A Mormon's response to posts on "Religious Declaration of Sexual Morality"

Two of my daughters married Mormons (one has since divorced him.)

I was permitted to pay for their weddings and receptions but to stand outside the temple for them to perform the "religious" ceremony.

:The only thing sacred about the Mormon religion is their attitude that none but them are ever permitted to see any of the so-called "religious" rites taking place in their temples.

I once considered them to be a really great bunch of people who had strong family values (that is for their Mormon relatives but none at all for their non-Mormon relatives.)

I have since then learned that they believe that they are equal to Jesus and that Jesus and Satan are brothers. Completely heritical to any and all biblical teachings (they claim to believe in the Bible - as far as it contains "correct" teachings but differ with much if not most of it.)

That's exactly what I was trying to say. The young men who come to my door on occasion (as well as others we've known as neighbors or professional contacts) have given every impression of being good citizens and decent people. I feel an obligation to be polite to them, even if it's just to smile as I say, "Sorry, I can't talk - the baby needs a diaper NOW!"

If my husband's home, he wants to try to convert them to Catholicism :-).

That's exactly what I was trying to say. The young men who come to my door on occasion (as well as others we've known as neighbors or professional contacts) have given every impression of being good citizens and decent people. I feel an obligation to be polite to them, even if it's just to smile as I say, "Sorry, I can't talk - the baby needs a diaper NOW!" If my husband's home, he wants to try to convert them to Catholicism :-).

You seem like great people. This is my own personal opinion, but up at St. Peter's gate, there will probably be some people make it that others didn't expect to. And there will be others pounding on the gate wondering why they can't get in. BUT I leave the judging of who will get there and who won't to God himself. I have to worry too much about my own weaknesses and mistakes before I go around trying to play God and judge others.

Thank you for your post. You've been through a lot.

Unfortunately, I've heard family stories like yours before. From what I've seen personally, the Mormon religion (church and families) appears to be strong and desirable, but also exclusionary. Besides the tenets that are against my beliefs (polytheism, Jesus/Satan, secret ceremonies), I can't respect a religion that would come between my daughter and me. Regardless of the explanations, if I'm forbidden from witnessing her marriage sacrament, it's divisive. I'll have to assume that the separation only starts with marriage.

Through Jesus, I pray for the strength to teach her to resist things that will jeopardize her relationship with me (and her family) and His promise of life with Him.

Thank you very much for your response.

I was a "marginal" Christian at that time and the first daughter to marry in the Mormon Church did indeed tear at the fabric of our family. After one year, the second daughter (actually our eldest) announced that she too would marry in the Mormon Temple (they refer to regular ceremonies performed in their local churches as "civil" ceremonies, even though they are married by their presiding elder)and that she had the choice to have a "civil" ceremony and be "sealed" later in the Temple but did not want to do that as something tragic could happen to them before they could be "sealed" and that if that would occur, they would not be "married for time and all eternity."

I told her that even though it broke my heart not to be a witness to the marriage of my first born, I would not go through the agony of traveling to their chosen Temple just to stand outside and watch as all of his relatives (whom I had never met and many of whom had never met my daughter)come out all smiling and happy to have witnesses the "sacred rite."

My daughter and I have made a sort of peace over the years but it is apparent that as her parents and the grandparents of her children, we are not on the same plane as her Mormon in-laws (who treat her pretty shabby and refer to us as "non-believers.")

My husband and I got a divorce one year after the second marriage. I don't know whether the strain of both of those marriages and the grief I felt over it all, was responsible but I carry that hurt still.

1. a. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
1. b. The followers of such a religion or sect.

Much of that would fit many Christian religions. I do think that some Mormons are good Christians.

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