Given that I married a Mormon and was a member of the LDS Church until my wife left me, I, too, consider myself an expert on this topic.
Goobers. No. Indoctrinated to the point of near zombie-like obedience. Yes.
One must under the particular brand of faith espoused in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as it's properly called. The church has mixed a lot of Old Testament rituals with 'latter (modern) day' revelation (prophesy). LDSs feel that the President of the church and the Quorum of the Twelves Apostles are chosen by God to lead the church on Earth. They point out that throughout the OT, prophets led the Jews (or at least the faithful ones) through the many trials of history. They feel that God, through Joesph Smith, returned the leadership and authority of the OT prophets. LDSs do not think the President (aka Prophet) and QotTA are perfect or above human. However, just as Christ teaches that He would no lead others astray, so have LDSs been taught that the leadership of the church would not. They feel the lifestyle and suggestions from the church leadership are from God and thus, most hold true to them.
From the counseling not to watch R-rated movies to the Word of Wisdom (the scriptures outlines dietary habits), LDSs have free agency do to what they want. Many LDSs drink teas or pop (my soon-to-be ex-wife's parents enjoy Diet Pepsi when dining out, for example) and still find themselves righteous members. However, most do not comsume alcohol or smoke; just like most other Christian faiths, LDSs tend to pick and chose what's acceptable and what's not. Interestingly, a LDS has a lot of freedom in what 'counsel' they ignore. During interveiws for various things in the church (appointment to a position of stewardship or the receipt of a temple recommend), the bishop (local church leader) simply asks the LDS if he/she follows the variows laws, commandments and counsel. The LDS can easily answer most of the questions in the affirmative because the church feels each member, in many cases, is able to determine their own righteousness. The best example is 'tithing settlement' at the end of each calender year when the bishop meets with all members to determine if they are full, partial or non- tithe payers. Each members simply answers 'full', 'partial' or 'non.' The bishop doesn't pilfer through paystubs or ask, 'Is that 10% of gross or net?' It is the responsible of the member to 'be honest in his dealing with his fellow man and the church', not for the bishop to be an auditor. The church teaches that if a member is dishonest in his dealings, the God will hold him accountable.
Lastly, to the garments. While I no longer practice LDS beliefs, I still have respect for their laws. As such, I'm limited as to what I am confortable in discussing. However, I can share a few details. Again, drawing on symbology from the OT, the creation story (the LDS version, of course) and latter-day interpretations of ancient documents, the church established the practice of wearing sacred garments. The garments symbolize the clothing which, according to LDS belief, was given Adam and Eve upon their explusion from Eden to remind them of the everlasting covenants that they made with God. The garments, which are received upon the first visit to the temple (not necessarily a marriage (aka 'sealing')), are composed of two pieces: a top and a bottom. Made of a variety of materials (from pure cotton, to 50/50 to others [like silk for the ladies), the garments are to be worn underneath ALL other clothing, including the bras of the ladies.) Designed to be long in the legs and, for the ladies, cloaking in the bosum, the garments also encourage modesty as, other than the 'V' displayed when a man's shirt top button is open, the garments should be exposed in public (as to not invite ridicule from non-members). In many ways, the garments are just like old-fashioned underwear of 'times old'; however, 4 special symbols from temple ceremonies are stitched into certain areas of the garments. The garments serve primarily as a reminder of the covenents LDSs made in the temple to God, however, many members also speak of the protective properties (you can google 'Mormon garments' for several accounts) and the modesty it encourages in both the adults who where them and the children who will (theoretically) wear them in the future. Despite many comments above making fun of them, garments can be seen as just another human form of symbology - just like engagement rings/wedding bands, skull caps, ear (or other bodily) piercings and many, many others.
I know it's easy to tease something about which one is not familiar, however, despite my EXTREME liberalism and current disbelief in the LDS Church, I will always champion their existence. Mormons have, for FAR too long, been persecuted and ridiculed by people who knew little to nothing of their faith and practices. Now, if you have your facts straight and are not blindly bashing them, I'll probably join in. But by calling them polygamists or non-Christian, you'll invite an earful from me. I'm FAR from being an expert on LDS theology and such, but I know enough about them (having been on the inside) to know they do NOT deserve much of the flack they receive. LDSs are some of the most hardworking, community-minded, polite and generous people one could encounter.
As with many topics learn a little before you slander, demean or criticize.
