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Good post Amy J !!!!! I think you are spot on as I believe that God is in touch with all his children Mormons, Muslims etc etc etc and churches are man made but I think they are a source (mostly) for people to connect and do good throughout the world . If only the rest of planet earth would listen and get along with each other. What if the church is totally false/ made up. I believe I have a relationship with Jesus and as the bible says to just have faith in the savior and you shall be saved. No one can change what is in your heart and mind !!!! I believe God would be ok attending the lds church for family while having traditional Christianity in your heart . What do you guys/gals think ? I wanted to post again because I feel like I’m not being clear about y position . I did come back basically for family i.e. my wife however I feel that my inward beliefs toward religion are as follows I believe in basic Christianity i.e. the 10 commandments, Christ is the son of God , be a good person help others. I dont believe I need the church to make it to the CK or to be saved. I think their is truth in most churches and God speaks to us in ways we will hear him/accept him that’s why we have so many Christian churches. In fact I align closer to the beliefs of the Coc . I have come back and stay because my wife and sister in law are TBMs and the church does have many many good people in it. All churches have issues !!!!! The LDS church is still a good place to be even if I keep my beliefs to myself and only agree with some teachings like the pre existence. I do have issues seeing others being treated poorly because of race, sexual orientation, ethnicity etc, etc. Just wanted th throw all that out there I would love to hear others thoughts on this , I guess I have my own hybrid belief system. I came back because of family mostly my wife. I love her more than the church irritates me. I really enjoyed reading planted by patrick Mason that book helped me realize the church belongs to all of us and no one should feel pushed out as I did.The church is basically good despite its many flaws. I have my main points I believe and my points of the church I just live with but dont agree with polygamy comes to mind, there are more. I am back for good because I dont see a better example of Christianity. God Bless all. Yes, I first had to wait for 1year, then permission from the 1st Presidency had to be granted, then a regular baptism interview with the stake pres. Then baptism interview with the branch pres. Baptism, now waiting 1 year for all Temple and priesthood blessings to be restored by a general authority. So yea its kind of a long process. My coming to terms with the church also means I set boundaries for myself and the church. For me the church is true because of the members that are true believers!!! I also believe other churches can be good and god speaks to his children in a way they are willing to hear i.e. other churches. The church is a good community and I am better for being part of it. I am the person I want to be or at least closer to it by being a member. The church helps me be a better person. I only have to believe what I am willing to as I am the captain of my own ship. A good example is polygamy , I do not believe God wanted polygamy but it was man messing it up. I also believe other prophets were flawed men. The brethren today are just doing the best they can to guide the church. I support them. Well I discovered that belief is not binary as I was always taught and we are in different parts of our faith journey. For example I do not believe in the book of mormon as historicly true but I simply say I do not know for sure and may never have the blessing of knowing in this life. I do however believe the Bom is divinely inspired and exists to help us in this life. Alma 32 had a huge impact on me. I have many other untesolved issues with the church but have come to terms with them as each of us must do. I still believe the church is good and as are the members in fact I love the church !! My wife and kids really disliked my leaving the church and I see it as a huge mistake looking back on it. The prophet/President is the prophet of the LDS church. I think much good can be found in other Christian churches. I dont know if their is the one true church !! I think our Temples are among the holiest places on earth . I could go on forever but Im not sure what else you would want to read so I can try and answer specific questions in the coming days. Suffice to say it has been a tough journey and I was in a very dark place for a while contemplating suicide as I lost my job almost my family and everything I had worked all my life for. Last Dec. Was the lowest of low points and thats when I decided to return. I know without a doubt Jesus is there for us but I also know the adversary is ever present we must be on guard at all times. God Bless.
