“I recently accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and there has been some adjustment required within our household because of that.”
... The sweetest sound on earth. Say it as often on FR as you like. I will enjoy it every single time!
‘I think it goes deeper than just religion, but what I’ve found is that many mormons now view me as the enemy.’
... Your choice invalidates their experience, since you knew and rejected their cultic teachings. No wonder they don’t like that!
“I am someone to be avoided because “I may poison their thoughts and get them to question their faith”.
... As you know, the MORG has to exert total control over the lives of every member. There is no free thought once the leaders have spoken.
“Even my wife has said that we don’t have any common ground to work from.”
... Ironic, since they want to claim they have the same Jesus, etc.
... Of course, you have a common life, son, etc.
“I think they also draw “strength” or a sense of belonging by claiming persecution and victimhood.”
... A common enemy is REQUIRED by all cultic movements - just take a look at Eric Hoffer’s book, True Believer, that examines all kinds of movements - form communism to cults.
“The church also sends the missionaries around to “visit” with these folks. They came by for me once. Tried to “remind me” of the covnenants and oaths I had made and the subsequent consequences of not abiding by them.”
... Jesus addresses them, Matthew 23:13 - “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
... 15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.”
... all you can do is love your wife unconditionally - and your son - since you are the only place they will receive unconditional love and acceptance. They certainly won’t get it through the mormonite legal system. People appreciate and value being loved. It may take time. Still, your path is known and you “...can enjoy life with the wife of your youth.
best,
ampu