I recently entered a relationship with a man I met online. It’s been awhile, and we are both pretty sure that we’d eventually get married, then we ran into a problem. I’m Southern Baptist, and he is Mormon.
I am perfectly willing to convert to his religion, but my family is a completely different story. I have 6 uncles, 4 of which are preachers, and greatly dislike anything that might possibly be not-baptist. My father is extremely Baptist as well, and he has made it very clear that Mormons are… The bane of this earth. I’m 100.23% certain that if I told them that I might wish to become Mormon in the future, one or more with completely disown me.
I love my boyfriend, but family is extremely important to me. What good would starting my own family be if I lose connection to my own? I need advice on how best to handle this and possibly keep in good regards with both my new family and the one I grew up with.
3 Responses to “I recently entered a relationship with a man I met…”
Diana
2012-08-21 05:40:24
Hi Anna, I am sorry to learn that you are faced with such a difficult decision. As LDS we hold family in the highest possible regard because we know that families can be together forever. And I know that it's Important to have you family's support on such matters. My advice to you is to continue praying to Heavenly Father to soften your family's hearts, even fast about it if you like and continue asking them for their Blessing.
You have not mentioned if you have attended LDS sabbath services, it helps to learn as much as you can about our religion, that way you are in position to answer any questions your parents might have about it. I hope this helps and I wish you all the luck.
Jeff
2012-08-23 14:46:32
Anna, Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I also grew up in a Protestant home, and my granduncle and several cousins are Southern Baptist ministers and missionaries. I didn't know much about LdS until I started dating--and wanted to marry--an LdS girl.
First of all, it may not be easy for some of your family to accept your decision. After my baptism, several family members suddenly started thrusting "anti-Mormon" books on me, to convince me of my error. (Others were more supportive, or at least tolerant; it really depends on the individual.) The one suggestion I can give is to show an outpouring of love to your family, to let them know that don't feel differently about them. People fear what we don't know, so helping them understand that you're still the same person will help them avoid viewing it as a personal affront, even if they don't agree with your decision.
The one thing that concerns me a bit is that your post sounds like you're just converting, for your boyfriend. (My apologies if I've misread.) Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is not an easy thing, and it's even harder when family is pointing out problems (whether real or imagined) with the Church and its doctrines. If you're getting baptized for him, I suspect you'll quickly become disillusioned. If, however, you're getting because you have received a spiritual witness, you should be able to weather any storm. (And yes, FAIRwiki.org helps a lot, too.) ;-)
Blessings!
Richard
2012-08-21 03:50:15
First I don't know how old you are so I don't know which age range I'm speaking with, I suppose that anyway the answer is pretty much the same: Take it to the Lord, and seriously contact an LDS Bishop (perhaps your Boyfriends) and discuss it also with your Baptist Preacher.
FYI if you are underage, IE 18 years, the LDS Bishop probably won't feel able to give you much advice other than, talk to your parents about it, and learn some patience, hope and faith.
God, Our first Father before the person we know as "Dad", respects "Dad" and his choices and guidance for which "dad" will need to give an accounting for one day. Respect your parents, even though that can sometimes be dificult, and when you turn 18, still respect their views, but also council with them too.
It is a commandment after all to "honor your mother and father that your days may be long upon the land..."
Best of luck and remember to breath, and tomorrow the sun will rise again :)
You have not mentioned if you have attended LDS sabbath services, it helps to learn as much as you can about our religion, that way you are in position to answer any questions your parents might have about it. I hope this helps and I wish you all the luck.
First of all, it may not be easy for some of your family to accept your decision. After my baptism, several family members suddenly started thrusting "anti-Mormon" books on me, to convince me of my error. (Others were more supportive, or at least tolerant; it really depends on the individual.) The one suggestion I can give is to show an outpouring of love to your family, to let them know that don't feel differently about them. People fear what we don't know, so helping them understand that you're still the same person will help them avoid viewing it as a personal affront, even if they don't agree with your decision.
The one thing that concerns me a bit is that your post sounds like you're just converting, for your boyfriend. (My apologies if I've misread.) Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is not an easy thing, and it's even harder when family is pointing out problems (whether real or imagined) with the Church and its doctrines. If you're getting baptized for him, I suspect you'll quickly become disillusioned. If, however, you're getting because you have received a spiritual witness, you should be able to weather any storm. (And yes, FAIRwiki.org helps a lot, too.) ;-)
Blessings!
FYI if you are underage, IE 18 years, the LDS Bishop probably won't feel able to give you much advice other than, talk to your parents about it, and learn some patience, hope and faith.
God, Our first Father before the person we know as "Dad", respects "Dad" and his choices and guidance for which "dad" will need to give an accounting for one day. Respect your parents, even though that can sometimes be dificult, and when you turn 18, still respect their views, but also council with them too.
It is a commandment after all to "honor your mother and father that your days may be long upon the land..."
Best of luck and remember to breath, and tomorrow the sun will rise again :)