1) For a long time I was only a member of the church because I was born into it, and my parents raised me according to its precepts. I am now a 28 year old doctoral student studying the psychology of religion. Consequently, the question for me is more accurately, why have I chosen to stay with the religion? For me its all about a deep connection with God that I have felt as a product of my relationship with the Church. I believe that God answers prayers, and that I have specifically asked about religious direction and I feel that he has directed me in this path. I truly believe that this is a church led by Jesus Christ through a prophet and that is why I have chosen to continue to follow the path I am on.  
 
2) This is a tough question to answer, because my decision to live according to the doctrines of Jesus Christ as taught by a living prophet, have impacted the decisions I have made more significantly than any other influence. It affected my choice in marriage, schooling, career, and day-to-day living. I can't underestimate the role it has played in my happiness and meaning in my life. 
 
3 & 4) I don't believe this is the only church worth following. There are many churches that follow some of the teachings of Jesus Christ that do a LOT of good in the world. I believe that people can be influenced for good in many ways by many different churches, including non-christian domains. However, I also believe in a God that has one truth about our existence and a system of laws that govern. Consequently I believe in an authority granted to man by God to officiate in ordinances that have to do with those laws (like baptism, for instance). Therefore, I believe that God gives authority to man, not that man earns it, and that that authority is only found within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, just as the Savior himself had his own singular organization of 12 apostles when he was on the earth. So, I see the value in many other churches, and the truth in their teachings, but I also believe that certain ordinances must be performed by authority given by God, and that authority is only found in one organization . 
 
5) We celebrate the classic Christian holidays (Easter and Christmas) even though we don't believe that Jesus Christ was born on December 25th. That's more of a culture thing than purpose of worship. We do believe that he was born on April 6th, but celebrate with the world on the 25th of December.  
 
One holiday that is unique to us is Pioneer Day on the 24th of July. This is the day the pioneers settled in Salt Lake City, UT after escaping mobs and persecution in the settled United States. The early members of the church traveled by foot across the country to escape religious persecution, and we celebrate their faith and perseverance.  
 
6) This religion requires a high level of commitment. If for no other reason because there are no paid clergy at the local level. Bishops, Priests, and everyone who makes a congregation work are volunteers. This can be difficult because of the level of involvement this requires. I personally spend between about 10 hours a week serving in my "calling", and that is without any kind of compensation. It is above and beyond my regular work and home life.  
 
7)...I answered that one earlier...didn't see this question coming :) 
 
8) My family has been members of this church for many generations. The earliest members of my family joined the church in Denmark in the 1830s and 40s and made the pioneer trek across the country.  
 
9) The most important part of this religion is the relationship that I have with my wife through sealing ordinances done in the temple. Secondly is the meaning it brings to my daily life and decision making.  
 
10) One of the things that makes us unique is the belief in a living prophet. We believe that God speaks to man just as he did in biblical times. We do not worship this man, as he is a human being just like us, but that he is chosen by God as was Moses, Noah, Abraham, Peter, and so on. This is how the religion was restored to the Earth through Joseph Smith (just a man, not worshipped, but believed to be a prophet of God) and how it is currently led today by Thomas Monson.  
 
11) If you were interested in learning more about the church I would direct you to lds.org or mormon.org where you could request that two of our missionaries in your area come and speak with you. You don't have to be interested in joining the church to do this either, I am sure they would be happy to answer some of your questions specifically and could answer any follow up questions as well. This is your best bet.  
 
12) Thank you for showing an interest in something that is so very important to me.

1. I chose it initially because it was the religion of my parents and family going back a few generations. Ultimately, I gained my own conviction by personal experience that I believed the faith and that it was essential to my salvation. 
 
2. It has given direction and meaning to my life in all phases. It informs all that I do as a professional, a parent, a spouse, etc. 
 
3. No. Others offer good things. I do believe that it is the only faith where we can access all the blessings God has for his children. But other religious traditions can bless people's lives. 
 
4. I do believe that God is a God of order. I do believe that he has a system or Church that is true. I believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that Church, but the way your question is worded, I do believe that others religions are worth following. 
 
5. Christmas and Easter are the large holidays. As the official name of the Church suggests, Jesus Christ is at the center of our beliefs. His birth and resurrection are accepted as factual, glorious events that affect our own hopes for salvation. 
 
6. It requires a whole souled committment. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet, said it best, "any religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things cannot produce faith unto salvation." (The quote is close though not exact). I believe that to be true. 
 
7. Because it blesses my life and the life of my family. I have found happiness and meaning in my efforts to live it completely. 
 
8. No. 
 
9. The most important part is the most basic part. It teaches me a correct notion of who God is and what my relationship is to Him. I understand who Jesus is and come to know Him through my efforts to live His teachings. I appreciate that God speaks to His people today as He did anciently--through prophets. As I listen and follow God's prophets I am blessed. 
 
10. If I were trying to study my church, I would begin by finding out the story of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.  
 
11. If you are interested go to mormon.org and ask to have missionaries come teach you and answer questions. 
 
12. You are welcome!

1. What made you choose the religion you are in? 
 
I don't really believe I choose this religion I believe that it choose me. The Restored Gospel found me and changed me, it brought me closer to Jesus Christ then I have ever been in my life! 
 
2. How has it affected your life? 
 
I am a better husband and a better person overall, I cherish my wife more and respect her as a precious daughter of Heavenly Father. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will make me better prepared to be a father when the Lord blesses me with children.  
 
3. Do you believe it to be the only religion worth following? 
 
I believe that it is the most correct religion on the face of the Earth, the only true religion. I accept that all faiths have light and truth in them and each and every one of them is inspired by Heavenly Father to some extent. What separates my faith from the rest of the religions of the world is that Christ himself leads this Church we are ordained to hold the Holy Priesthood of God, this responsibility does not make us better or the only faith worth following, but it does bring us closer to Christ and Heavenly Father through the ordinances of the Temple.  
 
4. If yes, why? 
 
Not Applicable, though I think our faith it the most correct of all faiths because we are lead by prophets who receive the will of the Lord for our day. We follow Christ's will not the will of men.  
 
5. What are the important holidays and traditions of this religion? 
 
The most important holiday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my opinion is Easter, it celebrates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and reminds us that we are also to be resurrected when he comes again!  
 
The most important tradition in the Church is the Temple Ordinances, these sacred covenants bring can make families ties last forever and allow us to spend eternity as a "forever family" with our Heavenly Father.  
 
 
6. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion? 
 
It is not a faith for those who are not ready to make sacrifices for the Lord. Membership in the Church (at least active membership) requires a life of chastity, purity, and adherence to a stick code of conduct. Latter-day Saints do no drink coffee, tea, or alcohol, they do not use tobacco or other habit forming substances. They dress modestly and live a life of service to there fellow man. It is a faith that changes your life instead of most faiths where your life changes your faith.  
 
7. Why do you choose to stay in this religion? 
 
I choose to remain an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because I know that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that it is the only source of joy in the universe. I have never been happier in my life and know that living this Gospel will allow me to return to my Father in Heaven and be more like him and Jesus Christ! 
 
8. Are you the only member in your family that is of this religion? 
 
Yes, currently my wife and I are both the only members in our respective families that are members of the Church. Of course our own family is a Later-day Saint family and we anxiously await the blessing of children to raise in the Gospel of Christ. 
 
9. What is the most important part of your religion to you? 
 
The most important part of my religion is the Lord Jesus Christ, our Church bears his name and everything we do is in his name. We all strive to be more like Him each day. Christ is the foundation of our religion and the head of our Church.  
 
10. Are there any specific beliefs one should be aware of when studying your religion? 
 
Members are expected to live by strict moral, health, dress, and conduct standards. The Church does discipline members who violate these standards and they are not negotiable. We believe that Christ is the redeemer of mankind that through the atonement we can be saved from our sins and become like our Heavenly Father  
 
11. If I was interested in becoming a Latter-day Saint what would I need to do first? 
 
You would have to take the new member lessons with Missionaries of our Church. These Missionaries would teach you about the Restored Gospel and educate you about the preparations you need to take to become a member of the Church. When ready you would be interviewed for baptism and if approved you could be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  
 
12. Thank you so much for taking time to speak with me. 
 
You are quite welcome, I hope that my answers help your project in school!!  
 
Feel free to also visit our websites at lds.org and mormon.org. They have a wealth of information about our Church and the precepts we teach!

1. What made you choose the religion you are in? 
 
My parents were both converts to the Church and so I was born and raised as a Mormon/Latter-day Saint. But even though I was raised a Mormon I had to choose and make a conscious decision to follow its teachings. When I was a teenager living in a foreign country due to my father being in the military I had to know for myself whether the things my parents and church teachers was true. I remember reading the scriptures daily (in this instance the Bible and the Book of Mormon) and then praying very earnestly on my knees daily to receive an answer from God that these things are true. (I was following the example that our Prophet Joseph Smith read about in the Bible at James 1:5.) I obviously did not have the same experience that Joseph did - not by a long shot. But I did receive a witness from God that these things were true. That experience - and many, many more experiences since that time - have solidified by faith and belief in God. That belief that we call a testimony has been the driving force in my life to do the things and sacrifices that I have made. I have found that when I live my life in accordance to Gods commandments and counsel that I feel great peace and joy. That joy is not momentary are imaginary, but it is real true happiness.  
 
 
2. How has it affected your life? 
 
It has affected my life in every way possible. Because of the choices I have made I have been married to my best friend for over 3 decades. Because of it we chose to have a family. Because of it we chose to sacrifice material possessions and allow my wife to be a stay-at-home mom. Because of it we have served literally many, many thousands of hours in service to others by way of volunteer callings/positions in the church. Because of it we willingly donate 10% of our income - which in these difficult economic conditions can be a real sacrifice. Because of it we choose to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, drugs, etc. Because of it our main goal and focus is for our family. Because of it we are constantly learning and educating ourselves. Because of it we set lofty goals for ourselves and are constantly trying to become better, kinder people. Because of it we know that living on this earth is just another step towards being able to live with God forever. Because of it we are Christians and take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. 
 
 
3. Do you believe it to be the only religion worth following? 
 
No, we believe that all religions have and teach good and worthy things. However, as others have said, we believe that we have the complete truth in the form of the completely restored church of Jesus Christ. We do not want to force anyone to believe as we do, but we do want to share with others what we have and let them decide what they want to do. 
 
 
4. If yes, why? 
 
N/A 
 
 
5. What are the important holidays and traditions of this religion? 
 
Easter and Christmas are the two most important holidays. At the same time - at least in the U.S. - we celebrate and honor other national holidays such as 4th of July, Memorial Day, Mother's and Father's Day, New Years, Thanksgiving, etc. 
 
 
6. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion? 
 
Being a Latter-day Saint (aka Mormon) can be challenging and demanding. It is not a Sunday morning only church. It is a whole lifestyle. We believe that to worship and honor God that we need to do that every hour and every day - not just at church on Sundays. 
 
 
7. Why do you choose to stay in this religion? 
 
Two main reasons: 1) Because of the peace, joy and happiness I feel as a result of living a life in accordance with God's commandments. 2) Because I have faith that I and my family can be together eternally after we die and I want to do everything I can to ensure that I can receive of Gods grace and blessings. 
 
 
8. Are you the only member in your family that is of this religion? 
 
No, we are all members. 
 
 
 
9. What is the most important part of your religion to you? 
 
That Jesus is my Savior, Mediator, and Redeemer. That only through Jesus and His grace can I live eternally and be happy. 
 
 
10. Are there any specific beliefs one should be aware of when studying your religion? 
 
I think one of the most beautiful set of beliefs is around the following set of questions: Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where do I go after I die? I would refer you to go here: http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/ to help get some answers to those questions. 
 
 
 
11. If I was interested in becoming a _________________ what would I need to do first? 
 
Have a sincere desire to learn truth and be willing to live in accordance with that divine knowledge. 
 
 
12. Thank you so much for taking time to speak with me.  
 
My pleasure. Thank you for asking. One of the benefits of true joy is the desire to share that with others. That's why Mormons are so willing to share their knowledge with others. 
 
 
I also have a public profile on mormon.org that you can see other questions I have answered. It is located here: http://mormon.org/me/188T/