I am reading myself to convert to Mormonism but;?

Question

I have been studying the book of Mormon, meeting with the elders weekly, going over scriptures. I really do want to convert to Mormonism but I am not sure I am ready yet. I feel like Im being rushed into being baptised which is set to happen on Sept. 20th. Dont get me wrong, the elders and everyone at the church have been wonderful to me but I feel like they have thrown alot of info at me in just a very short time and I havent really had time to digest it all. I would like to spend a few months attending church services before I totally decide what Im doing. Am I wrong to feel that way or should I just pray and let God decide for me. Im very confused.

Answer 1

The bible says that anything we do in doubt is sin. I advise you to take your time and consider more options. All that information you need to Analise with prayer. I studied with the mormons some months ago, but frankly I didn´t find any archaeological and historical evidence to support the book of mormons so I stop studying with them. I´m happy with my decision because It´s what I feel to be right for me.

Answer 2

If you have doubts, don't do it.

Answer 3

Don't rush your baptism, but don't delay too long either.  You will know when the time is right.  

This decision requires a lot of prayer and study.  The missionaries are just so excited to have a baptism and they don't want you to lose your enthusiasm.  They are out there to share the gospel and there is no greater opportunity for a missionary than to see someone accept the gospel into their lives.

Talk with them and the mission president or bishop, they will be of great help to you.

Pray a lot.

Good luck to you.  I am excited for you and welcome!

Answer 4

By the congratulations on making a great decision. If i were you then i would talk with the lds and tell them how are you feeling right now. They can always change the baptism date. I would also pray about the decision if i was in that situation also.

Answer 5

Please back up and tell them you need more time to study mormon further...I was not told any of the strange doctrine or controversial, racist past. MOrmonism is not for everyone, and i think potential converts have the right to have all od the info laid out for them before being baptized...Please have a look at this site to see what mormon leaders have said about each topic...

Good luck...

http://www.mormonquotes.com/search.php?c...

And temple experiences...(its not all silver lined clouds)

http://www.exmormon.org/templex.htm

Answer 6

If you want more time, then just tell them. Truth is always the right answer. And no there is nothing wrong with the way you are feeling.

Just keep in mind a few things.

How do you feel when you meet with the missionaries?

How do you feel when you attend Church?

How do you feel when you read the Book of Mormon?

Pray, ponder, and you will get the answer to your questions.

Good luck

Answer 7

I'm a member, and I have nothing but good things to say about the church, it's members, everything.

That being said, I do think that the missionaries and us members do tend to throw a lot at an investigator and push them toward baptism rather quickly - sometimes. For some people, myself included, they want to be baptized almost before the missionaries are ready. Others, like yourself, as well as a good friend of mine, tend to need time to mull things over for a while. Both ways are perfectly acceptable.

Don't feel pressured - although the pressure is there. Explain to the missionaries that while you want to convert, you're not sure your ready yet. Explain that while you understand their desire to help people come to the church and be baptized, that for you, you need some time to feel comfortable with your decision. You (I assume) have a testimony of certain things, and you feel really good inside about what you're learning. But you also feel you need to not rush into it. I understand that myself. I felt that when dealing with matters related to God, I needed to make sure I was making the right decision, that I was open to both sides. So for me what helped, and wound up really motivating me, was when I prayed about it. In my conversion story, there's a couple of weeks where I could and did do nothing except study the Book of Mormon. I was home from college and I just stayed in my room and studied it, and prayed. Eating wasn't something I did much of, so as a result, I was fasting and didn't really know it. All of that, coupled with the desire to know, and to not rush into something, led to me praying the most earnest prayer I've ever prayed to know weather or not it was true. I received an answer that it was true and that I knew it was true. For me that's all it took. Now, I'm not saying that even if you do the same things I did, you will receive the same type of answer I did. But what I'm saying is that if you pray about it with an honest heart expecting an answer, you will get one. Sometimes that's what it takes. Other times people just need some time. Either way is fine and the missionaries should understand that. Ask them to keep coming over so you can discuss things with them.

Answer 8

If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God - James 1:5

Every member of the LDS faith has had to gain their own testimony.  Whether it was through a simple testimony shared or through a step of faith.  

What you are experiencing has been experienced by millions before.  

Do you remember the story when Christ walked with the disicples after his resurrection.   They at first didn't recognize him.  Then after he opened the scriptures to them and taught them they began to see.  It wasn't until after He had left that they realized who it was.  Their hearts had burned within and they now knew and had a testimony of their Savior.  

One may ask, why didn't the Savior just tell them who he was?  Why didn't he just show them the marks on his hands?  The Lord has given to man his agency.  He has also given them the first principals of the gospel.  The first being faith.  In this example the Savior allowed these blessed men the opportunity to exercise their faith.  He then built upon this faith using the scriptures and prayer.  In this process, the Savior then allowed these men to exercise their agency to that they could feel of the Holy Ghost.  He himself taught that the Holy Ghost will teach you all things.  This event or simple story added to the scriptures testifies of this simple but profound truth.

The Lord is allowing you the opportunity to exercise your faith.  He in return will bless you with the knowledge that only the Holy Ghost can and will provide.  

You've heard the Good Shepards voice.  He has extended his invitation to you.  The opinions on R&S are just that...OPINIONS.  The important thing is that you learn for yourself the truthfulness of the gospel.  By looking to Y/A you're exercising your faith in man to provide you with what you are looking for.  

Ask our Heavenly Father, his answers are much better than what you'll find here.  Without the contention as well.  This is how I found out for myself that the church is true.

Answer 9

If you talk to them about the way you are feeling, they will postpone it.  They want you to be sure.  Anything like this that you do should be completely up to you.  Yes, definitely pray about it.

There are reasons why they set those baptism dates so soon.  If you email me, I will be happy to share with you what the mission president told us about baptism dates.  (I don't want to share on here.)

A few days before your baptism, you will meet with the zone leader and he will ask you questions about your testimony.  I would recommend that you don't wait for that.  If you want to take your time and be sure, tell them at their next visit.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to be informed about your choices.

Answer 10

Until my post, beta, pinkadot & kitty are the only posters that I know are LDS.

(Edit: LOL Okay, so in between my post freedom, Kerry, LDS Tenshi and absent farmer popped in between! They're LDS too. Sorry guys!)

Everyone else either is either misinformed and telling you not to join or are also giving you the same sort of advice...it's okay to wait a little. The Elders are going to be excited at the idea of you being baptized. It's like Christmas to them! But they will understand if you'd like to attend some more meetings before committing. Just keep praying that the Lord will guide you while you wait. You will be tested and it won't be easy. If you haven't received it yet, pray for that witness of the Holy Ghost that is promised to each of us. Often people join the church because logically it makes sense but that witness is so essential to ones testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.

Best wishes and God bless! You'll get there!

Answer 11

Slow down girl..........get the truth

Answer 12

I am with most other people here.  I say, if you feel that you need time to make sure this is right, then take the time.  Go to church participate in the activities and study the gospel.  Pay attention to how it makes you feel.  Don't be indecisive, but take your time.  Baptism more than just becoming a member of the church.  Baptism is an ordinace and when we are baptized we make sacred covenants with the Lord.  You want to be sure that you are ready to not only make those covenants, but also be committed to living them.  If you feel that you can't live the baptismal covenants or are not ready to make them, then you need to wait.  The Lord will hold you accountable for making covenants that you are not willing to keep. This is the first step in your eternal progression and you need to be sure you are ready for it.

That being said, remember that perfection is not a requirement of keeping covenants and living the gospel.  That is why we have repentance.  We all have to continually repent.  All we can do is our best, please be sure that your hesitation is not being driven by your imperfections.  Jesus is the only perfect person.  

We all love the missionaries and have the utmost respect for them.  You do need to remember though that at this point in their lives they are really not doing anything other than serving the Lord and teaching the Gospel.  They are 100% comitted to serving the gospel.  They don't have families of their own to worry about, they don't date or hang iwth their buddies, their entire life is focused on teaching the gospel. This is why their missions only last two years, so they can get back to normal life.  They are so on fire spiritaully that they sometimes can get a little overzealous.  I think they sometimes forgoet that we are not all on fire as they are.  Just be patient with them.  If you explain your concerns, they should listen and back off a bit.  

Good luck, let the spirit guide you and counsel with the elders and with your friends at church and they will help you.

Remember also that Satan does not want you to get baptized and will do all he can to convince to not be baptized.  Make sure that your concerns are genuine and not him trying to keep you from taking this step.

Answer 13

Take your time, the missionaries will understand.  Just be honest with them-this is not really new to them.  I attended for a few months before I even took the lessons.  I was still unsure while taking the lessons, so I can understand where you are coming from.  I did set a baptism date and have now been a member for almost 3 years.  It is definitely worth it, but it has to be your decision-on your timetable.  

Answer 14

Oh, joy!  Just what the world needs, another Mormon...

Answer 15

You should always obtain the confirming influence of the Holy Ghost before you make any life changing decision.  The Holy Ghost is "the Comforter" and will bring peace as you seek his influence.

Do things that are conducive to receiving the spirit, ie prayer, fasting, scripture study, pondering, prayer and more prayer.  As you do these things, you allow the Holy Ghost to speak to your heart....

Best wishes

Answer 16

Part of your answer is found in your question. Pray and let god decide for you. If you feel the gospel is true and have a desire to be baptized than you should follow through. If you receieved an answer from god that its true than the natural step is to follow through on that answer to your prayers. Just because you received an answer, doesn't mean that you are ready for baptism though. Each person becomes ready at different times after they overcome specific things like feeling ready. You should set your own goal when to be baptized and just work towards it. If you feel your ready by the time your goal comes, than go through with it. If you still need to do some things than reset your own goal date. That is progression.

If you set a goal for yourself but your not doing anything to prepare to reach your goal, your not progressing. You know yourself better than anyone and you should be aware of what you want to do to prepare for baptism. Baptism is a big step to staying spiritually clean, good luck. Remember, Elders work on the lords time so its usually very fast.

Since your asking god for more time to get ready personally, ponder the things you were taught that baptism is a part of repentance and i would find ways to apply repentance in your life. Most people forget about repentance so its a good opportunity. (just my thoughts)

Answer 17

If you're confused, then it's probably because subconsciously you are saying to yourself, "Something isn't right here." Take your time to digest the information you've been given. It'll always be there if you want to come back to it later.

Answer 18

I agree with Beta Fishy. Talk with the Elders, let them know how you feel. It is normal to feel confused before making a huge decision. Praying about it will help you as well.  God will not make the decision for you, BUT he will guide you to doing the correct thing then it is up to you to make the decision and you will know whether you are doing the right or wrong thing.

Answer 19

I am a member of the LDS church and am so glad that I am a member.  It has brought me nothing but joy and happiness to my life and the lives of my family.  

With that said though, you must know for yourself.  Have you prayed and received a witness?  If you have, then the feelings of confusion and doubt are from the devil, not from the Lord.  Once you make your mind up, and then pray about it you will know.  If when you ask about waiting you feel confused and unsure, then the Holy Ghost is telling you not to wait.  If you ask if you should wait and you feel peaceful and warm inside about it, then that is the right decision.

You are probably afraid because it is a big decision.  I realize this, but  from a person who has been a member for 47 years I can tell you that it will enrich your life beyond what you can even imagine.  Stay close to the Lord and pray with sincerity.  He loves you and will guide you, just learn to recognize his answers.

Answer 20

I have dual feelings on this, on the one hand, religion isn't something to be rushed into, it's something deeply personal to each individual, and it's not fair to think that each person will come to a faith in the same amount of time.  Yet on the other hand, none of us knows when our death will come, and for many people the idea of passing from this life without "being saved" is very worrisome.  I think if you are having doubts, then it should be your potential future brothers and sisters in faith's duty to help you understand.  To put it bluntly, it sounds like you've gotten some bad salesmen...

Answer 21

You should take your time, if that's how you feel. No one should rush into anything. You should be absolutely sure that this is what you want to do. Don't let anyone pressure you. You should join when you feel it's the right time. No one else.

But, the others are right, don't wait too long.

Yes, and don't listen to those who have a ton of thumbs down. As you see, we have not ganged up on them and had them deleted.

Answer 22

I think your elders should understand this. Talk to them and explain that you're not ready. If you still feel so much pressure, maybe she should take a back seat for a little while and give yourself some breathing space...It doesn't mean your a bad person at all!!

Answer 23

Congrats!!

If you're feeling rushed, then talk with the Elders, or talk to the Bishop.  Praying could help too, either to make you feel comfortable with the current baptism date, or to help you feel comfortable about pushing the date back.   But let me just say this...Life is about progression, and no matter where we are in life, we still have more to learn.  If you are feeling hesitant b/c you're not sure you believe it yet, then you should wait until you do; but if you are feeling hesitant b/c you're comparing yourself to other people in the congregation and feel like you don't know enough stuff, but you otherwise believe that it's the church of Christ, then don't worry, take that leap of faith.  No one in your congregation has all the answers yet, so don't feel inadequate.  I don't know if that's why you're hesitant, but it's not an uncommon feeling of new converts and investigators.

Janela is lying, missionaries don't get a "feather in their cap", or points, a sweater or anything else for a baptism.  I was a missioanry.  I receiving nothing for my baptisms (they weren't actually mine; they were God's) except a good feeling and some warm memories.    

Answer 24

No, you are not wrong to feel that way.  You are wise to want to be sure before making such a big decision.  Tell the missionaries just what you told us.  They will understand.  (I used to be one.)

I also encourage you to pray to God.  He will guide you to make the right decisions.

Answer 25

Just know that they will, in your name, baptize every deceased family member. I don't know about you, but I am sure that my great grandmother (whatever she was) would not wish to be posthumously converted to Mormonism.

Answer 26

The best I can say is summed up in a quote from Mosiah 18.

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

  9 Yea, and are awilling to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

  10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

This was Alma's question to those who were not sure if they were ready to be baptized or that they should be baptized.  Only YOU can answer the questions posed by Alma.

Good luck.

M

Answer 27

Don't read any of those anti-Mormon websites.  They are biased and use "Yellow Journalism" to try to steer you away from the truth.  Congratulations on your decision to get baptized.  It's a decision you will not regret.  Continue to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it.  Make sure you have that witness of the Holy Ghost before you make that decision.

Answer 28

Well a couple of thoughts - confusion is not good.  You shouldn't do anything if you are confused or if you are feeling pressured to do this.  This is far too important a decision to NOT have it have everything to do with YOUR decision, choice and testimony that something is true because God has revealed that to you, and you alone.  If it is for any other reason than that then you are NOT READY in my opinion.

On the other hand if you have that testimony but still want to wait then I think you shouldn't and it could just be the customary jitters and doubts that preceed such a BIG event (like cold feet before you get married!).  Missionaries know that there is an important time in the course of a persons conversion where they are sometimes LOST if they don't get baptized and decide to wait like you are considering.  Without the Gift of the HOly Ghost that one receives at baptism and the fellowship, callings, immediate whirlwind that encompasses you when you become a member - sometimes people are lost to the back ground and it's hard to regain that ground again.

A good piece of advice I once heard given to a friend who was in this same place was from a wise leader was that sometimes we need to take that "Leap of Faith" and once we do so, everything falls into place.  If we don't - sometimes we are forever in that grey area of doubt, uncertainty and discouragement.  

Certainly praying and asking GOD to decide or help YOU decide is the best line of thought though - so turn it over to Him and you'll be in good hands.

Answer 29

Take your time.  Postpone the baptism.  

It will mean more to you if you do it in your own time.  Don't be rushed.

Answer 30

There is nothing wrong with wanting to attend church for a while before you are baptized... here's my thinking though - if you believe it's true, why not join?  There will still be much to learn, I have been a member my whole life (28 years) and I am still learning...but really, do what you feel is right.  Always, always remember to pray to your Heavenly Father, He will lead in you the right direction.

Remember too, that satan knows you are studying the church.  He will start to put doubts and confusion into your mind, put up "road blocks" of a sort... because he knows the church is true and doesn't want anyone else to!

Just remember to keep praying, keep studying, and keep helping your testimony grow - it will be much harder for satan to sway you if you keep in touch with the Spirit!

And, realize that the gospel isn't just a set of beliefs, it is a lifestyle.

I LOVE IT!

**Janela S - you need to read Alma 24:30, it is speaking about you...