Hi, I'm Trent

I have lived all around the United States. I enjoy many sports, both playing, coaching, and watching.

About Me

I grew up back east in a small town in Connecticut. I really enjoy coaching lacrosse. I try to teach the boys on my team life lessons through lacrosse. I am a landscape architect. It amazes me all the beauty in the world, which was created for us to enjoy. I enjoy spending time with my family, which consists of my wife, 2 sons, and 2 daughters. Our family loves to go hiking any chance we get.

Why I am a Mormon

I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ my entire life. My mother has been a member all of her life, but my father was never a member of the church. When I was around 17, I figured I needed to find out for myself if the church was true or not. I had always relied on my mother's testimony. I remember, I was reading the Book of Mormon and decided to pray to know if it was true. I immediately received my answer; I was overcome with the love of my Savior. I know that my Savior lives and I continue to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

How I live my faith

At home my wife and I teach our 4 children the gospel, and the happiness found in following the commandments of our Heavenly Father. We do this not only in formal settings, but mostly through the example of love we show to them, and how the gospel blesses our lives. Spending one on one time with each child, taking time to learn what they like and enjoy. Supporting my wife, when she needs ‘her time’ to recharge from raising our children. I find that when I give devote myself to my family, we are a happier family.

At work and in social settings, I live what I believe by being honest in my dealings with others, treating others with respect, and tring to be an example of my Savior.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Maia Lynay Rodriguez answered...

Many of the prophets of the old testament practiced plural marriage under Gods direction; among them Abraham, Issac, Jacob, David and Solomon. It is an ancient practice. I know that God only allows it's use under his authorization. There have been instances, one in the Book of Mormon to be exact (Jacob 2:27-30) where God has condemned the practice. Given the fact that God has, throughout history, alternately prescribed and condemned the practice I believe that it is a situational doctrine where God, having all of the information, and us not having it all, reserves the right to make a judgment call, taking all things into consideration, and either prescribes it or ends its use, basing his decision on the needs of the moment and all other factors involved. So the answer to this question is that the church practiced polygamy because God prescribed it at that time, and we don't anymore because God revealed that the practice was to be discontinued. When plural marriage was practiced only a handful of men were selected by God to participate. It was, by far, not practiced by all men or women in the church. The ones who participated were obeying a commandment from God, not necessarily seeking out the practice.
Shannon answered...

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.

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.