LDS/Mormon converts: How do/did you get your family involved in your spiritual growth?

Question

For example, I come from a family where religion is important, but a HIGHLY private matter. Mom read Bible stories to me as a child, and I acted as voice in all meal time prayers, and went to church (Methodist) every Sunday, but other than that I had no idea what my parents beliefs were until I converted and tried to share and explain my enthusiasm. It's been 14 years and I still don't know what they believe, only what they don't believe - which is "the Mormon church". I feel like there's so many things we could do as a family (even though I don't live with them any more) that aren't particularly "Mormon" related, but simply Christian in general.

So how did you/how do you get your non-member family involved in general spiritual nourishment? Like reading the Bible together, having a religious conversation without it turning into a Mormon bashing conversation, watching something like the Nativity movie at Christmas time, etc.

Was sort of expecting more answers than this. I want to pick a best answer, but it will go to voting if I wait until my next work day. So I will pick a best answer this afternoon in the hopes that someone else will see this question between now and then.

Answer 1

I have found that in a situation such as yours, you may want to explain to your parents your feelings, in a similiar manner as you have on this site.

Your parents apparently believe in God and Jesus in one way or another. You said you Mom reads the bible, you could try testifying to her particularly of your faith in the Bible.

Invite them to discuss a bible passage that particularly effects you personally. If they start in on Mormon bashing, then politely tell them you would like to discuss the bible passage not why they think you are attached to a unacceptable religion.

We as members of the LDS church are often attacked by people with misunderstandings. The best we can do is love them, and fight for a common ground.

Answer 2

When I was on my mission in Puerto Rico, I had a really strong prompting to send a video of "Saturday's Warrior" to my non-member uncle in Wyoming. It did not convert him, but still I cannot deny what a specific prompting it was. Later on I found out it made my cousin cry, and within about 2 years my uncle was baptized. It was mainly due to the example of his other brother and just feeling when it was the right time. Two of the boys in the family have gone on missions. Christian art is one topic you could share. Also good Christian movies - clean movies are timeless.

Answer 3

My situation is different than yours is in that my immediate family are all members of the same church. Still, my grandparents and extended relatives are Christians of other faiths. The key to success in growing as a family spiritually is following the spirit. This will allow you to know how to strengthen your relationship with your parents in spite of the religious differences. Whatever you do with them, you need to reassure them that your motives are pure in pursuing these activities--that your objective is not to change them.