The great debate...

Recently I have been researching a lot of the controversial issues that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are confronted with. It is interesting to me how much of the negative views are devoid of fact or firm basis. Many are stereotypes or perceptions formed from misconceptions brought out by the media or anti-mormon literature. I suppose this is why they are considered "controversial".  I will be honest, I have always been the type to understand the gospel from a more "emotional" perspective. I KNOW that it's true by the way that I felt being in the same room with president Gordon B. Hinkley and feeling of his amazing love for people, I KNOW because of the strength I have gained to overcome myself through trials and bad choices, I KNOW because of the warmth that comes over me at the beginning chords of Come Thou Fount or I Stand all Amazed. I KNOW through the overwelming peace that I felt at the funeral of a loved one, just the simple knowledge that I will see him again. These are all things I can share to non-member friends but they are personal and I don't expect them to necessarily understand my feelings.
As of late I have been trying to learn the gospel from a more doctrinal perspective. I think it is essential. Prophets and leaders encourage us to test our faith and to explore the gospel in depth. To gain our own testimony that can stand independently. How else are we expected to share the gospel with others. It is not enough simply to be an example. Many religions teach people to have values and morals. Many teach to love your neighbor and to be honest. We must also be able to explain our beliefs and to defend them intelligently. How lucky we are to live in a time that we have the resources at our fingertips. The words of the prophets in every conference session available in all different languages and formats, writings of gospel scholars available online, worldwide missionaries, and of course the Book of Mormon and Bible available free to anyone who requests them. I am grateful for the experiences that I have had that encourage me to study harder and stronger and to simply articulate the  truths that in my heart I already KNOW.