Ok, so I am interested in exploring Mormonism as a possible faith option. The only problem is, I can't find anywhere to get specific questions answered. I've tried the LDS website, but they just have genral questions on there, not specific ones. I tried going to a service once, but was virtually ignored. That wasn't really a good way to get questions answered anyway. Any help?
Anonymous
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Our official web site is a GREAT place to start (1st link). Also, check out Jeff Lindsay's web page for questions. He has great answers and insight that I cannot match (2nd link)
Also, from the 1st link you can request a copy of the Book of Mormon and even find your local meeting house where you find the young men or women with the black nametags on and ask them ANYTHING you want to know. It is their job to answer all of your questions.
Anonymous
The best way to do this is meet with the missionaries or talk to a member. You can arrange to meet with missionaries, or chat live with them on the website- http://www.Mormon.org. Click at the top where it says "Ask a Question" you will be given the option to either chat with a missionary online, or schedule the missionaries to come to your home.
I have lived in wards where people are frequently moving in and out, so you never know who is new and who is not. IF that is the case, that would explain why you were ignored- Not that that is right. Or if you went when a baby was being blessed or something, they may have thought you were with that family. If you go with the missionaries, you won't be ignored. If you go to another service, introduce yourself to someone and tell them that you are investigating, they will usually take you under their wing, or introduce you to people who can chat with you about doctrine. You can always talk to the bishop. At the front of the chapel, there will be three men sitting next to each other, one will conduct the meeting- talk to them they will be happy to answer your questions and introduce you to other ward members.
With the exception of the first two comments, most of the people here are correct.
Guitarpicker
You may try again to attend services on a Sunday. During the second hour you may go to the Gospel Essentials class and, there, learn many doctrines as they are taught.
There is a certain order in which enlightenment comes--here a little, there a little until questions are answered. It takes time and patience to learn all there is to know beyond the repentance and baptism stages.
If you feel that you're being ignored then make sure you introduce yourself in an appropriate moment. Go early and meet with the bishop or one of his counselors or the attending missionaries. Choose not to take offense because there is a choice--it is not an arbitrary decision made for you.
We in the congregation try our best to be openly friendly with all visitors, but we are people too that can become absorbed in personal situations as you would. Once you've made yourself known to a few in the congregation, the rest will open up.
Don't give up so easily over trivial things that can cause misunderstandings. Every ward enjoys new visitors and that is your chance to join them.
Anonymous
One way is to meet with the missionaries. However, if you're not interested in actually joining the Church, I'd suggest doing a web search on LDS Doctrine. There are plenty of websites on this subject. I also suggest checking out religioustolerance.org, which has a series of pages on Mormonism.
MumOf5
Yes, talk to the missionaries. They will try to answer every question you can think of, and will be able to help you to recognise/feel spiritual feelings as well.... ie discuss ways you can establish your own connection with God.
The service (during the first hour) is not interactive, but classes in the second and third hours of the meetings are interactive (ie you can make comments and ask questions).
Feel free to email me if you'd like to know my perspective on things.
:-)
xo