I’m 17 and am very seriously considering converting. But the main issue is that my parents don’t approve. The more I learn about the mormon faith the more convinced I want to convert. But honor your parents is a commandment. What should I do?
3 Responses to “I’m 17 and am very seriously considering converting. But the…”
Anthony
2009-12-10 21:54:18
I was no more than 16 years old when I investigated and joined the church. I would say that you should wait until you are 18 and can make the decision for yourself, and than go ahead with it! It blessed my life in ways I can't even describe. Even when others don't approve of us, or ridicule us because of the fact that we are members, it is worth all of it. As it says in the Bible: Matt. 5
Blessed Are Ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
It is not easy. But it is worth it. You can still honor your parents by loving them and explaining to them why you want to make and have made that decision. By them seeing your example and good influence, I feel as though they may better respect your decision. I know my parents have been supportive since they have seen what it has done for my life, and since they have gotten to know the members of the church.
Richard
2009-12-14 22:16:36
Both the answers given are amazing and I would like to add when we honor our mother and father we might include also our heavenly parents, which would tell you to yes, honor and respect your eathly parents as far as you are still considered a minor, yet once you reach "of age" you can honor your earthly parents by showing them the example and the way back to our God in heaven.
In the mean time I have recomended before to other pre-adult youth the movie Fiddler on the Roof to watch with the parents. While you watch this movie and it shows Tevye's daughters all moving out and getting married, it shows a progression of parental accptance and at least respect for each of the duaghter's own decisions. Which may be the hardest part of parenting when we are forced with the fact our babies have all grown up and can make their own way. In the movie it also shows the respect a parent can and should have for their children.
Again as mentioned by other's it's only a year away, which means it'll be here before you and your parents realize it. A great time to work on your patience and continue to build up your faith in our Father and His ways. Especially in his influencing all of his children. Pray for them and them to have a soft heart and then be bold and invite your parents to invite over the missionaries over to join you in your quest for the truth.
Best of luck friend!
B
2009-12-12 00:06:40
There comes a point in your life when you have to do what is best for you. This is not a decision of what college you should go to... This is eternity we are talking about. I would first try telling your parents how you feel. Maybe they will understand or at least do as you wish and consent to your baptism. If this does not work, wait until you are 18, then get baptized. I know what you are going through. I was an 18 year old convert without my parents approval. They have learned to accept it though.
Blessed Are Ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
It is not easy. But it is worth it. You can still honor your parents by loving them and explaining to them why you want to make and have made that decision. By them seeing your example and good influence, I feel as though they may better respect your decision. I know my parents have been supportive since they have seen what it has done for my life, and since they have gotten to know the members of the church.
In the mean time I have recomended before to other pre-adult youth the movie Fiddler on the Roof to watch with the parents. While you watch this movie and it shows Tevye's daughters all moving out and getting married, it shows a progression of parental accptance and at least respect for each of the duaghter's own decisions. Which may be the hardest part of parenting when we are forced with the fact our babies have all grown up and can make their own way. In the movie it also shows the respect a parent can and should have for their children.
Again as mentioned by other's it's only a year away, which means it'll be here before you and your parents realize it. A great time to work on your patience and continue to build up your faith in our Father and His ways. Especially in his influencing all of his children. Pray for them and them to have a soft heart and then be bold and invite your parents to invite over the missionaries over to join you in your quest for the truth.
Best of luck friend!