Why I Love Mormonism

[Sky]

On these message boards, we tend to hear a lot about the negative side or problems in our religion. We have grown accustomed to people challenging or in some cases mocking our beliefs. And there are issues. But, I'd like to take a break from that and share some of the things that I think make our religion great. I hope this list doesn't sound trite; but it's really how I feel! I'd like to hear what you think!

1. Living prophets and apostles to guide us – no need to rely only on the Bible alone or our own personal interpretations.

2. The appearance of God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ to the boy Joseph Smith.

3. Restored ancient priesthoods – the Aaronic and Melchizedek bestowed upon Joseph Smith by the resurrected John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John, respectively.

4. Temple ordinances, which are essential for our exaltation and enable us to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father and be with our families for eternity. Why we place a heavy emphasis on genealogy work. Gives us a sense that there is something much bigger out there than just ourselves and our present circumstances. Gives us assurance that there is life after death.

5. New scripture – the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, which stand as second witnesses to the Son of God.

6. A sense of community/belonging and brotherhood/sisterhood – many opportunities build up our talents and serve each other. Teaches that all people are children of our Father in Heaven.

7. Most people will inherit a kingdom of glory, whether the Celestial, Terrestrial, or Telestial. Explains more and is more merciful than a simple divide between heaven and hell.

8. Health code – which teaches the importance of taking good care of our bodies.

9. A practical approach to life – with an emphasis on storing food in the event of a personal or widespread emergency. Great at helping the poor and needy – whether in our own ranks or those not in our faith. Even helps the unemployed find meaningful employment! Places a high value on getting an education.

10. Uplifting music – love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!

[JeremyOrbe-Smith]

Some reasons I love Mormonism:

1. The sense of utter freedom, stemming from the vital restoration of the idea of uncreated Intelligences co-eternal with all other potential Gods and Goddesses, who can choose to take part in creative processes together, to help give each other mutual joy.

2. The idea that God is willing to speak to all peoples, in their own language, and judge them according to what light they have received, bringing to pass an infinite, never-ending At-One-Ment of the human family over worlds without number.

3. The idea that the glory of God is intelligence, and our related ideal of learning as the root of goodness. Eternal progression and personal revelation, in which we are not bound by unchanging creeds, but instead are willing to accept new information from wherever it may come from, because God is a scientific character who acts on principles of natural philosophy. It feels so good not to be trammelled.

4. How frickin' sci-fi our worldview is, which is awesome for geeks like me. (Seriously, If You Could Hie To Kolob is one of the most beautiful hymns ever written.)

[media=]

(Granted, these things are not all exclusive to our church, and of course I think we could do a better job of emphasizing and promoting such ideals in our culture.)

Edited December 19, 2012 by JeremyOrbe-Smith

[Rivers]

I love the whole concept of Zion. That heaven is the same sociality that should exist among us here. That joy is found through the relationships we have with others.

I love the concepts of improvement and progression. That the purpose of life is to develop into something better. That we learn to be more like Christ by repenting and having our hearts changed.

I love that we worship a God who is a loving father that weeps for us. That god is not a separate enity from his creations but essentially one of us.

[Tacenda]

Taking good care of it's members through visits. Organizational, to get things done. Loving, kind. There is a light that emanates, could just be the clear eyes from good living (WoW). But seriously, it's something.

Edited December 19, 2012 by Tacenda

[cesc101]

I love this!

Seriously, I love the entire concept of making bad people good, and good people better - IMO, the church as vehicle is doing a great job!

[Storm Rider]

To me the Gospel has provided the only whole answer as to why this life exists. It makes sense to me and provides a firm reason for God's purpose in creating us and sending us here. I love it because it teaches me apprehend the perfection, grace, and love of God even while this world is inundated with evil acts.

[Avatar4321]

The reason I love Mormonism:

It's true.

[Senator]

Because of my heritage, of which are some of the finest human beings to walk the earth. Mormonism, inescappably had something to do with the production of such.

[changed]

I love that the Spirit is real, that when we say we felt the Spirit, we're not just talking in a poetical/metaphorical sense, but that we actually did feel the Spirit.

[longview]

Some reasons I love Mormonism:

3. . . . because God is a scientific character who acts on principles of natural philosophy. . .

God is not confined within natural philosophy. Scientist have not even begun to comprehend the first glimmerings of what is out there in the Universe. There are dark energy / dark matter we need to figure out. God probably is operating in a multiverse which enables Him to view all times, places, and possibly different timelines? The following verses indicate the likelihood of more things to consider than just the laws of physics as we know it:

• 
  Doctrine and Covenants 88:
  
  37 And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom.
  
• 
  38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.
  

[Garden Girl]

My mom used to tell me (during my inactive years) of how she just loved the Gospel so much, and I never really understood... until now as a more mature reactivated adult member. I too just love the Gospel so much... for all of the above reasons, and for the deep peace and comfort I find in its tenets.

GG

[Blah]

I love that we accept and embrace ALL truth, wherever it's found, that we believe that genuine light and truth can be found in the scriptures and traditions of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.

I love the principle that no man, woman or child is left behind; that everyone will, at some point, have the chance to truly understand and accept (or reject, if they choose) the fullness of the Gospel.

I love that God is just as interested in our desires and intentions as He is in what we actually do.

[treeface]

I love that the first thing the Mormons do after baptism is give you the gift of the Holy Ghost, and tell you to cultivate the ability to discern and follow its still, small voice. I love that within Mormonism are so many gems (some obvious, some hidden) that the rest of Christianity doesn't even think about. I love that Mormons who truly live their religion (whatever that may mean to them) are fine people. I may not agree on with you guys on all points of doctrine, but your tree bears a lot of good fruit.

[Alan]

Uplifting music????

Am I the only one who wouldn't cross the road to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?

[rongo]

I have upset many a person by remarking that Mo'Tab sounds like a regular stake conference choir, just with more people.

A heathen who wouldn't know good music, I know . . .

But then again, I have angered many a person by insisting that Elvis couldn't sing. He was a big star, sure, but let's be honest ----- his voice and style were terrible!

And, let's also be honest ----- Michael Jackson couldn't dance. I hate it when people say stuff like "Say what you want about him ---- but the man could dance."

[Garden Girl]

I have upset many a person by remarking that Mo'Tab sounds like a regular stake conference choir, just with more people.

A heathen who wouldn't know good music, I know . . .

But then again, I have angered many a person by insisting that Elvis couldn't sing. He was a big star, sure, but let's be honest ----- his voice and style were terrible!

And, let's also be honest ----- Michael Jackson couldn't dance. I hate it when people say stuff like "Say what you want about him ---- but the man could dance."

First, about Elvis... I completely disagree... his voice with a ballad was wonderful. When he sang gospel, particularly "How Great Thou Art," people in the audience would be dabbing tears.

And though I didn't like Jackson at all... his routine called, I think, "Killer" was just that... a killer.

And finally, about the Mo Tab... like a regular stake conference choir?? Surely you jest...

GG

[rongo]

And finally, about the Mo Tab... like a regular stake conference choir?? Surely you jest...

I'm exaggerating for dramatic effect. But just a little. They're wonderful and all that, better than a stake conference choir. But not that much, really ---- they have enormous numbers compared to other choirs. I do think they sound like "old voices," not unlike a large stake choir, only bigger. The thing is that culturally, we have all sorts of "emperor's new clothes" icons that you just can't say anything about. In our culture, saying that Mo'Tab is anything less than spectacular is unthinkable. Same for Elvis, Michael Jackson, et. al. My wife and I call this the "pregnancy glow" effect (there is an obligatory cultural mandate to say that pregnant women are "just positively glowing," when they don't, and never have. It's just one of those things that people feel they have to say).

Regarding Elvis, he was a rock and roll pioneer who left an incalculable impact on music. But his voice --- his actual voice? Really? There are lots of examples of this phenomenon (stars who make it big who don't really have good voices). Jim Morrison of the Doors, Morrissey, Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil, and countless others. They are big for lots of different reasons, but not for the actual shear amazing-ness of their voices.

But if you want to become persona non grata among women older than 50, try claiming that Elvis did not actually have a good voice . . . I remember making this observation with some front office workers at a school I used to teach at. I needed a police escort . . .

[Garden Girl]

if you want to become persona non grata among women older than 50, try claiming that Elvis did not actually have a good voice . . . I remember making this observation with some front office workers at a school I used to teach at. I needed a police escort . . .

Hello rongo...

You crack me up... Have you ever heard Elvis sing "In The Ghetto?" Breaks the heart. Still disagree with you, but that's okay... think it's funny about the over 50 thing... I'm 72! Ha!

GG

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Some reasons I love Mormonism:

1. The sense of utter freedom, stemming from the vital restoration of the idea of uncreated Intelligences co-eternal with all other potential Gods and Goddesses, who can choose to take part in creative processes together, to help give each other mutual joy.

2. The idea that God is willing to speak to all peoples, in their own language, and judge them according to what light they have received, bringing to pass an infinite, never-ending At-One-Ment of the human family over worlds without number.

3. The idea that the glory of God is intelligence, and our related ideal of learning as the root of goodness. Eternal progression and personal revelation, in which we are not bound by unchanging creeds, but instead are willing to accept new information from wherever it may come from, because God is a scientific character who acts on principles of natural philosophy. It feels so good not to be trammelled.

4. How frickin' sci-fi our worldview is, which is awesome for geeks like me. (Seriously, If You Could Hie To Kolob is one of the most beautiful hymns ever written.)

[media=]

(Granted, these things are not all exclusive to our church, and of course I think we could do a better job of emphasizing and promoting such ideals in our culture.)

Greatest lyrics and song of all time...I only wish I had wrote it.

[Bruce Schaalje]

_{I like this topic. Here's what came to my mind:}

1. _{The process of repentance is essential and hard and joyful and has meaning. It is available to everyone through the atonement, as explained by Alma and Paul who have been there.}
   
2. _{The Holy Ghost speaks to your heart and mind every time you seek him. But his voice is still and small and it’s no problem to ignore it if you want.}
   
3. _{To stretch both those who are called and those who are served, the church provides opportunities to fill meaningful callings and gives powerful advice to both parties. (“only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned”)}
   
4. _{Life is endowed with meaning through knowledge of pre-mortality and our participation in it.}
   
5. _{Everyone (in all ages of time, in all religions) has unimaginable eternal potential.}
   
6. _{“Zion” is a high but beautiful and even reachable goal for mortality (“they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift”)}
   
7. _{Individuals have profound agency, and can make bad choices. Hence our loving Heavenly Father sometimes weeps for us in this mortal trial (“and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection”).}
   
8. _{Mortality is part of eternity. Things like marriage just simply have eternal consequences.}
   
9. _{Extending #9, family relationships and friendships continue, even flourish, post-mortality (“that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there).}
   
10. _{Building on #10, an endless supply of great characters and mentors like my mom, my grandma, our ward greeter, the man that had candy for all the kids, my stake president, the happy temple worker, and on and on and on.}
    
11. _{Lots more.}
    

[Calm]

But if you want to become persona non grata among women older than 50, try claiming that Elvis did not actually have a good voice . . . I remember making this observation with some front office workers at a school I used to teach at. I needed a police escort . . .

Over 50 and really, really disliked Elvis (I would say "hate" but my husband recently informed me that saying I "hated" something was inappropriate...it was in regards to a particular food I dislike immensly, I hate that he has deprived me of some dramatic license in casual conversation) for his melodramtic voice among several other attributes. Always have felt that way.

Mo Tab...I can take very nicely in small amounts as they do very well what they do, but like many artists, I find that the sound gets repetitious after about 3 or 4 songs. Very few artists are varied enough for me to listen to for much longer than 15 minutes at a time.

Edited December 22, 2012 by calmoriah

[Tacenda]

Hello rongo...

You crack me up... Have you ever heard Elvis sing "In The Ghetto?" Breaks the heart. Still disagree with you, but that's okay... think it's funny about the over 50 thing... I'm 72! Ha!

GG

I love Elvis. Did you know he was reading the BoM shortly before he died? Don't know if it's rumour though. And love the " in the ghetto" song too. He always hated having to star in those cheesy grade "B" films and wanted more serious or deeper roles.

[blackstrap]

Let's hope that he has read it by now! Elvis,and MJ, were and still are" Cultural Phenomena " Their estate values attest of that. They were about a performance in total not just a voice. There are voices as shown in the X factor and 'got talent' shows, that are marvelous and powerful but the whole package leaves something to be desired.Great to listen to,if you close your eyes.