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I forgot to respond to your second point. Take a look at all the sites. If you're a Mormon tell me which sites better articulate the belief structure. I found the Mormon site to be very general and simplistic. When you're dealing with theology unfortunately simple doesn't work. It takes books to explain the difference between Baptists and Methodist for example and for the most part they agree. If you choose a different Protestant Church like Lutheran and Methodism the gulf is much wider yet they both accept the basic tenants of Christianity. Most of us we don’t know the differences between the various Protestant faiths or Catholicism let alone Mormonism, Islam, etc. This ignorance applies to almost everyone of any faith group. The study of theology isn’t common and is really tough sledding.

The best books I know of to understand what the church was like that Christ established when he was on earth are the Bible and The Book of Mormon. Both are scripture. Both testify that Jesus is the Christ and that His atonement was offered freely, by Him, for everyone who has ever, does now, or will ever live on the earth.

As a Mormon, I felt totally incapable of fully living the tenets of the church in my late teens. I didn't go to church for 20 years, led a worldly life, and realized at the end of that 20 years that life without Christ as my example was less than what I wanted it to be. During that 20 year absence I even went to see the film "The God Makers" to validate my inactivity in church. What happened surprised me. I realized that there were blatant untruths in that movie. Oddly enough, it was kind of the catalyst for my return to Mormonism.

All I can tell you is that reading books written by men with varying viewpoints will do nothing but confuse you. In the Book of Mormon there is a scripture that states that if you want to know if the book is true, you read it and then pray to know if it is true. For those who sincerely want to know, the Holy Ghost will manifest the truth.

I don't wish to caste dispersions on other religions, or tell another Christian church that they are not Christians because they don't believe exactly as I do. I think that most churches do a tremendous amount of good. But, the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit is a comforter and a testifier of the truth. I have had countless personal experiences that have strengthened my testimony of Christ and His divine mission.

At this time of year I think of how God, the Eternal Father, sent his only begotten son to die for us that we all might live eternally with Him again.

Can you imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by people who have really internalized Christ's message - to love everyone as He loves us? No dishonesty, jealousy, bigotry, or vice of any kind in anyone's heart? That, to me, is Christ's message for us.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.