What I Believe . . .

Although I try to keep this blog to family interests and my work projects, I do feel that I should take the time today to share my personal beliefs as this is a large part of who I am.

Recently a comment was made at a political event, which indicated that "Mormons" are part of a cult. I am a "Mormon" or rather a member of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." I was hurt by the comment and felt the need to express my testimony of what we as "Latter-Day Saints" believe.

Central and foremost to our religion is our belief in Jesus Christ. We recognize him as our loving Savior, who through the Atonement sacrificed his life so that we could return again to him clean and washed free of our sins if we will repent and live obedient to his commandments. We read of him in the scriptures that we study. We attend church each Sabbath day to hear of his word. We try to live our lives as he would want us to live.

Some confusion exists over the fact that we study from a set of scriptures called "The Book of Mormon." Thus the title of "Mormons." While we believe that Joseph Smith was called upon by God to restore to the church to its original state as when Christ lived upon the earth, we in no way worship Joseph Smith, or Mormon (the angel who appeared to Joseph Smith), or "The Book of Mormon" which was translated from a set of scriptures Joseph Smith was given by God.

My belief in Christ is the strength and faith that helps me know that I will one day be reunited with my son, Joseph, and my brother, Mark, in heaven.

I follow the same teachings the Lord established upon his earth with the prophets of the Bible.

While some of our doctrine differs from those of other faiths, I have deep respect for all those who live right and abide by the teachings of their own religions (and non-religions). I believe we are all children of a loving God. It is not my intent to offend or alienate any person.

I encourage those of you who would like more information about our church and its teachings to visit the website www.mormon.org. This website is dedicated to explaning our beliefs and expelling incorrect information about our church.

If there are any questions, that I could answer for you I am always happy to do so. I am very grateful for the gospel and the foundation of faith that it has given me, and I could not allow my feelings to remain silent.

You can watch a short video of our thoughts on the Savior here.



7 comments

  1. I'm sorry that you encountered that hurtful comment at the political event you attended. I think that a lot of people just don't understand other religions very well. They hear a sensational story on the news about a breakaway sect, and they make the incorrect assumption that all members of a religious group are just like the ones in the news story. I have a number of LDS friends, and none of them seems like a cult member. :) I hope that people will try harder to really understand and respect each other's beliefs, and not make so many assumptions.

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  2. I always find each and every persons spiritual beliefs fascinating, I truly do. I am one of those people that will ask questions about peoples faith in an effort to hopefully make a connection with people. I have my own established set of beliefs that I try to live by and instill these beliefs in my children. I would never dream of insulting or making anyone's spiritual beliefs and I am sorry that someone offended yours.

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  3. Jen, thanks so much for posting this. I, too, am LDS and it is hurtful to hear such comments. I think you stated this so eloquently and I admire that. Again, thank you!

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  4. I am so sorry that that happened to you. I have friends who are Mormon here in Florida and I know that they have encountered discrimination because people don't understand their faith. As a christian I feel we are all called upon to love one another...isn't that Jesus' great commandment? Hopefully more Mormons will share their testimony and put to rest the many myths that exist out there. May God bless you and your family.

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  5. :) Thanks, Jen.

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  6. Jen, Thanks so much for these comments. I am also LDS. I appreciate your example and I am now inspired to post my testimony on my own blog. Thanks so much for a great idea!

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