Hi, I'm Terry

I help set up concerts and other large events at the hotels on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm married and I have two daughters. Besides audio technology, I am die-hard fan of New Wave music of the early 80s and late 70s post-Punk era.

My avocation is the study of military history of Europe, especially the European Theater of Operations in World War II.

I am also an avid primitive archer.

Why I am a Mormon

In my teens, I discussed religion with all of my friends. The teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the only ones that answered all of my questions and addressed the questions that everyone seems to have at some point in their lives. Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? So many other faiths only address one or two of these questions, and even in those cases, not very extensively.

As I learned more, I had more questions, and much deeper ones. As I searched the scriptures and prayed for guidance, God's Spirit testified to my spirit that what I was learning at church is true. As the Book of Mormon confirms the Bible's testimony that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and the Savior of the world, I know that these things are undeniably true. I see that the Church teaches, and most importantly, practices the principles that Jesus taught in the Bible. Not just the ones that are convenient, but all of them, in their fulness.

To me, those are a few of the signs of the church that can teach me how I can be saved from my sins and live with my Savior and with my Heavenly Father again.

How I live my faith

I serve in the church as a counselor to the president of one of the two men's organizations of my congregation. Right now that offers some challenges, because our congregation's geographical boundaries were recently changed to include elements of five congregations. As leaders of the organization, my president, the other counselor, and I are trying to get to know the other men, so as to determine the best way that we can serve them.

In addition, I also sing (though not very well) with our small choir, and I try to volunteer for all service projects that arise, such as helping people move in or out of the area, etc.

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.
Garth answered...

I just saw news footage where a minister called the Mormon Church a ‘cult’ and the news commentator turned around and said it wasn’t. The news commentator was right. One definition listed for ‘cult’ in Webster’s Dictionary is “a religion regarded as unorthodox.” ‘Unorthodox’ according to whom? Catholicism and over 2000 churches who broke off of the Catholic Church or the original teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ? We believe some of the original doctrines contained in the original Church of Jesus Christ fell into apostasy and were changed by men. One example is the definition of the Godhead as laid out in the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds that are widely accepted by most Catholic and Protestant churches today. We believe the Godhead is made up of three separate and distinct individuals that are one in purpose not in body. When I read about the atonement in Matthew 26:39 (KJV), “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” I believe God the Father, Jesus Christ, Peter and the other Apostles would find the teaching that ‘Jesus Christ was praying to himself’ as quite ‘unorthodox’. I choose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, not the teachings of men…regardless of the names they choose to call us.

Why do you have 12 Apostles? They were just meant to be around for the time of Jesus Christ, not to be replaced with new apostles.

Scott Jackson answered...

When Jesus Christ was on the Earth, He established an organization of prophets, apostles, teachers, and other leaders to lead and guide the members of His church (the body of Christ, as it is referred to in the New Testament). When Judas died, and Jesus had left the Earth, the first order of business for the other 11 apostles was to fill the vacancy. They did so by praying and seeking out revelation. They eventually decided on Matthias. This example shows us that apostles were not only to be used for when Christ was on the Earth, but that God wanted Apostles to lead His children at all times. Unfortunately, apostasy stirred within the early church, and the apostles were killed one by one. The world was left without Priesthood leadership, until the time of the Restoration, when this same authority was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery from the very same Peter, James and John (as resurrected beings). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has 12 apostles, just like in New Testament times. These special witnesses of Christ bear solemn witness that Jesus is the Christ. They help the Prophet and President of the Church to share the Gospel message to the four corners of the Earth.