bigsis7

Thanks Wingnut for your detailed response. I started the Book of Mormon again yesterday and will continue to study it and learn.

Tarnished, no I don't think he actually had sex with her. No one can know how it really happened, but I mean both of them were the parent of Jesus. They had a baby and weren't married and even if they didn't have sex it just is hard to fathom I guess. Thanks Applepansy. Elgama, Thank you for your post. I'll try and see if I can find that book. Thanks guys for you help. I'll start studying the scriptures more and try to find an lds website that can answer more of my questions

Thanks bizzlebozzle. I guess I know why the leaders advise not to do those things, but it's hard I guess. Finding skirts or clothes that aren't even just a little bit against the teachings is hard. What makes it harder is when you look good in the clothes and like them. Dating I get to, but for me I guess it's just the fact that I'm more mature then most kids my age and realize the fact that dating during high school probably won't make a lasting relationship, but if you like someone it's a way to get to know them better. I guess you could just be friend too, but in this world today that's also hard. Thanks Matthew. I have read some anti-mormon articles that I find absolutely ridiculous. I've also found other posts by people who are no longer part of the church that say things that make a lot of sense. I don't go looking for the bad ones, but there's more bad then good about the church on the internet it seems. I just don't know where else to find the answers I'm looking for than the internet without going to my parents, hence why I'm here. I read the whole Book of Mormon when I was 9-10, but haven't studied it as much lately since I've been trying to finish the Bible then trying to read the Book of Mormon then back to the Bible. I've moved 5-6 times since I finished the Book of Mormon so I guess that's probably why I haven't finished it again.

Sorry that I wasn't clearer. Yeah not a troll. I misunderstood the polygamy getting outlawed in 1862. It was, but according to this website the Mormons were allowed to continue it even as long as they didn't get involved in the civil war: Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I don't agree with polygamy at all, but my real problem was the fact that the Mormons continued even though it was illegal. I guess it sort of makes it better that they had "permission".

For about the last two years I've been having doubts about the church. Such things like that polygamy was practiced until the year 1890, but was outlawed in the US in 1862. Also the church doesn't make you do anything, but if you do something that is not part of the church standards you're looked down upon. Like wearing skirts that are to short, dating before 16, etc. And the whole fact that Heavenly Father was the biological father of Jesus, yet Mary and Heavenly Father weren't married, but the church teaches not to have sex before marriage. Some days it's hard to believe that Joseph Smith really saw Heavenly Father and Jesus and restored the church. I recently received my Patriarchal Blessing and it's great, but some of it seems so vague. Like everyone who receives a Patriarchal Blessing is of course told they'll be married in the temple and have children. Also that if they obey the prophet they'll be blessed, etc. So does it really, sincerely come from God or is the Patriarch more speaking from his heart and what he knows? The other day while surfing the net trying to read more about the Mormon gospel, I came across an article about being Sealed in the temple. I'm not sure what I'm allowed to post on here, but, frankly, it seems so bizarre (the ceremony). Green aprons, secret hand shakes, being touched/endowed with oil, watching a play, etc. Maybe I'm missing something, but I just don't understand how something so sacred could be so...different. I'm not trying to put down the church in any way. I've been a member my whole life and really have just been expected to believe. I guess I'm just more confused about what to believe. Anyways after ranting I guess my point is I want to believe in the church, but I'm having a hard time with the doctrine and expectations. Should I read the Book of Mormon even though I'm not sure it's true? Talk to my parents that think I have a solid faith in the church? I don't want to disappoint my parents, but I don't want to continue pretending I believe in something when I'm not sure I do. Thanks for any advice you guys can give me.