The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I know that many of you get those random knocks at the door and when you open the door to greet the person knocking, you hear, "Good Afternoon, my name is Elder [Insert Name Here] and this is Elder [Insert Name Here] and we are with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints..." sometimes you listen to be polite, sometimes you tell them to go away, and other times you might even just shut the door on them.

I have finally taken it upon myself to bring myself closer to the LDS church. As an Evangelical Catholic, I was raised with the understanding that Mormons were not Christians and that they were essentially a cult. Lately, I have felt the urge to want to know more about the Mormon denomination. They are so oppressed by mainstream Christianity that I almost feel this kindred spirit between us--even though, they don't support homosexuality either. As a queer activist I am often so caught up in the oppression within the LGBTQ community, that I forget about the oppression of other groups.

So I decided to take on the challenge of Matthew 7:16-20 and to judge the "fruits" of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Alas, we were visited by two Mormon missionaries yesterday (at our request) to discuss the LDS faith and we also some copies of the Book of Mormon to help us expand our understanding. We began our conversation in prayer and began a great dialog about their faith. Vince and I didn't share our sexual orientation with them because we felt it wasn't necessary at this time. As this was to be a learning experience for us and for God to allow the Spirit to teach.

I had a great experience in talking with these gentlemen. By their "fruits" thus far, I don't see any "false prophets," but I am enthused to continue my education on the LDS faith. I began a nightly routine (as of last night night) of having a study session with Vince on the Book of Mormon. I have come across this so far and it will be guide to this journey I am about to embark.

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you." Moroni 10:4

I go into this experience with no intentions, except one, to allow God to teach me new things. I plan on attending a meeting next Sunday. Keep me in your prayers as I journey through this.

As a disclaimer (to prevent those from asking) I am not considering converting my denomination. Although I am looking more into the United Methodist Church.