Incredibly Stupid Question

[Hyena]

Is it true that LDS members are expected to form relationships with other LDS members and are discouraged from dating and marrying non-LDS faith people?

And if this is the case, is that cause for motivation for someone to join the LDS church? I mean, even if the person already believes in Jesus and serves God in another faith, would it be encouraged or discouraged for that person to consider conversion in order to gain the heart of the person they love who is already an LDS member? Would it even matter? If you converted to Mormonism would a Mormon person find that an appealing action that might open up the avenues to romance or would they find it annoying that you converted just for them?

This is not my situation, but I do wonder what would happen if later on after conversion I found someone to be romantically interested in that was non-LDS and if I should dismiss her or pursue her and strive for her conversion first before moving forward with a relationship.

[skippy740]

This is NOT a stupid question by any means.

While we can look up various scriptures regarding interfaith marriage, we need to look to the doctrine of eternal marriage.

Gospel Principles Chapter 36: The Family Can Be Eternal

Gospel Principles Chapter 38: Eternal Marriage

In order to enjoy these blessings in this life, one should marry someone who is not only in the faith, but is worthy to enter the temple.

It's not unheard of to date someone who is not a member, and eventually they choose to convert to the faith. Hopefully it was for their own reasons & testimony and not just to make their significant other happy.

[Dravin]

Is it true that LDS members are expected to form relationships with other LDS members and are discouraged from dating and marrying non-LDS faith people?

We're encouraged to seek to be married and sealed in the temple, which necessitates not just courting and marrying LDS, but LDS worthy of entering into covenants in the temple.

And if this is the case, is that cause for motivation for someone to join the LDS church?

It happens. Both as a motivator for investigation, and as a reason, regrettably in my opinion, for conversion.

I mean, even if the person already believes in Jesus and serves God in another faith, would it be encouraged or discouraged for that person to consider conversion in order to gain the heart of the person they love who is already an LDS member? Would it even matter? If you converted to Mormonism would a Mormon person find that an appealing action that might open up the avenues to romance or would they find it annoying that you converted just for them?

I'm going to pretty much quote Loudmouth, another poster here, there is only one good reason to become a Mormon: You believe God wants you to be one.

Conversion founded on the above is good, conversion founded on anything else has issues. It should be noted that investigation and conversion are different things. People investigate for many reasons, they should only convert for one.

This is not my situation, but I do wonder what would happen if later on after conversion I found someone to be romantically interested in that was non-LDS and if I should dismiss her or pursue her and strive for her conversion first before moving forward with a relationship.

I think that pursuing someone with the idea that they'll change for you is ill advised.

Edited November 25, 2012 by Dravin