How did you break it to your family that you no longer practice the religion you grew up in and how did your family react?
I initially became an atheist after leaving the Mormon church at 19 years of age, and that was the year of course that I was commanded to go on a mission. So my parents were of course upset with me for not going on a mission, though I never fully discussed my disagreement with their faith until I became a Christian.
At that point my mother first told me that she wished that I didn't believe in God rather than go to another church.
Do you share your beliefs openly or is it still hard?
It was hard at first, but now we can discuss them openly and I think our discussions are very fruitful now and they really respect my knowledge of the Bible and take care to listen to what I have to say. This has helped them I think to gain a deeper appreciation for the Bible, and also understand the aspects of how translations are influenced by the original language.
But yeah, right now we have nothing but fruitful and respectful discussions on the matter. They even except and love my wife who is an incredible Christian woman, and they come to church with me sometimes especially when I sing at Christmas and Easter events.
Have you had to choose between your family and your new beliefs?
One of my beliefs is to honor my parents, and I think it is possible to disagree with them on this matter and even express that disagreement, but do so in a manner that is respectful and loving. Getting too emotional or heated about it, and making ultimatums and such is not the way to go. Mormonism is a complete lifestyle, not just something people do on Sundays, and it takes awhile for people to come out of it. Your genuinely changed life by the gospel will speak more about Christ then you ever could with your words.
Most Mormons view Christians as people who act however they please and just expect grace to cover it.
For example: My Mormon family HATES crosses. Since becoming a Christian a month ago I have wanted to wear my necklace in front of them but I know they would freak out. I can't decide if it is worth it or not, so I haven't shared my beliefs with them. What do you think?
Mormons tend to hate crosses because they emphasize the resurrection a bit more, which is not a bad thing, though I certainly can relate to how your family hates crosses. I don't think that's a big deal, but if it does agitate them then I probably wouldn't wear it out of respect.
You want to avoid conflict and contention with Mormons as they believe the spirit of contention is of the devil, and they will instantly go on the defensive if they feel threatened. Most share their testimony when threatened as they have been told this gives them power. I would only express my disagreement on these matters in the manner of respect and love where it is a discussion, and not a debate. I also would stay away from trying to cite "defeaters" from what they call anti-Mormon literature. Such as "did you know that Joseph Smith changed a lot of his stories and made false prophecies." These kinds of arguments about church history cause them to be extra defensive and they never prove fruitful dialogues.
The truth on that material is out there, and if they want to seriously question Mormonism and it's history then that is a personal journey they must take on their own. You can't force them to take the evidence. All you can do is show them the love of Christ daily, and share how he has changed your life in a genuine relationship.
Hope this helps!
DI
