The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comprises approximately two percent of the U.S. population, according to the Pew Research Council. This is substantially behind the number of Protestants and Catholics, so by numbers alone it is difficult to say that the faith has entered the "mainstream of American religious life."

Still, practicing Mormons I know are decent and consistently kind and helpful. Their strong sense of family values sometimes outstrips the more numerous Protestant and Catholic believers. And, yes, people are still "suspicious" of Mormonism, in part because the faith keeps secret many of its rituals and mainstream religions consider some of their doctrines not only extra-biblical, but bizarre (such as the teaching there are many gods and we can all become gods and goddesses).

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No, Jesus came to transform the inside, not reform the outside. He said "My Kingdom is not of this world." But when the inside is transformed through conversion, that can have a profound effect on the surrounding culture as it has through the three spiritual revivals that have touched America.

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The Jerry Falwell I knew was torn between the two kingdoms he represented: one not of this world and the other very much of this world; one with tactics and tools that could change lives and the other with tactics and tools that changed little.

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The question reminds me of one I was asked some years ago by a salesperson for my newspaper syndicate. After crossing a milestone in the number of papers carrying my column, I called to thank him for his efforts and then said, "What are we doing next for more sales?" He responded, "Aren't you ever satisfied?" I answered, "I am content, but never satisfied."

I can always do better in my work, as well as be a better person in my inner character and outer relationships. If you're satisfied, you will never grow. The lyric from an old hymn says it best: "I'm pressing on the upward way, new heights I'm scaling everyday." That's true of me and it is true of all people who succeed at what they love to do.

Paul the Apostle wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11) That is true freedom, because contentment has nothing to do with whether one is rich or poor, famous or not. Contentment is about an inner peace that comes with knowing you are rightly related to God and feeling His pleasure.

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The short answer to the question is, "yes; religion is man-made." Most religions are attempts to placate an angry Deity, or a set of rules and regulations designed to appease him (or her in the case of goddess worshippers).

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Step number one is to know why we have wars. James addresses that question when he says: "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight..." (James 4:1-2)

There are wars because our fallen nature makes us dissatisfied with our status. We want other people's land, or valuables. Some wish to deprive others of their freedom in the name of their God. Jesus said there would be "wars and rumors of wars" (Matt 24:6) which will not end until He returns to restore humanity to its original and perfect nature.

I keep my faith because it is not in fallen humanity, but in God, who gives a different kind of peace than the world can offer so that regardless of wars, or a temporary cessation of hostilities on Earth, I have peace with God through Jesus Christ. It is the only "peace treaty" that matters.