Hi, I'm Ben

I'm an Army officer, graduate student, father of three and a happily married man. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am happily married and a father of 3 young and energetic children. I am currently a graduate student and am pursuing a Masters in Linguistics. If you gave me the option to choose a vacation, I would likely choose an outdoor activity over a trip to a big city. I love camping, hiking, biking and spending time in the great outdoors. I do enjoy, however, the cultural activities provided by larger cities.

I've been in the Army for several years now and love the opportunities it provides. Despite the fact that the Army is not always the best place to practice religion, I am glad that we live in a nation that is founded on religious tolerance. I'm very thankful that the military provides opportunities to worship while in training or even while deployed to obscure areas of the world.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into the the LDS faith, but have been strongly converted to the principles and lifestyle it teaches. I have come to better understand my relationship with God and Jesus Christ through not only study of the teachings of LDS faith, but through the application of those principles into my life. One thing I love most about these teachings is the knowledge I have gained about the eternal nature of the family. I lost my father as a teenager and part of what helped me remain strong is the knowledge that I would be with him again.

Now that I have my own family, the idea that I can be with them after our life on earth demonstrates the amazing love that God has for us and His desire to have all of His children return to live with Him. He wants that enough that he was willing to allow His son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth and take upon himself the sins and suffering of all mankind.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

Most of what I do personally to develop harmony in my home is how I strive to become a better person. I see my actions reflected in the actions of my children everyday. I know that as I become a better person my children will have a better role model to emulate. I know that I am not perfect and will not ever provide a perfect example to my children, but I do know that how I treat them and my wife will directly influence how they treat others.

How I live my faith

My main duty is currently to raise my three children. I love spending time helping them learn about the world around them. They are like little sponges.

I am currently a leader of youth in my community. I lead a troop of young Boy Scouts. This is a very rewarding opportunity, not only because I get to spend time camping, hiking and doing activities in the outdoors, but because I get to see the progression of these boys into men. I also enjoy the time that I get to spend with them as I try to be a good leader and example to them.

I am also a leader in the U.S. Army. I have been granted a great opportunity to lead a great bunch of service members. I love serving with those who are willing to serve their country.

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

Ben answered...

Yes! One of our articles of faith states that we believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. The Bible has been a great source of knowledge and guidance for my own personal life and I feel the warm love of our God as I read it.
Jonathan Richardson answered...

We believe that the Bible is the word of God, given through his Apostles and Prophets in the days of old. Through generations the bible has been translated time and time again, and now it stands with some of the simple truths of Christs teachings being either removed or complicated. That is why there are so many different views on what the scriptures teach, and so many churchs created for those views. We believe that God has restored those simple truths and clarified the complicated view through the Book of Mormon which is a record of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas.

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

Peter Thatcher answered...

God has made it clear that such choices and behavior are not acceptable to him. We can't change God's standards. We can only choose to live them or not. At certain times in history, certain of God's commandments have been unpopular. But that doesn't change the moral standard God has set.

Also, families are very important to God. He wants men and women to join their lives and teach and raise children. This is God's way of blessing His children.