Ex-Mormon Turned Agnostic, Learning about Catholicism

[giddyromilly]

Hi! I think most of my predicament is in the topic title. I have a lot of baggage from Mormonism that will probably never go away. I’ve been out of the church for six years and still find it skewing my worldview, especially where it concerns other religions. For a long time I couldn’t stand attending a different church - it was all too different and too similar to Mormonism at the same time.

I was drawn to Catholicism, finally, near the end of my journey before throwing up my hands and not devoting my energy to any religion at all. Catholicism is ingrained in my family (tons of Irish and German Catholics find a spot in my family tree), but none currently attend mass. My fraternal grandmother is the only living baptised Catholic left, but she was the one who defected to Mormonism and discourages my interest in mass. After attending mass for a few months, I met my now husband, who is agnostic, and being on the edge of that myself I let my urge to find the truth fall to the wayside. I’ve now been with my husband for four years and have rekindled my interest in the Church.

I’ve been attending mass here and there for a few weeks - even went to an RCIA class once in November, but because I started late I felt in over my depth and didn’t return. Now that Easter is coming up I regret the lost time. Other than speaking to the priest (which I desperately need to do), reading my bible and catechism, what can I do to prepare and decide if Catholicism is the path for me? How can I get ready?

I feel very unsure, but miss my connection to God that I lost when I left Mormonism. I’m also afraid of devoting myself blindly to a religion that will betray me like the Mormon church did (I left for theological reasons, like discovering that the church hid details about Joseph Smith and his sexual deviancy, how he actually got thrown in jail, etc.). Losing my faith hurt so much, and I’m afraid of finding something beautiful just to lose faith in that too down the road.

 

[HopkinsReb]

Other than speaking to the priest (which I desperately need to do), reading my bible and catechism, what can I do to prepare and decide if Catholicism is the path for me? How can I get ready?

The simple answer is to try it.

Make yourself attend Mass weekly. Make yourself pray, at least a little bit, every day, whether it’s improvised, a decade of the Rosary, something from a devotional book, whatever. Read a couple chapters from the Bible a day. Make it a part of the rhythm of your life, and notice the effects it has on you.

 

[giddyromilly]

Thank you. I get all wrapped up in the "what if"s and let it psych me out of actually doing it. I guess I also worry what God thinks of me at this point? If I’ll “feel” welcome by him at mass? I know that’s silly but I still worry that if I don’t have that massive spiritual feeling of “this is it” then I’ll let it fizzle again.

 

[NeuroTypical]

I feel very unsure, but miss my connection to God that I lost when I left Mormonism. I’m also afraid of devoting myself blindly to a religion that will betray me like the Mormon church did (I left for theological reasons, like discovering that the church hid details about Joseph Smith and his sexual deviancy, how he actually got thrown in jail, etc.).

LDS guy here. From what I’ve seen, Catholics get overjoyed whenever someone joins them, they tend to be full of genuine happiness that someone has “come home”. So if you’re looking for an accepting community happy to see you, you should be happy with Catholicism (at least online).

That said, if you lost faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because you read Joseph Smith did things that sound offensive, you might want to stay away from reading the Old Testament, lest you lose faith in Christianity altogether. You seem to have some sort of assumption in place that a prophet of God is something and is not other things, and reading the OT might challenge you there.

 

[HopkinsReb]

I guess I also worry what God thinks of me at this point?

A common thought. He thinks of you as his prodigal child and wants you to come to Him.

If I’ll “feel” welcome by him at mass?

Maybe you will, maybe you won’t. But regardless of how you feel, you will be welcome to Him. Our feelings often deceive us.

I know that’s silly but I still worry that if I don’t have that massive spiritual feeling of “this is it” then I’ll let it fizzle again.

That feeling comes and goes; be wary of chasing it.

 

[oLiVeR]

Well here’s the thing, you don’t have to blindly devote yourself.
There are so many people with answers.

The Priest/Deacons are wonderful resources, but the are so many others like you that have gone through beautiful conversions. My advice is to go on renewals and retreats and just listen. I started to get serious in my faith when I went on a retreat and somebody gave a witness that struck a chord with my life. Just hearing a relatable situation and how they found God’s love and grace can do wonders if you are looking for answers.

 

[giddyromilly]

giddyromilly:

I feel very unsure, but miss my connection to God that I lost when I left Mormonism. I’m also afraid of devoting myself blindly to a religion that will betray me like the Mormon church did (I left for theological reasons, like discovering that the church hid details about Joseph Smith and his sexual deviancy, how he actually got thrown in jail, etc.).

LDS guy here. From what I’ve seen, Catholics get overjoyed whenever someone joins them, they tend to be full of genuine happiness that someone has “come home”. So if you’re looking for an accepting community happy to see you, you should be happy with Catholicism (at least online).

That said, if you lost faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because you read Joseph Smith did things that sound offensive, you might want to stay away from reading the Old Testament, lest you lose faith in Christianity altogether. You seem to have some sort of assumption in place that a prophet of God is something and is not other things, and reading the OT might challenge you there.

Thank you very much! I appreciate you responding to me.

Also, it wasn’t just the fact that Joseph Smith was imperfect. I also found issue with the method of translation of the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price being translated from the Book of the Dead, black men being unworthy of holding the priesthood until 1978, among other things. My main issue was how so many unattractive parts of Mormonism weren’t addressed in a setting where we could discuss them - even asking about my doubts brought me nothing but heartache and backlash. Granted this was six years ago, so things may have changed.

 

[giddyromilly]

Well here’s the thing, you don’t have to blindly devote yourself.
There are so many people with answers.

The Priest/Deacons are wonderful resources, but the are so many others like you that have gone through beautiful conversions. My advice is to go on renewals and retreats and just listen. I started to get serious in my faith when I went on a retreat and somebody gave a witness that struck a chord with my life. Just hearing a relatable situation and how they found God’s love and grace can do wonders if you are looking for answers.

I’ll definitely take that to heart! I come from a background where asking questions wasn’t exactly encouraged, so I’m still getting used to that. That sort of environment led to the feeling that I had to believe everything 100% or else I couldn’t call myself a member of that denomination. I’ll look into retreats for sure!

 

[Guest1]

Question:Is one of your reasons for Agnosticism because of science?

Such as Evolution/Big bang?

 

[giddyromilly]

Is one of your reasons for Agnosticism because of science?

Such as Evolution/Big bang?

It was initially, but then with more research I realized that one does not exclude the other. Catholicism seems to stand firmly on the side of acknowledging scientific fact, even going so far as to fund and support it. Pope Francis has been an amazing draw for me to Catholicism, especially since he spoke of the concerns of climate change. There is also space in Catholicism to interpret evolution as God’s tool of creation. This is why I’ve chosen to research Catholicism as my religious home rather than any other.

 

[Guest1]

Ah ok.


Have you seen the movie The case for Christ?

Maybe consider renting it online and taking notes while watching it.

 

[NeuroTypical]

Also, it wasn’t just the fact that Joseph Smith was imperfect. I also found issue with the method of translation of the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price being translated from the Book of the Dead, black men being unworthy of holding the priesthood until 1978, among other things. My main issue was how so many unattractive parts of Mormonism weren’t addressed in a setting where we could discuss them - even asking about my doubts brought me nothing but heartache and backlash.

I totally get it. My point remains. If you want to talk about how the OT prophets did some downright dastardly things, even evil, even things that went against God, well, expect most any Christian to give a little backlash. The only settings you can discuss things about why theology and policy is one way and not another, are usually are full of anti-Christian atheist thought.

But again, stay away from any in-depth study of the OT, focus on the good stuff they teach you in RCIA, read/learn/love/live the Catechism, and Catholicism might just be the home you’re looking for.

 

[giddyromilly]

Have you seen the movie The case for Christ?

Maybe consider renting it online and taking notes while watching it.

Thank you very much! I’ll definitely take a look.

If I may, why do you ask? I’m curious now.

 

[Guest1]

Read the discription of the movie and you might see why it could benefit you especially as one who was discouraged from asking questions.

Theres also for you the possibility of listening to past radio shows on Catholic Answers on concerning the topics of Atheism,Mormonism, and ect.

 

[giddyromilly]

I totally get it. My point remains. If you want to talk about how the OT prophets did some downright dastardly things, even evil, even things that went against God, well, expect most any Christian to give a little backlash. The only settings you can discuss things about why theology and policy is one way and not another, are usually are full of anti-Christian atheist thought.

But again, stay away from any in-depth study of the OT, focus on the good stuff they teach you in RCIA, read/learn/love/live the Catechism, and Catholicism might just be the home you’re looking for.

I certainly take the bible with a grain of salt. These were men, albeit inspired men, who sinned just like anyone else (like wow, Joshua, maybe ease up on Jericho a little?). I can’t expect even prophets and disciples to agree with each other on everything (hence the disagreements between Peter and Paul and the whole works vs faith debacle).

I do take issue, though, in the statement that discussions over theology and policy are full of anti-Christian and atheist thought. I have had very meaningful discussions with Catholics and LDS folks alike about policy and theology, and I think these discussions are important in the development of personal faith and testimonies. Without them we are blind followers.

Thank you again for responding and helping me out. I look forward to reading the catechism more and growing in faith.

 

[HopkinsReb]

disagreements between Peter and Paul and the whole works vs faith debacle

The Catholic Church holds that, in the “works vs faith debacle,” Peter and Paul are on the same side. As C.S. Lewis put it, asking whether faith or works are more important is like asking which blade of a pair of scissors is more important.

 

[giddyromilly]

Read the discription of the movie and you might see why it could benefit you especially as one who was discouraged from asking questions.

Theres also for you the possibility of listening to past radio shows on Catholic Answers on concerning the topics of Atheism,Mormonism, and ect.

Oh gotcha! Thank you very much.

 

[giddyromilly]

The Catholic Church holds that, in the “works vs faith debacle,” Peter and Paul are on the same side. As C.S. Lewis put it, asking whether faith or works are more important is like asking which blade of a pair of scissors is more important.

Thank you! I meant to pose them as separate, not necessarily that Paul and Peter disagreed on faith vs works. I was mostly referring to the incident at Antioch where Peter and Paul got into a fist fight? I’ve heard stories about it but was never sure if it was true.

 

[giddyromilly]

You’re super right. I think I’m still a little afraid to pray. Thank you.

 

[Guest1]

If you want I can private message you catholic sites for asking for prayer if that would help.