Is the LDS Church true?

Question

Do investigators and members have the right to study all sources of information on the church before they make up their mind? How can you know if it is true when your told not to study non-Mormon sources of information. Sounds like brainwashing to me.

And, yes.FYI...I'm an ex-mormon. Don't start giving the burning in the bosom crap. We all know that there are times when you just can't trust your feelings. You actually need to stop and think about about the decisions you are making. Especially when you join a cult like this.

Mary Redshirt. Sorry That's not right. Either it's all true, r it's not! My ex played that game with me. Besides the every RM trying the Commitment Pattern on me. Give me a break.

Answer 1

There is no such thing as a "true" church/religion. They're all packed with contradictions, hypocrisy, and exaggeration. PEACE!

Answer 2

It sounds like you are a little bitter towards the church and some of its members. I am sorry that you feel that way.

I understand what you are asking and agree that people should really know what we believe before they make up their minds. However, I disagree that they should go to non-mormon sources and do not think it is brainwashing at all.

Every member is responsible for his/her own testimony. Each member or potential member must study the doctrines of the church thoroughly to gain understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A testimony is not going to be gained from non-LDS sources. A testimony is gained after the study and implementation of truth and a witness of the Holy Ghost (however long that takes), repentance, coversion, and committment to follow Christ.

I have read a lot of anti-mormon propaganda and they simply cannot explain our doctrines accurately and truthfully. Many of the sites are so distorted that it leaves you with a sick feeling inside. To encourage members to read something that is not true about the church would be utterly absurd. This is not like a consumer report where they go to test the car and report how it performed. The anti-mormon websites isolate quotations, twist, distort, sensationalize and lie. This is more of a brainwashing mentality, in my opinion.

I am a convert to the LDS church and I was a missionary as well. I feel that I understand both sides of the story. If a member or ex-member somehow feels that they didn't know the full story, it is no one's fault but their own. We have all of the scriptures before us, teaching manuals, classes, visits, meetings, and so much information online at the church website that there can be no excuse that I was not told or something was kept secret from me. People need to take initiative and then accept the fact that they alone are accountable for their testimony, knowledge and spirituality.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

That depends. Mostly it is all a matter of faith. Some ask the Holy Spirit, others may have had visions. From what I have observed God has told people it was true with the burning of the bosom and has told others it was false often with long cold silence.

I had a friend who was raised mormon but later left. She is the one who advised on what to say. Many Mormon sources are anti-mormon because the people are using Mormon sources. For example the Book of Mormon has many contradictions with the Doctrine of the Covenents. This does not say whether this is true or not.

Answer 4

When I was investigating I studied all sources. In fact the anti material seemed to be materialize out of nowhere. People I hardly knew where suddenly offering spiritual advise. The problem was finding any neutral information. I just wanted to compare doctrines.

The best material I got from the church was the Gospel Principles manual. I could look up a topic, digest it and search the scriptures for alternatives. After I felt comfortable about doctrine, it suddenly didn't matter as much. I found I was really drawn to the church because it opened the door to my heart.

Answer 5

you are welcome to study whatever you want. missionaries will sometimes warn agaisnt obvious anti mormon literature, were the information that they give is highly incorrect and damaging ie: the godmakers (which even non members and religious theolagans have stated has as grosely innacurate and filled with deciteful lies) there are some other ones, but i don't remember their names. also before you can be approved for baptism. you go through an interview. in that interview the bishop explains everything that will happen, and what kind of promises you will be making with God at baptism and the importance of baptism. NO ONE is baptized if they don't want to be, or if they do not understand the LDS religion and so forth. but i will tell you from personal experience that i know that it is true for me. my conversion didn't come from studying everything about the LDS church i could fine- it was actually opposite. i studied other churches and still felt like something was missing. when i came to church (LDS) it felt warmer- like you were home. When i started reading the book of mormon i felt i found what was missing. i had finally felt complete about a religion. i had answers to my questions that no other church i had been to could answer (and some were appauled that i would even ask) there was nothing that i could have read bad or good that would have changed how i felt about the church and the instant change for good in my life that i experienced ( i was having a very bad 3 1/2 years before that) my testimony comes from the truthfulness i can feel in my heart and the change i have seen in my life. nothing anyone can say for either view point changes that. the change was so drastic for me, and so instant that i knew without a doubt that it was true. and when i prayed about it, i got on overcoming feeling of happiness and comfort that i never had before. you can't brainwash someone with something like that. you can't make someone feel something especially in that short of a time- and i didn't even really talk to the missionaries. it was on my own. and you know, even if it were brainwashing (which i am postive that it was not) i would still be glad. because the LDS church and the gospel has made me happier than i have ever been or couldv'e imagined. It has made me so much closer to Christ my Savior,and to my Heavenly Father- i finally feel complete.

Answer 6

The LDS Church is true. There are several ways to ask whether or not it is true and one really can receive an answer from God. For some, it is a 'burning in the bosom'. For some, that is not enough - some receive revelations, visitations, etc. These are often not openly discussed -- they are sacred of nature, blessings of a mindful Father in Heaven and we do not wish them to be mocked.
We are not told 'not to study non-Mormon sources'. It is not brainwashing. You're statements to that effect are petty and contentious.
We tell people to ask God. He is the ultimate source of truth. Anyone who asks with real intent will receive an answer that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church of God on earth. They will receive an answer that we do have prophets again upon the earth today. Joseph Smith restored the gospel of Jesus Christ. He translated the Book of Mormon through the gift and power of God. Gordon Bitner Hinckley is God's prophet today. Families can be together forever. Jesus Christ lives. Truth is eternal.

Answer 7

Many thanks to "Free Thinking American".
I'm a Mormon... I study many different sources of information.
I don't know that we actually deny the Trinity either, we just have a different take on it from what is written in The Nicean Creed.
Investigators are exactly what the word implies, they're investigating the church. You can take the classes and make up your own mind.
Anyway
Good luck

Answer 8

1. Yes, absolutely, 100% true.
2. Yes, although for some it tends to provide confusion instead of clarity. Therefore it's not highly recommended, but a person can do whatever they want to do - free agency. Plus we are told to search the scriptures, pray, and get the answers you need. We believe we have the answers. One persons path to truth may not be anothers path to truth.
For me, I didn't and still don't need to read non-Mormon sources to know that it(the Church, the Book of Mormon, the "whole nine yards") is true.

Answer 9

The LDS Church was restored to the earth in 1830. That's over a 160 years ago. It has been scrutinized, criticized, and persecuted for the breath of its existence. Yet, it continues to grow and is one of the fastest growing churchs. There are over 12 million members world wide and its increasing.
It is true!!
As Joseph Smith said, "No unhallowed hand can keep it from progressing. Here is his quote:
“The Standard of Truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame. But the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, until the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say, ‘The work is done.'”

If one studied the Bible, and clearly applied the teachings found therein, no church comes as close as the LDS Church of really teaching Bible doctrine.

Answer 10

I believe it's true--I have worked really hard and have gone beyond enemy lines to solidify my own testimony.

Of course investigators have every right to every doctrinal bit of info from the onset--it is readily accessable and there are people available to answer any questions--all the way from missionaries to intellectual scholars to plain every day members.

However, it is recommended that you start with the "easy" stuff first and then move on to the deeper issues--so you don't become confused.

I have studied plenty of anti-Mormon literature and have talked with many avid anti-Mormon crusaders. It makes me laugh sometimes. It doesn't shake my faith in the least.

Edit--Well, pardon me. I didn't know there was any right or wrong answers here. I was just telling you of my own experience.

Either you believe it or you don't. Obviously you don't, so don't sweat it. Find something good that you do believe and make it work for you in a way that enhances your life.

Answer 11

Ah, yes!! More of the NON experts, rearing their 'ugly' heads.
Shut up!

If you are not a member, then let those with the truth, answer these questions, for the church.
And just because it 'sounds like brainwashing' to you?, does not make any statement from you, true.
Members can read whatever information that they choose to read. Mind control does not exist in the church, only in the minds of non members, who KNOW NOTHING.