I really don't get the whole "religion." I have MANY MANY friends who are mormon, and i feel so bad that they have been forced into this "religion" by their parents. I really have tried to understand where they are coming from, but nothing seems to help. I keep my faith and trust in God, and i know i'll never be "converted" or anything, but i just want to see how they believe what they believe. I've heard many things of what they believe in, and none of them make sense. Many things contradict the bible, and i don't see how SO many people put their faith and trust into this "thing." I wish i could let them know about the real Jesus, God's real word, and just the truth. By the way i live in Utah, which is Mormonville if you didn't know. I just want to see how this all makes sense to them? Sorry if i offended anyone, i'm just curious.
2007-03-19 15:20:01 · 16 answers · asked by Hmmm 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
And I have not been forced to believe what i believe in. I have had the choice to be a Christian, and that's not saying i'm better than everyone else. It's saying i'm a sinner, but i ask God to save me. I was LOST but now i am found. I have NO doubts about what i believe, and i've never had a reason to. THere's things i don't agree with, as with everyone, no matter where you go. I just wanted to know what they're all about, and things like that. I will not study more on it, since i have no need to. Where I live if i ask someone about anything, they'll either try to force it on me, or they don't care, since they were "forced" it, and i'm using their words. Im not trying to be disrespectful or anything, I'm just saying my opinion, since i'm human and i have one.
2007-03-19 15:39:17 · update #1
The Book of Mormon does not contradict the Bible. People do. You need to read it for yourself and make your own decision from an open mind.
2007-03-19 15:24:24 · answer #1 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 11⤊ 6⤋
I was "FORCED" to grow up Methodist. I did not feel cheated at all, even tho I do not believe a lot of what they believe.
Probably what confuses you is that you are listening to the wrong people about what we believe, or do not believe. If you want to know, the first place to go is http://www.mormon.org to learn the basics, to request a free Bible and Book of Mormon, etc.
And, I lived in Utah for 3 or so years, and too many Mormons there take their faith for granted, and don't really know what they believe. They are never really challenged to defend the faith.
2007-03-20 22:34:09 · answer #2 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Let us break down your question(rather insults)
1) i feel so bad that they have been forced into this "religion" by their parents.
2) heard many things of what they believe in, and none of them make sense.
3) Many things contradict the bible
4)I wish i could let them know about the real Jesus, God's real word, and just the truth.
============
Here is my response to your question:
1) Almost everyone is going to be the same religion as their parents. Therefore, we could also argue Christians, Muslims, Wiccans, Buddhists, etc were all forced into their religion by their parents.
2) I have heard a lot of things about Mormons too, and seeing that I am one it is funny that 90% of the claims made by anti Mormons are exactly what I do not believe in.
3) Have you even read The Book of Mormon? The simple fact that is remarkably amazing is that they do not contradict one another.
4) We have knowledge of the real Jesus, and God's real word and the truth.
2007-03-20 00:16:25 · answer #3 · answered by Radictis 3 · 10⤊ 1⤋
When baptized at the age of eight, they are held accountable, knowing simple right and wrong. No one can force you to be baptized, it is a matter of choice. Have you ever noticed a"difference" in some of your LDS friends that you can't explain? Many have said that to me, without even knowing I am LDS. I love having the gospel in my life, it has helped me so much! I'm just sorry that you don't feel the same way. Have you talked to the missionaries? read the Book of Mormon? Prayed with a pure heart and real intent after doing these things? If you do this, you will truly know for yourself why we do the things we do.
2007-03-20 23:36:49 · answer #4 · answered by cdaae663 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I was not "forced" to believe in what you call "Mormonism". I learned on my own, after a lot of soul searching and praying. Yes, I read the book of Mormon. I really think it's a companion to the bible. It has some of the same teachings in it that are in the bible, and it does talk a lot about Christ. I may have been raised in the church, but I wasn't that active and it wasn't until just a few years ago that I really started to understand a lot of what we believe and began to believe it also. It took a lot of time and experiences for me to get to that point.
I checked into other churches when I was younger. I even attended different faiths to see if any were for me. Each time I did, I never once felt the presence of the Holy Spirit like I did when I attended the LDS meetings. I also felt a kinship and a belonging to the people at the LDS church better then any other church. They were friendlier, easier to talk to and didn't try to force me into anything.
If you want more questions answered and you don't know who to talk to, you can contact either the missionaries in your area, or talk to one of your friends. Since you live in Utah, like I do, I would be glad to answer any questions you have and don't worry, I won't try to "force" anything on you. I don't believe you get anything out of being forced into anything. I also can be objective about things, since I was once on the other end of things. I can tell you that if you read the Book of Mormon with an open mind, believing that the truth will be revealed to you as you read, and then pray about it, you will get answers. It might even surprise you the answers you get! I really surprised me. I read it before I was even really converted to the faith, and the feelings I got were so strong. I can't explain it, and I won't try. I just know that there has never been another time in my life when I have gotten more understanding, and more answers then that time. The spirit will tell you what is right, and you can know for yourself, but don't do it if you don't want it.
We do believe in the same Christ as in the bible. We do believe He is the Son of the Father and that He atoned and died for us. We do worship Him in our meetings, we pray to Him, we believe it is through Him our sins can be forgiven.
There is an excellent website that will answer most of the questions posed by non-LDS people asking questions to an LDS person. It's very good and explains a lot of what we believe. This is a way for you to learn a few things without having to ask anyone. If anything, it will help you understand your friends better.
2007-03-19 23:18:48 · answer #5 · answered by odd duck 6 · 9⤊ 1⤋
You have misperceptions about your friends and/or members of the Mormon faith. I say this because in the Mormon faith they emphasize that the members must obtain a knowledge and witness for themselves and not rely upon the faith of their parents or anyone else. They teach that their members should educate themselves in all manners, including religion, and that they should respect people of other religions. I was raised with a Mormon mother, and of course she shared with her children what she believed, as any good parent would (if they think it is good for their children), but she also taught us to gain our own knowledge. Of the three children I am the only one that is Mormon, but I found out on my own what it is about and found my own answers. Religion is a personal thing and the only way one can find peace or happiness in religion is if we truly believe it for ourselves. If there are young Mormon kids that don't, eventually they will be faced with choices and questions, and will be forced to find the answers.
Because religion is based on faith we can't judge someone for what they believe, or at least we shouldn't, because that is left to God. If you disagree, then so be it. If you would like to learn more about Mormons you should either sit down with missionaries or talk to you friends. I wouldn't make assumptions or make statements like what they believe contradicts the Bible unless you have evidence, and you can't, at least not sufficient, because no religion is based on objective evidence. We could tear down every religion if we wanted to, but it is both useless and a waste of time. All I know is Mormons focus their lives on the Savior Jesus Christ, see Him as the most important thing in their lives, study the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon, and are great family people and members of society. Of course you will get your slackers and bad examples, like you do in all societies or religions, but you can't make judgment on that.
Good luck if you really want to know, otherwise just respect others as you would like to be respected. (Not being rude and hope I don't come across that way)
2007-03-20 18:02:06 · answer #6 · answered by straightup 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
You know what Jessica? I was a member for the last 13 years of my life and I don't get it either. The LDS have many doctrines that do not line up with the Bible. These doctrines aren't even mentioned in the Book of Mormon. When I began have concerns about the church I decided to really study it. My studying lead me out of the church. I discovered from just reading the Bible how far off the LDS church is Christianity.
Edit
I think LDS parents are pretty much expected to have their kids baptized at age 8. I always wondered though, If you can't commit any sin until age 8, then why are you baptized for a "remission of sins"? (age 8 is the age of accountability)
2007-03-20 21:41:17 · answer #7 · answered by MistyAnn 3 · 1⤊ 5⤋
The best way to understand them better would be to ask your friends (with genuine interest) about their faith. They will be more than willing to share info and answer questions you have. Also, as you stated, you live in "Mormonville." There are many there that can help you understand the religion.
Your God and Jesus are also their God and Jesus.
Many people don't see how anyone can put their faith into any religion. Christianity being no exception.
You can also obtain more info at www.lds.org
2007-03-19 22:28:56 · answer #8 · answered by KS 7 · 7⤊ 3⤋
Let me guess Jess...
You probably believe that Mormons aren't Christians and don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior...right.
Then how do you explain the actual name of the religion...
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Do I have to explain what the definition of Christ is. Also your absurdity of being forced into the religion by their family. I was forced into the Catholic church because my parents were Catholic. I investigated several religions to make my own informed choice and joined the LDS church. Which faith did you CHOOSE to join?
2007-03-20 02:19:10 · answer #9 · answered by iraq51 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
So, when someone of different faith than you was raised that way, they were "forced" and you feel "sorry" for them. Where did you learn YOUR faith from? Your parents right? Did they not force it on you?
The Bible contradicts its own SELF, so just leave your friends to their beliefs and tell them to leave you to your own, and just be friends, dont worry about religion. Enjoy your friends, and if they are curious about your beliefs, they will ask. Just be a good example to them, and if they want to know what you believe, great. But if not, its because they are happy in their church, and you should let them do what makes them happy and makes them feel good about going to church every week
2007-03-19 22:32:01 · answer #10 · answered by Together 4 · 4⤊ 4⤋
I would challenge you to show me what things "contradict" the bible...did someone - like a pastor or friend - tell you things we believe or did you actually pray about it to your Heavenly Father? There are many misconceptions about the LDS church, one of which is things we believe contradict what the bible teaches. It all comes down to interpretation...
If you really want to know what we believe, go to the source. Mormon.org or LDS.org or I would be glad to answer any questions you have...
2007-03-20 13:36:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 2⤋