A little confused about my new religion...

[Surfungus]

I'm sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, so I apologize if it is. I know mormons aren't Christians as defined by the rules of these boards, so this just seemed like the most logical place. Anywho...

I was baptized into the LDS church a few months ago. I had been researching it for about a year, and then one day I decided to go to a Sunday service and see what it was like. I really liked it and then the missionaries asked if I wanted to hear a discussion so I agreed. I was pretty excited about it and went through the discussions rather quickly, then was baptized. Now don't get me wrong, I still like many things about the church, and I've met many wonderful people because of it, but I'm starting to have some disagreements with the church. It started with one simple thing, and I figured it would get resolved eventually. Instead, I keep coming up with more disagreements and they aren't getting resolved. I'm honestly starting to get a little worried that I may have made a mistake and been a bit hasty in getting baptized. It seemed completely right at the time and everyone was so excited about it. I've just got some things that are really starting to irk me now and I'm pretty confused. I don't want to start a thread about mormons and the LDS church being good/bad, I just was hoping for a little bit of advice. I'm a little too scared to actually go to someone in the church about how I'm feeling.

 

[issa]

this is not the wrong place...

you want to share your feelings and want some advice, i pray that God will let me be of help. i will certainly try.

i really feel for you. it is not easy to choose a religion, or even talk about it and you are very brave to discuss what you believe while others are content to just keep quiet and pretend that they know everything.

it is also a good decision for you to come here. it is not a coincidence you know. you are searching for the truth. Jesus said in the Bible. "I am the way, the truth and the life..."

i do not have all the answers. all i can do is point you to the one who does. Do you have a new testament? read the gospel of john. pray for God to help you understand for spiritual things can only be understood with His help. i will be praying for you too.

it is really tough when you are not sure who or what to believe and where to hold on to. it is wise to be careful. hang in there. our all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present God loves you very much and will not let you fall to the point where you cannot find Him. believe in Him, not any religion. trust in His word, not doctrines. it is in a personal relationship with the living God that you will find eternal life and all the answers you need. God bless you!

[bible]Jeremiah 29:11-13[/bible]

 

[Surfungus]

Thank you very much, that was something I really needed to hear. I'll be sure to read what you've suggested.

 

[Fantastic_Fred]

Hi Surfungus.

As much as I’d like to talk to you about the LDS, I’m going to honor your request and not do that.

I think the one thing you have to consider is what it is that you’re hearing in the disagreements; the comments made, the attitude with which people receive and answer you concerns and questions. Are they being polite, or does it seem that they are being bothered when you ask? Do they give you a clear answer, or just say something like, “That’s the way it’s always been,” or “Just trust the doctrine and elders.” ?

Something I’d like you to think about: What is it in the LDS that is bringing you to a closer relationship with God? You see, religion is all fine and well, but it’s the one on one relationship that should be looked at. Is it about following rules and regulations, or is it about getting stronger in God’s Word?

Issa gave you some good advice, and I seem to be saying the same thing. Of course for me it’s hard to talk about this without talking about the LDS, but I think if you look at it as God’s trying to guide you, you’ll do a lot better.

May He always Guide you down the path He has chosen for you.

Fred

 

[CHESS]

I'm sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, so I apologize if it is. I know mormons aren't Christians as defined by the rules of these boards, so this just seemed like the most logical place. Anywho...

I was baptized into the LDS church a few months ago. I had been researching it for about a year, and then one day I decided to go to a Sunday service and see what it was like. I really liked it and then the missionaries asked if I wanted to hear a discussion so I agreed. I was pretty excited about it and went through the discussions rather quickly, then was baptized. Now don't get me wrong, I still like many things about the church, and I've met many wonderful people because of it, but I'm starting to have some disagreements with the church. It started with one simple thing, and I figured it would get resolved eventually. Instead, I keep coming up with more disagreements and they aren't getting resolved. I'm honestly starting to get a little worried that I may have made a mistake and been a bit hasty in getting baptized. It seemed completely right at the time and everyone was so excited about it. I've just got some things that are really starting to irk me now and I'm pretty confused. I don't want to start a thread about mormons and the LDS church being good/bad, I just was hoping for a little bit of advice. I'm a little too scared to actually go to someone in the church about how I'm feeling.

First I believe when a person gets baptized they should be baptized into Christ not into a particular church.

Second visit other churches,to have a proper relationship with the church one must honour it and if one is constantly in rebellion against the church teaching or leaders they will not honour it.

Third remember that no matter what church you attend there should be two constants.The teachings should be Biblical and their actions should be Biblical.

 

[Surfungus]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Honestly, when it gets right down to it, I don't know what the church has done for my relationship with God. I've always felt I had a pretty good one with him, but I don't think it's been changed (for better or worse) by my joining the church.

Oh, and Fantastic Fred, if you have things you'd like to say about the LDS to me, I'll gladly read a PM. I just know anything mormon tends to start a debate, and I didn't want to do that here.

Thanks again guys, I'm still confused, but you're helping me to feel less guilty about questioning things.

 

[issa]

happy to help, surfungus. still praying for you. it is good that you made the extra effort to avoid a debate, its not nice for people who love God to fight/debate with each other. thank you too for i am blessed

 

[issa]

am also blessed by fred and chess nice sharing a forum with you all!

 

[Serapha]

I'm sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, so I apologize if it is. I know mormons aren't Christians as defined by the rules of these boards, so this just seemed like the most logical place. Anywho...

I was baptized into the LDS church a few months ago. I had been researching it for about a year, and then one day I decided to go to a Sunday service and see what it was like. I really liked it and then the missionaries asked if I wanted to hear a discussion so I agreed. I was pretty excited about it and went through the discussions rather quickly, then was baptized. Now don't get me wrong, I still like many things about the church, and I've met many wonderful people because of it, but I'm starting to have some disagreements with the church. It started with one simple thing, and I figured it would get resolved eventually. Instead, I keep coming up with more disagreements and they aren't getting resolved. I'm honestly starting to get a little worried that I may have made a mistake and been a bit hasty in getting baptized. It seemed completely right at the time and everyone was so excited about it. I've just got some things that are really starting to irk me now and I'm pretty confused. I don't want to start a thread about mormons and the LDS church being good/bad, I just was hoping for a little bit of advice. I'm a little too scared to actually go to someone in the church about how I'm feeling.

Hi there!





First of all, you can PM any moderator and they will talk to you privately ... or you can PM me or any of the people who answered here.


I'm a big Bible fan. I study bible archaeology because I just love to see all the puzzle pieces fall into place and that happens with the Bible. I don't think there is anyone who could convince me that any part of the Bible is not infallible. I'm just too sold out on the Word to feel that any of it is compromised.

I'm telling you all this because I want you to go back to your roots, the Bible, and read about the plan of salvation that God offered through Jesus Christ. That plan of salvation is the same today as it was in the first century church. If you are having any doubts about your religion, then lay what you believe alongside the Bible, and when you find that what you believe doesn't align with the Bible.... guess who's wrong.

BTW... I am also termed a "critic" of the bom on this forum. For the same reasons that I find the Bible to be truth, I find that the bom doesn't have that same foundational support in history or archaeology.

While you have been told that a "burning bosom" leads you into truth in the CoJCoLDS, the fact is... "enlightment" is what brings people out. I'm praying for you enlightenment.

~serapha~

 

[Surfungus]

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd let you all know what's going on now. Many of you have sent me PM's woffering wonderful advice and information, and I'm really thankful to all of you, you've helped me a ton! I've basically just been doing some research on the church and doing some soulsearching I guess you'd call it. I think by now it's pretty safe to say that after only a few months, I'm on my way out of the church. Of course I still need more time to think over what's going to happen and how I feel, but I really don't think it's right for me. You guys have helped me a lot, and I'll gladly accept any more info/advice you have because I'm still pretty confused. This is a scary thing to be talking about, so thanks everyone.

 

[~*ZEE*~]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Honestly, when it gets right down to it, I don't know what the church has done for my relationship with God. I've always felt I had a pretty good one with him, but I don't think it's been changed (for better or worse) by my joining the church.

What you should be looking for in a church is that it provides avenues for your own spiritual growth. Are you being challenged, not just through the messages in the sermon, but by the people? Is God teaching you new attributes and skills for communing and working with people? Are you learning how to serve others and contribute to the ministry by offering your talents and gifts? Are you being confronted with yourself and how to live life better for God?

I'm praying for you. I know how confusing it is trying to find and then fit into a new church. God knows what He's doing, and while it's confusing and scary at the moment, He's allowing you to go through this time for the eventual good that will come about. He's teaching you something in amongst all this upheaval. Keep seeking Him and don't give up *brief hug* (well I don't really know you....so... )

 

[skylark1]

What you should be looking for in a church is that it provides avenues for your own spiritual growth. Are you being challenged, not just through the messages in the sermon, but by the people? Is God teaching you new attributes and skills for communing and working with people? Are you learning how to serve others and contribute to the ministry by offering your talents and gifts? Are you being confronted with yourself and how to live life better for God?

I'm praying for you. I know how confusing it is trying to find and then fit into a new church. God knows what He's doing, and while it's confusing and scary at the moment, He's allowing you to go through this time for the eventual good that will come about. He's teaching you something in amongst all this upheaval. Keep seeking Him and don't give up *brief hug* (well I don't really know you....so... )

I'm not trying to argue, but I think before you worry about if you are being taught new skills for communing and working with others, that it is far important to know if your new religion is based on truth.

I'm praying for you!

 

[Ben johnson]

Hello, SF. As you have been discovering, LDS isn't just "another church"; it's a whole different religion. And as a different religion, it does not hold to the same things as does Biblical Christianity.

What is in the hearts of those who are LDS? I really believe they want to know God, and want to follow the truth. Issa eloquently quoted Jeremiah 29:11-13, that "God will be found by those who truly seek Him". See verse 14. So what does that mean? That those in LDS, don't really seek God? It's not so easy to apply labels. If two people are standing next to each other, one LDS and one not, but both seek God with their hearts, how can they believe different things? This is a fallen world; reality is that there is deception. In the book, "Counterfeits At Your Door" (Bjornstad --- I think it's out of print. ), he says: "No one counterfeiting money uses hot-pink ink, nor does he use sandpaper, nor does he place a picture of Mickey Mouse on the bill. No, the counterfeiter wants you to accept the bill as GENUINE; therefore he makes it look as close as he can to the original. And he folds it and spreads coffee grounds on it, to hide the fact that it's not real. Only by handling the REAL can we recognize the counterfeit."

In this world there really is a "Great Counterfeiter".

The difference between Christianity, and all other religions, is really twofold:

Christianity says "Jesus is God, one person of the one Being of God". Religion says "He's not THE God, He might be A god". Christianity says "Jesus had no beginning, but was MADE begotten", religion says "yes He had a beginning --- there was a time when Jesus, was NOT."

Christianity says "we are not saved by works, but by the indwelling fellowship with the real person of the Holy Spirit and with the real person of Jesus". Religion says you are saved by the quantity of good deeds you do. Christianity says "the good deeds we DO, are CONSEQUENCE of Jesus and the Spirit dwelling in us."

LDS also asserts that "Jesus is a god", and "works affect your salvation".

I have heard many stories about how loving and accepting the LDS church is, at the beginning. But those who ask too many questions, and/or read their Bible too much* and begin to see conflicts, can face excommunication. All friends and family who may be in the LDS church, then regard the excommunicated member as dead. You try to call your family or friends, they just hang up on you. If they see you in public they will just turn and walk away from you. Jehovah's Witness is the same way.

* (The LDS church says "the Bible has been mistranslated, corrupted; therefore anything in it that does not agree with LDS doctrine, must be wrong." This in the face of extreme historical validity, and archeological evidence.)

Those two people standing next to each other, one is LDS and one is not; they believe different things. Different religious doctrines cannot both be right; they can either both be wrong, or singly right. While I do not believe we can point fingers at EITHER and say "You don't seek God hard enough!" --- I think the words of Jeremiah are valid; and if both seek the same real God with all their hearts, a real God that lives, thinks, and answers those who seek Him ( Jer29:14: "I WILL BE FOUND BY YOU!"), I really believe that both persons will be led into the truth and agreement.

May God bless you and teach you, and lead you to Himself. With all my heart I am honored to join in the prayers for just that.

 

[~*ZEE*~]

I'm not trying to argue, but I think before you worry about if you are being taught new skills for communing and working with others, that it is far important to know if your new religion is based on truth.

Of course! That is supremely important. It was specified that there was to be no talk on Mormonism in this thread...so in keeping with that vein I assumed the position that faith was present, no matter which direction or domination or belief it was directed towards, in hope that if the things I pointed out are sought for that God will do the rest and provide them only in a Christian church! haha...erm...so now everyone knows the truth about me - I am conniving (but at least it's for Him!)

 

[Serapha]

I'm a little too scared to actually go to someone in the church about how I'm feeling.

Hi there!





Just go to God... and I don't mean in seeking the "burning bosom" or the some great emotional outpouring.

"Warm fuzzies" aren't relative to truth.


~serapha~

 

[emmzee]

... I still like many things about the church, and I've met many wonderful people because of it, but I'm starting to have some disagreements with the church. It started with one simple thing, and I figured it would get resolved eventually. Instead, I keep coming up with more disagreements and they aren't getting resolved.

It sounds as though you're enjoying the church services, and the new friends that you've met there, but are having problems with the church doctrines, rules, theology, etc.

I'm sure there are nice, kind, loving people involved in every faith, from Christian to Hindu to Muslim to whatever. The question of what faith you follow therefore shouldn't be based on whether the people there are nice, or even how the services make you feel (although those things are certainly important) but instead whether what is believed makes sense, and whether the faith is based on solid historicity, ie solid ground (solid history) or shaky ground (shaky history).

Since you were baptised into this church quite quickly, without being given a chance to fully investigate what the LDS beliefs, customs and history is, I would suggest that you now take the time to do some research (from both LDS and non-LDS sources) about these issues. I doubt that your feelings of being ill-at-ease will just go away on their own.

I must say that discussing your issues on a forum like this seems like a great start! That's all the words of wisdom I can muster for today hehe

 

[Surfungus]

Once again, thank you all. I did a great deal of research on the church before I joined, for a year or so. The problem was I got all my information from church sources (no better place than straight from the horses mouth, right?), and I wasn't aware of all the changes that ave been made or some of the things in the history of the church that I don't want to be associated with.

I agree, that even though the people are nice and the services are nice most of the time, that doesn't make it right. And since my core problems are with the doctrines, teachings, and beliefs of the church, that's why I don't think I should cast my feelings aside. The more I look at it, the more I realize the lifestyle is about the only thing I agree on with the church. I've been actually dreading having to go to church lately.

As a side note, when I say that something about the church isn't "right", I mean right for me. I don't want to step on anyone's beliefs. I know many people here have gotten a lot from the church and are quite happy in it, and I don't want to make them feel attacked or anything.

 

[TheMainException]

I'm not really knowledgable on this subject, but I will keep you in my prayers and pray that you find the truth you seek.

 

[Zoomer]

I pray that you find a church with sound Biblical doctrine. Never settle for anything less! I will continue to pray for you.

 

[Surfungus]

I guess it's about time I gave an update, eh (I know you all just sit there repeatedly hitting refresh to see the next chapter in my tale).

I'm having a somewhat difficult time with my leave. Once in a while I really miss the church (well, actually I miss the people more than the church). But I know that I don't believe what the LDS church teaches, so it's better for me and the members of the church if I'm not there. I keep getting like eight calls a day from the missionaries though. I don't know what to say, so I just don't answer. I really hope no one comes to my house.

I feel much better about myself now though. I have no clue what church to go to, so I haven't been going to any. Thanks for your help everyone, if anything new happens, I'll let you all know.