What does the church say about being in love and having a serious relationship with your first cousin? I have actually been in a complicated relationship with my cousin for a short while but our parents found out. They told us that it was wrong. But I researched and looked it up in the Book of Mormon and other church sources over and over and I can’t find anything saying it is wrong other than the Church supports the fact that first cousin marriage can bring about medical problems when the cousins have children and that this certain marriage is often frowned upon in the US.
I don’t want to marry her, although my mind is still bringing it up for debate. I have gone through the repentance of all this because everyone expected it of me but my feelings are still the same, and I can’t help but feel like a horrible messed up person because of it.
Honestly, I am on the verge of leaving the Church because of this. But I am still divided on my decision.
Please clarify, I have been apart from my cousin for nearly a year, and I can’t even talk to her anymore in any way, shape, or form. I need perspective on this. HELP!!!
The main thing that caught my attention in your question is that you're thinking of leaving the church! I can certainly understand your frustration with this situation, but our faith in Christ and His restored gospel should be robust and enduring, not conditional.
Life will continue to throw challenges at you, brother! Some of those challenges will be related to the church, whether directly or indirectly. We all need to cultivate faith that is "challenge proof." That faith should come from our inner relationship with God and Christ, entirely independent of any external factors.
It's easier said than done, of course! But rich blessings come from an autotelic faith. It's worth the sacrifice required to develop it.
I hope this answer helps, brother! Best of luck to you.
The main thing that caught my attention in your question is that you're thinking of leaving the church! I can certainly understand your frustration with this situation, but our faith in Christ and His restored gospel should be robust and enduring, not conditional.
Life will continue to throw challenges at you, brother! Some of those challenges will be related to the church, whether directly or indirectly. We all need to cultivate faith that is "challenge proof." That faith should come from our inner relationship with God and Christ, entirely independent of any external factors.
It's easier said than done, of course! But rich blessings come from an autotelic faith. It's worth the sacrifice required to develop it.
I hope this answer helps, brother! Best of luck to you.