Why is the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) a viable and vibrant religion? Why is the commitment to tithing among its members far greater than any other denomination?

In the 1990's, I worked for a Mormon company owned by the great grandson of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. Prior to my position as a time management trainer, I visited Salt Lake City for a week of training.

In the beginning, I felt the environment made Japan look like a "melting pot." It seemed homogeneous to a point that everyone looked and acted the same. Since the vast majority of these people were Mormon, I initially thought the religion was a cult.

As I began to meet a number of coworkers who were Mormon, my perspective began to shift. These are people of strong fiber with an incredibly deep commitment to do the work of God. Here is a breakdown of a few of the virtues associated with a Mormon practice:

• Family: It is not true that a man goes to Utah with one wife and leaves with six. The Mormons believe strongly in monogamy. The practice quantity of family, It is not unusual to see a Mormon couple with five or six children, regardless of income. Generally speaking, five or six children is rare in this day and age given economic costs and career demands, More importantly is the quality of family life in Mormon households. There is an unwritten weekly family night that is devoted exclusively to activities and togetherness. That is refreshing. What other religion practices this value?

• Discipline: On the professional side, I have observed that Mormons practice self discipline. There is a values driven approach to tasks, planning and time management. Spiritually, rigorous involvement begins during the high school years. Religious training is part of the school day. In New Jersey, a survey stated that there are 638 students who get religious training, In a Mormon school in Morristown, classes start at 6AM. This Spartan approach is unusual given we live in a society attached to self gratification and pleasure. This training prepares these young people for a life of religious dedication.

• Commitment: Discipline leads to commitment. It is not an accident that as Brigham Young University (a Mormon school) there is less drinking than at any other college in the country. In addition, many young Mormons make a commitment to do missionary work. These young people travel nationally and internationally to spread the Mormon religion. With this kind of zeal and passion, it is easy to see why this religion is so vibrant. The high rate of tithing is another example of commitment, love and support. The ability to let go lets in faith and generosity.

Personally, I am not a convert to this religion but citing reasons why the growth is not an accident. Raised as a Catholic with 12 years of parochial school, I was led to believe that Catholicism is the true religion.

Catholicism is not the only true religion but simply one way to worship God. The Mormon faith is yet another path to serve God that has become appealing to more people.