mormon.org
Beliefs
FAQs
Contact
What Is a Church Community?
Loading.....

The video player could not be built.

Do you want to chat with a missionary?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Start a chat or call us at 1-888-537-6600.

Hi I'm Robin

I'm a mother of four boys and a chemistry professor.

About Me

I was born into a large, close-knit LDS family. I was raised to believe in both the importance of family as well as the necessity of education; so even though I married young and had children young, I have always made my education (formal or informal) a priority. My life right now consists of juggling motherhood and work. In addition to teaching in a classroom, I do research related to environmental redox chemistry as it relates to environmental remediation and astrobiology. Because my research involves the chemistry of natural waters, it has allowed me to travel to many different lakes, rivers, streams, and even the middle of the ocean to earn my living. But nothing about my work, as amazing as it is, can compare to the joy I feel when I am with my boys. I love them and want to be with them forever. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, singing, doing puzzles, playing games, and working on my house.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because no other religion provides such a clear understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan as well as the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Being a Mormon enables me to see my life with eternal perspective, thereby allowing me to reach my full potential as a daughter of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only Christian religion in which science and religion are not at odds with each other. The principle of continuing revelation helps me to integrate new discoveries with established traditions.

How I live my faith

I am currently a Sunday School teacher. This is a good fit for me because I love to teach. I've taught many different subjects in my life (everything from chemistry to search & rescue) in many different venues (one-on-one, small groups, large lectures), but I've never found anything I love to teach more than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is simple enough that a child can understand, but so deep that it can touch any heart. I love studying the Gospel, at home--both alone and with my family--as well as at church with my fellow saints. To me, learning about Jesus Christ is more important than any other subject that I study. And just like in science, learning theory is never enough: without practical application, it is impossible for me to truly learn what I need to know. Living the commandments teaches me to love my fellow men the way that Jesus loved us, changes the desires of my heart to become more Godly, and helps me to realize just how much I rely on God's grace and the Atonement of His son, Jesus Christ.

Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?

Robin
To put it simply, a temple is a place where we make covenants with their Heavenly Father. Covenants are two-way promises, somewhat like a contract between two parties. We promise to keep certain commandments and we are offered blessings in return. Heavenly Father always keeps his side of the promise, so it is up to us to be faithful in keeping our side. In order to participate in temple ceremonies, you have to be willing to promise to keep these commandments. I like to think of the temple recommend interview as protection: those who are not willing to live up to very simple standards will also not be willing to keep all of the promises that they will be asked to make in the temple. You need a certain standard of income to qualify for a mortgage and a certain standard of academic achievement to be admitted into college. If you do not meet these qualifications, you could not enter these situations without setting yourself up for failure. The same is true for entering the temple. You will be asked to make promises which may be hard for you to keep. Only those who have shown themselves capable of living by basic gospel principles will be able to keep these harder promises. We do not want to set anyone up for failure. Everyone is capable of becoming worthy to enter the temple; we merely ask that those who are not yet ready work to become so. Show more Show less

What is the Relief Society?

Robin
The Relief Society is the official women's organization in the LDS church. To me, Relief Society is a place to learn about both spiritual and temporal matters; an opportunity to serve and be served; and a collection of women who are friends, mentors, supporters, and sisters in the Gospel. I know from experience that I can go anywhere in the world and find friends in the local Relief Society. Show more Show less

Why is self-reliance important to Mormons? Why do Mormons talk about emergency preparedness?

Robin
Self-reliance helps us to become less dependent on others and therefore frees us to live our lives according to God's will. For example, someone who is deeply in debt, living from paycheck to paycheck, will feel obligated to do whatever their employer asks of them--because they cannot risk losing their job. Thus they may feel compelled to work on the Sabbath day or participate in somewhat unethical practices which advance their employer's business. On the other hand, someone who has little to no debt--plus a reserve of money and food--is more likely to feel free to tell an employer that they cannot come in on Sunday, or lie, etc., even at the risk of losing their job. Show more Show less