Hi, I'm Joe

I'm a husband, father, dentist...and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

FAMILY: I'm the 7th of 10 kids. I loved growing up in a large family. We have lived in Utah, Kansas, and Idaho. My parents always taught us that our relationship with Heavenly Father and family was important. Also taught was the importance of education. The love of music and sports were constant in the household. I recently married the love of my life, Rachel, in the Boise LDS temple on New Years Eve 2010. She is so kind and gentle to all around her and everyone agrees she is the better half in our relationship.
PROFESSIONAL: I decided at an early age I wanted to be a dentist. After a two year LDS mission to Curitiba, Brazil I continued on and graduated from dental school. Since that time I have been working as a general dentist in the Boise Idaho area and have enjoyed the opportunities of learning and growing in my chosen field.
PERSONAL: I enjoy playing and coaching basketball and football and can't wait till the day I coach my own children in their sports. I am a self-taught guitar player and love to invent new songs and music. I love keeping up-to-date with current events and politics. I love studying American History and the personal histories of the American Founding Fathers. Above all, I love spending time with my lovely wife Rachel. We enjoy cooking and eating out at new and interesting restaurants.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born and raised in a religious family that loved God and family. I live my Mormon religion because I know that it makes me a better husband, brother, employer, and friend. The Mormon religion teaches principles and values that I want to impliment in my own life and teach my children. I served an LDS mission in Curitiba, Brazil and that mission has had an enormous impact on my faith as a Mormon. I know without a doubt The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormon church, is Christ's true church. The Mormon church has the required authority to help us get back to our Father in Heaven's presence, allowing us to live in peace and love with our families in this life and the next.

How I live my faith

I have always had a strong belief in the gospel principles and I have known they are true, eternal steps to live a happy life. The Bible teaches us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. With that being said, I try and obey God's commandments and treat others as I would be treated.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Joe answered...

I enjoy keeping up with current events, local and national politics. The Mormon church which I'm a part of does not endorse any political party or candidate. The church is neutral in all things political. The 12th Article of Faith of the Mormon church states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." The most political statement I've ever heard in a Mormon chapel was a church leader asked his members to consider voting in the next election.
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John Odell answered...

Of course the Church does not endorse political parties. Political parties do not represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But all the members of the Church are encouraged to participate in the political system and many have and do. We will be held responsible for our actions in the political arena just as we are in every other activity of our lives. I feel strongly that we have an obligation to support the Constitution of this land and that the Lord had a lot to do in its founding and in the freedoms that we receive from adhering to its principles. The Founding Fathers were inspired by God and we should be inspired by them. There are many criteria that we can use to choose political candidates but none are of more value than that recommended by modern scripture, namely, to search after honest and good men. I love our American Republic and our Constitution and try to support men or women who support the ideas and principles found in that document. According to the Declaration of Independence we receive our rights from our creator and must be ever aware that we do not turn our rights to the whims of men, however well meaning they may be. I am not a fan of political parties and consider myself a Constitutional conservative and very independent.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Keri answered...

Mormon women are like any other good woman who is trying her best to raise a family in love and trying to leave the world a little better for future generations.

Mormons do believe in equality of men and women. We believe husband and wives are to work side by side, not one dominating over another. But equality does not mean being exactly the same. We believe that God gave men and women distinct and different roles/assignments to fulfill. Men are primarily responsible for the physical welfare of their families while women are to nurture and care for their families. Although the roles are different each one is important and critical.