Hi, I'm Emerson

I'm from Northern California. I'm a college student, a triathlete, a singer, and yes… I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a college student. My major is neuroscience. I hope to be an ophthalmologist someday. I love the outdoors. On my free time I train for triathlons. I also love to sing. I lived in Poland for two years as a missionary, where I taught English, provided service, and shared what I believe.

Why I am a Mormon

I cannot deny that my parents had an impact on me. After all they raised me in the faith, but that is not why I'm a Mormon today. I'm a Mormon because I found out for myself. I prayed to know if these things were true. What helped me even more was living the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I did all I could to obey his teachings, I found my life was blessed. I was happier and my life was richer. I knew my purpose in life. I appreciated my family more and all people.

How I live my faith

I live my faith in simple ways. I go to church every Sunday. I try to read the scriptures every day. I don't drink or do drugs. I look for ways that I can serve people around me and I try to help everyone to reach their full potential.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Emerson answered...

Temples are a place where we can feel the presence of God. In the Old Testament prophets often went up into mountains to pray to God and receive instruction from Him. Temples serve this same purpose for us today. On the side of the Temple is inscribed "The House of the Lord." We truly believe that it is His house, which is why we go to such trouble to keep it a holy place. Temples are built to the highest standards of architecture and are kept immaculately clean. In the temple we perform sacred ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, in which we are baptized on behalf of our deceased ancestors so that they might attain salvation. Temples are also where weddings are performed. We believe that marriages performed in the temple can last forever, not just "until death do we part". After all it wouldn't be heaven without the ones we love.
Bonnie. answered...

They are peaceful, pure places, where only those who have committed to live the most discipled lives can go to ponder and pray. They are places where we learn about God's plan for all of humanity, and where we promise to do all in our power to help all of His children, and receive promises that we can be with Him as well. We wear white clothing that is simple, and remove our watches and bling, to demonstrate a willingness to let go of our day-to-day concerns to focus on the real things: people, and their worth to God.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Suzanne answered...

I don't know. Quite honestly when labels are used I think this comes from someone's desire to quickly explain away something that they don't understand. If they really took a hard look at the church it would be easy to tell that Mormons do not blindly follow any human being. I think maybe someone who might use that label could look at the level of commitment and obedience found among the members of this church and casually explain this away as blind obedience. They certainly do not see the personal struggles and the effort that maintaining a personal relationship with God requires. Like most Mormons I think, I do what I do out of devotion and love. It may start out as duty and habit, but as I have come to know God and His mercy and love (the big picture) I can't help but want to keep the commandments. I don't follow a person, I follow God and His Son and they help me every step of the way.