Beliefs

What I Believe

At the core of my beliefs is my relationship with God, primarily that He is our Father in Heaven and by extension, we are all brothers and sisters. Understanding this relationship has been important in my life because it has changed the way I view myself and changed the way I treat those around me.

The topic of human potential has been well researched and well documented. Countless studies and anecdotes share how capable the human mind, soul, and body are. However, when going through the monotony that often accompanies daily life, it can be difficult to see ourselves containing such innate aptitude. When I am experiencing such feelings, I have found it helpful to remember that I was created by a loving Father in Heaven whose universal gift is that of divine potential. We may not all have the same physical traits, mental capacity, or social-economic status. Sadly, I will never make a USA Olympic team. But my potential for happiness, grit, and personal satisfaction is divinely gifted and ultimately unlimited.

This gift, of course, isn't solely mine alone. You reading this right now also share in that potential. So do the people you interacted with today, your next-door neighbor, and the person who last cut you off in traffic. By trying to see people in the way that God sees them, his children, our siblings, containing unlimited potential, I feel an increased desire to serve others and find common ground rather than differences. While I certainly lack such vision at times (people aren’t angels), striving to view others for their potential has helped my life in innumerable ways.

Why I Believe

Along with many things, the 21st century seems to have exponentially increased the list of available philosophies at one's disposal. The words and thoughts of the greatest thinkers of all time can be accessed in under 4.2 seconds. So why believe the way that I do? Put simply, as I have read and studied the principles found in the Book of Mormon and the Bible I have felt, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that they are true and contain the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This faith has grown as I have studied and practiced their teaching throughout my life and seen those I love follow them as well.

Why I Belong

Belonging to an organized religion or church is becoming less and less popular. In fact, 2020 marked the first year that more people in the U.S. don't belong to a formal religion than do. Yet, as I consider my own faith and beliefs, I chose to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it helps provide the structure and opportunities to turn my beliefs into daily living. As a Church, we have no local professional clergy. We are expected to look after and care for each other. The result is that as a member of the Church I am compelled, almost daily, to put my beliefs into action. As a result of serving and being served by others in my local congregation, I feel I am able to experience the essence of true Christianity.