Can Mormons date Non-Mormons?

Question

A Mormon boy, who I really like, has asked me out. I'm not Christian of any sort, and he knows this. I really would like to go out with him, but I don't want to, if it is considered bad by his community. I wouldn't want to bring him down at all--I'd be happy being his friend and have him date a Mormon girl if it's easier for him. I'm never going to convert...something he also knows.

He is very strong in his faith. He talks about it constantly. He goes to church things about three times a week. He's also just come back from his mission.

I am friends with him, and he has talked about getting married a lot. And how doesn't want to date the wrong girl. So I'm surprised...But I do like him a lot.

Answer 1

Although boys and girls are encouraged to date within the faith because ultimately we marry whom we date and marriage within the faith is strongly encouraged to eliminate unnecessary hardships, it is not strictly forbidden. After all, my father dated a protestant and eventually converted her. My mother-in-law dated a protestant and eventually converted him. My two sons have dated and married non-LDS girls. They are both now inactive. So you see the dilemma.
If you like him, and he likes you, then there is nothing wrong with going out together. Share your feelings and beliefs with each other, you can only become closer friends from doing so. In the final analysis, it is up to the two of you to decide if you want to date each other. If you both know the parameters and constraints on the relationship, and you are okay with that, then go ahead and go out together. Be aware that he is taught to remain chaste and virtuous until marriage. I would hope that you feel the same way.
Best wishes.

Answer 2

Mormons can date and marry whomever they want to. It is fine to date non-members. Only two mormons can get married in temple though. So, if you're marrying age, and you think this could go there, you may want to tell him you wouldn't ever convert. Otherwise just go ahead and date and have fun!

By the way, Mormons adhere to a very strict moral code. We believe in no sex or hanky panky before marriage. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but that is what we aim for. We also avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

EDIT: I have been LDS all my life. I don't know where some people are coming up with these ideas. Just because you are dating, no one would assume you are interested in the religion. And mormons can marry non-mormons. They just can't marry in the temple. And no one would look down on you. It really isn't that tightnit of a group. I grew up in a place where there were only 20 (give or take) mormon kids in my high school. I certainly didn't just date within my religion. I would have had no one to date!

Answer 3

I think that you make some really valid points and it sounds like you are a really caring person. Most people would care about that especially if they don't have any type of Christian faith of their own. I think that you should sit down and really talk to him about this. Explain to him your concerns. I am sure he will he really appreciate this. I do believe it is against their faith to date a non-mormon. But maybe he is questioning whether or not if that is what he really believes in. Just be careful that he is not wanting to date you in hopes that he will convert you, because that would be a little shady.

Answer 4

I don't think it is a good idea to date those who are not of your faith. There are just too many problems that arise.

Yes Mormons can date Non Mormons, in fact I know several active Mormons who are married to Non-Mormons. Most of them have a longing for their spouse to become Mormon- but it can happen and the member is not punished for it.

I just think that inter-faith marriages (no matter what faith) are a really bad idea. You need to have similar beliefs and values to make a marriage work. And if you have different faiths, then how can you provide spiritual guidance to your children?

Answer 5

If ur never going to convert u should really start looking somewhere else and be just friends. They really care about their religion. You would not be able to go to a Mormon wedding. If ur not Mormon u can not attend a Mormon wedding. I think his family will care. I don't know all Mormon's are that strict, but I have met a few and they all were.
It's best talking to him about it and find out how his family is.

Answer 6

Normally Mormons just don't date non-Mormons, because their community is so close-knit. Also, Mormons tend to not date casually, they usually date people in the interest of seeing whether or not they would want to marry that person. A Mormon can only marry a Mormon, so the non-Mormon would have to convert. His community and family would not look down on you and your relationship, but because you have a relationship they would assume that you are interested in becoming a member of the Church. Is he really a believer? Maybe he doesn't want to be Mormon, and so it doesn't bother him that you aren't. But if he is a true believer, he will want to marry a Mormon, and I would just stay friends so it doesn't get complicated.

Answer 7

If the person answering is not Mormon, IGNORE THEIR ANSWER!

I dated my husband for 3 years when he was a Mormon and I wasn't. Mormons can even MARRY non-Mormons. Just not is the temple for eternity. I have several 'part-member' families at my church.

I say go out with him. At least you are guaranteed a sober driver on the way home! :)

Answer 8

Okay he likes you!
Give him a shot!
Respect our standards though!
Such as no cussing!
Take that for example...simply don't cuss!
Don't expect sex from him because our religion shows we cannot until we are married!
Dress modestly...knee length, no shoulders showing, notrevealing clothes!
Give The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints a chance and ask to go to church with him one day!

Answer 9

yes. they can.
he wont be shunned.

but im gonna warn you.


because there is a diffrence in faith it will be hard.

and 2 they suggest that you shoulent date non mormons because of if u get married you will NEVER get a etrenal family/marriage unless they convert.


they suggest it like ur friend suggests u wear a shade lighter or eyeshadow

Answer 10

He can date anybody he wants, he can even marry anybody he wants - but I think if he marries a non-mormom, it's not "blessed" by the church. I'm not 100% positive about that. I don't completely remember, I almost married a man who was brought up in the mormom faith, but he didn't practice or believe in their doctirnes.