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There has been so much going on lately with Mitt Romney running for President, so much buzz in the media about Mormon's and what they are, what they believe. Of course, the media is more concerned about making buzz with headlines than they are about sharing information, so the blog world is left to cover the real meat of the matters. In this post, I hope to touch on a few matters that relate to Mormons in political spotlight

Mormons in politics

From what you read in the news, Mitt Romney is the first Mormon to ever run for any important political office. You'd think that this is the first time we've had a Mormon trying for a trusted role in US government. Nothing could be further from the truth! For more than 100 years, the US has had Mormon's serving in prominent public offices, from the Senate to the Secretary of Agriculture or Secretary of Education, Mormon's have been there doing the best job they know how. 

Interesting website with info about Mormon's in politics

Well suited for public service

Arguably, Mormon's can be well suited for public service for a number of reasons. First, in the Mormon church, members are expected to serve in leadership capacities without payment. Service is just that, something one does out of love. This can translate in politics to serving out of a love for the people, and a love for the country. Second, Mormons are taught to be honest and upright in everything that we do, and to sustain and uphold the law and the government. We are taught that governments are something the Lord approves of, and that we should support them as best we can.

You'll notice that I say Mormons "can" be well suited. Being Mormon doesn't guarantee you'll be a great leader or politician. Mormon's are human, and not all would even want to be politicians. But we certainly have proven through time that we can produce great public servants.

Republican or Democrat?

Here's another funny one. People assume, perhaps because of Utah's political leanings, that all Mormon's are republicans. These people apparently don't know that Harry Reid, the Democratic majority leader, is a Mormon. And he's not the only one. Being a Mormon doesn't mean you are any particular thing politically, and indeed the Mormon church doesn't influence personal political decisions as a rule.

How politically involved is the Mormon church?

Mormon's a politically active, but the church as a whole, as a rule, is politically neutral. It endorses no candidates, and provides no time "at the pulpit" for political purposes. Church resources, such as member lists or donation monies, aren't used for political purposes or to promote candidates or political parties.

Does this mean the church stays completely out of all political issues? Absolutely not. The Church is very politically active when it must stand up for the moral strength of society, and members are encouraged to take an active role in issues that affect the values that make our society great. 

What about Mitt Romney?

As a Mormon, I think it would be a great thing to see a Mormon elected president. I happen to like Mitt because I myself believe strongly that his experience and proven track record are what we need to get our country back on course. I know he'll represent solid values in a fair way, and I know that he'll be checked by the other two branches of government. Having him in office would mean more scrutiny for our church, and I'm OK with that; I feel that would be another check for him.

Mitt Romney as a Mormon should be nothing to fear, given the track record of more than 100 years of Mormons serving in office.

What do people want to know about Mormonism?

The internet is an amazing resource, but for some topics you just want to be sure you're getting the right answer. One example of this is medical information. There are hundreds of websites out there that might tell you hundreds of different things about any medical condition or treatment. Does that mean they're all right? Some might think they're right, but they could be completely wrong. You have to make sure you're getting your information from a good source.

To me, religious information is just as vital as medical information, and I want to know that I am getting correct answers from a good source. A lot of people have questions about Mormonism, and a lot of people turn to the internet to get these questions answered.  The problem is, are they getting their answers from a good source? Often times, people try to get answers from websites that have an obvious dislike for Mormons. One thing is for sure: these websites wont give you the truth.

Lds.org and Mormon.org are official websites of the Mormon church, and they will give correct answers about what Mormons believe in. These are great starting points. Mormon.org even has a "live chat" where you can ask an actual person questions about Mormonism, and get real answers that you know represent what a Mormon actually thinks and believes.

I also have a personal blog where you can ask basic questions about mormonism, it is over at jozhaus.wordpress.com. I like a lot to lds.org and mormon.org, and I try to share my personal thoughts and answers to basic questions in a way that is easy to read.

So, if you have questions about Mormonism, please feel free to ask- or, visit the Mormon churchs official websites for answers you know are valid and true.

People sometimes wonder how, or if, Mormons celebrate Christmas. Like most Christians, we celebrate the birth of Christ each year on December 25th. We do the normal things that most people do, at least in my family, such as presents from Santa, a Christmas tree, lights, etc. I have so many good memories of growing up and going to family parties, eating everyone's homemade foods and just having fun.

For me, Christmas is a time of Joy. Now that I'm a little older, I am able to look past the presents and lights, and see the present that Christ gave for us all, by being born here on earth and by dying for us on the cross. I can see the light that He gave the world through His words, His works and His sacrifice.

If you are curious about how Mormons feel about Christmas, I would invite you to watch the mormon Christmas devotional online. It is a free event, open to all. You can watch it live on Dec 7 at 6pm Mountain Time, or you can wait until after it is broadcast and watch it at your convenience.

More details here

I have posted a few entries on my other blogs about Mormons and Polygamy. I think it is fair for Mormons to define their own beliefs, and I would like for everyone to know that we do not practice polygamy in our church. Those who claim to be mormon, and practice polygamy, are lying. I don't know why these people want to confuse everyone about the Mormon church, but luckily the church has come out with several public statements on the matter.

Here are a few links to more information about it. I hope that it helps to clear any confusion up.

newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/media-letter
newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-seeks-to-address-public-confusion-over-texas-polygamy-group

You know, I wrote a post about prayer, but a more interesting topic to me is how God answers our prayers. After all, isn't it rather important for the communication to be two-way? If we want to know what God would have us do, we need to learn how to understand how he answers our prayers.

First, I'd start out by saying that I believe God can answer prayers in many different ways. I also believe that we each have to learn and understand how God wants to answer our prayers, for us personally. We have the resonsibility to actively look for the answer to our prayers, and give the credit to God when the answers come.

One way that God can answer prayers is through the Holy Spirit. This is probably one of the more subtle ways He might answer a prayer, and being able to feel and understand these answers requires that a person be humble, and in tune with the Spirit. Praying in a quiet place, then giving some of your time to God after you pray for Him to answer can help you feel the Spirit of God in response to your prayers.

Now, I'm not saying you need to hear a voice, but just look for a feeling. For me, it is a peaceful feeling that seems to fill my body. It gives me strength and courage, and if I listen to my heart as I feel that feeling, I understand what God wants me to understand.

We can also look for answers to our prayers in the actions of others, or in the actions we are prompted to take. Follow those promptings that are good, and you'll never go wrong. Be sure to thank God for the answers you get, and you'll get more and more.