Hi, I'm Kirk

I am a doctor. Being a dad is the best part of my life.

About Me

I am in my forties and live in the pacific northwest. I am a practicing emergency medicine doctor. I am a father and a husband and being with my family is my favorite thing to do. I love being outdoors and rock climbing with family and friends. I participate, not really compete, in triathlons for enjoyment and to try to stay healthy.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up without any formal church participation. When I was 16, I learned about the LDS church and started to learn about it on a bet. Here is what happened I felt a little hassled by the missionaries who were teaching my sister, so I made the missionary a wager, I win a game of racquetball--you quit talking to me about your church, you win--I listen to your message. She forgot to tell me she was a champion racquetball player...
As soon as I began to really listen to their message and read from the Book of Mormon and pray on my own, I felt something within myself that I cannot deny was from God. I had felt the same feeling some months before at a non-denominational youth camp when I privately prayed to know if God and Jesus were real. I have come to recognize those feelings I had then and continue to experience as the influence of the Holy Spirit of God teaching me of their truth.
Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made my life peaceful and full of good things. It makes me a better husband and parent. It has given me hope even when times are hard. It makes me look at people I meet with compassion and concern for them, no matter what their situation in life. I can learn from everyone I meet. I see all people as children of God and my brothers and sisters. I am reminded constantly that I am better than no one and I am never in a position to judge another.

How I live my faith

I attend church on Sundays and occasional weekday activities and service projects. Monthly I visit a few members of my congregation, to offer service and to let them know they are loved.
I strive to participate in my community by volunteering at a local free clinic, by serving at my children's school. I have served on volunteer boards for children's services and other community opportunities. I too want to make my community a better place for all who live here.

Are Mormons Christians?

Lily answered...

YES. Yes yes yes. What is a Christian? A Christian is a person that believes in Jesus Christ, and believes that Christ did in fact die for us so that we can repent and return to live with him again. He is our Savior and Redeemer. We pray and we worship in the name of Jesus Christ. He is the center of our faith. Jesus Christ is my Savior. He died for me. He loves me. He is my hero, and he is my best friend.
Richie answered...

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

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Terry answered...

Mostly because of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about the Church. It's easier for people to believe what they hear from other people (who heard it from someone else, who heard it from another person that read it on the Internet...) instead of making an effort to find out from the source.

In addition, there are small, secretive groups that are not part of our Church that use a modified form of the name of the Church for their own group, and have practices that are similar to our worship services and practices. These groups may be involved in illegal activities, especially polygamy, and when the media reports on them, they do not make an effort to distinguish between these groups and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.