I am very interested in the Mormon church. I have difficulty though with the story of John Smith. I love the family values, but that story gets me stuck every time. I have read the Book of Mormon, but would like guidance. So to get to the point… Are there those like me that love what the church stands for and the message it shares, but do not agree with the historical text?
3 Responses to “I am very interested in the Mormon church. I have…”
Mateo Ramos
2013-02-24 22:08:11
Hi Paul. There certainly are "cultural Mormons" that love the church but reject historical and/or doctrinal aspects of its central message. This is a superficial way to live one's faith in my opinion, but I'm happy cultural Mormons are comfortable worshiping with us just the same. Many of them are good people who make valuable contributions to the church. I would think that someone who's looking for a new faith would seek something with greater depth, however.
There are two types of people who struggle to believe. There are those who, because of pride and arrogance, place greater confidence in their own intellect than in spiritual promptings that can enhance religious understanding. These don't merely express uncertainty; they have already made up their minds to reject new spiritual truths they might encounter. It's never good to be close-minded.
However, there are also those who want to believe but have simply not yet obtained the required spiritual knowledge. These people are open-minded. They are actively seeking improved understanding, both intellectual and spiritual. This kind of "disbelief" is not only acceptable and conducive to a rich spiritual life, but it's expected in the church. We should all be seeking greater knowledge, no matter where we are on our spiritual paths.
It's also worth pointing out that many people, both members of the LDS church and others, place too much emphasis on certain historical details that the church itself does not even emphasize. Truth be told, the only details from early Mormon history that "orthodox" Mormon belief strictly requires are the beliefs that Joseph Smith was a God-inspired prophet and that he restored Christ's ancient church and apostolic authority in our days. Other historical details are much less important.
Anyway, I hope this answer helps. Summarizing, it's important to be spiritually open-minded, but it's not required to instantaneously know everything--spiritually or intellectually. Spiritual understanding is usually more of a journey than a sudden epiphany. Additionally, as a member of the church it's only really important to be working towards a belief in core Mormon doctrines. Minor historical and cultural beliefs/practices really don't matter as much as many people think they do.
Joaquin
2013-02-24 18:11:44
Hello, Good question. I am a convert to the LDS church since August 1998. It was not easy for me either to accept the Joseph Smith story... But I am positive it was not either for others to accept the fact that Christ was the Son of God, and yet He was crucified, and even more amazing, He resurrected and He still lives... And His sacrifice covers all of humankind sins... And yet He does not appear to all of us.
Anything is possible for God. The Joseph Smith story and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are but small things to accept compared with the story of Christ the Lord or some ancient prophets such as Moses and his experiences. Often is easier to accept ancient stories than modern.
Through prayer, we can communicate with our Heavenly Father. He's anxious to guide and help us.
The wonderful thing, is that we have the very same privilege to find out when something comes from God... It is called sincere prayer in faith. This is the way you and I will find out if the Joseph Smith story and all what took place during the restoration of the church is true.
When we have paid the price to receive an answer from God, then we will realize that even though we do not understand everything, some things are true and we move forward with faith. I know by myself that He was a prophet.
Joaquin
PS. You may watch my conversion story as you type "jofenbat" on YouTube.
Pamela Bonta
2013-02-24 09:11:11
John Smith was the Pocahontas guy. :) Joseph Smith was the first prophet in this dispensation of time. You can learn more about him at JosephSmith.net. There are many good people who believe in family values from all walks of faith. But for Latter-Day Saints, the test of whether one is LDS or not is contingent upon belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is scripture. To help you understand why so many people believe these scripture are true, without so called scientific or historical 'proof', you may be interested in reading this article: http://www.fairlds.org/authors/ash-michael/archaeological-evidence-and-the-book-of-mormon
There are two types of people who struggle to believe. There are those who, because of pride and arrogance, place greater confidence in their own intellect than in spiritual promptings that can enhance religious understanding. These don't merely express uncertainty; they have already made up their minds to reject new spiritual truths they might encounter. It's never good to be close-minded.
However, there are also those who want to believe but have simply not yet obtained the required spiritual knowledge. These people are open-minded. They are actively seeking improved understanding, both intellectual and spiritual. This kind of "disbelief" is not only acceptable and conducive to a rich spiritual life, but it's expected in the church. We should all be seeking greater knowledge, no matter where we are on our spiritual paths.
It's also worth pointing out that many people, both members of the LDS church and others, place too much emphasis on certain historical details that the church itself does not even emphasize. Truth be told, the only details from early Mormon history that "orthodox" Mormon belief strictly requires are the beliefs that Joseph Smith was a God-inspired prophet and that he restored Christ's ancient church and apostolic authority in our days. Other historical details are much less important.
Anyway, I hope this answer helps. Summarizing, it's important to be spiritually open-minded, but it's not required to instantaneously know everything--spiritually or intellectually. Spiritual understanding is usually more of a journey than a sudden epiphany. Additionally, as a member of the church it's only really important to be working towards a belief in core Mormon doctrines. Minor historical and cultural beliefs/practices really don't matter as much as many people think they do.
Anything is possible for God. The Joseph Smith story and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are but small things to accept compared with the story of Christ the Lord or some ancient prophets such as Moses and his experiences. Often is easier to accept ancient stories than modern.
When we have paid the price to receive an answer from God, then we will realize that even though we do not understand everything, some things are true and we move forward with faith. I know by myself that He was a prophet.
Joaquin
PS. You may watch my conversion story as you type "jofenbat" on YouTube.