We are ALL "Typical Mormons"

It seems like every day I see an article or comment posted somewhere online about an individual claiming to be, “not a typical Mormon”.  At one point in time I understood this and even embraced the idea that it is hard to not fit into the mold of what a typical Mormon looks like.  Thankfully, I’ve since realized my ideas on what makes “a typical Mormon” are completely wrong.

            We all come to earth as distinct and completely different beings.  None of us are completely like another.  We each have our own personalities, ideas, and hopes for the future.  Regardless of whether we were born into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or into the Catholic Church, we develop our own politics, sentiments, and goals. 

            No church could be successful without the ideas and perspectives of many different kinds of people.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is no exception.  The Church does not just allow one type of person to join.  The Church embraces all races, creeds, nations and tongues!  I loved hearing President Gordon B. Hinckley invite others to bring all their light and goodness to the Church, and to see if the Church could add unto it.  This is the only way our church can be authentic.  We need all members and all ideas! 

            So what is a “typical Mormon?”  The answer is simple: every Mormon is a typical Mormon. 

            Every member of The Church of Latter-day Saints who is striving to grow their own personal testimony of Jesus Christ and His plan is a typical member.  Every member who struggles, sins, and repents, is a typical member.  Could it honestly be any other way?  We are all sinners; our sins just as our personalities: distinct and unique to us individually. 

            Every member, conservative or liberal, gay or straight, educated or uneducated, is a typical Mormon.  Because we are each so individual, we are the same.  We are all typical Mormons in that there is no mold, no “only acceptable”, and no “you must be”.  This is the beauty of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This is the beauty of the Gospel.  We are all invited.  No one better or more worthy of God’s love than another.  He wants us and needs us all.  Scars, tattoos, piercings, and sins making no difference.  We are all His typical children. 

            It is important that members of the Church stop classifying one another.  In particular, stop classifying ourselves as non-typical.  While the idea behind it is one of letting others know it is okay to be different, it often creates an us vs. them mentality that is dangerous.  We need to let the world know we embrace individuality and the search for truth and light.  There is no typical or not typical in the Church.  Instead, there are only precious children of God working to make their way home.