LDS Baptism For The Dead

1 Cor 15:29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

There seems to be a continual misunderstanding with the media about what LDS Baptism for the Dead is all about. 1. LDS do not baptize dead people. Living are baptized in proxy for or on-behalf-of those that have died. 2. Being Baptized for the dead does not make that person LDS against their will. The LDS Church nor its members do not automatically consider those who are named in these ordinances as member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 3. The point of Baptisms for the dead is to offer everyone the same blessing we feel we have received. LDS Baptism for the dead does not make someone Mormon against their will, it offers them something they can freely ignore or decline or accept.

Again, Latter-day Saint Baptism for the dead, doesn't make the person named automatically and surreptitiously a Mormon against their will. Baptism for the dead just offers something that can easily and freely be declined, ignored, or accepted.

In fact, the ignore part of baptisms for the dead is significant. LDS do not publicize who is or isn't offered this ordinance. Baptisms are done privately in our temples and not in the public eye. The LDS Church keeps a database of all those who have been post-humously offered membership in our Church so there is not needless duplication of effort.

The only reason the media learns about anyone in particular who "work" is done are critics and enemies of the LDS Church who look up this information and want to cause a stir.

It is the goal of the LDS Church to offer every human being who has lived upon the Earth, living or deceased, membership in the LDS Church. Baptism for the Dead is how we posthumously offer membership.

LDS Baptism for the Dead is not about disrespecting others beliefs, but rather it is about our desire to be completely inclusive and make sure no one is excluded, and invite anyone and everyone to be LDS if they so desire.

Baptism for the dead is an invitation. Nothing more.