Could I convert to LDS w/out being strict about going to church and other activities?

[Eddie32]

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

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.

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. 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?

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.

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

[john doe]

Yeah, you could, but that would be a very empty conversion wouldn't it? Wouldn't you rather be true to your own values than fake it?

[ztodd]

Welcome Eddie- glad to have ya around. The forum is open to everyone.

There will probably be certain moral standards you'll have to abide by to attend college there, but you don't have to convert to LDS.

But if you're interested in learning more, we're more than happy to help out.

It is expected of young men in the church to serve a mission to where they are called- but you don't have to swallow that right away. It can be a scary thing for many parents to send their kids to some far off country. Sometimes the fear stops them from serving a mission. It takes great courage and faith.

Divorce is allowed in those cases, I would say even encouraged as the right thing to do sometimes. All cases are unique though- there's not a one size fits all answer.

Some girls won't date you if you're not LDS- and some parents won't allow their children to date non-LDS. To be honest, I personally would be real careful about letting children date non-LDS- it has to do with our beliefs about temple marriage, which is only available for members of the church.

[Eddie32]

Originally Posted by john doe

Yeah, you could, but that would be a very empty conversion wouldn't it? Wouldn't you rather be true to your own values than fake it?

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?

[john doe]

I think the best thing would be for you to meet with the missionaries in your area and they can explain the LDS church and its beliefs to you personally. They can give you a good introduction to the church and our teachings.

[ztodd]

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?

John's right. The missionaries are a great bunch of guys. They'll tell ya all ya need to know.

One thing I hope you understand is that joining the church can mean a pretty big change, even when you're already obeying most of the commandments.

We are commanded to "meet together oft", which we interpret as attending church every week, plus even more than that. After joining, you'll be asked to "serve in a calling". It could be joining a committee to help plan activities, helping people with employment if they need it, typing up the weekly church program; stuff like that. If you're willing, they may even ask you to teach a small sunday school class to a certain age group, anywhere from nursery up to 16-17 year olds or even adults 18+.

We have activities during the week too; not just on Sundays. You might be asked to help with those.

[cyoung]

If you joined now you would be about like 5 million other members. Unconverted and uncommitted. This is a religion of commitment. You will get out of it much more than you will ever give.

[Maureen]

Originally Posted by Eddie32

... or force them to only live in areas with large mormon populations...

Forgive me but I found this statement very funny. No need to worry there, Mormons are allowed to live where ever they want to live.

M.

[Prodigal_Son]

I second the commitment comment. This isn't a good-old-boys club. This isn't even about us Mormons. It's about Jesus Christ. It's about understanding why we're here on earth - and then applying that knowledge through a life of dedicated service to fulfilling God's purpose for us all.

Revelations 3:15 states, "I would that thou were cold or hot." This is a fulltime commitment. Lukewarm isn't a good position to take.

So learn some more, maybe it'll kindle a fire in your soul, and then you'll be ready for the next step.

Good luck!

[volgadon]

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?

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.