My parents are becoming Mormon

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michaeldean

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My dad was raised LDS and my mom joined for a little while when they were in their 20s, but they left. My mom went back to non-denominational protestantism, which is how I was raised, and my dad became pretty much agnostic/atheist. My dad’s policy is to stay out of the way of any contentious subject, for the most part (unless he has already given an opinion on it, in which case he will defend it until he is dead), but my mom’s always been wary of Catholicism, for the usual host of reasons, misunderstanding the idea of saints, etc., though not outright prejudiced. Like I said, I was raised protestant, and was pretty turned off by it, somewhat for theological reasons, mostly because I went to a Christian high school and, well, you know how that goes.
My mom has always been sympathetic to religion, but lately, it’s been my dad, for some baffling reason, who has been encouraging the missionaries (they’ve always come to our house since I was a child) and actually going to church with them. I’m still pretty gun-shy about religion, because of my experiences, though I’d say my beliefs line up most closely with Catholicism and it’s the only church I’ve gone to of my own free will, but I’m not so open about discussing the whole religion thing with my family. They don’t really know about my personal beliefs and struggles so I can’t blame them for being insensitive, but it annoys me to hear them bash Catholic beliefs when they’re becoming part of a religion that I see as one of the creepier ones. At the same time, if it makes them happy I don’t want to be that person who tries to dissuade them, and maybe I’m being needlessly intolerant, but it just gives me the willies, especially now that I know it’s my dad’s idea and not my mom’s (religion makes my mom happy and that’s good, but my dad pushes her around a lot and the LDS church is really big on the whole sexism thing, which worries me).
What should I do? Should I do anything? I don’t want to tell them about my own religious questions because they’ll just dissuade me and I’m not really at a point to take that on just yet, but at the same time, I want them to stop mocking Catholics, and I want to make sure my mom’s okay if they keep going with this Mormon thing. I don’t really feel it’s my place to convert them to anything or say they can’t do something, but I’m also concerned.
 
michaeldean said:
My dad was raised LDS and my mom joined for a little while when they were in their 20s, but they left. My mom went back to non-denominational protestantism, which is how I was raised, and my dad became pretty much agnostic/atheist. My dad’s policy is to stay out of the way of any contentious subject, for the most part (unless he has already given an opinion on it, in which case he will defend it until he is dead), but my mom’s always been wary of Catholicism, for the usual host of reasons, misunderstanding the idea of saints, etc., though not outright prejudiced. Like I said, I was raised protestant, and was pretty turned off by it, somewhat for theological reasons, mostly because I went to a Christian high school and, well, you know how that goes.
My mom has always been sympathetic to religion, but lately, it’s been my dad, for some baffling reason, who has been encouraging the missionaries (they’ve always come to our house since I was a child) and actually going to church with them. I’m still pretty gun-shy about religion, because of my experiences, though I’d say my beliefs line up most closely with Catholicism and it’s the only church I’ve gone to of my own free will, but I’m not so open about discussing the whole religion thing with my family. They don’t really know about my personal beliefs and struggles so I can’t blame them for being insensitive, but it annoys me to hear them bash Catholic beliefs when they’re becoming part of a religion that I see as one of the creepier ones. At the same time, if it makes them happy I don’t want to be that person who tries to dissuade them, and maybe I’m being needlessly intolerant, but it just gives me the willies, especially now that I know it’s my dad’s idea and not my mom’s (religion makes my mom happy and that’s good, but my dad pushes her around a lot and the LDS church is really big on the whole sexism thing, which worries me).
What should I do? Should I do anything? I don’t want to tell them about my own religious questions because they’ll just dissuade me and I’m not really at a point to take that on just yet, but at the same time, I want them to stop mocking Catholics, and I want to make sure my mom’s okay if they keep going with this Mormon thing. I don’t really feel it’s my place to convert them to anything or say they can’t do something, but I’m also concerned.
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Pray for them and pray for yourself too so you can continue to get to know the Catholic Faith. Maybe if you could talk to a priest, he could help you with no pressure. You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless, Memaw
 
michaeldean said:
My dad was raised LDS and my mom joined for a little while when they were in their 20s, but they left. My mom went back to non-denominational protestantism, which is how I was raised, and my dad became pretty much agnostic/atheist. My dad’s policy is to stay out of the way of any contentious subject, for the most part (unless he has already given an opinion on it, in which case he will defend it until he is dead), but my mom’s always been wary of Catholicism, for the usual host of reasons, misunderstanding the idea of saints, etc., though not outright prejudiced. Like I said, I was raised protestant, and was pretty turned off by it, somewhat for theological reasons, mostly because I went to a Christian high school and, well, you know how that goes.
My mom has always been sympathetic to religion, but lately, it’s been my dad, for some baffling reason, who has been encouraging the missionaries (they’ve always come to our house since I was a child) and actually going to church with them. I’m still pretty gun-shy about religion, because of my experiences, though I’d say my beliefs line up most closely with Catholicism and it’s the only church I’ve gone to of my own free will, but I’m not so open about discussing the whole religion thing with my family. They don’t really know about my personal beliefs and struggles so I can’t blame them for being insensitive, but it annoys me to hear them bash Catholic beliefs when they’re becoming part of a religion that I see as one of the creepier ones. At the same time, if it makes them happy I don’t want to be that person who tries to dissuade them, and maybe I’m being needlessly intolerant, but it just gives me the willies, especially now that I know it’s my dad’s idea and not my mom’s (religion makes my mom happy and that’s good, but my dad pushes her around a lot and the LDS church is really big on the whole sexism thing, which worries me).
What should I do? Should I do anything? I don’t want to tell them about my own religious questions because they’ll just dissuade me and I’m not really at a point to take that on just yet, but at the same time, I want them to stop mocking Catholics, and I want to make sure my mom’s okay if they keep going with this Mormon thing. I don’t really feel it’s my place to convert them to anything or say they can’t do something, but I’m also concerned.
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If you won’t show then the right path to God who will?
 
I would educate myself about Mormons. Marcus Grodi does a series of interviews with various converts to Catholicism. You can check out his site and read his interviews with Mormons. It will give you an idea about Mormon beliefs and life styles.

Neither Mormons nor Jehovah Witnesses believe in the Trinity so that puts them in the category of cult. There are many other beliefs that are totally non-Christian.

For instance: Mormons believe there are three heavens…one for the real believers, one for the good people who are not Mormons, and the third for people who commit suicide. The last, supposedly, is a very pleasant place. Hmmm, suicide isn’t a sin??

Mormons strive to become “gods” when they die, getting to create their own universes.

Mom may be leary of Catholicism but she’s does belong to a church. Why not ask her present minister to talk to her?
 
michaeldean said:
My dad was raised LDS and my mom joined for a little while when they were in their 20s, but they left. My mom went back to non-denominational protestantism, which is how I was raised, and my dad became pretty much agnostic/atheist. My dad’s policy is to stay out of the way of any contentious subject, for the most part (unless he has already given an opinion on it, in which case he will defend it until he is dead), but my mom’s always been wary of Catholicism, for the usual host of reasons, misunderstanding the idea of saints, etc., though not outright prejudiced. Like I said, I was raised protestant, and was pretty turned off by it, somewhat for theological reasons, mostly because I went to a Christian high school and, well, you know how that goes.
My mom has always been sympathetic to religion, but lately, it’s been my dad, for some baffling reason, who has been encouraging the missionaries (they’ve always come to our house since I was a child) and actually going to church with them. I’m still pretty gun-shy about religion, because of my experiences, though I’d say my beliefs line up most closely with Catholicism and it’s the only church I’ve gone to of my own free will, but I’m not so open about discussing the whole religion thing with my family. They don’t really know about my personal beliefs and struggles so I can’t blame them for being insensitive, but it annoys me to hear them bash Catholic beliefs when they’re becoming part of a religion that I see as one of the creepier ones. At the same time, if it makes them happy I don’t want to be that person who tries to dissuade them, and maybe I’m being needlessly intolerant, but it just gives me the willies, especially now that I know it’s my dad’s idea and not my mom’s (religion makes my mom happy and that’s good, but my dad pushes her around a lot and the LDS church is really big on the whole sexism thing, which worries me).
What should I do? Should I do anything? I don’t want to tell them about my own religious questions because they’ll just dissuade me and I’m not really at a point to take that on just yet, but at the same time, I want them to stop mocking Catholics, and I want to make sure my mom’s okay if they keep going with this Mormon thing. I don’t really feel it’s my place to convert them to anything or say they can’t do something, but I’m also concerned.
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Sorry to hear about your parents. Just thank God every day you were not raised in the LDS church.

Unless your parents formally resigned from the LDS church, they have been on the membership rolls for years. This is why the missionaries kept coming over. Your parents have only been “inactive” and the missionaries have been coming to visit in an attempt to fellowship them back to the LDS church. The emotional and family ties to the LDS church can be very strong, which may explain why your father is returning to the faith.

The LDS church used to be very anti-Catholic. One of their apostles from the 1970s-1980s, Bruce McConkie, wrote in his book Mormon Doctrine in the 1950s that the Catholic Church is the “great and abominable church”. This statement was removed from subsequent editions of the book, but his idea was not unique among LDS. LDS attitudes towards the Catholic Church have definitely softened over the years and the younger generations aren’t really all that anti-Catholic. I have run into issues with my very LDS parents because I 1) left the LDS church and 2) am becoming Catholic.

Are they trying to convert you? Don’t be surprised if they try at some point. Arm yourself with knowledge by going to www.mormonthink.com. It is a very good website which describes LDS teachings and history. The website also includes criticism of LDS teachings and history along with LDS responses to such criticism. As a former LDS, I have also found the tracts on Mormonism on Catholic Answers to be accurate.

Honestly, I am not sure what you can do other than ask your parents to not discuss religion at all with you. That is what we had to do with my parents. It sounds like your father is being a bit passive-aggressive, which is a common behavior among LDS. Your instincts are entirely correct regarding the LDS church. Stay away!

Because your mother is a convert to the LDS church, she may be more willing to hear the truth than your father. There may be a circumstance you can ask a thought-provoking question to her. Make sure you are well-armed with the truth about the LDS church and Joseph Smith before asking any questions.
 
Praying for your family. Breaking away from the LDS church can be extremely difficult. I was a member for 2 years, haven’t stepped foot in one of their churches for over 4 years, and I still feel the overpowering urge to go back sometimes.

I’d recommend going on some exmormon websites and looking at their stories, and also doing research on Joseph Smith and the early LDS church. This story in particular got to me:
exmormon.org/mormon/mormon508.htm Be warned, though, many exmos are virulently atheist because of their awful experiences with religion.

In my experience, theological arguments don’t work as well as proving the entire thing is a lie and was from the very beginning.
 
aicirt said:
I would educate myself about Mormons. Marcus Grodi does a series of interviews with various converts to Catholicism. You can check out his site and read his interviews with Mormons. It will give you an idea about Mormon beliefs and life styles.

Neither Mormons nor Jehovah Witnesses believe in the Trinity so that puts them in the category of cult. There are many other beliefs that are totally non-Christian.

For instance: Mormons believe there are three heavens…one for the real believers, one for the good people who are not Mormons, and the third for people who commit suicide. The last, supposedly, is a very pleasant place. Hmmm, suicide isn’t a sin??

Mormons strive to become “gods” when they die, getting to create their own universes.

Mom may be leary of Catholicism but she’s does belong to a church. Why not ask her present minister to talk to her?
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Neither Mormons nor Jehovah Witnesses believe in the Trinity so that puts them in the category of cult.
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Belief in the Trinity is not the standard of labeling something a “Cult” Jews are not a Cult either.:rolleyes:

Mormonism is not Christianity. It is not a valid way to achieve heaven and they have some beliefs that might seem strange to us. But, the value system of mormonism may very well help the OPs parents. The OP should pray for her parents, cling to the barque of Peter, and help the parents see the True Church, all while honoring them and loving them and not engaging them in religious debates that will backfire. The OP has to learn how to lead from behind, because the OP is the child in this situation.
 
I simply ask a question, why do all these miracles only happen in this one Church? Is someone trying to tell me something? Fatima, Lourdes, Guadalupe, Lanciano, etc.

youtube.com/watch?v=vz9L2EYjjsc

I believe this is pretty hard hitting but it gets to the point, and I should add, this Church is the Catholic Church, Roman and Orthodox. 🙂
 
Wildkit said:
I simply ask a question, why do all these miracles only happen in this one Church? Is someone trying to tell me something? Fatima, Lourdes, Guadalupe, Lanciano, etc.

youtube.com/watch?v=vz9L2EYjjsc

I believe this is pretty hard hitting but it gets to the point, and I should add, this Church is the Catholic Church, Roman and Orthodox. 🙂
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Oh man, that is 32 minutes of a dry talk… You got to offer a cliff notes version if you want to make a point.

Other Churches claim miracles too. And I am not above thinking that they can happen. A lutheran can be cured of cancer. A Hindu can notice the supernatural. Seems to me, every single faith has “miracles” that it claims. Like gold tablets appearing out of nowhere…
 
Hoosier_Daddy said:
Oh man, that is 32 minutes of a dry talk… You got to offer a cliff notes version if you want to make a point.

Other Churches claim miracles too. And I am not above thinking that they can happen. A lutheran can be cured of cancer. A Hindu can notice the supernatural. Seems to me, every single faith has “miracles” that it claims. Like gold tablets appearing out of nowhere…
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Should have denoted the length of time, but I am absolutely sure some Protestant, Hindu or other sect can say something about a private miracle, but I am not aware of one that is there for the multitudes to see, today and beyond? Incorrupt bodies, scapulars that should be dust, Shroud of Turin, yet I am certain we have all seen a “miracle” of a neighbor surviving a terrible event. God works in mysterious ways, but why does he only act in this way with this Church? Again and again, I simply ask myself,…….could someone possibly be telling me something? 🙂
 
Wildkit said:
Should have denoted the length of time, but I am absolutely sure some Protestant, Hindu or other sect can say something about a private miracle, but I am not aware of one that is there for the multitudes to see, today and beyond? Incorrupt bodies, scapulars that should be dust, Shroud of Turin, yet I am certain we have all seen a “miracle” of a neighbor surviving a terrible event. God works in mysterious ways, but why does he only act in this way with this Church? Again and again, I simply ask myself,…….could someone possibly be telling me something? 🙂
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As a Catholic I agree that our Church has some amazing miracles. But if you look at other cultures, they have miracles to the multitudes as well. There was a young buddhist monk who didn’t eat for years etc. Though the staff of Moses turned into a snake and ate the other snakes, the pharaoh had some “magic” of his own. And though we claim this as our own faith’s miracle, you should note that so do two other non Christian faiths. I’m sure to some zealots in the Islamic world. Two gigantic buildings being reduced to dust in minutes would be a public “miracle”

My point is that from our perspective those are compelling points and miracles. To a Mormon, Buddhist, Calvinist, Muslim, etc those are just unexplained events, dismissed with the same reasoning that you and I dismiss their faith’s miracles.

The dancing of the sun? Incorruptibles? Turin? Those are there and you and I believe them. To others, they are just as fanciful as martial artists dancing on treetops. Or having a powerful “chi ball”
Tell a mormon that St. Joseph of Cupertino flew, or that Padre Pio Bilocated, and they will not convert, and they will think you are as fanciful as we think becoming gods of your own planets is. For me, I believe them because of my faith. I have seen incorruptibles, I have seen Eucharistic miracles. If I were not Catholic, I would view them as I view Chris Angel “mindfreak” tricks.
 
Hoosier_Daddy said:
Belief in the Trinity is not the standard of labeling something a “Cult” Jews are not a Cult either.:rolleyes:

Mormonism is not Christianity. It is not a valid way to achieve heaven and they have some beliefs that might seem strange to us. But, the value system of mormonism may very well help the OPs parents. The OP should pray for her parents, cling to the barque of Peter, and help the parents see the True Church, all while honoring them and loving them and not engaging them in religious debates that will backfire. The OP has to learn how to lead from behind, because the OP is the child in this situation.
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Thank you. In order to be Christian, belief in the Trinity is basic. Jews are not Christians. They are a separate religion same as Muslims etc. Jews don’t pass themselves off as Christians. They know they’re not and so do we. Mormons and JWs do and they are not. No you cannot argue with them.

I suggested that the OP educate herself so that she knows something about the Mormons. I don’t believe the OP is underage. She also has a moral obligation not to watch her parents fall into perdition without offering some guidance.
 
aicirt said:
Thank you. In order to be Christian, belief in the Trinity is basic. Jews are not Christians. They are a separate religion same as Muslims etc. Jews don’t pass themselves off as Christians. They know they’re not and so do we. Mormons and JWs do and they are not. No you cannot argue with them.

I suggested that the OP educate herself so that she knows something about the Mormons. I don’t believe the OP is underage. She also has a moral obligation not to watch her parents fall into perdition without offering some guidance.
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You and I probably agree on this. But you keep saying things that don’t quite make sense to me.
She also has a moral obligation not to watch her parents fall into perdition without offering some guidance
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Honoring your parents is a commandment and a theological order. It has nothing to do with being “of age” which would be different in many locations and historical times. Should she try to “evangelize” her parents and help them find the Truth. Yes! But only in so far as her place as their child is. There is no theology of the age of 18 being the time you treat your parents differently.
 
Hoosier_Daddy said:
I have seen incorruptibles, I have seen Eucharistic miracles. If I were not Catholic, I would view them as I view Chris Angel “mindfreak” tricks.
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I wonder how someone would explain these events as shown in the video? A “mindfreak” trick? Maybe it would be better not to answer it because I just want to believe what I want to believe!
 
Hoosier_Daddy said:
You and I probably agree on this. But you keep saying things that don’t quite make sense to me.

Honoring your parents is a commandment and a theological order. It has nothing to do with being “of age” which would be different in many locations and historical times. Should she try to “evangelize” her parents and help them find the Truth. Yes! But only in so far as her place as their child is. There is no theology of the age of 18 being the time you treat your parents differently.
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I believe in your original post you referred to her as a child. I don’t think she’s under 18. I wouldn’t want to encourage a kid to take issue with her parents. A person over 18 is better equipped to discuss this situation. You do what you can, say what you can, and after that let go and let God.
 
aicirt said:
I believe in your original post you referred to her as a child. I don’t think she’s under 18. I wouldn’t want to encourage a kid to take issue with her parents. A person over 18 is better equipped to discuss this situation. You do what you can, say what you can, and after that let go and let God.
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I never thought she was a “child” as much as she is a child of her parents.
You do what you can, say what you can, and after that let go and let God
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Absolutely!
 
Hoosier_Daddy said:
As a Catholic I agree that our Church has some amazing miracles. But if you look at other cultures, they have miracles to the multitudes as well. There was a young buddhist monk who didn’t eat for years etc. Though the staff of Moses turned into a snake and ate the other snakes, the pharaoh had some “magic” of his own. And though we claim this as our own faith’s miracle, you should note that so do two other non Christian faiths. I’m sure to some zealots in the Islamic world. Two gigantic buildings being reduced to dust in minutes would be a public “miracle”

My point is that from our perspective those are compelling points and miracles. To a Mormon, Buddhist, Calvinist, Muslim, etc those are just unexplained events, dismissed with the same reasoning that you and I dismiss their faith’s miracles.

The dancing of the sun? Incorruptibles? Turin? Those are there and you and I believe them. To others, they are just as fanciful as martial artists dancing on treetops. Or having a powerful “chi ball”
Tell a mormon that St. Joseph of Cupertino flew, or that Padre Pio Bilocated, and they will not convert, and they will think you are as fanciful as we think becoming gods of your own planets is. For me, I believe them because of my faith. I have seen incorruptibles, I have seen Eucharistic miracles. If I were not Catholic, I would view them as I view Chris Angel “mindfreak” tricks.
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The dancing of the sun, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, has resulted in people converting on the spot, and/or returning to the church even when they did not receive a personal healing of the body. Chris Angel “mindfreak” tricks resulted in no conversions.
 
aicirt said:
The dancing of the sun, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, has resulted in people converting on the spot, and/or returning to the church even when they did not receive a personal healing of the body. Chris Angel “mindfreak” tricks resulted in no conversions.
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I don’t know about that. Round these parts, the trailer park seems to be growing.😉
 
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