Hello, I have been interested in your church for quite a while (at least a year or two), but I feel like I cannot pursue it because my husband has no interest in joining. I respect my husband’s choice, and would only want him to join if/when he chooses. He is very supportive of me in general, but I know if I were to join he would not join with me. He’s said many times that he respects and even enjoys much of Mormon beliefs/culture, but he just cannot accept Joseph Smith jr. As a prophet. Should I just forget about joining? It makes me sad because I really feel it’s true, but I would be horribly sad if I would encounter problems in the church because my husband isn’t joining. I adore my husband and our 3 kids. One of the main things I love about this church is the idea of eternal families.
3 Responses to “Hello, I have been interested in your church for quite a…”
Lucas Silva
2013-08-25 18:22:11
Jesus Christ was Himself baptized in the Jordan river to provide an example for each of us. (Reflections of Christ)
Hi friend. I'm thrilled to hear you're interested in the church and that you already have a testimony of its teachings. It's wonderful, of course, when whole families are unified in their faith, but it's pretty common to find families that aren't. All members of the church are valued, regardless of whether their spouse comes to church with them.
You've perhaps read about the emphasis Mormons place on teaching their children to marry in the faith. Perhaps that's the source of your concern. You should know, though, that your situation is very different. Here are some of the church's teachings that would apply in your case:
1) Married converts should not divorce their non-Mormon spouses because of differences in belief. All marriages are sacred, both marriages that are "sealed" (eternal) and those that are "till death to us part." The church's teachings should strengthen marriages, not destroy them.
2) In Mormon theology, "sealings" (eternal marriages) are important for spiritual progress after death, but those who through no fault of their own are unable to enjoy the blessings of an eternal marriage in this life will not be denied any blessings after death if they are otherwise faithful to the promises they make with God. There are all sorts of faithful members in this situation, including, certainly, the many good converts whose spouses chose not to join them in their new faith.
3) Even if your husband doesn't join the church, he can still participate in the Mormon community. There are lots of church activities for families (Christmas and other holiday parties, for example), and he'd be welcome to participate. There are also activities specifically for men where he'd be welcome (e.g., church basketball teams). There are even "non-members" who come to church every Sunday and worship with us.
4) You'd receive many spiritual blessings in the church regardless of your husband's participation, but keep in mind also that spouses often do chose to join when given enough time. On my mission, I knew a fellow who joined his wife in the faith decades after her baptism. So never lose hope!
I hope these comments are useful for you. Being a member of this church has been such a rich blessing in my life. I'm certain it could be a blessing in yours too. I encourage you to chat with the Mormon missionaries about your concerns and to attend church regularly. Perhaps the bishop of your local Mormon congregation could also provide some helpful insight.
A young African American man describes the process of his conversion.
Hi. I think you should seriously consider looking into our church. Even though your husband might not want to join now, he could as he sees your example as a Latter-day Saint.
By joining our church, attending regular Sunday meetings and obeying the commandments, your husband will see that you are different and that could very well have a influence on him. He might see that you are happier then you were before and he might want that same happiness that you have.
Even if your husband does not join the church, at least you are happy and know that you are doing the right thing. You can even try bringing your kids to church if your husband will allow it and see what happens when your kids attend. It could have an even bigger impact on your husbands view of the church.
If you are interested in the church I would suggest trying to contact some LDS Missionaries in your area. There are 80,000 missionaries currently serving all over the world and I'm sure there will be some very close to you who are happy to talk to you. You can find out more information about the missionaries and other questions that you might have on the church website http://www.mormon.org
I hope this helps answer your questions and I truly believe that you will be happy if you join this church, it is amazing!
John Jeremiah Conroy
2015-01-15 20:17:24
I would pray for your husband and leave it all in the Lords hands ! Theres a time and place for everything and in the right time the Lord will bring your husband into the same vineyard you are in. Have faith and trust in the Lord. Go ahead and joine the LDS church and get baptized as your spiritual heart desires and go ahead and get baptized and recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost as your companion. Dont put off geting baptized because your husband isnt joining. Put your faith and trust and hope in the Lord and let your light shine as your husband sees the excample! Remember just because your beloved husband doesnt accept our church does not make your husband a non believer meaning a non Christian. There are many believers who are Christians that arent members of the LDS church. So dont confuse church membership as being a believer Christian. We were all Created equally by God and we all came from God in the pre existance. Give it time with your husband and go for it! Get baptized! For the sake of the glory of God .
You've perhaps read about the emphasis Mormons place on teaching their children to marry in the faith. Perhaps that's the source of your concern. You should know, though, that your situation is very different. Here are some of the church's teachings that would apply in your case:
1) Married converts should not divorce their non-Mormon spouses because of differences in belief. All marriages are sacred, both marriages that are "sealed" (eternal) and those that are "till death to us part." The church's teachings should strengthen marriages, not destroy them.
2) In Mormon theology, "sealings" (eternal marriages) are important for spiritual progress after death, but those who through no fault of their own are unable to enjoy the blessings of an eternal marriage in this life will not be denied any blessings after death if they are otherwise faithful to the promises they make with God. There are all sorts of faithful members in this situation, including, certainly, the many good converts whose spouses chose not to join them in their new faith.
3) Even if your husband doesn't join the church, he can still participate in the Mormon community. There are lots of church activities for families (Christmas and other holiday parties, for example), and he'd be welcome to participate. There are also activities specifically for men where he'd be welcome (e.g., church basketball teams). There are even "non-members" who come to church every Sunday and worship with us.
4) You'd receive many spiritual blessings in the church regardless of your husband's participation, but keep in mind also that spouses often do chose to join when given enough time. On my mission, I knew a fellow who joined his wife in the faith decades after her baptism. So never lose hope!
I hope these comments are useful for you. Being a member of this church has been such a rich blessing in my life. I'm certain it could be a blessing in yours too. I encourage you to chat with the Mormon missionaries about your concerns and to attend church regularly. Perhaps the bishop of your local Mormon congregation could also provide some helpful insight.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'm happy to help.
By joining our church, attending regular Sunday meetings and obeying the commandments, your husband will see that you are different and that could very well have a influence on him. He might see that you are happier then you were before and he might want that same happiness that you have.
Even if your husband does not join the church, at least you are happy and know that you are doing the right thing. You can even try bringing your kids to church if your husband will allow it and see what happens when your kids attend. It could have an even bigger impact on your husbands view of the church.
If you are interested in the church I would suggest trying to contact some LDS Missionaries in your area. There are 80,000 missionaries currently serving all over the world and I'm sure there will be some very close to you who are happy to talk to you. You can find out more information about the missionaries and other questions that you might have on the church website http://www.mormon.org
I hope this helps answer your questions and I truly believe that you will be happy if you join this church, it is amazing!