[beth]

I'm a great genealogy fan and often use the LDS on-line site to chase my ancestors. Can someone tell me why LDS have invested so much time into collecting this data and how is it connected to their religious beliefs??

[babydawn]

I'd love to, the best answer I can give you is right off of the lds website....this is the link if you are interested in looking into it further http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1477-1,00.html

"Temples

Temples are houses of the Lord, the most sacred structures on the earth. Anciently, the Lord directed Solomon to build a temple (1 Chronicles 28:1). After Jesus Christ restored His Church through Joseph Smith, He again directed that temples be built.
In the temples, Church members participate in ordinances designed to unite their families together forever and help them return to God.
In the temples, members

• Learn eternal truths
• Receive sacred ordinances, including those that bind husband and wife together for eternity, as well as join children and parents (Malachi 4:5)
• Provide ordinances such as baptism for those who have died without the opportunity to receive the gospel (1 Peter 4:6; 1 Corinthians 15:29)"

This last comment, to provide ordinances such as baptism for those who have died without the opportunity to receive the gospel, is the reason why we put so much emphasis on family history. We are encouraged to search out our ancestors and do their temple work for them if they have not yet had it done.

I need to add that if you want to go to the scripture links, go to them off of the lds website that I posted the link for at the top. Just clicking on the scripture refrences from here, for some reason, does not take you to the appropriate place.

[beth]

Thanks, Babydawn
I didn't expect such a comprehensive reply, but I'll check out the links you have provided. If I have ay more questions, I know who to go to!!! I can see from your post in a nutshell though, it's all about ancestors and doing work today for them. Makes sense. Thanks again!