Mormon Belief?

Question

I am Mormon, and baptized in the Mormon church.
I had such a strong testimony, but now it has changed. Maybe party because I just moved across the country, and my friends aren't there to make me WANT to go to church. But, don't you think if I really believed in it, it wouldn't matter who was there? I just don't know what I am feeling. There are a lot of things that I disagree with in the church. I don't know what to do.
I guess my questions are:
Is this normal, to start doubting?
Do I tell my parents that I don't believe anymore?
I don't know what to do.
Should I be feeling this way? I know that there was a time when I KNEW in my HEART that it was true, but I don't feel that way anymore.

Answer 1

It's normal to doubt what once was a strong testimony. But what is important is to not place your complete trust and dependence on your friends to make you want to return to church activities.

You must be concerned of your own salvation; the rest of your friends will worry over their own. Since you once had a strong testimony it is still there in your bosom. Visit your bishop and speak your thoughts to him as you have done on this forum.

Fast and pray over this dilemma that has you encircled. Speak with your parents too and ask for their help and support. Do everything you can do for your peace of mind and salvation. Everything hinges on what you do now.

Don't give up.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are of college age. If so try going to Institute. This should help you make new friends. It also sounds like you are going through some pretty normal things, that most go through when out on their own for the first time. It was when I was out on my own for the first time that I found the church. This can be a wonderful time in life. Have you actually been to church, since moving across the country? If so, you probably have Home Teachers, if you don't then go to the Bishop and ask for a blessing after explaining your current predicament. Ask your Bishop, HT, missionaries, your questions - the ones concerning things you disagree with the church about. It could be that now that you're growing up, you need a more complete knowledge of a particular doctrine. Just as in Primary things are sort of simplified for the kids, then built upon that foundation in YW, now that you're an "adult" maybe this questioning is just a need for more knowledge. Pray about it, study it out in your mind and in the scriptures. If it's really important to you, you will make time to do this, dispite a (probably) very busy schedule.
I think there's a difference between "doubting" and "questioning". Doubting is when you've already decided something is wrong, or not true, but are sort of scared to accept that decision. Questioning is when you don't know, but have an open mind. This can be a testimony building time. I bring this up because I don't know you and don't know if you are REALLY doubting or just questioning.
Personally, when I converted, I waited until I was already baptized to tell my parents. I didn't grow up in a household where I felt comfortable doing it any other way. I can't tell you if you should tell your parents now, or later. To me it sounds like you're in a time of flux, and if your family is the type where you share everything and they would be hurt if you didn't let them know - then tell them. If, on the other hand, your family is the type that incourages you to be independent minded and work things out for yourself, then you might want to wait until you know for sure whether you want to remain a member of the church or not.

Whatever you decide to do concerning your parents, please pray, talk to your Bishop, get a blessing, study the scriptures, fast concerning this, and talk to your friends back home (email them, call them, write them, etc) - they can be a big help in this too. You might even call a temple and ask for your name to be put on the prayer roll. Prayer is a powerful thing, if done believing you will recieve an answer.


UPDATE:
In my opinion, Someguy deserves the best answer.

Answer 3

DON'T WORRY. it's hard to be one of the only Mormons around. I'm a Mormon too, and I understand the pressure. If you TRULY felt something in your heart that is true about the church, what is it? Remember it! If you're in college, go to Institute. The teachers are super smart, and they'll answer all questions you have. These people have STUDIED a lot, and can be your best friends. You'll also meet people who are from the church, too. a lot of members sometimes feel the same as you, convert or not. That's why many are constantly reading the Book of Mormon and the Bible.

But if there was a time that you KNEW IN YOUR HEART, then do not forget that moment. EVER. good luck!

Answer 4

There are 2 different types of conversion in any church: Being Spiritually converted, I.E. having a testimony; and being Socially converted, only going for the company. It's entirely normal to question one's beliefs. When was the last time you went to church? When was the last time you read from the Book of Mormon? When was the last time you prayed about the church? If it's been a while for any of those questions, than it becomes easier and easier to doubt. That's why it's so important to go to chuch on a regular basis.

If it were up to me, I would certainly speak with my parents, let them know your concerns. Make sure that you have the absolute correct understanding of the issues you disagree with. Often people disagree only because they truly don't understand what is expected of them. Find someone in the church that you trust and respect, and let them know your concerns.

Religion is such a personal thing. Nobody can decide if you believe what you are taught except yourself.

Answer 5

Well, I don't know what your age is, but it might help to take an Institute class. If you don't have access to Seminary (if you're still around 17-18) or Institute at a university, you can make friends with new Mormons by going to church and see what is going on there. It's easy to doubt life when your social support is weak or re-developing itself. I don't know what you have run into that would make you disagree with things in the Church. Sometimes what is important is to start studying in-depth. Don't go to non-believers, however, but do start investigating what some of the better Church scholars have written. I have been re-reading W. Cleon Skousen's commentary on the Book of Mormon this year, which is called "Treasures from the Book of Mormon" and also his Thousand Year series on the Bible. His "Treasures" commentary is actually aimed at young adults and has a lot of questions after each chapter to think about. I think you can order them from Deseret Book. If you are a social butterfly type, I would try investigating Institute first or else come to church and see who you meet. Don't give up on personal prayer - even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

Answer 6

Doubt is a natural way to cope with any change. The good news is that Heavenly Father knows and understands it. The better news is that he isn't going to walk away, and whether you find peace now, or later, he will be right there. Also, you can NEVER learn any lesson until you are ready to. This might be a painful process of disappointments and uncertainties, but you certainly remember something that was frustrating slowly, or sometimes suddenly becoming clear to you. Who knows how quickly you will find clarity. Who knows what truth you will come across, but all that is in the dark will be brought into the light. Be patient. Be loved. Love is. Choice is. And don't be put off by anyone who judges you church... had you said you were a baptist, someone of a different faith would have had something negative to say; had you said you were Catholic, someone of different faith would have judged that too. Love yourself, and don't push yourself to learn lessons that you might not be 100% ready for. God knows when you are ready... just be patient, even if you can't be faithful. Good Luck.

Answer 7

You've gotten a lot of good responses, but I just want to reinforce one thing. Make sure your testimony is based on a spritual confirmation. You can reserach all you want about the church and how it compares to others, using reason and logic (which is a very good thing to do) but unless you have a spritual confirmation that it's all true (and most importantly, that the Book of Mormon is true), then all the research and reasoning will confirm what you've felt the Spirit tell you.

You cannot have a testimony of spritual things based on worldy reason and logic. It just doesn't work. We are merely imperfect human beings with a limited knowledge of how God works. So, the knowledge has to come from a higher source. But, when you DO know the truth, the reason and logic you do come across will fit the pieces in the puzzle which you've already solved. Does that make sense?

I went through a similar experience years back, and when I read the Book of Mormon and prayed about it, really wanting to know, that's when I really realized through the Spirit that it was true.

Good luck!

Answer 8

It is sad that someone would tell you not to discuss your feelings with your parents. I would hope when my son gets older he will feel he can talk to me no matter what and that I will respect him. Of course, you must make the final decision on your own as to how you want to believe.

I too went through many times when I doubted by faith. I not only studied much about my own religion, but I also studied many other religions. If you are studying about your faith, or any faith, you should use sources that our genuine and from that faith. As you may well understand, everyone believes their faith is the correct one and many times they will talk down or discourage others from being a part of another faith. Additionally, as is also very clear, those who have left your faith will not be a good source of information - they left for a reason and will not provide a quality view. After much doubt of my own I did find answers, and it was why I was away from home. Luckily I surrounded myself with people who respected my choice of religion no matter what they were (I am married to an agnostic). It is normal to doubt, and I know in the Mormon church you are not taught to just believe, but are encouraged to become educated and seek answers; each individual should seek a personal confirmation of the truth. Even if you do know something are true, we always doubt, because we are human.

God does answer prayers, no doubt, as he has answered mine. Focus on getting closer to God and trust in those that are close to you. Despite this being an individual choice you do not need to be alone. Good luck.

Answer 9

Despite this type of forum, many here have given you good advice; even those that are anti- or ex-LDS. Let me through my two cents in. First, despite this good advice just do what you feel you need to do. You know as a church member that even if you don’t agree with the church, your always free to think and do what you want. Second, If if some of you problems are with the Rules in the church, let me share something with you. In “Spiderman”, you have heard the term, “with great power comes great responsibility.” When most people here that, they automatically think something physical. However, the mental part, or knowledge, is much more appropriate. The more you know, the responsibility you have to use your knowledge, and as church members me know many things most people don’t except. Because of what know, we need to be responsible for it. Lastly in defense of the church. There are many things that people may argue about our church that we may not have a clear-cut answer for, but other faiths are like this also.

For example: I followed one of the links from the site that Applesoup gave that claims that Mormons are false because the progression of Gods the we “believe” in extends beyond infinity, which is impossible. Granted I can’t explain how it is possible, no one can but I don’t have to. First, God is all power. Although he is bound by justice (sins need to be redeemed) he’s not going to let a little something like infinity get in the way. Second, the assumptions on this site are based on the laws of man, since when did God follow the laws of Man? Third, here is a time puzzle for you. How does god hear each of our prayers and watches our daily lives? A linear time (past present future like our concept) does not exist to him, or itself time is irrelevant. We believe that we can and will live forever. If that’s the case then time has no significance, doesn’t a thing. What are we going to talk about? “How do you remember back in the year 4756836487989067325567890…… “. No. Time has no meaning to God, and that’s how he can always be with everyone personally. Man can’t even comprehend true infinity, let alone past it. However, God knows all; and we trust him with this. Besides you know very well that knowing something like this all though might be dangerous, it is also irrelevant. My knowing that God is not affected by time does not get me closer to him.

I’m sorry I know this is a little deep, but it shows that there is an answer to everything your answer. Should you find that the LDS church is not for you then do what you feel is right. As for me not only does it feel right but everything about it makes perfect since. So much so that it can’t be coincidence. Good luck.

Answer 10

It is a natural and healthy thing to question and develop your own faith. The change of environment is obviously a part of that at this time for you. Go back to basics, read the scriptures, pray and explore the feelings of your heart. Whatever you do, DON'T be a sheep and let other's views (either negative or positive) become your view, develop your own opinions. As far as telling your parents, what do you want to tell them? Be honest with them about the fact that your are questioning your beliefs, but is it really the case that you DON'T believe anymore? Just so you know where I'm coming from, I've been raised all my life as LDS, served a mission etc. I'll be honest, these days I'm a bit shaky in my personal observance of the faith, but that still doesn't mean I've totally stopped believing. I now have a grown daughter who is going through a similar stage to yourself, although she still lives at home. I love her, and I hope I have helped her understand that although I would like her to stay strong in the faith, the decision is hers to make.

Just for the record, I have absolutely NO TIME for the people who rabidly spout off uninformed opinions on mormon beliefs about being a cult, or non-christian etc. IMHO they are the prime example on un-christian conduct in their attacking of others' beliefs. Christianity is about love; their attitude to me seems closer to hate. Okay, off my soapbox...