Mormons came to my door today

[Madaglan]

Today I had my first door knocking Mormon experience. A few years ago, while I was in college, two girls talked with me as I was walking back to campus at night; but tonight was the first time that Mormons actually knocked at my door. When I opened the door, I was a bit confused; I thought maybe the two young men were friends of my housemates (who were not home)

They started talking to me, asking me if I’ve heard of this special sort of gospel. I said no, but when they mentioned the Church of Latter Day Saints, I knew who they were.

So, they asked me if I had any questions. Not being very familiar, but knowing something about Mormonism, I said no; but I asked if perhaps I could have a Book of Mormon. They gave me one, not reluctantly I don’t think, but I think they wanted to talk with me some more. It was a rather interesting conversation. We were very polite to each other, even shaking hands. They said they would come back in a week to see how I am doing. I’m wondering what I should say to them when they come back–if I should spend time studying Mormonism during the week. I don’t really want to slam the door on their face, even if I don’t believe what Mormonism teaches.

What do you think?

 

[holdencaulfield]

Today I had my first door knocking Mormon experience. A few years ago, while I was in college, two girls talked with me as I was walking back to campus at night; but tonight was the first time that Mormons actually knocked at my door. When I opened the door, I was a bit confused; I thought maybe the two young men were friends of my housemates (who were not home)

They started talking to me, asking me if I’ve heard of this special sort of gospel. I said no, but when they mentioned the Church of Latter Day Saints, I knew who they were.

So, they asked me if I had any questions. Not being very familiar, but knowing something about Mormonism, I said no; but I asked if perhaps I could have a Book of Mormon. They gave me one, not reluctantly I don’t think, but I think they wanted to talk with me some more. It was a rather interesting conversation. We were very polite to each other, even shaking hands. They said they would come back in a week to see how I am doing. I’m wondering what I should say to them when they come back–if I should spend time studying Mormonism during the week. I don’t really want to slam the door on their face, even if I don’t believe what Mormonism teaches.

What do you think?

Here’s what I think:

Yes they are often very kind, people. Why? Because they want converts. Just because they are kind doesn’t mean what they teach is true. Hindus are very nice people, is what they believe true? No.

First I think you should do some research on Joseph Smith the founder of this religion. Here are some good links:

Joseph Smith pt. 1

Joseph Smith pt. 2

20 Truths about Mormonism

Second I think you should do some research about the Book of Mormon. Here are some good links:

Problems With the Book of Mormon

Contradictions in the Book of Mormon

More Contradictions in the Book of Mormon

Third when you should find out what the Mormons actually believe, not what they claim to believe. Here are some good links:

Beliefs of the Mormon Church

More Beliefs of the Mormon Church

When they ask you why you have rejected their religion, you will then have answers.

I trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you into Truth and not the lies of the Mormon Church. With that I will leave you with this quote from the Bible.

“If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:9)

 

[Chris-WA]

Once they find out you’re a Catholic, at some point in the conversation they will try to tell you that the early Christian church completely apostatized, lost its authority, and was taken away from the earth by God (thereby nullifying the claims of the Catholic Church that it has continued uninterrupted since the time of Christ). When they make this claim, ask them to give specifics as to when and how this Great Apostacy happened. They will dance around this issue quoting bible verses that really don’t talk about a complete apostacy* of* the church at all, but rather about the apostacy of somepeople from the church, which has always existed and will exist until the end of time. It’s important that you point out the difference. Then you can get into a discussion of how all early church documents, even as far back as the first century, point to the inescapable conclusion that the Church has always been Catholic–the earliest Christians celebrated the mass, believed in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, believed in confession to a priest, believed in baptism even for infants, believed that the bishop of Rome was the absolute leader of the church, etc. And no where do we find a history of the Church apostatizing from the true teachings of Christ. The silence in that area is deafening. Without the Great Apostacy, Mormonism comes crumbling down in a heap.

 

[holdencaulfield]

Once they find out you’re a Catholic, at some point in the conversation they will try to tell you that the early Christian church completely apostatized, lost its authority, and was taken away from the earth by God (thereby nullifying the claims of the Catholic Church that it has continued uninterrupted since the time of Christ). When they make this claim, ask them to give specifics as to when and how this Great Apostacy happened. They will dance around this issue quoting bible verses that really don’t talk about a complete apostacy* of* the church at all, but rather about the apostacy of somepeople from the church, which has always existed and will exist until the end of time. It’s important that you point out the difference. Then you can get into a discussion of how all early church documents, even as far back as the first century, point to the inescapable conclusion that the Church has always been Catholic–the earliest Christians celebrated the mass, believed in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, believed in confession to a priest, believed in baptism even for infants, believed that the bishop of Rome was the absolute leader of the church, etc. And no where do we find a history of the Church apostatizing from the true teachings of Christ. The silence in that area is deafening. Without the Great Apostacy, Mormonism comes crumbling down in a heap.

That’s quite true. Just stay on your toes, use history to your advantage and in no time they should be gone and out your door.

 

[Preacher_Vern]

Today I had my first door knocking Mormon experience. A few years ago, while I was in college, two girls talked with me as I was walking back to campus at night; but tonight was the first time that Mormons actually knocked at my door. When I opened the door, I was a bit confused; I thought maybe the two young men were friends of my housemates (who were not home)

They started talking to me, asking me if I’ve heard of this special sort of gospel. I said no, but when they mentioned the Church of Latter Day Saints, I knew who they were.

So, they asked me if I had any questions. Not being very familiar, but knowing something about Mormonism, I said no; but I asked if perhaps I could have a Book of Mormon. They gave me one, not reluctantly I don’t think, but I think they wanted to talk with me some more. It was a rather interesting conversation. We were very polite to each other, even shaking hands. They said they would come back in a week to see how I am doing. I’m wondering what I should say to them when they come back–if I should spend time studying Mormonism during the week. I don’t really want to slam the door on their face, even if I don’t believe what Mormonism teaches.

What do you think?

If you don’t want to learn about the Mormonism church, then way waste there time? Just say thanks for there time.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Today I had my first door knocking Mormon experience. A few years ago, while I was in college, two girls talked with me as I was walking back to campus at night; but tonight was the first time that Mormons actually knocked at my door. When I opened the door, I was a bit confused; I thought maybe the two young men were friends of my housemates (who were not home)

They started talking to me, asking me if I’ve heard of this special sort of gospel. I said no, but when they mentioned the Church of Latter Day Saints, I knew who they were.

So, they asked me if I had any questions. Not being very familiar, but knowing something about Mormonism, I said no; but I asked if perhaps I could have a Book of Mormon. They gave me one, not reluctantly I don’t think, but I think they wanted to talk with me some more. It was a rather interesting conversation. We were very polite to each other, even shaking hands. They said they would come back in a week to see how I am doing. I’m wondering what I should say to them when they come back–if I should spend time studying Mormonism during the week. I don’t really want to slam the door on their face, even if I don’t believe what Mormonism teaches.

What do you think?

Like salesmen, mormon missionaries are taught to play on the socialization we all have to “be polite”. They will push this to the limits, and the more you are polite and don’t say “not interested”, the more they are encouraged that you are a “golden contact”. Meaning, someone they will have baptized within the next 2 months.

Tell them, politelty, “I am not interested.” And if you experience, like I have, that they just sort of ignore this statement, like you aren’t speaking the same language as them. Say it again, and again, and again, until they leave and don’t come back.

 

[Chris-WA]

If you don’t want to learn about the Mormonism church, then way waste there time? Just say thanks for there time.

Because it’s not just about learning Mormonism, but also about sharing Catholicism. If a Catholic is comfortable enough to share the faith, this is a perfect opportunity for some young men who really need it.

 

[grandfather]

Because it’s not just about learning Mormonism, but also about sharing Catholicism. If a Catholic is comfortable enough to share the faith, this is a perfect opportunity for some young men who really need it.

Did you not read that the OP, Msgdalen, wrote that she is not interested in learning about Mormonism. If she does not want to take the time to do this she can not engage in a dialogue on a subject she does not understand. She is not under any obligation to study Mormonism, or any other heresy or false religion in order to refute it.

 

[Renton405]

Once they find out you’re a Catholic, at some point in the conversation they will try to tell you that the early Christian church completely apostatized, lost its authority, and was taken away from the earth by God (thereby nullifying the claims of the Catholic Church that it has continued uninterrupted since the time of Christ). When they make this claim, ask them to give specifics as to when and how this Great Apostacy happened. They will dance around this issue quoting bible verses that really don’t talk about a complete apostacy* of* the church at all, but rather about the apostacy of somepeople from the church, which has always existed and will exist until the end of time. It’s important that you point out the difference. Then you can get into a discussion of how all early church documents, even as far back as the first century, point to the inescapable conclusion that the Church has always been Catholic–the earliest Christians celebrated the mass, believed in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, believed in confession to a priest, believed in baptism even for infants, believed that the bishop of Rome was the absolute leader of the church, etc. And no where do we find a history of the Church apostatizing from the true teachings of Christ. The silence in that area is deafening. Without the Great Apostacy, Mormonism comes crumbling down in a heap.

do mormons even celebrate mass??

 

[zagjames]

do mormons even celebrate mass??

most definetly not
they have “sacrament meetings” in which members of the stake (that congregation) give testamonies and the arronic preists (12 to 15 year old boys usually) bless the bread and water while being overseed by “bishops” (volunteers that act like pastors… kinda).

For communion the use wonder bread and water, because if jesus would have had clean water he would have used it instead of wine.

every thing is drab, quite and dull. i went once to appease a mormon friend whom i had got to attend several Masses. the bishops sitting up front were interesting there was a nice looking one and one that looked like a bouncer, he glared at me and my other friend who also came with me when we didnt sing (the songs were heretical). we didnt take their communion either of course, even my reformed protestant friend who believes it is only symbols was too weirded out to take communion there. oh and in the classrooms they have paintings of book of mormonheros but they all look like conan the destroyer, standing on top of roman style troop encampment walls that are in latin america, oh and they are weilding bronze weapons. it is super neato.

I will gladly and firmly say that I do not want to step foot inside that building again.

 

[teadough]

were they riding bikes?

 

[paarsurrey]

Third when you should find out what the Mormons actually believe, not what they claim to believe.

Hi

In my opinion one should form one’s opinion after reading the basic book of a religion, not from what others ( those who are against them) say about them.

Thanks

 

[dolphinlove]

Invite them in for a cup of coffee, extra strong

 

[Preacher_Vern]

Because it’s not just about learning Mormonism, but also about sharing Catholicism. If a Catholic is comfortable enough to share the faith, this is a perfect opportunity for some young men who really need it.

When was the last time you went to someones door and talk to them about your faith?

 

[zerinus]

Today I had my first door knocking Mormon experience. A few years ago, while I was in college, two girls talked with me as I was walking back to campus at night; but tonight was the first time that Mormons actually knocked at my door. When I opened the door, I was a bit confused; I thought maybe the two young men were friends of my housemates (who were not home)

They started talking to me, asking me if I’ve heard of this special sort of gospel. I said no, but when they mentioned the Church of Latter Day Saints, I knew who they were.

So, they asked me if I had any questions. Not being very familiar, but knowing something about Mormonism, I said no; but I asked if perhaps I could have a Book of Mormon. They gave me one, not reluctantly I don’t think, but I think they wanted to talk with me some more. It was a rather interesting conversation. We were very polite to each other, even shaking hands. They said they would come back in a week to see how I am doing. I’m wondering what I should say to them when they come back–if I should spend time studying Mormonism during the week. I don’t really want to slam the door on their face, even if I don’t believe what Mormonism teaches.

What do you think?

Yes, Mormonism is true, and I highly recommend you to invite them in and talk to them. I also recommend you to read the Book of Mormon before they come, so that you have some good questions to ask them.

zerinus

 

[teadough]

Yes, Mormonism is true, and I highly recommend you to invite them in and talk to them. I also recommend you to read the Book of Mormon before they come, so that you have some good questions to ask them.

zerinus

why has the Book of Mormon changed in more than 4,000 places since 1830?

 

[Jerusha]

I would advise you to go ahead and read that BOM. Then put it in a plastic bag hanging on your doorknob. Attach to the plastic bag a letter addressed to “Mormon Missionaries” Say something to the effect that

“I read your book, and it was boring and poorly written. I found it offensive, racist, and blasphemous. I refuse to have any more discussions with you. If you persist, even today, I will call the police and file a charge of harrassment.”

put a little note at the bottom

cc: ___________ City Police Dept

And make sure you have followed through on that.

You should have no further problems.

 

[Chris-WA]

When was the last time you went to someones door and talk to them about your faith?

O.k., I’m not sure what you’re getting at here, but you seem to have it out for me for some reason so I will respond. I have never gone door to door to preach Catholicism, but if Mormon missionaries come to my door, I always use that as an opportunity to share my Catholic faith with them. That is what I was trying to tell the op, but you seem to think I was suggesting that she needed to learn about Mormonism. I don’t know where you got the idea that I was disregarding her disinterest in the Mormon religion. If she is not interested, fine, but use the opportunity to share Catholicism with Mormon missionaries who definitely have all kinds of wrong ideas about the Catholic Church. Now I would only suggest this to a Catholic who has a good working knowledge of the faith, because if one doesn’t, the missionaries have the upper hand and the Catholic becomes an easy target for conversion.

The crux of the issue between Catholicism and Mormonism is ultimately their claim of the “Great Apostacy.” That is the basis from which they can claim to be the restoration of the original Christian Church, and thereby makes all other Christian religions false. I would focus on that area with them, because their entire religion is void if the Great Apostacy is simply the invention of Joseph Smith (which it is).

Mormon missionaries are not used to dealing with Catholics who know their faith and can refute the Great Apostacy. When you show them you can, you plant a seed in their minds that someday may lead them out of Mormonism altogether.

 

[Jerusha]

Actually, from what I see in the BOM, comparing the worst of it (and Mormon history) to the best of it, Mormonism is in apostasy from itself. And this occurred very early. Remember that they have a tendency of accusing others of what they themselves are guilty.

So, if you want to engage in debate, go ahead. I really don’t care to, given some of my past interactions with people like Z. The further away I get form LDS cultural influence, the better off I am.

 

[lukewarm]

I hear this a lot of people who don’t believe Mormonism at all and already know what it’s about entertaining missionaries. If you don’t have any interest in Mormonism just go ahead and tell them that. Why bother getting into a debate or anything else? It will be a waste of both your time. I’m sure those young men want to shake off the dust and move on to more ignorant pastures.

I do this all the time with door to door preachers or people selling something. I figure it’s nicer to tell them immediately I’m not interested rather than waste the peoples time.