For my 'religious' friends, I am seeking some other perspectives/suggestions to a certain situation I find myself in

I am not sure if ex lds members should interject much because in my experience, people that are 'ex' anything generally have a bit of negative bias about that thing,,


so, here is the issue

At the beginning of this year I befriended a few LDS elders and a few LDS families. I am a firm believer in the 'works' doctrine and believe that a persons works(and demeanor) are strong indicators of whether they know God and love Christ. I LOVE to be around people who know God and love Christ, denominational labels really do not matter in that regard at all.

So, I enjoy spending time with them and listening to their perspective/teachings as well as sharing my experiences. In fact, the 'elders' tend to be fairly young men,,lol. So being an older non LDS christian, I can see that the knowledge shared goes both directions.


Recently though, there is a new elder, lovely lad really, very enthusiastic, but my gut tells me maybe he is trying to 'close the deal'. I can say very honestly that I just do not see (at this point) the day that I will convert to mormonism because although their 'works' are amazing to me , their focus on a human prophet is not something I am moved to emulate. There are also other 'teachings' that do not align with what the Bible teaches and which concern me.


I do not know if there is a time limit they have to spend with non LDS members. I do not know if there is a mandate to either convert me or move on. I really do think they are lovely people and hope not to lose their friendship. I have so much expressed this subtly but the 'elders' continue to hammer on their message of 'if you come to believe will you join'.

I am not sure how to maintain the friendship with what seems to be loving people, yet convince them that my faith is my own. Any suggestions?

I'm lost explain LDS?

Sorry, Mormons,, from the Church of Latter Day Saints,,,

lol... you have to think like them, thats what religions want

Humm even though I'm not of that form of Religion.. I tend to think I have my own corner that I stand for... Even though I do believe I do not practice as those within the church ect..

I would think you would be best to lay out your concerns as you have here... those that reject anyone cause they do not believe whole hearted the way they do to me is not who they say they are...

No one has the right to judge another in how they believe or how they practice their faith...

I'm one I don't like Religion of any sort shoved down my throat... but if I have a question I would rather have it answered. Would be sad that anyone would no longer have anything to do with someone due to different religion thoughts..

I am not religious at all, so please pardon that I am not answering from a religious or doctrinal point of view. Just human logic.

I suggest that it is standard every day human logic which most applies with this. There is no real difference between dealing with someone who is after your soul, and someone who is after your body. Whether they want you as a lover and say they want you as a friend, or want you as a Believer, and say they want you as a fellow seeker, the human factors are exactly the same.

You would like to keep them as a friend, despite disappointing their wish to be something more to you.

The answer is that it is a standard risk. You can communicate carefully and clearly and politely that you are "not that kind of Christian," so to speak, and then find out what their real interests in you are afterwards.

Just like telling a would-be lover that you are not interested, except in friendship.

A few months ago I was visited by two women with the LDS. I let them do their spill then started asking them pointed questions based on my Christian upbringing and my scientific interests.

Not only did we have a lengthy discussion I called them out everytime they dismissed my point of view in favor of their taught beliefs.

We talked for two hours. They not only left with a perplexed look on their faces, they vowed to return with literature that supported their views. I'm still waiting for that literature.

I also noticed that while I have apartments on either side of me they went straight back to their car when they left. I figure that I made a compelling argument against their brainwashing and inspired them to think on their own.

Not only was I polite and engaging, I didn't criticize their beliefs and asked them to give me the same respect in mine. I have nothing against any religion but I do realize that some people are captured hook, line and sinker into the established doctrine.

They spout off their information and never even look at what it is they are actually saying. Attention to details will always trip them up.

If they are trying to coerce you into becoming a Mormon, then they aren't being friends.

(Side Note: Much of what I know about Mormonism comes from people who converted from Mormonism to Christianity.)

I would talk to the ex members. If they can not study and be friends when you are not ready then what do you think it would be like if you became a member and had doubts?

remember if you ever leave them all your LDS friends will treat you like the plague. Ask them how many LDS friends they still have.

Seems to me, they have already told you.

They mention your God given moral agency (freedom.)
"...if you come to believe, you will be baptized"

*edit: We believe that ones "coming to believe... ", is a gift from God, and is a gift given through His holy Spirit.

It doesn't come from brainwashing, pressure, cojoling or any other means of force. *


LDS families are most times very busy.
They have their familial responsibilities, church responsibilities and work/educational responsibilities, etc, etc
They are sharing precious time with you.

All friendships wax and wane, and wax again, over time.

I am LDS, and know of what I speak!

Hi Im LDS Good Bless U

Ms Harmony,they just opened a branch recently in my city. Probably the first here.
I don't know anything about them .
To answer your question. Consider this bible verse
Amos 3 v 3
''can two walk together except they be agreed?''

Amen!

That's great godsfriend, I thought you'd be safe there from the suits knocking on the door, guess I was wrong

Lol...Mikey,I will like to meet,understand what they believe and compare with scriptures....

At first I read the topic title as LSD...

Mormons have some pretty wacky beliefs. Like how they think the Garden of Eden is in Missouri. Or the Indians are jews that God punished by turning their skin red. And let's not forget Joseph Smith, who was banned from the state of New York for being a con artist.

I find it rather odd the difference in religions and that is all believe in

God in one form or another..and while my understanding of it all is that

God is about love ..so what does it matter if one is of the same

faith..but it does..and it shouldn't..and that for me is the major problem

with religion ..in that I find it rather discriminatory in ways..and

there's just something wrong in that..And if for just that and other

reasons is why I have no faith other than my own..One must assimilate in

order to be accepted..Doesn't seem to be that religious or pure of

heart..but rather hypocritical..

I don't think any Christian who believes in God and Christ or any serious religion or faith for that matter, should place some kind of mandate, time table or pressure of any kind on anyone to join their faith.
If they truly believe in God and Christ then they know it will be in HIS hands at His Time and will, not some arbitrary time set by an "elder". JMO

From Milesoftheusa


Two excellent points. I am always suspicious when someone suggests that we exclude someone or some group. It feels to me like censorship. I welcome anyone and everyone to respond to any of my posts.

From Godsfriend10


I do appreciate when someone quotes from the Bible and then posts where in the Bible it can be found. So many here seem to post from memory. But our memory is not always the best source for Biblical reference. I copy from my ISA program.

CLV Amos 3:3 Shall two walk together unless if they make an appointment?

The LDS (or Mormons) were started by Joseph Smith. They have their own Bible which Mr. Smith claims to have translated from Scrolls found in his field and the urim-thummim, also found there. Of course, none of their Bible is canonized. So many questions have been left unanswered. Like how did these scrolls get to North America?

From tombraider


I don't see that there is anything wrong with a little diversification. How else would we be able to have such lively conversations? It's not like anyone here is killing anyone.