We have answers! As we all know, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church or Mormon Religion) has become a popular topic of conversation in recent months. Undoubtedly, this interest will continue through the next several months. As a Mormon, I am very grateful that my Mormon Religion is being discussed and being talked about so much.

The Mormon religion teaches from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Unfortunately, such an interest can sometimes result in the wrong or incomplete information being circulated about the Mormon religion. There is a lot of half-truths and lies about Mormons and the Mormon religion out there. Some are published by well meaning individuals who perhaps do not fully understand the Mormon religion. The bulk of this kind of information, however, is perpetuated by individuals and groups who hate the Church for one reason or another. Is there a bias in messages from such individuals and groups? Most definitely!

I suppose you can also argue that I’m biased because I’m Mormon – you would be absolutely right. I would ask you to remember a few things about my bias and conviction of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My conviction of the truthfulness of the Mormon religion came about through years of actual scripture study – both the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon. It is the result of many life experiences and trials, both good and bad. It is the result of years of study and reading a wide array of literature on Religion and God, even those penned by those who argue that there is no God. It came as a result of faith, sincere prayer, and through obedience to the witness of the Spirit.

As members of the Church, we are taught that we all need to obtain our own testimony. We all need to know for ourselves. In other words, every Mormon must decide for himself if the Church and its teachings are true. A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement… (lds.org)

Obtaining a testimony is “not a single event but a process.” It begins with a humble heart, a sincere desire to know, and faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. President Gordon B. Hinckley observed that the Lord himself gave us the formula for obtaining a testimony in John 7:17 – “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” If you do have questions and are sincere about your desire to know more about the Mormon Religion, I invite you to visit these online resources.

Mormon.org – This is an official Church site that provides basic information about the Church. If you want to know what we believe, you’ll be able to find out by clicking on the link for “Basic Beliefs.” You can also listen to the testimony of others who searched for the truth and found it in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Myths and Realities – This 10 minute video hosted by Steve Young (former NFL quarterback) and Sharlene Hawkes (former Miss America) both Mormons respond to questions and common misconceptions about the Church.

LDS FAQ – This site offers answers to over 400 questions that are frequently asked about the Mormon Religion. You can browse the list of questions and answers available and you can also submit a question about the Church. This site is sponsored by BYU Studies.

Frequently Asked Questions – This question and answer site is owned by the Church. It addresses the most commonly asked questions about Mormon Temples.

LDS FAQ: Mormon Answers – Well known Mormon scholar and writer, Jeff Lindsay responds to a wide variety of questions about the Mormon Religion. Mr. Lindsay hosts other sites and blogs about the Church so be sure to follow the links to those sites as well.

Ask Gramps – This site offers “moral answers to everyday concerns, curiosities, and uncertainties.” Gramps is a Mormon so be sure to check out all those questions and answers that are related to the Church.