We are really open minded about religion. My father was a Southern Baptist minister (before he got kicked out for some of his ideas <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) And I am half Choctaw, so I get a lot of that religion too, plus my mother married a VERY lds man (that's why all the boys are lds) but she's NOT at all... I don't think she's made up her mind about religion yet... she was lutheran, then unitarian... and a couple of others <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> , So I really don't mind other religions, I just don't know how to tell a person to knock it off, after I've already told them once that I am not interested. I'm not used to people pushing at me, that I have to be nice to that is! (I can handle sales people, no problem <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

I spent over 20 years in the Southern Baptist church. My father remains a licensed pastor. My experiences over the last few years brought up too many questions in my mind. I was forced to examine myself, my beliefs and everything I was ever taught. I no longer consider religion right for me and I do not consider myself a Christian.

If my religious friends truly care about me then they understand this and realise that my spirituality is very precious to me. They understand that I am unwilling to ever again risk my precious connection with God by allowing a doctrine, a man or a church to be a part of what I value.

If I am a true friend, then I understand that at the heart of my wonderful friends' beliefs are the doctrines they are taught. I love who they are so I surely do not wish to change them. If church attendance is such a positive thing for them then it's good and right for them and I will not attempt to damage something good.

If I ever meet with someone who does not show the understanding and respect that these two ladies have then I think I would be examining the friendship. My experience with the church (mine not LDS) tells me that sometimes the friendship is secondary to the network for possible converts. If I felt the friendship was secondary then I think I would be facing a decision....is the friendship worth continuing and treasuring IF the friendship is based on my worth as a possible convert.

May you have an excellent day enriched with true friendship.

Rogue, I have known you for years and I've never known anyone more respectful and caring about the beliefs of others. You've always represented for me what I hope I can learn to be when talking to others about my own beliefs.

I don't consider it a real friendship if conversion is the purpose of being friends. While I am changed every day by caring friends, those changes come about through their example and their love for me, not by manipulation or pressure. You can't fake real friendship!

Thought I would jump in here. This is a very interesting thread.
True friends will naturally be interested in sharing Good News with you but trying to trick you into hearing it is a step too far and makes the friendship suspect.
For instance, the love of Jesus Christ is something that bursts out all over. It should show in a changed life and an increased caring and respect for others.

Sadly, we've learned that the couple in question were only friendly to us in hopes of converting us. Since we've made it very clear that we aren't going to join the church, they no longer want contact with us. We have stayed polite, but it saddens me that the only reason they made friends with us was to convert us.

Jessica, I'm really sorry this has happened. Yes, I know I'm not responsible for every member of my church, but I am still sorry. Fake friendship is not a gospel principle. However, they are the ones who are missing out on a great friendship. You've been very kind and accepting of them and very thoughtful in your approach to the subject on this board. I'm sorry this friendship didn't work out and I hope any other LDS friends you might have will make these people the exception, not the rule.

Well, I have met many people, who are very nice, in the mormon religion (my daughters grand mother is the relief society president for her ward). They just took me by surprise, since we spent so much time OUTSIDE religion hanging out. We all went to the russian symphony together, and other fun outings, which is why I considered them friends. The fact of their religion was secondary to me, I just thought we'd give it a try since I promised my daughter's father that she'd be raised in the mormon church. ah well, my daughter goes to her grandmothers house on sunday's, spends time with her and goes to church.

I don't see it as a flaw in the religion, I just see it as a flaw in these peoples character (harsh as that sounds)

Jess, you hit the nail right on the head, as they say. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I'm sorry that your friends turned out not to be real friends after all. We had a man attend our ward for over 5 years before he was baptized, and while we were all thrilled, we all let him know that whether he joined the church or not, he would always be a part of our ward (his wife is a member). He's been a member for over a year now, and while we're all happy that he decided to join, our feelings about him wouldn't have changed any. He would still be our friend, and we'd still look forward to seeing him whether in church or out.

I think your friends had good, but misguided, intentions. I'm going to tell you my philosophy--the gospel according to me <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and the experiences I've had, both as a convert and in dealing with friends who have shown an interest in the church. A person who decides to join the church does so NOT because he or she is "converted" by someone. The decision to be baptized is a highly personal and private one between that person and God. As a mere mortal, I can introduce someone to the gospel. But it is the light of Christ that changes hearts--and this does not and will not happen until that person has been prepared and is ready. No one can judge that timetable except that person and God. I have a son who is 16 and will serve a mission when he turns 19. His father and I talk to him about his mission, and we tell him that his success will not be determined by how many people he gets to baptize, but by how honestly and whole-heartedly he serves the Lord. Even if he doesn't get to baptize anyone, he will have planted seeds in people's hearts that someday will hopefully help them grow closer to God.

Whew! I've got to stop being so longwinded when I answer your posts! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi all!! I had a visiting teacher he was also my sons school teacher and spring time basketball coach... to make a long story short ... we had gone to saltlake to a basketball game my son was playing in ... this coach , V/T S/T his son also was on the team ... i was out in the hall during the game and heard this horrible noise on the court ...this man had grabbed his son and started beatting him off the court . they flew past me and he continued beatting him down the hall .....i got off the phone clearly shaken , most of the whole gym was . I was in shock at this mans behavior .... anyway, it came time for a visit from him and i looked forward to them ....he was fun to talk to .. no visiting teacher no call nothing...next month same thing.. so i went to the bishop and he told me there were issues between me and this V/T i was like, what?? he then told me the V/T felt i had turned him into the state for making up a story about him at that particular game ....then i ran into him at grocery store he chased me to my car and told me i was a cancer to society - i told him i did not turn him in ... and i had no idea who did .....i told him i felt like what he did was wrong and he shouldnt have done that , but i did not turn him in ....i should have now i know haha His wife will not speak to me only to my kids. now if this guy is truly a good member of the LDS church wouldnt he take some responsibility for his actions??? He is one of the reasons we moved to utah ........we are loving it here!!

Sweet Caroline:

One's choice of faith or churches does not guarantee that everyone around will behave as expected. Every religion and church has less than sterling individuals.

Was the Bishop aware of what really went on at that event?

And my next is a personal comment. If this man's behaviour is disturbing to you, why would you want him in your home and around your family?