Hello! My name is Courtney and in case you didn't already figure it out (hence the title of my Blog) I am going to use this blog to help me share my beliefs, doctrine, and just musings I may have about my scripture reading or anything I might read that relates to my faith.

     I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or more commonly known as the "Mormon Church".(With that being said, I have this blog open to the public, but I am going to put this out there right now: I will NOT argue with anyone about my beliefs. So, if anyone reads something I post and doesn't agree with it that is perfectly fine and please feel free to share your thoughts and/or feelings but I will not respond to any hostile comments/remarks.)

     In this first post, I will just want to debunk a few of the most common myths about the LDS Church and its members.

1. Mormons practice Polygamy.
     There was a time in Church History when polygamy was encouraged even expected of the early Saints. However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not practiced polygamy since 1890. However, many of the members still continued to practice polygamy. So, in 1904 President Joseph F. Smith again told the members that they are to follow the laws of the land and those who still openly practicing or advocating polygamy were excommunicated. There are also some branch off groups who still practice polygamy, but they have no affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

2. Mormons are not Christians.
     I find this myth quite funny. Our beliefs are clearly written in what is called the Articles of Faith. In the First Article, it reads: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." Though, we do differ in how we see these three Beings. We see them as Three separate individuals. Also, in other Christian faiths, they believe only the Bible to be the word of God. We, as Latter-day Saints, see not only the Bible but also the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price to be the words of God. Jesus Christ is the center of our faith. We strive to follow His example and to live as He did. 

3. Mormons don't drink caffeine.
     We follow a health code known as the Word of Wisdom which is found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. The Word of Wisdom speaks specifically against wine, tobacco, strong drinks (alcohol)and hot drinks (specified as tea and coffee). Many latter-day saints, myself included drink sodas. However, some, again including myself, steer more towards caffeine-free sodas.

4. Women can't be leaders or speak in the LDS Church.
     Many people believe this because the women of the Church do not receive the Priesthood. The Priesthood is reserved for the men of the Church, but even so, women hold leadership roles as well as the men. Women in the Church can hold local ward callings and also General Auxiliary leadership roles, give prayers, give talks (our form of preaching), and teach Gospel Principles/Doctrine. Though we do not receive the Priesthood, we still work through its power.

Those were the top four that I could think of. If anyone has any questions (or corrections) please feel free to comment :) I hope this gives everyone at least a brief glimpse of The LDS Church and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you all.                                                               ~Courtney