Hi, I'm Zach Anderson

I am a law school graduate, former college swimmer, musician, marathon runner, enthusiastic pessimist, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

A recent law school graduate, with a passion for running, writing, socializing, and laughing. It is unusual to see me in any social setting without a smile on my face or to go without hearing me laugh. I suppose I can attribute that to my love for living a life full of joy and happiness, mixed with a little bit of sarcasm. Every aspect of my life I have attempted to make the best out of the situations that have come my way, even with my pessimistic and satirical humor.

A former collegiate swimmer, I have a great love for fitness and have directed my efforts towards running. I also enjoy music, either by playing the piano and violin, singing, or singing and dancing to my favorite music in the car.

Why I am a Mormon

Growing up in a community and family where Mormonism thrives, it may appear to some that I may have had no other choice or that I don't know any other way. I would completely disagree. Why am I a Mormon? Because the gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of happiness and peace. I attribute my ability to cope with difficult life decisions and situations to trying to live a life that parallels the teachings of Christ. And when I find my life is running more perpendicular to the way that Christ has taught, I am reminded that the gospel of Jesus Christ encourages repentance and change.

I am a Mormon because I have received a witness from the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am a Mormon because I have received a witness from the Holy Ghost that Christ established a church on the foundation of apostles and prophets when he was ministering on the earth and that same church that Christ established is once again on the earth today. I am a Mormon because I have received a witness from the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith restored the very same church that Christ established and that it is lead by a prophet today. I am a Mormon because I know that I am a child of God.

Personal Stories

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

I share the gospel with friends because I believe that it makes our friendship more cohesive and strong. Even if my friends are not interested in joining the Mormon Church, I love to be able to converse with them about their beliefs and share with them some of my faith. I find that as I respect their beliefs and know how they feel in their relationship toward God that I have a greater love and respect for them because they are willing to openly share experiences with me regarding something they hold close and sacred. As I interact with many individuals who are not members of the Mormon Church, I find that I can best share the gospel by living my life and conversing with others that will allow them to feel like they can approach me with questions about the Mormon Church.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Prayer has been an essential part of my life. There have been so many experiences that I have had where I have recognized that prayer has been my mainstay. I love the opportunity that I have to talk to God, at any time, in any circumstance, and for any reason. Often times, I find myself praying in my most difficult moments. I can honestly say that prayer has been the only reason why I have gotten through certain experiences. Beyond that, I have learned to love prayer in times when everything is going great. When I recognize the many blessings I have in my life, prayer offers a perfect opportunity to thank the Lord for the opportunities and experiences he has so willingly provided. And as difficult as it may be, to thank the Lord for the trials and adversities that have been placed in my path. Prayer has been an essential to recognize my relationship toward God--that he is literally my father and I am his child. And that his love is perfect and ever-present.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Many Mormons take the opportunity to serve as a missionary in order to spread the happiness that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to offer. I was fortunate to serve in Eugene, Oregon and surrounding areas for two years. Even years later, I still recall the many incredible people I met and encountered and the amazing experiences I shared with the people in Oregon. I believe the experience was most rewarding because I was able to see numerous changes in people. These changes included physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes. In hindsight, I recognize that Mormons go on missions to truly show their love for the Savior and to recognize the perfect love that God has for each of his children. To be honest, there were many people I encountered that I never would have thought I would become close friends with or love. But many of the people that I taught on my mission became some of my dearest and closest friends because the Gospel of Jesus Christ brought us together. In short, I suppose Mormons go on mission because of the great love that the Savior has for each of us and the recognition and responsibility we feel to share and spread that love.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by actively talking to those who are members of other faiths about how Jesus Christ has helped them in their lives. I live my faith by being able to tell others openly about my beliefs when they ask questions. I live my faith by trying to live a life according to the standards the Lord has set.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Zach Anderson answered...

I think some people may consider the Mormon Church a cult because they simply do not understand. Good for you for looking at this site to be able to learn straight from the source about the Mormon Church. It is easy to have reservations about a person or a group when you don't really know anything about them. And although Mormons may appear to be unusual, we are just like everyday people.
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Suzanne answered...

I don't know. Quite honestly when labels are used I think this comes from someone's desire to quickly explain away something that they don't understand. If they really took a hard look at the church it would be easy to tell that Mormons do not blindly follow any human being. I think maybe someone who might use that label could look at the level of commitment and obedience found among the members of this church and casually explain this away as blind obedience. They certainly do not see the personal struggles and the effort that maintaining a personal relationship with God requires. Like most Mormons I think, I do what I do out of devotion and love. It may start out as duty and habit, but as I have come to know God and His mercy and love (the big picture) I can't help but want to keep the commandments. I don't follow a person, I follow God and His Son and they help me every step of the way.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Jordan Christiansen answered...

I served a mission in South Korea for two years, so I can tell you. :) The missionaries will probably be as nervous as you are as they arrive at your home. The nervousness does not come from timidity or a lack of belief in the message they bring, but because they want so much to express their testimonies and the Spirit they feel to you.

The missionaries will likely introduce themselves and get to know you and your family. Though missionaries are called by God to preach His word, they come from largely every-day backgrounds and have lives likely much like yours.

After getting to know your family, they will likely ask what questions you may have about life or the Mormon church. Using the scriptures and their own personal experiences, they will seek to help you find answers. Don't be afraid of asking any question or thinking you may offend or sound silly to the missionaries. They are called to help and serve and are very understanding.

After answering your questions and sharing a spiritual message, the missionaries will ask you to act on the message. A soccer player does not listen to his coach during practice only to go home without kicking a ball, right? In the same way, the missionaries will invite you to read a chapter of scripture or seek for yourself that what they are saying is true. You don't have to just take the missionaries' word in what they say--a loving God is happy to answer thoughtful, earnest prayers seeking for the truth.