Converts to Mormon church: What made you wish to join this church?

Question

How did you first make contact with the LDS church?
What was your religion/belief prior to joining this church?
Do you feel that you have a better understanding of the savior, and a better relationship with the savior after joining?
Have you read the entire book of mormom and if so, how does it compare with the bible? Does it contrast, or compliment?
Do you think that your life is happier after joining?
Are you persecuted for what you belief? If so, by whom?
What is the church like where you live--is there a great membership, or a sparse one?
What is the major difference between LDS church and your prior religion?
Have you ever considered leaving the church?

Non-LDS, you can answer, too. Please don't be nasty, though. I hate that.

ANd please don't post a whole bunch of links that I am not going to open

No, but red is my favorite color and I have a lot of red shirts.

It's my NA name, dummy.

Non-Mormons answer because that is the nature of this forum and you know that as well as I do--everyone puts their 2 cents worth in whether they have anything valuable to contribute or not

Answer 1

All I can say is that I was born and raised in the LDS church. I love it and know it to be true and no amount of anti-mormon hate and bigotry will distance me from that.

TAKE THAT, YOU ANTI-MORMON TROLLS. HAHAHA H-flippin-A!

Answer 2

My husband and I have been familiar with LDS teachings all our lives, but we just joined the church last year. As a non-member, I even took seminary in high school. The doctrine of the church has always made sense to me.

I don't want to go into my background much, but I will sum it up in one word: polygamy. No, I'm not a polygamist, and neither is my husband, but let's just say we have a unique understanding of the people that do practice it. As for being persecuted for what we believe: no, not because we joined the LDS church. We are singled out because of our history.

I don't know that my understanding of the Savior has increased because I joined the church, but I feel I do understand His plan better. I don't know that it increased because of the church mostly because I don't attend church regularly (I have two little kids and a husband that works Sundays). Once the opportunity to attend does come up, I do take it, but taking two little kids to church can be a nightmare!

We have a lot more knowledge about the history of the church than most average church members (especially considering we both have ancestors that were part of the church right from it's infancy). A lot of what has been said about the things in the history of the church are true. Joseph Smith did indeed have several wives, as did Brigham Young and many other notable figures from the time. Things have changed dramatically, and they will continue to do so.

After much spiritual torment over what church is the right one, I have come to the conclusion (as has my husband) that a person needs to find God in his own way. If that means, you have a good relationship with Christ as a Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, or whatever, more power to you. The church is where I want to be.

I have read the Book of Mormon, but only once or twice cover to cover like one would expect a book to be read, but it did take a really long time. I believe in compliments the Bible very well.

I live in the nerve center for the church and let me put something to rest. There are many people here who are not LDS. In fact, where I live in this part of the city, I know more people who aren't LDS than those that are.

Sorry my answer hasn't flowed well, but I wanted to make sure I answered all your questions.

Answer 3

I found the church while trying to find out how compatible a Mormon and a Presbyterian would be. I heard the first lesson about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and knew immediately that it was true. The more I studied, the stronger my testimony became. That was 36 years ago. And it has only gotten better as my relationship with my Savior has grown.

Yes, I have read the Book of Mormon 3-5 times a year for years. I read the Bible through every two years. They support each other, although the Book of Mormon does not have a history of evil and designing men changing it to their own philosophies, like the Bible does.

Where I live is Southern Virginia University where there are lots of Utah Mormons, but we survive that. So we have three Wards and 5 student Wards.

Answer 4

I had heard of the church somewhat thru various ways, especially because of the Osmonds.

One day, when I was moving to "the big city", my mom and I saw some missionaries, and my mom mentioned that a couple friends of mine that I hadn't seen for a few years, had joined the Mormons. I had gotten a job at a discount dept. store and this friend and some of her friends were there and I got to talking to her and she invited me to a FHE being held at the Institute, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I knew it was true as soon as the missionaries started the first discussion, because it was EXACTLY as I knew the real church should be from my reading and studying the Bible. The Book of Mormon was just an added bonus. I had no problem with Joseph Smith as a living prophet. I do understand teh Saviour and God and everything much better. It as made me happier, even if it hasn't made my life any easier. But, I don't think I've ever been persecuted myself.

I was raised in the United Methodist church, which my family still belongs to. Well, my parents. My brother switched to his wife's Baptist church and my sister now goes to a Vineyard church.

The Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible, making the Bible much easier to understand.

Where I am now, in central Ohio, the church is building nicely. When I first joined the church back in 1979, the stake had just split into two. About a year ago, we split--from three to FOUR. And the two wards that meet in our building, a few years ago, split into three wards.

No, I would never leave the church. That would be like thumbinb my nose at God. If I ever believed the LDS church to be wrong, I would probably not be a Christian anymore. It's that simple.

Answer 5

I was introduced to the church almost fourty years ago by a beautiful young woman. I'm active in the church and have been for a long time. It's the greatest joy in my life and gives me confidence that I'm here on earth for a good reason. Before joining the church I was Methodist, but always felt that something was missing. I was right. Yes, I do have a better understanding of my Savior now, and that understanding grows even now. The Book of Mormon certainly compliments the Bible. I have read the Bible cover to cover several times and the Book of Mormon even more than that. I love attending the temple and the peace I gain there. The difference between my old religion and the LDS church? Night and day.

Answer 6

I was at a critical point in my life and asked a couple of kids from school about the church.

I was Catholic.

Absolutely!

I have read the Bible and Book of Mormon many times. They compliment each other very well and, in many instances, really help to clarify doctrines.

I feel so blessed to have the life I lead now. I attribute it to following the Savior's example and living the Gospel.

I have been persecuted by others at times. My family was very anti-mormon. I lost my job when I refused to work on Sundays. I had friends who would no longer hang out with me. I could list many other examples, but you get the point.

I am in a very small branch in a Communist country. We have a few families and a couple singles.

There are too many doctrinal differences to discuss here, obviously. A major practical difference is that I live my religion every single day of my life: individual prayer, scripture study, family prayer and scriptures, keeping the commandments, sharing the Gospel, serving others...basically trying to be a disciple of Christ.

Good questions.

Answer 7

I'll try to take each question in turn, then add any details.

I felt the Spirit in my heart while studying the Book of Mormon and meeting with the missionaries. I had never felt that before. There's more to my conversion story than that, but for me it's a tender story and I'm not one to trounce it out for all to see, but that's the gist of it.

My first significant contact was while in college, a new friend was/is LDS and several of us decided to learn more about each other by attending each others church. She was the first to ask us to come to her church. I had a VERY, VERY powerful moment while there and went back in a couple of Sundays. My art teacher was the Bishop there and I met with him and he gave me a Book of Mormon. It wasn't until after I had decided to be baptized that I met with the missionaries.

I was Methodist, but hadn't been to a service for 8 years.

I feel I have a MUCH better understanding of the Savior now than before. I think my relationship has grown and deepened, but the foundation remains the same. Part of my conversion story includes that as a result of getting to know my friends better, I realized that they knew more about their respective churches than I knew about mine (Methodist), so I went across the street to the library on campus and found a big book that contained write ups about all the religions in the world, and looked up Methodist. I learned that things I believed the Methodists didn't, and things I didn't believe the Methodists did. I began to search for a religion that believed as I did. Shortly thereafter my friend asked some of us if we wanted to visit her church.

I have read the Book of Mormon all the way through many times. While the Bible reads more as disjointed stories with messages, with scattered geneologies throughout, the Book of Mormon tends to flow from one generation to the next with ease. For me it's easier to follow what's going on and even (to an extent) why the people did what they did. I've learned a lot more by studying the Book of Mormon than I think I would have ever learned by studying the Bible alone.

For me it compliments the Bible AND in some places it does contrast the Bible. In the places where it seems to contrast the Bible I see it as an error in the Bible. Over the many years that the Bible has been around - in book form, there have been many translations. And unfortunately many of the people who translated it worked for corrupt leaders - be they kings or popes. some of those corrupt leaders, I believe, had an agenda to make the Church and the Bible into what they wanted it to be. Other errors crept in by accident. That doesn't mean that there aren't great truths in the Bible. There are great truths in the Bible, but there are also great errors, as well as truths that are just missing. The teachings in the Book of Mormon and of the Church restore the missing, correct the errors and make the Gospel whole again.

I think I am able to deal with the vicissitudes of life better, and having that ability helps me lead a happier life. I've learned who I am, and have learned to not dwell so much on the small things but to see the bigger picture.

Not intensly. My Mom still can't handle that I'm LDS. It really hit her hard.

I live in a city of just over 200,000, and we have 4 wards and a branch. One ward is significantly larger than two other wards and the branch. I'm guessing we have about 1200 - 1400 members in the city. So while it's not a significant number of the population, we get along well with the rest of the city. About 2 or 3 years ago a national survey ranked us as the second most conservative city in the US, so the LDS culture is at home here.

I think the major difference between the LDS church and the Methodist church is that [EDIT: I had to leave my answer unfinished for a few days due to issues at work, but I'm back!] with the Methodist church, or at least most of the adherents I know they believe the Protestant theory on the Trinity, and that the Heavens are closed so there could not be any further scripture. The LDS church believes that the Heavens are open, that God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three seperate, distinct individuals who are united (aka the same) in purpose. We also believe that God continues to speak to us, and that there are other books of His word that are just as much scripture as the Bible.

I've never considered leaving the church - ie giving up my beliefs, although I did spend about 6 months in a situation where I didn't feel free to go to church so I didn't.

Answer 8

Two, young LDS Missionaries spoke with my dad, while he was outside tending to the front yard. My father apologized for not letting them into our home, because the rest of us were all asleep, so instead they left a video for us to watch in our spare time.

Out of respect to people who are I will not say what religion I was prior to being baptized into the LDS faith. I will only say that I had started questioning my beliefs in that faith long before the missionaries came along, and I even attended and looked into other churches as well.

I feel that I have a much better understanding of the Savior and his plan for me. Do I understand everything? Of course not. But I do have a better relationship with my maker and I am a much better person for it too.

I am not going to lie... Sadly, I have not read the entire Book of Mormon. I have attempted to read the entire book several times and have failed miserably. I do however read randomly from it, and I study bits here and there. I am a work in progress. Therefore I cannot or will not be hypocritical and say anything further about things that I do not know or understand. The parts I have read, I either understand completely or need to re-read.

My life is happier, because I know what my purpose in life is. Not to say that I do not struggle with things, I would never claim my life to be perfect. But I am much more easy-going and honest. I am more focused on what I'd like to get out of life and who I want to be.

I am constantly persecuted, mocked, ridiculed, harassed, etc... But I do my best to not dwell on it. I am not one to make a martyr out of myself. I know that there comes a point where EVERYONE has gone through or will go through these things. I only pray that it makes me stronger and that my example is enough to overcome what people may think of my beliefs.

Where I am currently living -- I do not feel comfortable in judging the membership, as I have only just recently moved here. I will say though that I have been dissapointed with the closed-mindedness and ignorance of some of my fellow Latter-day Saints. But everyone is human. Or perhaps it is because I so dearly loved my previous location, that I am having a difficult time adjusting. Only time will tell I suppose.

The major difference between my former faith and that of the Latter-day Saints, is with my former... I never even held a bible in my hands. I was being taught by teachers who apparently knew it well, but there were many contradictions and things I never received a proper answer for. I thought it was wrong for me to not be able to read the bible on my own and only hear other's interpretations of it.

I have never considered leaving the church. I did become inactive once, shortly after being baptized. It was not because a lack of faith, but because I was a coward. I was not sure if I was ready to make a change in my life. But I'm glad I did change, because I was not a very nice person.

But alas, that is in the past. Everything I experienced has made me who I am today. Not perfect, but better.

Answer 9

ooooo i like this question!!! lol


I had about 3 previous contacts with members. (missionaires came to my home and i blew them off... i as in 6th grade lol)

Last year, I was 15 i started dating a guy who was a member. My friends started not talking to me and saying things like that he didnt believe Christ was the son of God and that he worshiped Satan and that God lives on a Star on another planet. So I went to church with him to see what it was all about. Read parts of the Book of Mormon. Just to see. I didnt think it was fair to listen to them, since the obviously didn't have a clue! I continued going to church with him and accidently gained a testimony. lol I mean i wasnt praying for one and then i realized that i believed it was true, of course then i prayed and asked if it was true and i KNOW it is with no shadow if a doubt! None of my olf friends or people from my old church will talk to me (it was baptist). The Book Of mormon DEF compares to the bible! In seminary this year we are studying the Old testament and time after time i find myself asking how others cant see it! I am persecuted for my belief by most ppl that don;t have the same belief. i am the only member in my family, and none of them like it. All of our members are wonderful, but there arent many of us.

there is a HUUUUUGE difference in not reallly the religion, but how we make it a way of life. I have NEVER considered leaving the church. I am 16, and am planning to serve a full time mission!

Life is WONDERFUL. I am sooo happy that i joined the church. I look back and realize how many times God tried to put it in my life! There have been other times that if I hadnt already found the church, i think i would have accepted it other ways eventually! Most people tell me they would have thought i have been a member my whol life. :-)

Answer 10

i joined the mormon church when i was a teenager (14), my friend was lds and took me... at the time i thought the Lord was leading me there but i think it was more because it filled a need ... at 14 religion fasinated me ... my dad was catholic my mom baptist..so we didn't go to church... i've never readthe entire book of mormon... but then i never read the entire bible either ... as for having a better understanding or closer relation ship with God ..i don't think it matters so much on the church you go to ..its up to you to build the relationship with God not a church a church can only guide you ... living a lds life style can be hard, there are a lot of no no's to me the are very closed minded on their believes and acceppting others ... if you join the lds church expect to be persecuted & to defend your beliefs ... mostly because people don't understand the church ... lds member ship is sparse where i currently live (the bible belt) but have lived in places where there were more lds too ... the major difference between the lds beliefs and other christian beliefs is .....
1 lds beleives in 3 seprate heavens
2 that only those baptised into the church will get to one of those heavens
3 that we ALL lived in heaven before coming to earth

i am now 50 i left the mormon church when i was 30 i was pregnant at the time divorced (big no no) the church elders felt like i was a bad influeance on their youth even though i wasn't going to church ... but at the same time the church was throwing a baby shower for a young unwed mother who didn't know who the dad was ... (i was living with by baby dad) 20 years later we are still together ) .... i thought it was rather hyprocritcale of them to ask me to leave but ask another to stay.... i'm not against the mormon church i still have some very good friends with in the church they are good people the lds church has great family values ...but as i've grown i've come to know the Lord on more of His terms ... not the term of a church ... churchs no matter which one are good they are family a good place for support ...but it really all comes down to YOUR FAITH in God and letting Him take care of you ... being a christian is life style not going to sunday school ...
treat all people with respect, try not to judge basicly we need to be more like Christ .... pray before u deside trust God to guide u hope this helps u can email me if u liked with ?'s

Answer 11

I was baptized when 8, but not converted until much latter. I am now a High priest, I have been a sunday school teacher for many years, as well as counciler to a Bishop and sunday school president, and ward mission leader.
I was really converted in many stages. One I recall was when a Bishop in Wyoming (where I was living away from home from 18 to 21 years of age) suggested I start paying tithing, I told him next month I will, as I planned on spending more money than I was making this month. He promised me, in the name of the Lord that if I would start then I would have money enough and some left over. I took him up on the promise and paid that month. One night I was called to work 10 separate times, each paid 4 hours regular pay. Not much sleep that night, but 40 hours of pay extra. I was the third down on the call out list and everyone else was home. Obvious fulfillment of promise from Bishop.
Latter I chose to serve a mission, went to Las Angles, now I have 12 children and one wonderful wife. Of the children 8 are adopted. I do have normal problems in my life, some children are not embracing the churches teachings, we know therapists quite well and struggle getting everyone to pass school classes with good grades.
We read the Book of Mormon nearly daily, have F.H.E. on a regular basis and do try to keep our children from dating before age 16. My sons really like to play paint ball games (me to).
I have had a lot of oprutinities to use the Priesthood, I have seen maricle healings, and had to cast out demons. I have cried some and laughed a lot. Our oldet son is serving a mission in Russia, near where he was born before we adopted him. This has been really great for him.
We now live ( recently moved here) about 1/2 mile from the church, in the city park a block form our home is a "10 commandments" monument, it makes national news some times for the court fights of people trying to get it removed. As for persecutions, I really don't have those from people any more, I am 46 and am not swayed by silly notions brought up from time to time. I have learned to have a love for everyone. life is not long enough to spend fighting. I have served in Temples and really enjoy that part of the work.
My biggest concerns are when a family member or I am swayed by temptations to fall into sin. When that happens we really do loose the spirit and have a real struggle with church participation, or even still believing it is true. Upon repentance that is restored, after a hard long battle with ourself.
The Book of Mormon is a great companion to the Bible, both are very necessary. It is different then the bible, in that it is a record of another people and is to help prepare us for life in these last days. It is to help us prepare the way of our Lords return.
My life at times has not been really happy, as God chastises those whom he loves, (he must love me a lot). But I know I have Gods true priesthood power, I know we have a Prophet today to give us Gods words and direction. This life is a time to prepare to meet God, not just a time to have happiness. I am not fearful to meet my God, nothing on earth can scare me. I know who I am and I know who God is. I have developed a great love for our Lord Jesus Christ, and hope in this atonement.
I have not considered leaving this church, but my wife has considered it, this after sin withdrew much of the spirit from her, (she did not choose to leave).
In short, life in the LDS church is not easy, but it is worth it.
E-mail me if you wish to, I could share more but will not in such a open forum.