I have been visiting with missionaries, and I can't help but be drawn to what they say and what I have read. But I fear that even though I have such a great pull to the teachings that I am not going to be able to continue having mormons vist my house. See I am 17 years old and my mother does not want them coming to my house, not to mention going to that church. She says LDS is a cult and that she does not want me to have anything to do with it, what should I do?

Ashley from Yucaipa, 6/10/2009

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Pamela Dean from Clarenville:



First and foremost, you should pray. :) Second, family is the most important thing in our lives as latter-day saints after our belief in Christ. You appear to have accepted Christ and his church into your life and appear to gained a testimony of both. Whatever you decide to do next, remember that as believers we are responsible for bringing our families to him as well. If you do something that causes strife or estrangement between you and your mother, then the chances of that happening will be slim. While you are still in your mother's care, you must abide by her wishes. Once you reach eighteen, things become a little more complicated. Technically, as an adult, you are able to make your own decisions. But if you are still living at home, I would suggest that you should still abide by her wishes. This will show your mother that you do respect her opinions and will abide by the rules of her home. Once you are self-suffiently living on your own or are married, however, I would suggest that you could then be baptized.

In the meantime, continued study, prayer, and church attendance will demonstrate to your mother that you are serious about your beliefs. I would also suggest that you should become involved in young women and when you are eighteen, with relief society. Perhaps you could befriend some of these teenagers and women and invite them to your home so that your mother can see that we really are good people. Perhaps she would then be willing to go to special events with you or to meet with your bishop to discuss why you want to be baptized.

When I first joined the church I faced much criticism from my family, my daughter's father, and my boyfriend who all felt I had been drawn into a cult. I accepted their criticism for awhile, but eventually said to all of them the following: "But please tell me what part of what I believe in and what the church stands for that you don't agree with. We're supposed to love our families, go to church, do nice things for other people, eat well, exercise, pray, not smoke or drink or do drugs, not swear, read scriptures, live within our means, and teach our children to do the same. What part of that do you not agree with?" None of them could give me answer. My example and my beliefs were such that when I was married in the temple it was my parents - two of the biggest opposers of my conversion - who were defending the church in not allowing them to witness our marriage to the long-time members of my husband's family. Since then, they have been to church several times, read LDS books, listen to LDS music and the tabernacle choir, and very rarely drink or swear in my presence. I have faith that eventually their hearts will be completely softened and they will be members.

Richard from Provo:


Mormon Missionaries
Mormon missionaries in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
Sounds like your mom loves you and just want to protect you. It also sounds like your mom has been given some information that is not correct. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a cult, but rather God's church restored upon the earth again. I feel that you know this deep down too, or are at least becoming aware of such for yourself.

Perhaps talking to the missionaries and explaining your mother's thoughts for guidence or even talking to your mom and inviting her to listen to the missionaries before she makes a rash judgment. You are no longer a child and in at least the eyes of the government in another year, at age 18, you will be considered an adult and I hope your mom is going to treat you like one.

Perhaps you can arrange with the missinoaries to meet them at the local church, or a member's house? In any case I would tell your mom how you feel about the missionaries and even bear your simple testimony that you feel that what they have said is true. The most powerful tool you have is a prayer to the Father of us all, and ask him for help with your mom. Ask him if he couldn't soften her heart, or give you guidence on how to do it yourself.

No matter the circumstances keep your chin up, keep reading the Book of Mormon (if the missionaries have given you one) and the time will come when you will be able to pursue your own course for your own salvation, and perhaps even your mom and family... It's been known to happen. (They're called miracles. Ask and have faith that God is able)

You sound like you're doing fine in life and God is extending his arm to gather you in. Be patient and have faith that he will do it.

Juan Figuroa from Seattle:


You should respect your mother's wishes. Between now and when you turn 18 next year, you should also pray diligently, study prayerfully, and exercise faith in the gospel principles you learn. Trust that the Lord will help you find your way as you move into adulthood.

Anonymous:


That's a difficult situation to be in, for sure. Talk to the missionaries about your circumstances. Pray about it. And talk to your mom - explain what you see in the LDS church and why it matters to you. Hopefully she'll understand. If she doesn't, I don't know that you have any other option than to wait until you're 18 to be baptized. But again, talk to the missionaries and your bishop about it and see what they have to say. And be patient, my dear. Keep praying!
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