LDS Freedom Forum

I'm a foreign student in the US. I was approached by missionaries, so I researched Mormon doctrine on the internet. I liked everything I read so far, but would it only be honest of me to join the LDS church if I believe everything in the Book of Mormon in an absolutely literal sense? If I am allowed to interpret some of it metaphorically, then I think I am ready to convert.

Hi! Thanks for asking an honest question. I hope you have had some discussion with your missionaries about how the spirit works to help children of God learn truth from error. One thing I have learned about how the spirit works is that there are times when things make sense in my brain, but then they also go to my heart and just "feel right." There are other times that things first just "feel right" in my heart, but also make sense in my brain. I think that if things are "making sense" in your brain, that you may be able to recognize that it is more than just being converted in a literal sense. It seems that literally believing that the Book of Mormon is a great thing! Don't stop there though. Continue searching for the feeling in your heart that accompanies truth. It will come if your intent is pure. Keep us updated. Be careful on the internet. And talk to your missionaries!!

ldsaspirant wrote:I'm a foreign student in the US. I was approached by missionaries, so I researched Mormon doctrine on the internet. I liked everything I read so far, but would it only be honest of me to join the LDS church if I believe everything in the Book of Mormon in an absolutely literal sense? If I am allowed to interpret some of it metaphorically, then I think I am ready to convert.

Hi ldsaspirant. The missionaries will probably be best at understanding your personal worries concerning specific metaphorical interpretation. This is because there may considerable nuance that may, in retrospect, be seemingly nothing. On the other hand, there may be one or two items that due to your personal experiences in life, you may need more time to arrive at a place of conviction. I am happy to hear that you are not just saying; I will work it out later. This is a serious decision that you should not rush nor procrastinate. My best wishes and prayer will be given for you tonight.

D&C 20:37- And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church. And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the cname of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

Also, You may want to review the Articles of Faith. Again talk with the missionaries. Do not be timid. Lay out your true heart with all things concerning this matter. Pray, simple honest heartfelt, asking for that which you need.

ldsaspirant wrote:I'm a foreign student in the US. I was approached by missionaries, so I researched Mormon doctrine on the internet. I liked everything I read so far, but would it only be honest of me to join the LDS church if I believe everything in the Book of Mormon in an absolutely literal sense? If I am allowed to interpret some of it metaphorically, then I think I am ready to convert.

As long as you believe in Jesus Christ and that he is your Savior, you are good to go. An understanding of anything else will come with time.Pray to God with all of your heart that he help you understand everything else in the future!

Ldsaspirant, CONVERSION represents change and power within us. It is the "weak flesh" being elevated to the willing obedient spirit within. It is to become as a result, a "new creature in Christ" It is to naturally embody the teachings and behaviour and character and attributes and perfections of Jesus. Obviously not in the perfect sense, but in a growing wonderful way that we realize that it is Christ's grace / power and merits and mercy that is intervening and causing this "mighty change of heart"... To be changed through this spiritual rebirth via our Savior, is to bask in joy and sunshine in this otherwise grey often times dark overcast world we live in. Great are the facilitating treasures to bring us to conversion in Christ through the Restored Gospel. The Book of Mormon is a powerful tool in this regard. Gain a testimony of these truths through the power of the Holy Ghost. Then, up your game in hungering and thirsting after righteousness. You will be further filled. You will be changed further. You will find yourself continually growing in light and truth. You will find yourself CONVERTED / born of God and confidently moving forward on the path that leads to Eternal Life. Powerful Is the example of Christ's Apostle's conversions. Read all of St John and the book of Acts. let the spirit show you the difference between having an initial "necessary testimony/wittness" but most importantly discover the truths of why It Is so Important to be deeply converted and changed in and through Christ through the power and gift of the Holy Ghost!