Finding Truth

Several years ago I worked as a transcriptionist in a pathology office. A miscarried 15-week fetus came down to the lab. The physician describing it invited me to come back to the lab and look at it with him.  The developing baby was beautiful -- absolutely perfect in every way. As he began the evaluation I could see at 15 weeks all the organs in perfect place, every feature accounted for, tiny fingers and tiny toes. She was a masterpiece. At that moment I thought of my God and the perfectness of his plan. I thought about how life COULDN'T have happened by accident. I thought that if there was any evidence that there was a God in Heaven and a great Creator, this would be it. To my surprise, at that same moment the physician I worked with said, "This ALMOST makes me believe there could be a God". I realized then that faith was a choice. Looking at life with an eye of faith is something that is learned. The more you practice seeing things in that way, the more you see evidence of a loving God who loves each one of us. I see the result of my faith and my beliefs all around me. I've seen miracles in my life and the life of my family. I've seen people change, hearts soften, relationships mend, and love extend as a result of this faith and belief.

Although faith is a choice, truth exists whether we want to find it or not. I believe our choice and one of the great pleasures of life is to discover what the truth about God and about life is for ourselves.

Scientifically, truth develops constantly. The truth about the universe in the 1600s was that the Earth was at its center and stationary. In 1633 Galileo was actually sentenced to house arrest for teaching the "anti-biblical" belief that the Sun was stationary and the Earth revolved around it. In my lifetime, scientists thought our galaxy was the only one in space, but scientists have discovered the immensity of space and just a fraction of what lies within - their estimates conclude that there are more than 170 billion galaxies. Just as scientific truth continues to be built upon, spiritual truth will develop in much the same way.

I believe there is a God in Heaven and a Great Creator that has all truth. He already knows the immensity of space and everything that science continues to prove. He knows me and he knows you and he understands our strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes all we will understand is the big picture, but God knows the details. Just like in science, discovering spiritual truth takes time. It takes thought, effort, an honest heart, and a desire to really know. It takes work and faith and as a prophet in our Book of Mormon states, it even takes "experimenting upon the word. (Alma 32:21-41)"  If we petition to learn it, God will make his answers known to us and we will be enlightened as to His reality.  Scientific truth isn't obvious. Spiritual truth won't be either. We have to look for it. Spiritual questions deserve spiritual answers and these answers come to our mind and our hearts after we pray, follow inspiration, and listen.

I love this little video about finding truth. The parallel between Joseph Smith's experience and the parallel to life today is one I hadn't put together. We can find real truth if we work to know and understand it and be willing to DO whatever is required of us to follow the answers we receive. What comes is a quiet assurance and a peace to life, a confidence in our path and fulfillment. 

The LDS church sends missionaries throughout the world to share these truths, but their message isn't "believe me" or "believe the Mormons" or "believe our prophet". It's "here's our message, find out for yourself". I love that we can know eternal truths for ourselves - that we don't need scientists or presidents or even prophets to tell us about God. We don't need theologians to access Him or hear His voice. He's watching over us and waiting for us to discover Him. We may not know or ever understand all the details to some of our questions, but God will answer us as we sincerely seek him and follow him.

Why an Organized Church?

I love being a Christian. I love being a Mormon, and yes I believe the two are synonymous.  I love not only the doctrine the Church teaches but the Church itself and see Christ at its head in so many ways.

Mormon belief is that Jesus Christ himself established a church while he was on earth. He was the head of the church, with 12 apostles he called to help, “ordaining” them through priesthood power. After Christ was crucified the true church was lost as the apostles were killed. That priesthood power, or the power God gives people to act in his name, was lost as well.   The different churches that were established soon began adopting false practices, rituals and beliefs. A fullness of the Gospel Jesus Christ established was diluted and important truths were altered. New churches sprang up teaching about Jesus but the keys he had given to his apostles and the authority to act in God’s name through that priesthood power was no longer found on earth. Fast forward about 1800 years, and while many truths remained and many churches were established that taught about the Savior and taught good things, Joseph Smith sought to know which church to join as many taught different versions of the truth. He was told to not join any and that he would help restore Christ’s true church on the earth.  In 25 years he did just that.

Now, first, let me explain things as I see them. God is a God of order. Organization saves time, resources, money. Organization and routines makes people more productive. I think if God were to establish anything on earth it would be organized. I also think if he were to establish a Church on earth he’d want it to not only be organized but he’d want it to reach the most people collectively and individually.  

I see the purpose of an organized church. In speaking to the Saints about Christ, Paul says: "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18). Just as a living person has a body and a spirit to make up a living soul, this same organization must exist for a living, true church. The Church as Paul says is the body of Christ, and I believe the Gospel which is what the Church teaches is the soul. You have to have both in order to have a true Church. The Church then becomes the vehicle for the Gospel to be preached. When Christ was on the Earth he was the head of this Church and held the keys for its administration. Although Jesus Christ is still the head of this Church, the Priesthood keys (these are figural keys not literal) which grant men permission to run the Church have been given to prophets through time. Christ himself speaks of these keys in Matthew 16:19, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." 

I believe it's human nature to want to assemble together with people who believe similarly. Last year I read an article in the Huffington Post about Atheist Megachurches popping up around the world.  I loved what one of the founders, Sanderson Jones, said, "If you think about church, there's very little that's bad. It's singing awesome songs, hearing interesting talks, thinking about improving yourself and helping other people — and doing that in a community with wonderful relationships. What part of that is not to like?"  Every person wants to feel loved and accepted by like-minded individuals. To me, the fact that even atheists have a desire to assemble together in a church shows the innate desire within us to assemble.

Having one church would be important to a God and a Savior who wants us to know and understand truth. An organized church would be able to protect the doctrine of Christ. The church is the vehicle, if you will, for the doctrine. It’s the shelter and the protection of it. You see so many churches out there each with a different spin on the doctrine. Christ’s Church would have to be organized in such a way that whatever is taught in Timbuktu is taught in China and in Philadelphia.  If false teachings that confuse or thwart the work of God are introduced, an organized church can quickly eliminate the confusion. Having one church would fulfill Paul's words that:

 "There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God the Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:4-6.

and

"come in the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried away by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:13

Although we are one large church, we are broken into small units as to be able to meet individual needs, family needs, and local needs. God is as concerned about the individual needs of his followers as he is the information being taught to them about Him. An organized church is better able to meet the needs of individuals and  help others.  Not long ago an acquaintance of mine in Philadelphia seemed to need help. Living in Utah, I wasn't able to provide for her some of the things she needed but I felt like I needed to do something to help her. I did what I could personally and also asked her if she’d like additional help. I knew I could send her an army of people if she’d either want it or allow it who would love to come to her aid. After agreeing to meet with the Bishop of the LDS Church in her area, I quickly found his phone number. Within that hour I had called the bishop in her area. He called her that evening and at 3:30 the next day they were meeting to discuss available help. What kind of Church has that kind of help at the fingertips of their members?  When the typhoon hit the Philippines awhile ago, much of the relief effort of the church was channeled through local means. Being organized allowed for help to come quickly and through the most effective channels that would not only help the individuals who so desperately needed relief but also would help the local economy and the people of the Philippines the fastest. 

Click here for an additional video on the relief efforts the Church provided in the Phillipines

We call these small local units in the Church "wards". You'll commonly hear a Mormon talk about his "ward family". I don't believe it's any coincidence that the Lord would organize His Church in such a way. God designed the family to be the pre-eminent organization for the world. He knew, however, that many of us wouldn't have access to our families the way he designed. He knew there would be tragedies and choices that would leave children parentless, parents childless, or leave us alone among strangers. He knew that we would still need help and support from our neighbors to stand in our families place. I see this as the purpose of our "ward families". You'll find every problem in one of these ward families that you would find in a regular family unit. Sometimes there are hurt feelings, offenses, sometimes embarrassments and bad decisions with other members of the faith, but you'll also find the great things about families there as well: LOVE, support, growth, help, dinners, visits, fun and forgiveness. I have been blessed by these ward families my whole life. They cheered me on as a child, and they've been by my side as an adult. When my husband was in the ICU after falling 30 feet and breaking his skull, 2 shoulder blades, and 6 ribs, puncturing his lung, and having a bleed in his brain, my ward family was there for us providing meals, and being the support that we needed at the time. This in turn helps us desire to do the same. 

The Church is a brilliant organization. I don’t believe it is by chance that it is organized so well as the head of it, I believe, is Christ himself. Sure, we have growing pains. Socially and culturally there are traditions that are not part of the Church or doctrine that creep in and can complicate a simple and beautiful church and way of life. But if you look for the good you will find it.  

Understanding Joseph Smith

I can't recall when I first gained a knowledge for myself that Joseph Smith was actually the person who he and others said he was. I sat through many lessons and discussions with my parents and church leaders that taught me about him. Although I don't remember, I'm sure the beginnings of my belief started there. Those feelings solidified more when I was 12. My Grandpa and I went on a road trip from California to the east coast. Along the way we stopped at church history sites in Nauvoo, IL (where Joseph moved the Church to escape persecution), Carthage, IL (where Joseph Smith was jailed and killed), Fayette, NY (where the Church was organized) and Palmyra, NY (where Joseph Smith lived while a youth and where he had his vision). I remember the quiet solemnity and the peace that I felt standing in that Sacred Grove where Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. Even at 12 I knew I was standing on holy ground. Every time I sang (and sing) the hymns, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" and "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" (a hymn beloved by the Prophet Joseph and one of my favorite too) I felt and still feel something course through me reminding me of the truth of that sacred event and the good man the Prophet Joseph was. About 8 years ago I was a leader of a Church youth group which spent a year studying Joseph Smith. I gained additional respect and love for Joseph Smith during that year as I contemplated all that he was able to accomplish during his short life. To think that he could have organized a church, received constant and continual revelation on how to administer it, built temples, restored sacred truths, led saints, prophesied and discussed doctrine, translated and printed a book that could stand the test of time and bring others to know Jesus Christ, restored sacred rituals and truths, and courageously testified to all that he had seen and done whilst moving, losing children and friends, being jailed and mobbed, being sorely persecuted, taking care of his family, trying to fund (sometimes failing) the Church and provide for his family. 

Not too long ago though, in spite of all that I have ever felt and known, I came across a comment board that troubled me. The commenter listed all the vile things he believed Joseph Smith was. The list was somewhat lengthy and I knew that whoever this commenter was that he believed he had "proof" for each of the things he listed. I didn't doubt that he did.  I thought about this for a minute and wondered what was to be done. I knew if I pressed forward looking for where they got their information I would most definitely find it, but was it really true? And if there was some truth to it, was it the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Probably not. Still I felt a shadow had been cast upon a Prophet that I respected and loved and who I believed was a good man, one called of God to restore truth.  I couldn't just live with this apparent discrepancy and ignore my feelings, but I also knew if I tried to "look it up" on the internet or anywhere else (newspapers from the day, etc) I wouldn't necessarily get true answers either. I almost felt silly praying to God about this as I knew I had gained a testimony of Joseph Smith already. But, being honest with myself and with Him I wanted to reconcile how I felt and I knew this was the only course of action available to me. 

For, "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 1:5. 

Like Joseph himself I lacked knowledge and needed answers. I prayed for help and felt impressed afterward to read Joseph Smith's History - an account of Joseph's life and the history of the organization of the church. I thought that if I could read his words and feel the power of them I may feel different. I had read his testimony dozens of times before, but this time, within the first few words I felt my prayer answered and I knew why I felt directed to read Joseph's history. Yes, I felt the power of his words and the honesty of his voice, but the first verse of his history (which you can read here) caught me off guard as my answer was emblazon in the text:

"1 Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its progress in the world—I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession.

 2 In this history I shall present the various events in relation to this Church, in truth and righteousness, as they have transpired, or as they at present exist, being now [1838] the eighth year since the organization of the said Church."

My heart and mind was put at ease almost immediately.  Of course there would be reports negative about Joseph Smith.  These "reports" would have been published and publicized, so looking into public records of newspapers to search for truth would have amounted to information but not necessarily the truth. Therefore, there is little to go on as to what really is true and what isn't. And while there could be some truth to some of the allegations, without being a witness to his life it would be impossible to determine what the whole truth was. 

I also noticed how Joseph Smith does not exalt himself in his history. He admits to some of his foibles and explains some of his weaknesses - all of which critics have used to defame his name. 

His history also reminded me how early persecution and false speaking of the Prophet began. Read vs. 21-28

More than anything I was reminded of the singular and beautiful event that happened in a grove of trees where an honest boy sought for absolute truth. Re-reading for the hundredth time (so it feels) proved to me again that God answers prayers and is concerned with our worries. He was concerned with Joseph Smith's and he was concerned with mine. He'll direct us and help us know for ourselves what is really true and what we can let go of and not worry about. Did Joseph Smith have flaws? Of course, but does that change what he did and what he saw? No. A simple prayer caused a movement that has not been stopped since its inception and in spite of all the Christian sects who have been unified in derailing it and who have examined Joseph Smith under a microscope for the last 200 years . Each of us have flaws, questions, insecurities, and worries. When we pray we will feel inspiration to know where to go or how to find the answers that bring us real peace. When we act on that inspiration we will understand important things. My answers this time came quickly, but I have sought for answers about some things for years as I have tried to work them out in my heart and mind. The answers will come if we are patient. Now, if I find myself in a place where I read negative comments about Joseph Smith, I feel confident in who he was - a good man, doing the best he could with the means and abilities he was given, a Prophet of God who saw God and Jesus Christ and established Christ's Church upon the earth again today. 

The Fruit of the Spirit

Last week I came across a website that - to be honest - was quite surprising. It was a religious ministry dedicated to mocking my Mormon faith (in the spirit of education), providing misguided "facts" and half-truths to the Christian community that, in my opinion, dumb down the core tenets of my faith. Through "research" that promotes their motives, their intent and purpose is to tear down the faith of my church family and "educate" the Christian churches throughout the world as to why the truths of Mormonism are false.

This Christian ministry has Mormon scholars (in topic, not belief) who dig up information used to inform our faithful, pointing out so-called holes in our history and doctrine. They have missions to Utah where one can "strengthen their faith" by actually talking to one of us Mormons (I presume these missions coincide with our bi-annual general conference and we can talk to them in front of the conference center. They're the ones holding up the signs about Joseph Smith). They take our religious Sunday lessons and everything we produce and pick them apart finding ways to show the world that we aren't Christian and how ridiculous our beliefs are. From what I can tell its all funded from donations of others who believe in the cause of tearing down my church too ---- seriously, the world can use a lot more effort doing constructive and edifying things than this. I really wonder why they don't spend their efforts teaching others who don't believe in God, about the good word of Christ, or finding ways to work together for the common good of man. They promote hate and anger - at least in me and in those who "spread the word" for them. These aren't the fruits of Christlike discipleship.

Coming across this site and others like it and seeing the fruits of their efforts in myself and in others, I wanted to do something about it. First, to let people of my faith know, what we have always known - that their is a collective and collaborative effort to misinform, mock, and scare our Mormon community. This should come as no surprise!

Look at comment boards or Facebook posts and you will see many similarities in every thread. They post "bait" about the Mormon faith and wait for a believer to defend their faith, finally finding a place where they can share their anti-Mormon findings.  They are "experts" at what we believe. They will use "first hand" experiences that share how the Mormon Church has bullied them into believing its history, how they have been tricked and hurt. Each is similar . . . they'll make mention of cultural things that will help believing Mormons understand that they were "for real," baiting us to feel sorry for them or be embarrassed that our church would react to their sincere questions in such a  demeaning way. While some may be genuine I've read some of these "testimonies" of people I have known personally and there is much left out. While their stories sound sad their is much unsaid that would paint an entirely different picture of their question or situation. They'll also tell us what we believe, the truth being skewed just enough that we have to make sure what they said is false. Before we have time to comment they're proving their own fact with statements our prophets have made that are out of context or imply one thing but yet is still only half true or leaves out the rest of our story or some of our history.

I avoid conflict and generally don't get involved in much of these discussions that use us to fulfill their anti-Mormon agenda. However, this last time I was ready to fight (which gave this Christian community a win for the day). In fact, they probably won for a week or two as everytime I'm confronted with one of these comment boards that same spirit enters my heart. I didn't realize how much it was stirring my soul in negative ways. I recognized the other day that this isn't a spirit of peace and God. As long as these feelings exist the spirit of God cannot dwell in those that are faced with the deceit or those that spread it. So, I digress. I'm going to begin again.

Used to this behavior that's as old as our religion, Mormons try to turn the other cheek. We try to make our actions speak louder than the words that are tearing us down. With the advent of social media it's hard to avoid the conversations and the negativity that exists though and sometimes I cringe as I read well-meaning members of my faith react to these comments. I'm not sure my comments would be much better though.

Galations 5:22-26 says: "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. . . If we live in the spirit, let us therefore walk in the spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."

So the second thing I wanted to do is explain my views of the doctrine we believe and share some of the things that are most dear to my soul. This blog will be dedicated to that - an explanation of what I believe and why I believe it. I do feel the "pointing fingers" at times for being religious and even more so for being a Mormon. I would be lying if there wasn't motivation for this blog to show that a religious person could be thoughtful in her beliefs and not just a "blind follower". A friend texted me this quote tonight which makes me sure my efforts will be fruitless: "don't waste your time trying to change the mind of someone determined to misunderstand you", but if this blog is for anyone it's for me - a way to learn and share through writing while offering something for my children as well. While I don't expect people to believe in the things I do, I do expect mutual respect from others. If we can all live with more respect of other's beliefs I am sure the world would be a better place. Definitely more good would be accomplished.  We can work together, building each other up, strengthening each other in the common aspects of our faith and in our humanity.

There is nothing official about this blog. I am only an expert on my faith through what I have pondered and come to understand throughout my lifetime. While I have grown up a Mormon, my belief isn't based on my family's tradition or habit. Of course my upbringing has influenced my views but I try to gain my own understanding and try to ponder the why of each principle and doctrine we discuss. There is more about God that I don't know than what I do know. Our Mormon and collective Christian history has holes that seem too big to jump at times but I am resolute that they will be filled in eventually because the Gospel of Jesus Christ makes sense to me, and the Church that teaches it does too. It empowers me and gives me direction and light. It motivates me to be a better person and warms my soul in real ways. It's happiness and love. It's goodness and gentleness. It's joy and peace. It's the fruit of the spirit.



PS I am not allowing comments on this board. While I love discussion comment boards seem to squash that. If you would like clarification or have questions please email me at believingmormong@gmail.com and I'll respond with a post or a reply.