Hi, I'm Andrew

I live by the dictates of my own conscience which often, but not always, are in line with official LDS teachings

About Me

I am married with four beautiful daughters. I'm a lawyer by profession, but in my free time I work in my suburban backyard farm raising chickens and growing fruits and veggies, playing guitar and bass in a band, volunteering as an English as a Second Language teacher, enjoying the outdoors and photography, and studying world religions and history.

Why I am a Mormon

Mormonism runs deep on both my grandfathers' sides of the family, going back to the days of Joseph Smith. I was raised a Mormon and it has shaped and influenced every part of me. Although I have come to develop unorthodox views and continue to grapple with Mormon doctrine and history, I continue to be an active Mormon because Mormons are some of the most kind and giving folks that you'll ever meet.

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?

I am most inspired when I read Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount Matt. 5-7, in Matthew 25 caring for the least of these, and in John 13-15 the relationship between joy, love, and obedience to God's laws of love. These teachings have inspired me over the years to perform volunteer service. Currently, I teach an English as a Second Language ESL class at my church building every week, which is open to everyone in the community free of charge.

How I live my faith

I believe in the universal human values that all world religions have long embraced, and I strive to live by them. I believe that Mormonism embraces these values, albeit imperfectly, and attempts to implement them through numerous programs, rules, and institutional structures, some of which are unique. I embrace those unique Mormon elements to the extent I find them helpful, and disregard them when I don't.

Why don’t Mormons have paid clergy?

Andrew answered...

The highest leaders in the LDS church do receive a "living allowance," Church-funded housing, subsidized/discounted meals at Church-owned cafeterias, and an automobile or car pool service, all of which has a monetary value. Many individuals who teach Mormon doctrine or history receive payment from the Church as professional teachers, such as religion professors at Church-owned schools and seminary instructors who teach in Utah. However, local church administrators, and seminary teachers outside of Utah, are not paid anything of monetary value for their countless hours of service to the Church.
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Stephen answered...

Jesus didn't get paid to serve, why should we?

What is the Law of Chastity?

Joseph answered...

The power to create children is very sacred. Our Father in Heaven has commanded that the sacred power and privilege of sexual relations be exercised only between a man and woman who are legally married. This is the law of chastity. It means that we must not have sexual relations before we are married, and after we are married we should have sexual relations only with our husband or wife.

Keeping the law of chastity brings safety, happiness, peace, and self-respect. It also deepens married love and protects families. Breaking this law is serious. But those who have broken it can gain forgiveness and peace through repentance and obedience.

God wants the best for you and for all of His children. Following God’s plan of reserving intimacy for marriage will help you and your family be happy.