Church swap with Mormons

[mtolympus]

Jews don’t participate in aggressive proselytization. They are more interested in reducing anti-Semitism. Perhaps Mormons can learn a bit from them.

Yes, that would make it a lot easier. However, some things that Jesus told His followers to do was not easy. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:16)

Since by your definition I am not a Christian I am a little hurt that no Catholic neighbor has ever asked me if I would like to go to Church with them.

 

[mtolympus]

If you think about it though mtolympus, since LDS doctrine proclaims that Christ is the first born in the spirit of all of heavenly father and heavenly mother’s spirit children, that means Christ can not be eternal. That at some point, He was indeed created.

Therefor, not eternal.

We believe that everyone existed eternally.

 

[mtolympus]

If you feel you simply MUST, in order to be polite, I would be VERY cautious. You have to remember that the goal is to convert you, and they will all be SUCH NICE PEOPLE!

When we have non-member visitors at my church, I will try to remember to be my normal grouchy self.

 

[mtolympus]

I actually have no intention of converting them. My job is to live my faith to the fullest and answer questions if people have them. Godis in charge of changing hearts and I can’t make anyone Catholic. I was thinking it would be neat for them to see a Catholic Mass because I know her Mother was Catholic before converting.

We decided not to do the swap but have them over to talk over dinner. I hope we don’t lose their friendship. They are the only other family on our block with conservative values and it’s nice not to feel so isolated.

 

[Jerusha]

Yes, that would make it a lot easier. However, some things that Jesus told His followers to do was not easy. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:16)

Living the Word is the best means of preaching it. It is when one is consistently living the Word, that one receives questions about the Word. Preaching and pressuring those who are not interested is alienating.

 

[Marie5890]

We believe that everyone existed eternally.

That was not what I was taught when I was LDS.

So Christ, according to LDS doctrine, is not the first born of heavenly father in the spirit anymore?

Because that was clearly taught when I was LDS. First born in the spirit and only begotten in the flesh

 

[mtolympus]

That was not what I was taught when I was LDS.

So Christ, according to LDS doctrine, is not the first born of heavenly father in the spirit anymore?

Because that was clearly taught when I was LDS. First born in the spirit and only begotten in the flesh

What you were taught is absolutely correct. However, before the spiritual creation we all existed as intelligence:

“Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.” D&C 93:29

 

[Pepband_Mom]

Is not “first born” in regards to the pre-eminence of Christ & not that he was literally the first born… He existed with the Father prior to taking on human flesh- “I and the Father are one” but became incarnated, so his “pre-existence” was not of flesh & blood but as the WORD or the LOGOS.

FrRob is exactly right! If you go to their place of worship, I’d bet BIG MONEY they would wiggle out of coming to a Catholic Church on a Sunday.

FrRob: Excellent to see a priest on board!:tiphat:
PLEASE EVERYONE KEEP FRROB IN YOUR PRAYERS!

 

[Gene_Fadness]

As a former Mormon, I guess I would have a different take than most of the responders to this question. If you are not at all challenged by Mormonism and very secure in your Catholic faith, then I would accept their invitation. You indicate that you think they are interested in converting to Catholicism. If you’re acceptance of their invitation to attend an LDS sacrament meeting then leads to them attending a Catholic Mass, then I would do it. The Holy Spirit is present at Mass and if they are interested, they will have lots of questions. You can tell them about what happens in the Mass ahead of time so they know what to expect.
Attending other churches played a huge role in my conversion to Christianity. The Mass is a powerful witness to what many Mormons are missing in their worship: liturgy, beautiful works of art, worshipful music and praise, and most of all, they will witness others receiving Jesus Himself in the Eucharist. Believe me, many good LDS people crave that. I live in a community with a large LDS population and many LOVE attending Midnight Mass.
Just my two cents, but only God can lead you in what you ultimately decide.

 

[Katzpur]

I haven’t posted on this site for a very long time, but I just noticed this thread and thought I’d contribute. I’m a practicing Mormon. I have been to Catholic Mass twice and found it very beautiful and spiritual both times. I probably would not invite a Catholic friend to go to church with me, because – as so many of the comments on this forum have indicated – I’m sure there would be a great deal of suspicion as to my “ulterior motive.” That’s unfortunate. I think that we could all benefit by experiencing the ways in which other people worship. We can either focus on our differences and continue to grow more and more suspicious of one another over time or we can look for common ground (I can assure you, it does exist) and become more the kind of people our Savior would want us to be.

Several years ago, an LDS congregation and a Catholic congregation that were just about next door to each other had a joint service. It wasn’t a Mass and it wasn’t a Sacrament Meeting. It was less formal than either of those. The service began at the LDS Church. Members of both churches sat together in the pews. The invocation was offered by a Mormon, and the benediction by a Catholic. One member of each congregation who had provided a lot of service for the community was publicly honored. Afterwards, everyone went next door to the Catholic Church. This took place in the evening, after dark. Boys from the LDS Scout Troop stood along the sidewalk shining flashlights so that people could see where they were going. Once at the Catholic Church, everyone again sat down together and enjoyed a performance by a choir comprised of people of both faiths. They sang together, a number of numbers from each religion tradition, none of them containing lyrics that either group of people could possibly find objectionable. As I sat there, tears came to my eyes and I thought how pleased and happy our Father in Heaven must have been at that moment, to see His children gathered together in His name. After the choir performance, we went into the Catholic Church’s social hall for refreshments. It was truly a memorable evening.

 

[Todd_Martin]

Yes, I’ve heard faith alone is common in Protestantism which gives it the possibility to be as irrational as Mormonism can be.

“Protestantism…as irrational as Mormonism…”

Whattt!!?

Wycliffe * Calvin * Wesley * Craig

Open a book! :coffeeread:

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you" 1 Peter 3:15

 

[RebeccaJ]

As a former Mormon, I guess I would have a different take than most of the responders to this question. If you are not at all challenged by Mormonism and very secure in your Catholic faith, then I would accept their invitation. You indicate that you think they are interested in converting to Catholicism. If you’re acceptance of their invitation to attend an LDS sacrament meeting then leads to them attending a Catholic Mass, then I would do it. The Holy Spirit is present at Mass and if they are interested, they will have lots of questions. You can tell them about what happens in the Mass ahead of time so they know what to expect.
Attending other churches played a huge role in my conversion to Christianity. The Mass is a powerful witness to what many Mormons are missing in their worship: liturgy, beautiful works of art, worshipful music and praise, and most of all, they will witness others receiving Jesus Himself in the Eucharist. Believe me, many good LDS people crave that. I live in a community with a large LDS population and many LOVE attending Midnight Mass.
Just my two cents, but only God can lead you in what you ultimately decide.

I’m so glad you have posted!

We see the same thing in SLC, that is, LDS who show up for Christmas midnight Mass. Our parish distributes tickets (free) because so many want to attend.

Their own church doesn’t provide a Christmas service, unless Christmas happens to fall on a Sunday. I read and hear of LDS attending several different types of religious services at Christmas, including Mass.

For the OP, Christmas would be a good time to invite your LDS friends to Mass.

 

[twopekinguys]

I haven’t posted on this site for a very long time, but I just noticed this thread and thought I’d contribute. I’m a practicing Mormon. I have been to Catholic Mass twice and found it very beautiful and spiritual both times. I probably would not invite a Catholic friend to go to church with me, because – as so many of the comments on this forum have indicated – I’m sure there would be a great deal of suspicion as to my “ulterior motive.” That’s unfortunate. I think that we could all benefit by experiencing the ways in which other people worship. We can either focus on our differences and continue to grow more and more suspicious of one another over time or we can look for common ground (I can assure you, it does exist) and become more the kind of people our Savior would want us to be.

Several years ago, an LDS congregation and a Catholic congregation that were just about next door to each other had a joint service. It wasn’t a Mass and it wasn’t a Sacrament Meeting. It was less formal than either of those. The service began at the LDS Church. Members of both churches sat together in the pews. The invocation was offered by a Mormon, and the benediction by a Catholic. One member of each congregation who had provided a lot of service for the community was publicly honored. Afterwards, everyone went next door to the Catholic Church. This took place in the evening, after dark. Boys from the LDS Scout Troop stood along the sidewalk shining flashlights so that people could see where they were going. Once at the Catholic Church, everyone again sat down together and enjoyed a performance by a choir comprised of people of both faiths. They sang together, a number of numbers from each religion tradition, none of them containing lyrics that either group of people could possibly find objectionable. As I sat there, tears came to my eyes and I thought how pleased and happy our Father in Heaven must have been at that moment, to see His children gathered together in His name. After the choir performance, we went into the Catholic Church’s social hall for refreshments. It was truly a memorable evening.

In an ideal world, what you speak of would work, but unfortunately we don’t live in that world.

Unfortunately, too many people have been hit with the love bombing by mormons, and the constant attempts at gaining numbers/converts.

Couple that with the shunning when it doesn’t happen, or when someone leaves the mormon faith. (Personal knowledge here)

You say we have alot in common. In a sense, that is true, but when it comes to the most very basic, core issues, we are light years apart. For example, the Trinity, eternal progression, god was once a man, etc.

We can agree and work on current social issues like disaster relief, helping the poor, but that doesn’t mean we agree theologically, and it shouldn’t give the impression that we do. The 'service" you mention sounded more like a community coming together to recognize accomplishments, and not a religous celebration. Big difference.

 

[Stephen168]

Yes, I’ve heard faith alone is common in Protestantism which gives it the possibility to be as irrational as Mormonism can be.

“Protestantism…as irrational as Mormonism…”

I never said that

 

[Katzpur]

You say we have alot in common. In a sense, that is true, but when it comes to the most very basic, core issues, we are light years apart.

Like that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God and our Savior and Redeemer? Or isn’t that “core” enough? We Mormons believe every word that the Bible has to say about Jesus Christ. Yes, there are differences between our faiths, some of them pretty significant, and I wasn’t suggesting that we try to come to some kind of a compromise on our beliefs. I’d just like to see us acknowledge the beliefs that we do share for a change.

We can agree and work on current social issues like disaster relief, helping the poor, but that doesn’t mean we agree theologically, and it shouldn’t give the impression that we do. The 'service" you mention sounded more like a community coming together to recognize accomplishments, and not a religous celebration. Big difference.

I thought I made it clear what it was. I wasn’t trying to mislead anybody. At any rate, there was no need for this “coming together” except that apparently the LDS and Catholic Church leaders in the neighborhood thought that “coming together” would be nice. And it was.

I’m starting to remember why I didn’t keep posting here when I joined up a few years back.

 

[zaffiroborant]

Like that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God and our Savior and Redeemer? Or isn’t that “core” enough? We Mormons believe every word that the Bible has to say about Jesus Christ. Yes, there are differences between our faiths, some of them pretty significant, and I wasn’t suggesting that we try to come to some kind of a compromise on our beliefs. I’d just like to see us acknowledge the beliefs that we do share for a change.

I thought I made it clear what it was. I wasn’t trying to mislead anybody. At any rate, there was no need for this “coming together” except that apparently the LDS and Catholic Church leaders in the neighborhood thought that “coming together” would be nice. And it was.

I’m starting to remember why I didn’t keep posting here when I joined up a few years back.

Catholics and LDS do not mean the same thing when they refer to The Only Begotten Son of God. Just FYI.

 

[Porknpie]

We Mormons believe every word that the Bible has to say about Jesus Christ

Do you believe Jesus is the “bread of life” and that he gives us his resurrected body and blood in the Eucharist? From John 6.

“unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him.’”

Here is a good explanation of the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus in scripture. The new Passover meal that was immediately understood in the early church and continued for 2000 years.

ewtn.com/faith/teachings/euchc2.htm

 

[Todd_Martin]

I never said that

Sorry. Perhaps my quote was out of context. I only shortened for brevity.

I keep getting logged out so my previous comments on the matter were lost. Basically, all Christian believers must be prepared to give an answer to the faith. Nothing in Christianity is hidden or mysterious. The prophets instructed us with edification and exhortation, meaning they improved our knowledge and appealed to our reason.

Mormons make no attempt to defend the prophecies of Joseph Smith or his sucessors. No attempt to defend whether the Garden of Eden is in Western Missouri, no attempt to defend the many historical fallicies and inconsistancies of the Book of Mormon.

Sorry for the long post, it’s actually two in one, a reply and a comment :coffeeread:

 

[Gene_Fadness]

Katzpur,
Thank you for posting. I know its hard not to take this personally. I know you have a devotion to Jesus Christ as your faith tradition allows. (Romans 10:2) And I know from my former days in the LDS Church, that you faith is deep and sincere. Thank you for your courage in posting to this forum.
Both our faith communities use many of the same terms – God, Jesus Christ, heaven, salvation, eucharist/sacrament. But, as you know, we have completely different definitions of those same terms. The challenge then is to look at each of those terms, compare our respective beliefs, and see which ones withstand the scriptural and historical test. If you are interested, I would love to send you my story sometime of how I reached my conclusion that Jesus is more than a created being, more than the exalted second member of the Godhead, more than just one of many gods. Instead, He is God come in the flesh – Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is the Alpha and Omega of identified in the very last Book of Revelation. If you and I can agree on who Jesus is, then we truly can fellowship with one another. Until then, when it comes to worship, we must sadly go our different ways. I do appreciate that the LDS and Catholic communities came together for some fellowship. It is helpful to us all that we learn to understand one another better. You may find this hard to believe from an ex-Mormon, but I LOVE the LDS people – even more so since leaving the church. I love being around them and talking to them. I admire their devotion to their faith, which far surpasses many of my Catholic brothers and sisters. God bless you and may He lead you to the only God that even God Himself (all-knowing) is aware of (see Isaiah 44:8) See also, Isaiah 42:8 and 43: 10.11.

 

[twopekinguys]

Catholics and LDS do not mean the same thing when they refer to The Only Begotten Son of God. Just FYI.

Would you please get out of my head…LOL (there are enough voices in there without you )

I was going to say exactly the same thing.