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LDS conversion is a process, study indicates

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Socialism | 9:06 p.m. April 3, 2009

If you can't keep up with the JONES, why even bother?

CentralParkWesterner | 9:36 p.m. April 3, 2009

"Many end up feeling like they do not belong anywhere, neither to the new LDS culture nor to their previous culture." This has been my experience. As people told me at UVU "why not go back to your people?" and now in NYC as people tell me "you've changed to the point that it's hard to relate to you anymore". It feels very much like being a man without a country.

The upside then: I sacrifice (like my grandparents who came to America so that I could choose my path) so that my children might have the opportunity to be a part of Mormonism or not. The bottom line: converting to Mormonism is much trickier than I realized in the beginning. Stepping away from it is much more painful than I understood in the middle of it all. Synthesizing all of this, in the end, is much more important than I can truly know.

The journey has gone from the sweet to the bittersweet - kind of like the chocolate we love as kids to the type of chocolate we come to appreciate as adults. The key for me: what did I want from all this?

Hang in There | 10:53 p.m. April 3, 2009

I too have lived a life of solitude even now that I have moved to Utah. I have never really fit in any social or economic status. At one time I was homeless and lived out of my car. All the time, I kept my nose clean and focused on one Mormon friend at a time from one city to the next until I got married. Now in my 40's I find it hard to relate in a "group", but have plenty of fellowshipping to share as I realize most people feel alone, even when they have been members their whole life.

Comments continue below

Let's not forget | 11:02 p.m. April 3, 2009

Let Us Not Forget to include the Lord in our struggles through prayer.

Many times others, who don't understand, are like the people in the Great and Spacious Building in Lehi's Dream. They will pick at those who are different. Satan loves it when he can drive a wedge between a new person who has recently tasted the fruit, but hasn't yet developed the immunity against criticism for enjoying the fruit of the tree of life.

God Bless those with this type of struggle.

Don't forget that Jesus, Himself, had the Devil annoying Him with temptations to Not Stay the Course.

Sometimes criticism can be like a flu shot. It can make one stronger. It can be painful for a while, but in the long run One Is Stronger.

Remember to stay close to the Lord. Jesus Does Love those who want to be good followers.

Good Luck and God Bless...

Delta | 11:03 p.m. April 3, 2009

I'm a convert too. I think that when it comes to conversion there becomes something that is key....you shouldn't of converted for the people or the atmosphere. There has to be a time you reach the place inside no matter how painful it is to get to, and no matter the sacrifice- that you did this to get closer to God. You can't live for even the Mormon Culture because even many times it can be wrong and worldly. Like President Eyring said, we have to be the Fellowship of the Unashamed and sometimes that means lonliness and frustrations. Everyone is going to go through this period, convert or grew up in the church. No group really truly has it easier than the other because we each have to live the gospel for ourselves...

Anonymous | 11:18 p.m. April 3, 2009

Mormons lose about 80% of those they get baptised.
In my family, of those raised Mormon, there hasn't been one devout Mormon since my grandmother's death in the early 80's. There's four generations since her, that have only remained Mormon in name only.

I could be wrong but ... | 11:33 p.m. April 3, 2009

I think it's a little easier to be a convert when you live outside of Utah. Members out here know what it's like to be in the minority. Most are converts themselves and even transplanted Utahns know what it's like to be ostracized or how it feels to be a little different. Still, about 40% of the converts go back to their old lives - I think many of them were looking for something better but realized they would have to make changes and changes are uncomfortable.

Anonymous | 12:19 a.m. April 4, 2009

It's the same when you leave mormonism. You lose family/friends going in and you lose family/friends going out of it. Felt lost in it and glad I left it.

Not really coverted | 12:27 a.m. April 4, 2009

I have been blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all my life. I learned years ago that I am a member because I know it to be true. Not because of the people, in the church. People are human and not perfect like I am not perfect.Like me, people make many mistakes in life which is part of growing and learning. When someone leaves this church, they were never really converted. It is Gods church and requires a higher standard than other churches, therefore is harder to live. Like me, many people work hard everyday to meet Gods Standards that he requires. No matter how much we love and care about converts and everyone else, there will always be rebellious people, too full of pride to humble themselves before God and accept his laws. No church or organization has perfect people and will neglect someone, sometime. The strength comes in realizing that you are as good as anyone else, then make the effort to be accepted. The choice is with you and me. No one is going to babysit us. Hopefully, God will bless these people in their endeavors.

Dear Anonymous | 2:20 a.m. April 4, 2009

Your facts show your lack of reasoning. Maybe in your particular family where there apparently was no powerful testimony is the apostacy rate 80%, but Church-wide it is far lower than that. When the Savior gave the parable of the sower and the tares he knew some would not have a strong enough testimony, nor take the time to develop a strong testimony and then when something small happens they fall away because they don't have the deep roots. We have a child who is not active, but now says she feels she needs to come back to the church, because that is where she was truly happy and sees her sisters with happy marriages, even though they have their struggles, and she wants that for her family.

Utahby5 | 4:23 a.m. April 4, 2009

I don't think it is any easier for converts outside Utah.
I live abroad and of the 20 new converts to our ward this year,
Maybe 2 or 3 are active.
This is a problem that has existed for years.
Perhaps there is no solution.
It would be interesting to know how many Muslims stay active after
Joining.

Anonymous | 5:07 a.m. April 4, 2009

Look neither to the left nor the right.
With God anything is possible don't doubt and look forward to the Light of Christ.
Let the Holy Ghost be your guide.
Man, including prophets can be fallible, just read the Scriptures, but the Holy Ghost will never leave you alone.Start up a study group, a Family Home Evening group of like minded individuals and share your talents. Everyone has an opinion, but the Holy Ghost is the Source of all truth.

Cats | 5:10 a.m. April 4, 2009

To "Anonymous 11:18" and "I could be wrong but"....I would certainly be interested in knowng where you got those statistics. Could you cite which study you are quoting? People often throw statistics around without any real basis.

Please, everyone just remember that we all have to go through the refiner's fire whether we are lifers or converts. In fact, we're ALL converts. And it doesn't make any difference whether you live in Utah or somewhere else. Our faith will be tested in some way. That's why we must hold to the iron rod and walk by faith.

The gospel is TRUE. That's why we all need to endure to the end. If we do, we'll find our way no matter what tests we are put through.

So, hang in there. There is ALWAYS light at the end of the tunnel.

South Bend Cougar | 6:59 a.m. April 4, 2009

Sounds like the scientific study has confirmed the words of President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Every new member needs a friend, a calling, and to be nourished by the good Word of God." Unfortunately for us established members, our balancing act of personal, family, church, and employment responsibilities leaves little time for "socialization." Oh that we could learn to do better.

Byzantium | 7:20 a.m. April 4, 2009

I came from another country to Utah, and joined the Church here. I felt welcomed, did not feel alienated, and found a home in the Church. After I was married, we moved to other places; the Church was always our home, even though in some wards we felt more a part of it than others. Everyone's experience is different, of course, but it was not a hard one for me.

solution? | 7:20 a.m. April 4, 2009

Maybe Mormonism is a culture; man's learned behavior. As such, the person who joins must join the culture; the culture club.

In Christianity a person is saved; by grace.

It is easy to see the problems that converting others to Mormonism will and has created. It is a culture.

Flatlander | 7:25 a.m. April 4, 2009

Interesting story. I wonder if they have ever done a study of those who live in Utah and then for some reason have to move to where Mormons are in the minority and how many of them struggle. Our ward is mostly converts and come from several different countries. Most of the leadership are converts so we do not have a "Mormon" culture like in Utah. When someone from Utah moves in they are ususally the ones who are withdrawn and have difficulty because it is not like back home.

anon.... | 7:44 a.m. April 4, 2009

being a new convert was easy,but it's the attitudes of THE "i was born into a mormon family" members that are hard to accept.help me to learn;don't be condescending,have patience,not a smug and patronizing attitude.yes,i am descended from the lamanites,but welcome me.YOU want us as converts,but DESPISE us as people!!!!that is what is the most disheartening of being a convert.

Anonymous | 7:46 a.m. April 4, 2009

Better to not convert at all!!!

We all feel alone | 7:52 a.m. April 4, 2009

I agree that we can all feel alone at one time or another. There is some issue in everyone's life. the trick is to have faith to step inside and partake of the fellowship that is there, realizing we are all in the same boat, rather than to hold back and suffer alone.

Anonymous | 7:58 a.m. April 4, 2009

The Church struggles to keep its members; in fact, the activitiy rate in North America hovers around 25%. I'd like to pose a question here and ask--why???

PS: Let's move beyond the rhetoric that says: "they just can't live the gospel." Please.

Agreed | 8:03 a.m. April 4, 2009

Agree whole-heartedly with:

1. It is MUCH easier to be a convert outside of UT and other "Mormon zones"--though it may be easier to acclimate to "Mormon culture" when you've always lived near it.

2. Converts must realize why they joined. If the conversion was to become closer to God, it is more likely to last.

3. Agree church members need to learn how to support converts MUCH better than they currently do (especially church members in UT and other "Mormon zones"--outside those zones we are always reminded that converts are everywhere, so cannot assume that all know what's going on.

4. As a life-long member of the church, I truly believe that the people who ran the study should not just assume that feelings like those converts shared are individual just to converts. I am a life-long member--grew up in UT--but am still a single woman working on a PhD. I too do not really belong an particular place in the church, and deal with the reality of how different my life is from the majority of church members every day!

bob | 8:15 a.m. April 4, 2009

Wow, those are some great comments. "Change" is hard for just about everyone. As a convert for 38 years, I have actually felt sorry for people who are raised as "cultural" Mormons and have a hard time distinguishing the culture from the doctrine.

Any way you cut it, throwing off the culture of man and adopting the culture of Christ is a difficult thing... definitely a "process." I am totally impressed with people who can do it.

new converts???? | 8:16 a.m. April 4, 2009

We don't have to worry about new converts in our ward because we don't get any!! I've lived in this big ward (not in Utah) with ex-bishops, the stake president and all kinds of great people as members of the ward and not one single full family has been baptized into the ward in over 12 years since I've lived here! A couple of single sisters but that's it - not one single Priesthood holder. I wonder how common this is?

marion | 8:23 a.m. April 4, 2009

as a covert and foreigner I find it hard to make friends in the church because the 'life long' members come from such a tight knit families that they have no time to have 'outside' friends.It is not their unwillingness but their time constraints. My family did not alow me to live at home after I converted and I felt like I lost my whole family when I had to move out. Luckly I had a great sister/friend who fellowshipped me and we are still friends. My own family does not understand my mormon lifestyle and in church I have no support from them. I confess I do envy members who have their family support them in their church activites and attend their childrens church milestones. I received some wise council at my coversion'if you go to church because of the people, you will eventualy stay away because of the people'. It takes a true conversion to join the church and to stay active. But a friend who helps you understand the church culture/lingo makes it so much more enjoyable!

Lily59 | 8:48 a.m. April 4, 2009

I am a transplant to Utah, originally from Australia. I am also a convert, I joined the Church in Australia.
I have never found anything but acceptance in the Church. Even when coming back from inactivity. I think it helped to go in thinking of myself as a part of them. I have never seen myself as an outsider, either to the faith or to Utah.
For me, the answer was to just jump in at the deep end and participate, and learn the culture, not just wait and see if I liked it enough to stay. My acceptance was up to me, not everyone else. It did help that I made good friends right at the beginning, but I do feel that was also my choice.

Conversion Experiences | 8:57 a.m. April 4, 2009

Brothers and Sisters:

Boy, oh boy, you should have seen ME when I first joined The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints!!!

I thought being an "investigator" made me some kind of detective, and I was going to the "Stake House" to get a nice hot meal.

I wanted to do something for the Lord, so I gave the missionaries my television set.

I had to learn all new hymns, because the Methodist hymns I grew up with were not Latter-day Saint hymns.

It was a shock to learn that not all Mormons share a convert's enthusiasm.

It was really tough kicking my love of tobacco, but I eventually did it, after a couple of failed attempts, and with the help of my fellow saints.

It's been forty-two years since I was baptized, and I am STILL learning and trying to adjust!

But, I love it.

Our peculiar faith is so different, and I like it that way.

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

Kathy | 9:14 a.m. April 4, 2009

I agree with "I could be wrong." I was part of a group who canvassed thousands of older singles struggling within the LDS culture in areas of, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, California. They are reporting having similiar difficulties. They report the LDS culture is impossible to break into in these areas unless you are recieved and presented by some socially elite or have nuclear family in the area. I would like to see a study involving Wards in other less LDS populated areas. Our people in this Eastern Ward have commented that they hope we do not become like the culture in Utah, where people who are different, nontraditional family, or are low SES are more readily rejected. Utahans who visit here often feel they need to preach the Gospel to us. We here need to not sterotype LDS from that Valley Culture. There are some amazing Saints from Utah.

re-verse convert | 9:16 a.m. April 4, 2009

When I became a Christian and left the Mormon church 22 years ago my wife(LDS) thought I was mad at the ward softball coach because I was not starting at 3r base. The truth was I started reading the Bible in context. My family was harsh and I thought I was going to be divorced,because I chose Jesus over Joseph.

Great article; also applies to | 9:22 a.m. April 4, 2009

less actives trying to reactivate. Re "Mormons lose 80%" - not true! Don't judge by your own family's experience; others have been 95%+ active for 4-5 generations! Depends on how you internalize it. One key is, you must keep the Spirit alive in you & your family. The Spirit - and the love - is what led to the decision to join or reactivate in the first place.

Glad the Church is focusing more on these issues. It's especially true for single adults. Nearly all converts in our ward are singles. As WML, I & my wife have become de facto single adult reps!

All of us need to be more aware, particularly to reach out to those of different backgrounds and cultures coming into our wards. We can learn much from them, too. There's not just one way to worship! As the article says, need to "learn the difference between culture and doctrine".

Mona | 9:25 a.m. April 4, 2009

Anonymous 7:46---Noooo! Better to convert, struggle, figure things out as you go. I'm a convert of 36 years & long ago realized that conversion is about truth, not about the imperfect people in the Church or adaption to the culture. I didn't understand that at first & was sometimes offended by things people said & did until a young man (age 17) explained to me a testimony is based on the witness of the Holy Ghost, not on the actions of the members. A wise piece of counsel that made all the difference. It was still hard being surrounded by the derision of non-member friends & family, but I never looked back because I knew what I knew, & that was truth.

slk | 9:30 a.m. April 4, 2009

It is interesting to me to read comments on both sides. I have lived/visited the West, but have lived mainly on the East Coast. I do think the "forget yourself and get to work" adage is the best advice to give anyone. Usually engaging in helping others by service/time, you make friends, and others come to understand you, and friendships develop. It is interesting to see different attitudes every place I have lived in the US, but the best way to fit in was offering to help, volunteering to do something, and engaging in the congregation where I lived. Truly living the gospel is the best way to engage our faith, and learn (plant the seed) whether the fruit is good.
I know not everyone has the gift to fit in easily and make conversation with others they don't know. It behooves each of us to seek understanding, and also be charitable to all we meet in our congregations. I don't fully believe the "culture" is to blame. The Latter-day Saint culture is different where ever you live in some respects. It is up to us to engage both "new" and "old" members.

rjh | 9:37 a.m. April 4, 2009

Pretty sad comentary. The answer is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the knowledge that we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, that the life and teachings of Christ are en example and principles to live our PERSONAL lives by, thus giving us power to overcome the world and qualify for the blessing of eternal life. I'd say watch conference, study the scriptures, go to church, learn what you can and then get up and apply the things the Spirit reveals to you as you go through this process. Many people want to over complicate and over analyze this process. Many fall because they d0 not have the strength to lead their own life by those teachings. The church is here to support us in our trials, but we still have to make the choice to stay involved and contribute. The world we live in is very consuming and it requires greater faith and focus to avoid this evil and self defeting influence than it ever has before. Truly, Brigham Young's statement has come full circle..."the day will come when a person will not be able to stand on thier parents testimony." (paraphrased) Keep the Faith!

Maggie | 9:43 a.m. April 4, 2009

This is in response to 7:44am of today. My mother's grandmother was dying at the time of her birth. Her grandmothr was half Commanche, and asked that my mother be named "Alma" after their Anchient Indian Prophet Alma, we have 2 other great grandmother's who are also half Cherokee women, plus other brothers of our great grandfathers married Native American women. "Once we join "Christ's True Church", we are to become one of heart and mind, otherwise we will not accomplish what we were sent to earth in this "Latter Day Dispensation", to do. Remember the blessings come ater the trials of our faith...if we are committed to Heavenly Father and his purposes, it matter not what our trials may be...."Put Your Shoulder To The Wheel", and help everyone of every faith to see the light, we will all get there at different stages and timeframes, depending on our own decisions to pray, study and be ready of service to those around us....The decision is up to us...Decide now who you will follow...Christ or Satan. Enjoy our Conference today all.

Larry Lawton | 9:43 a.m. April 4, 2009

This week, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of my parent's baptism. We joined in Iowa,and most of us do not live in Utah. Most of the family is still faithful, and some of the great grandchildren are now serving missions. But, after all this time, we are still "different" from many families raised in the church.

To me, that's something to celebrate! We rejoice in our diversity. I often say I joined the Mormon church, not the Utah Chamber of Commerce nor the BYU Booster's Club. (Well, there was one of my sons who got his first degree at BYU, but we forgave him.)

I was priviledged to serve a mission to Scotland. There I noticed many LDS families who had their children enrolled in Gallic classes and taught them highland dance. They loved the gospel, but desired to preserve their culture.

That's the right attitude, IMNSHO.

Doodles | 9:43 a.m. April 4, 2009

I think that everyone has their struggles with feeling alone; teens, students, businessmen, mothers, attorneys, garbage men, teachers, nurses- everyone. It is not a function of religion or occupation or neighborhood.

We all live in our own version of being alone. If we spend our time hanging out waiting for someone to fix our alone-ness, we let a lot of lonely people pass by who need our friendship, our concern, our smiles.

Make the time to reach out to others. You need it and they do too.

Anonymous | 10:02 a.m. April 4, 2009

I've also read 84% of the world has heard Mormon outreach, and only 14% are interested in hearing more.

Anonymous | 10:14 a.m. April 4, 2009

Let not your heart be troubled, folks. The Mormon church enjoys about 50% active participation in regular meeting attendance, and about 30% full tithe payers in the 14 million member church. No other church has such high loyalty and participation among its members in the world. Most religions would not have room to receive their members if just 5% regularly participated. Activity for other religions is a fraction of what Mormons are used to.

Living the gospel of Jesus Christ never was, and never will be easy, and is getting harder. It is one thing to get baptized a member, and another to endure to the end. Conversion is a long, ongoing process and only the strong survive. That said, members of the church can better support all followers of Christ, regardless of their religious beliefs. A co-worker and I always share religious feelings, and I don't think he even goes to any church, but simply believes in God and has a number of LDS friends.

Grace | 10:22 a.m. April 4, 2009

Martin Luther wanted to know how much to worship God or how much he should worship himself,becauce if he had anything to do with his salvation ,if it be 5% or 100% ,he would worship correctly. His conclusion was it is by Grace alone (God's gift)and he would worship God %100 and 0 for himself.

roger chambers | 11:17 a.m. April 4, 2009

My wife is a convert to the church. Her family were strong catholics. She had the courage to tell them of her desire to leave their church and join the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They were disappointed of course. She had no trouble fitting into the LDS culture and felt right at home from day one. The sunday that sunday that she was confirmed a member of the church she was called to be a primary teacher. The key to her fitting in was that she had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has never waivered in 35 years.

re: reverse-convert | 11:23 a.m. April 4, 2009

I enjoy reading the NIV version Bible. There are some great insights in there that spring from a different cultural/doctorinal paradigm. It really helps me ponder the gospel from a fresh perspective. I'm grateful for the contributions made by its publishers. I'm also very grateful for living prophets who have been instruments in the hands of Christ in providing a few simple, lost truths that help answer some of the questions that inevitably arise when reading any version of the Bible. I still have countless questions like "what about Isaac's psychological health after his dad almost sacrificed him!" There's a narrative that doesn't get discussed much.
In my experience, the more diverse, the stronger a ward becomes. There is a greater willingness to engage in honest dialogue about questions, concerns and testimonies which allows the spirit to teach each individual. In this atmosphere everyone is exposed as existing on a personal island to some degree and no one has a monopoly in regards to "what makes a Mormon?"

new converts | 11:33 a.m. April 4, 2009

the church is a beautiful tapestry of cultures and communities that should only homogenize around one thing, faith in the restoration of the gospel. we can embrace diversity. converts, be proud of your heritage and the unique perspectives and views you bring, and realize that the rest of us need your fresh perspectives.

KC | 12:04 p.m. April 4, 2009

The gospel is wonderful to embrace, even with family resistance and even rejection. What is not helpful to the convert is to find that they are minimized and not as valued as Mormons with a prominent LDS pedigree, to hear members being taught not to marry converts because they will run a celestial risk in doing so (even at Stake Conference at Ricks College), and to learn that only Mormon families of origin have value. All of us can learn from every member, convert or not, and value their origins. Not doing so leads to the sad state of inactivity while cleaving to testimony.

Barbara Butler | 12:09 p.m. April 4, 2009

I converted Dec. 2002, a widow of 10 months and age 60. I was welcomed in our Ward and the sisters adopted me and made certain I attended as many functions as possible. This was a single ward town with the stake center 35 miles away, so usually we attended in groups. No one was left out. Then I moved to much larger town to a ward about the same size but with new converts all the time. The sisters were always busy and not so attuned to keeping the converts attending as seeing how many could be baptized in a weeks time. (This was a feeling that I received from time to time.) My visiting teacher was one of the best and she kept up with my daiy trials and never failed me. Most of the members were born into the faith and many could trace their lineage back through various Prophets and quorums which left me "out" since I couldn't find one Mormon in my family tree.

I have moved to another state and will be attending another small town single ward church. How will I be accepted and how busy will my new sisters will be?

Reverse-convert | 12:23 p.m. April 4, 2009

I started with the KJV (the Bisop gave me his highlighted copy)then to the N.I.V.,then
I took some courses in Bibical Greek this opened up a new world of manuscripts and versions of the Bible, which led me to the evidence of the reliability of the Bible. Speculation on Isaac: Soren Kierkegard wrote a book on this topic"Fear and Trembling". Abraham trusted God,see Hebrews 11:19.

Um... | 12:28 p.m. April 4, 2009

I've never asked a date his pedigree, and I've never heard of anybody doing that, either. The only question I ever ask in regards to church service is whether they are a member of the church or not, because that's the only question that matters, in the long run. One of my very best friends in the world is a convert of less than ten years, but she's the most amazing person I've ever met. She's such an incredible example to me in just about every single possible way.

I realize not everybody looks at things the way I do, but I've never heard anybody encouraging people not to marry converts, or to avoid converts, or even asking others how long their family has been in the church.

And, for the record, I have ancestors mentioned in the D&C, and both sides of my family joined the church early on, with a pretty high retention rate since. That doesn't mean anything whatsoever in the long run, does it?

The Dude | 12:29 p.m. April 4, 2009

As for the 80%, yes that is true. Those were the stats presented in the MTC while I was there in '96. Within five years, only 20% of converts are active.

Jann | 12:30 p.m. April 4, 2009

I joined the church when I was 18 in Utah and went back home to Nebraska to finish high school. Than after graduation, I moved out to Utah where I spent the next 16 years. Than in 1993, I met my future husband while back home visiting. We were married in 1994 and than I moved back to Nebraska and that is where I have resided since my marriage. I have known living in Utah and in Nebraska. We have lived in struggling branches and small wards. Living in both areas has taught me alot. Back here there are few of us so we are all pretty close. I have no ancestors that are members of the church. Its just me and my husband. I have been active for the majority of the time. (the time I was inactive was stupid). What is important, is my relationship with the savior. I thank the Lord everyday for the blessings and for all that he has given me.

Anonymous | 1:04 p.m. April 4, 2009

My wife is still on the roles of the church. We have discussed having her name removed, however we have our kids to think about. It is tough enough th live in this state as "inactive." But can you imagine how our neighbors might treat us and more importantly our kids, if we were to get her taken off of the roles.

Searce | 1:16 p.m. April 4, 2009

Anonymous: Saul (name changed to Paul following his conversion) received a life changing experience. The Savior asked him, "Saul, why dost thou kick against the pricks". Anonymous, if by chance the LDS Church is God's restored church and kingdom on the earth, you might want to be cautious for fear you are fighting against God. I would not want to be in your place right now. Please, for your sake, keep your thoughts to yourself, so you do not risk condemnation for influencing others to follow the adversary. I know the LDS Church is the church and kingdom of God by the witness of the Holy Ghost just as surely as Saul (Paul) came to know it. Very few have Paul's experience, but all converts have had a witness of the Holy Ghost, if they have been truly converted, and the Holy Ghost does not lie. Receiving the influence of the Holy Ghost is how you can tell the LDS Church is the true church of Jesus Christ.

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