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Hi I'm Loren B.
I am a journalist, a DJ for a school radio show and a student. I am a Mormon.
About Me
Well, I am a political science/ journalism major at Utah State University. I come from a family of four. I've competed in debate, and participated in art programs all through high school. Right now, I have a political talk show on the school radio and a music radio show. I also write for a student-run university magazine. I currently paying for college by working at the cafe at the university library.
Why I am a Mormon
Well, I grew up in the Church. But my family encouraged me to get my own testimony. They let me figure out what I believed, though they did encourage me to go to church and to read and pray, they also let me search out what I believed. I went to other churches and search the bible and Book of Mormon. It took a while to gain my own testimony. It took long prayers and on occasion, some repentance. But slowly, through the power of God, I began to realize my testimony.
How I live my faith
I am currently the Sunday school president in my singles ward. I help the teachers in the congregation teach and occasionally teach myself. I also try to help index records for genealogy so everyone can read the records of the census and immigration records of their ancestors. I also home teach, which is teaching and helping members of the congregation.
What is Mormonism? OR What do Mormons believe?
Loren B.
In short, it is belief in the living God, our father, and in His son, our savior, Jesus Christ and in the power of the atonement, Jesus' death and resurrection to save us all if we will follow him. And if we follow him, we can live as families together forever in God the father's presence.
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Why do you have 12 Apostles? They were just meant to be around for the time of Jesus Christ, not to be replaced with new apostles.
Loren B.
That's not exactly what the scriptures say. In Paul's letters he teaches that apostles are essential to the foundation of the church. They are there to guide the church until it is united in the faith of Christ. Since that has yet to happen, apostles are here to continue that work.
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Can you tell me about Mormon customs: how you dress for church, what holidays you celebrate, etc.?
Loren B.
We can celebrate most holidays, excluding a few religious ones practiced by other religions, Ramadan, Holy week, etc. We dress in our best. Some might not have the ability to buy a suit and tie. That's okay. As long as we are respectful and modest, that is good enough for God. We place special emphasis on the family, and hold a night often Monday each week to conduct family business and have a spiritual lesson.
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Why is self-reliance important to Mormons? Why do Mormons talk about emergency preparedness?
Loren B.
We believe that we are responsible for our own well being and are charge with trying to live free of unwanted burdens, such as debt, which helps us feel free and happy. We focus a lot on emergency preparedness so we can help others when a disaster strikes. It's hard to help others if you yourself aren't taken care of.
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Why do Mormons believe in “eternal life?”
Loren B.
Through the scriptures we begin to realize that God our father has promised us a better life to come. It gives us peace and purpose in life to realize that this life isn't it. That we aren't just randomly here.
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How can I know Mormonism is true?
Loren B.
How do we know that anything is true? We have to try it out. Think of it as an experiment. To know you have to experiment on a few things things, reading, going to church, following God's commandments, and about all pray to God about it. The result of your experiment will be that God will answer you with the spirit giving you good feelings, such as joy, love, patience, endurance.
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What is a ward/stake/branch?
Loren B.
They are units of the church's congregation.
A branch is like a small parish or small congregation. A ward is like a bigger parish. A stake is like a diocese, meaning it is a group of wards.
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How does the Church finance its operations?
Loren B.
The church asks that people try their faith in God's promises Malachi 3:10-11 and give tithes ten percent of income to the church and offerings to help fund. it is not required and no one but a select few know who pays and who does not. The Lord blesses those who are faithful.
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Who chooses the Mormon prophet?
Loren B.
God. The order is followed that the senior apostle will suceed the prevoius prophet. The surviving apostles will gather and fast and pray for confirmation that that should be followed. They then sustain (uphold, support) the senior apostle to be prophet, who then announce it to the rest of the church. Then during a special church conference. The prophet is sustained by the church.
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Are Mormons Christians?
Loren B.
Yes. We believe in the Jesus of Nazareth spoken of in the bible. We believe His teachings and strive to follow them. We praise Him, we honor Him.
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How is the Book of Mormon different from the Bible? How did Joseph Smith obtain the “golden plates” or Book of Mormon?
Loren B.
It differs in time, place, and people. The Book of Mormon is a sacred record from the ancient Americas and it's people with a special record of Jesus' ministry among them. Where as bible is a sacred record of the people of israel and our Lord personal ministry among them. Other then that, it is very similar in message and purpose, a testament or witness of our Lord Jesus Christ being the universal savior of Mankind.
Joseph Smith received the book of Mormon at the right time by the power and will of God. It's a remarkable story. Before the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored, God prepared the book of Mormon to come forth. It wasn't an easy process. Joseph had to be instructed and charged by a heavenly messenger to the sacredness of the Book for four years before by the power of God, he was given the plates. the Book of Mormon was written on plates by the Ancient people. Then provided a way to translate the book. It was written in a language that is lost to us now.
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What are some things that tell to you there is a God?
Loren B.
Look around at the order of the universe. The order in nature. Be present at the birth of a child. The scriptures help me. Also the testimonies of others help tell me their is a God.
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How can we come to know our Father in Heaven?
Loren B.
I find that prayer is the best way. When we prayer, whether we feel worthy or not, we open a direct line of communication to him. We are open to his influence and he will help us come to know him better. This is also aided by obedience to the gospel and commandments.
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How can we increase our faith in Jesus Christ?
Loren B.
First by believing we can be close to him. Second, praying for an increase of faith in him. Third, living his gospel. Fourth, serving others.
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Who wrote the Book of Mormon?
Loren B.
It comes from holy records written by the hand of prophets of the Lord Jesus Christ.in the ancient Americas. There isn't just one author, there are many. All inspired by the word of the Lord.
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What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?
Loren B.
It depends on you mostly. Often they will start out with our unique message of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they may share something the feel they need to share or share something you want to know or answer questions. It mainly depends on your needs.
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Why is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Mormons or Mormonism?
Loren B.
Some people are confused about our religion. They aren't sure in what we believe and have mistakenly called us by what we are most known for, the Book of Mormon. Other might have different reasons,maybe trying to confuse people about our church. The official name since the church was restored was the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints.
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Who are the Mormons?
Loren B.
That's a nick name for members the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints because of our belief in the Book of Mormon: another testament of Jesus Christ. Though most members don't often refer to themselves as such, it isn't offensive to member. Most would prefer to be called latter day saints or Christians.
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What do Mormons believe about the nature of God?
Loren B.
We believe that we are made in his image. That God is a tangible being of eternal righteousness, spirit and power. He is a literal father to us, and we are his literal children. We believe that God is inherently good and hi acts to us are as a perfect father. All he does is to bring us to him and help us be happy.
We believe that He loves us and knows us individually and we can know him personally. He is not unapproachable. He is compassionate and always therefore us whether we know it or not.
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Do Mormons regard the Bible as Holy Scripture and the word of God?
Loren B.
Very much so. It is a record prepared by God and contains his word.
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Why do Mormons perform proxy baptisms in their temples?
Loren B.
We believe that God offers the gospel to the dead as a chance that they all have a chance to accept or reject it. Some people have never had a chance to accept the gospel and would have accepted it if they had a chance. We believe that God is fair in that respect. We are asked to do proxy work for our ancestors so they may have that opportunity to accept the gospel. That does not mean that they do or that they will be saved per say. Just as baptism for the living doesn't guarantee salvation for anyone if they chose to reject the gospel. This practice shows God's mercy and love fore all his children.
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Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?
Loren B.
It's a commandment from God, but as with all commandments, our obedience to it is up to us. No one will force a person to serve. Hence missionaries are all volunteers. Some people can't serve, for reasons out of their control, therefore they are honorable excused.
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How are the activities of the Mormon missionaries funded?
Loren B.
It is usually paid for by the Missionary or they are helped or supported by their family or local congregation. The church also has a fund to which member donate to help missionaries who cannot pay for everything in full.
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Who is the Mormon prophet today?
Loren B.
His name is Thomas S. Monson. He's a man chosen by God to lead the church today. He wasn't elected nor did he train for this position through schooling, but he was called by God to serve.
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What are Mormon Temples used for?
Loren B.
Mainly authorize all members (since we have only lay clergy,) with all the rights and privileges of the higher (Melchizedek) priesthood and to seal (make permanent) peoples' families. They also do proxy work for many people's ancestors who died before the gospel came to them.
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Why was a Restoration of the Gospel needed? Haven’t we always had the Bible?
Loren B.
In every age, men of God have been killed and persecuted for preaching the gospel. In the time of the apostles, it was no different. Many of the apostles, prophets and members of the church were killed. Without their guidance, the church was subjected to many divisions and false doctrines, and the purity of the gospel was changed. The authority, which the apostles had to baptize and lead the church, was lost. As a result many churches were built up but none had the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Many good men tried to teach the gospel from what remained of it in the bible but we learn from Hebrews 45 "that no man taketh this honor the authority of God unto himself, unless he has been called of God as was Aaron." The bible does not give authority only God does.
But God loves us and when the earth was ready, he restored the gospel in its purity, and returned authority back to the earth.
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Do Mormons practice polygamy?
Loren B.
The answer is no. The why is very simple. God revealed to a prophet that it was time for us to stop. God continues to guide His church through revelation. He understands what is needful and tells us accordingly.
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What is the Law of Chastity?
Loren B.
The law of Chastity is God's law of happiness concerning sexual relations for his children. The powers of procreation should only be used between a man and a woman legally married, no one else. This is because it is sacred.
Following this law keeps us safe, happy, and builds up our self-respect. It keeps marriages strong and families safe. This is a serious law with serious consequence. coming from breaking it, but there is a way to be forgiven if it has been broken. it's not easy but it is worth it.
This is because heavenly Father loves you and wants you to be happy, especially happy in your relationships.
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Why don’t Mormons drink coffee, tea, or alcohol? What is the Mormon Church’s law of health and proper diet?
Loren B.
Our body is a gift from our heavenly father and viewed as sacred by LDS members. God gave a commandment to Joseph Smith that lays out the basics for taking care of this gift. It is found in Doctrine and Covenants 891-21.
It emphasizes that we eat a proper balanced diet and maintain a good physical and spiritual health.
The Lord prohibits the use of tobacco products, alcohol in all its varieties, coffee and tea products, and various forms of illegal or misused drugs.
God has promised us great blessings both spiritually and physically if we follow this. We can now see God's wisdom as studies have began to promote some of these principles.
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What is the First Vision?
Loren B.
In 1820, A young man named Joseph Smith Jr., was concerned and confused about who was the right church. In the place he lived there were various churches arguing and contending that they were right. It was confusing because these teacher of religion disagreed and contradicted each other. He reflected on it and had a strong desire to know his standing and where the truth was in all of this contention. He searched and finally read in the Bible “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not and it shall be given him” James 15. The boy decided he would do what the scriptures said.
He went off in the woods to pray and ask God for an answer. He was answered in a miraculous way. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. Joseph said,"When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
His questions about the truth and where is was were answered by Christ himself. He was told all had departed from the truth as established by Jesus and none had the authority to act in Christ's name. Jospeh received a promise that the fullness of the gospel would revealed to him at the right time and was told not to join any church.
This marked the beginning of the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Why do some call Mormonism a cult?
Loren B.
Some people feel that our belief is suspicious and are afraid of it because they don't understand it. Therefore they call us a cult. Some purposely mislabel it to hurt us. But usually people just have not taken the time to understand what our faith actually entails. Often we people find out our common beliefs about Jesus, they realize that our status as a cult is not true and have a healthy respect for our beliefs.
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What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?
Loren B.
LDS women are amazing and often I find that they don't understand how amazing they are.
The scriptures tell us that man and woman are to be one flesh united in all thing and that neither is able to exist without the other. There is equality in the sight of God and in marriage.
Fathers are given the opportunity and responsibility to watch over and provide for their families spiritual and physical well-being. Mother are given the opportunity and responsibility to nurture their children. In these things, mothers and fathers are and should be equal partners, each helping the other.
Both are responsible for the care and discipline of their children. This is a common goal that they work towards. If there is not harmony and mutual respect. Children become confuse and lose confidence in their parents. Unity should be both parents goal. both parents need to be involved in their children's lives.
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How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?
Loren B.
We need to oppose it when it rears its ugly head. We need to organize and let business, governments and individuals know that this stuff is dangerous to the spiritual, physical, and emotional health of our relationships and our children. This can and should be done in a way that is peaceful but firm.
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What is a “testimony” that Mormons speak of?
Loren B.
It's a witness that comes from God's messenger, the holy ghost, that God is out father, Jesus lives and is the son of God, Savior of the world. and that the book of Mormon is True and the that gospel was restored by Joseph Smith by the direction of Jesus and that this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church.
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Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?
Loren B.
The Lord at times commands his people to practice plural marriage, (which is different from polygamy.) We can see this in the life of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses and others. Other times, God has given other instructions about marriage. In the book of Mormon, God tells a prophet named Jacob that one wife is the rule and plural marriage is the exception. (Jacob 2:27-30)
Early in church history, the lord commanded it, not to the general membership but to worthy individuals. It wasn't a very easy thing for them to do as it ran contrary to common belief at the time but they were obedient. This wasn't some hedonistic macho pleasure cruise but a carefully regulated practice.
The Lord ended the practice the same why he revealed it. By talking to the prophet at the time, he reinstated monogamy.
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Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?
Loren B.
Simple stated, women are asked and that's part of the program. Women have a different role in the church, that's true, but that doesn't mean that they aren't equal in righteousness to men. They help build and sustain the church with their own organizations and help those in need. they hold offices in this organization, in fact everything about this organization is done by the women.
It is good to remember that man doesn't use the priesthood to lord over their wives. Their wives are their companions and equals. Men with help from their wives bless the lives of their families and others.
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Why don’t Mormons have paid clergy?
Loren B.
We are asked to give service freely. as Jesus said as freely as you receive, freely give. For me it seems a bit greedy to make the word of God, which was freely given to me, a way to earn a living. I think that a lay clergy is a great act of love and teaches us to serve and also gives everyone a chance to serve. I think there is no greater blessing then to serve and see others accept the word of God.
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Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?
Loren B.
Heavens no, that is the last thing we ever would do. Joseph Smith was a man, with faults and mistakes, but still he was a man of God and we know that he is a prophet and restored Christ's church and all that that entails. Because of that, we testify of his mission and his message.
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Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?
Loren B.
Think of the temple as advance calculus. You look at it and some of it's amazing other parts of it are hard to understand. You need a good grounding in the basics to understand it.
That's why visitors are welcome to the temple ground and can attend the open house before the dedication but only qualified members, (those who are prepared and are worthy,) enter in.
But don't worry, there's nothing weird that goes on in there. Members just learn a bit more about God's plan. Receive ordinances that are very sacred that if kept will make husbands and wives bound to each other and their children. Also proxy work is done for people who have died, so they can have the opportunity to have those blessings if they want them.
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What is the Relief Society?
Loren B.
One of the largest women organizations in the world with thousands if not millions of members. It is for women 18 and older to help build up the church in ways that only a woman can. They build faith, personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need.
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Why do Mormon missionaries proselyte?
Loren B.
Well, mostly because we want people to have a personal relationship with the savior and our Father in Heaven. Also because Christ himself said for us to go out and teach. It's kinda selfish just to keep the best most wonderful news to yourself. I am always willing to share it because I know that it will make people happy and help them learn about their Father in Heaven.
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What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?
Loren B.
Homosexuality is sinful in the scriptures. from the time of Moses to that of Paul's, the message has been the same.
The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints teach that marriage is between a man and woman. ref. "The Family A Proclimation to the World"
The church loves those who would call themselves gays and lesbians as sons and daughters of God. They may have inclinations which are powerful and difficult to control. But it is that way with other temptation. Many people struggle. If they do not act on these inclinations then they can move forward as others do in the church. If they violate the law of Chasity, then they are subject to church discipline, just as others would be.
We want to help these people, help them be strong. We want to help them with these issues but at the same time, if they indulge in immoral activity, or try and uphold and defend and live in same-sex marriage, we cannot stand idle and let these things tear away at the very important and sacred institution of Marriage, and its purpose in rearing the family.
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