Scapular explanation to Mormons

  • Thread starter Thread starter utah_rose
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
U

utah_rose

Guest
Hi. I hope some ex-Mormons who are converts can help me. I have worn a brown scapular for years (so does my husband).

I attend a water therapy class a few times a week and wear it in the water. The rest of the group of ladies (all nice by the way) sometimes ask me about “my necklace” and why I wear it.

It usually catches me by surprise. I don’t wish to go into a long explanation so I just tell them it is to honor Jesus and Mary.

However, I’d like a snappier or better answer than that because sometimes my husband has been hospitalized and the nurses or doctors ask the same question, and I never know just how to answer them. I’d love some suggestions.
 
The first answer you gave sounds brilliant to me. Concise, pointed and accurate.
 
You know, I would love to hear a really good explanation myself…

I am ex-mormon…I went through the temple as a Mormon and everything. During my conversion to Catholocism I often compared different aspects of Catholic to Mormon. Now, I realize they don’t compare…but somehow it was helpful to me at least for a while to see that many things that the Mormon church puts down about the Catholic church in fact had very simple and good answers.

So, I sort of compared a scapular to the temple garments. Obviously, two different things…but would it possibly help to try and show any sort of comparison with the two? I don’t know much (yet) about the scapulars, but I did have someone tell me, very simply, that it is something worn by very faithful Catholics. That gave me an answer that made sense to me!

I hope I am making sense…don’t tear me apart please. 🙂 I know the basics behind both a Scapular and a Mormon Garment…But, it’s a thought. 🙂
 
zipperc98 said:
You know, I would love to hear a really good explanation myself…

I am ex-mormon…I went through the temple as a Mormon and everything. During my conversion to Catholocism I often compared different aspects of Catholic to Mormon. Now, I realize they don’t compare…but somehow it was helpful to me at least for a while to see that many things that the Mormon church puts down about the Catholic church in fact had very simple and good answers.

So, I sort of compared a scapular to the temple garments. Obviously, two different things…but would it possibly help to try and show any sort of comparison with the two? I don’t know much (yet) about the scapulars, but I did have someone tell me, very simply, that it is something worn by very faithful Catholics. That gave me an answer that made sense to me!

I hope I am making sense…don’t tear me apart please. 🙂 I know the basics behind both a Scapular and a Mormon Garment…But, it’s a thought. 🙂
Click to expand...
No, your explanation was very good. At first it took me by surprise, so I did a few times compare it to a Mormon Garment, adding that it was a sacred thing that some Catholics wore every day, compared to the temple garments they wore.

The Brown Scapular does offer protection but only if you live a good life (I added that). Now I’ve just said that it honors Jesus and Mary without going into a long explanation.

If I did that, then I would have to explain the Rosary (which you should say every day if you’re wearing the brown scapular) and I think that many believe we worship Mary, so that’s why I try and emphasize Jesus at all times.

Thanks for the answer–just wanted a different perspective from someone who was Mormon, and welcome home! I believe you can Google info about the Brown Scapular if you’re interested. Catholics used to receive it on their First Holy Communion. Once it is blessed, if you have to replace it it retains those blessings.

EWTN online may also have a very good explanation and you can also buy a scapular there from their catalogue. An explanation will come with it.
 
I agree with zipperc98 myself - wearing it reminds me a lot of the commitment I made when I started wearing garments. I don’t wear it for the Sabbatine privilege, or for protection, although if Mary blesses me with these graces, I will gladly accept them. I wear them for the symbolism of wearing the scapular - that I will live my life like Mary, and will work diligently to conform my life to the will of God’s.

Wearing garments after I was endowed was very similar. While the stories of protection while wearing garments abounded similar to stories about protection by Our Lady when wearing the scapular, the meaning of the garments leans more towards Mormons showing their commitments to living to the vows that were made in the temple. I use the word “showing” rather loosely, seeing as how the garments are to be worn underneath clothing.

(Funny thing, though - there’s a phrase called the “Eternal Smile” or “Mormon Smile” which is the visibility of the distinct low-neckline of a men’s garment top underneath the traditional white shirt worn by missionaries and men at church. So I guess those commitments aren’t as hidden as some would have non-members believe.)

Also, like garments, my scapular tends to be a marker for modesty - if too much of the cord is showing, maybe it’s time to switch shirts. :blushing:
 
Stavros said:
I agree with zipperc98 myself - wearing it reminds me a lot of the commitment I made when I started wearing garments. I don’t wear it for the Sabbatine privilege, or for protection, although if Mary blesses me with these graces, I will gladly accept them. I wear them for the symbolism of wearing the scapular - that I will live my life like Mary, and will work diligently to conform my life to the will of God’s.

Wearing garments after I was endowed was very similar. While the stories of protection while wearing garments abounded similar to stories about protection by Our Lady when wearing the scapular, the meaning of the garments leans more towards Mormons showing their commitments to living to the vows that were made in the temple. I use the word “showing” rather loosely, seeing as how the garments are to be worn underneath clothing.

(Funny thing, though - there’s a phrase called the “Eternal Smile” or “Mormon Smile” which is the visibility of the distinct low-neckline of a men’s garment top underneath the traditional white shirt worn by missionaries and men at church. So I guess those commitments aren’t as hidden as some would have non-members believe.)

Also, like garments, my scapular tends to be a marker for modesty - if too much of the cord is showing, maybe it’s time to switch shirts. :blushing:
Click to expand...
I wear one under my blouses, and its the same thing. If too much of it shows, that means I need to change blouses, not that I wear anything low cut but sometimes if it’s a lower neckline it shows. However, as long as it is modest, it’s okay. It’s like a crucifix–it proclaims our faith to everyone else. And as I do wear it swimming, I get a lot of curious stares and questions.

I’ve never noticed though the “Eternal Smile” showing from a man’s shirt, but maybe will look from now on.

Your explanation of the garments was interesting, really didn’t know too much about it. Glad you are home now!
 
utah_rose said:
This is true, but then I would have to go into an explanation of exactly what is a sacramental! Too much info sometimes to digest in a few minutes.
Click to expand...
I’m not an ex-Mormon, but I would say that it is comparable to LDS Temple Garments, except not quite so holy.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top