I - Belief Series

Without trying, I have so far devoted a majority of my posts, unintentionally, to the writings of Joseph Smith. It's very easy to do - a thirty volume set will be available in the next few years chronicling every written word penned by or influenced by the man. But in addition to Joseph Smith's thoughts and testimony, there is so much more that is on my mind that I would love to lay out here. I have had it in mind for some time to create a series of posts that lay out my religious beliefs. Here are my reasons for wanting to do this:

Foundation - If this site is going to be about various thoughts about my religion from my own perspective, it might as well start with a foundation for my beliefs.

Understanding - I want to increase in some small way a general understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - even if it is from a blog like this that very few will ultimately read. I have had enough experience so far to know that to be a Mormon conjures up a multitude of reactions - both positive and negative. When most people find out that I am Mormon, they leave it at that with no editorializing, leaving me to wonder what exactly they are thinking. Others are more forthcoming with their thoughts and questions. Usually those who are the most curious are all pretty religious themselves. Hopefully, those who fall into either camp will read this and come away with a better understanding of Mormonism and the beliefs that I and so many others around the world hold dear.

Former LDS friends - I'm writing this to my friends who have been members of the church, but who for varying reasons have decided to leave the church. That really is the main reason I started this blog. I hope that at least one of the them, and there are several, will stumble across this page and maybe see things through a different perspective, and re-examine their own faith ---and re-join us! We miss you.

Spread the word - Anyone who knows me well knows that I am an unapologetic advocate for my church, so I do not shy away from saying that I would love to see you or anyone else convert to my faith. I would also love to see members of my faith increase in their faith. I also seek ways to constantly increase my own personal faith. So by saying, "spread the word" I mean that it is my feeling that the truths I embrace can help you and can help the entire world.

However, I am not a salesman and I am perfectly content if you do not agree with my beliefs (see "Understanding" above). I think my non-LDS friends would never say that I push my religion on them. I speak freely of my religion, but I'm not annoying about it, and I love to learn about the faith & convictions of others, whether they be Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. And I forgot atheists. They, too, I believe, are acting on faith to NOT believe in a God. They believe to not believe.

So with that, I'll begin to outline my case for what I believe. If you have strong beliefs in Mormonism or anything else, I encourage you to do the same on your own site, and please share your site with me. I'd love to check it out.