother of Moses -- not for baseball great Hank Aaron, as is widely believed. All "worthy" young Mormon boys are "ordained" to this priesthood beginning as young as age twelve. There are three "offices" within this priesthood: deacons, teachers, and priests. The lesser priesthood of the Church, consisting of the offices of deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. Holders of this priesthood attend to temporal affairs of the Church (cf. Melchizedek Priesthood). Abeyance able Abraham, Gospel of Abrahamic Covenant active active in the Church Refers to regular attendance at meetings, observance of the principles of the gospel, and acceptance of Church callings. Activity in the Church Adam-God Theory Adam-ondi-Ahman The place (in what is now Daviess County, Missouri) where Adam gathered and blessed his posterity before his death; a locale where a future priesthood meeting will be held just previous to Christ's second coming. Adam The first man. Latter-day Saints view him as one of the greatest and noblest of all men. Adamic language A perfect spoken and written language given by God to Adam. added upon A phrase indicating that the faithful receive additional blessings in the life to follow. Those who were faithful in premortal life had blessings "added upon" them in mortality. Those who are faithful in this life will have "glory added upon their heads for ever and ever" (Abr. 3:26). administer To perform an ordinance, such as anointing the sick with oil or saying the set prayers to bless the bread and water of the sacrament. Administration of angels Administration of Ordinances Adoption Adult Adversary Advocate With the Father After Life age of accountability The age at which a child becomes personally responsible for motives, attitudes, desires, and actions. Designated by revelation to begin at eight years of age (D&C 68:25). Age of Consent agency (often called free agency) The granted right to choose good or evil, and the responsibility for the choices made. Alpha and Omega Altar Ancestral File(TM) A computerized system of genealogical information that links names of individuals into pedigrees, showing their ancestors and descendants. Ancient Apostles Ancient of Days A term used in Daniel 7:9, identified by revelation to Joseph Smith as Adam. angel Angel Moroni angel, fallen Specifically, the devil.* Generally, all who followed the devil in the premortal existence. angels Literally, messengers; usually referring to messengers from God. Anoint anointing(s) The placing of a drop or two of consecrated olive oil on a person's head as part of a special blessing, under the direction of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Anti-Christ Anti-Mormon Anti-Mormon Critic non-Mormon scientist, writer, historian, whose work undermines LDS doctrine. Anti-Mormon Publications Antichrists AP - See assistant to the president. ape - See assistant to the president. Apologetics Apologist apostasy apostate - One who has repudiated Mormonism for whatever reason and in whatever fashion, whether or not his or her name remains on the church's rolls. The commonly repeatedly Mormon party line would have it that these are the most unhappy people on the face of the earth, but reasonable humans are likely to perceive this attitude as sour grapes. apostle - The second highest office in the Melchizedek Priesthood, and a special witness of Jesus Christ. Common Mormon belief holds that apostles know the resurrected Christ personally. Apostles are considered "prophets, seers and revelators," though only the ordained president of the Church holds all the keys necessary for administering the Kingdom of God on earth. See also Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the. An office in the Melchizedek Priesthood; usually a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. apostolic Church The Church presided over by the Twelve Apostles following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. appropriate April 6 archives A general description for the record-keeping facilities of the Church in Salt Lake City. The archives hold a wide variety of records, including Church membership information, historical accounts, and the largest collection of genealogical data in the world. area - The usually relatively small geographical region to which two missionaries are assigned Area Presidency area A geographical ecclesiastical unit of the Church consisting of several regions and presided over by a president, who is a General Authority. Armageddon Article of Faith Articles of Faith Thirteen concise statements of LDS belief written by Joseph Smith in the Wentworth Letter. assistant to the president - One of two missionaries who, by virtue of superior dedication, spirituality, and brown-nosing, are privileged to push paper in the mission office rather than pound pavement. Assistants to the Twelve Persons who at one time in the Church were specifically called to be General Authorities to assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. atonement Atonement of Jesus Christ attitude attributes Authority believe this was restored to Joseph Smith by having key Bible leaders appearing and ordaining Smith. Anyone ordained in the church receives a card tracing his priesthood back to Joseph Smith. Duly conferred priesthood power or delegated responsibility associated with position or function. Auxiliaries Auxiliary Organizations The Primary (children), Relief Society (adult women), Sunday School, and Young Men and Young Women organizations of the Church. Auxiliary organizations exist primarily to assist the priesthood government of the Church.