Often times I read about how Mormons, as a whole, are characterized and am appalled at the misrepresentation of the people and the religion.  When I decide I want to learn about something, or find an expert opinion, I usually go to the expert.  I would think that a podiatrist would know something about feet.  Eddie Van Halen would know a thing or two about guitars and playing guitars.  Billy Beane would be able to give me the in’s and out’s about putting together a winning baseball team on a minimal budget.  But Mormons…well, if you want to know about Mormons, ask someone who isn’t a Mormon.  Maybe Howard Bloom or Jon Krakauer or Ron Howard or even those South Park guys.  Doesn’t that seem a bit odd?

OK…time to get it off my chest…I am a Mormon.  I’m a Mormon who doesn’t always fit the stereotypical mold of what a Mormon is.  I tend to vote Democrat, I don’t have a problem ingesting caffeine (though I don’t drink coffee or tea), I only have one wife and my ancestors did not practice polygamy.  At times I question our Church leaders, I have my own interpretation of the scriptures, and I’m not blind as to some of the historical lapses of the Church.  Yet, on all accounts, I’m a good member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I do pay tithing, I attend church on Sunday, I’m somewhat sociable, I have a responsibility at church, and I enjoy being a Mormon.  I think for myself and yet still believe in the tenets of the Mormon church and have reconciled those questions I may have.

How do I fit in to the stereotype?  I hope that as I begin sharing some of my thoughts here on Mormon Talk, maybe I can help clear up a few misconceptions about “all” Mormon, or at least about some of us.