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Originally Posted by Eddie32

I apologize in advance if this forum is only supposed to be for people who are LDS.

Everyone is welcome here.

I'm considering applying at a college in Provo, Utah, and just about everyone there is mormon. I share their views on issues and think its wonderful how wholesome they are and enjoy being around them. I also believe in God but I'm just not that a religious person. In particular, I don't care much for all the rituals in organized religion.

Are you talking about specific rituals?

I would also never want to send my kids to do missionary work overseas or force them to only live in areas with large mormon populations.

We don't force members to live in areas with large mormon populations. We also don't force our children to go on missions. (I'm sure there are some who felt pressured by their parents to go on a mission but that's different than forced.) Your son would have a choice of whether or not he served a mission. The young man/woman has to start the paperowork.

Also, I'm concerned about that "marriage is forever" belief b/c what if your spouse cheats on you, becomes abusive, becomes an addict, or does something where it wouldn't make sense to stay married? In theory of course I'd love to find a woman with the idea that we'd love and be together forever, but I'd like to have an option out just in case.Do they not allow divorce or remarriage?

Eternal marriage is based on our righteousness. Just because we're sealed for all eternity doesn't mean the sealing will be binding in the next life if we haven't lived up to our covenants. So if your spouse became abusive, an addict, etc. and didn't repent, it would be highly unlikely that Heavenly Father would force you to be married to that person for eternity. He wants us to be happy.

Yes divorce is allowed but is highly discouraged depending on the circumstances. A cancellation of the temple sealing is a bit more difficult to get.

Aside from that, I'd really like to meet a girl with the values and morals that LDS girls have and obviously this would be a problem since I'm not LDS.

I'm sure you'll meet girls in Provo with LDS values and morals. Marrying one may be a problem though IF she is set on a temple marriage.

So could I convert without having to do anything I'm not comfortable doing?

Of course you can...but why? All you need to do to become a member is be baptized. The baptismal covenant (a convenant is a two-way promise) is that you promise to: 1. To service the Lord and keep his commandments (which include); repent of sins, pray to the Lord, Obey church leaders, keep the Sabbath holy, teach other about the church and to love others. The Lord then promises to: forgive your sins, give you the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to give you eternal live.

If you're not willing to live up to the baptismal covenant why would you want to be baptized. If you don't want to take on further convenants nobody forces you to. However, marrying an LDS girl who is expecting you to be a Priesthood holder and lead your family in spiritual things would be disappointed, and rightly so.

You really can't have your cake and eat it too. You can't have the blessings without the sacrifices. That's just a universal principal.

Don't be baptized until you're sure you can commit.