Hi, I'm Christian

About Me

I'm a pediatrician, but before that I studied British literature. I love music and play the piano. I lived in Guatemala for two years as a missionary for the Church.

Why I am a Mormon

The restored gospel is a blessing in my life. It teaches that through Jesus Christ, we can be happy in this life and return to live to with our Heavenly Father and our families for eternity. By worshiping and serving with the members of my ward (congregation), I get the strength and encouragement I need to follow the example of Christ in my life.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I went on a mission because I love the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and I'm grateful for the blessings it has brought to me and my family. Going on a mission was a wonderful opportunity to share those blessings with others.

Could you talk about your baptism?

I was baptized when I was eight years old. I had been taught the gospel, and even though I was young and didn't fully understand what I was doing, I knew that I wanted to follow the example of Jesus and be baptized. I still remember the clean, peaceful feeling I had after being baptized. As we follow Christ, there are many times when we have to act on faith, often with a limited understanding of the significance of what we're doing. But I think that's what Jesus asks of us, to put our confidence in Him, obey his commandments, and watch as the blessings He's promised us start to pour into our lives.

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?

For me, one of the most beautiful and powerful things that Jesus taught was to forgive others. When we hold on to anger or resentment, we do ourselves considerable spiritual damage. We can't feel God's love for us or feel love for others, and we gradually become spiritually numb. But when we follow the example of Christ and freely forgive others, we start to feel the love of God again in our lives.

How I live my faith

I keep busy at church; I play the organ for our services, and I teach lessons about the gospel every month or so. I get a lot of other opportunities to serve through the Church, like stocking shelves at a food pantry or visiting veterans.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Christian answered...

We don't worship Joseph Smith. We don't pray to Joseph Smith or believe that he intercedes between us and God. We only worship our Heavenly Father. We do believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth through him. Because of this, we have a great deal of respect and gratitude for him. However, we still believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we believe that the only way to return to live with God is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jerad answered...

No. We worship only God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness back on the Earth. We deeply respect the man and all that he did for man kind as through him the Church of Jesus Christ and the authority which is called the Priesthood was restored to the Earth. The anciant people of Israel deeply revered and respected Moses and all that he did for them, but did not worship him. Joseph was a true Prophet of God and we see him as such, and we only worship the Father and the Son. Joseph was a servant of God and taught about how we should only worship God and Jesus Christ. The purpose of a Prophet is to point us to Christ and help us to know his will, and in these times as terrible as they are, we need the guidance of Prophets to help keep us on the path that God has put before us.

How can we come to know our Father in Heaven?

Andrew answered...

The same way that you come to know anyone better, talk with him. Our Heavenly father blessed us with prayer, which is the means by which we converse with him. Think of every prayer as a phone call, not writing a letter; expect God to answer your prayers and listen for his response. Prayer is a two way conversation and the best way to come to know our Father in Heaven and what he wants for us.