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Hi I'm Phil

I'm a Poli Sci major and a news junkie. I'm a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Currently, I'm a Political Science major at Northwestern University who hopes to go into government, business, health, or somehow all three. College has been an eye-opening, challenging experience in many ways, not only academically, but also spiritually. Thankfully I have wonderful support groups, including my fraternity brothers, the small, tight-knit LDS community where I attend college, and other friends near and far. I enjoy skiing, reading, biking, running, making music, and being with friends and family.

Why I am a Mormon

While I grew up around many Mormon friends and defended them on many counts, I never really took faith all that seriously. During my freshman year at college, I started taking the gospel seriously and learned about it through the missionary discussions. While I have many personal struggles, investment in the gospel has helped me improve and feel spiritually alive once again. It will be a lifelong battle but I know He has helped me so much already. I was baptized on March 19th, 2011 by one of my best friends, and confirmed the following day by another. I have continued to be blessed with many great Mormon friendships, and after expanding my network of friendships and progressing more in the Gospel, I was ordained to the office of Elder on December 9th, 2012 by another one of my wonderful friends while surrounded by many others. Via North Star International and the Voice(s) of Hope project, this has only improved. It is not enough to merely understand the gospel: you have pray on it, believe in it, and then live it. I have already felt how staying true to it has made me a better person. I'm more honest and open with my family and friends, and is has been easier to remain true to my core principles and everybody I know or meet.

How I live my faith

It is more difficult to participate in all of the wonderful church activities here in the bustling, vibrant Chicago metro area. However, by living my faith I merely do my best to be of service whenever possible, attend church as many Sundays as I possibly can in spite of the distance, and attempt to set a good example.

Are Mormons Christians?

Phil
It's all in the name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe in Christ as our Savior and the Son of God. Show more Show less

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

Phil
Our services are three hours long and divided into three sections: two Sunday meetings (Sunday School, primary, nursery, Young Women, Relief Society, and Priesthood) and sacrament (worship). We invite visitors to attend any or all of these meetings. We do not ask for donations. Most Sundays there will be chosen speakers from amongst the congregation, but there are variations, including fast and testimony Sundays on the first sacrament meeting of each month (excluding April and October). Show more Show less

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Phil
This is a thorny question. As someone who monitored this scenario as a non-member for years, and now as a member of the Church, this bears great elaboration. God loves all of his children, which is why we do not judge those who have same-sex attraction or identify as gay or lesbian. They are in our congregations or on the stand, holding leadership positions and callings. They are allowed to be full members of the Church and serve these positions like anyone else because they are following the Law of Chastity and not engaging in sexual relationships. Scripture may not speak about attractions, but it does speak about actions; thus, like premarital heterosexual activity, drinking, smoking, and a few other things, homosexual activity faces punishments. Marriage was a concept created between a man and a woman to bring forth life and grow it. I personally know individuals who battle and have battled same-sex attractions, and they have found happiness and peace accepting those attractions but then doing their best to live only in ways befitting of Gospel standards and principles. Many of them are now happily married to women and working on raising families. We do not condone living a homosexual lifestyle, but we do try to reach out with love and understanding to those who do and for those who may want to change how they live. After all, "God loveth His children." Show more Show less