Hi everyone!

I'm in my early twenties and I'm French. I live in a small town in France and grew up in a culturally Catholic family. I was baptized and received the usual Catholic sacraments, but I've never really felt particularly close to Catholicism.

For the past few months, I've felt a genuine attraction to religious beliefs and spirituality, and I've been exploring different traditions, particularly Islam and various branches of Christianity. I don't know exactly what I believe yet, but I feel drawn to exploring these questions and understanding what place spirituality could have in my life. I'm not necessarily looking to convert anytime soon. I'd rather learn about different beliefs sincerely and see whether one of them might resonate with me.

Recently, I had a dream in which I found myself in a Mormon church. I don't know whether it had any particular meaning, but it sparked my curiosity about the faith. What's even more interesting is that there's actually a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in the small town where I live! This has made me want to learn more about your beliefs and perhaps attend a Sunday service one day to discover the community and meet some members.

However, there's one aspect that makes me wonder whether I could fit into this religion: my political views.

I'm strongly left-wing, anti-capitalist and an environmentalist. I support wealth redistribution, strong public services, reducing social inequalities, and significant government intervention in the economy. My political convictions are an important part of how I see the world.

I know the Church places importance on charity, mutual aid and helping those in need, which are values I appreciate. However, I'm curious about how Latter-day Saints approach economic inequality and capitalism.

Are there members who identify as socialists, communists or simply strongly left-wing? How do they reconcile their political convictions with the Church's teachings? And could someone with my views feel welcome in a local congregation?

I'm not considering an imminent conversion. I'm simply going through a period of spiritual exploration. I feel genuinely drawn to religious beliefs, but I also have a lot of questions. I'd like to explore Mormonism without feeling that I have to set aside my personal convictions.

I'd really appreciate hearing from current members, converts, former members, or anyone familiar with the Church.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Hey everyone! I'm not a Latter-day Saint, but I've been reading a little about your beliefs lately. During university, I interacted with quite a few Mormons, and they were always incredibly friendly towards us Hindu students. We often ended up having some really interesting conversations about faith and spirituality.

While doing some research, I also discovered that the LDS Church Foundation donated $25,000 towards building the Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, back in 1999. I thought that was such a beautiful gesture!

Anyway, that sent me down a rabbit hole, and I stumbled upon a fascinating similarity between the Bhagavad Gita (2.12) and Doctrine and Covenants (93:29).

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna:

Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

And then I came across D&C 93:29:

Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.

I find it fascinating how both passages seem to suggest that something about our existence is eternal, neither created nor destroyed.

Of course, the beliefs differ. Hinduism focuses around reincarnation and moksha, while Latter-day Saints believe in premortal existence, resurrection, and eternal progression. Still, I find the similarity really interesting!

I'd love to hear how you interpret D&C 93:29 and whether I'm understanding it correctly. I've always had great respect for the Latter-day Saints I've met and would love to learn more about your beliefs while sharing my own perspectives.

Much love to you all! :)

Sources:

https://clipfile.org/2002/02/15/mormons-help-hindus-build-hare-krishna-temple-in-rural-utah-a-labor-of-love-mutual-respect/

https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/2/verse/12/

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/93?lang=eng

I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? Our Stake conference, with a visiting authority, was this past weekend. We attended the adult session on Saturday evening and the general session on Session. The talks by members and the stake presidency were all good and uplifting. Each prepared beforehand in the standard way: focused around one faith-promoting topic, relevant doctrine, personal experience, challenge to members to incorporate/improve around the principle, conclusion. Those talks were concise and spiritual. However, in both sessions, the talks of the visiting authority was more of a rambling approach. It seems that he had taken notes of the other talks, then gave a comment on each of them. Then he mentioned his insight on 8-10 talks from the recent general conference. Then he touched on 3-4 other topics, again no strong “direction”. There was no common theme or faith-promoting principle. Seemed to be a scattershot approach — touch on 15-20 different spiritual topics — hoping that everyone in the meeting finds at least one thing that speaks to them. I think they are instructed from higher-up to do this? For me, it was distracting. I prefer a well-constructed talk, like in General Conference, that really focuses on a needed spiritual area - gives me supporting doctrine, and challenges me to improve in that area. I’ve noticed this for the past few years in Stake Conference in our area. Others seeing this? How can I improve my attitude around this? I guess be more open-minded to let the spirit tell me what to focus on and not get distracted by the shotgun approach?

My husband and I are currently separated while figuring out the future of our marriage, and one of the hardest parts has been navigating his family.

This is his second marriage, and I’ve felt that some family members have been guarded and judgmental toward me from the beginning. I understand they’re protective of him, but I’ve often felt misunderstood and that there’s little room for my perspective.

I initially attended family gatherings and tried to build relationships, but eventually stepped back, especially while experiencing a serious mental health crisis. Some family members took my absence personally. I’ve apologized and explained that it wasn’t a rejection of them, but some responses have felt critical, dismissive, or conditional.

My husband has also shared our marital struggles with his family, and I sometimes feel judgments have been made without hearing my side. I’ve genuinely tried to take accountability, extend grace, and repair relationships. I know I’m not perfect, and I recognize they’re hurting too, but I wish there were more compassion and understanding on both sides.

As a Latter-day Saint, I’m struggling to balance Christlike love, forgiveness, and healthy boundaries.
For those who’ve experienced difficult in-law relationships, especially during separation, what helped? When do you keep trying to repair things, and when is it healthier to step back? I’d especially appreciate hearing different perspectives. ❤️

Hi friends!

I want to know if anyone has any advice for dealing with pathological demand avoidance (PDA) and scripture study/prayer/etc. Before I was baptized I LOVED spending time with the scriptures, had a very regular prayer habit, and enjoyed all things church. I spent almost 2 years investigating before being baptized almost three months ago.
However, I have struggled since making the covenants to engage with the scriptures and prayer like I used to, because my brain tells me that since I’m SUPPOSED to do those things, they can’t be done. I’m really struggling with it and I’m wondering if anyone else has struggled with the same and figured out a workaround. My testimony is strong and I’m thrilled to be a member, but my brain is fighting me.

Today (October 14th), plans were released for the main building of the BYU School of Medicine. The building will be located on the West Campus of BYU near Utah Valley Hospital, which will be the primary clinical affiliate for the school.

According to the BYU press release:

The building’s architecture draws inspiration from Utah’s unique heritage and landscape, echoing the craftsmanship of early local Utah community and religious architecture, including the former Brigham Young Academy (now the Provo City Library) and the Provo City Center Temple. At the main entry, a two-story forum will serve as the heart of the building, bringing students, faculty, staff, and visitors into a shared space designed for connection and community.

The building will feature advanced medical education learning spaces and technology, including a range of learning environments from individual to large group, as well as simulation-based learning and clinical skills training. Additional features will include a medical library, anatomy and research laboratories, and a dedicated hub for the school’s global health and research initiatives. Student-centered amenities such as community gathering areas, food service, outdoor courtyards, and a family room with children's play space will support the whole-person development of future physicians.

Dr. Mark Ott, who will serve as the first dean of the school, had this to say about the school's upcoming opening:

"Many people have sacrificed, volunteered, and worked tirelessly to bring us to this historic moment. With preliminary accreditation granted, we are now positioned to begin preparing Christ-centered physicians who will combine exceptional medical training with a deep commitment to caring for all people as fellow children of a loving God.”

With the school receiving preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the School of Medicine will start accepting students this summer, which is when construction will begin on the main building. Students will meet in the former Provo High School until the building is fully completed.

When I was in college I got called to be a RS secretary. We prayed over all callings and I felt we were very in tune with the spirit when selecting ministering people. I felt strongly that people we were calling were wanted by the Lord.

I recently have been called to the primary presidency and it’s a very different experience. Everyone but me refers to filling callings as ‘just needing a warm body’. When new families move in, someone will tell the president to ask for them because ‘we need new blood’. I know things are different in a family ward because people have kids, job, and a variety of things. The ward I’m in specifically has an issue with people being willing to serve.

I get that logistically this is all true. We do need people in there to teach and can’t do it alone. Our church is very volunteer focused and there will be a variety of reasons that some may not be able to serve.

I’m just struggling with coming to terms that a calling can both be inspired by God and you are truly just a body to fill a role. I just feel like this attitude diminishes the work people put into their callings, including myself. Like maybe I wasn’t even meant to be called and just I’m the first one who said yes.

Hello! I am a student in Canada, non-member, and I was hoping to find someone who is a member who can answer two short questions about Sacrament Meetings? I have an assignment due tomorrow which required me to attend something belonging to a group that I am not a part of; in that event I was supposed to interview someone who is a part of it. I attended a Sunday Sacrament Meeting and I was not able to finish the interview that day.

The interviewee will remain completely anonymous as per my assignment instructions. I will provide the questions in my post below, so if anyone wishes to answer they may reply to my post and just state how you are associated with the Church, and the answers to the questions. Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing some replies!

1: What does this event mean to you?

2: What is something important that people should know about this event?

I keep telling people that the Lord will help you discover a unique and personal way to share the gospel. In Cooper's case, orange soda was the way, and I guess, being a Major League ball player.

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/10/14/fanta-milwaukee-brewers-shortstop-cooper-pratt-faith-journey-mlb/

I've been struggling with some heavy questions, ones that eventually led to my wife stepping away from the church. I'm doing what I can to stay active and upbeat, but it is difficult. I'd like to gain a better understanding of some of the issues that concern me around Joseph Smith. Does anyone have trusted sources that provide a genuinely unbiased take? I know Rough Stone Rolling is often suggested, and is one I'd like to read, but I also know that comes from a member who believes in Joseph Smith as a prophet. Most other major biographies on him tend to be on a more antagonistic side, which I am not interested in. I just want the straight facts so I can decide for myself. I've read some official Church sources, but again I recognize the bias that is there and things are left out of those accounts for a legitimate reason.

We’ve been married for over a decade, have children, and are both members of the Church. I take my temple covenants seriously and still love my husband. I do not want a divorce. If I had wanted to end the marriage, I could have pursued that already.

My marriage has experienced years of unresolved conflict and hurtful behavior, including yelling, name-calling, dismissing my concerns, and an incident where my husband physically blocked me from leaving an argument. I’ve talked to 3 bishops over the years and the advice is to continue trying and be patient and be humble. I agree all of us need to be humble and we all have things we need to work on.

We’ve been attending marriage counseling for several months and my husband is also doing individual therapy.

I know change takes time but despite months in counseling I still struggle with the absence of accountability, emotional closeness, and repair. I’ve reached a point where sleeping beside my husband is emotionally painful because I love him but feel so disconnected from him. I’ve found that I sleep better and feel more at peace when I sleep separately.

My goal in separation is not to punish him, force him to change, or use it as leverage. I want space to heal, gain clarity, and stop living in circumstances that are causing me significant emotional pain. I absolutely want to reconcile if there is genuine repentance, accountability, and sustained change. My plan is to continue marriage counseling and my own therapy.

I’m considering 6-12 months, while continuing to evaluate the marriage. I have arranged a consult with attorney before proceeding with anything.

My biggest concern is separation could make reconciliation more difficult. However I’m coming to painful realization that continuing to live together doesn't guarantee reconciliation either. It’s painful for me because my biggest desire is for my family to stay together.

For those who have experienced separation (and also those who divorced and got back together):

1. Did living separately create opportunities for reflection and healing or increase emotional distance between you?

2. If you hoped to reconcile, did separation help your spouse recognize the need for change or got more comfortable living apart?

3. Did you continue marriage counseling during separation?

4. What helped you distinguish genuine progress from temporary changes in behavior?

5. How did you protect your kids emotionally while living in separate households?

6. Any financial, legal, spiritual, or emotional consequences you wish you had understood beforehand?

7. If you reconciled, what became different about your marriage when you reunited?

8. If your separation eventually led to divorce, when did you realize reconciliation was no longer realistic?

I continue to pray for a change of heart and for our marriage to be healed. I believe in repentance, forgiveness, and His miracles. But I also recognize that I cannot make another person desire emotional connection or take accountability.

For those who have been through this, what do you wish you had known before separating, especially if your hope was to preserve your marriage?

I want personal experiences rather than general advice that couples should simply stay together and keep trying. We’ve been trying, and I’m attempting to understand what separation might realistically mean for our marriage. I love him but I cannot continue living in situation that keeps hurting me.

Hey guys, I just got my mission call a few days ago (female) and everything I google about the place/mission is so scary, (Colombia, Bogota South) I am trying to deny the mission. Anyone else served there? Where there many sisters? also something I noticed is that most sisters are not from the US.

Lately I have been hearing a lot of "come into him", "trust in him", "walk with him" etc. I don't mean put those words lightly but these types of phrases begin to kinda bug me. This way of thinking is making me think of the scripture that says "Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough". What I'm saying is I probably should change. But also please tell me I'm not alone in thinking that phrases like this are said so commonly that they seem to lose meaning or become so repetitive that you go "I get it! You can stop saying it!"?. As are other things in the gospel; I've been a member my whole life and have heard the same types of things over and over as I'm sure countless others have. I need to change. But how? Does this make any sense?

I’m finally getting baptized after researching the church on and off for 2-3 years. Should I tell my parents before getting baptized? Or should I just tell them after getting baptized, when I feel more ready or more clarified on my explanation for joining the church. I’m afraid to tell my parents, because the church here in Denmark is pretty small and both of my parents af Atheist or culturally Lutheran/Christian. My baptism date is the 25th of October, please pray for me. I will keep y’all updated!
BTW I’m +18

Hey, my friend is getting baptised this sunday and i was invited, honestly I'm really nervous, because i have no idea what happens at baptism, but my other friend told me i can bring a gift to my friend, that gets baptised, so I'm asking what is a appropriate gift for baptism or it could be anything?

Me (26F) and my husband (25M) have callings in our ward. I’m a primary permanent sub and my husband is the priest quorum adviser. In the coming month I will be required to sub in primary every Sunday. My husband has to go to activities every Tuesday and also serve on Sundays.

Now generally these callings would be absolutely fine. But my dad (68M) is in the hospital basically on his death bed. (It’s a long story he’s had so many heart issues and now has an infection in his grafts from multiple open heart surgeries but they can’t operate to remove the infection because his death rate is 80%) he just barely got a twisted bowel and has a PICC line that possibly is infected as he’s got a fever and white blood cell count is up again. He was in the hospital from sept. 30 - Oct. 10th. Then he got readmitted 2 days ago. Before he was released the first time he was given months to live. We are trying to spend every moment with him we can just incase he actually passes away. We also will have to help my mom with things around the house and they will likely be moving out of their current house to a smaller one because if my dad doesn’t pass he will be retiring and they can’t afford their current house anymore. I have twins that will be 2 in December so on top of everything going on with my father, taking care of my twins and myself, and then having to help my mom I feel like us having these callings is just too much right now. Is it bad for me to text our bishop and ask to be released?

I really like ministering. I've made some great friends through good assignments. But it seems like many people aren't really into it. So here's some thoughts I have.

Lately I've been going through cancer crap. When we first found out, my husband suggested we call our ministering brothers to get a blessing. I refused. I wasn't comfortable with it because they have never reached out to me in any way, not even a "hello" at church.

The whole time I've been going through everything, none of my ministering people have reached out. I don't even know if they know about it, because it's not something I would bring up out of the blue. I've had plenty of friends and other ward members that care, but there is something special about a ministering sister or brother who cares, who reaches out consistently (or even inconsistently, just something).

My suggestions to make this work better:

For interviews: Don't just ask people if they are okay with their assignment. Ask what they are doing. I've known plenty for people who say they the assignment is fine, but then make no effort to do anything. And be willing to change assignments. Yeah, it's a ton of work, I've been there trying to figure out assignments, but it's worth the effort.

If you have an assignment: Do something. Anything. Text them, pray for them, say hello at church, friend them on Facebook if you still do social media. The ideal is probably to be friends and visit. But if you can't do the ideal (and it can be hard, I struggle at times), don't let that get in your way of doing something.

Things sometimes don't work out the best with ministering. But overall it's a good program, and I think it's failures are more about the lack of effort and importance we give it.

Hello! Will the missionary travel office allow a change to my flight day and time? My family wishes to drop me off at SLC flying in from a different state. Due to filled bookings for my flight that the missionary travel arranged for me, I won’t be traveling with family. I know that missionaries can travel alone, but since they leave a day earlier than me. I have a day by myself, my at home companion leaves with my family the day before. Will missionary travel allow a change in my flight schedule?

This isn’t easy to admit, but I’ll be real: there are times when desire feels almost impossible to ignore. I’m M25 and I try to stay disciplined, but sometimes my body has a way of reminding me it’s very much alive.

At times it feels natural and even necessary. On the other, I catch myself wondering if I’ve crossed a line. It’s like I’m living in the tension between what I’ve been taught and what I actually feel in the moment.

So I wonder, do other members still wrestle with this? Do you allow yourself that release sometimes, or do you always resist?

No judgment at all, I’d honestly love to hear how others balance faith, guilt, and the reality of desire. And if you’d rather talk one-on-one, I’m always open to a private convo too. Thank you.

Hello fellow brothers and sisters,

I just want to share a story that I’ll never forget. I had just received my mission call (New Zealand) on Christmas Day and was leaving in the next year in May.

On the same day of my farewell program, my family and I were taking pictures after sacrament and after taking pictures, I had a moment with my mom (reminiscing). I received this strong impression to look up and speak to the two visitors standing before us but to also give them leis (flower adornments for their neck). I didn’t get their names (I think I had a rush of adrenaline) or the place they were visiting from but I remembered them my WHOLE mission because of what the female visitor said and that was, “today is Mother’s Day and my husband and I are away from our family, thank you for helping us feel at home.” I kept that in my heart because we all long to find and be at home and that day they found home in the house of the Lord. (If your grandparents were in Hawai’i of 2025 please tell them I said thank you!)

Part 2: I was in the middle of my mission about 9-12 months and I call my bishop, worried for the payments to my missionary account because the place we live right now isn’t the best in hourly wage. I think my bishop seen how stressed I was about it and finally confessed to me saying, “Sister, your missionary account has been all paid off and that’s even before you hit your 6 months out because a couple called around the stake trying to find you and they decided to pay your account, there was only a little left to pay off but it’s all done.”

I’m not writing this story in any form of bragging or whatever but with such a grateful heart! Growing up in one of poorest areas, I’ve always been taught the saying, “eat or be eaten” but with the experiences ive experienced before, during and after the mission I now carry the mindset of, “if one can eat, let us all eat in one”. God is truly the greatest and most mindful. Jesus Christ is so loving and selfless, the spirit is so pure and comforting and I’ll never forget their help in molding so little into so much.

X there’s a lot of mistakes. I’m typing this at the crack of dawn half tired 😅. Much love ❤️

This week's Come Follow Me deals with Isaiah chapters 58–66.

I get the feeling he's really trying to get people to avoid shopping and sporting events without mentioning them by name.

That's hard considering our culture revolves around Sunday for various sports.

I find myself failing many times. I try not to shop, but Sunday football is tough to ignore.

Is the Sabbath day “a delight” for you? As you study Isaiah 58:13–14, consider how you could find more delight in the Lord’s day. For example, what might it mean to turn “from doing thy pleasure on [His] holy day”? What is the difference between “[delighting] thyself in the Lord” and “doing thine own ways”?

There's a reference also to former President Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” in General Conference, 2015.

Not pursuing your “own pleasure” on the Sabbath requires self-discipline. You may have to deny yourself of something you might like. If you choose to delight yourself in the Lord, you will not permit yourself to treat it as any other day. Routine and recreational activities can be done some other time.

I know this is long, sorry in advance.

I want to start by saying I already feel horrible even making this post, but I keep asking myself why I don't like being married.

My wife and I dated for a couple months, were engaged for a couple months, and then married. Our whole engagement was long distance. Overall from when we met to when we got married was about a year and a half. After we met at BYU, we both started to move pretty quickly. Before that, I had been in a serious relationship that didn't workout, so I stopped dating for about a year. She hadn't ever been in a really serious relationship until we met.

Fast forward to now. After getting married we no longer had to do long distance, so I moved states to join her away from both of our families. The arguments started almost immediately. By nature, I am a very relaxed and laid-back kind of guy by nature, my wife is the exact opposite. That being said, I am not completely "checked out" when it comes to making decisions and whatnot, just giving you info on our personalities.

We fight pretty regularly. Admittedly it's gotten better, but it's still only a matter of time between arguments. This ranges from the typical lifestyle meshing arguments of how menial tasks are completed around the house, to stuff about my future career to everything in between. By far the hardest part about moving has been the fact that I have not found work in this new state yet, and it's taken a toll on both of us. We can pay our bills, but her and I both notice how much it negatively affects me mentally to be unemployed. I've stayed helpful, of course. Running errands, cleaning around the apartment, taking care of our cat, everything I can think of. The hardest part for me mentally is the fact that there is opportunity for work elsewhere, but moving is off the table for her, despite the fact that she works 99% remote.

This is surely a trauma mechanism from my childhood, but I will resort to not saying or bringing up the things I am thinking about because I am worried it will blow up into an argument. However, it's problematic regardless. I won't bring something up that bothers me, she will notice something is bothering me, she will be bothered with me for not wanting to dive into it, and then she's bothered by the thing I bring up when I give in and dive into it. I feel like I can't be myself or say what is on my mind out of worry of starting fights. If things are even said the wrong way then that can lead to a fight. It's either I'm avoiding conflict entirely, or all I want to do is fight. I'm having a really hard time feeling like myself lately, and I'm sure this feeling of not expressing how I am feeling is the culprit.

A little while ago we had gotten into a fight right before her parents came into town. We tried to resolve it, but ended up just saying "lets be friends" as we were on our way to the airport to pick them up (not a great start). After her parents left, she got really quiet again so I assumed she was just sad because they left town, understandably so. I tried to talk to her about that a couple times, and she said she was fine, but her mood never changed. One evening we come home and there was just that feeling that we were about to argue before we even stepped in the door. We had gone most of the day barely speaking to each other. She sits on the floor and I continue to ask her to please tell me whats wrong, and she finally says she isn't happy. She isn't happy with anything. Its only coming out now because her parents were in town and could tell something was up with her. She says our marriage is a constant rough time with "good" moments sprinkled in here and there. I told her I don't disagree. Then we went the rounds like we always do. Started with heated exchange, then cooled down, ended in tears, and we moved on.

I'm not gonna sit here and completely point blame at my wife, that would not be fair at all. I have been emotionally turned off at times. I've been short with her at times. I've let my mind still think of being back in my home state at times. The point is I've had my moments and I am continually trying to work on those and be here for us.

Being unemployed has taken a toll on me. Living in a different state has taken a toll on me.

As I said, I already feel bad for making this post. Everyone seems to have it figured out but us. I even deleted social media because I feel like that was worsening my mental state and overall view of marriage. You know what they say, comparison is the thief of joy.

I love my wife and I want to be married, I'm just tired. And I feel like it shouldn't be this hard this soon.

Again sorry for the long post, any advice would be happily accepted.