Could I Leave My Faith?

As my father was dying, he begged me to come back to our traditional family religion. He claimed that since all religions were about the same, it wouldn't make any difference. Though I knew it would mean so much to my dad, I didn't do it. Why?

To answer, I must go back to my college days. I lived just down the hill from the University of California at Berkeley. It was in the 1970's, the age of Hippies, and "Flower Power". Youth were questioning. They were tired to just being admonished to do as you are told. They didn't want to merely follow some traditional religion. They wanted answers. They wanted to know the meaning of life. Some sought "enlightenment" in Far Eastern religions and some in LSD drug highs. For most it was just a "fad", but for me it was not.

Can Members Disagree with Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Some people think that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are controlled by their leaders; that we are kept in "lock step" and denied the opportunity to express our individual opinions. If this were true, I'd sure be in trouble since I have lots and lots of opinions on about everything!  But what about the people who where shouting their dissenting vote yesterday in General Conference?

Do I, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Believe in Traditional Religion?

A friend expressed to me how she could not believe in traditional religion, recounting Christianity's history of voting on doctrine, political maneuvering, conquest (Crusades), and cruelty (Inquisition). She also stated that though she did believe in God, she could not believe that one person's ideas about religion were better than another person's ideas. I agree completely with her.

What!? You are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How could you not believe in traditional religion? Aren't you the most traditional, conservative religion around? 

We do believe in truth and do not give in when we know something is right, but our faith is not based on tradition. Throughout time there have been many good people who have set up religions based on what they believed was right. I think some have done a lot of good, but by the time I was eleven I knew that was not enough for me. I didn't want to choose between the many philosophies of men one that I liked the best and join that church. What I was looking for was revelation of truth from God.

Are Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Christian?

Some people have asked me if members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Christians.  Are we traditional Christians? -- No, but are we Christians -- Yes!  This is Jesus Christ's church which is why our name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To me being a Christian is a person who believes in Jesus Christ as our Savior and tries to follow His example of loving and serving others.