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.
Expert: Michael Kelley Date: 11/12/2007 Subject: Missionaries
Question well i guess ill start off with im getting baptized on the 8th of december this religion seems like it is the most understanding and well it is the only True one. with that being said i have been meeting with these missionary boys i wont say their names because im not exactly to sure on all their rules. but yes i guess im sort of falling for one as crazy as that may sound i dont know if this is how he teaches everyone or what. he seems like an amazing guy that really values family. We have hour conversations on the phone not pertaining to the gospel that much. im not sure about all his comments he makes about marriage becuase he cant be straight forward. Is it common for men to find their wives on their missions and go back when they are done.
Answer Hi Lauren,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note that I am ex-LDS and belong to the Church of Christ that also believes in the Book of Mormon.
I answer to your question... Since I am not LDS I cannot say for sure whether many LDS Missionaries find their future spouses in the mission field. I think it is very possible but have no hard statistics to offer. Being in the mission field would certainly open up opportunities to meet new people however the main goal of a missionary should be to share the Gospel, not seek a spouse.
However, if they have not already told you, there is a key doctrine in the LDS religion that you should be aware of. This doctrine is the doctrine of Celestial Marriage, where baptized and regularly attending LDS members are sealed or "married for time and eternity" in thier temples. They believe that those who do this will inherit the highest degree of glory (the 3rd degree) and be "As Gods" who will be as a Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. Some even believe they will procreate children to inhabit a planet of their own and be as Gods over that planet. Therefore this doctrine is the most important doctrine within their religion... even more important than the atonement of Christ.
There are other doctrines they currently practice such as Baptism for the Dead, and Celestial Marriage for the Dead that you need to be aware of. The Book of Mormon never teaches any of these doctrines, and in many ways strongly teaches AGAINST those doctrines. The LDS also used to practice polygamy and racial discrimination against Africans which the Book of Mormon most bitterly condemns. I really find it hard to accept the claim that the LDS religion is the One True Church with all of these false doctrines. Be sure you fully know what you are getting baptized into! Sometimes they are not as forthcoming about these core doctrines to baptism candidates until after they are baptized and they slowly indoctrinate their people into accepting these unscriptural teachings.
Jesus said in the Book of Mormon "Whatsoever things ye have seen me do, that do and teach in my church". Jesus never taught nor practiced many of these LDS teachings. Baptism is a serious covenant... something not to be taken lightly... be sure you are joining the right church!
Feel free to ask me other questions or for scriptural proof for all the things I have written. Don't trust what I say, trust the teachings and examples of Christ.
