Your religion asks too much of its adherents. Why are you so demanding?

Sometimes people are overwhelmed or startled by the number of things that the church or its members ask of a new member. The seeming invasion by the church in to every aspect of a person's life probably contributes to the idea that we are a 'cult'.

It is ironic that our well-intentioned members expect from a new member of the church instant compliance with every cultural norm, law, standard, and so on. After all, our own doctrine states that conversion and perfection are a never-ending process. While we strive constantly to better ourselves, no one expects to become perfect in this life.

You are not expected to be perfect. Believe me, the members of the church are not perfect either.

The process of conversion itself is not even an instantaneous one; Mormons are the first to argue with the idea that you become converted and wholly saved in an instantaneous emotional experience, a concept often promoted by the more charismatic of the protestant churches.

Now, the Gospel as taught by Jesus Christ does (and should) ultimately influence every aspect of our lives. While many forms of modern Christianity preach a sort of 'buffet style' religion - one where you get to pick and choose the parts you like, the sheer length of the Bible alone ought to indicate that God has more than one thing to say about how we live. And Mormons don't take commandments as ideas or suggestions - we take them as literal instructions.

Yes, the church does tell me in varying degrees how, when, and what I should eat, spend my money, work, take recreation, study, pray, and so on. But I am grateful for the counsel that I have received. Seemingly restrictive commandments like the Word of Wisdom (prohibiting drugs and alcohol) or the Law of Chastity (prohibiting sexual relations outside of marriage) are blessings disguised as restraints.

Think of it this way; different professions, sports, and hobbies have varying attire, rules, and preparation, some of which is very restrictive. But the freedom to participate in and enjoy the finest things in life requires some restraint. To one who has not played basketball, the shoes might feel restrictive - heavy, laced up tight around the foot and ankle - you can barely move your toes and ankle in that thing - but to the basketball player those shoes give them the freedom (not the ability) to run and jump faster and higher with the risk of injury.

Because I have been a member of the church my entire life, many of the things that we 'prohibit' are not difficult for me - I have never had any desire to taste alcohol, coffee, or tobacco. But to one who is exploring the teachings of the church the first time, I (and my well-intentioned and pushy Mormon friends) need to be patient, and depend on the Spirit to teach the reasons for these things and your growing faith to give you the strength to test them.