Posted by on Sep 18, 2014 in | 0 comments

Hi, I’m Rob, a Ph.D. student with research interests in relationships and health, especially cardiovascular disease and cancer.  In my spare time, I’m a typewriter mechanic and sailor. I served a mission in Eastern Europe, and am currently the Elders Quorum secretary in my YSA ward (we’re the stake FamilySearch Indexing champions, no big deal).

As a psychology researcher, I hear a lot of stories from individuals torn by current issues in Mormon culture and the Church. For most of my life, I have had a very narrow and inflexible understanding of the Gospel.  My Institute teacher, who holds a Ph.D. in history and formerly worked in the Church History Department, has helped me broaden my knowledge and understanding. This has led to a more mature conception of the Gospel, and a healthier perspective on the Church.

This deeper understanding of the Gospel has reminded me that “We believe all that God … will yet reveal many great and important things…” Before, I had a proud and stubborn conviction that the Church holds all truth, and could not be in error. Now, I am reminded that we are imperfect implements in the hands of a perfect master. My old testimony would have bitterly objected to the idea of ordaining women. My strengthened testimony is prepared for the idea that new precepts are in store for us, and that practices we currently believe to be impossible may yet be revealed to be compatible with the doctrine of Christ.

Like Nephi, there are many things I don’t know about God, but “I know that he loveth his children.” I know that we are commanded to love one another, and that “all are alike unto God.” I know that it’s wrong to hate and revile others who are sincerely seeking truth, understanding, and the blessings of the Priesthood. I don’t know whether female ordination will ever become part of Church practice, but if it does, I think it would be a great and marvelous thing that would extend the blessings of the Church to even more of our brothers and sisters.

I hope that people everywhere, regardless of belief on issues like these, will work and pray for open hearts, and for the spiritual healing of those who feel estranged or disenfranchised by cultural imperfections or unjust condemnation. Regardless of what new revelations or doctrines may bring, I hope we can sincerely echo President Uchtdorf’s invitation to “Come, join with us! …There is room for you here.”