So, you guys think you're the only ones who are right?

What do you want me to answer?

If I answer the politically correct 'No', I'm declaring that what Joseph Smith claimed happened (he said he saw God face to face and God told him to restore the church as it was intended to be) was either a lie or unnecessary. I'm not willing to declare that. Why? Yes, I know how odd it seems that someone would talk to God the same way Moses did in the old testament in New York in 1830. Odd as it may be, I believe he saw what he said he saw. Since I didn't grow up among Mormons (I've lived in Minnesota most of my life), I'm aware of how strange a belief that is. Golden plates, angels, the whole thing - yup, I believe it.

But if I say 'Yes' it can be read as religious arrogance - or even intolerance. And I don't want to communicate that in any way.

Of course, other religions have this as part of their creeds, and they don't seem to get the same accusation. The Catholic doctrine teaches 'one church', and challenges the legitimacy of others because of their history that stretches back to the time of the Apostles. The Protestants, of course, think that the Catholics wandered off the mark some centuries ago and that a series of reformers have re-extracted truth by basing themselves in the Bible. And Judaism and Islam, well, one doesn't have to look far for a sense of exclusivity in either of those faiths.

So let me make clear - my devotion to the doctrines of the gospel as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does not imply a sense of superiority over other people. The New Testament says that God does not prefer Jews over Greeks and so on. I accept that teaching. God is not a 'respecter of persons'. All are children of God, and he loves all of them. We are all (Mormons included) imperfect, and He blesses all of us more than we deserve. I do not challenge the heartfelt love of a Lutheran or a Catholic for Jesus. I do not question the existence of truth or goodness or humility or sincerity or miracles or spiritual experiences in other churches.

But I believe God is a God of order. He speaks to Prophets. He has an organization - just like in the New Testament - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and so forth. I can prove biblically that that is how He works.

I believe that the 'Mormon' church is that order. I believe he still talks to Prophets. He talks to Thomas Monson, our current President. If I am right, then the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only organization in the world that has all of the authority to teach the Gospel and administer its ordinances (sacraments).

That part I cannot prove to you - you have to figure it out yourself. In the mean time, I wish you the absolute best in your search and in your personal worship. You are, after all, a child of God and therefore my spiritual brother or sister, and my equal.