Profile: Jeff Spector is a 1st generation Mormon who converted from the Jewish Faith in 1982. He was born in Hollywood, Ca and grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. He was a Bar Mitzvah at age 13. After graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Engineering, he moved to San Jose, California and went to work for the Hewlett-Packard Company, where he has been for over 31 years. He met his wife, Debbie, also a convert, on a cruise ship (no, not the Love Boat!) and they were married in February of 1982. Jeff joined the Church in June of 1982. They have 5 children. They were sealed in the Oakland Temple in August 1983. Jeff’s interest in all things Mormon began when invited to participate in a Mormon computer bulletin board (pre-Internet) which discussed Mormon doctrine and history. Because of the heavy involvement of people critical of the Church, Jeff did a significant amount of research to learn the truth about the claims they were making. In the process, he acquired a ton of books and other materials. Jeff’s love for the Temple and his travel for work has enabled him to visit 40 different Temples on every continent except Africa. Jeff and family left San Jose after 24 years and now reside in Colorado Springs. Jeff is also an award winning television show producer, noted author, University Lecturer and Religious Educator. In his spare time, He is a percussionist and Principal Timpanist with the Little London Winds.
I am discussing four items of a political nature today that has caught my eye this past week or so in the News. Mitt’s In! So it appears that the United States will have its first real Mormon Presidential candidate that has a chance of winning the Presidency in Mitt Romney as Rick Santorum drops [...]
Based on the controversy surrounding the Trayvon Martin case, it seems clear that we have not achieved a color blind society here in the US and we have a long way to go in race relations in this country. And as we approach Easter this coming weekend, it is a shame the simple lessons of [...]
As we all know, what most people know about Mormonism could fill a thimble. And many people get whatever knowledge they do have in little sound bite pieces or headlines. Most do not do any in-depth investigation to find out more about us. They are more apt to react to a negative report about the [...]
This year’s Republican Primaries have been different in so many ways: the weak field, the shifting anti-Romney front runners, the large number of debates, etc. The other big distinction has been the focus on religion and religious values. Sure, Romney’s Mormonism did get a lot of attention the last time and certainly did influence the [...]
The latest salvo of the ultra-conservative circus is accusing President Obama of “Trampling on Religious Liberty.” According to The Heritage Foundation, “The Obama Administration’s mandate under the Obamacare statute that many religious employers provide health care coverage for contraception, abortifacients, and sterilization tramples upon their free exercise of religion. The Obama Administration should immediately exempt [...]
Here a few observations from the last few weeks. US Politics - OK, how long will Rick Santorum’s turn as the Anti-Romney last? There is no one else after him unless we get a spring surprise. - Will Newt Gingrich’s fade be permanent or will the “South Rise Again?” - Is anyone else missing the [...]
If the Republicans actually scripted a loss next November, they could not have done it much better than the drama that continues to play out on the campaign trail. Now, it is not 100% sure that they will lose to Obama later this year, but the battle royal we’ve seen is still not quite over [...]
I strongly believe that agency, our right to choose for ourselves, is among the greatest gifts that God has given to us. In fact, I believe that it is agency that caused worlds to be created, a loving Heavenly Father to sacrifice His Son for all mankind, a boy to go into the woods to [...]
Now that the “Mormon in Americas” survey has been published (You can read the whole survey results here), the boobirds and naysayers are reacting. The survey results are quite clear in that they represent 1000 people who self-identify as “Mormon.” The Pew Research Center used a group of Mormon scholars to assist them in their [...]
As a child of the 60s and 70s, I came to realize that the rights we have as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are somewhat conditional. Firstly, and obviously, you are not free to yell “fire” in a crowded movie house unless there really is a danger. But secondly, and more [...]
I was wondering if this has any real meaning anymore. So here are some of my thoughts and questions on the matter. There are those, call them “Big Tent Mormon” who want the moniker to apply to anyone who has even a slight connection to Mormonism, whether they actual belong to the Church of Jesus [...]
Just a few random thoughts today about some things I like Jon Huntsman More Now I have to admit, even though he is dead last in the polls, I have appreciated that Huntsman sounds like he knows what he is talking about and, more importantly, doesn’t need constant adult supervision every time he opens his [...]
Is it just me or: Are all US politicians bought and paid for by Wall Street, Corporations, Special Interests and Lobbyists and the American people don’t stand a chance to get any representation? Do city ordinances and the wishes of police trump citizen’s First Amendment rights to Free Speech and Assembly? Are the same people [...]
Herman Cain, that is.
While I didn’t think he would ever capture the republican nomination nor win a Presidential election, I started out liking Herman Cain a lot. Not so much because he has good answers to the questions he is asked, but because of his confidence and his forthright manner. I like that he is a non-politician.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) We are taught that Jesus is the one true way to salvation and to return to Our Father in Heaven. And that all truth is embodied in the Gospel of Jesus [...]
How would it affect the Church? As we move through the early stages of the Presidential campaign, barring any real problems, it appears that Mitt Romney is the presumptive Republican nominee for the Presidency next year. The Republican Party, being very hierarchical, generally nominates the “next person in line” to be their nominee. And for [...]
“And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that [...]
Twice a year, we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for a two day event called General Conference. It’s history goes back to the very beginnings of the Church. Two months after the formation of the Church, it held it’s first General Conference at the Whitmer home. 30 members were in attendance, the entire Church at [...]
I was listening to the radio yesterday and the topic of Israel was being discussed. President Obama made a speech the other day to the United Nations defending Israel and warning against the official recognition of a Palestinian State prior to the negotiation of a real peace between the two peoples. President Obama eloquently stated [...]
For those of you who may have caught President Obama’s speech before a joint session of Congress last night, you know that he proposed a $440 Billion program to stimulate the economy through a jobs program and tax lower proposals. There will be those who come down on both sides when discussing how effective this [...]
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