Hi, I'm Eric

A Wandmaker, Writer, Mandolin Player, social activist, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I look to do anything that catches my interests. I like experimenting with a lot of different forms of art--sort of an artist. I am getting into pyrography (wood burning). I have also done a lot of woodworking and a lot of more of the artistic areas for wood--turning, cabinetmaking, scroll saw, carvings, anything that looks cool. I am obsessed with trying new things. I am a believer in constant change. Also, I eat only a plant-based diet (aka vegan-ish). In the future, I will become a Creative Writing Professor. I also a musician- the bodhran, drum kit, violin, guitar, vocals, and most recently the mandolin.

Why I am a Mormon

This is the only way to true happiness. Even though I was born in the church, I didn't want anything to do with religion. I searched through all the world religions (both the normal and the absurd), but never found anything that was the complete truth. I was very much opposed to the "Latter-Day Saints." It wasn't until much later in my life where I couldn't find anything that gave me a true lasting joy that I decided to check out what my parents were taking me to throughout the years. I decided to read the Book of Mormon. I was skeptical at first, and it took me a long time of study and pray to get over my pride. The Book of Mormon is the best book I have ever read. It is so complex, yet so simple. No mere man could write this book except it be from a higher power. This is the only way that I have found a true happiness.

How I live my faith

I am now a missionary in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I do not get paid for anything that I do. I never thought I would be out here prompting a religion, but now I know that I am really just prompting the "way."

What is done with the tithing that Mormons pay?

Lot answered...

The money received from members in the form of tithing goes directly to the headquarters of the church where a council decides what will be done with the money. Here are some ways in which the tithing funds are used:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and conducting social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work.

*It is important to note that tithing funds are not used to pay leaders of the church. All leaders of the church are volunteers and receive no form of pay.
April answered...

Tithing is paid in faith. I know these funds will not be misused. I pay tithing because it is a commandment, and because I love God and want to give Him back a small porion of what He has given me, to futher build up His church. These funds go to build and maintain church buildings and temples and other like expenses. Our clergy is not paid. There is no collection plate. We simply pay our tithing, our fast offerings, we share what we have gladly. This is God's way. For this is God's church.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Erika answered...

Every one on this earth encounters their own set of challenges. It is through opposition that we grow, opposition is the reason we where sent to this earth so that we as individuals could make choices, gain experiences, and realize our divine potential. We are all Gods children we have all made the choice to come to this earth because we knew and loved God.

Each of us must learn how to overcome our own personal and unique set of challenges that we will inevitably face in this life; to some it may be an addiction, others may struggle with depression or constant need to compare. There are endless challenges and trials we will face. Amongst these challenges some will and have faced the challenge of same sex attraction. Does this mean that they are damned, unclean, broken? Absolutely not, it means that they are human. To take full advantage of this life we must learn to gain control of our bodies and to overcome the natural inclinations of our bodies. By so doing we begin to reach and see our divine potential, we realize that we are truly spiritual beings living in a mortal world with mortal challenges. But these challenges will last "but a small moment" and if we are able to endure them to overcome them we will leave this life and recieve our divine heritage of eternal life.
As members of the church we share a message that can and will help you improve the quality of your life no matter who you are where your from or the challenges you face this message will help you.