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 Dear Mr. Michael,
Hello, my name is Sang Cho, I am a 16 years old. Just recently my Mormon friend Todd, turned 16. He said that he really does like me but he cannot date me. Something about his family and church disapproving. I think he said that it was because he is not to date just one person continuously. Is that true? And if so, is there any way around it? Could it be that he can't date me because I am of a different religion? (I am chinese so I come from a buhdist religion) Thank you so much for your help!
Answer Hi Sang Cho,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note I am ex-LDS and belong to the original Church of Christ that believes in the Book of Mormon.
I am not aware of any LDS (Utah Mormon) rule or belief that states that they should not date one person continuously.
On the other hand they and most churches (mine included)discourage dating those of different religions. This is mainly due to the conflicts and potential divorces that often arise in mixed faith marriages. It is difficult enough for a same faith marriage to last and having different religions can cause a lot of problems. Some mistakenly believe that they can eventually convert their partner to thier faith but this rarely occurs. If a couple with different faiths are dating and are considering marriage I would strongly recommend that they study the scriptures and agree to join the religion that best follows the scriptures before marriage. This may be impossible between a Christian and Buhdist faith as they do not recognize each other's books as scriptures.
With the Utah LDS Mormons this is an especially difficult issue because of their belief in Celestial Marriage (also known as Temple Sealings). Thier belief is that when a righteous couple who are MEMBERS and are married or sealed in their temples... are married in this life and the next for eternity. They also believe that this will entitle them to the 3rd level of the highest glory and be as Gods who shall then populate their own planets with spirit children. They believe that Jesus Christ was once a mere human as we and through Celestial Marriage evolved into a God along with his wife, a Heavenly Mother.
In reality this belief comes from old world pagan religions and the beliefs of the Masons, a secret society. This belief is not once ever mentioned in either the Bible or Book of Mormon and is even in many ways strongly taught AGAINST. The Utah Mormons do not really follow the teachings of their own Book of Mormon!
In the LDS Mormon faith Celestial Marriage is the acme of their religion... their very most important doctrine. A member cannot be sealed (and thus cannot become a God) unless their spouse is also a baptized member (and is willing to totally foresake their old religion) and is also sealed with them. In the Utah church those of mixed faith marriages are considered 2nd class citizens and in some cases are shunned or even counselled to get a divorce. Both Bible and Book of Mormon strongly condemn divorce and remarriage except in the case of adultery (or death) and then only the innocent party may remarry.
The very reason why I left the Utah faction is because of this very doctrine... it is patently false and an abomination to God. Both books repeatedly teach there is only one God who is eternal, perfect and utterly unchangeable (never evolved) and that man is not a God. Jesus plainly taught that in the next life the WORTHY shall inheret the kingdom of heaven and NOT be married but be as angels (not Gods) in heaven.
If you like, I can send specific quotes from both Bible and Book of Mormon that oppose this LDS doctrine. I seriously doubt you will be able to change the mind of this guy you wish to date... I've debated with them for years and years and not made one convert. The Utah LDS religion is much like a cult and it is very difficult to convert them once they have been indoctrinated.
