Why I Am Still Mormon

I know a few people who used to be members of the Mormon church but are no longer active. Some are people from my high school seminary class, some are members of my family. They are all delightful, intelligent people, and a couple have advanced degrees. I really like them, especially the ones I am related to.  I don't know why they decided to discontinue their membership.

I got much the same upbringing as they did. And I can't say there is nothing about church doctrine and theology that has given me pause. So why haven't I fallen away, too? I was pondering on this subject the other day and I came up with a pretty good answer:

I am still Mormon because I believe the Church is true. I believe in the whole bit - the standards, temples, modern prophets, everything. When I read the scriptures or listen to General Authorities speak, it feels real, far more real than anything any news pundits or anti-Mormon apologists have to say.

I may have been a little upset with my parents when they insisted that I had to be sixteen to go on any dates, but other than that I have never found the standards restricting. Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, taking good care of your body, and the whole chastity thing is just a long list of really good ideas. I have never heard anyone tell me, "I put my high quality of life down to my smoking habit," or "my interpersonal relationships have become so much more meaningful since I started sleeping around."

Mind you, there are some aspects of Mormon culture that I disagree with, but big hooplas for baby blessings, a love for Jack Weyland novels, and testimonies of Glen Beck are not requirements for a temple recommend. Jack Weyland novels make me want to throw up. So does everything ever written by Chris Heimerdinger.