Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddie32
Glad to hear the forum is open to anyone.
I have the same basic values and live the same way as LDS members (no alcohol, I don't swear, saving myself for marriage, etc) so I wouldn't be faking anything if I decided to convert. I know a lot of people are baptist or catholics but they don't go to church every week or make a big deal over it.
So its not mandatory to send your kids to do missionary work or to take part in religious activities every week? Right now I believe in God, but I'm not sure about all the details of the LDS religion as they would apply what's required as a member. After visiting temple square and looking online I understand the basic beliefs, but I'm confused about what kinds of things would be necessary for me to convert other than what I believe. I certainly don't want to be considered faking it.
Aside from abiding by the standards of behavior, which I already do, what else is required in order to be allowed to have a temple marriage?
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The core of our faith is NOT a lack of drinking, swearing and premarital sex, it is a conviction of the divinity of Jesus the Christ, his atonement and the restoration of his church through a prophet he has called and chosen. If you don't believe that, don't convert. If you have good values you'll find someone. If she is less-active in the church or isn't bothered about marrying a non-member, then I see no reason to convert. If church is important to her then you will make the pair of you and any children miserable.
In order to be baptised you have to answer truthfully a set of questions.
Here are a few. Tell me if you feel ok with answering them untruthfully.
1) Do you believe that God is our Eternal Father? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world?
2) Do you believe the church and gospel of Jesus Christ have been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith? Do you believe that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God? What does this mean to you.
3)What does it mean to you to repent? Do you feel that you have repented of your past transgressions?
4)When you are baptised, you covenant with God that you are willing to take upon yourself the name of Christ and keep His commandments throughout your life. Are you ready to make this covenant and strive to be faithful to it?
A temple marriage is a VERY serious affair. You covenant with God, that is make a solemn promise to Him. Don't enter into that lightly, because, quite frankly, God does not like being mocked. You will be miserable in this world and under condemnation from God in the next. If this sounds scary, that is because it is.
You won't recieve a temple recommend until a year from your baptism, during which you have to be active in church.
Do not join the church unless you are serious about it, that would be my advice.
BTW I live in a part of the world with less than 100 members and few are local. My branch averages about 8-10 people, so you don't have to live with a large concentration of Mormons.