Hi, I was raised in the church, but became inactive about 5 years ago. I am the only one in my family that doesn’t attend church regularly. Lately I’ve been thinking about attending church and institute classes to see if the church is for me. I have never really felt the spirit stongly, stongly enough to let me know that the Mormon church truly is right. Everyone always has a story about how they felt when the spirit confirmed the church was true for them, but I have tried, and I have never felt the way people explain it. Even though I obviously have doubts about the church I feel like I want to be apart of it and I don’t know exactly why? Is it because I was raised that way? Do I feel a little left out of my family? I honestly cannot explain why I want to try to go back to church. I am also afraid to go back because I feel guilty. When I was inactive I got pregnant and decided to have an abortion. I know in the Mormon religion that is something you can be excommunicated for. I feel that it was a mistake but I am scared to share this with anybody. Do you think I will be excommunicated for having an abortion while I was inactive? Please let me know what you think. Thanks
5 Responses to “Hi, I was raised in the church, but became inactive about 5 …”
Manuel Miranda
2011-04-03 07:13:46
Jesus Christ is central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which bears His name.
Hi friend. I'm happy you posted your question here, and I apologize for taking so long to respond. It's true that some people have powerful spiritual experiences that help them know the church is true, but for many a testimony is acquired in more subtle ways. In the Doctrine and Covenants, we learn that "to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful." (D&C 46:13-14)
Note that the scripture nowhere implies that the faith of those who believe in the words of others is inferior to the faith of those who are given to know. Both ways of gaining a testimony are described as "gifts" (D&C 46:11).
Many people gain their testimonies slowly rather than with a single spiritual experience. It may well be that the unexplainable feelings you have of wanting to participate in the church are God's subtle promptings trying to get you back on the spiritual path that will bring you greatest happiness.
Regarding your abortion, elective abortion is indeed a very serious sin. I assume your abortion was elective, meaning that your health was not in danger, your pregnancy was not the result of rape or incest, etc. It's difficult to say whether or not you'll be excommunicated, but I wouldn't let that stop me from coming back to the church. You're feeling guilt, and your bishop can help you overcome those feelings by helping you apply Christ's atonement in your life. Excommunication, when it is necessary, if not the same as "kicking someone out of the church." It's just a step on the path to full repentance in the case of serious sin. Excommunicated members can still attend church every week and can participate in many other church activities as well. Once the repentance process is complete, an excommunicated member can be rebaptized and can return to full church fellowship.
I don't know if you'll be excommunicated, but I do know that regardless of the steps necessary, you need the forgiveness that comes from Christ. I'm certain your bishop can help you, and I'm certain the church can be a great blessing in your life.
I encourage you to come back! I suggest you contact the Mormon missionaries to ask for help. May God bless you with the strength you need to find spiritual recovery. I'll pray for you!
Richard
2011-03-21 14:21:13
First off most of the time the conviction that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true is not made manifest by a large occurrence, but by a still, small voice or feeling. Your own words in your question, "... I feel like I want to be apart of it and I don't know exactly why?" Tell me that perhaps THAT is the still small voice nudging you to go back. Do you think it may be?
You even say it twice! "I honestly cannot explain why I want to try to go back to church."... Love to be the messenger, and you seem to be playing the law of witnesses here. IE "By the (testimony) of two or three shall the truth of all things be established"
The guilt you are feeling I can tell you right off is not coming from Our Father, but from another source who usually deals in fear and/or pain. You speak true that sometimes an abortion can get a member excommunicated, but where are you at now and is it any different than being excommunicated?
You do know that the only sins that our Savior's Atonement cannot cover are those sins that are never repented of, right? The only way through the pain of sin IS to repent and have the guilt, pain, stress, mess washed away from your life.
Said our Savior, (D&C 58: 42-43) "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
By this ye may know if a repenteth of his sins behold, he will confess them and forsake them."
It sounds to me like you have been carrying around the guilt you feel from your choices of old for a pretty long time now. Why not get in with your bishop and talk about the past, seek forgiveness from our God, and receive the remission of and from your sins. The bishop won't react anything but love and encouragement to you. I recommend starting the path back to full fellowship as that seems to be what God is telling you, guiding you, to do anyway. The bonus is He knows ALL of what you have done and The Atonement is already complete and accepted, which means you just need to go out and partake of it.
PS The road back may be a long one, but God does not place us in/allow situations that are too difficult for us to get out of with the help of our Savior.
I can tell you God just needs you to come to Him so He can complete the healing, or rather the re-birth of yourself.
You can do it. Christ will be with you, but He won't force you, only He'll beckon you, one step at a time.
Anonymous
2011-04-01 07:18:34
I have never had that overwhelming feeling from the spirit to let me know that the church is true. But in the way I needed the spirit has helped me know that the church really is the true church which Jesus Christ leads. I didn't realize that the spirit was showing me that this was the truth for a long time. It is up to you to pray and study to find out if it is the Holy Ghost that is prompting you to go back to church. I know that Heavenly Father helps us many times by working through our thoughts. I know that it is possible to leave the guilt and shame behind you. Forgiveness is there for you. Moroni 7: 12-19 have helped me so much to know that it doesn't have to be so complicated to know that Heavenly Father is trying to guild you.
Anonymous
2011-04-15 00:40:42
You are a daughter of God and he loves you so very much. I personally think no, you as a daughter of God have the right to go back to the true church. I don't have amazing story's either that say hay this is just awesome. I just have a knowledge that this chuch is true and that any one who has a sincere disire to know of the truth also will recive it weather by the simple act of kindness or the amazing storys that others tell. God dosn't put us through more then we can handle. And I know that there is a life after this one and your baby will wait for you to find a worthy husband to seal your family together for the eternities you are divine and of great worth and you should never let others or your self tell you other wise
I also encourage you to read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants because they helped and lifted me when my life and my problems were bring me down there is truth in this gospel and I hope you find it and I hope that I can meet you some day whether it be now or in the eternities because you are an amazing person.
Anonymous
2011-03-31 16:58:38
Well. I have been in active with the church since I was 16. I am now 46. My incounter with the mormons while doing some of my own soul serching has always been a pleasant one. Mna has been created in the image of God. But you are aware that their are element in our world that would contridict other wise. Lack of vision due to a sinful world can lead anyone down a wrong path.
Im sure with the will of good people and the understanding of forgivines they would accept you and guild you. Always be thankful of your vision.
Note that the scripture nowhere implies that the faith of those who believe in the words of others is inferior to the faith of those who are given to know. Both ways of gaining a testimony are described as "gifts" (D&C 46:11).
Many people gain their testimonies slowly rather than with a single spiritual experience. It may well be that the unexplainable feelings you have of wanting to participate in the church are God's subtle promptings trying to get you back on the spiritual path that will bring you greatest happiness.
Regarding your abortion, elective abortion is indeed a very serious sin. I assume your abortion was elective, meaning that your health was not in danger, your pregnancy was not the result of rape or incest, etc. It's difficult to say whether or not you'll be excommunicated, but I wouldn't let that stop me from coming back to the church. You're feeling guilt, and your bishop can help you overcome those feelings by helping you apply Christ's atonement in your life. Excommunication, when it is necessary, if not the same as "kicking someone out of the church." It's just a step on the path to full repentance in the case of serious sin. Excommunicated members can still attend church every week and can participate in many other church activities as well. Once the repentance process is complete, an excommunicated member can be rebaptized and can return to full church fellowship.
I don't know if you'll be excommunicated, but I do know that regardless of the steps necessary, you need the forgiveness that comes from Christ. I'm certain your bishop can help you, and I'm certain the church can be a great blessing in your life.
I encourage you to come back! I suggest you contact the Mormon missionaries to ask for help. May God bless you with the strength you need to find spiritual recovery. I'll pray for you!
You even say it twice! "I honestly cannot explain why I want to try to go back to church."... Love to be the messenger, and you seem to be playing the law of witnesses here. IE "By the (testimony) of two or three shall the truth of all things be established"
The guilt you are feeling I can tell you right off is not coming from Our Father, but from another source who usually deals in fear and/or pain. You speak true that sometimes an abortion can get a member excommunicated, but where are you at now and is it any different than being excommunicated?
You do know that the only sins that our Savior's Atonement cannot cover are those sins that are never repented of, right? The only way through the pain of sin IS to repent and have the guilt, pain, stress, mess washed away from your life.
Said our Savior, (D&C 58: 42-43) "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
By this ye may know if a repenteth of his sins behold, he will confess them and forsake them."
It sounds to me like you have been carrying around the guilt you feel from your choices of old for a pretty long time now. Why not get in with your bishop and talk about the past, seek forgiveness from our God, and receive the remission of and from your sins. The bishop won't react anything but love and encouragement to you. I recommend starting the path back to full fellowship as that seems to be what God is telling you, guiding you, to do anyway. The bonus is He knows ALL of what you have done and The Atonement is already complete and accepted, which means you just need to go out and partake of it.
PS The road back may be a long one, but God does not place us in/allow situations that are too difficult for us to get out of with the help of our Savior.
I can tell you God just needs you to come to Him so He can complete the healing, or rather the re-birth of yourself.
You can do it. Christ will be with you, but He won't force you, only He'll beckon you, one step at a time.
I also encourage you to read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants because they helped and lifted me when my life and my problems were bring me down there is truth in this gospel and I hope you find it and I hope that I can meet you some day whether it be now or in the eternities because you are an amazing person.
Im sure with the will of good people and the understanding of forgivines they would accept you and guild you. Always be thankful of your vision.