{17} Utah Mormons

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Growing up in Las Vegas, the church was strong, but not widely known. I often had to describe my beliefs, and I rarely encountered opposition. I was firm in my beliefs as well as comfortable in my position.

Moving to Utah was a bucket of water to the face. I had believed that moving to the Mormon capital of the world, I would be overwhelmed with the faith here. I was very wrong. While the church is very strong here, so is the opposition. I have never been faced with so much Anti-Mormon messages. While it is often easy to ignore the mumbling and murmurings. It is sad to see so many people who have once had faith and fallen away. It is also difficult to see those who have fallen away so bitter and putting in so much effort to bring others down with them. While I will admit that I have seen many imperfect members here, it is not any indication of  the truthfulness of the gospel of Christ. I do not plan on raising my children in this environment, and I have seen the true beauty of the church in other places, not so marked by judgement and bitterness.