Getting Baptized at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The initial reason that attracted me to this church was their guidance to eat meat sparingly. About four years ago, during the pandemic, I watched the documentary What the Health and adopted a low-fat, plant-based diet. Over the past year, I explored other diets like carnivore and keto (even going down the "plants are evil" rabbit hole—haha, good times...), but now I’m back to planning on eating meat sparingly! :)

Another reason I’m drawn to this church is the concept of the Celestial Kingdom. It inspires me to be the best version of myself—not just for my own sake, but for God. When I’ve tried self-improvement purely for myself, it often felt shaky, especially when dealing with personal challenges or external opinions. However, striving to be my best for God provides a consistent and unwavering foundation. Unlike relationships with friends or partners, which can change, God’s love is constant, and this motivates me deeply.

I also appreciate the fairness in the belief that those who didn’t get a chance to learn about God in this lifetime will have that opportunity in the afterlife. This aligns with my sense of justice and compassion.

Of course, I’ve had some hesitations. Certain historical aspects and statements from past prophets concerned me. However, after discussing these with missionaries and my friend Howard, I realized that prophets are human and can make mistakes. Growing a church, especially in difficult times, isn’t always ideal. For example, practices like polygamy, though challenging, can be understood in the context of building a community under unique circumstances.

I’ve also wondered about my future within the church, such as finding a partner. While these concerns are valid, I recognize that life is full of imperfections. What matters most is the core foundation and the love I feel in this church. It provides a sense of peace and purpose I haven’t found elsewhere.

Finally, what truly sets this church apart is its focus on joy and God’s love rather than fear. Many churches emphasize avoiding sin through fear, but I believe that when we focus on joy and the positive aspects of life, we’re naturally less drawn to harmful behaviors.

The church’s guidance on certain substances, like coffee, also resonates with me. After learning from a trusted doctor about its negative effects, giving up coffee was relatively easy. Green tea, however, was more challenging. As someone passionate about nutrition, I knew green tea has its benefits. Yet, my research also revealed drawbacks, such as tannins that stain teeth and the general impact of caffeine. Still, letting go of it was tough, but I’ve come to see it as an opportunity to strengthen my faith in God.