List of similarity in doctrine with catholics and mormons

[CatholicGuyNY]

Maybe, I am misunderstanding the CCC here, I am interrested in how others understand this quote,

460 The Word became flesh to make us “partakers of the divine nature”:[78] “For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.”[79] **“For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.”**80] “The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.”[81]

christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/creed2.html

What this means is that because of Jesus Christ, we can become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). It means that salvation is participating in the life of God, where we become joint-heirs in and with Christ, and we become like God. In Eastern Christianity, this is often called “theosis”.

A major difference between this and “exaltation” in Mormonism is the starting point: We believe that man is ontologically of a different “species” than God. Mormons believe that, since we are the literal spirit children of the Father (and the Heavenly Mother) we are of the same species as God. So, we believe that we participate in a nature that is not our own, while Mormons believe that we are already of that nature, but need it to be realized and perfected.

 

[StrawberryJam]

To use abortion as an example. Catholics believe life begins at conception. This is why we oppose abortion, in all circumstances.

LDS can’t say when life begins. At one time they opposed all abortions, now, they don’t. A person can choose abortion if they pray about it and believe God says it’s OK.

A Catholic sees this prayer as an affront against God.

It is a different approach to morality, based on underlying doctrines of creation, soul and God. None of which are similar between the two faiths.

But, if they believe a person was pre-created, doesn’t this leave moral and ethical obligations on the part of the LDS on abortion?

 

[Annie_B]

But, if they believe a person was pre-created, doesn’t this leave moral and ethical obligations on the part of the LDS on abortion?

Of course it does. How one handles the situation of an abortion must be answered to GOD and nobody else. Ultimately HE is the judge - the only perfect One. Only He knows why decisions are made. We may think we know but there is always something that can only be revealed to and by God; therefore we have no right to judge another. We can judge that abortion right or wrong but we cannot judge the reason a woman might get one because we will never know the whole story.

Annie

 

[StrawberryJam]

Of course it does. How one handles the situation of an abortion must be answered to GOD and nobody else. Ultimately HE is the judge - the only perfect One. Only He knows why decisions are made. We may think we know but there is always something that can only be revealed to and by God; therefore we have no right to judge another. We can judge that abortion right or wrong but we cannot judge the reason a woman might get one because we will never know the whole story.

Annie

Sounds very compatible with secular humanism.

 

[Annie_B]

Sounds very compatible with secular humanism.

Sounds very compatible with the Bible! “…Judge not lest ye be judged…”
Annie

 

[StrawberryJam]

Sounds very compatible with the Bible! “…Judge not lest ye be judged…”
Annie

Annie,

I always wonder why folks accuse me of being a judge. I read the text as you do. I don’t even believe.
How many of the texts in the christian bible do you need to realize your position is very very weak?

 

[Todd520]

People write books trying to answer the OP question, so it’s a bit broad for a forum post

This page does a comparison of Mainstream Christianity with Mormonism.
religionfacts.com/mormonism/comparison.htm

Another one page simplification
Catholicism and Mormonism

 

[Catholic20064]

I am not expecting anyone here to give any great detail in answering this broad question.

Just looking for a way to go over a basic checklist and go from there.

Personal commentary or opinion is not what I am asking for here.

Just facts.

I can’t think of any real similarities except they both claim apostolic authority. Their doctrines seem totally opposed to each other when you get behind the different meanings that Mormons and Catholic have about the same words. If you’ve actually studied the theology found in both groups it’s difficult to find an overlap. They are opposed to gay marriage, adultery, fornication and pornography just as we Catholics are. They don’t believe in lying, stealing, etc. just as Catholics are.

 

[PaulDupre]

But, if they believe a person was pre-created, doesn’t this leave moral and ethical obligations on the part of the LDS on abortion?

The LDS belief in pre-existence actually gives them a moral escape clause on abortion. They believe that pre-existent spirits are waiting to come down to earth to get human bodies. The spirit does not bond permanently with the body until live birth. If the fetus is aborted, the spirit will simply wait a bit longer and be born into a different body.

So Mormons believe that when they abort a child, they are not ending a life, but merely delaying it a bit. I’m sure it is very comforting to them.

 

[Annie_B]

Annie,

I always wonder why folks accuse me of being a judge. I read the text as you do. I don’t even believe.
How many of the texts in the christian bible do you need to realize your position is very very weak?

I did not accuse you of being a judge! I was pointing out a teaching of the Bible on people judging others for doing what they do. Again I say that we may judge WHAT they do as wrong, but we have no business judging why they do it! As far as a weak position, I suppose you are right - as long as you believe the Bible to be weak
Annie

 

[Todd520]

I can’t think of any real similarities except they both claim apostolic authority. Their doctrines seem totally opposed to each other when you get behind the different meanings that Mormons and Catholic have about the same words. If you’ve actually studied the theology found in both groups it’s difficult to find an overlap. They are opposed to gay marriage, adultery, fornication and pornography just as we Catholics are. They don’t believe in lying, stealing, etc. just as Catholics are.

My heart goes out to you and I pray that you spend more sincere effort in your research.

Considering we both believe the Bible (NT & OT) is scripture, I think sililarities far outweigh differences.

 

[Catholic20064]

My heart goes out to you and I pray that you spend more sincere effort in your research.

Considering we both believe the Bible (NT & OT) is scripture, I think sililarities far outweigh differences.

We think very differently about how those books should be interpreted especially with regards to our view of God’s nature. That really is the most important theological question – what is our relationship with God? Mormons see God as merely an advanced human being while Catholics see God as the ultimate cause of the entire cosmos. Catholics see God’s nature as completely different than human nature.

 

[Todd520]

We think very differently about how those books should be interpreted especially with regards to our view of God’s nature. That really is the most important theological question – what is our relationship with God? Mormons see God as merely an advanced human being while Catholics see God as the ultimate cause of the entire cosmos. Catholics see God’s nature as completely different than human nature.

Well, you are confirming you only have a juvenile understanding of the LDS faith. Please do serious research before making such blanket statements. Our God is your God.

And to take it one step further, where in the Bible do we disagree on the definition and power of God?

 

[Catholic20064]

Well, you are confirming you only have a juvenile understanding of the LDS faith. Please do serious research before making such blanket statements. Our God is your God.

And to take it one step further, where in the Bible do we disagree on the definition and power of God?

The Catholic Church studied the issue and decided your God and our God were very different. I converted to Mormonism at 19 and was an active Mormon for 30+ years before converting to Catholicism. I think I have a fairly good understanding of the Mormon doctrine of deity based on Sunday School lessons and Priesthood lessons I taught from Mormon manuals during that time. Mormons sometimes want to disregard what was taught in the past, but the Catholic Church studied it thoroughly before deciding that Mormon baptism was invalid and non-Christian because of their doctrine of deity.

 

[StrawberryJam]

Okay, I just want to step in here so everyone knows I did intend to be online more often when posting the thread, and am very sorry I did not. My obligations went a bit farther than expected after I posted this.
I am glad that this has been a pretty non contentious thread, and want to keep it that way.
Also glad that I have had all contributors to the thread here, and have all been a very helpful part of my putting the pieces together on this topic. Both sides have done so, and well.
I want to ask that we keep it this way.
Thought about this a lot today. I was not dressed enough to go visit a Temple today to see for myself what I know, or think I know it is I may be able to see clearer if only I had the guts to do it.
Maybe some other day I will try.
I still have to read about the saint for tommorow, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal who is on the calander for tomorrow. If I can get to Mass on time.
I still have to read the information I got at the library on Mormonism.
In the end, I am happy that this thread does indicate that there is similarity in doctrine with Catholics and Mormons, and I will take the time to investigate more.

I thank you all for commenting, and helping me find answers.

 

[CatholicGuyNY]

Well, you are confirming you only have a juvenile understanding of the LDS faith. Please do serious research before making such blanket statements. Our God is your God.

And to take it one step further, where in the Bible do we disagree on the definition and power of God?

The idea that God the Father is an “exalted man” is an idea unique to Mormonism, and has been stated by Joseph Smith (and is also mentioned in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, referencing TPJS) If the post by Catholic20064 made an incorrect statement, then please correct it. From my understanding of Mormonism, it is quite clear that Mormons believe the Father to be an “exalted man”, embodied, and of the same nature as humans (since we are literal spirit children of the Father and Heavenly Mother). In contrast, Catholics believe that we are of a different nature from the Father. Also, Catholics accept creatio ex nihilo, which Mormons reject, in favor of the belief that God created/organized everything out of pre-existing material, which was therefore co-eternal with God. For Catholics, there is nothing co-eternal with God (God here=Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

 

[StrawberryJam]

The idea that God the Father is an “exalted man” is an idea unique to Mormonism, and has been stated by Joseph Smith (and is also mentioned in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, referencing TPJS) If the post by Catholic20064 made an incorrect statement, then please correct it. From my understanding of Mormonism, it is quite clear that Mormons believe the Father to be an “exalted man”, embodied, and of the same nature as humans (since we are literal spirit children of the Father and Heavenly Mother). In contrast, Catholics believe that we are of a different nature from the Father. Also, Catholics accept creatio ex nihilo, which Mormons reject, in favor of the belief that God created/organized everything out of pre-existing material, which was therefore co-eternal with God. For Catholics, there is nothing co-eternal with God (God here=Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

I so much like the clarity here in this post.

My only concerns are that, the Orthodox deny original sin.

Could this mean, that they are closer in thought to Mormonism?

Just thinking out loud.

Original sin seems to be the cornerstone, everything else seems to be less important in my study and investigation.

I want to evaluate both sides.

 

[Todd520]

StrawberryJam,
CatholicGuy has raised an issue that must be clarified for you and any other investigator.

Just because you read about something said by an LDS Prophet or leader doesn’t make it true or make it church doctrine. Prophets and Popes are not plugged into the Holy Ghost 24/7 spouting only the wisdom of God - revelation is pretty rare. Most of the time they are normal individuals with the same trials and tribulations faced by the rest of us.

 

[CatholicGuyNY]

StrawberryJam,
CatholicGuy has raised an issue that must be clarified for you and any other investigator.

Just because you read about something said by an LDS Prophet or leader doesn’t make it true or make it church doctrine. Prophets and Popes are not plugged into the Holy Ghost 24/7 spouting only the wisdom of God - revelation is pretty rare. Most of the time they are normal individuals with the same trials and tribulations faced by the rest of us.

So are Joseph Smith and the Encyclopedia of Mormonism wrong in saying that the Father is an “exalted man”?

 

[StrawberryJam]

StrawberryJam,
CatholicGuy has raised an issue that must be clarified for you and any other investigator.

Just because you read about something said by an LDS Prophet or leader doesn’t make it true or make it church doctrine. Prophets and Popes are not plugged into the Holy Ghost 24/7 spouting only the wisdom of God - revelation is pretty rare. Most of the time they are normal individuals with the same trials and tribulations faced by the rest of us.

I think every catholic would agree with that statement, so you have brought up yet another point of similarity.

Thank you Todd, for your kind and thoughtful reply.