by Kak McAlister

Created on: September 25, 2007

The first glaring problem that exists is the use of the word "Mormonism". Those who have been referred to as "Mormons" (because of their respect of the Book of Mormon as scripture)should be more appropriately considered members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I really have no idea what is meant by the word "Mormon-ism" - so that publicly portrayed misnomer is the first place to start. Being referred to as a "Mormon" is acceptable, since historically, individuals collectively as followers of the teachings of Joseph Smith were referred to as such.

As a Mormon convert of seven years, I view the problems being faced by Mormon, i.e.latter day saints (LDS) members, from a different perspective. Granted, everyone (from birth) has a background that leads them to their own conclusions about suitability of religious practices. However, in the years since becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I have developed real trust in the phrase "all is well", despite problems instigated from friends and family.

The most pervasive problem being encountered by the members and leadership of the church is the fact that the greatest majority of the population, worldwide, is struggling with an inability to embrace belief and/or learn in faith. True, it is a highly organized, established church with leadership that imparts challenges and expectations regularly and clearly. Such definition of purpose and focus of direction is not found in such uniformity in many congregations. This has led to heightened criticisms and investigations by many individuals who are reluctant or unable to be focused on spiritual learning. In addition, expectations of learning IN FAITH presents additional difficulties in communications. But, that is a topic for another whole article!

Perhaps the central and most prominent problem facing the church as a whole is to find how to have people - at least those so often discovered to be hypocritical, narrow-focused in their scope of belief, or buried in a constant barrage of confusion of facts - to assist them to open their own hearts and minds and to even consider looking at what the possibilities may be of a RESTORED GOSPEL actually existing on the face of the earth.

In attempting to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, no group of people has endured any heavier degradation and persecution, as they persistently sought a place and time to exercise their hard won freedom of religion. The fact that they conducted themselves

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