New to Christianity in General.

[DanMcGrath]

I'm an 34 year old American, who lives in China as an ESL teacher and sometimes writer. I've been a life long atheist until last month. I'm not sure what pushed me away from my godless state, but somehow here I am. Something about the decency of most Mormons that I've met in the past has drawn me here now. Call it being drawn to the highest common denominator.

I'm not being snobbish, but there really are many quite vulgar people in this world. Mormons have always struck me as clean cut and for the lack of a better word, civilized. Other Christian sects appear, at times, uncouth and crude through their daily actions. I'm not a drinker or a smoker, which is another draw towards the church of Later Day Saints for me.

Anyhow, too much to do today, I look forward to learning more from this site.

[pam]

Welcome to the site Dan.

[Maya]

Welcome Dan. I hope you will enjoy this site. I am happy to hear you think well of LDS. Happy hunting! It is always a party when someone finds out about God!

So officially:

Welcome to LDS.net. You will find here an ecclectic mix of LDS and some non-members. While the site is dedicated to the Gospel, and to promoting the Church to a world that often does not understand us, we also make room for conversations about current events, and about social and cultural practices within the Church. If your main desire is to learn about the Church, consider starting with the "Learn About Mormonism" forums. For more advanced teachings, that will often include a variety of perspectives, some non-LDS, consider the Gospel section of forums.

While you are welcome to all main sections, be aware this site makes room for a variety of opinions and personalities. Some posters can be passionate about their views, and occasionally more so about them than about the souls of visitors. If you find something particularly offensive, feel free to make a report by clicking the appropriate tab.

[DanMcGrath]

The Chinese government really doesn't, as far as I can tell, do that good of a job oppressing religion. They tend to go after the organizations like the Falun Gong and Tibetan Buddhists for political reasons more than religious reasons. While there has been persecution of Chinese Christians in the past I'm not sure the same hold true for today. I'm not sure how this affects LDS missionaries as I've never actually seen any here where I live, which is near Tibet.

Not sure about the rest of China and I suspect you all might have a better idea about that than me. I do know that the Chinese have a view on religion that I find somewhat admirable given some of the extremism found in modern religious groups. The Chinese more and more appear to have the freedom to worship in private. Public gatherings and proselytizing don't appear to be tolerated. I have seen several temples, Churches, Mosques, and so forth in full swing, but nothing in action outside of those doors.

Thanks for the welcome.

[Hemidakota]

LDS community in China are left alone. The government has great trust in the church. Many visits from China premier with the First Presidency was held as they visit this country but would stop over in Salt Lake first.

[DanMcGrath]

Never knew that before now, haven't seen too many missionaries in my neck of the woods. I suspect that has a great deal to do with the sheer size of China's rural population. Perhaps I'll see a few when I move towards the coast in March.

[rren]

Dan, welcome to the site. One of my close friends lives in China. I hope you enjoy meeting new people and sharing your thoughts on God. I am a convert to the LDS Church of about 12 years and have found it the source of great happiness in my life. You can hear my story hear if you'd like:

[Maxgreen1]

Never knew that before now, haven't seen too many missionaries in my neck of the woods. I suspect that has a great deal to do with the sheer size of China's rural population. Perhaps I'll see a few when I move towards the coast in March.

A brother in my church served a mission in China with his wife. They have missionaries there :)

And I am new to Christianity as well. I converted in January 2009.

I've loved it ever since :)

LDS is the only faith that really made sense to me,

And really the only faith where I meet super-positive people, in deed and word

"Ye shall know them by their fruits"

And welcome

-Max