Evangelizing Mormons?

[stceolfrithtx]

Howdy, does anyone know any good resources for evangelizing Mormons? A coworker asked me to take her to Mass and is interested in learning more. She’s a moral liberal in some senses so it would be a bit of a jump, but all things are possible with Christ!

PS, this is not an invitation for getting sidetracked: but I took her to an Anglican use Mass. It was risky to introduce an outsider to an aspect of Catholicism that confuses even many Catholics, but the traditional hymns (read: from before the 20th century) and the reverence turned out to be just the ticket! She even recognized the tune of the very first hymn.

 

[diggerdomer]

Howdy, does anyone know any good resources for evangelizing Mormons? A coworker asked me to take her to Mass and is interested in learning more. She’s a moral liberal in some senses so it would be a bit of a jump, but all things are possible with Christ!

PS, this is not an invitation for getting sidetracked: but I took her to an Anglican use Mass. It was risky to introduce an outsider to an aspect of Catholicism that confuses even many Catholics, but the traditional hymns (read: from before the 20th century) and the reverence turned out to be just the ticket! She even recognized the tune of the very first hymn.

The Bible and the Catechism. Those are the two references I’d use. Hope this helps.

 

[Ponyguy]

Howdy, does anyone know any good resources for evangelizing Mormons? A coworker asked me to take her to Mass and is interested in learning more. She’s a moral liberal in some senses so it would be a bit of a jump, but all things are possible with Christ!

I don’t know where you live, but if you live in Utah (aka: Mormon Country) I wish you good luck!
If the lady in question has family nearby, she’d better be prepared for “shunning” or “exclusion” or “ostracism” or whatever they call that treatment. Our former neighbors (very Catholic family, Catholic schools, mom taught CCD classes) got job-transferred to Salt Lake City and had a most difficult time making friends because they weren’t Mormons or prospective Mormons.

Like I said, I wish you the best and will pray for your success, but you might be jousting at a windmill…

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

I come from a predominantly mormon family, and while I have not yet been blessed to see any of them become catholic, I still hope and pray.

The things that I find work the best for me for discussions and getting them thinking is by knowing your faith inside out and backwards (take classes, read books, hang out on these boards!) but also get to know their faith. I advise you to stay very far away from any and all mormon bashing materials, what I call “mormon fiction” and accounts by some ex-mormons. Yes, some of that is valid (especially the conversion stories) and it’s good for you to know some of it, but using any of that in a discussion will get you no where. Read the Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Mormon, and Doctrines & Covenants. Make yourself an expert of mormon theology so you can counter that with the truth of the gospel.

Many of us (myself included) don’t really have the time to read all of this and learn it all, so really the most important thing you can do is know YOUR faith and know scripture inside out and backwards. Satan loves to twist scripture, rather than go directly against it. You see how he tempted Jesus in the desert – with twisted scripture! And how did Jesus counter him? With true scripture because he knew ALL of it.

My favorite story was when I was talking to a member of my family when he became a mormon. He was talking about how when he dies, if he is worthy, will become like God. I said “ya know, that’s in the bible!” He grinned, thinking he had won me and said “It sure is! See?” and I said, “yep, Genesis 3:5 – ‘For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ the first lie ever told to man by satan to tempt them into sin and away from the truth of God.” He stammered for a while and the discussion soon ended. I am sad to say that he’s still away from the Catholic church, but knowing your scripture can help to start poking holes.

Finally, the most important thing you can do is love them and pray for them. Show them Jesus in your actions, and pray for their conversion. All we can do is plant seeds, it’s up to Jesus to grow their faith in the truth.

 

[stceolfrithtx]

The Bible and the Catechism. Those are the two references I’d use. Hope this helps.

I meant other than the two most obvious resources that every one thinks of first, something that addresses the special challenges of evangelizing such near-Christians as the Mormons.

 

[stceolfrithtx]

I don’t know where you live, but if you live in Utah (aka: Mormon Country) I wish you good luck!
If the lady in question has family nearby, she’d better be prepared for “shunning” or “exclusion” or “ostracism” or whatever they call that treatment.

Thank goodness we’re actually in Texas! Well she depends on her sister for room and board, but she had no fear to ask me to take her to Mass, so perhaps she’s not worried. She spoke of visiting a mosque as well, so she’s probably two feet out the door. She spoke of finding something to make sense of life, she must not be finding it in Mormonism.

 

[stceolfrithtx]

I come from a predominantly mormon family, and while I have not yet been blessed to see any of them become catholic, I still hope and pray.

The things that I find work the best for me for discussions and getting them thinking is by knowing your faith inside out and backwards (take classes, read books, hang out on these boards!) but also get to know their faith. I advise you to stay very far away from any and all mormon bashing materials, what I call “mormon fiction” and accounts by some ex-mormons. Yes, some of that is valid (especially the conversion stories) and it’s good for you to know some of it, but using any of that in a discussion will get you no where. Read the Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Mormon, and Doctrines & Covenants. Make yourself an expert of mormon theology so you can counter that with the truth of the gospel.

Thanks so much for your tips. I did a bit of research on Mormonism back in high school when I dated a Mormon girl (extremely chastely; it was a good first relationship!) I have respect for Mormon people’s morals. I’ve learned from other experiences not to use bashing as a tool. It NEVER works.

 

[blueadept]

Thanks so much for your tips. I did a bit of research on Mormonism back in high school when I dated a Mormon girl (extremely chastely; it was a good first relationship!) I have respect for Mormon people’s morals. I’ve learned from other experiences not to use bashing as a tool. It NEVER works.

That’s good advise. Bashing never works. My best approach with Mormons is to share my testimony of Christ in my life that has definite Catholic flavor to it. In answering their questions, it’s good to use the bible and the catechism in best explaining the answers since you’re using official sources. That’s all that you can do is to plant the seeds and allow the Lord to help it grow.

Be a better example. My LDS wife and I will shortly be divorced civilly. I promise I’m being the better example through the process than she is. Maybe someday we will reconcile but in the mean time, I’m positively influencing family and friends better than she is. Even the LDS kids in this can see that. That’s all we can do IMO.

 

[diggerdomer]

I meant other than the two most obvious resources that every one thinks of first, something that addresses the special challenges of evangelizing such near-Christians as the Mormons.

Oh. Ok. Thanks. I’ll look into it.

But let me ask…what are the Bible and the Catechism missing that would be helpful in your situation? Can you clarify? Thanks.

 

[Rocky8311]

Oh. Ok. Thanks. I’ll look into it.

But let me ask…what are the Bible and the Catechism missing that would be helpful in your situation? Can you clarify? Thanks.

The Bible and Catechism weren’t made to make any comparisons and contrasts to the Mormon religion, for instance, that’s all I mean.

 

[Holly3278]

There are some very good resources out there to learn about Mormonism and how it contrasts with true Christianity, Catholicism.

shop.catholic.com/product.php?productid=194 - When Mormons Call, it’s only about $5.

shop.catholic.com/product.php?productid=195&cat=21&page=1 - Inside Mormonism, What Mormons Really Believe. It’s currently on sale for about $10 which is 60% off the original price.

shop.catholic.com/product.php?productid=54&cat=10&page=1 - Beginning Apologetics Volume 1. This is a great resource to learn how to more effectively engage in apologetics. It will also help you with challenges to the Catholic Faith. This resource is only about $6.

shop.catholic.com/product.php?productid=55&cat=10&page=1 - Beginning Apologetics Volume 2. This volume helps you deal specifically with Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. This one is too about $6.

shop.catholic.com/product.php?productid=33&cat=10&page=1 - Beginning Apologetics Volume 2.5. This volume is about $5 and deals with the Trinity. It specifically deals with Jehovah’s Witnesses but since it is about the Trinity, it should help with Mormons too who reject the Trinity.

shop.catholic.com/product.php?productid=82&cat=10&page=2 - Catholicism for Dummies. This is a good resource to help you learn more about the Catholic Faith. Also, you might try getting this book for your friend. It’s a little more expensive than the others at about $22.

catholicfreeshipping.com/Products/cfs_untrbyjpar.html - Understanding the Trinity. This is a resource for understanding the Trinity better which Mormons reject. I own this book although I have not yet begun reading it. It is about $13.

Also, here are some resources from Catholic Answers:

catholic.com/library/Trinity.asp

catholic.com/library/God_in_Three_Persons.asp

catholic.com/library/Distinctive_Beliefs_of_Mormon.asp

catholic.com/library/Gods_of_the_Mormon_Church.asp

catholic.com/library/Mormon_Stumpers.asp

catholic.com/library/Mormonism_Baptism_for_the_Dead.asp

catholic.com/library/Problems_with_the_Book_of_Mormon.asp

Hope this helps!

 

[diggerdomer]

The Bible and Catechism weren’t made to make any comparisons and contrasts to the Mormon religion, for instance, that’s all I mean.

Of course not. The Bible obviously predates the Mormon religion. And the Catechism, which is an expression of the teaching of the Catholic Church, clearly also predates (for the most part) the Mormon religion. So, still, I think any Catholic refutation of the Mormon religion is based on the Bible and the Catechism (not exclusively, of course…but essentially).

 

[stceolfrithtx]

Of course not. The Bible obviously predates the Mormon religion. And the Catechism, which is an expression of the teaching of the Catholic Church, clearly also predates (for the most part) the Mormon religion. So, still, I think any Catholic refutation of the Mormon religion is based on the Bible and the Catechism (not exclusively, of course…but essentially).

I think you understand what I’m asking now. Do you know any good sources of info that helps to address the special issues of relating to Mormons who are inquiring into the Catholic faith?

 

[stceolfrithtx]

Thank you, Holly! I will definitely check out your wealth of sources!

An update: My friend seems to be more interested in sacred music than attending Mass right now, but your prayers are appreciated!

 

[blueadept]

Also, here are some resources from Catholic Answers:

catholic.com/library/Trinity.asp

catholic.com/library/God_in_Three_Persons.asp

catholic.com/library/Distinctive_Beliefs_of_Mormon.asp

catholic.com/library/Gods_of_the_Mormon_Church.asp

catholic.com/library/Mormon_Stumpers.asp

catholic.com/library/Mormonism_Baptism_for_the_Dead.asp

catholic.com/library/Problems_with_the_Book_of_Mormon.asp

Hope this helps!

The OP was asking the best way to evangelize Mormons. While I’ve read all the links from Catholic.com as far as Mormonism is concerned, you can’t miss the skewed viewpoint of the articles even though there may be a lot of truth listed in them. If the OP’s true goal is to evangelize Mormons, my suggestion would be to live and defend your own Catholic faith instead of trying to discredit something of their faith that you really do not understand. The fastest way to make most LDS to have them not consider what you say is to share the info in those links IMO.

How do you like it when non-members totally misrepresent the Catholic faith? The art of Apologetics is to defend one’s own faith. It’s not about telling someone else about their faith and what you believe is wrong with it. Take the time to understand one or two major issues and then leave it alone IMO.

My best two in regards to Mormonism. 1) The best evidence for the BoM isn’t even in the Americas. For myself, that’s a major sticking point. 2) While I understand the difference between being ‘married’ and being ‘sealed’ and we can’t prove that Joseph Smith had any children in regards to those 'extra sealings, there is the story of Zina Huntington Jacobs that seems to throw a wrench into their understanding of what was practiced. She was married to Henry Jacobs and had two kids. She was then ‘sealed’ to Joseph Smith (at the same time as being married) but supposively had no kids. After Joseph Smith died, she was ‘sealed’ to Brigham Young (while still being married to Henry Jacobs) and LDS records say that there was a child named Zina Young. If you can’t see the issue, here, you need help.

Every time I ‘pray’ about these two points, I never seem to get a warm fuzzy about it all, but sharing these things with LDS rarely helps. IMO, just give your own testimony of Christ in your life (especially due to your Catholic faith) and correct any misconceptions they have with your faith. As Catholcs, we have our own skeletons such as the Inquisitions, Crusades, and the issues with the Priest in regards to Pedophillia. These issues can be explained in a reasonable appropriate fashion IMO. My 2 cents.

 

[blueadept]

A good reference in regards to understanding polygamy is wivesofjosephsmith.org. The book was at least written by a Mormon.

 

[zipperc98]

This topic caught my eye…

I don’t have much advice here, more so, I am seeking similar answers.

Actually, currently I am a “Closet Catholic”, meaning for the past 12 years I have been LDS…up until a year and a half ago, when a catalyst sparked and really made me realize the reason for my unhappiness what God no longer seems to want me in that church.

Unfortunately I have little to no support from my husband…the few times it has been discussed, it is like he is grasping at straws…he basically talks like our marriage will end if I make that decision to become Catholic.

To me, being of two religions shouldn’t matter. Yes, it’s extremely important to find common ground, which is where I am at. Trying to be able to say “Yes, we are different, but this is what we have in common” So, perhaps what might also be helpful is being able to relate to them?

When you figure out how though, let me know!

So, I just went to an RCIA dinner last night, and for now I am going to attend classes…I am SO fearful of my marriage falling apart, and I am afraid if I make it public knowledge, it will only get worse.

BAH, my apologies…I am not trying to change the subject, I promise!

Oh, and I do have to say I like some of the advice given…like bashing, NOT helpful. Every LDS person I have ever known preaches “Being a missionary through example”…and it really is solid advice. People see who you are and want to know what makes you special. My friend that was my catalyst ultimately did that for me…he was different, and so FULL of faith, never doubtful, and I wanted to understand what the difference was…why after 10 years I hadn’t experienced that in my Faith!

Ok, end of my contribution…for now…good luck!

 

[crazzeto]

Zipperc98, I will pray for you on your journey into the Catholic Church. I will say that ultimatly being of two religions is a significant issue in a marriage, however as Christ him self would say “if you love your mother and father (or spouce) more than me, then you are not worthy of me”. That is, especially since your contience is now Catholic, you must become Catholic. You must seek Christ first.

On that note, I would recommend studying further some important topics. The Trinaty was listed as being very important, on that note I would recommend Frank Sheeds theology for beginners. He explains the trinaty very well, and provieds you with information on which passages of scripture you should mediate upon. You can preview it at google books (approx first 50 pages) and you can buy it on Amazon.

Be strong, mediate upon the scripture, read the Catechism and build your armor. Work on your ability to defend your decession (as St. Peter exhorts in his epistle) and move forward with due dillegance (but do move forward).

God bless,

 

[TimothyH]

One of the basic beliefs of the Mormon’s is “The Great Apostasy.” If you can cast reasonable doubt upon the validity of this doctrine, you actually have a real shot at successfully evangelizing and converting them.

I have one of their booklets titled “The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” in front of me right now and I’ll quote…
Following the death of Jesus Christ, wicked people persecuted and killed many Church members. Other church members drifted from the princiles taught by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. The Apostles were killed, and priesthood authority - including the keys to direc and recieve releation for the Church - was taken from the earth. Because the Church was no longer led by priesthood authority, error crept into Church teachings. Good people and much truth remained, but the gospel as established by Jesus Christ was lost. This period is called the Great Apostasy.

Mormons believe that Jesus granted priestly authority to the Apostles and that is good! They believe that new priests of the their Church have authority granted by Jesus Christ and that is awesome!!! There are actually some wonderful doctrines in the Mormon Church about Church authority and the primacy of Peter and you can use that to your advantage.

Mormons believe however, that the entire earth fell away from Jesus’s true teaching for eighteen centuries and this flies in the face of Jesus promise at the end of the Gospel of Matthew that he would be with his Church “…always, until the end of the age.” For there to be a great apostasy, Jesus would have had to have been mistaken or a liar. Point this out to them, ask to see what it says in their Bible and if they have ever considered it?

Like Zipperc9 said, never gloat or try to embarrass them. If they are weak in their faith, they are likely to be confused at this point, or at least a little taken aback.

I give them a way out at this point by introducing the idea of apostolic succession. Most mormon’s I have met have never heard of apostolic succession and are intrigued by the idea that the Bishops are direct descendents of the Apostles. I show them how Judas’ postion was handed on to Matthias in Acts 1:15-26 and explain how this has been happening for twenty centuries. This establishes the biblical basis for apostolic succession and casts further doubt on the doctrine of the great apostacy.

I try to discuss where we agree, especially on priestly authority and (along with casting doubts on the great apostasy) try to show them how the Catholic religion is more reasonable than the Mormon religion. I ask them about their worship, if it is reverent and liturgical (it is) and suggest that they would love the Mass and try to close the deal with an invitation to come to Mass.

It helps to have a tract or handout on apostolic succession to leave them and I find that the younger kids who go door to door (nice of them to come to me) are not strong in their faith or Church’s doctrine.

Good luck and God bless. I hope I’ve helped in some small way. We’ll be praying for you.

-Tim-

 

[Big_Dummy]

Your best no brainer approach would be let them quote scripture and stop them to read it out loud in context. Most of their missionary materials and apologetic type works simply proof text without reguard for context. You can expect 90 percent or more of their scripture quotes to be out of context. So, read your bible daily. Concentrate on the proof texts listed in their missionary referrence menorization booklets.

softlore.com/index.phtml?_redir_referrer=http://www.google.com/
softlore.com/download/LDS_Missionary_Lesson_Scriptures.phtml?slrid=x
schoolofabraham.com/scripturemastery.htm

1. Moses 1:39
2. Moroni 10:32
3. Abraham 3:24-26
4. Mosiah 3:19
5. 2 Nephi 2:25-27
6. D&C 14:7
7. John 14:26
8. Matthew 5:48
   (or 3 Nephi 12:48)
9. Moroni 10:4-5
10. Mosiah 18:8-9
11. 2 Nephi 31:18-20
12. Alma 42:8
13. John 14:27
14. Alma 5:14
15. Ephesians 2:19-20
16. Mosiah 5:2
17. Acts 10:38
18. D&C 18:10-11
19. Matthew 22:37-40
20. Moroni 7:47-48
21. Alma 7:11-12
22. D&C 84:33-38
23. D&C 107:99
24. John 14:6
25. Joseph Smith-H 1:17
26. Matthew 4:19
27. Moroni 6:4
28. 2 Nephi 32:3
29. 3 Nephi 27:27
30. Articles of Faith 13
31. 1 Corinthians 15:22
32. D&C 84:88
33. D&C 121:45-46
34. Matthew 25:40
35. 1 Nephi 3:7
36. 2 Nephi 25:26
37. D&C 8:2
38. D&C 59:23
39. D&C 76:22-24
40. Ether 12:27
41. James 1:22
42. John 3:16
43. Joshua 24:15
44. Luke 2:52
45. Luke 22:32
46. Malachi 3:10
47. Matthew 28:19
48. 3 Nephi 9:20
49. 1 Peter 2:9
50. 1 Timothy 4:12
51. Alma 41:10
52. 1 Corinthians 3:16
53. D&C 19:18
54. D&C 59:9
55. D&C 64:33
56. D&C 68:25-28
57. D&C 121:41-42
58. Ephesians 4:11-14
59. John 7:17
60. Matthew 25:21
61. Mosiah 2:41
62. Philippians 4:7
63. D&C 4:2
64. D&C 20:77
65. D&C 38:30
66. D&C 58:27
67. D&C 121:37
68. Helaman 5:12
69. John 13:34-35
70. John 14:15
71. John 21:15-17
72. Luke 23:34
73. Mark 16:15
74. Moroni 7:16
75. 1 Nephi 19:23
76. 2 Nephi 25:23
77. 2 Timothy 3:1-4
78. Alma 32:27
79. Alma 34:32
80. D&C 1:38
81. D&C 20:37
82. D&C 58:42
83. D&C 68:4
84. D&C 89:19
85. D&C 93:40
86. Ether 12:6
87. Hebrews 11:1
88. John 17:3
89. Luke 10:30-37
90. Luke 15:17
91. Luke 22:42
92. Matthew 6:38 (JST)
93. Matthew 11:28-30
94. 2 Nephi 32:5
95. 2 Nephi 28:21
96. Mosiah 4:26
97. 3 Nephi 27:21
98. 3 Nephi 11:11
99. Articles of Faith 4
100. Ephesians 1:10
     softlore.com/download/top100.phtml?slrid=x

They like to quote “lords many and gods many” in verse five below, go on to read this passage in context. It is not trying to prove that there exists many real gods, but in context is contrasting the real God in verse six with false idols.

1 Corinthians 8

4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

When you read each scripture, figure out how they are using the text to support mormon doctrine, and read it in context, taking note what the text is really teaching. Often both will not line up and in many cases contradict each other.

they will say when confornted about many gods that they believes exists that they only have to do with the god of this world,

2 Corinthians 4:4 (King James Version)

In whom the **god of this world **hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.