Greetings from Salt Lake City, Utah.  

I am in Salt Lake City for the Sunstone Magazine Symposium. As soon as I received a preliminary program in the mail, I knew this was the place for me. I can wear an Obama or Hillary shirt without fear of judgment amongst Sunstoners. I can invite my friend who lives in Salt Lake City, who is gay, to a session and not be worried that she will be offended. This is at least part of what our religious experience should be; free from judgment.

I've often lamented how religion has become a weapon instead of a tool. We mere mortals are so dense, it's almost as if we need our religions to spend 11 out of the 12 months focused on the Beautitudes and the last month doing a rehash of the previous 11 months.

The other reason I enjoy Sunstone and Sunstoners is the fact that this is on the program, "This symposium is dedicated to the idea that the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are better understood and, as a result, better lived when they are freely and frankly explored within the community of Saints..."

It's perfectly normal to have some doubts and questions about a religion or beliefs. Dealing with the doubts and seeking answers to the questions can make our beliefs stronger. Ain't nothing wrong with that.