Need advice on Mormon Missionary's

[JTBT]

I appreciate your candid response and your fairness in labeling Unitarian Protestant churches as non-christian. I do believe you would be surprised at the foundational differences between Protestant churches.

your question was “don’t you still considered them Christians” and my answer is no, would you rather I hide my beliefs? perhaps I should have said I do not consider them Orthodox Christians.
I would be happy to hear about the foundational differences that you have found

I have no real interest in discussing the doctrines of the Mormon church.

I am very interested in understanding the beliefs (and reasons behind them) of the Catholic church. I am fascinated by the depth of teachings and history the church has

So am I, I guess that is why I am at this web site

and the vast difference between the Catholic church and most other churches.It is fascinating that Catholics read the same Bible as Protestants and land in such a different place.

I don’t think that “Orthodox” Protestants and Catholics are that far apart.

 

[GatorMommy]

It is fascinating that Catholics read the same Bible as Protestants and land in such a different place.

Catholics don’t believe in personal interpretation of the Bible. Afterall, look at the plethora of fractions in Protestantism. They came into being because of different personal interpretations.

 

[MichaelDeGroote]

Dear “Melmac”

One of the first things the Angel Moroni told Joseph Smith is that his “name should be had for good and evil among all nations.” Many of the posts in this thread certainly bear this out. It shouldn’t be surprising, however, looking at what was said about the Savior by the Pharisees. Now, of course, just because somebody has enemies doesn’t mean he is a true prophet. I think of Carl Sagan’s quote about genius:

But the fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses. They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.

But, since so many of the posts clearly think Joseph was a false prophet, I thought you might find the following interesting. Joseph Smith said:

If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear them down? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way. Do you believe in Jesus Christ and the Gospel of salvation which he revealed? So do I. Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship in their midst; and they will do it before the millennium can be ushered in and Christ takes possession of His kingdom.

Joseph was friendly with Catholics and even allowed a Catholic Priest to say Mass in the unfinished Nauvoo Temple. He understood the power of the pure love of Christ:

Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind.

And

The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs.

This Christmas season I took my family to a beautiful interfaith live Nativity scene here in Salt Lake City. It was put on by the local Mormons, Catholics, and Baptists. They worked together to build a memorable celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth.

Missionaries encourage people to come to Christ. That was my motivation when I served a mission. I have observed that most often the response to my invitation was that the person became more active in their own church. If that is all your encounter brings, then that is great. I have nothing negative that I can say about the Catholic Church.

Naturally, I wish that people would see the same beauty and truth I enjoy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God–that he joins Peter and Paul as an eye witness of the Divinity of Christ. That like the martyr Stephen, he saw Christ standing on the right hand of God. That like all three he sealed his testimony with his own blood.

But even though few can accept this, I hope we can love each other. It drinks into Christ’s behavioral-based definition of what a disciple is, of what a Christian is:

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -John 13:35

And this, I believe is the answer to the question that lies behind your original post.

 

[melmac]

Dear “Melmac”

Missionaries encourage people to come to Christ. That was my motivation when I served a mission. I have observed that most often the response to my invitation was that the person became more active in their own church. If that is all your encounter brings, then that is great. I have nothing negative that I can say about the Catholic Church.
But even though few can accept this, I hope we can love each other. It drinks into Christ’s behavioral-based definition of what a disciple is, of what a Christian is.
And this, I believe is the answer to the question that lies behind your original post.

Thankyou Michael, A few years ago I was visited by other mormon missionarys and it did lead me back to the catholic church.
I visited my parish priest yesterday he gave me some books on the history of my church and about understanding Mass. The beauty of the words and reason behind each action of Mass left me in tears. I was overwhelmed.
So I’m grateful to the missionary’s who started me on this journey, although I completely believe God was behind it giving me a nudge to come back to him. I have been attending the LDS church for a month now and have been told also by many of it’s members that they pity me (for not having found that the BoM is true). I won’t be attending any more, there was nothing remotely spiritual about the Mass for want of a better name), lots of testimonies about Joseph Smith and the BoM very little was said about the Bible and Jesus. The last one was more a general meeting which in my opinion doesn’t belong in a church. So I don’t need anyone’s pity. Particularly anyone who hasn’t experienced the joy of a Catholic Mass. Having said that many of the people I have met do good work and are christian in deed. More people could take their example. mel

 

[justinthemartyr]

As far as the mormon missionaries are concerned, I take up as much of their time as possible, as to take time away from those they are going to visit who may not know their own faith as well and may be prone to fall for their gospel.

Their bishop does not allow them at my home any longer since “they are not attaining their goal.”

Everytime I see them i yell “hey, are you guys Catholic”?

they say “no”

and I say

“well you should be”

then i turn around and stop and talk with them for 20 minutes-2 hours. I even take them to lunch sometimes, just to take up more of their time. I inform them of the writings of the early church fathers and the history of the Church and especially scripture. I have not met one single missionary who really knows the Bible, they are most familiar with the Book of mormon.

 

[melmac]

As far as the mormon missionaries are concerned, I take up as much of their time as possible, as to take time away from those they are going to visit who may not know their own faith as well and may be prone to fall for their gospel.

Their bishop does not allow them at my home any longer since “they are not attaining their goal.”

Everytime I see them i yell “hey, are you guys Catholic”?

they say “no”

and I say

“well you should be”

then i turn around and stop and talk with them for 20 minutes-2 hours. I even take them to lunch sometimes, just to take up more of their time. I inform them of the writings of the early church fathers and the history of the Church and especially scripture. I have not met one single missionary who really knows the Bible, they are most familiar with the Book of mormon.

Thats so funny my Dad and I had an unofficial competition to keep anyone who came to the door, ie salesman, JWs etc talking until they were the one’s backing away. I won when i talked to a couple for so long one of them fainted and took her companion with her as she went, luckily she went headfirst into a chair (cushioned) she has never returned I’m told she’s too embarrased I now need to find some other way to amuse myself:shrug:

 

[lacer]

it’s a little disapointing to me to witness such defensive feelings about such embracing and christian religions.
so little is accomplished in the case of critical debating and arguments. Christianity to me is the love of god (that both mormons and catholics share) and also the moral stability to do good to EVERYONE. as christ would do.

no restrictions to religion should hinder that.

 

[macroom2]

it’s a little disapointing to me to witness such defensive feelings about such embracing and christian religions.
so little is accomplished in the case of critical debating and arguments. Christianity to me is the love of god (that both mormons and catholics share) and also the moral stability to do good to EVERYONE. as christ would do.

no restrictions to religion should hinder that.

Jesus had harsh words for the Pharisees who rejected Him. He let the rich young man leave Him when the guy wouldn’t sell all his possessions. In Chapter 6 of John Jesus let some disciples leave Him when they didn’t accept His teaching on His body and blood. Jesus wanted good for everyone who accepted Him.

 

[lacer]

Jesus had harsh words for the Pharisees who rejected Him. He let the rich young man leave Him when the guy wouldn’t sell all his possessions. In Chapter 6 of John Jesus let some disciples leave Him when they didn’t accept His teaching on His body and blood. Jesus wanted good for everyone who accepted Him.

You believe Jesus discriminates?
what undeserving harsh words has christ ever said?
maybe i’m not understanding but in that same chapter of st. john christ fed the five thousand people…people that may or may not have accepted his teachings.

 

[macroom2]

You believe Jesus discriminates?
what undeserving harsh words has christ ever said?
maybe i’m not understanding but in that same chapter of st. john christ fed the five thousand people…people that may or may not have accepted his teachings.

I wrote “harsh words” and you put “undeserving” in front, and so you drastically changed the meaning of what I wrote. Jesus fed the five thousand and there is no report of anyone rejecting what He taught. So we can assume they at least listened with respect even if they didn’t explicitly accept what He taught.

 

[lacer]

I wrote “harsh words” and you put “undeserving” in front, and so you drastically changed the meaning of what I wrote. Jesus fed the five thousand and there is no report of anyone rejecting what He taught. So we can assume they at least listened with respect even if they didn’t explicitly accept what He taught.

i’m sorry to change that for you…
but i guess i was implying that there is nothing wrong with harsh words if he did say them. possibly harsh b/c it was true.
but nonetheless… i can’t seem to understand why you wouldn’t believe christ loves unconditionally,
especially considering his sacrifice for man kind.

 

[macroom2]

i’m sorry to change that for you…
but i guess i was implying that there is nothing wrong with harsh words if he did say them. possibly harsh b/c it was true.
but nonetheless… i can’t seem to understand why you wouldn’t believe christ loves unconditionally
especially considering his sacrifice for man kind.

Through His sacrifice for mankind Jesus offers salvation to all and loves all, but He knew that some would go to hell because they sinned and rejected His grace. Does He love those in hell? Maybe, but I certainly wouldn’t claim that He loves them unconditionally.

 

[lacer]

Through His sacrifice for mankind Jesus offers salvation to all and loves all, but He knew that some would go to hell because they sinned and rejected His grace. Does He love those in hell? Maybe, but I certainly wouldn’t claim that He loves them unconditionally.

oh i disagree… i guess that is the idea that i cling to. i believe that is why it is so devistating for him to see us fall away because of that unconditional love. that is why we always have the chance to correct our mistakes and repent

• because he loves us like that.
  which also relates to why we really have no right in judging others. if the perfect person judging us holds no judgement, who dares to judge others as imperfect as we are.

but these are my beliefs.

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

All Mormon Missionary’s are zombies through my eyes. Don’t get me wrong, they are truly lovely people who’s hearts are in the right place, but due to the hideous Catholic prejudices I’m cursed with, I must say, that I do not trust the church because of its origen. God in a physical state and an angel named Moroni is very farfetched. I wonder if they know that the devil can approach a person in any way, shape, or form?

Oh well. Just be whatever faith you trust the most. Mormons (for the most part) are decent people, but they commit the worst form of theft, by which I mean conversion.

I’m sorry if I was too harsh. I know, I *hate *myself for it!

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood

 

[lacer]

All Mormon Missionary’s are zombies through my eyes. Don’t get me wrong, they are truly lovely people who’s hearts are in the right place, but due to the hideous Catholic prejudices I’m cursed with, I must say, that I do not trust the church because of its origen. God in a physical state and an angel named Moroni is very farfetched. I wonder if they know that the devil can approach a person in any way, shape, or form?

Oh well. Just be whatever faith you trust the most. Mormons (for the most part) are decent people, but they commit the worst form of theft, by which I mean conversion.

I’m sorry if I was too harsh. I know, I *hate *myself for it!

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood

lol i do love the irony of all that you said
but idk… i think it’s hard to say we really know all about them. just as rumors start about anyone it’s hard to say anyone can say they know the “truth”
what do you mean by the worst form of theft though?

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

lol i do love the irony of all that you said
but idk… i think it’s hard to say we really know all about them. just as rumors start about anyone it’s hard to say anyone can say they know the “truth”
what do you mean by the worst form of theft though?

Every time a Mormon (missionary or classmate) tells me “I think the Mormon church is really for you.” I say, “Why would I abandon my Catholic faith–somethng I’ve worked so hard for? And how could you even live with yourself knowing that you’ve stolen that gift from me if I were to go with you?”

My faith is very important to me. The faiths of others are just as important to them, maybe even more. It’s a personal insult when someone wants me to join there church.

Stealing such things as faith, ideas, open-mindedness, insightfulness, and the most beautiful ability to live logically is the worst form of theft.

Ironically Yours.

 

[lacer]

Every time a Mormon (missionary or classmate) tells me “I think the Mormon church is really for you.” I say, “Why would I abandon my Catholic faith–somethng I’ve worked so hard for? And how could you even live with yourself knowing that you’ve stolen that gift from me if I were to go with you?”

My faith is very important to me. The faiths of others are just as important to them, maybe even more. It’s a personal insult when someone wants me to join there church.

Stealing such things as faith, ideas, open-mindedness, insightfulness, and the most beautiful ability to live logically is the worst form of theft.

Ironically Yours.

I feel like i am a very open minded person, maybe too much so… but i hardly think that is what they are after- stealing your freedom to think and have your own ideas, i mean.anyone for that matter that reaches out in their religion, well those with the right intentions, are just trying to share the happiness that they feel from it…even mormons included.

lol i enjoy your sense of humor though blade and blood I wouldn’t worry about people trying to steal your strong view on life.

 

[Nickkname]

Every time a Mormon (missionary or classmate) tells me “I think the Mormon church is really for you.” I say, “Why would I abandon my Catholic faith–somethng I’ve worked so hard for? And how could you even live with yourself knowing that you’ve stolen that gift from me if I were to go with you?”

My faith is very important to me. The faiths of others are just as important to them, maybe even more. It’s a personal insult when someone wants me to join there church.

Stealing such things as faith, ideas, open-mindedness, insightfulness, and the most beautiful ability to live logically is the worst form of theft.

Ironically Yours.

staples a Blade and Blood after the Ironically Yours

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

I feel like i am a very open minded person, maybe too much so… but i hardly think that is what they are after- stealing your freedom to think and have your own ideas, i mean.anyone for that matter that reaches out in their religion, well those with the right intentions, are just trying to share the happiness that they feel from it…even mormons included.

lol i enjoy your sense of humor though blade and blood I wouldn’t worry about people trying to steal your strong view on life.

Sharing happiness is good; pressuring is a different story.

I absolutely agree that Mormons’ hearts are in the right place, for the most part-- that’s a given. But I think it’s the look on their face when someone declines a trip to a Mormon church that intrigues me; they have a glazed look in their eyes, a forced smile, and an attitude hidden in the depths of their tone. Very much like your “i enjoy your sense of humor though blade and blood I wouldn’t worry about people trying to steal your strong view on life” sentence. It’s an interesting thing, but perhaps it’s just the Mormons in my area.

There’s just a time and place for it. School is no place.

Ironically Yours.

 

[lacer]

staples a Blade and Blood after the Ironically Yours

Sharing happiness is good; pressuring is a different story.

I absolutely agree that Mormons’ hearts are in the right place, for the most part-- that’s a given. But I think it’s the look on their face when someone declines a trip to a Mormon church that intrigues me; they have a glazed look in their eyes, a forced smile, and an attitude hidden in the depths of their tone. Very much like your “i enjoy your sense of humor though blade and blood I wouldn’t worry about people trying to steal your strong view on life” sentence. It’s an interesting thing, but perhaps it’s just the Mormons in my area.

There’s just a time and place for it. School is no place.

Ironically Yours.

lol what do you mean about my sentence? i wasn’t being sarcastic…
but nonetheless i know what you mean…it just depends on the person and their intentions. some of the mormons in my area are like that…almost like it is a judgement b/c you decline but a lot of the time i think it may just be a friendly gesture… but only god really knows that i guess.