Hi, I'm Tanner

I hate cold weather but I live in Chicago...confusing.

About Me

I have 4 kids (2 sons and 2 twin daughters) and a wife that understands me. I like to play basketball and golf, but I don't do either enough since beginning work at a law firm. I have lived in West Africa, China, several states and dozens of cities in my life. I love traveling and experiencing new places.

Why I am a Mormon

Leaving aside the church's quirks and historical oddities, there is nothing in my life that I can so confidently embrace.

When I read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or the words of the living prophets and apostles--I simply know what I am reading (or listening to) is true.

These sources touch my soul and remind me of good things that I should be doing--or of things in my life that I should change if I want to be truly happy.

Inevitably, when I do the good things or change the bad things, I do feel the power of God in my life--helping me (not an easy task) to slowly change, improve, and progress. God is good. Very, very good.

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

When I am in need of answers, relief from stress or remorse, or any other sense of direction or relief--I know I can fall on my knees and pray. I can often feel the love of God (as well as his assistance) come to me if I really seek Him.

Or, when my heart is full of gratitude sometimes I just want to pray and thank Him for everything good in my life.

I also say regular prayers morning and night and often before meals, and I think those prayers help me to focus on the things that matter most.

For example, I dropped my son off at pre-school the other day. It was hard to leave him in the care of someone else. As I walked away he started crying and ran after me, wanting to give me a hug goodbye. After the hug, he ran off playing. I walked away praying in my heart full of gratitude for such a healthy, happy child, asking God to protect him that day at school, and asking God to help me be a better dad. I thought I could feel a sense of assurance and security come into my mind.

How I live my faith

On a daily basis, I try to improve and progress. I strive to live my life in harmony with the life that Jesus lived, or what his teachings say, or what his ancient and modern prophets say. Studying his words are obviously a part of this, so is service, kindness, integrity, etc.

Most importantly, because of the Atonement of Christ, I do not have to beat myself up constantly for my shortcomings and errors. I can call upon his mercy and grace.

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Tanner answered...

Pretty simple. Family organization is divine.

Check this out: http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html
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Matt answered...

We believe that family relationships are the sources of life's greatest joys. We also believe that families can be together forever.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Lynn answered...

Some call Mormonism a cult because it is not a "traditional" Christian church. The primary complaint of the "traditionalists" (generally Protestant Churches) is that we do not believe in the doctrine of the trinity as it relates to the nature of the Godhead. The doctrine of the trinity was codified in the Nicene Creed in 325 AD, many years after the death of Christ and the Apostles. It basically says that the Godhead, The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, are one being in "substance." Since Mormonism does not accept this doctrine, they say we believe in a different Christ than they do and therefore are a cult. It is curious that this "trinitarian" doctrine is not taught anywhere in the Bible.

Mormons believe the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible (and the early church established by Jesus and His Apostles) teaches that the Godhead indeed consists of The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. But, it teaches that they are: 1) three distinct individuals as expressed in Acts 7:54-60 where Stephen is being stoned. "He being filled with the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God." And it teaches 2) they are one in purpose, not in substance (John 17 where Jesus offers his intercessory prayer, particularly verses 20-23.) This is what Mormons believe.

It is noteworthy that the early Christians were called the "sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5) and were considered a cult by the Sadducees and Pharisees, the predominant religions of the day.