My in-laws recently became Mormon, how likely are they to try and convert my husband and I?

Question

My in laws became Mormon a few years ago. I am Wiccan and my husband is agnostic. We were both raised Catholic and after much soul searching came to the paths that are right for us. Since my in-laws became Mormon it has caused a rift in the family. They try to get us to go to church with them, they invited the missionaries for dinner when we came to visit, and slipped my husband a Book of Mormon when they left after visiting. I am really against any religion that pushes their beliefs on others, so this all makes me very uncomfortable. I don't want to be rude, but I worry about the day we have children. I don't think my in-laws really believe that my husband and I don't consider ourselves to be Christian anymore.

Any advice?

Answer 1

I'm Mormon. And my parents are not (I'm also single, so no in laws). When I converted, from Methodist, I tried to share with my parents something that I thought they would accept or at least respect my decision to accept. They didn't. I've tried on several different occasions to share with them what makes me so happy (a soul satisfying happy, not that I'm always smiling). They don't want to hear it, so I've stopped trying to share, but still try to be a good example.
I share this with you to hopefully explain where your in-laws are coming from. They are very happy about their decision and see SO much good in their new found religion that they want to share it with everyone they meet. Or at least those they care the most about. There are a lot of people (not just Mormons) who feel that those who are not Christian, aren't because they haven't found the "right" Christian church yet. Your in-laws may think that.
Here's what I would do. The next time they are over, have the hard conversation. Try to be non-confrontational, and tell them that you are glad they have found the religion that's right for them, and that you know there's a rift in the family because of their choice. You might even suggest that you know how that feels, because when you became Wiccan there were hurt feelings with your family as well - if there were. Tell them that you're touched that they think so much of you/love you so much as to want to share what they have found with you and your family. Tell them that you will keep the Book of Mormon they gave you, and may read it some day, but that right now you are happy with what you have and where you are. Tell them that if you ever have any questions about the Mormon church, you'll ask them, but that for now anyway you don't really want to know more about it and would appreciate it if they would let you know if they plan on having the missionaries over when you come by to visit. (Personally, I think that was a little uncalled for, unless you had expressed interest in meeting them.) Tell them that you're feeling a bit pressured by their approach, and it's making you feel uncomfortable. Explain that you haven't (if you haven't) tried to convert them to Wiccan, nor have you tried to get them to abandon all faith, and that you don't want this one issue to shatter any relationship you have with them.

It may be hard to say, and it may be hard for them to hear, but if you say it with tact, and kindness, while at the same time being clear about your feelings, they will most likely understand. As long as you give them an out, a way to save face, and allow them the hope that you and your family MIGHT one day become interested in something that for them is not only very important, but is also a major part of their lives, things should work out.

Let me reiterate that tact, kindness, clarity and a way to save face are the important aspects to your conversation with them. Also, you might want to make it a discussion, and not just a one sided lecture.

Answer 2

Talk to them and be honest and respectful. I'm Mormon, but my wife is agnostic. What is important is that you are all happy and respectful. If you are open and tell them that you aren't interested in learning about the Mormon faith, then they should respect that (although some people are just pushy, regardless of their religion). My wife and I have an understanding, that I believe the way I do because I studied it, studied hundreds of other religions, then came to a conclusion. How can you not respect that? Especially since religion is faith based and personal. I go to church every week and she doesn't, it's that simple. We have a son and religion will obviously be an issue, but it is the parents role to teach their children, not others. If they tried you would need to step in and tell them they are in the wrong (but they should respect your candor and sincerity before that). We have agreed we will each share and be open and that our son will be able to make his own choice, which is how it should be. Anyway, I have found most Mormons respect all people regardless of their faith (at least that is what they are told to do). Some recent converts are pretty excited and overzealous, and that's understandable, because it is something that makes them completely happy, so we just need to be straight up with them.

Good luck, but I wouldn't worry.

Answer 3

I think they'll try just because they're new at it, (like a smoker who recently quit, and turns absolutely obnoxious around anyone who smokes)....and because you're family. I don't think Mormons generaly try to convert EVERYONE they come across, but in your case...especially being Wiccan...I do foresee an attempt.

You're just going to have to tell them the second they start...that you understand their choice and you're happy they found something they believe in, but that you have your own beliefs. If they won't let it go, then make the subject of religion off limits when you're together.

Answer 4

I am positive they will try to convert you, but no person can actually convert another person, conversion only happens (I should say "true" conversion) when the Holy Ghost can manifest and testify to the truthfulness of things, not just by a person saying "oh you should be mormon".
The LDS religion is pretty much based around family and the chance for eternal progression with our families... that is why we always want our families to be members. The LDS church is the only one wherein male members hold the holy Priesthood of God and have the authority to seal families together for eternity.
Obviously it is important to them and they want to share it with you. Try it. What will it hurt? If it's not for you, tell them you tried and that was that. I can promise you, if you sincerely want to know if is correct and true, you can ask your Heavenly Father in prayer and He will tell you in your heart and in your mind what is true.
Good luck.

Answer 5

My Grandmother and her husband are Mormon. I have to deal with that, the people are really nice and not judgmental at all. But they really believe in what they do, and they are very family oriented, they want your whole family involved, so on that note just be happy they are trying to involve you in their lives, that's what I had to come to realize. I was really against their beliefs, religious wise, but I do let my children go with them on certain occasions (although I have to grit my teeth over the teachings), it makes them feel like they are showing up with their family, I know it makes their day and they wont be here forever. So my love for them lets me accept them for who they are, regardless if I believe in what they do. Good Luck

Answer 6

Ouch... I can't stand people like that. I believe that each person has to find either own way. How does your husband feel about his parents pushing like this? As to your in-laws, I can only suggest that if it get's too annoying, talk to them about it. Sit them down and explain that you're happy that they have found their path, but you and your hubby are perfectly happy walking the paths' that you are on. Hopefully they will listen. If not, then maybe you and your hubby need to decide to maybe limit the visits.

Answer 7

Sounds like you are between a rock and a hard place. I wish I could help. But for your end statement, I must make a clarification. Anyone who has truly experienced Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior would never walk away. You may have labeled yourself a Christian, but that is not a true personal relationship. Sorry to say, you parents too are not in a good place doctrinally.

Answer 8

Be nice to your parents or whoever else tries to convert you to their religion. You can thank them for their literature, but you don't have to read it. If you want a stonger relationship with them, read the literature, then politely agree to disagree.

Be aware that when children come along that it will be difficult if you and your husband don't first agree how you will raise them. They will get confused if you decide that they can figure out for themselves what they want to believe. Confused children don't make happy children.

Answer 9

Very likely, the mormons insist on trying to get you to read the false doctrine aka book of mormon. Don't read it. Actually, if you're wiccan and your husband is agnostic, then you aren't Christian anymore, but neither are the mormons, you know they don't believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins, right?

Answer 10

Well, knowing Mormons they probably will, but hopefull they will respect youre beliefs and leave you alone. I have known Mormons to be the most likely sect to try to have you converted.