Hi, I'm Kiley Barney

I'm a snowboarder. I'm a tennis player. I'm a musician. I am a teenager. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm born and raised in Arizona. I love anything that has to do with music whether it's listening to it in the car or with friends to singing, playing guitar, piano, ukelele or violin. Snowboarding and long boarding are a few of my favorite things to do with my friends. My family is the world to me! My dad is the bishop of our ward and my mom is amazing at everything she does. I have three younger brothers (Blake, Bryson and Bronson) and they are athletically talented. I love traveling, I've been to almost half of the states in the US, Canada, Mexico and Japan. Photography is one of my passions. I love capturing the fun, simple moments of life.

Why I am a Mormon

The gospel makes me truly happy. Without this church and the knowledge of this church I feel like my purpose of life would be completely different. The feelings that I have during church meetings and other church related things are so wonderful. It helps me know that this gospel is the real thing. I know this church is real and I have a firm testimony of the scriptures and the power of prayer.

How I live my faith

Being a teenager is difficult! At times it is hard to remember to pray or read the scriptures but when I do I know that my life is easier and I can make better choices. I am currently in the Youth Council for my stake so I plan activities such as stake dances, stake trek, youth conference and many other exciting things.

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.
Trisha answered...

Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

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.