Hi, I'm Joseph

I'm an outdoorsman, father, researcher, and Mormon.

About Me

I was born and raised in Tennessee, went to BYU to further my education in engineering, and met a lovely lady from Maine who I was destined to marry. I now live in New England with my wife and two young boys. I like to travel, garden, work on cars, and do anything outdoorsy.

Why I am a Mormon

I have repeatedly had reassurances that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration, and that the Book of Mormon is true. The Gospel helps me make sense out of life, nature, and the world. Each time I talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost helps me to know that what I'm saying or hearing is true.

That being said, I am indebted to some wonderful parents and very dear friends who have demonstrated what blessings come to those who love and serve the Lord. Seeing those good examples helps me want to improve myself.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

There are probably as many reasons we go as there are missionaries who go. The greatest objective of Mormons going on missions is because Jesus tasked his disciples to go into all the world to teach and baptize them Matthew 28:16-20. As motivation, most church members recognize the many blessings that membership has brought into our lives, and we feel it a way to extend similar blessings to our fellow man. There are secondary benefits, too, which might include gaining a greater love for Heavenly Father's children, having time to give selfless service, having a chance to live away from home and strengthen righteous habits, solidifying a personal testimony through daily personal experiences where the Holy Spirit guides.

I was a missionary in England, and find those times to be some of the most intense, memorable, and rewarding times of my life. I saw people discover the truths of Christ's restored gospel and find purpose and direction to their lives. I feel like I was 19 a year old boy when I arrived, and a 21 year old man when I returned home.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

I have always been taught that our Father in Heaven wants to hear from us. He consistently sends blessings our way through inspiration, the actions of our fellow man, and the bounty of the earth. I try to pray by myself and with my family daily.

We pray before each meal, before long journeys, as part of our family scripture study, and whenever we need a little help. To me, prayer also provides a way to calmly consider the good things that have been happening recently. It's a way to focus on what I or my family needs to improve upon, and things we can do to help others.

Prayer is a way to both give thanks and indicate receptiveness to needed blessings. In my life, I have prayed to know things or be instructed from the Lord regarding things I needed to know, and answers have been acquired through the Holy Spirit. This has been important to me in making decisions, preparing lessons or talks, and getting the courage to choose the right in tough situations.

How I live my faith

Each Sunday during our meetings, I teach the 14-15 year old young men at church lessons pertaining to their duties and how to fulfill God's plan for them. On Wednesday nights, we hold activities that seek to entertain, teach, and unify. Since I also work with the Boy Scout Troop chartered with the ward, I occasionally lead weekend outings with the young men.

Living in New England, I am one of the few members of the church in my town, at my work, and in my neighborhood.

Are Mormons Christians?

Joseph answered...

I guess that depends on what you mean by Christian.

If you mean "do you worships Jesus the Christ as the Savior of the world?" then absolutely, 100%, definitely Mormons are Christians. Everything we teach and do should help point us to Christ. Jesus gave us a perfect example to follow as we prepare ourselves to return and live with our Father in Heaven. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Some people try attach dogma to the idea of being a Christian the Bible is the last word on the Gospel, or God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are a single being, or whatever other caveats can be given as a means to be exclusionary. Personally, I think trying to categorize belief systems this narrowly only serves to be divisive and hurtful.
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Richie answered...

Yes. We believe Jesus Christ is our Savior and we follow His teachings. We believe He is essential for salvation.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

John answered...

This is one of the hardest subjects because in today's world the only accepted dialog is love or hate. We firmly decree that homosexual behavior is sinful. This does not speak to the individual, who they are or the feelings they have. Each of us face feelings and desires, some of which are contrary to the will of the Lord. This is one of them.

Our Heavenly Father does not judge us on these feelings, but how we act on them. If feelings are converted to behavior, then sin has been committed.

We believe that marriage is a sacred institution, one that God has intended to be shared between man and woman. We do not believe it is for us to redefine it, and as such would not support a change that would legitimize behavior believed to be sinful.

We love all of God's children. I have several friends who identify themselves as homosexuals. I consider them friends even though my beliefs hurt and frustrate them. I try to help them understand that I can love them and care about them while maintaining these beliefs. Likewise, I would always defend them against discrimination and bullying.