The Core

Before I get too far in, I thought it would be appropriate to explain why I believe what I do about the family, and what my principle sources of belief are.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This is the major factor of my decisions of what is truth and what is falsehood, because I have learned through the Church how to test truth. I believe that the way to discern truth comes through one overarching source - The Holy Ghost. To those who aren't familiar with the LDS religion, this may seem a foreign concept. The Holy Ghost is our guide in this life, leading us to what is right and steering us away from what is wrong. The Holy Ghost can be likened to conscience, but He is much more than our conscience. On the lds.org website, the description of the Holy Ghost is as follows:

"The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter."

Through the Holy Ghost, I have found the scriptures (Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price) to be the word of God. As such, I use these books as reliable sources for answers.


Another aspect that guides my belief is my testimony of revelation through modern-day prophets. Without going into too much detail, I believe that there are men on Earth today that have the authority to receive revelation (through the Holy Ghost) for the entire church and world. These are prophets and apostles. Just as there were prophets and apostles in Bible times, there are prophets and apostles today.

This being said, these prophets and apostles speak to the world to voice of warnings and guidance. One of the major revelations that I will be referring to frequently in this blog is called The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The link to the full printable page:
https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation   

One more source that I use is my own observation of whether or not something leads me closer to, or farther from God. I can look at the "fruits" of a viewpoint, an action, a way of life to decide whether it leads to happiness or not. I take comfort in this source as well, because it appeals to logic and reason, and is simple to understand.

  3 Nephi 14: 17-18, 20
 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
 20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.

These are some of my principle sources. I have discovered for myself through the Spirit that these sources can be trusted. However, do not take my word for it; discover for yourself if the words from the scriptures and modern-day prophets are true. Read them yourself and pray for an answer. This promise given in Moroni 10: 4-5 is for those who seek the truth:

 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

As I use these sources, do not assume that only members of my church can relate, or that this blog is only meant for those of my faith. The principles that are taught in these sources are meant for the entire world. Truth is truth. It can be applied by everyone.

I hope this gives an accurate picture of my background, basis for my reasoning, and why I feel strongly about the things that I believe.