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 I work with a LDS young man who is the most wonderfull thing that i have ever encountered in my life. He knows how i feel about him and im not sure if he feels the same. I am not a mormon but, but he keeps attempting me to go to chruch with him (he is 22 and so am I ). I am afraid that if i go i will just fall for him even more. So i am wondering if you think he likes me and wants me to convert or that he is just being a nice young man. I know you are not him and cant tell me how he feels, but you can sure give your opinion, so i dont put all my eggs in one basket. Thank you
Answer Hi Ellen,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note that I am ex-LDS and belong to the original Church of Christ that believes in the Book of Mormon.
It is common for a member of any church to desire their friends or loved ones to join their church. Their feelings are usually for the eternal salvation for their friends which I of course would agree with.
The Utah LDS Mormons however have another reason... Celestial Marriage (also called Temple Sealings). This belief of the Utah faction is where a couple are sealed in their temples for life and eternity... and they believe that if they do this and remain faithful members they will inherit the highest degree of heaven (Celestial glory) and will be as Gods who will create spirit children eternally. They also practice Baptisms for the Dead and Celestial Marriages for the dead wherein they go through the ceremonies in the names of dead persons and thus those dead persons can enjoy the same eternal rewards. This belief is the pinnacle of their religion. Those of mixed faith marriages cannot do this and so they try to pressure the spouse who is not a member to join them. In some cases members whose families don't go along with this are treated as second class citizens, a few even encouraged to get divorced so that the member can marry somebody who will become a member and get sealed. There is much pressure to do this.
Unfortunately the Book of Mormon (and Bible) teach none of these LDS doctrines and in many ways strongly teach AGAINST these and other LDS doctrines. The very reason why I left the LDS church is BECAUSE I believe in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon teaches the same fundamental doctrines of Christ as the Bible teaches. The LDS profess the Book of Mormon but only marginally follow it, rather they trust the teachings of those whom they consider Latter Day Prophets... much like how the Catholics treat their Pope. The scriptures teach against this form of idolotry and teach that we should follow only the teachings and examples of Christ and not place our trust in man.
If you plan on getting serious with this man be sure to have this issue thoroughly ironed out before considering marriage. No faith marriage will fail most of the time, mixed faith marriages are very difficult... be sure you have the same faith of your future husband if you want any hope of it lasting. Feel free to ask other questions if you like.
