This is the fourth in a series of posts that examines the topic of Mormon spirituality, or how we respond to the Divine in personal living. Readers can find the first here, the second here, and the third here. There will be one final consecutive subject covered. The purpose of the series is to explain why Mormons are the way they are and what that has to do with religion and doctrine. It was inspired by critics who seem to misunderstand or question the inner spirituality of Mormons as materialists or shallow.

Many people who hear that “Families can be together forever” recognize it as an important Mormon teaching. It has been said that Mormons were concerned about the concept of “family values” before it became a political catch phrase. There is the vague notion that we are all related to God as sons and daughters, and therefore brothers and sisters to each other. This amounts to an expectation of large familes. What is less thought about is exactly how central the family is to the Mormon theology of Salvation.

The idea of family is not just about some kind of cosmic emotional connection to a Higher Power. Rather, the family cements each person to God in a way that goes beyond simple relatedness. The power of the Atonement is fully crystallized when humans become part of a structure patterned after an eternal organization. To not become part of that pre-existing community is to keep from reaching the full potential of the individual. Damnation is to be single and without family. Continue reading →

In a recent stake conference, a counselor in the mission presidency gave a powerful talk about looking on the heart, and not someone’s outward appearance.

As a member of the mission presidency, he is often called on to do follow-up interviews before someone is baptized. When he walked into the room for the interview, he saw a young man covered in tattoos and body piercings.

Gazing upon this young man, he said a silent prayer in his heart, “Lord, help me to see in him  what thou seest in Him.”

Continue reading →

Everybody hates the rich.  Certainly the writers of the scriptures had plenty of warnings to the rich.

First truth:  it is undeniable that the scriptures make it clear that the rich should voluntarily give of their substance to the poor.  The number of passages, especially from the Book of Mormon, emphasizing this is simply overwhelming.

Second truth:  you who are reading this are most likely rich.  Yes, you, the one who loves to bash the rich thinking it is anybody but you.  Compared to most of the world’s inhabitants, you are rich.  If you don’t believe me, travel to India or China or Africa or Latin America, where the vast majority of people get by on a few hundred dollars a month or less.  So, go look at yourself in the mirror, buddy.  When the scriptures are talking about the rich, they are probably talking about you.  Take that beam out of your eye.

Now, on to some myths.

Continue reading →