Why do Mormons do family history?

by Nicole

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, are encouraged to search for their ancestors. Why? This question is answered at mormon.org/values/family-history. The article by mormon.org says,

Those of us who have been bitten by the family history bug know how fun it can be. But this isn’t why we have the largest genealogical library in the world and why 15 million Mormons are encouraged to research their family roots. Rather, we are driven by our doctrine that teaches that marriage and families can continue beyond this life.

My faith and interest in family history are intertwined. I want to learn about those who came before me, because I know their lives made my own possible. I am grateful to them and also grateful to know that I can be with my family again after death.

Genealogical or family history research is the essential forerunner of temple work for our deceased ancestors.

Being sealed to my family in the temple is the ultimate goal of my faith and my family history research.

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I want to be together with my deceased ancestors again someday by making saving ordinances available to them in the Lord’s holy temples.

“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?” (1 Corinthians 15:29).