Catholics, Protestants, and Mormons

[cazayoux]

It has been my experience (anecdotal only, from Mormon acquaintances) that Mormons also have a severe retention problem among new “converts”. That may be true in other faiths as well to a greater or lesser degree, but since Mormons hide some of their more arcane and peculiar things from potential converts, many enter the faith having no idea of some of the weird parts of Mormonism. When they find out, they often leave.

This is why I see Mormonism as more of a cult.
You don’t find out all of what is taught up front.
They pull you in with a lie, then once you are in enough, you get the details.

I’ve heard people call Catholicism a cult, but this is far from the truth.
We get people to go through several months of learning everything there is about Catholic teaching (RCIA) … THEN you can join.

Learn, discern, *then *decide.

michel

 

[MelanieAnne]

This is why I see Mormonism as more of a cult.
You don’t find out all of what is taught up front.
They pull you in with a lie, then once you are in enough, you get the details.

I’ve heard people call Catholicism a cult, but this is far from the truth.
We get people to go through several months of learning everything there is about Catholic teaching (RCIA) … THEN you can join.

Learn, discern, *then *decide.

michel

I agree with your assessment and your conclusion.

 

[RebeccaJ]

That reminds me, in addition to the four resident priests, the two regular visiting priests, we also have a permanent deacon and seminarians, and new priests stay with us often, particularly from India and Central Africa. And I for one am glad for the immigration, it has given new life to our parish and is making it a centre of the community.

So yeah, Europe is doing just fine for priests cheers. Haven’t seen any Mormons about though. Are you guys doing alright?

I agree, immigration has added life to our diocese. One of our newest priests is from Mexico. Because of him the Spanish mass attendance is busting at the seems, standing room only.

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

So yeah, Europe is doing just fine for priests cheers. Haven’t seen any Mormons about though. Are you guys doing alright?

Makes sense to me; Mormons come from America… I’ll admit: Mormon Elders in other countries such as Asia and Europe is quite… insulting [for lack of a better term].

 

[LDNCatholic]

Makes sense to me; Mormons come from America… I’ll admit: Mormon Elders in other countries such as Asia and Europe is quite… insulting [for lack of a better term].

Very true, however, for a faith that claims to be true, they have hardly reached the four corners of the globe.

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

Very true, however, for a faith that claims to be true, they have hardly reached the four corners of the globe.

Agreed. They are far too young as a faith to claim such a title as the “True Church”, as well.

 

[LDNCatholic]

Agreed. They are far too young as a faith to claim such a title as the “True Church”, as well.

Won’t matter how old they get, the title is permanently claimed . Still I won’t hold it against them, theres a fair few Churches who want that title.

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

Won’t matter how old they get, the title is permanently claimed . Still I won’t hold it against them, theres a fair few Churches who want that title.

No kidding.

 

[MelanieAnne]

And yet, there can be only one…

 

[Snow]

So, although Protestants and Catholics are mortal rivals, when the Mormons get into the picture, it’s Protestants & Catholics vs. Mormons. It’s like politics: Dems vs. Reps to Dems & Reps vs. the Third Party.

That’s not been my experience. I come from another multi-purpose message board with an active religion forum. There is the Evangelicals and Southern Baptists against Catholics and against Mormons… so Mormons and Catholics there typically got each other’s back.

 

[bbarrick8383]

Well, my most recent experience was the other day when I told my Protestant cousin that I was going to a Catholic church. We have been pretty close all our lives, but now I feel as if I have been disowned by her. I’m sure if the rest of “that side” of the family find out they will react the same way. Really did not think she would though.

 

[mfbukowski]

I think it only grows when two Catholics reproduce. But when it comes to converts, we’re bringing in as much as we’re losing. I usually don’t source from (what I believe to be) biased resources, but I read that half of Mormon converts are Catholic, and here, where I live, my only Mormon friend tells me that there’s a Mormon community where most of their families used to be Catholic.

It was pretty alarming, I’ll admit.

Definitely true in my part of the world - probably 40% of my ward including me, are ex- catholics

 

[why_me]

This is why I see Mormonism as more of a cult.
You don’t find out all of what is taught up front.
They pull you in with a lie, then once you are in enough, you get the details.

michel

If true, this would make mormonism not a cult at all. It is obvious that you may have no idea just what a religious cult is. Once in, difficult to get out. In mormonism it is just the opposite. Anyone can leave at anytime. No problem.

Mormons do not pull a person in with a lie. But they don’t give their converts all the points of the faith. However, there are sunday schools that do a good job in doing this. Also, the mormon KJV version of the bible has an indepth bible dictionary and study guide with many of the detail of the faith.

 

[why_me]

That’s not been my experience. I come from another multi-purpose message board with an active religion forum. There is the Evangelicals and Southern Baptists against Catholics and against Mormons… so Mormons and Catholics there typically got each other’s back.

I think that this is true. And this is why catholics on this forum should not disrespect lds posters by demeaning their faith. Debate is good, but when it begins to focus on demeaning other posters.

 

[why_me]

Now in some places its 5-7 parishes per priest. How you guys doin in Europe?

The priest abuse scandal has gutted the church is Ireland. But the Irish still do go to church but not as before. There is also a priest shortage in Ireland. The church is Italy and France are not doing well.

 

[RAR]

I think it only grows when two Catholics reproduce. But when it comes to converts, we’re bringing in as much as we’re losing. I usually don’t source from (what I believe to be) biased resources, but I read that half of Mormon converts are Catholic, and here, where I live, my only Mormon friend tells me that there’s a Mormon community where most of their families used to be Catholic.

It was pretty alarming, I’ll admit.

Good riddance to them!

No really, God will bring them back in time… when they’re ready to be Catholic sincerely. In the meantime, it may be better to see them go than to let them continue harming the church. It must be difficult though, to realize one day what you left.

RAR

 

[LDNCatholic]

The priest abuse scandal has gutted the church is Ireland. But the Irish still do go to church but not as before. There is also a priest shortage in Ireland. The church is Italy and France are not doing well.

Incorrect, there is a shortage of Irish priests (i.e priests that are ethnically Irish), no big deal, India and Central Africa is bailing everyone out with a steady supply of new priests, praise be to God.

 

[cazayoux]

God’s time (versus my own time) is incredible.
I’ve studied my Catholic faith for over a decade, ready to argue at a moments notice.
Over time, my attitude has matured, and now I read both 1 Peter 3:15 AND 1 Peter 3:16.
The humility in me was necessary I think before God gave me a chance to have these types of discussions about my faith.
In more than a decade, not once did anyone ring my doorbell to talk about Jesus.
This year alone, I’ve had a pair of Mormons (in the Spring), a pair of JWs (beginning of summer) one of which has actually come back two other times.
… and this week.

I NEVER go to Wal Mart … I haven’t shopped there in over 2 years.
I was in a tight spot and needed to go on Wednesday.
As I’m coming out of the store, a young gentleman approached me.
He’s a Mormon and I started talking to him. His buddy came over very soon after we started talking.

It was a very nice discussion, and I was struck by one of their questions.

“Well, would you consider people like Luther and Calvin to be inspired men?”

“Not at all. I find them to be self serving men more than anything.”

They were struck by my answer.
I also told them that I thought the same of Joseph Smith.
His teaching were initially very protestant in nature.
When his wife caught him messing around, he had a prophecy that legitimized it… convenient.

I had told them I was Catholic, but I think they brought up the question about Luther and Calvin expecting a different answer.

**Paul **… How different is the discussion with a Mormon for a Catholic versus a Protestant?

michel

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

If true, this would make mormonism not a cult at all. It is obvious that you may have no idea just what a religious cult is. Once in, difficult to get out. In mormonism it is just the opposite. Anyone can leave at anytime. No problem.

Mormons do not pull a person in with a lie. But they don’t give their converts all the points of the faith. However, there are sunday schools that do a good job in doing this. Also, the mormon KJV version of the bible has an indepth bible dictionary and study guide with many of the detail of the faith.

You’re right; Mormon’s don’t pull anyone in with a lie. They’re kind of like-- okay, I won’t go there, but they lure people in with the positives of their faith; love, acceptance, salvation, care-- everything that ***every ***religion has to offer.

As for being able to leave; you’re right. People can leave any time, but when they do, [generally] they are rejected by the families, friends, and community. However, I have heard of some people still keeping in touch with their ex-Mormon, which is definitely good to hear.

But I think most religions (except for Pagan religions) claim their members can leave when they really can’t… I know that sounds contradicting from the above paragraph, but I’ve noticed that everyone is quite hypocritical about membership and “when it can be revoked”.

 

[eva6206213]

thank you for the sharing~