Student received a book of mormon

[Publisher]

No, not in this way. No handing out of unasked-for Catholic bibles and no unsolicited invitations for children to attend church without asking the parents first. It’s just flat-out not how we do it. Faiths which aggressively proselytize work in this way and that includes Mormons, JWs, and many types of evangelicals and pentecostals. Their one goal is to get as many converts as they can and they do not care about the damage they do to families. Catholics believe that children should be raised to be well-grounded in the faith and if they aren’t, then conversion should be left to happen when the person is old enough to make that decision on their own.

I agree, befriending people with the ultimate intention of converting them is an honest theme in mormon talks and writings. Mormons do not mean ill by this, but all the same it’s method. Mormons often make specific numerical goals that they share with others (missionaries, or a goal set by the whole ward etc) of the number of peopel they will try to get to come to a church function. Take it how you want to.

That this is **never **done by Catholics impresses me.

 

[nebula]

I agree, befriending people with the ultimate intention of converting them is an honest theme in mormon talks and writings. Mormons do not mean ill by this, but all the same it’s method. Mormons often make specific numerical goals that they share with others (missionaries, or a goal set by the whole ward etc) of the number of peopel they will try to get to come to a church function. Take it how you want to.

That this is **never **done by Catholics impresses me.

Publisher, that’s irrelevant to the current situation. Really What’s the obsession with comparison? I get that you don’t like mean things said or whateveer, but the question started as a pragmatic one.

I’m sure individual Catholics do do that, but it’s not an institution wide, prophet/pope endorsed common thing. I don’t think there is anything wrong with realizing this is a practice widely preached and practiced amongst Mormons, and to at least keep that in the back of your mind until you can further assess the situation so you aren’t caught unawares.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

I agree, befriending people with the ultimate intention of converting them is an honest theme in mormon talks and writings. Mormons do not mean ill by this, but all the same it’s method. Mormons often make specific numerical goals that they share with others (missionaries, or a goal set by the whole ward etc) of the number of peopel they will try to get to come to a church function. Take it how you want to.

That this is **never **done by Catholics impresses me.

If someone expresses an interest in becoming a Catholic, I would very much encourage it. But I would not try to convert people, especially people I don’t even know.

Also, I respect other Christians’ rights to have their own ways of practicing thier faith.

I think Catholicism is the best, but that’s my bias!

 

[Publisher]

That this is **never **done by Catholics impresses me.

Publisher, that’s irrelevant to the current situation. Really What’s the obsession with comparison? I get that you don’t like mean things said or whateveer, but the question started as a pragmatic one.

I’m sure individual Catholics do do that, but it’s not an institution wide, prophet/pope endorsed common thing. I don’t think there is anything wrong with realizing this is a practice widely preached and practiced amongst Mormons, and to at least keep that in the back of your mind until you can further assess the situation so you aren’t caught unawares.

**As I said…it was my understanding the sacred book was offered to a friend by a friend as he wanted to share with a friend what it was that was important to him…if I was mistaken and that was not the case then I am wrong in my assertions.

You are correct, I do not like “characterizations” of people because of the group they may belong to, nor do I like to ascribe motives to people that appear to me to be…“less than wholesome” simply because they are part of that group.

I am not “obsessed” with comparison…but I take very seriously the instruction to remove the beam from my own eye to see the spec from my brothers…I take seriously “do unto others as you would have them do to you.”…I take seriously “love is always kind…never rude…it does not demand it’s own way…”…I take seriously…“By this shall all men know you are my disciples…that you love one another…”…I take seriously the injunction to “speak the truth in love.”

I do not try to make judgements about people because of the group they belong to…but give each the benefit of the doubt and hopefully make a truthful assesment based on their merits…not the demerits based on misconceived beliefs of a group they may belong to.

I have much to learn no doubt.**

 

[BOMC]

BOMC? We’re in two different conversations. If you want to knwo my perspective on how the BoM fits into the LDS church over its history, I’d be happy to share that with you. It’s not entirely straightforward.

Please don’t muddy the waters. TBOM is not a threat to anyone, and has no relation to the teachings of the Mormon Church - period.

Tell the kid to read it if he wants to, and ask him to make a list of everything that is ant-Jesus, or pro-LDS. He wont’ find either.

 

[zaffiroborant]

Nevertheless, why would Mormon missionaries try to recruit a 12 year old?

Christine,

Was he trying to “recruit a 12 year old” or was a friend sharing his faith with a friend? “Recruit” sounds sinister…friends sharing with one another is what friends do. Especially 12 year old boys.

Well recruit may have sinister connotations but the following implies there would be more than just “sharing his faith with a friend”.

A Mormon 12 year old male, if worthy, will be ordained as a holder of the Aaronic Priesthood, will participate in the administration of the sacrament, will begin learning his greater ecclesiastical responsibilities, will meet and speak in the Sunday Priesthood session with men of his ward and with his own Priesthood quorum. He will also begin his role as an emissary of God.

 

[Publisher]

It is obvious that less than stellar motives are ascribed to “whoever” offered the young man a Book of Mormon…deserved or not they still are perpetuated.

 

[ibkc]

OK, so Publisher believes that he is removing the beam from his own eye when he castigates Catholics for not wanting their children to be confused in their faith by Mormon proselytizing. That’s fair enough. It’s completely irrelevant to the discussion, but he can knock himself out if he wants to.

BOMC:

Tell the kid to read it if he wants to, and ask him to make a list of everything that is ant-Jesus, or pro-LDS. He wont’ find either.

That’s not the approach I’d take; I’d point out the plagiarism and horrible history before I tackled anything theological. That’s what immediately leaped out at me when I read the BoM as a teenager.

 

[prodigal-sun]

I don’t want to confuse you. But I do think that catholics should not be engaged in disparaging someone else’s faith either. To give an objective understanding of the book of mormon would be the way to go. Likewise, if a mormon child brought in a rosary to sunday school and ask if he or she should pray the rosary, I wouldn’t think it proper for the mormon teacher to disparage the catholic church with a some slanted ‘words’ about catholicism.

I don’t think you understand what anyone here is talking about or. No one is disparaging anything. It is called telling the truth. Please tell the truth about the Rosary too. I don’t mind that at all.

Peace!

 

[prodigal-sun]

Please don’t muddy the waters. TBOM is not a threat to anyone, and has no relation to the teachings of the Mormon Church - period.

Tell the kid to read it if he wants to, and ask him to make a list of everything that is ant-Jesus, or pro-LDS. He wont’ find either.

The BOM is from the Devil just as all lies are. I would never allow my chiild to read this book without me quiding her through it showing all the blatant lies and misinformation it spews.

Peace!

 

[nebula]

Publisher, that’s irrelevant to the current situation. Really What’s the obsession with comparison? I get that you don’t like mean things said or whateveer, but the question started as a pragmatic one.

I’m sure individual Catholics do do that, but it’s not an institution wide, prophet/pope endorsed common thing. I don’t think there is anything wrong with realizing this is a practice widely preached and practiced amongst Mormons, and to at least keep that in the back of your mind until you can further assess the situation so you aren’t caught unawares.

**As I said…it was my understanding the sacred book was offered to a friend by a friend as he wanted to share with a friend what it was that was important to him…if I was mistaken and that was not the case then I am wrong in my assertions.

You are correct, I do not like “characterizations” of people because of the group they may belong to, nor do I like to ascribe motives to people that appear to me to be…“less than wholesome” simply because they are part of that group.

I am not “obsessed” with comparison…but I take very seriously the instruction to remove the beam from my own eye to see the spec from my brothers…I take seriously “do unto others as you would have them do to you.”…I take seriously “love is always kind…never rude…it does not demand it’s own way…”…I take seriously…“By this shall all men know you are my disciples…that you love one another…”…I take seriously the injunction to “speak the truth in love.”

I do not try to make judgements about people because of the group they belong to…but give each the benefit of the doubt and hopefully make a truthful assesment based on their merits…not the demerits based on misconceived beliefs of a group they may belong to.

I have much to learn no doubt.**

Publisher,

I think maybe you should apply that advice to your assumptions about the people posting advice on this board. I thought the initial post was one honestly asking for pragmatic advice- the teacher of religion obviously feels some responsibilitiy in the child’s religious education. Okay, give the giver of the BoM the benefit of the doubt, I would, but that’s irrelevant to the situation. I agree, be kind to his friend-- BUT does that mean youc an’t point out how you believe MormonISM is a flawed religion and what the BoM is from a Catholic (or whatever) perspective? Likewise, Jesus commanded us to be wise as serpents, and it’s useful to be aware of Mormon programs which may impact the young person if for no other reason than to keep an eye out.

I can tell you I’m married to a Mormon who I love more than myself, I’m related to wonderful peopel who are Mormons, but that doesn’t mean that I therefore can’t disagree with Mormonism, or express that disagreement in appropriate contexts (such as this on). Relax!

 

[BOMC]

The BOM is from the Devil just as all lies are. I would never allow my chiild to read this book without me quiding her through it showing all the blatant lies and misinformation it spews.

“Lies and misinformation”? You’re kidding aren’t you!

 

[nebula]

“Lies and misinformation”? You’re kidding aren’t you!

You’re kidding the rest of us, aren’t you BOMC? You really expect non Mormons to think the BoM is great? That’s silly.

 

[BOMC]

You’re kidding the rest of us, aren’t you BOMC? You really expect non Mormons to think the BoM is great? That’s silly.

You’re behind the times.

 

[Ross09]

You’re kidding the rest of us, aren’t you BOMC? You really expect non Mormons to think the BoM is great? That’s silly.

FYI…BOMC is not Mormon and thinks the BOM is great. BOMC stands for Book of Mormon Christian. I’d never heard of them either.

 

[nebula]

You’re behind the times.

lol. Some do, but to EXPECT non mormons to think the BoM is great is ridiculous.

Enjoy.

 

[nebula]

FYI…BOMC is not Mormon and thinks the BOM is great. BOMC stands for Book of Mormon Christian. I’d never heard of them either.

I’ve run into one before. oh well, on a planet with billions of people every quirky combination is bound to come up. I don’t get it personally, I always thought the Book fo Mormon was terrible reading, even as I tried really hard to study it etc.

 

[Publisher]

**As I said…it was my understanding the sacred book was offered to a friend by a friend as he wanted to share with a friend what it was that was important to him…if I was mistaken and that was not the case then I am wrong in my assertions.

You are correct, I do not like “characterizations” of people because of the group they may belong to, nor do I like to ascribe motives to people that appear to me to be…“less than wholesome” simply because they are part of that group.

I am not “obsessed” with comparison…but I take very seriously the instruction to remove the beam from my own eye to see the spec from my brothers…I take seriously “do unto others as you would have them do to you.”…I take seriously “love is always kind…never rude…it does not demand it’s own way…”…I take seriously…“By this shall all men know you are my disciples…that you love one another…”…I take seriously the injunction to “speak the truth in love.”

I do not try to make judgements about people because of the group they belong to…but give each the benefit of the doubt and hopefully make a truthful assesment based on their merits…not the demerits based on misconceived beliefs of a group they may belong to.

I have much to learn no doubt.**

Publisher,

I think maybe you should apply that advice to your assumptions about the people posting advice on this board. I thought the initial post was one honestly asking for pragmatic advice- the teacher of religion obviously feels some responsibilitiy in the child’s religious education. Okay, give the giver of the BoM the benefit of the doubt, I would, but that’s irrelevant to the situation. I agree, be kind to his friend-- BUT does that mean youc an’t point out how you believe MormonISM is a flawed religion and what the BoM is from a Catholic (or whatever) perspective? Likewise, Jesus commanded us to be wise as serpents, and it’s useful to be aware of Mormon programs which may impact the young person if for no other reason than to keep an eye out.

I can tell you I’m married to a Mormon who I love more than myself, I’m related to wonderful peopel who are Mormons, but that doesn’t mean that I therefore can’t disagree with Mormonism, or express that disagreement in appropriate contexts (such as this on). Relax!

I will take your counsel under advice. As I said I have much to learn no doubt.

 

[BOMC]

I’ve run into one before. oh well, on a planet with billions of people every quirky combination is bound to come up. I don’t get it personally, I always thought the Book fo Mormon was terrible reading, even as I tried really hard to study it etc.

I know, with all the misinformation you’ve had to endure, you really didn’t have a chance. But rejoice! The clouds are dissipating and the view is astounding! Give it a shot.

 

[nebula]

I know, with all the misinformation you’ve had to endure, you really didn’t have a chance. But rejoice! The clouds are dissipating and the view is astounding! Give it a shot.

You really have nothing of substance to say whatsoever? When you put forth a real argument, let the rest of us know.