I was raised a Christian, so I do believe in Jesus Christ. I don’t claim to be a great theologian, but I can see a big difference in what Christianity believes and what the LDS believes. I’m still a bit confused, but my wife and I meet with two missionaries about a year ago. During that time I felt like I was ready to convert, or change religions. My wife does not feel the same way, and I don’t see her changing her mind.
We are both baptized, but are far from being regular attendees of the church we attended. I feel like I’m ready to convert, but I don’t want to lose my wife and step son whom I love dearly. I read about the divorce rate on your web site. I guess I’m just looking for some advice. Thank you and God bless.
2 Responses to “I was raised a Christian, so I do believe in Jesus Christ. I…”
Mario Rubio
2011-06-20 06:52:53
Hi Fernando. Thanks for your very interesting question. I'm happy to hear that you're interested in joining the LDS Church. This Church has been such a great blessing in my life. I always get excited when others express interest in our beliefs as well.
It is true that there are some differences between Restorationist (specifically latter-day-saint) Christianity and the other branches of the Christian tree. Christians share most of their doctrine in common, but the theological differences among the different denominations and branches are not insignificant. I would say that the magnitude of the theological difference between "Mormonism" and Protestantism, for example, is about the same as the magnitude of the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism.
Regarding your marriage, the Church is very pro-family and would certainly expect you to continue to nurture and strengthen your family. I would not expect that anyone would ever suggest you should separate because of differences in beliefs. It's not uncommon for people to join the Church without their spouses. Perhaps one day your family will decide to join you in the Church, but, even if not, you should certainly continue to cherish your wife and step son.
There's a very big difference between a member of the Church who chooses to marry outside the faith, thereby jeopardizing their access to certain temple ordinances (i.e., "sealing"), and someone who joins the Church even though their spouse is not interested. I suspect the statistics on my site are more relevant to those who choose to forfeit the sealing ordinance than to those like yourself who are choosing to follow God as best they can.
Regardless, I'm certain that inter-faith marriages like the one you're describing are possible, as I know of a number of couples in your same situation. As with any marriage, care and nurture are essential, but with the proper investment your family life will doubtlessly continue to flourish.
Richard
2011-06-20 01:06:42
I guess we all get our tests in this life. I can't tell you what to do one way or another, but I can tell you that God will bless you as you seek to do His will.
I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's Kingdom restored on the earth, and joining up with His kingdom is never a poor choice.
I can also tell you that making, and keeping covenants with Him will bring blessings into your life that are for your best... You and I can only pray that they also involve your wife and your step son.. But I have a feeling they would
It is true that there are some differences between Restorationist (specifically latter-day-saint) Christianity and the other branches of the Christian tree. Christians share most of their doctrine in common, but the theological differences among the different denominations and branches are not insignificant. I would say that the magnitude of the theological difference between "Mormonism" and Protestantism, for example, is about the same as the magnitude of the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism.
Regarding your marriage, the Church is very pro-family and would certainly expect you to continue to nurture and strengthen your family. I would not expect that anyone would ever suggest you should separate because of differences in beliefs. It's not uncommon for people to join the Church without their spouses. Perhaps one day your family will decide to join you in the Church, but, even if not, you should certainly continue to cherish your wife and step son.
There's a very big difference between a member of the Church who chooses to marry outside the faith, thereby jeopardizing their access to certain temple ordinances (i.e., "sealing"), and someone who joins the Church even though their spouse is not interested. I suspect the statistics on my site are more relevant to those who choose to forfeit the sealing ordinance than to those like yourself who are choosing to follow God as best they can.
Regardless, I'm certain that inter-faith marriages like the one you're describing are possible, as I know of a number of couples in your same situation. As with any marriage, care and nurture are essential, but with the proper investment your family life will doubtlessly continue to flourish.
I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's Kingdom restored on the earth, and joining up with His kingdom is never a poor choice.
I can also tell you that making, and keeping covenants with Him will bring blessings into your life that are for your best... You and I can only pray that they also involve your wife and your step son.. But I have a feeling they would