How to Switch From Lutheran to Mormon

Brigham Young was the second president of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.

About 200,000 people convert to Mormonism each year. Some of these convert from other religions, and others aren't religious at all prior to their conversion. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ like other Christian denominations do. However, their beliefs differ quite a bit from Lutherans. For example, Lutherans believe that the Holy Trinity -- the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost -- are one and the same. Mormons believe that the Holy Trinity is composed of individual gods. Converting from Lutheran to Mormon can take some time as you learn the new faith and follow the baptism process. The length of the conversion process varies according to your needs.

Things You'll Need

• Book of Mormon

Instructions

1. Consult with a missionary. A missionary will teach you lessons about Mormonism and answer your questions.

2. Go to church. Here you will broaden your knowledge of the religion, meet other Mormons and see if the church is right for you.

3. Study the scriptures at home to learn as much as possible. The differences between the Lutheran and Mormon religions will be clear. For example, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ had a natural, normal birth, whereas Lutherans believed he was born to Virgin Mary.

4. Repent for your sins, ask God for forgiveness and make changes to stop sinning. Make restitution to your friends and family for any sins that damaged them. When you are baptized a Mormon, you start with a clean slate.

5. Open yourself to receive a message from God. Mormons believe that God sends messages to potential converts before they are baptized. You may feel this while in prayer or in a reflective moment, and feel tingly or another spiritual impression. This is not standard practice in Lutheran churches.

6. Arrange an interview with one of the church leaders. All potential converts to Mormonism are interviewed to ensure they are ready to convert. The leader will ask you about your Lutheran beliefs, and if you are ready to leave it and accept Mormon beliefs.

7. Attend a baptism ceremony. In Mormon baptism ceremonies you are completely immersed in water, compared to Lutheran baptisms, in which just your forehead is touched by holy water.

Tips & Warnings

• Most Mormons belong to the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.

References

• "Mormonism for Dummies"; Jana Riess, et al; January 2005
• LDS.org: How Do I Prepare People for Baptism and Confirmation
• Mormon.org: What is a Baptismal Service Like?
• What You Believe: Baptism

Resources

• Mormon Converts: Former Lutheran Members
• Joseph Smith: Home Page
• LDS.org: Scriptures