Should i convert to mormonism

Curiosity in this new American religion and prospects of establishing a modern-day Zion may have piqued their interest, but it was their deep and abiding faith that drove their actions.

Though the circumstances are much different for twenty-first-century Latter-day Saints, the spiritual pull of Mormonism is the same. It still takes faith to fully embrace the message of Mormonism and adhere to its high standards.

That kind of faith is rare. And because it is so rare, Mormonism is attractive. Like the chicken and the egg, faith and sacrifice are connected. It is the spiritual conviction that Latter-day Saints possess that enables them to embrace a way of life that, to many, seems too demanding or difficult.

Yet that kind of faithfulness and devotion, that depth of spiritual strength, is certainly a very real attraction of Mormonism. In a recent study, spirituality and depth of conviction were listed among the traits most liked and admired concerning Mormons and Mormonism.

There is within each of us something that longs for kinship with the Almighty, and we feel that there is a response to that as we teach concerning that. The Church is a constant in a world of change. It is an anchor in a world of shifting values. Some of the Latter-day Saint doctrines that address these issues, and that are respected by and particularly attractive to outsiders, include the following:. As the offspring of God see Acts —29; Hebrews , each person has a divine identity and infinite potential.

God has a merciful plan for each of us, a plan of happiness that will both guide and bless us on earth and make right, in the next life, many injustices and inequities inherent in a fallen world. Loving friendships and family relationships will continue. A happy marriage can last for eternity. Everyone, no matter where or when they have lived, will be given an opportunity to learn of the gospel and embrace its principles and ordinances. As important as the teachings of the Church are, how Mormons live their lives attracts the most interest.

That is the fruit of the faith. On the other hand, those who knew many Mormons had quite favorable perceptions of the faith. Even when there was a negative view of Mormon doctrines, there was a positive view of how Latter-day Saints lived their lives. Wholesomeness and happiness are attributes of Mormonism that are attractive to those not of our faith.

Interestingly, many who view Mormonism as weird are quick to acknowledge that Mormons themselves are not weird but very normal in good ways—upright, honest, caring, contributing members of the community.

While serving as a mission president, I was invited to participate in a discussion of Mormonism on a popular local radio talk show. At that time, a prominent Latter-day Saint was running for president of the United States, and his candidacy had generated much interest in and debate regarding his religion. Old stereotypes, misrepresentations, and misconceptions reemerged and were a disturbing part of the discussion.

I tried my best to answer questions and contextualize the doctrines and practices of the Church. A prominent evangelical pastor in the community called to inform the listening audience that Mormons, according to his characterization, are not Christians and that their beliefs are not only nonbiblical but Satanically inspired.

He expressed very real contempt for Mormonism. None of my efforts to appropriately address the issues he raised, correct the misconceptions or falsehoods, or properly contextualize the teachings and practices of the Church satisfied him. Then something remarkable happened. One of the hosts of the program spoke of the many Mormons he had personally known.

He spoke glowingly of their goodness and integrity. Soon the other host chimed in with similar anecdotes. Conversion includes a change in behavior, but it goes beyond behavior; it is a change in our very nature. It is such a significant change that the Lord and His prophets refer to it as a rebirth, a change of heart, and a baptism of fire. The Lord said:. Conversion is a process, not an event. Conversion comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior. These efforts include exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in faith.

Although conversion is miraculous and life changing, it is a quiet miracle. Angelic visitations and other spectacular occurrences do not bring conversion. The Book of Mormon provides descriptions of people who are converted to the Lord:. They desire to do good. They do not rebel against the Lord. They share the gospel.

Enos, Alma the Elder, Alma the Younger, the sons of Mosiah, Amulek, and Zeezrom dedicated themselves to preaching the gospel after they became converted to the Lord see Enos ; Mosiah ; —37 ; Alma —12 ; They are filled with love. Atonement of Jesus Christ. Holy Ghost. I think that we sometimes see other people come unto Christ and chalk it up to our hard work. God uses us to love and lead each other, but our spiritual path is a very personal one that is walked by only two: the individual and the Savior.

On the flip side, maybe we can take comfort in understanding that when those whom we have stewardship over do not flourish in the gospel, it is not because we have failed.

If we have loved and we have tried, we have succeeded, and God will be aware of that. No effort is ever wasted in trying to help a soul come closer to our Heavenly Father. I have friends from many walks of life who have many different habits. If they are honest with me and I enjoy being around them, our friendship is not a problem. When you have good friends who are active in the Church and sincere in their desire to follow Christ, doing the right thing becomes the path of least resistance.

I have learned this for myself by making mistakes and being prideful in my perceived spiritual infallibility. The truth is simple: you will become like the people you surround yourself with. In these 10 years, I have only missed church a handful of times. Sunday worship has honestly been the thing that has kept my head above water when I have felt like I was drowning.

Maybe the wife struggles to get out of bed in the morning. Yes, there are people who are almost always happy, there are people who almost always have a clean and organized house, and there are families where almost every member is devoted to the gospel. But everyone has their struggles, and by giving these families any kind of a label, we lessen who they really are as people. I joined the Church when I was 13 years old.

But beyond that, everyone seemed to have the same interests and opinions—sometimes very strong opinions that were the opposite of mine—about everything from movies and politics to the interpretation of certain scriptures. But we are just too different. I struggled with those feelings for several years. Then I recalled and reread the story from Luke 19 about Zacchaeus.

Because he was a publican, he was unpopular and considered a sinner. But when Jesus passed through his city, Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see over the crowd. It was this act of climbing the tree—separating himself from the crowd—that enabled him to have a very beautiful and personal experience with the Savior. As I read, I recognized that my feelings of being an outsider were not coming from Christ. Jesus was inclusive and forgiving. He actively sought those who were judged and cast aside—those who seemed different.

I have. These are the reasons the Church needs all of us, with all our different talents, strengths, and perspectives. December My Christmas Gift Dustin Ward.

The Savior and the Sacrament David L. The Warrior in You David Dickson. He Decided to Come James Teichert.