Hi, I'm Jeff.

I'm an aspiring medical researcher. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I recently graduated from college with a physics degree, and am conducting research in retinal disease and beginning medical school. I've been happily married for a few years now, and my wife and I love to spend time together singing in local choirs and teaching ourselves to play guitar.

Why I am a Mormon

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that each member should discover for his or herself from God whether the Book of Mormon is true. Over many years as I have read, studied, and prayed about the Book of Mormon, I have found that applying its principles has helped me to do more with my life and find happiness in service to others. It has increased my understanding of and love for Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have felt these prayers answered, so I know that this is the work of God. I want to be a part of this, and God has made it possible! I am very grateful for this knowledge.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

I feel that prayer is my most valuable way to personally build a relationship with God. The Book of Mormon teaches the importance of prayer and provides many examples of men of God who found both comfort and guidance through prayer (for example, Enos chapter 1). Whenever I feel there is nobody else who can understand my pain or worries, I am comforted to know I can always turn to God in prayer and feel of His love.

How I live my faith

I believe personally that my goal of becoming a doctor is one way I will be able to follow the Savior's example and live my life helping the sick to be healed and comforted. I hope that this service will help me to draw closer to the Lord and increase my love of my fellow men.

What is done with the tithing that Mormons pay?

Jeff. answered...

I am grateful to my parents for teaching me the law of tithing at a young age, which states that 10% of all that God has given us should be returned to Him, and in return God promises abundant blessings (see Malachi 3:10). My family has been greatly blessed by keeping this law.

The tithing collected by the Church is used for such things as building and maintaining meetinghouses and temples, funding missionary work, education, and providing budgets for local activities to be planned in each congregation.
Lot answered...

The money received from members in the form of tithing goes directly to the headquarters of the church where a council decides what will be done with the money. Here are some ways in which the tithing funds are used:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and conducting social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work.

*It is important to note that tithing funds are not used to pay leaders of the church. All leaders of the church are volunteers and receive no form of pay.

What do Mormons believe about the Bible? Do they regard it as Holy Scripture and the word of God?

Richard Gaffney answered...

As a convert I was concerned that the bible was replaced by the Book of Mormon. How far from the truth that concern was, as the Bible is the LDS primary teaching tool and the Book of Mormon is simply another testament of Jesus Christ and serves to verify the truths found in the Bible. Cerrtainly the Bible is Holy Scripture and the Word of God, as is the Book of Mormon. I have come to love the Book of Mormon and cross-reference the Bible and Book of Mormon finding the same truths in both volumes of scripture.