Principles of Mormonism: Learning by the Holy Ghost

In my mind, one of the most touching principles of Mormonism, and much of Christianity for that matter, is the influence of the Holy Ghost. As a member of the Godhead, and one who quite personally influences us, the Holy Ghost--or Holy Spirit--has much to teach us, and we have much to learn.
What other names does the Holy Ghost have?
The Holy Ghost has, over the eons, been called many different names by many different people. Each of these names testifies of His power, and can introduce many nuances of His roles and abilities. Here are just a few of His names:

• Holy Ghost
• Holy Spirit
• Spirit of Promise
• Spirit of Truth
• Spirit of Might
• Spirit of Counsel
• Spirit of Knowledge
• Comforter
• the Still, Small Voice
• Breath of God
• many other names

What does the Holy Ghost do?

The Holy Ghost does not have a physical body, whereas Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both have bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost, being a spirit, is able to speak directly to our spirits. When a person is humble, obedient to God's commandments, and desires to know the truth, the Holy Ghost can speak to them, and if they are ready to hear it, a person can be taught and uplifted by its message. The Holy Ghost exists to testify of sacred truths, to bear witness the greatness and divinity of God the Father and Jesus Christ. In times of sorrow we can be comforted and strengthened by the Holy Ghost, or in danger (be it spiritual or physical) we can be warned, prepared, and/or guided to safety. The Holy Ghost can do many things for us--and through us--if we righteously, humbly ask for His presence.

What is the difference between the Holy Ghost and the "Light of Christ"?

 Though sometimes referred to by the same names and used almost interchangeably by many, the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ are two separate and distinct concepts. The Light of Christ is not being, but a force. Its nature is much like the name implies. It is the radiating, ever-permeating influence of God. This is God's power and love spanning the universe, all things, and all people. Anyone who is humble and righteous can feel the Light of Christ and its warmth.

On the other hand, The Holy Ghost is one specific being, the third member of the Godhead, who is able to become our constant companion after baptism, confirmation, and continued righteousness. The Holy Ghost brings us peace, knowledge and comfort and can direct our hearts and attention to the Light of Christ.

How does the influence of the Holy Ghost feel?

This is a common question among those looking into Mormonism. Though pure and simple, it can often be difficult to explain. A common metaphor used is to pose another question; "Describe to me the taste of salt--and don't say 'salty'."

 Though it's really quite a simple thing, you might be surprised at how difficult it is to tell someone how salt tastes. "Well... it's not sweet," you might answer, "and its sort of like... I don't know."

The feeling one gets from the Holy Ghost is much the same, in that it is hard to describe to someone who doesn't know what it feels like. What's more is that it can be different for anyone. Some describe it as a sweet, warm sensation in the chest, others as a general feeling of lightness. Personally, I normally feel it by the presence of an inner peace that I know I don't have the ability to feel on my own. I've tried to replicate this peace through other means, but it never comes close to what the Holy Ghost has to offer. I know that it is a feeling that came from outside me. There are many different ways to experience it. We just have to be open to it, and recognize it when it comes.

Much of the time, the Holy Ghost is soft and gentle. It requires one's attention in that it can sadly be overlooked when one is distracted. Many influences vie for our time, attention, and energy, and try to overpower the Holy Ghost by shouting their messages to us, often quite literally. Though the Holy Ghost as much to offer, it will not force a person to pay attention. Each of us have the ability to choose for ourselves whether to listen to the voice of good, or to the voice of evil. But in order to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, we have to be listening for them.

Does the Holy Ghost literally "speak" to us?

It depends really. Though some describe physically hearing a soft voice of guidance at times, more often than not, the Holy Ghost "speaks" to us through feelings and promptings. He can lead our thoughts to what He would have us learn, and answer our questions gentle prods and careful nudges to the the truth. Though He can physically speak to us, He usually communicates to us by revelation and feelings of divine truth.

The Holy Ghost and Prayer

Simply by utilizing the power of the Holy Ghost, we can learn all the mysteries of God. When used in tandem with prayerful scripture study, the Holy Ghost can teach us nearly anything. But we must be willing to act. If we earnestly pray to our Heavenly Father, and exert our efforts to learn, think, and do what the Lord asks of us, the guidance of the Holy Ghost can solidify and confirm the truth of what we have learned, or teach us something more altogether. It is up to us to work for it, and on God's timetable, He can speak truth to us.

If you would like to learn a little more about Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), the Holy Ghost, or other topics, please follow this link to chat live with real missionaries!

Mormonism, My Family, and Christmas

Though Mormonism is not unique for the mere act of celebrating the Christmas holiday, I feel that, throughout my life, the Christmas season  has always been a great bolster to my faith , as well as a blessing and uniting force over my entire family. Being conveniently located at the end of the calendar year, it provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection and personal growth. The family seems much closer, and the love is palpable.
One thing I am ever-thankful for is my father and mother's insistence that we keep the focus on the first syllable of the the word. "Christ". Like many children, we were also taught the magical, if silly, legend of Santa Claus, who lived up north, had a weight problem, and flew around the world to deliver presents to all the good little boys and girls. But my parents also stressed the Savior in all of our Christmas merriment. Being a family of history buffs, which may have been prompted by our father, we would often talk about the symbolic meanings and historic origins of the various decorations we were decking the halls with; how this or that pointed to Jesus Christ in some symbolically meaningful way, why people started doing it, etc.
At some point in the month, we schedule a time for what we call a "Back to Bethlehem" dinner. We discuss the Savior and His birth, and hold a feast, in which we put a large sheet on the family room floor, and have everyone sit in a big circle, while dining on finger foods, such as bread, meats, vegetables and fruits, somewhat like they would have eaten in the time of Christ, though we don't stress historical accuracy too much.
The festivities remind us of our roots, and make me thankful, not only for my Mormon upbringing, but for each of these opportunities to enrich my faith, and how often I am given the chance to testify of Christ, or have Him testified to me.
Every Christmas morning, before parading downstairs to see what "Santa" brought us, our parents would gather us all together in one room, and we'd kneel as a family and offer thanks to God for the ultimate gift that He had given us for Christmas: His Son. All in all, the Lord Jesus Christ features heavily throughout the whole affair, as well He should, and we try to use every opportunity to express our love for one another, and our gratitude for Jesus and His eternal sacrifice.

If you'd like to learn a bit more about Jesus or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please don't hesitate to follow this link to chat live with actual missionaries!

On the Christianity of Mormonism.

History of Mormonism: Who was John Rowe Moyle?

John Rowe Moyle (right) was an early member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life, Moyle sacrificed much for the Church, even when it seemed like he had little left to give. He lived as an extreme example of Christian fortitude, and though a relatively minor figure in the history of Mormonism, Moyle left a powerful legacy behind.
Born in England in 1808, John Moyle was a convert to the Church, and left his homeland behind for the Americas, and traveled across the plains as part of a handcart company. With all the strength they had, he and his family made the grueling trek to what is now the state of Utah. The Moyles settled down and built a home about 22 miles from the Salt Lake Valley.
John had previously earned a living as a skilled stone-cutter. In 1854,  as construction on the historic Mormon Salt Lake Temple was underway, Moyle's skill set was needed in the construction of the granite building. Willingly doing his part, he began making the 22 mile walk every week, leaving his house at 2 AM every Monday morning to be at his post by 8:00, and then walking home on Friday evenings to be with his family. This continued for several years.
One day while milking his particularly headstrong cow, tragedy struck. The cow gave a devastating kick to John's leg, irreparably damaging it. His family and friends were forced to amputate his leg with a bucksaw, just a little below the knee.
Nobody would have said anything if John had decided not to continue as a temple stone-cutter. It was perfectly understandable; loss of limb tends to be a pretty legitimate excuse. But John wen above and beyond the call of duty. While he lay in bed, waiting for his leg to recover, John began carving a wooden prosthetic leg, with a cleverly designed ankle joint. Walking on this new leg was extremely painful, but as Moyle built up resistance, he would soon continue the long weekly treks to Salt Lake City and work day in and day out as the temple stone-cutter for several more years.
John Rowe Moyle's hands carved the famous gold plated inscription (left) on the east facade of the temple: "Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord".

If you would like to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can click here to chat live with actual missionaries!

For more stories of early Latter-day Saints overcoming great trials, read this post about Joseph Smith and his being tarred and feathered.
How Christ knows of our pain and can empathize with us on a deeply personal level.