Values
We all have values, whether or not we realise this fact. Our values consist of our priorities, preferences and prejudices. Values govern how we make decisions. We choose our values, and accordingly choose our character, disposition, and choices; and the ultimate results of our choices.
Stable society consists of stable, loving families; where which the bedrock principles of honesty, respect, kindness etc., are consistently taught to & inherited by each new generation. God loves us as His children. The family was instituted by God, to help us live and love each other more like He does. Some of our greatest joys may be found in family life harmonised according to God's commandments.
The teachings of my church help strengthen my family and deepen my friendship with all people. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I accept and admire all honest seekers of truth as my natural friends, and have a positive outlook on all faiths as far as they originated from the same ultimate source. I believe in working constructively with the adherents of all systems of belief or values, to achieve common goals and thereby build meaningful relationships of trust, respect and friendship.
God communicates with us (his children) through the gentle voice of his spirit and through the words and writings of prophets who help conserve true principles and protect us from the harmful effects of temporary cultural trends. While all faiths have their roots in wisdom and instruction from God; God is not responsible for man's failure to obey His commandments or for the substantial differences of opinion that have arisen over points of His doctrine, which were introduced by human error and depravity.
In the confusion of opinions between contending philosophical and theological groups, the true knowledge of God's plan was lost, and only a partial knowledge remained. In 1820 a young man called Joseph Smith, who was confused by those differences of opinion among the contending religious authorities of his day, asked God in prayer which church he should join. Contrary to Joseph's simple expectations, God and Jesus Christ appeared to him and gave him a special mission to perform like that of Moses and certain other ancient prophets. Through Joseph, God has restored knowledge originally given through ancient prophets, answering questions like,
- “Why am I here?”,
- “Where did I come from?”,
- “Where will I go when I die?”
- “How can I be with my loved ones in the eternities? Is there anything I need to do? If so, what?”
It is my conviction that Joseph's claims are corroborated by the best evidences; and it my experience that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed through his servant prophets and apostles leads to peace of mind, spiritual solace and an actual relationship with God.
Related information
- God's plan of happiness for us, his children
- The Holy Bible and The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ) – a brief introduction, by Matthew Slyman.
- Religion & Science – A brief essay on the strengths and limitations of the scientific method as applied to religious thought, truth and general philosophy. By Matthew Slyman.
External links
- Mormon.org – An introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
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Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. ... - Moses' record in the second book of his writings {Find out more} © 2004-2010 Matthew Slyman |