Hi, I'm Tyler

I'm a Mormon

About Me

I am Tyler Andersen, a journalist, radio personality, historian, bibliophile, amateur philosopher, and married father of one living in Idaho. My passion is the art of communication, with specialties in rhetorical studies, history of philosophy, and early Mormon history. I have a B.S. in Communication with a minor in Philosophy from Brigham Young University-Idaho. I am completing an M.A. in Rhetorical Studies from Idaho State University.

When I'm not writing or researching, I love spending time with my family, traveling, eating Asian food (all kinds), enhancing my skills as a hot dog connoisseur, and prowling used book stores.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon for several reasons. One, I was raised as a Latter-day Saint in the home of recent converts. I grew up learning the gospel, at least in part, alongside my parents. I find Mormonism to be remarkably pragmatic. I'm a Mormon because it works for me, and it has informed my ethical and philosophical decisions in positive ways. Aside from its cultural significance, I've always been drawn to worship the God revealed through Joseph Smith. It is a God I believe can heal the broken-hearted and bring liberty to those in bondage. The God Joseph Smith revealed is, for me at least, a profoundly nuanced, but very much knowable being. Mormonism is the means by which I can reconcile both the utter evil in the world and the promise of redemption from that evil.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by being a good neighbor, friend, classmate, and teacher. It means reaching out to those less fortunate and being tolerant of those who, for various reasons, might not share my faith.

What is the difference between attending a Mormon Church and a Mormon Temple?

Tyler answered...

Regular church meetings are open to the general public, involving partaking of the Sacrament (the Lord's Supper) for edification and reflection, as well as hearing speakers address the congregation on various topics related to the Church. Other meetings such as Sunday School are also available at Church.

The temple is a place where only worthy members of the Church may enter to worship. Here, through symbolic rites Latter-day Saints make promises between them and God. In this setting, salvation for the living and the dead is performed including marriage for time and eternity.
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Kimberly. answered...

We go to church weekly to worship and take the sacrament, which is like communion. Everyone, no matter their faith, is welcome to come to church services and learn more about the Gospel.

The temple is a special place where members make further promises to Heavenly Father that they will keep his commandments. It is also where we are married, or sealed together, and where we can be baptized and sealed for our family members who have died before having those opportunities in life.

To go to the temple you need a card called a temple reccomend from your church leaders that confirms that you are currently doing your best to follow Christ and His Gospel as a member of the Church.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Kathryn answered...

As a primary president in my ward, I share in the direction and leadership of our ward. I don't feel secondary in any way. Whether you have the priesthood or not, you are still responsible to listen to the direction of the Savior. The priesthood is a tool and power that is the same power of the Savior. It allows the human authority to do work on earth, particularly perform ordinances, and bless others. As if the Savior was here in person during His ministry accounted for in the New Testament. I would use an analogy to compare the priesthood as a car. A car is an amazing tool allowing you to get you from here to there. I don't mind my husband driving and I can offer some navigation or work the radio, as long as we and our children get there.