I believe

[Amulek]

@Navidad, I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I don’t doubt that those words were said to you, and I can understand how painful or dismissive they must have sounded.

At the same time, I think some of the tension comes from a deeper difference in theology. In LDS belief, God organizes His work through an institutional church with priesthood authority, ordinances, and covenants. For someone who doesn’t see church in that way, statements about “authority” or “valid baptism” can understandably feel like invalidations of their faith, when in fact they’re really expressions of how we understand our own framework.

That doesn’t excuse insensitivity, of course - people should always be careful about how they communicate across belief lines. But I also wouldn’t assume that such statements always come out of nowhere. Often they emerge when someone asks why Latter-day Saints believe what they do, or when differences in authority and ordinances become the focus of the conversation. In those contexts, the answers can sound harsher than they are meant.

For me, I try to share in terms of what’s brought me peace and direction. At the same time, I wouldn’t be in this church if I didn’t believe it offered something unique and essential. That doesn’t mean I think other faiths are worthless - far from it - just that I’ve found something here I feel is worth inviting others to consider too.

 

[Tacenda]

1 hour ago, Navidad said:

I can only speak for and about myself. ere is how I have experienced LDS proselytizing and beliefs. All are quotes:

Your wife is godly but does not have the Gift of the Holy Spirit and cannot until she joins the church

Your baptism was not valid in form, method, or manner. You cannot receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit until you experience our baptism which is the only baptism that is pleasing to Christ.

Christians are ------- pick your choice of negative generalizations and normalizations. . . . . 

The LDS are victims of systematic innocent persecution

You are not spiritually qualified to minister in a manner approved of band pleasing to Christ until you join our church

The only spiritual authority recognized by Christ is found in our church

Your baptism was not pleasing to, nor is it accepted by Heavenly Father.   This is based on no knowledge of my baptism except that it was not administered by a LDS elder.

The LDS church is the only living church approved of by Christ.      I could go on and on

 

Sure does exclude so many, it's like being invited, but not totally accepted. All about the committing and promising or covenanting. But the journey in Mormonism, or being a member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be a great way of living. A safe haven for those that come from unsafe situations or horrible childhoods with no guidance or love. So I look at it like if I were to go back I will be a cafeteria Mormon and pick and choose. And I think the church is okay with that. It's all in how you believe I guess. If you have a belief in some kind of maker or Saviour that will get you far enough in the church, maybe not to the very top, but enough that you may get some spiritual and social experience in the church. 

But look who I'm talking to?? You and your wife experienced the church for years, and sadly there was a bad egg who really choked the good feelings you'd had. Sadly the members in the wards you attended will now miss out. I hope you find the place physically and spiritually that will be the best place. Maybe you already have, so glad you're posting because I like the things you say. 

[The Nehor]

Unless the “you should believe this” is based on objective evidence it is probably primarily an emotional appeal and likely a selfish one.