Who Is It That Really Converts Out Of A Religion?


prisonchaplain
 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 141
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

<div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'>

I joined for the punch.

My friend and I make jokes about the mormon punch.. it isn't even mormon punch.. but it is at all of the social events... that it should be trade marked!

Is that another thing that is only in Utah???

I have no idea what "mormon punch" is.

Sherbert put in sprite :D

And a Utah thing? anyone remember jones town? jim jones? anyone...anyone? LOL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

... or in other words, Dr. T. feels pretty sure that conversion does NOT happen to "on-fire believers" of various <religious> groups. Isn't that right, Dr. T? (no matter what he says, that is what he meant) And my response to that statement??? I know it's a lie. And now I'll share how I know that truth.

I was "on-fire" before I joined this church, and I had already done lots of preaching, (that's what "on-fire believers" do, you know) and I attended all the services that I could. And I was getting prepared to follow the footsteps of my fathers (Dad and Granddad) into a full-time ministry of preaching for that church... to share the gospel of the Jesus Christ, of course.

So there, I AM PROOF, that you what you just said is false... whether you know it now or ever will know it!

Nah nah nah nah nah. p.s. Don't worry, Doc, you will recover. :)

Ray, of late I've seen a Muslim convert to Christianity, an LDS person who seems on the verge of converting to evangelicalism, and I've encountered a former Nazarene pastor who converted to Catholicism. All three were going through some crisis, be it of faith or just of life. Furthermore, the Jewish phenomena I mentioned comes from several conversations with both Orthodox Jews and Messianic ones.

Of course, sons of Protestant ministers become Mormons. You did. Furthermore, sometimes it just happens because someone is open-minded, and does indeed gain a greater attraction for the new faith.

BUT, Ray, your the exception that proves the rule. We always hear about the high-ranking religious officials who convert, or the "on-fire zealots." Why? Because they're so rare the raise eyebrows. Also, they tend to tell great stories (have great testimonies).

Now, this whole notion is, of course, IM ALWAYS HO, but I still contend that most converts from one religion to another were at a place of crisis, difficulty, or perhaps disillusionment. On the other hand, converts who had no previous religion might well have simply discovered, "Hey, what you say sounds right. When I prayed it felt right. Okay, let us proceed with my life change!"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was dating this guy who I really thought I liked (And maybe I do)..

but I am not supposed to be steady dating for one...

and for two, he would convert for me (WHICH IS BAD! HE IS SUPPOSED TO CONVERT FOR HIM AD GOD!)

but he will never go on a mission...

I dumped him for all of the reasons above...

It was hard..

But I do my best to keep my heart open to what God wants,

and not what I want...

That was really recent.. so please don't make me talk about it more.

Desiree, I really appreciate your openness, your passion, and your commitment. And, I respect your commitment to only date those "of like precious faith." As a non-LDS spiritual leader, I would join your spiritual advisors on the "inside" in saying, stick to your guns. Only date those who are qualified--only those of your faith. I don't care what religion you have, 'missionary dating'* is sin. It displeases God. That it occasionally works is due to God's mercy, not His approval. Far too many believers who yoked with unbelievers could tell you better than I that it is much better to "come out from among them and be ye separate."

* Missionary dating does NOT mean dating missionaries. It means dating a nonbeliever with the hopes of converting him/her.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quick note: Ray, you said,

It's not your Dad's church (even if he's a saint) because it belongs to our Lord and ALL His saints...

Look at what you are saying, "It's not your dad's church" you then said "Even if he's a saint" and then contradicted yourself by saying that it belongs to the Lord "AND ALL HIS SAINTS." You say it belongs to saints and her father (even if being a saint) it isn't his church. You are talking out of both sides of your mouth sir. I like you Ray. I'm trying to nod and smile. Sometimes I have a hard time though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a question for Ray.

Why does it matter what you're wearing when you go to church? The person sitting in church who smells like cigarette smoke and looks like he just got off of a 3 day bender is still there searching for the truth. And it's much harder for that person to be there. The thing I'm finding in the LDS church nowadays is that they're focusing on stuff like modesty and tattoos and earings so much that they are forgetting so many important things. By constantly putting all that stuff down as "bad" you are pushing away people who are seeking truth but who wont find it because you're not focusing on God and Jesus, what the church should be based on. i admit that there is a lot of evil out there in the world, but do you think if Christ was in church, he would dislike a person more for having more than one earing or for wearing a tank top or even if they had a tattoo? Don't judge people so harshly. The church says they are trying to look less earthly by not doing all that stuff but the way they judge the people that do that stuff, they are contradicting themselves. God doesn't care what you look like, who you are, where you come from, as long as you believe in Him and His Son with all your heart and you're not out there breaking the commandments.

Right now I am questioning my faith, deciding if the LDS church is for me and it's comments like the ones you made earlier that started my whole quest and make me think more and more that it isn't for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not Ray, but can I try?

Why does it matter what you're wearing when you go to church?

Just out of respect. If you can get sunday wear, please wear it to church.

The thing I'm finding in the LDS church nowadays is that they're focusing on stuff like modesty and tattoos and earings so much that they are forgetting so many important things.

That is for the people who are already members, and have no tatoos. Modesty is important.

By constantly putting all that stuff down as "bad"

You mean, strongly encouraged you don't do...

you are pushing away people who are seeking truth but who wont find it because you're not focusing on God and Jesus,

Where do you live that the LDS church there doesn't focus on God and Jesus? Our church is ALL ABOUT being like them. You are focusing on a problem of the church, and ignoring everything about God and Jesus, because you are blinded with problems dressing modestly.

i admit that there is a lot of evil out there in the world, but do you think if Christ was in church, he would dislike a person more for having more than one earing or for wearing a tank top or even if they had a tattoo?

Jesus loves everyone equilly. We have never taught any different. He even loves the skanks... but that does not mean you should be one.

Don't judge people so harshly.

We don't judge people. :)

God doesn't care what you look like, who you are, where you come from, as long as you believe in Him and His Son with all your heart and you're not out there breaking the commandments.

So I can go out and beak the law of chastity, but as long as I believe in him.. I am saved. I can kill a few people to!!!!

No one has ever regretted keeping the commandments, and that is not as easy as, "Ya Jesus.. I know your there. Now I am saved. LDS does not believe salvation is that easy.

Right now I am questioning my faith, deciding if the LDS church is for me and it's comments like the ones you made earlier that started my whole quest and make me think more and more that it isn't for me.

It isn't about what you can and can not do!

It is about prophets and Jesus' restored church and being sealed to your family for all time and eturnity!

If that isn't for you, I am very sorry to hear that.

If you have been learning about Joseph smith, and know he is a true prophet like you should be if you were thinking about converting, and KNOW he was a true prophet, why would you be hung up on a problem that doesn't even exist?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quick note: Ray, you said,

It's not your Dad's church (even if he's a saint) because it belongs to our Lord and ALL His saints...

Look at what you are saying, "It's not your dad's church" you then said "Even if he's a saint" and then contradicted yourself by saying that it belongs to the Lord "AND ALL HIS SAINTS." You say it belongs to saints and her father (even if being a saint) it isn't his church. You are talking out of both sides of your mouth sir. I like you Ray. I'm trying to nod and smile. Sometimes I have a hard time though.

Dr. T,

At least it dosen't rhyme..... :D:idea:

look on the bright side! :)

Josh B)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<div class='quotemain'>Right now I am questioning my faith, deciding if the LDS church is for me and it's comments like the ones you made earlier that started my whole quest and make me think more and more that it isn't for me.

It isn't about what you can and can not do!

It is about prophets and Jesus' restored church and being sealed to your family for all time and eturnity!

If that isn't for you, I am very sorry to hear that.

If you have been learning about Joseph smith, and know he is a true prophet like you should be if you were thinking about converting, and KNOW he was a true prophet, why would you be hung up on a problem that doesn't even exist?

Desire, maybe I can explain Chikin's point. Should an "investigator," or even a cradle Mormon who is grappling with the truth of what s/he's been raised in, one element that will help is the behavior and attitude of those who follow the faith. For example, Chikin asks, "Can this be the restored true church, if the members are all focused on how people dress, rather than on their hearts and their spiritual journey and relationship with God?

The same questions could be directed towards Christians in general, toward denominations, and toward invidual congregations/wards. So, rather than seeing the challenges Chikin raises as an attack on the faith, perhaps we'd all do well to reflect on what he's said. Do we focus too much on packaging, and not enough on inward faith? Do I? Worthy questions, im always ho.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share