Hi, I'm Paul Spiel

I'm a college student. I love biking, running, skiing, snowboarding, and doing anything active. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a college student fulfilling all my pre-reqs for dental school. I hope to get a degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Chemistry. It's hard, but I enjoy it. When I'm not in class I enjoy doing any of my hobbies or spending time with friends and family.
Throughout my life my likes and interests have varied, but there are constants in my life that have always helped me- my family and the gospel. It really has helped, and I don't know where I'd be without it.

Why I am a Mormon

It has always been a battle between good and evil in my life. I realized that certain things people did were wrong, and other things they did were the right thing to do (see Moroni 7:15-17 in the Book of Mormon). The gospel taught in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints invited me to do all of those right things. It didn't just tell me to believe in those things, but to DO them. But, the most significant reason I am a member of this church is because of the Book of Mormon. I read it every morning during the beginning years of my high school career. As I read, I felt something within me. I felt a desire to live better, to be kinder, and to love others. As I have studied the Book of Mormon throughout the years, I have continued to feel those same things. I had the opportunity these past two years to share the gospel with the wonderful people of the South, and I have seen the Book of Mormon change their lives as well. It is truly inspired of God.

Personal Stories

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

The Savior's teachings of love have influenced me. His gospel is a gospel of love. The greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:37-40). Love would set his people apart from any other people. Others will know we are his disciples because of our love (John 13:35). I know I have felt that love as I have attended church, listened to the talks, and associated with other members.

How has The Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?

The Book of Mormon has a lot of great principles that have helped govern my life. It answers questions like:
Where do we go after this life? (Alma 40)
How can I find more happiness? (Mosiah 2)
Why do bad things happen to good people? (2 Nephi 2)
What does God expect of me? (2 Nephi 31)
How can I repent and be forgiven? (Mosiah 4)
Will God answer my prayers? (Enos 1)
Why are we here on this earth? (2 Nephi 2:14-28)
I believe all the principles taught in the Book of Mormon are true principles of life. If we apply them we will be blessed and happy.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I served a mission because I felt the joy that the gospel has brought into my life, and I sincerely want others to have that joy in their life also. As I served and saw people change their life, I saw that light and joy flow into their lives also. As missionaries, we invite people to be baptized because the only way that they can receive all the blessings of our Heavenly Father, including eternal life in heaven, is through baptism by the priesthood authority of God. see John 35

How I live my faith

Living the gospel is a daily process. I try to live my religion by helping others out and doing things that I would hope for in return. I think a lot of the gospel is about serving others, because thats where you can find the most happiness. Christ spent his time serving others, that's what his life was. We can find the same peace and happiness by being good to others and living like Christ would want us to live.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Paul Spiel answered...

They will share a series of doctrinal lessons covering the re-establishment of the church through Joseph Smith, the truth about where we came from before this life, why we are here, and where we are going, and then the importance of faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. They will also share with you the commandments that you can live to bless your life. (see Mosiah 2:41 in the Book of Mormon) They will try to do whatever they can to adjust their visits to meet your schedule.
Show more of my answers Show less of my answers One Moment Please
Jordan Christiansen answered...

I served a mission in South Korea for two years, so I can tell you. :) The missionaries will probably be as nervous as you are as they arrive at your home. The nervousness does not come from timidity or a lack of belief in the message they bring, but because they want so much to express their testimonies and the Spirit they feel to you.

The missionaries will likely introduce themselves and get to know you and your family. Though missionaries are called by God to preach His word, they come from largely every-day backgrounds and have lives likely much like yours.

After getting to know your family, they will likely ask what questions you may have about life or the Mormon church. Using the scriptures and their own personal experiences, they will seek to help you find answers. Don't be afraid of asking any question or thinking you may offend or sound silly to the missionaries. They are called to help and serve and are very understanding.

After answering your questions and sharing a spiritual message, the missionaries will ask you to act on the message. A soccer player does not listen to his coach during practice only to go home without kicking a ball, right? In the same way, the missionaries will invite you to read a chapter of scripture or seek for yourself that what they are saying is true. You don't have to just take the missionaries' word in what they say--a loving God is happy to answer thoughtful, earnest prayers seeking for the truth.

What do Mormons believe about Jesus Christ? Do Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

Jonathan answered...

We absolutely believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believe that He was the God of the Old Testament. Under the direction of the Father, He created the earth. He spoke to the Old Testament prophets such as Noah, Abraham and Moses. He was born to the virgin Mary in Bethlehem. He walked among the people of Palestine, working many mighty miracles. He suffered and died for our sins. He rose from the grave and ascended to Heaven to stand on the right hand of the Father. We believe that He appeared alongside the Father to the prophet Joseph Smith. Today, He is at the head of our church and leads it through the prophet and twelve apostles. He will come again to reign upon the earth with all those who have faith in Him. Through Him, and Him alone, we can be forgiven for our sins and receive eternal live in the Kingdom of God.