Scott Gardner

As the advisor to the LDS Student Association, I was asked to write the religion column this week. I grew up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as a Mormon or LDS (Latter-Day Saint) and never realized how little people knew about Mormons until I moved from Nevada to Chicago. In Chicago, I found that most people thought that Mormons had 10 wives, didn’t believe in Christ, were some weird cult, worshiped Joseph Smith and had horns growing out of their heads. Much to the contrary, I have one wife, no horns and a profound belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Redeemer. Perhaps I can clear things up for all of us and share the truth about Mormons because as Jesus said, “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

1) Many churches today stemmed from various reformations (thus the various Protestant churches). Our belief is that instead of a reformation, a restoration of Christ’s original church was needed as the authority and complete truth were lost during the dark ages. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized in 1830 by Joseph Smith in up-state New York. 2) We believe Joseph Smith was a prophet and that God speaks to his prophet today just as in ancient times. We don’t worship Joseph Smith, we simply respect him as a prophet just as we respect Moses as a prophet. 3) Mormons do not have more than one wife and do not practice polygamy and haven’t for more than 100 years. 4) We believe in the Bible and also in the Book of Mormon (a record of Christ’s dealings with the people of ancient America). The two books are used together to further testify of the divinity of Christ. 5) Mormons believe in Christ. The name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ … Indeed, one verse from the Book of Mormon says, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ … that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26). 6) And lastly, Mormons don’t have horns growing out of their scalp (just thought I’d clarify that for you, too). If you have further questions about those strange Mormons, just ask one of them or check out Mormon.org.

E-mail comments to Scott Gardner at [email protected].