According to its own doctrine, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (colloquially referred to as the Mormons) is a unique restoration of the original church founded by Jesus in the first century AD. It degenerated into apostasy (no longer being the church Christ wanted), but was restored to its original form in the early nineteenth century, via a series of revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr.
The Mormon Church claims to represent the Kingdom of God on earth. Invite people to come into Christ, believe Him, repent, get baptized, and live in faith and His commandments.
The best way to learn about the Mormon Church is through its missionaries. However, it is better not to take their claims as absolute: make a comparison with your current faith if you are a Christian or with your view of Christianity. Most importantly, pray with a sincere heart and with a genuine intention to have faith in Christ so that the Spirit of God will lead you to the truth.
Steps
Step 1. Learn the beliefs of the Mormons
It can be more difficult than you actually think. The best source in this case is always a member of the Mormon Church or their missionary site. On Mormon Church's website you will find some history on the Mormon faith.
Step 2. Read the Book of Mormon. It is the focal point of their creed. Read it with an open mind and compare with the Bible.
Step 3. Meet with Mormon missionaries
These young men and women spend up to two years of their lives teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ and they do it for free. Approach them on the street when you see a couple, or invite them in when they knock on your door. If you don't see them in your area you can find them using the Mormon Church website.
Step 4. Attend their Sunday services at the Mormon Church closest to you
Search the phone book or online directory to find a Mormon Church. As you attend, listen to the messages taught and talk to other community members as well as the bishop / temple president or his counselors.
Step 5. Review and pray what you have been taught
Find a quiet spot at home or in the park. Kneel down and talk to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. Question Him to confirm you if the church is authentic and let the Holy Spirit reveal the answer to you.
Step 6. Depending on the response you receive, accept the invitation from the Mormon missionaries to be baptized as a testimony before God of your acceptance of Jesus Christ and intention to follow him
Step 7. Receive confirmation from a member of the Mormon Church
A group of shepherds will lay their hands on your head and confirm you as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by telling you, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit (also known as the Holy Spirit) will be your faithful companion as long as you keep to the commandments. Being confirmed implies that your personal information will be recorded in the records of the Mormon Church and that you will become an official member of the worldwide congregation, both physically and spiritually. Congratulations!
Advice
- Remember that most missionaries are young people who live Spartan lives, often separated from friends and families. They suffer daily rejection (and sometimes abuse) and do not receive financial support from the church. Treat them with kindness and respect - the same as you would want your children to be given if they were in their place. (This applies whether you decide to accept the message or not.) Those kids and their families are making a huge sacrifice so that you can learn what is true to them.
- Remember that Mormons are in fact Christians. A Christian believes in God and Jesus Christ. And in the Bible. Mormons also believe in these principles and many other things.
- Mormons take their religion very seriously. It is a commitment, a lifestyle. If you are not ready to commit then you should not be baptized.
- Don't be afraid to ask missionaries questions or discuss reasons for their belief in the Book of Mormon.
- If you have trouble understanding the Book of Mormon, there are always children's stories available on the church website, in various formats. Although they are designed for children, they are also appreciated by adults.
- If you don't want to read the Book of Mormon you can watch it online Book of Mormon Movie "The Journey" (Google video). This video is only about the first two books. The film, however, was not made by the church and contains a loose interpretation of how things might have really gone (especially those not mentioned, such as Nephi's relationship with his future wife and various comments made by the characters). Many do not think it is a good choice to approach the Book, but you are free to make comparisons and therefore, your own idea.
- If you are not already a Christian, read the Bible, especially the New Testament, and learn about the life of the Savior Jesus Christ. At first you might get lost in the whole reading of the Old Testament, but Genesis at least is great for getting you a basic understanding and should help you connect some things in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon (the creation, Abraham, the House of Israel, Joseph in Egypt, etc.) There are also Bible stories originally intended for children that can help you learn before (or during) a deeper study.
Warnings
- The reverse is also true: many "traditional" Christians do not know much about Mormon teachings and quickly dismiss them without trying to understand them. Treat the information given to you as "secondary" to that of actual Mormons.
- If you are not comfortable with baptism, do not be pressured. The decision is yours alone. Take some time to pray and study: if you are truly sincere, God will give you the certainty of your desire.
- Be cautious with those who claim to know more about their beliefs than Mormons.
- While Mormon missionaries do not officially "criticize" others I believe, some in any case will tend to explain why they do not possess the whole truth, especially regarding church authority and orders. Remember that these missionaries are usually young and inexperienced. Growing up in a strong Mormon environment, they often have little knowledge of other creeds. (That is why, just as learning the principles of Mormonism from Mormons is best, so is learning Catholicism from Catholics, Methodism from Methodists, etc. instead of all from Mormon missionaries.)
- Don't think that the church has "secret" teachings that it will never reveal.
