Howdy!
Just a brief back story of how I ended up here: I was raised christian and attended church regularly growing up. During middle school and high school, I went to a pentecostal youth group with friends. I drifted away from religion when I got to college and continued on that path up until just recently (about 15 years later).
Fast forward to today. I have lived here in Utah for several years. I was in Salt Lake recently and decided to go across the street to tour temple square. My only intention was to learn about the temple a bit and walk around. I ended up leaving with a Book of Mormon and spent at least a few hours looking around the history museum! I have since been reading the BoM daily, cross referencing to the Bible, and taking notes. I attended my first sacrament meeting at a local meeting house just earlier this month too! I have been really surprised at how much of an interest I have taken in the church and the BoM. I have considered looking at baptism down the road, but I definitely have some things in my personal life that need to be sorted out first.
Which brings me to my questions...
My boyfriend and I have been together for over 8 years. We live in separate houses. He is an atheist and does not believe in marriage. I am fine with both of those beliefs, but I know this could present a problem for baptism with the law of chastity. Anyone have any advice or similar situations as this one??
And the next one...Coffee & alcohol. 😆 Not being raised Mormon, those items were always a part of growing up and family functions. Not so easy to quit cold turkey on either. I have been making an honest effort to scale back and have been successful thus far. Do they take into consideration a person who is trying and making progress or do you have to be completely clean of those substances before baptism??
Thanks!