Hi, I'm Reed

I'm a lifelong Mormon, a dad, and a grandpa.

About Me

My name is Reed. I'm from the United States, and have lived in California, Arizona, Utah, Ohio, Montana, and Japan. I'm married, and have seven children and one grandchild. I'm a translator, literary scholar, and humor theorist. My interests are baseball, ice hockey, music, literature, comedy, and philosophy. I have been a member of the Church my entire life. I served a mission in Japan.

Why I am a Mormon

Although I was raised in the Church, at a certain point in my life I had to follow the same process as any convert to find out for myself. I am a Mormon because I have learned the doctrines and teachings of the Church, have tried to implement those principles in my life, and have asked my Father in Heaven to let me know whether those principles were true or not, and whether the Church had been established by Him.

The answer that I received--an answer that continues to be strengthened as I continue to strive to live the Gospel--is that, yes, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church, that it is the only church on earth authorized to do His work in His name, to perform necessary ordinances, and to proclaim the fullness of His Gospel to the world.

I am a Mormon because that testimony is deeper and more transcendent than mere physical experience. It is a conviction that can only come through the pure and refining power of the Holy Ghost. It is a testimony that I cannot deny.

How I live my faith

Currently, I serve as an instructor for Sunday lessons in our Elders quorum (one of the priesthood organizations in the Church). I enjoy teaching because I love to talk about my Savior Jesus Christ, and about his Gospel. Teaching gives me an extra opportunity to study his life and doctrine.

I am also a member of our ward Boy Scout Committee.

In addition to talking about the restored Church and the Gospel with anyone who is interested, I try to find ways to follow Christ's example of service, whether it's helping somebody move or coaching a youth baseball team. I think everyone can follow Christ's example. It doesn't have to be something "big." A smile and a kind word to a cashier or a stranger on the street can be the greatest service that the person needs. If we are willing, our Father in Heaven will use us to help his children wherever we are, with whatever we have. He will even increase our ability to do good. He can even use someone as imperfect as me.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Reed answered...

No, the Church does not endorse specific political parties or candidates.

Not surprisingly, some political stances and philosophies are more in harmony with Church doctrine than others, and some are wholly incompatible with membership in the Church. Some, such as communism and other totalitarian collectivist forms of government that violate the fundamental principle of the agency of the individual, have been clearly condemned by Church leaders.

However, we are not told who to vote for, but are expected to conform under our own volition to Church doctrine in our political affiliations and decisions, just as in every other area of life.

The Church does, on rare occasion, become involved in political issues that are deemed to be of such a nature as to be potentially damaging to the work of the Church, to religious liberty, etc.
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Fred answered...

No. Our leaders have always operated from the concept that if we teach one another correct principles, we will then make correct choices and govern ourselves. The Church encourages each person to carefully consider every issue and each candidate and to prayfully seek guidance and then to vote responsibily. We are encouraged to be involved with our communities and nation but the Church does not take political positions or endorse parties or individuals.

Why don’t Mormons have paid clergy?

Susie answered...

A ward or branch is the local unit of the church. This is the place where members have the opportunity to develop friendships and to help one another. We get support and lessons on the scriptures and how to improve our family relationships.

Our Heavenly Father expects us to lift and serve one another in this life. This is the principle behind a volunteer clergy. The local leader of a ward or branch calls on various members on the ward/branch to volunteer their services in teaching and leading the other members. We all donate our time and thus are able to lift and serve on another. The leaders seek divine guidance in making these callings. We who have been called to also seek divine guidance in fulfilling our positions.

We each try to follow the teachings of an ancient prophet who taught that when we are baptized we "are willing to bear one another's burdens, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort." (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:8-9).

Through our volunteer service, members lift one another's burdens and express our love to one another.