New Guy

[TurkeyRun]

Hi All - new guy on the board here...

As an introduction, I am a 40-something MWM, a California transplant to North Carolina, and currently of no particular religious affiliation. No religious upbringing when I was young, as an adult I have "spent time" as an agnostic, atheist, Southern Baptist, and "new-agey-neo-pagan". If I go to church at all these days, it is to the "Biker Church" where they are great and non-judgmental folks. While I enjoy my time there, I don't consider myself a member.

Several times during my life I had opportunity to travel for business to Utah. I always felt some kind of attraction to Salt Lake City and had never consiously connected it to the LDS Church, except for that really cool building in the middle of downtown. My only understanding of "Mormons" was the contact I had with folks I ran into through normal life events; school, neighbors, work, community groups, etc.

Last year, I spent a little over two weeks there and finally took the temple tour, and was almost in tears. I felt so warm, welcomed, and... I don't know how to describe it - comfortable, safe, "home" (?). I had no idea that Mormons were Christians and believed in Jesus Christ - imagine my surprise! Then, I put 2 and 2 together, Mormon = LDS = the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! (duh). It was then that I also realized, there had been LDS people around me almost all my life... someone trying to tell me something?

My wife thinks I'm nuts and am risking getting "sucked into a bigoted, male dominated, white-guy cult", and scoffs at my interest. I really can't talk to her about any of my investigations and she's made it pretty clear that if any missionaries come to the house, she will laugh, scoff, and insult them right out the door (and me along with them)

So I've been reading a Book of Mormon, listen to BYU Radio and Classical 89 via the Internet while I work. I have lurked about a bit here reading, and thought it about time I poked my head up and said "hi".

I didn't mean to go on a long diatribe about my spiritual/social history, but thought I should let everyone know where I am coming from in case I say/ask something stupid. I promise to read before posting

Thanks!

~bc

[Hemidakota]

Nice intro and welcome to the forum.

[KristofferUmfrey]

Originally Posted by TurkeyRun

Hi All - new guy on the board here...

As an introduction, I am a 40-something MWM, a California transplant to North Carolina, and currently of no particular religious affiliation. No religious upbringing when I was young, as an adult I have "spent time" as an agnostic, atheist, Southern Baptist, and "new-agey-neo-pagan". If I go to church at all these days, it is to the "Biker Church" where they are great and non-judgmental folks. While I enjoy my time there, I don't consider myself a member.

Several times during my life I had opportunity to travel for business to Utah. I always felt some kind of attraction to Salt Lake City and had never consiously connected it to the LDS Church, except for that really cool building in the middle of downtown. My only understanding of "Mormons" was the contact I had with folks I ran into through normal life events; school, neighbors, work, community groups, etc.

Last year, I spent a little over two weeks there and finally took the temple tour, and was almost in tears. I felt so warm, welcomed, and... I don't know how to describe it - comfortable, safe, "home" (?). I had no idea that Mormons were Christians and believed in Jesus Christ - imagine my surprise! Then, I put 2 and 2 together, Mormon = LDS = the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! (duh). It was then that I also realized, there had been LDS people around me almost all my life... someone trying to tell me something?

My wife thinks I'm nuts and am risking getting "sucked into a bigoted, male dominated, white-guy cult", and scoffs at my interest. I really can't talk to her about any of my investigations and she's made it pretty clear that if any missionaries come to the house, she will laugh, scoff, and insult them right out the door (and me along with them)

So I've been reading a Book of Mormon, listen to BYU Radio and Classical 89 via the Internet while I work. I have lurked about a bit here reading, and thought it about time I poked my head up and said "hi".

I didn't mean to go on a long diatribe about my spiritual/social history, but thought I should let everyone know where I am coming from in case I say/ask something stupid. I promise to read before posting

Thanks!

~bc

Welcome and good luck on your journey.

[mlbrowninwa]

Welcome. I'm sure you will enjoy, lots of great people on here.

[Palerider]

hello and welcome to the site....

[daenvgiell]

welcome, hope you get even more from your stay here with us, we're a friendly bunch.

[john doe]

Welcome, I hope you like it here.

[melissar]

Welcome to the site. I hope you enjoy your time here.

[LDSVALLEY]

Welcome, my Duh was phoning the Mission office when we first heard about the church and asking if Mormons celebrate Christmas. After a long pause the reply came back we are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

My Wife and I joined together but we are the only members in either family to do so. And yes we heard the same stuff. When the Missionaries explained the Priesthood I said it looked like a male dominated group. It took me time to realize it is not, both are equally important we just have different responsibilities under his Plan. My wife is not dominated by me or any male in our church, I know because I am still alive.

I told them they would never convert me, I did not believe in organized religion. I've been a member for 12 years and you are right there is something special about most of the people in it. When I took the time to learn and pray to the Lord about it it felt right, like I was where I should be.

That is the big thing for me, we take what we learn and pray to the Lord, not just accept someones interpretation of what is said. That is freedom.

Hope you enjoy the site and investigating.

[gomspal]

Welcome to the board TurkeyRun. LDS.net may be able to help you with your questions. We have lots of nice people here who are willing to listen and answer your questions, be they LDS or Non-LDS. Welcome and enjoy your stay.