How much would you expect a fourteen year old LDS church investigator to know?

Question

i've attended a mormon church now for a little over three months now. i had researched the church through for months before i started attending the church with a friend and his family. About a month into going regularly, people would always tel me in conversation that they thought that i was a lifelong member when i started coming because i participated so actively and i knew so much about the church. at the time people didn't really expect me to know anything. i started taking lessons with the missionaries about a month ago and they were also surprised that i already knew almost everything in the lessons. lately, though, i'm finding that people expect me to know everything about the church, and i certainly don't. i still have a lot to learn. i know most of what people ask me and i think i have a very good understanding of everything. if you were a lifelong member attending church with me, what would you expect a fourteen year old investigator who is getting baptized soon to know?

Answer 1

Everyone learns at different rate - and some understand more than others. I've been a lifelong member and I still don't know everything. I wouldn't expect you to know everything there is to know - because I sure don't.

Most investigators I've been in contact with, whether 14 or 94, know less than I do - but I've met some who know more than I do. It just depends on the person and what, if any, research they've done beforehand.

Try to get a copy of the October issue of the Ensign (ask the missionaries for one). The issue deals with new members and investigators - and has some great articles in it that will help answer your questions.

Answer 2

Its not all the things that you know that are important. Your testimony is the most important thing. People should understand that you're an investigator and this is all new to you. Just try hard to learn. And just as a side note I think its amazing your choosing to get baptized at 14. I'm 16 and I've been a member all my life and I've always had the greatest respect for converts!

Answer 3

The basic principles covered by the discussions. Sometimes you will find that certain truths you have always known without being able to explain where or when you first learned or understood those truths. It's those concepts the Spirit is helping you grasp which are surprising others.

For example, I attended a Methodist Church growing up. I would hear things and understand them on a level that was not taught in that Church. When I discovered the LDS teachings it was like deja vu to me and not new difficult to understand concepts because the Spirit had to have been teaching me what I needed to learn to be prepared.

Answer 4

I wouldn't have an expectation...everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way. I have been a member for 26 years and there are still things I have questions about sometimes. It's normal...if you want to know more, ask, read, pray, do all those things and you can continually learn.
Good luck!

Answer 5

There are a lot of things that Mormons don't want investigators to know until you get sucked in further along into the cult.

What Mormon Missionaries WON'T Tell You;

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Mormons/mormon_missionaries.htm

Answer 6

Sounds like you're well on your way already. I'm sure that you do know a "lot" about the fundamental beliefs but there are some less fundamental ones that you may not yet be aware of.

Answer 7

This is a great primer on the Mormon Religion. It should help answer a lot of questions which might come up.

http://www.lhvm.org/vid_dna_med.htm