Invited to attend a Mormon baptism, should I go?

[Mayah]

I'm an ex-mormon (raised from birth) and born again 9 years ago by God's grace. My Mom is still very much involved in "the church" and knows quite well that I do not believe in the mormon beliefs. I never argue with her, and we have agreed to disagree. I've managed to invite her to many true christian functions and she has really started to soften up to God's truth. Although now she's getting really involved with temple work, etc...
Recently, she's befriended a lovely woman (whom I've met only twice) who has been studying with some mormon missionaries for some time and is now joining the mormon church. My Mom took me by surprise and invited me to "Irene's" baptism this Saturday.
I initially agreed to go, but I am very uneasy and am having second thoughts about it for these reasons:

• To attend this baptism would to be giving silent assent to her decision to join this cult
• I am under no personal obligation to attend as I do not know this woman
• Mormon churches (and homes) are very spiritually dark places to walk into(especially for former mormons), which I have personally experinced numerous times, I take this VERY seriously. I know I could not attend without fasting, praying and having intercessors backing me up.
• I'm not certain that this is an "assignment from the LORD"

Reason to attend:

• To go where few true christians have access and as the LORD gives opportunity and the words, to testify of the true Jesus...there's a lunch after, etc...and I'm a very sociable person
• Ummm.....I'm thinking....

Any thoughts?

 

[Lynn73]

I don't know what to tell you. It would be a very hard thing for me to do. As you said, I would feel I was giving my approval if I went. At the same time, if you refuse you can be looked upon as thinking you're better than them or mean or any number of things. Kind of between a rock and a hard place. I don't envy you. You could say that you've thought about it and prayed about it and decided that you just can't go since you no longer believe in what's going on.

 

[Mayah]

Thanks for your compassion Lynn
I've been praying about this since yesterday, and I've spoken with a dear christian friend and finally got a hold of my husband by phone. They both know me & my history really well and agree that it would be best not to go. After I posted my question, I got to praying again and was led to:
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (among other scriptures)
I am indeed stuck between a stumbling block and a hard place. The only way is with truth and love which is the only way to minister to mormons. Lynn, I like your suggestion as to how to say I won't be going. Pray for me and my mom...and "Irene".
God Bless you!

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

I, too, can't tell you what to do.
As you've noted, there are two sides to this coin.


Having never been to such a Mormon event, I need to ask: Normally, do only Mormons attend? Would it be very unusual for an "apostate" to simply attend? Would the clear assumption be that anyone in attendance is a member of the LDS?

If the answer to that is clearly "Yes," then I likely would stay away, and give my RESPECTFUL regret and explaination that you do not wish to be misleading or give a false testimony. But your heart and prayers are with them.

But if the answer is no, I'd likely go. Among Christians, I do not think that my presense is showing approval of their views, anymore than if neighbors and friends come to a baptism in our church that they are saying they agree or approve of us. I'm sure there are many people who come to the baptism of a friend who don't accept infant baptism by sprinking - and vise versa, or who maybe aren't even Christians. But they accept this as a major day in the life of that person and family.

Christian love is unconditional. Charity is a virtue. On the other hand, we should not give false testimony.

I think you see that balance...


MY view...



.

 

[linssue55]

I'm an ex-mormon (raised from birth) and born again 9 years ago by God's grace. My Mom is still very much involved in "the church" and knows quite well that I do not believe in the mormon beliefs. I never argue with her, and we have agreed to disagree. I've managed to invite her to many true christian functions and she has really started to soften up to God's truth. Although now she's getting really involved with temple work, etc...
Recently, she's befriended a lovely woman (whom I've met only twice) who has been studying with some mormon missionaries for some time and is now joining the mormon church. My Mom took me by surprise and invited me to "Irene's" baptism this Saturday.
I initially agreed to go, but I am very uneasy and am having second thoughts about it for these reasons:

• To attend this baptism would to be giving silent assent to her decision to join this cult
• I am under no personal obligation to attend as I do not know this woman
• Mormon churches (and homes) are very spiritually dark places to walk into(especially for former mormons), which I have personally experinced numerous times, I take this VERY seriously. I know I could not attend without fasting, praying and having intercessors backing me up.
• I'm not certain that this is an "assignment from the LORD"

Reason to attend:

• To go where few true christians have access and as the LORD gives opportunity and the words, to testify of the true Jesus...there's a lunch after, etc...and I'm a very sociable person
• Ummm.....I'm thinking....

Any thoughts?

DO what is RIGHT in the eyes of the Lord....."Resist temptation, and resist temptation in the MIDDLE of temptation".......

 

[Lynn73]

Thanks for your compassion Lynn
I've been praying about this since yesterday, and I've spoken with a dear christian friend and finally got a hold of my husband by phone. They both know me & my history really well and agree that it would be best not to go. After I posted my question, I got to praying again and was led to:
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (among other scriptures)
I am indeed stuck between a stumbling block and a hard place. The only way is with truth and love which is the only way to minister to mormons. Lynn, I like your suggestion as to how to say I won't be going. Pray for me and my mom...and "Irene".
God Bless you!

Will do. May it turn out the way God wants. These precious mormons need the true Christ of the Bible.

 

[MoodyBlue]

Would you feel any differently if you were invited to a Bar Mitzvah? How about a marriage being performed in a Unitarian Church? A baptism in a Roman Catholic Church (oh my)? Just think about it - does attending these events somehow give your approval of the folks who attend them?

 

[Diane_Windsor]

Any thoughts?

Let's see you have two reasons to attend and twice the amount of reasons not to attend. Therefore, I would not attend.

Diane

 

[stray bullet]

.

 

[GraceInHim]

Would you feel any differently if you were invited to a Bar Mitzvah? How about a marriage being performed in a Unitarian Church? A baptism in a Roman Catholic Church (oh my)? Just think about it - does attending these events somehow give your approval of the folks who attend them?

true - I still attend baptisms for babies - I am a Godmother of 2 nephews - I look at it as to be a special person for these children - love them - even though I have left the Church - I still act as the special person in thier lives - not just by gift giving but truly someone who shows them that extra love that they will remember when they get older - and of course thier are weddings - and then there are parties which include St Patricks - St Valentine

but I know where my mind is with God - and that does not change by going to a function which I do not believe in my faith now - being not weak in God is truly my strengh

 

[CardinalBaseball]

I wouldn't go.

 

[Mayah]

Having never been to such a Mormon event, I need to ask: Normally, do only Mormons attend? Would it be very unusual for an "apostate" to simply attend? Would the clear assumption be that anyone in attendance is a member of the LDS?

If the answer to that is clearly "Yes," then I likely would stay away, and give my RESPECTFUL regret and explaination that you do not wish to be misleading or give a false testimony. But your heart and prayers are with them.

But if the answer is no, I'd likely go. Among Christians, I do not think that my presense is showing approval of their views, anymore than if neighbors and friends come to a baptism in our church that they are saying they agree or approve of us. I'm sure there are many people who come to the baptism of a friend who don't accept infant baptism by sprinking - and vise versa, or who maybe aren't even Christians. But they accept this as a major day in the life of that person and family.

Christian love is unconditional. Charity is a virtue. On the other hand, we should not give false testimony.

I think you see that balance...


MY view...



.

Yes, the understanding (though not the "rule") is that those in attendance are LDS and are in agreement with and supportive of the new member's choice to be "baptised into the church". An "apostate" like myself is not usually welcomed, this event is generally celebrated and attended only by LDS. There may be exceptions to the rule, but in my own experience, "outsiders" simply never were there. You will find though, that the more you talk to mormons, they truly think they have the same faith, the same Jesus as christians, so the lines are blurring more and more as the years are going on. This is not a "christian church" so to attend would definately give a false testimony. For the love of these precious ones, I believe it would be better not to mislead anyone in any way by giving the impression I'm LDS or OK with what is going on. Actually I would love more than anything to prevent Irene from joining this organization, so attending her baptism would be hypocritical. I'm more concerned for her (and my Mom's) eternal salvation than anything else.

 

[Mayah]

Would you feel any differently if you were invited to a Bar Mitzvah? How about a marriage being performed in a Unitarian Church? A baptism in a Roman Catholic Church (oh my)? Just think about it - does attending these events somehow give your approval of the folks who attend them?

If I was invited to attend a Bar Mitzvah - yes, I would go as I have no issue with the Jewish faith, that's where our christian roots are from.
A "wedding" in a Unitarian church probably not if it violates the biblical interpretation of marriage.
As for the Catholic functions, my husband's whole family is Catholic (he's the born again "apostate") so we have gone to many events that relate to our loved ones, although they know very clearly that we do not accept the teachings, etc. of the RCC.
My Mom has already made arrangements for her funeral. It will be a very mormon event, the temple garments, the whole bit; will I attend? That I would say is different as I would have no problem honoring her memory, but I would like to give the eulogy...

For me the bottom line is, my motivation for attending or not attending must be love.....love to God 1st and to my fellow man (christian or not) 2nd.

 

[KEPLER]

Would you feel any differently if you were invited to a Bar Mitzvah? How about a marriage being performed in a Unitarian Church? A baptism in a Roman Catholic Church (oh my)? Just think about it - does attending these events somehow give your approval of the folks who attend them?

I think there needs to be a distinction between civil and spiritual events here.

A wedding is a civil event, albeit one blessed by God. Nevertheless, we as Christians recognize the weddings of our friends who are not Christians, because it involves a civil social contract. The same is essentially true of a Bar Mitzvah.

Generally, I myself put funerals in the same (civil) category, although I recognize that a funeral is an intensley spiritual moment as well. But not going would be kicking someone while they're down, and I personally can't stomach that.

A baptism is a purely spiritual event...in my opinion, going would be an endorsement. I couldn't do it.

(But a baptism in a Roman Catholic Church is an absolutely Christian event, so of course I would go...)

 

[FreeinChrist]

Yes, the understanding (though not the "rule") is that those in attendance are LDS and are in agreement with and supportive of the new member's choice to be "baptised into the church". An "apostate" like myself is not usually welcomed, this event is generally celebrated and attended only by LDS. There may be exceptions to the rule, but in my own experience, "outsiders" simply never were there. You will find though, that the more you talk to mormons, they truly think they have the same faith, the same Jesus as christians, so the lines are blurring more and more as the years are going on. This is not a "christian church" so to attend would definately give a false testimony. For the love of these precious ones, I believe it would be better not to mislead anyone in any way by giving the impression I'm LDS or OK with what is going on. Actually I would love more than anything to prevent Irene from joining this organization, so attending her baptism would be hypocritical. I'm more concerned for her (and my Mom's) eternal salvation than anything else.

ACtually I am surprized that you are able to attend at all. From the Mormons I know, one must be an approved "temple Mormon" to attend the Baptism, and as an 'apostate' in their eyes, I am surprizedd that you are approved.

I don't think you should go. I would suspect there is an agenda.

Ever hear of Utah Lighthouse ministries?

 

[FreeinChrist]

I think there needs to be a distinction between civil and spiritual events here.

A wedding is a civil event, albeit one blessed by God. Nevertheless, we as Christians recognize the weddings of our friends who are not Christians, because it involves a civil social contract. The same is essentially true of a Bar Mitzvah.

Generally, I myself put funerals in the same (civil) category, although I recognize that a funeral is an intensley spiritual moment as well. But not going would be kicking someone while they're down, and I personally can't stomach that.

A baptism is a purely spiritual event...in my opinion, going would be an endorsement. I couldn't do it.

(But a baptism in a Roman Catholic Church is an absolutely Christian event, so of course I would go...)

The Mormons have a lot of rules about their Temples (as opposed to the churches). Only approved "temple Mormons" (thouse who tithe regularly and have a letter of recommends, is in good standing with them) can attend events in the Temple. A marriage is celebrated in the temple for a few, and then in a ceremony outside theTemple at one of the churches where nonMormons can attend.

 

[revrobor]

It just might be an opportunity for you to share the meaning of a Believer's baptism with some people and who Jesus REALLY is. You might be able to make contacts for future witnessing opportunities, especially if you approach them in the siprit of love and NOT condemnation. If you consider it a dark place you can claim authority over Satan and his demons in the name of Jesus as you enter the place. You can also claim devine protection in His Name.

 

[Eruliel]

If you're still undecided and vascillating I wouldn't go. Romans 14 talks about that in a verse later in the chapter, about making a descision without being fully convinced.

And you're right, Mormons need as much grace as the rest of us, and they're wonderful people, but there will be other opportunites to show them that grace, and to tell them about it. If you go it could be misinterrpreted as a desire to become a part of the community again. I would not make a pretense to celebrate with them because for us it's not a celebration. I would however try and reach out to Irene. Ask her what convinced her to become a Mormon. But remember to do this in humility and love. My prayers are with you.
Keep us informed on what you end up doing,
Slainte!
Eruliel

 

[Celticflower]

I agree with those who say if you have doubts about going then don't go. Chances are your presence there will be misinterpreted by someone, probably your mother and her friend.
Respectfully decline the invitation.

 

[johnd]

I'm an ex-mormon (raised from birth) and born again 9 years ago by God's grace. My Mom is still very much involved in "the church" and knows quite well that I do not believe in the mormon beliefs.

Clue #1

I never argue with her, and we have agreed to disagree.

Clue #2

I've managed to invite her to many true christian functions and she has really started to soften up to God's truth. Although now she's getting really involved with temple work, etc...

Clue #3

Recently, she's befriended a lovely woman (whom I've met only twice) who has been studying with some mormon missionaries for some time and is now joining the mormon church.

Clue #4

My Mom took me by surprise and invited me to "Irene's" baptism this Saturday.

Clearly your mum wants to woo you back to LDS. Note well that the change in you has made her more firmly entrenched in Mormonism. On the surface it appears to be benevolent; "softening" and so forth. But it is always about LDS with her (from what you described).

I initially agreed to go, but I am very uneasy and am having second thoughts about it for these reasons:

• To attend this baptism would to be giving silent assent to her decision to join this cult
• I am under no personal obligation to attend as I do not know this woman
• Mormon churches (and homes) are very spiritually dark places to walk into(especially for former mormons), which I have personally experinced numerous times, I take this VERY seriously. I know I could not attend without fasting, praying and having intercessors backing me up.
• I'm not certain that this is an "assignment from the LORD"

Reason to attend:

• To go where few true christians have access and as the LORD gives opportunity and the words, to testify of the true Jesus...there's a lunch after, etc...and I'm a very sociable person
• Ummm.....I'm thinking....

Any thoughts?

Yes. Don't go to evangelize the lost in their stronghold. Yes the Spirit of Truth in you is greater than the spirit that decives them, but this is their turf and the opposition already has an "inside operative" in the person of your mother. Setting aside my opinions / points, that Spirit within you is trying to communicate with you on the subject (hence your hesitation to go).


I always regret stifling the Spirit. It never pays off to ignore what God tries to tell me.


And as far as being a witness to the LDS, I really encourage you to get in touch with Bill McKeever at Mormon Research Ministries ( www.mrm.org )


Every year he and a group of equiped evangelists and they blanket an annual LDS shin dig at Provo, Utah. Bill is not only a very learned teacher about what is wrong with LDS, but he is very active in witnessing to LDS members with the Truth and in training other how to do so. I took a couple classes under him about 10 years ago when he was in Southern California. www.mrm.org/who_are_we/who_is_mrm/#bill

Trust me, he will be very interested in your contacting him. www.mrm.org/contact_mrm/