Hi, I'm Larry Gelwix

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Education: graduated from Del Valle HS in Walnut Creek, CA. Graduated from BYU (Provo) with a BA and MA in Organizational Communications.

Mission: Central States Mission

Church Service: Bishop, High Council, Young Men's President, Elders Quorum presidency, Sunday School teacher, YSA Advisor

Professional: former airline CEO; travel agency owner; on-air syndicated radio talk show host; TV series feature

Family: married with five grown children (two boys, three girls) and three grandchildren. Oldest son served mission to France. Youngest son currently serving a mission in Canada.

Favorite Sports: Rugby and football. Favorite rugby teams: Highland Rugby and New Zealand All-Blacks. Favorite football teams: San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, & Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite movie: "Forever Strong"

Why I am a Mormon

The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides a foundation for a happy family and a successful life. As a rugby and football coach for 36 years, I see the gospel as the perfect “game plan.” The church helps me in my personal life, family, marriage, and professional career. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers me in life and helps me overcome challenges. The gospel of Jesus Christ inspires me to be a better husband, father, and friend; to do my best and be my best.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by trying to keep the commandments of God and by looking after the needs of my family, my neighbors, and those less fortunate. If I want to show my love for my Heavenly Father I do to it by loving and serving His children. It’s not a Sunday only thing. It’s 24-7.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Tember Skye Harward answered...

Mormon's are viewed as a cult by some because we do not adhere to the fundamental creeds established by the other Christian churches, such as the Nicene or Athanasian Creeds, and their view of the Godhead. Latter-day Saints are viewed by other Christians just like the early Christians were viewed by the Jews and Romans of the time, which was as a cult, because they strayed from what seemed to them orthodox Judaism. Much like the Pharisees and Sadducees, who viewed orthodoxy through the lens of the rules laid out in the rabbinical law and their interpretation of the Law of Moses, the Christians of today view orthodoxy through the lens of the creeds that were established hundreds of years after the death of Christ under the opinion and counsels of men.
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.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.