Hi, I'm Austin Smith

I'm a reader, a law student, a liberal, a friend, and a Mormon

About Me

I've spent most of my life in the DC area where I grew up and went to high school. I also lived for 5 years in the bay area of California and loved it, and I spent four years at college in Utah getting a Computer Science degree. I lived in the Baltics for 2 years doing a Mormon mission, teaching people about Christ, his gospel, and his church.

I love conversations that investigate why we do the things we do. I love anything funny. I like to read good books and watch well-made and powerful films.

I'm attending law school because I've always found legal questions and solutions fascinating.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up a Mormon, so it's always been a large part of my life. That answers why I have been a Mormon, but not really why I am currently a Mormon. I am proud to be a member of this church because it helps me live a better life, one where I can look at what I'm doing and see how I can improve it. It gives me a community of fellow believers who can help me be better, whether that's by helping me or giving me opportunities to help and serve them. The church points the way towards Christ, who I believe is the ultimate example for us and our only hope for salvation.

Personal Stories

What blessings have come through your faith in Jesus Christ?

Knowing that Christ is my savior means a lot to me. I am nowhere near perfect, but Jesus--through his example, his teachings, and his atonement--helps me strive towards being a better person. I know that my mistakes and sins and guilt can be washed away as I live his gospel. I know that I can have my nature changed to be more in line with the divine heritage I have as a spiritual child of God. Knowing that I will live again after death and see my family and friends is a source of deep peace and joy when life seems difficult.

How I live my faith

I live my faith in mostly quiet ways, I think. I like to study the scriptures--Mormons believe the Bible to be God's word, as well as the Book of Mormon and a few other collections of prophetic writings. I do that either on my own or in conversations with friends and family. I speak with God through private prayer every day and feel his comfort and love and reassurances.

I also attend church services every week, where I hear other members of the church like me talk about how the gospel of Jesus Christ has helped them and where I get to share my own thoughts and experiences, hopefully helping others as well. This helps me see how I can apply Christian principles in my life and gives me practical opportunities to do so.

What is the Church’s position on abortion?

Austin Smith answered...

In general, the Church is against elective abortions. In cases of rape, incest, or when the health of the mother is endangered, abortion can be justified. This is a religious position, and the Church does not take a stance on political debates about abortion.
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Charis answered...

The Church recognizes some circumstances that may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

Human life is a sacred gift from God. Elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God.

What do Mormons believe is the purpose of life?

Kylaas answered...

A lot of people asked me this question on my mission, and, on the flip side, I asked it to a lot of people as well. Many people were surprised when I read them one verse from the Book of Mormon, that being "Adam fell that men might be and men are, that they might have joy." -2 Nephi Chapter 2 Verse 25.
It's simple the purpose of life is to have joy. Now, joy is not fleeting, it doesn't depart when things get rough, it doesn't have negative consequences nor connotations, and you will never be ashamed to be found having a joyful experience. I think of it this way real joy is that which you would be excited to see the Lord join you in your happiness. If it isn't worthy to be in the Lord's presence, it's probably not real joy. Real joy comes from lasting relationships like father and son, mother and daughter, husband and wife, friends that you would stay with forever from experiences which you always look back upon with a happy memory from making promises to God and keeping them from doing that which is right in the sight of the Lord. That is what real joy is, and when you feel that type of joy, you will feel the love that the Lord has for you in that very moment.