LOSTONE Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Hi, I am new here. I am sorry if I shouldn’t be posting on here, but I am lost on how to learn more about Mormons and the LDS without creating concerning issues in my personal life.I am not sure what I should share about me so I will limit it. I am a Christian ( baptized 3 plus years ago ) and active in my local church. I find myself constantly feeling lost and missing something in my life. No where I look I seem to find what I am looking for. I came across the LDS and started researching it. That’s when I discovered what it was I am missing. Family. Never really had one that cared or valued as a part of one. Mormons seem to really have a strong sense of family structure and value that stands out. So I am just looking to learn more.I can not just pick up a phone or meet with a Mormon. I live with others and there is a huge issue that will work out if I am known to be talking to Mormons. Not physically concerning, but enough to make it very not okay. So this is why I try to search on line and when I discovered this site, joined. I just want to know more about Mormons and the LSD ( and the whole family structure value thing ).I apologize if I should not be here or if my post is wrong. Thx.
teddyaware Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Hi, I am new here. I am sorry if I shouldn’t be posting on here, but I am lost on how to learn more about Mormons and the LDS without creating concerning issues in my personal life. I am not sure what I should share about me so I will limit it. I am a Christian ( baptized 3 plus years ago ) and active in my local church. I find myself constantly feeling lost and missing something in my life. No where I look I seem to find what I am looking for. I came across the LDS and started researching it. That’s when I discovered what it was I am missing. Family. Never really had one that cared or valued as a part of one. Mormons seem to really have a strong sense of family structure and value that stands out. So I am just looking to learn more. I can not just pick up a phone or meet with a Mormon. I live with others and there is a huge issue that will work out if I am known to be talking to Mormons. Not physically concerning, but enough to make it very not okay. So this is why I try to search on line and when I discovered this site, joined. I just want to know more about Mormons and the LSD ( and the whole family structure value thing ). I apologize if I should not be here or if my post is wrong. Thx. Welcome! You posted in the right spot, so there's no need to apologize. Just a suggestion. Aside from participating on this discussion board, you could also contact the LDS missionaries in your area and they could arrange to meet with you in an LDS Church member's home where you could learn and discuss our faith without worrying about adverse reactions from well-meaning but intolerant friends. If you'd like to know how to contact the missionaries in your area, just let me know and I'll help you.
teddyaware Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 (edited) Hi, I am new here. I am sorry if I shouldn’t be posting on here, but I am lost on how to learn more about Mormons and the LDS without creating concerning issues in my personal life.I am not sure what I should share about me so I will limit it. I am a Christian ( baptized 3 plus years ago ) and active in my local church. I find myself constantly feeling lost and missing something in my life. No where I look I seem to find what I am looking for. I came across the LDS and started researching it. That’s when I discovered what it was I am missing. Family. Never really had one that cared or valued as a part of one. Mormons seem to really have a strong sense of family structure and value that stands out. So I am just looking to learn more.I can not just pick up a phone or meet with a Mormon. I live with others and there is a huge issue that will work out if I am known to be talking to Mormons. Not physically concerning, but enough to make it very not okay. So this is why I try to search on line and when I discovered this site, joined. I just want to know more about Mormons and the LSD ( and the whole family structure value thing ).I apologize if I should not be here or if my post is wrong. Thx.Here's a link to a wonderful address by one of the 12 Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson, on the subject of eternal marriage and eternal families. Just a small sample of the many, many sources of information on the Latter-day Saint focus on the family as a most sacred and eternal institution. Enjoy... http://youtu.be/DsWF92GQH0U Edited June 20, 2014 by teddyaware
Avatar4321 Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 You can find good resources on www.lds.org and www.mormon.org You can also essentially be taught by the missionaries online if you want to by messaging a missionary on facebook and there are tons.
halconero Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Don't hesitate to ask any questions, or sharing any doubts and concerns on this site. Although the site strives to adhere to Latter-day Saint teachings, and though the majority of posters are active members, we have many non-mormon Christians, ex-Mormons, non-believing Mormons, etc. We all get along decently well, and there's no such thing as a bad question if it's sincere. Welcome!!If you want to talk with missionaries with some anonymity, I would try the online chat at mormon.org.
Calm Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 (edited) A good place to start just researching online is here as this is structured for nonmembers:http://www.mormon.org/When you want to get into more detail, an excellent resource for overall teaching of LDS beliefs (doesn't cover all the nuances and implications but gives you a place to put these as you come across them so you are working more with filling in gaps in a recognisable puzzle that has sides and corners fixed rather than having a couple of pieces here and there stuck together but not quite sure where it may go).The manual is used primarily for new converts and investigators:https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles?lang=engOnce you've explored the first and read the second you will have a better idea of where the journey might take you if you decide to continue. If you haven't already, then by now I would encourage you to read the Book of Mormon online here:https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=engThis page has links for all our scriptures plus study aids including videos:https://www.lds.org/scriptures/On the pulldown menu at lds.org they have a teachings section where if you want to get into more detail, you can view messages from our prophets and apostles, check the Gospel Topic section which is a small Encyclopedish site that is being upgraded to include better and more varied answers. You can read the church magazines online that often have stories about members and their lives as well as how to live our principles well. Massive information available there and they keep adding new stuff.And if elsewhere online or in real life you run into something that appears bizarre or someone tells you Mormons teach things that you haven't come across and don't sound right, I belong to an organisation called FairMormon and we've tried to gather criticisms of the Church and present them from a truthful, but definitely faithful POV and we would be happy to help with a specific concern over history or controversial doctrine. We are purely volunteer, not an officially recognised church site but church leaders on occasion tell people with history and other questions we may help and we've been published about in the Church News so it is obvious we are not pretending to be friendly and actually trying to attack the Church which unfortunately some sites do.You can find us as FairMormon.org, ou wiki which is basically the collection of answers from all those sent in over the years is at:http://en.fairmormon.org/Main_PageYou can check our references here: http://www.fairmormon.org/media/fairmormon-in-the-newsI wouldn't bother with this until you are familiar with the basics as it can get quite detailed and if you don't know background it can be hard to follow. I mention it now because if you do research online you will find there are sincere, but poor quality sites out there claiming to know what Mormons believe and there are unfortunately some actually anti-Mormon sites that put such a heavy negative spin on stuff that even a devout believer can get confused if they don't check with better referenced sites (which I think our group's is...lot of very committed, educated and informed contributors, some experts in their field). Edited June 20, 2014 by calmoriah
MorningStar Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Welcome! I hope you find the answers you're looking for.
Calm Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 You are right about family...we see mankind as the literal family of God and this earth as a boarding school he has sent his children to so we can learn and grow and then bring back those experiences and learn and grow some more, while Christ's Atonement allows us to join with Him and the Father and become one with them as promised in the scriptures. Family is so important we call our congregations our ward family and those in it our "Brothers and "Sisters" instead of Mr and Ms.
Garden Girl Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Welcome Lostone...You've received some wonderful links, etc from Calmoriah... it's amazing what is online. But please be careful to stick to the links she offered because there are numerous sites on the Internet that sound like they are Mormon, but actually are what we term "anti-Mormon."We are more than happy to answer sincere questions about our faith, and welcome such questions. And you can continue to participate here... All good wishes... from the beautiful central Oregon coast... GG
thesometimesaint Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Welcome to the glass menagerie. Ask any questions you want. But most of us prefer just one question at a time. So as to give you a thorough answer.One caveat. Everything you read here is just our opinions and we not represent the Church in any formal way. For what the Church teaches seehttps://www.lds.org/?lang=eng
Storm Rider Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Hello Lost One, welcome to the Board. First, as you were baptized three years ago you will know that you are not lost; you are known to the Lord and he is watching over you. Second, this Board is not ideal for those learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This Board is welcoming to all, but the purpose is not to explain the fullness of the Gospel of Christ. The Board has such a wide range of individuals that drive the topics discussed that there is seldom a full picture given or provided. Several people gave alternative sites above that will be better for those who are seeking answers. Lastly, you are always welcome here. When you have a question, just ask. The one thing this Board is good about is providing answers. God bless you, 2
ERayR Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Hi, I am new here. I am sorry if I shouldn’t be posting on here, but I am lost on how to learn more about Mormons and the LDS without creating concerning issues in my personal life.I am not sure what I should share about me so I will limit it. I am a Christian ( baptized 3 plus years ago ) and active in my local church. I find myself constantly feeling lost and missing something in my life. No where I look I seem to find what I am looking for. I came across the LDS and started researching it. That’s when I discovered what it was I am missing. Family. Never really had one that cared or valued as a part of one. Mormons seem to really have a strong sense of family structure and value that stands out. So I am just looking to learn more.I can not just pick up a phone or meet with a Mormon. I live with others and there is a huge issue that will work out if I am known to be talking to Mormons. Not physically concerning, but enough to make it very not okay. So this is why I try to search on line and when I discovered this site, joined. I just want to know more about Mormons and the LSD ( and the whole family structure value thing ).I apologize if I should not be here or if my post is wrong. Thx. As a Mormon Christian I welcome you to the boards. I am not sure you are the right place if you are looking for explanations of LDS doctrine and teachings. There seems to be a great deal of differences of opinion here at times. A better place might be https://www.lds.org/?lang=eng. 1
ERayR Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Hello Lost One, welcome to the Board. First, as you were baptized three years ago you will know that you are not lost; you are known to the Lord and he is watching over you. Second, this Board is not ideal for those learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This Board is welcoming to all, but the purpose is not to explain the fullness of the Gospel of Christ. The Board has such a wide range of individuals that drive the topics discussed that there is seldom a full picture given or provided. Several people gave alternative sites above that will be better for those who are seeking answers. Lastly, you are always welcome here. When you have a question, just ask. The one thing this Board is good about is providing answers. God bless you, Answers aplenty there are. Right or wrong there are plenty of answers. 1
LOSTONE Posted June 21, 2014 Author Posted June 21, 2014 Thank you everyone for taking the time and thoughts to reply to my post. It does help me alot and I will be looking into the links shared. I will be also trying to find a way to talk directly with missionaries. I take care of an aging parent. That consumes alot of my time and they are anti-Mormon along with others, so that creates a real concern for me, but we’ll see what I can do. Thanks again.
Kenngo1969 Posted June 21, 2014 Posted June 21, 2014 Thank you everyone for taking the time and thoughts to reply to my post. It does help me alot and I will be looking into the links shared. I will be also trying to find a way to talk directly with missionaries. I take care of an aging parent. That consumes alot of my time and they are anti-Mormon along with others, so that creates a real concern for me, but we’ll see what I can do. Thanks again.There is a "Chat with a Missionary" option at Mormon.org: http://www.mormon.org/chat I believe that option is designed to be flexible, so that you can utilize it as time and circumstances allow; "meeting" with a missionary/the missionaries in that way will very probably alleviate the concerns you may have about having them in your home or having to go somewhere else to meet with them. Welcome. I wish you well. 1
Garden Girl Posted June 21, 2014 Posted June 21, 2014 Thank you everyone for taking the time and thoughts to reply to my post. It does help me alot and I will be looking into the links shared. I will be also trying to find a way to talk directly with missionaries. I take care of an aging parent. That consumes alot of my time and they are anti-Mormon along with others, so that creates a real concern for me, but we’ll see what I can do. Thanks again. Hello Lostone...This is what baffles me about people who are anti-Mormon... Why in the world are they anti?? One can disagree with our doctrines, which I can accept... but have they really looked into them... and, our principles... we have some of the highest standards of moral behavior, i.e., no fornicating before marriage, and absolute fidelity within marriage. Now it's true not all LDS live up to these standards and principles... LDS aren't perfect and can make bad choices just as the next person. We try and be good neighbors and help in our schools and communities... we are generous with our humanitarian aid, and often participate in interfairth efforts. Those of us who are eligible to receive a temple recommend to attend the temple must answer questions about our personal and social behavior, i.e., are we morally clean... do we deal fairly with our fellow man... are we honest... etc etc So what is so terrible about Mormons? People may not agree with our doctrines...okay... but I resent it when they try to tell me I'm not a Christian or that I worship a "different" Jesus. We LDS believe Jesus Christ of the Bible is our Savior and redeemer just as any other Christian... what we do not accept is the concept of the Trinity, which was developed in the Niacene Council as part of the effort of the priests to determine the nature of God... during which debate a good many priests walked out because they did not agree with the result being developed and put forward... Being LDS is a way of life... and I will match my life to anyone's... particularly so-called "real" Christians. from the beach on a beautiful, sunny, warm day... GG
LOSTONE Posted June 22, 2014 Author Posted June 22, 2014 @Garden Girl,I hear your words very clear. I grew up in a lot less than loving house and adopted family. To which, judging others on popular or trending believe rather than on actual knowledge. I refuse to live that way. I have attended a great wonderful church that I often heard anti-Mormon remarks in judgment, yet not one was ever founded on first hand direct knowledge. Just people talking with the flow of what others say. That bothered me alot and that was apart of what motivated me to start learning about the LSD and Mormons. Before I say this or that, I want to learn and know for myself. This was my start with the LDS and Mormons. I have yet to learn enough to say anything much less form a solid educated opinion. In time, maybe, but for right now, I won’t jump on the popular band wagon. I hear what you are say. Too bad so many are deaf and blind.
Nate Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 If you want to know about the basics of the Church, I would start by reading the Book of Mormon. I know that having a physical copy of it lying around your house might present a problem, but if you have a smart phone you can download ebooks of the Book of Mormon and other official LDS content with a free app called LDS Gospel Library. Otherwise, you can also read it online here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng And here's some background on the Book of Mormon: http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon 1
EllenMaksoud Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Hi, I am new here. I am sorry if I shouldn’t be posting on here, but I am lost on how to learn more about Mormons and the LDS without creating concerning issues in my personal life.I am not sure what I should share about me so I will limit it. I am a Christian ( baptized 3 plus years ago ) and active in my local church. I find myself constantly feeling lost and missing something in my life. No where I look I seem to find what I am looking for. I came across the LDS and started researching it. That’s when I discovered what it was I am missing. Family. Never really had one that cared or valued as a part of one. Mormons seem to really have a strong sense of family structure and value that stands out. So I am just looking to learn more.I can not just pick up a phone or meet with a Mormon. I live with others and there is a huge issue that will work out if I am known to be talking to Mormons. Not physically concerning, but enough to make it very not okay. So this is why I try to search on line and when I discovered this site, joined. I just want to know more about Mormons and the LSD ( and the whole family structure value thing ).I apologize if I should not be here or if my post is wrong. Thx.The Mormons are great. The Missionaries will meet with you away from home. There is a lot of disinformation about Mormons. They do not do orgies or blood sacrifices in their temples. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, and a living prophet. And, NO, the last paragraph in the book of Revelation does not apply to the whole bible. Read it carefully. If you are a conventional heterosexual and want a family, this is the place for you. However, the whole culture is geared to a very conventional man/woman with children marriage. If you fall outside those limits, the church is not for you. I came from Islam, and the church was great for me until they started trying to figure out what to do about my being intersexed. That is still up in the air and they violate their own doctrines in dithering about the issue. I was very hurt and have just returned to Islam. It was a very nice three years. I wish them the best.
Tacenda Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 The Mormons are great. The Missionaries will meet with you away from home. There is a lot of disinformation about Mormons. They do not do orgies or blood sacrifices in their temples. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, and a living prophet. And, NO, the last paragraph in the book of Revelation does not apply to the whole bible. Read it carefully. If you are a conventional heterosexual and want a family, this is the place for you. However, the whole culture is geared to a very conventional man/woman with children marriage. If you fall outside those limits, the church is not for you.I came from Islam, and the church was great for me until they started trying to figure out what to do about my being intersexed. That is still up in the air and they violate their own doctrines in dithering about the issue. I was very hurt and have just returned to Islam. It was a very nice three years. I wish them the best.I'm glad you're posting again Ellen, sounds like you're in a good place in your life, whatever it is. You come across as if you have some peace. 2
thesometimesaint Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 The Mormons are great. The Missionaries will meet with you away from home. There is a lot of disinformation about Mormons. They do not do orgies or blood sacrifices in their temples. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, and a living prophet. And, NO, the last paragraph in the book of Revelation does not apply to the whole bible. Read it carefully. If you are a conventional heterosexual and want a family, this is the place for you. However, the whole culture is geared to a very conventional man/woman with children marriage. If you fall outside those limits, the church is not for you. I came from Islam, and the church was great for me until they started trying to figure out what to do about my being intersexed. That is still up in the air and they violate their own doctrines in dithering about the issue. I was very hurt and have just returned to Islam. It was a very nice three years. I wish them the best. How does one go from a testimony the Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, to he was just a good man, with Muhammad is God's Prophet? I'm not doubting your return to Islam, just how one can make that mental sift?
EllenMaksoud Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 I'm glad you're posting again Ellen, sounds like you're in a good place in your life, whatever it is. You come across as if you have some peace. It looks like I am going to Wales for three months soon. Hopefully, it will seem better then. I have finally understood that I will never have acceptance in this life. When I return if I go to church it will be a new ward. I'll just stay for sacrament, and not give my full name or address. They limit me to 12 posts a day, that's fine. And I can not start any new posts. What am I doing?
Wants2know Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 This is a great board. Go read the gospel principles manual a few here have referred you to, as well as the Book of Mormon
Garden Girl Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 (edited) The Mormons are great. The Missionaries will meet with you away from home. There is a lot of disinformation about Mormons. They do not do orgies or blood sacrifices in their temples. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, and a living prophet. And, NO, the last paragraph in the book of Revelation does not apply to the whole bible. Read it carefully. If you are a conventional heterosexual and want a family, this is the place for you. However, the whole culture is geared to a very conventional man/woman with children marriage. If you fall outside those limits, the church is not for you. I came from Islam, and the church was great for me until they started trying to figure out what to do about my being intersexed. That is still up in the air and they violate their own doctrines in dithering about the issue. I was very hurt and have just returned to Islam. It was a very nice three years. I wish them the best. Ellen...I'm really sorry you have chosen to "return to Islam" because of your apparent misunderstanding of the gospel as a whole... You seem to be so caught up in your own hurt and issues, which are difficult no question... but to turn aside from Jesus Christ as your Savior and all that the gospel offers to all of God's children due to something that will be healed and one day made understandable to you, is IMO really sad. I don't know what the Church will do regarding "figuring out" your status, but I have enough trust that they are doing their best... Your statement that if a person falls outside of the man/woman/children marriage, "the Church is not for you" is short-sighted and/or misleading... you simply dismiss everything else about the restored gospel.I guess if in doing so you find some sense of peace and comfort personally by returning to Islam, then I guess that's what you choose and will have for this life... But I'm in agreement with TSS... I don't understand how you can go from Jesus the Christ, to Jesus the good man...While of course I'm disappointed in your choice, I do sincerely wish you well Ellen... GG Edited June 23, 2014 by Garden Girl 2
rpn Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 please keep in touch w/me. I will always want to know where you are in you journey. my guess is that there are others here who feel the same. It obviously is not easy for you.
Recommended Posts