Hi Livingstone22, in case you're still reading here..."Welcome aboard!" You as valid questions with a good Spirit. You said:
I'm sorry; I'm taken a bit aback. I am new to this board and I was under the impression that it was supposed to be realistic discussions and thoughtful views. Please don't be rude. I think everyone should have the right to feel what they feel and not be disrespected or personally attacked. Please, I am asking with respect that you do not speak to me that way again or make character insinuations; thank you :) I am not comfortable with a lot of things, as a lot of people aren't--I'm sorry; I'm a recent convert and my family isn't Mormon. The church is a bit foreign to me. I think that it is a fair thing to not believe something or another or choose not to do something that you feel is not right for you--but still be loved and accepted with a Christ-like patience.
On an extreme case, though, religions get dangerous is when, for example, the FLDS church tells young girls that they must have sex with their uncles or be damned...now that's wrong. All religions tell people to do certain things, but it becomes bad when pressure and fear is used even though you think it is wrong...and of course it gets worse depending on what is required. (Bold added by RM)
The bolded is well said! Even with a 'smile' :-)! Congratulations on your forth-right objectivity of your expectations re communications between civil strangers. No less should be expected. IF/WHEN the negs flow, simply disregard them as having no value but serving 'one' to better under 'another' :-)
As for your original concerns: I respectfully suggest You have taken upon yourself quite an opportunity to learn... What brought You into LDSism? What is your previous 'religious' back ground? Being the only Mormon member of your family--are you close to them, geographically or lovingly--might present some difficulties; depending on how you are connected to them...
Reading through the many posts, as i assume you have, it is obvious that there is a broad spectrum of personalities, dispositions, and opinions that make up 'believers'... Some/many who still do, and many/some who no longer do. Yet ALL were at one-time as You are now...
In most/many/some cases of Ex-Mos, their LDS experience brings them to better unerdstand themselves as to whether they are seeking ultimate Authority outside themselves. OR finding it within themselves to act responsibly AND accept the consequences of THEIR actions to remain active LDS or become Ex-mo, in one degree or another.
IF/WHEN one makes THEIR decision to go, or stay, in my seriously considered opinion (IMSCO) it will have no bearing what-so-ever on their eternal existance; how/whatever one understands that to be.
So, Livingstone, ask Your questions, seek Your answers, listen to the words spoken and the spirit of the delivery--as you already have :-)--enjoy it all you can and stay, or leave, as YOUR enjoyment dictates. Joseph Smith, is said to have said, "...man (and woman :-) is (are) that they may have joy..." I like that idea. Sort of sets a guide-line???
As a thoughtful, understanding LDS Christian dissident, i respectfully suggest:
"NO CHURCH CAN GET YOU INTO, OR KEEP YOU OUT OF, HEAVEN!!" That's a complete & total DIY thing... IF...
OTOH, Churches can & do provide many comforts and advantages to their congregations/members. Some better than others. Try several of them on for YOUR fit...One size doesn't fit ALL... Warm regards, Roger