Hi, I'm William

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was a Social Worker for years and a blue collar worker at many jobs as I worked my way through college. I have always been compassionate and a seeker of people to share my view that compassion and hard work along with good works and forgiveness will see you through anything life throws your way.

I am a parent and have been on my own since I was 16. I don't come from a large family or have close ties to anyone on this Earth to rely on in times of physical or spiritual need. My background is one of hardship and suffering but not without many good times and fine people in my life. I traveled with the Grateful Dead, love Neil Young, Santana and many other bands and music.

I searched for belonging in the Rainbow family of living light and with other religious denominations. My political views are liberal socially and conservative fiscally with the strong belief that those who have things, did not earn anything by themselves but either took it from others immorally or were blessed enough with inheritance, good family, or blessed by God which means in no case should anyone hold themselves as better or more deserving than anyone else.

My hobbies are reading and photography

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because after working my way through the maze of Protestant preachers who either condemned me to Hell or simply wanted my money, I discovered the Hindu texts of the Baghavad Gita and the Upanishads. I still find Truth there and such a rich and deep insight into the human condition that I could never renounce them as anything less than Holy.

After many years of being alone in my mixture of inner directed beliefs in God-self-realization I was given a Book of Mormon and read it. Being familiar with the Bible and having a unique way of interpreting Christ I identified with the book of Alma in particular, within the Book of Mormon. I joined the Church because I wanted company and it is designed the way that Christ set up His organization. It has a Prophet, apostles, teachers, and a central organization which surpasses any organizational Christian structure except the country of the Vatican. Mormonism is an individual spiritual pursuit toward God-self-realization through Christ. It is not a diplomatically immune religion from prior to the reformation or a disjointed series of churches. It demands high moral standards and can't be a cult as some claim because after all, you're reading this.

I am free to receive my personal revelation directly within my personal relationship with deity, while having a larger body of prophesy and revelation on worldly matters from the Prophet and scriptures. I am a Mormon because I am free to seek God through Christ and have the worldwide association of millions who are making the same journey together, alone.
There is no end to virtue; There is no end to might;
There is no end to wisdom; There is no end to light.
There is no end to union; There is no end to youth;
There is no end to Christ; There is no end to truth.
There is no end to glory; There is no end to love;
There is no end to being; There is no death above.

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you?

I have so many favorite teaching that it is impossible to say of one. But the very idea of never sacrificing the Truth that is love for the ignorant, charity for the poor, perfecting of ones self by seeking the Truth within is profound and moving to me. I find all of these in Luke 17.

Then there is the line is Luke 23-24 when He asks the forgiveness of those torturing and killing Him. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

If this is not worthy of my respect and doesn't teach me each and every day how to try and deal with people of this world; nothing is of any value, no physical object, philosophy or thought... nothing. That is why He is the Truth, Life, Light and Way.

How I live my faith

I live my faith as I see fit. I pray, meditate, serve my fellow humans in any way I deem appropriate. My scriptures include the Bible, Book of Mormon, Upanishads, Bahagavad Gita, Rumi, advanced social theory, Nag Hammadi, On the Origin of Species and many other timeless scriptures giving insight into the nature of mankind and being.

I go beyond serving people within the Mormon religion because that is what I'm directed to do by my inner Spirit and through scripture of all kinds. I resist the bigoted and self serving interests of the Church each and every day. Mormons are a peculiar people in that they are a range of spirits with some being sheeple needing to believe everything literally while others like me perform acts of random kindness without judgement as to whom is worthy and who isn't. I obey Christ and disobey the Mormon Church when it becomes hypocritical or oppressive in it's dogma. That isn't to say I don't believe the Truth is in the Book of Mormon or that the Church is always oppressive or wrong; but it is highly political and many, many individuals within it are highly judgmental and selfish people who judge in a way that I'm sure would bring a strong rebuke from Christ. The Church places a very strong emphasis on its collective image and leaves its individual members to fall away and even perish so long as its ecumenical priority moves forward.

My faith is in the personal relationship I have with the Spiritus Mundi and the organizational structure of the Mormon Church that will remain after I die leaving my children and yours a haven to be within until they find their own Spiritual wings. My family is most important to me and teaching sweetness and light to them is a priority. But, at the same time I teach them to be strong and develop their trust in the Holy Ghost (Spiritus Mundi) to the point where the only leader they need is within and not in Rome, Salt Lake City or another man setting himself up as the way to salvation. Peace to you all.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

William answered...

Many people are confused about the Word of Wisdom. It is really very simple. If you truly adhere to the Word of Wisdom you will never need to be addicted to a substance or have to deal with the heartache and suffering that come with the use of illegal drugs, headaches from lack of caffeine, various cancers or emphysema caused by tobacco or chew. Along with a sensible diet the Word of Wisdom is just a commonsense guide to a healthy body and mind. I know of what I speak when I say ignore it at your own peril.
Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Nick answered...

"Required" is an interesting word when it comes to faith and religion. In the Mormon Church no one is "required" to serve a mission. Church membership is not revoked for not serving a mission. In this sense, they are not required, yet serving a mission is encouraged at many stages in life and in many different capacities throughout the world.

Missionary service is a tremendous blessing, a challenge, and one of the main focuses of the faith. The life of Jesus Christ was the life of a missionary in many respects. Performing service for one another, preaching the glad message of the gospel, and increasing the faith and dedication of God's children are exemplified in Christ's life and mirrored by those in missionary service.

To dedicate a portion of one's life in service propels those who serve and those who are served into a better life. During my two year mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and during my two year service mission with LDS Family Services, I was greatly blessed and strengthened. (I hope those whom I served found some value in my service as well.) That strength has taught me to better navigate this life, has kept my family relations intact, and has been the method of helping others overcome their trials as well.

Spiritually speaking, I don't find value in reflecting on what my life would be like without serving a mission. Instead, I rejoice in knowing that without that time in missionary service my life would be significantly less happy and productive. In my life, serving a mission has taken on many of the characteristics of a "required" act since I can't picture myself progressing very far without having served as a missionary. While not required to be a member of the Mormon church, missionary service has been a critical and welcome part of my life and growth spirituality. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to serve missions, and look forward to serving in many more.