I have chosen to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over all the other churches and philosophies in the world. I've studied just about everything in the realm of science, philosophy and religion. I know their doctrine. I know many honorable and intelligent people in the world of all faiths and beliefs, but I came back to being Mormon. There are many reasons for this, but I would like to discuss the major ones.
I was born in the covenant.
First of all, my parents, grandparents, and even some of my great grandparents were LDS. They all have amazing stories of their conversion to Mormonism, and they sacrificed a great deal to be members. I, on the other hand, had it easy. My parents were sealed in the Temple for time, and all Eternity so I was born in the Covenant. The power of the Priesthood seals couples to each other and their children to them, not just for this life on Earth, but even after -- forever; it is the power to bind on Earth, and in Heaven. This means that when I was born, I already had a covenant with God because He had promised my parents that their children would be theirs forever. Covenants with God allow Him to help us to be faithful; His angels are especially watchful over all those who have made covenants.
Intelligence is light and truth.
I have been told that Mormonism is the only religion that has increased activity as education increases. In other words, as Mormons become more intelligent they are more likely to participate in church, as opposed to all other religions, which are less likely. I believe this is true because we believe that intelligence is an essential part of salvation. The Lord told Joseph Smith, "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (D&C 131:6) Moreover, there is no dogma. All the words of the prophets must be individually confirmed by every member to know that it is the word of God. Nobody dictates what I believe or know -- except God Himself.
I like more.
The word "Mormon" means "more good." This means to me that I can learn more about God from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What's more, I have the freedom to study all knowledge and understanding in the world and incorporate it into my religion. No truth is outside of the Mormon faith, no matter what the source. I can find truth in the writings of Buddha, Mohammed, Paul, or even apocryphal literature. "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." (Articles of Faith:13) I hate limits.
It's true, and living.
According to the Lord, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth." (D&C 1:30) "True" Means it is the only one that contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as the authority to administer the ordinances.
"Living" Means it is growing, changing, improving both in doctrine, knowledge, wisdom, and power. This doesn't just mean that the cannon of Scripture is increasing, but also that the whole body of those who belong to the Church are growing as individuals and as a group. All other religions are dead, stagnant, not growing. For example, Latin is spoken by thousands of people and is taught in many schools, but it is defined as a dead language because no new words are added to it; a Latin dictionary never changes. English on the other hand, is a living language with hundreds or thousands of new words every year! The Mormon Church is like the English language, continually growing with us.
I want to understand God's will for me.
This is the most important reason I'm a Mormon today. Modern revelation helps us to understand our purpose because we know why we were created:
"For behold, this is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)
God's work is to give us salvation in two ways:
1. Immortality and
2. Eternal life.
Immortality is a free gift from the Lord for all those who are born in the family of Adam. We will all be resurrected. We might go to any Christian or other sect and find a preacher telling his congregation that all are saved from death, and this would be true. All are saved in this way. However, there is another part of salvation that is totally lost to everyone, except the Mormons -- Eternal Life! Everyone else thinks these terms are synonymous, but nothing could be farther from the truth. The Devil continues to exist forever, as do all of his angels. Also, all those born on this Earth will be resurrected; immortality is a free gift to everyone.
Eternal life, however, is a completely different concept. It is living as God, growing up to be like our Father, continually growing and increasing. It means creating, populating, and ruling over galaxies and worlds -- being a god, just like our Father.
Eternal life, however, is a completely different concept. It is living as God, growing up to be like our Father, continually growing and increasing. It means creating, populating, and ruling over galaxies and worlds -- being a god, just like our Father.
What's more, the plan for us to reach this goal is also only found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We call it "the plan of happiness." It is step-by-step instructions on how to reach our ultimate destiny, the goal of Eternal life. It is a true plan. It is the true plan. It is the only plan that will get me to my goal. The way is prepared by God, and all we need to do is follow Him. There is no other organization that knows or can help anyone carry-out the plan.
Since nobody else knows the purpose of life all other religions and philosophies are useless to me -- they cannot help me reach my goal. I want to know my purpose. I want my life to have meaning. I want to fulfill my ultimate destiny. I want to be the best that I can be. I want continual growth. Without the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there would be no way to achieve my goal; I would be lost, wandering in a desert of ideas that go nowhere. I know. I looked around. This is the real reason I have chosen to be Mormon.
