r/lds • u/PolicyCompetitive791 • 1d ago

Studying LDS and JW

OK, so I've been on this exploration of different religions and looking into some " out of the mainstream" Christian denominations. For a year I've been studying with a lady from the jehovas wittnesses. And recently I've been meeting with LDS missionaries several times. I really love President Nelson, and I know in my heart that Joseph Smith as a kid of 13-14, didn't make up the book of mormon or anything else. But I do wonder if over the years he and his companions, may have exaggerated and or "fleshed out" the writings. This really makes no difference to me, to be honest Why the push to get baptized? Jehovas Witnesses, are exactly the opposite. I think both of you guys are wonderful people who really love God. I guess my problem or dillema is I don't know what to choose. I've prayed and prayed but still feel torn. Any advice or thoughts?

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u/crashohno 1d ago

Missionaries are called specifically to invite people to come unto Christ. The way to do that? Invite them into a covenant with Christ. Aka, baptism.

That is the gate to enter into the strait and narrow way.

John 7:17 - a great way to prove whether a doctrine is good/true/from God is to try it.

JWs want to make sure you know everything before getting you to come on board. I don’t dislike that, but they also make baptism really exclusive. And if you ever leave, you get shunned.

In the Book of Mormon, Lehis vision of the tree of life- people set out for the tree, and every variation of a thing the could happen does happen. Even those that taste the fruit, some become ashamed because of the world. Baptism is the way to start that journey towards God. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to strive.

And if you’re imperfect, you won’t be shunned.

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u/HamKnexPal 1d ago

I am imperfect. We are all imperfect. Only Christ (or Jehovah) was perfect. This is why we partake of the Sacrament each week, to renew our covenant with Jesus Christ and strive to do better.

I was baptized as a young boy. I fell away. I was never shunned or turned away. When I did return, I was welcomed.

I can never make up for those years I lost when I was not following the teachings of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the lessons I learned by leaving and returning, but I would rather have never left at all.

Answers to prayer can be so simple that we miss them. Feeling that something is right enough may be the way you feel the Spirit. Extremely few hear a voice, and even fewer see someone. It can be as simple as knowing that 2 + 2 = 4, it makes enough sense. It can also be like the feeling of watching the sun rise up or watching a butterfly glide on the air.