AboutMichael Kelley Expertise For a different viewpoint on Mormonism for your questions, try me. I am a staunch believer in the Book of Mormon and belong to another church (the Church of Christ)that is set up identically to the Biblical church. If there are things about traditional Mormonism that trouble you or you have questions about, just ask and you might find the answers from the Book of Mormon to be quite surprising. I have been studying the scriptures diligently for 16 years under the school of hard knocks... I may not have all of the answers but will sure go find them if I don`t. I`m strongest on Biblical and Book of Mormon doctrines, and am also somewhat familiar with Mormon history and archaeology.
Question Hi Michael,
there is this guy at my school who i think is very cute and we have been talking back and forth. my question is, is it okay for me to date him even though he is a Mormon? i am not Mormon but i am a Christian but was born a catholic. what should i do? how would his family feel about this sort of relationship? would i be going against any of his beliefs at all?
Answer Hi Brianne,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note that I am ex-LDS (Utah Mormon) and belong to the Church of Christ that believes in the Bible and also the Book of Mormon.
In answer to your questions... I see nothing wrong with dating people of different religions, however I do not recommend getting into a serious relationship with them or considering marriage until both are unified in their religion. I find it a bit ironic with your question in that I had a close relative who was LDS Mormon who married a Catholic so in order to avoid conflict they abandoned both religions which I think hurt them in the long run and their marriage did not last.
This is particularly true with LDS Mormons of whom most other religions consider a secretive cult... and to a degree with justification. Most Evangelical religions such as the Baptists bitterly oppose anything to do with Utah Mormons. On the other hand most Mormons consider the Catholic church to be the "Great and Abominable church" and want nothing to do with Catholics.
What is particularly difficult, and weird, for the Utah Mormons is that they believe in Temple Sealings, where a man and woman (both baptized members) are married in their temples for "Life and Eternity" and in the afterlife shall be "As Gods" endlessly procreating spirit children and being as Gods over their own earth like planet. This is the peak of their religion, the most important thing! Therefore they are under great pressure to coerce their spouse to also be a LDS Mormon and get sealed in their temples. Those who do not are considered 2nd class members and a few are even encouraged to divorce the non-member. Family members will often look down or shun non-LDS. What is appalling about all of this is neither the Bible nor the Book of Mormon teach any of this, and even strongly opposes such things.
I have nothing against "being friends" with people of other religions, but it is very dangerous to marry someone of other faiths. The Bible teaches we should not be unequally yoked... and for good reason. It is hard enough for a marriage to last with both are of the same religion. Mixed religions inevitably causes strife and friction in a marriage, often one trying to convert the other to their faith and if they fail they get angry or frustrated, or feel the other spouse is scornful of their religion and they take it personally.
I hope this helps answer your questions, feel free to ask others if you wish.
