Why I Stay: Preface (Part 1)

For a time when I was a teenager, the bishopric of my ward consistently asked members of our congregation to speak about their conversion stories over the pulpit. Consequently, I spent a lot of time thinking about my own "conversion story" should I ever be called upon to share it. I never was, and for good reason: I wasn't actually converted, nor did I really have any idea what "conversion" was. 

I'm not sure I'm totally converted even now, or if I ever will be in this life. But I do know that at this point in my life, I have made a conscious decision to remain active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Why?

Well, for one thing, I believe that God is real, and I believe that He is a God of order, not chaos. I believe that if God is a God of order, then He would have established a church to bring his children back to Him. I believe that church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Again, why?

Well, I believe that this church is the only one that contains all of the doctrines and principles as taught by Jesus Christ when He lived upon the earth. I believe that God would want his children to be happy forever, and therefore, that He would want them to be with their families forever. Hence, the doctrine of eternal marriage, as performed by priesthood holders within sacred temples. Along with that, I believe that this church is the only one that has true power and authority, given by God himself, to perform sacred ordinances. As Jason so often puts it, Jesus Christ would not have walked upwards of forty miles (approximately the distance between Salt Lake and Provo) to be baptized by John the Baptist if He could have been baptized by any Joe Schmoe on the street. But He did, and He did it because John was the only person on the earth who possessed the power and authority from God to baptize in His name. Likewise, the Church of Jesus Christ is the only one on the earth today that even claims to have that authority, and I believe it truly does. 

I believe that God continues to speak to His children, both publicly and privately. I believe that there are Prophets and Apostles living today who speak to and for our Father in Heaven, just as Jesus ordained Prophets and Apostles in His day. I also believe that through the Holy Spirit, we are able to receive divine communications and guidance for our personal lives. God is not silent. 

I believe that God establishes his word in the mouth of two or three witnesses, and that the second witness of Him is the Book of Mormon (the first being the Bible). I believe both of these books to be truly inspired by God.

I have not always believed these things. At times I have questioned, doubted, and justified disbelief. Once, I almost walked away entirely; it was that catalytic event that prompted me to begin a real study of my faith -- not just the doctrine of the Church, but what I myself truly believed. And so here it is: my "conversion story". Or at least the beginning of it.  

The mountains have always been my favorite place to feel the Spirit of God.

Part 2