does christian asceticism apply to mormons?

[nathanielfirst]

hello, I am trying to figure out if the ascetic streak in Paul, in the New Testament, is carried over very much into the Latter Day Saints?
how do they feel about wealth, about owning a business,
fasting, sex?
enjoying life?
I think I know the answer already... less ascetic than your typical Catholic or Anabaptist?

 

[JL Fuller]

Mormons believe in the eternal progression of mankind. That means we are always striving to improve ourselves in our minds, bodies and spirits. Anything that inhibits that is ungodly and should be avoided. This is theory anyway. Actual practice is something else. I guess I can say failure to achieve the ideal gives us something to repent of. Education and achieving high success in our personal pursuits are good things, just as long as we don't let such things as wealth, power and privilege interfere with the eternal dictum. Something you didn't ask about is equally important. That is the taking care of the poor and unfortunate. That has always been a high priority. Our welfare system has been an important and active part of the organization since the beginnings of the Church. We also recognize that a healthy intimate life with our spouse is critical to a strong nuclear family. Such things as pornography, adultry and homosexuality are antithetical to that aim.