Hi, I'm Cameron

I'm a husband. I'm a graduate accountant. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a husdband. I work in the city as an accountant. I graduated in 2010, so I am still adjusting to the pressures of full-time work. I enjoy working though, as it allows me to contribute positively to my community, support my small family, and develope my skills and knowledge.

I love my family, consisting of just my wife and me. We enjoy spending time and experience life together. We are preparing to one day bring children into this world and expand our little family.

I also enjoy Volleyball, touch football, squash, board games, and spending time with family and friends.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in a home that were Mormons. Following their example, I participate in church ativities and strived to live the commandments. When I was 16, I made an effort to gain a testimony, or belief, for myself. I read from the Book of Mormon as I was taught to do, and prayed to God. I asked if this book is really His word, I felt an answer that was from God.

How I live my faith

I believe that religion is my life, not just part of it. Apart from Sunday meeting where I worship God and Jesus Christ, I involve myself in activities such as community service, that allow me to act on what I know. Such an activity is Mutual, where I assist with the planning of activities, programs and fundraisers for the young people aged 12-18.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Cameron answered...

The teachings of Jesus Christ, or the Gospel, brings great happiness if applied in our lives. Naturally, we want to share this joy with those we love and care about. We can share the Gospel with our family and friends at home, school or the workplace.

God also encourages and commands us to share His message with all our spiritual brothers and sisters heere on Earth. He knows this will not only bring them closer to Him, but will also bless our lives with love, peace and the comfort of knowing that we have helped bring greater joy into their lives.

One way this can be done is by serving a full-time mission. Serving a mission allows members of the Church to dedicate a portion of time, normally 16-24 months, to sharing the Gospel message.

Serving a mission is completely voluntary, though it is considered a priviledge and honor to do so. I consider it one of the greatest selfless acts that one can engage in and one of the biggest blessings in my life.
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.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Kevin answered...

I suppose that new and different things have always been a challenge for some. It seems possible that the New Testament Christians might also have been called a cult: they were few in number, taught new, or at least different, doctrines and were lead by strong, charismatic leaders (a study of the early apostles like Peter or Paul bears this out).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the Mormon church) follows the teachings of Jesus Christ as contained in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We do not worship our founding prophet (Joseph Smith) or our current prophet (Thomas S. Monson). We teach that men are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrice on the cross and that as we strive to follow Him and keep His commandments, that redemption becomes personal.

If others persist in defining the Church as a cult, in spite of our rather obvious Christian beliefs and doctrines, then we will simply have to agree to disagree.