--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Reimann, Paul E. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 26 number: 9 published: 1923-07 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Paul E. Reimann, "Why I Remain a Mormon", *Improvement Era* 26, no. 9 (July 1923): 837–840.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2609unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2609unse start_page: 837 end_page: 840 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1923-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2609unse publication_year: 1923 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1923, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Why I Remain a Mormon Why I Remain a "Mormon" By Paul E. Reimaun (One of the "MutuaT Men) There is a radical difference between giving reasons for belonging to a particular church and merely offering con- ventional excuses. When eight years of age, I was baptized and confirmel a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was not actually converted, however, until several years later. Since then, many have bitterly argued that the Church of my forefathers ought to be "good enough" for me. Contrary to this fallacy, I am certain that if my deceased rela- tives know anything about the plan of salvation, they do not regret that I am a "Mormon." As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I have experienced genuine satisfaction, which would decline if I should abandon "Mormonism." In my early boyhood, I lived in an atmosphere of adverse feeling towards Joseph Smith, which caused me to reflect se- riously over the problem of religion. My soul subsequently developed spiritual longings: (1) I desired a solution to the problem of the origin of my spirit being; (2) I sought an explanation of the purpose and destiny of human life; (3) I wanted the opportunity to fulfil the purpose for which I was created. I studied and investigated "Mormonism," because so much prejudice, intolerance and bigotry were manifested towards it. I decided that I would study and ask my Father in heaven, and either be convinced of its truths, or find a more promising re- ligion. After gradual investigation, I began to feel that "Mor- monism" is the plan of God, which solves the problem of liv- ing; and I expected to find that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embodies all the opportunities and privileges necessary for me to fulfil my mission upon the earth. My loyalty to the philosophy of "Mormonism" rests upon faith in the continuation of divine revelation. This is precipi- tated by faith in a personal God and a personal Redeemer, Jesus Christ. My reason for this belief is drawn from study and ob- servation, wherein I find that the degree of power and intelli- gence of any conscious force or organism depends upon the type and quality of organization. If God is unorganized, why should man be organized? and since man is organized, why should 838 IMPROVEMENT ERA not God, who possesses the greatest intelligence, be perfect in organization? He has a purpose in this universe; otherwise man would not have a body. To man He has given the greatest intelligence, by far; and it would be untenable to assume that human beings have an advantage over God our Father. The human race communicates with Deity through inspiration in discovery and invention, and particularly in prayer. This manifests a rela- tionship with God whom we regard as our divine Parent. Con- sidering ourselves the sons and daughters of our Father and Mother in heaven the gospel teaches that we came to this earth for the purpose of receiving a body. The gospel teaches the doctrine of continued revelation, on the premises that it is God's method of direct communica- tion. Not only does scripture substantiate this belief but reason as well. The radio receiving instrument will obtain a message from the broadcaster when properly adjusted. The human soul is a more delicate instrument, and if it possesses the right qual- ities it may enjoy inspiration from the divine. Revelation operates on the same basis but it is more magnified. Joseph Smith testified that he saw God our Father and Jesus Christ our Savior as two glorified, immortal and distinct Personages; that the angel Moroni brought the gold plates which Joseph translated by inspiration and revelation; that Peter, James and John conferred upon him the keys of the holy Priesthood; that he communicated with heavenly messengers; and that he received revelations and manifestations from God. The proof of these claims is manifested in the functioning power of the Priesthood in the Church today, and in the fulfilment of prophecies. Scripture, reason, and history substantiate the principle of modern revelation, for God is impartial and just. Through revelation, the gospel was restored, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established, with all the principles, laws and ordinances requisite to the sal- vation of the human family. The Priesthood is the life and vitality of the Church. It is the government of God, represented by prophets, apostles, high priests, seventies, elders, priests, teachers and deacons, organized into their respective quorums according to the laws of God. It is the divine institution of which I am a member, and whereby I may develop to the full extent of my opportunities. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because "Mormonism" is the divine philosophy of life, which embodies God's system of spiritual and temporal im- provement. It is the science of righteous living. It reconciles every demand of life and solves the three problems of the heart: WHY I REMAIN A "MORMON" 839 Where and how my life or spirit existed prior to mortal embodiment. Why I am on this earth — the purpose for this mortal ex- istence. What possibilities God has provided for my future exist- ence beyond this sphere, and by what opportunities in this life I may attain that destiny. I have learned from investigating the gospel that my spirit- being was born of our Father and Mother in heaven, where I developed as an intelligent personage like all of my spirit breth- ren and sisters. I had my free-agency and heavenly oppor- tunities to acquire knowledge, construct the rudiments of my character and work out my sacred mission. I was presented with the privilege of coming to this world for a body that I might continue to progress, because I kept my First Estate. "Mormonism" satisfies the present problem of life concern- ing the purpose for this mortal sphere. I came into this expe- rience to receive and develop a physical body in preparation for the future beyond the resurrection; and the degree of my com- pliance with God's laws will determine my state of progress in the hereafter. The gospel teaches me that God my Father passed through a mortal sphere. Now, by obeying his laws and following his plan of living I may, in eternity, become like he is now. The retarding influences in this life will be a bless- ing to me if I overcome them as did my Redeemer; for I must experience the bitter in order to enjoy the vital blessings of heaven. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the di- vine institution which provides all the opportunities essential to prepare me for the state of progress which God enjoys. It is the divine method of living. It is the University of Jesus Christ, who has instituted the entrance requirements and speci- fied the essentials to graduate into the Celestial Kingdom. Christ our Redeemer has an organization of officers who are his faculty-students, empowered with the Priesthood, according to the degree of their respective positions. I have fulfilled the entrance requirements of baptism, and the laying on of hands by authorized representatives of this divine institution. I have also received the Priesthood which has commissioned me as a faculty-student. In compliance with the course which leads to the Celestial degree of eternal glory I have been permitted to receive of the blessings of the temple. In this course which I am studying and following, the most sacred ideal in my life is the patriarchal promise of the com- panion whom the Lord desires to be my celestial partner. To enjoy this blessing, I anticipate our entrance into the New and 840 IMPROVEMENT ERA Everlasting Covenant in the House of the Lord and with this blessing the responsibility of home building. In this divine university all the laws and ordinances must be complied with in order to remain a candidate for a Celestial Degree of Glory after the resurrection. The method I use in this life to fulfil my chosen course in the University of Jesus Christ will determine whether or not my resurrected body and soul will be qualified to dwell in the celestial kingdom. My mission in this wonderful institution, in addition to the requisites of a true Latter-day Saint course in life, is a program of service. As a faculty-student in this Church, I must get into action and be of service. "Mormonism" is the divine blessing through which I may bless m|y fellow men. I am trying to prepare my life as a faculty-student for the ex- tension division of this institution — the mission field. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because "Mormonism" reveals the sphere from which I came, and it explains the purpose for my present existence. The Church is the University of Jesus Christ which provides the complete course of divine salvation. If I prove myself to be a diligent faculty-student I will graduate with "high honors" at my resurrection and enter post-graduate work in the Celestial Kingdom for eternity. Miller Ward, Granite Stake The Light that is Felt (Selected) A tender child of summers three, Seeking her little bed at night, Paused on the dark stair timidly, "Oh, mother! Take my hand," said she, "And then the dark will all be light." "We older children grope our way From dark behind to dark before, And only when our hands we lay, Dear Lord, in Thine, the night is day And there is darkness nevermore. Reach downward to the sunless days Wherein our guides are blind as we, And faith is small and hope delays; Take Thou the hands of prayer we raise, And let us feel the light of Thee! John G. Whittier.