Mormon and Catholics bridges

[jane_doe]

Had he been ill? I know a couple of others have passed so you guys will be getting a few new members of the 12 in a couple of weeks.

So many of those who were in the 12 when I was LDS have since passed, or are very aged now. I dont think many are left that I can recall.

He had been ill for a quite a while.

Yeah, it’ll be 3 new called this fall (replacing Scott, Perry, and Packer).

I don’t know when you left but only 4 remain that were called pre-1990 (when my memory starts up).

 

[Marie5890]

He had been ill for a quite a while.

Yeah, it’ll be 3 new called this fall (replacing Scott, Perry, and Packer).

I don’t know when you left but only 4 remain that were called pre-1990 (when my memory starts up).

That would explain it. I left in '91

I had a very brief association with Holland when he was pres of the Y. but he was a 70 when I left.

So much time, so many life times ago, it seems.

 

[kimg901]

Halo,

I applaud your efforts to reach out to your friends and talk about God in a world whom would rather ban Him from discussion. I would suggest that the best way to get to know your friends better and build bridges, is not found on-line, but by talking to your friends. Ask them what they believe, share what you believe, and see the Goodness.

Blessed journey!
-Jane

Of course you would say “not found online”. This is where a lot of people (former Mormons) are telling the truth about what the lds church teaches. You cant hide the truth from those seeking it.

 

[Jerusha]

There are no former Catholics like there are other religions. We are told that walking away or excommunication sends us straight to Hell. Maybe that’s similar to other churches too, I don’t know.

Resolution of those personal experiences and issues, forgiveness of those who have hurt you, and repentance are always available. God is the only judge.

I have forgiven priests who did not understand my MormoCatholic upbringing and perspective. Many Catholics fear examining Mormonism. Unless we examine negative aspects of American culture and history, embodied in Mormonism, we will have difficulty in understanding where American Catholicism goes astray from the Catholic (Universal) Church. At least in my experience.

 

[RebeccaJ]

I would add regarding the pastoral issue a huge difference. Priests are educated not only with university degrees but with extensive seminary education. Years of education prior to ordination. Part of this education is how to give pastoral care to individuals, parishes, and communities.

The LDS have laity as “pastors”. They just pick someone from the congregation to be in whatever position happens to be open. Sometimes these men have university educations and sometimes not. But they do not have the extensive religious education of priests.

For parish priests, their full time (and more) job is to be a parish priest. The bishop of an LDS ward has a full time job and is bishop on the side.

So again not too many commonalities as it would appear at first glance.

It is particularly an issue for the teenage children of a Mormon bishop. I think of this because my dad was a Mormon bishop, in my young childhood years. Three of four of my older siblings, who were teens at the time, left Mormonism. One has gone back, some 25 years later. Mormon teens are supposed to go to their bishop for council and confession. I just can’t see a teenager confessing to their dad.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

Neo orthodox Mormonism try’s to bridge the gap , but it’s still heretical.

So it is heretical. That doesn’t mean that the Catholic church can’t also try to bridge the gap.

 

[Horton]

So it is heretical. That doesn’t mean that the Catholic church can’t also try to bridge the gap.

I think Catholics do try to bridge the gap. The biggest difference is proselytizing. It has been my experience the LDS’s motivation to bridge the gap is they are trying to win over converts. It has happened many times in my time while living in densely LDS populated communities. Once they learn you will not convert, your usefulness to them is greatly reduced.

 

[Marie5890]

I think Catholics do try to bridge the gap. The biggest difference is proselytizing. It has been my experience the LDS’s motivation to bridge the gap is they are trying to win over converts. It has happened many times in my time while living in densely LDS populated communities. Once they learn you will not convert, your usefulness to them is greatly reduced.

^^^^^This, sadly, is a very common experience.

If bridging the gap is truly something Mormons want to do, as a whole, they have to let go of the** agenda of making converts** of those they are befriending.

It’s so ingrained in Mormon culture, that it will be hard, though.

 

[Try2BeHumble]

Hi

I really enjoyed the intention of this post I think your heart is in the right place. One of my best friends is Mormon and even though it was very difficult time because our religions differ so much we are doing ok. We have decide to focus our friendship around Jesus and our love of the scriptures. We pray for one another and ask questions to understand each other’s faiths. While I wish with all my heart she were Catholic I have to pray and let her discover her faith journey. I believe that she did experience the Holy Spirit and focuses on her relationship with Jesus which is great. I would add that there is a great talk by lighthouse Catholic media called from Mormon to Catholic it’s an amazing talk and really explains a lot about the Mormon faith. If your friends are opened to it you could listen and discuss the differences together. Remember not to push just pray and show love.

 

[Pepband_Mom]

For those of us that live in Utah, many have had very negative experiences with Mormons.

When I lived elsewhere, I had Mormon friends.

Until you have experienced it, you just wouldn’t understand.

oh, boy do I ever understand!!! I worked for a LDS Dr for 14 years. One day he told me “there are only 2 faiths - the Catholic & LDS” & essentially went on to say that the Prots had no foundation for their existence (protested & broke away). However, to my knowledge there is only:

1 faith, 1 church, 1 gospel according to scripture

I asked him “how does Truth exist in 2 forms?”