If I strayed away from the church, or even just dissobeyed a lot of the rules for about 4 years, and got into drugs, lots of sex with multiple partners and alcohol, could I get excommunicated?
3 Responses to “If I strayed away from the church, or even just dissobeyed a…”
Richard
2009-08-03 19:17:36
I perceive that you were a member before, or at least knew what you were suppose to be doing, but you strayed. If you are looking to return to church activity I would recomend reading Luke 15:11-end about the prodical son. Also reading D&C 58: 42-43... Go into your bishop and talk with him and see what counsel he gives you.
The road back is hard, even harder for you with the drugs and possible addictions you may have formed without even knowing it. It's possible but it'll be painful, but you can't give up if you actually want to make it back. (FYI there are a lot of LDS help groups out there designed for persons just like you, you're not alone)(never were)
What good is a Savior if he doesn't save anyone? Go to lds.org look up the october 2006 general conference and read Dallin Oaks' talk "He Heals the Heavy Laden"
The way back won't be easy, but I promise you that Jesus knows your pain and he also knows you way back, and he will walk it with you as long as you don't give up. No one loses in this life but those that refuse to return to the good shepard, and work with him for their own salvation. He and his father want you back and are more then wanting to give you the kingdom. Best of luck, and welcome back.
Anon
2009-08-21 18:17:21
Looks like we live near each other. Almost 2 years ago, I went through the same process as you. I was not into drugs, and my sexual activity was fairly few and far between, but I was into drinking and I loved to gamble. I was inactive for about 3 years. So, we have a lot in common! Let me be very clear when I say this...coming back has absolutely changed my life for the better. I am not just saying this, it really, really has. The blessings you will receive for dropping those negative things out of your life will be infinite. When I made the choice to literally pick up my scriptures, and put down the bottle, my addictions seemed to fade. One of the hardest things I had to do was separate myself from people that still drank and did similar things, but this ultimately made things much easier. In terms of repenting, many things will be considered. My bishop was not very concerned with the alcohol and the gambling, but the sexual sins were the ones that he was concerned with. However, after all was said and done, I received no formal discipline. This may be different for you, but your bishop will be understanding, and it is worth it. Whatever he decides, it will be worth it. There are a lot of different situational things that will dictate your level of discipline. Surround yourself with people who are striving for the same such as yourself, and you will feel such an amazing comfort. And if you have family that is active, they will be thrilled to see you return.
Melissa
2009-09-01 15:07:56
A lot of this depends on where you were at in life when this occurred. The council given by a bishop or stake president would be different for a teenager versus someone who has gone on a mission or gone through the temple because of the covenants that have been made.
That being said, excommunication is not in itself a bad thing. It is a blessing for those who have committed grievous sins. It is a way for someone to fully repent and come back to the church "with a clean slate" as it were.
One of the best books I ever read was "The Miracle of Forgiveness." It helps you evaluate your own life and what you need to change. It also explains in detail why we have excommunication and other forms of discipline in the church, and how to repent.
Talk to your bishop. He should have good council for you. If you truly have a contrite spirit, you reach a level where you are willing to do anything to be forgiven... And sometimes that may mean being excommunicated for a time, but your bishop should be willing to help you along the way.
Repenting is hard. It is difficult. It is a trial of the soul, but believe me, once you have been forgiven your spirit will feel as light as a cloud. In my own life I had the experience of being forgiven, and I felt squeaky clean afterwards. It was a wonderful feeling!
Webmaster: I absolutely agree with Melisa. Excommunication can be a great blessing for those looking for relief from sin. It's a step on the way to forgiveness.
The road back is hard, even harder for you with the drugs and possible addictions you may have formed without even knowing it. It's possible but it'll be painful, but you can't give up if you actually want to make it back. (FYI there are a lot of LDS help groups out there designed for persons just like you, you're not alone)(never were)
What good is a Savior if he doesn't save anyone? Go to lds.org look up the october 2006 general conference and read Dallin Oaks' talk "He Heals the Heavy Laden"
The way back won't be easy, but I promise you that Jesus knows your pain and he also knows you way back, and he will walk it with you as long as you don't give up. No one loses in this life but those that refuse to return to the good shepard, and work with him for their own salvation. He and his father want you back and are more then wanting to give you the kingdom. Best of luck, and welcome back.
That being said, excommunication is not in itself a bad thing. It is a blessing for those who have committed grievous sins. It is a way for someone to fully repent and come back to the church "with a clean slate" as it were.
One of the best books I ever read was "The Miracle of Forgiveness." It helps you evaluate your own life and what you need to change. It also explains in detail why we have excommunication and other forms of discipline in the church, and how to repent.
Talk to your bishop. He should have good council for you. If you truly have a contrite spirit, you reach a level where you are willing to do anything to be forgiven... And sometimes that may mean being excommunicated for a time, but your bishop should be willing to help you along the way.
Repenting is hard. It is difficult. It is a trial of the soul, but believe me, once you have been forgiven your spirit will feel as light as a cloud. In my own life I had the experience of being forgiven, and I felt squeaky clean afterwards. It was a wonderful feeling!
Webmaster: I absolutely agree with Melisa. Excommunication can be a great blessing for those looking for relief from sin. It's a step on the way to forgiveness.