In February 2014 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the “Mormon Church”) published the first in a series of five articles on the value of religion. The first installment, posted at LDS Newsroom, was called “Why Religion Matters: The Longing Within.” The article explained that because we are spiritual creatures (indeed, according to Mormon doctrine, the literal spirit children of God) we will always long for Him as we are separated from Him during mortality. Says the article…
…there is something incomplete about us. And so we yearn for fullness. If every question had a ready answer, there would be no reaching in prayer. If every pain had an easy cure, there would be no thirst for salvation. If every loss was restored, there would be no desire for heaven. As long as these needs remain, so will religion. It is a natural part of life. To be human means to experience uncertainty, sorrow and death. Religion, however, is a school for making sense of chaos, a hospital for healing unseen wounds, a lifeline that gives us second chances.
The article claims that religion is not merely a creation of humans suffering hardship and wondering how the universe works. In good times and bad, humans search for the higher power they intuitively know exists. “Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote: ‘To believe in God means to see that the facts of the world are not the end of the matter.’”[4]
Belief imbues life with meaning, a “higher sense of purpose,” which bears fruit in charitable giving and service, an increase of love for others. Those raised without or living without a spiritual aspect in their lives often reach a point when they glance around at the material world, its works and requirements, and wonder, “Is this all there is”? I reached this point at the age of 15.
Suddenly, the world seemed empty, and I began to feel a deep yearning, unquenchable and becoming more desperate, for finding my spiritual roots and something above this earth I could naturally reach for. I began to investigate various Christian religions, having more or less accepted Christ as I grew up in a Christian-based society. Although I enjoyed every church service I experienced, it wasn’t until I attended a youth conference at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I felt spiritual power flowing into me. It said, very powerfully, that this was the place for which I was searching, I was home.
At the time, I knew nothing about the Mormons, their doctrines or practices. If this was to be a spiritual learning curve, then I was certainly at square one. But the spiritual experience I had received was overwhelming and real, and only increased as the evening progressed, and various church members told their individual stories. I felt it continually, but it refreshed me anew when I read and prayed about the Book of Mormon. At 16, with my parents finally relenting, I was baptized a member of the Church.
Continual Blessings of the Spirit
It’s been 50 years since I was baptized. I married in a Mormon temple and raised six children in the faith. Having come of age in the sixties, I know joining The Church of Jesus Christ, with its emphasis on clean living and help through the Gift of the Holy Ghost, saved me from the sinful trends that were rife during the decade. I doubt I would have had one marriage or the myriad blessings I now enjoy had I not found the “restored gospel” in my mid-teens.
We had a lot of fun raising our children, and we did so in four countries. Being a member of the Church and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit has made our lives more adventurous, not less. All of our children are active in the faith and continuing the focus on a global culture at the same time. I can’t imagine raising children without prayer and the constant inspiration I received from the Holy Ghost, and the healing power of the true priesthood of God. Personal revelation has been an abiding help. But you have to ask for it in prayer. It’s hard for me to see how people mutter through with only their own logic to help them with decisions.
So I know about spiritual yearning, and am so grateful those yearnings led me to the true and living God, and to His Son, Jesus Christ.
I enjoyed reading this article. I appreciate the perspective of people like the author who is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because I was raised a member of the Church and taught the gospel my whole life. It helps me appreciate what I have been given when I hear the experiences of those who came into the Church later in life. Many times I have wondered like the author, how people can handle the obstacles of today and the challenges of raising a family in the current environment without the hope and sustenance we have in Jesus Christ and his gospel. I think many more could benefit.
First, I want to mention how I see that playing out in everyday life. From my perspective, we all yearn for something familiar, pleasant, and heartwarming—all of us. As I type these words, I am listening to a James Taylor song. Now it could be any musician. But for me, James Taylor is a favorite. The video is on YouTube so as I listen to this music, I get to watch and hear the reaction of the audience as he sings. When he is welcomed to the stage, the crowd gives him a standing ovation before he plays a single note or sings a word. But when he starts playing, everyone in the audience goes quiet, but soon they are singing along because the lyrics and melody are familiar. They know and love his songs and sway back-and-forth to the music. Some sing the words out loud while others lip-sync and dance to the songs. For a moment in the midst of life, these people are remembering good and enjoying it despite all of the obstacles they most certainly face. And interestingly, that’s what religion and attending church does for me.
Particularly in the wake of challenges, I am reminded of the blessings I abundantly enjoy. And remembering my favored situation and recognizing the Source of everything that is good strengthens me and lets me enjoy the euphoria they bring. What can be better than that? For me, enjoying the gospel is recognizing the great plan meant to bring us happiness and joy. Hardship has meaning and a significant purpose when viewed through the perspective of religion. Strong families, faithful relationships, chastity before marriage and complete fidelity after marriage are principles that bring joy.
Men and women throughout the world are looking for the same thing to hold on to in the midst of today’s challenges. We are all seeking happiness through familiarity, warmth, and joy.
And for me, religion is the doorway through which all these good things come. Repentance is available and regularly implemented.
The end result is peace and joy.