The Mormons are coming!

[jw2lds2catholic]

Go ahead and have the missionaries over. At least they can spend an hour off their feet instead of tracking (going door-to-door). They will give a brief lesson on Joseph Smith and his first vision which led to the discovery of the plates of the Book of Mormon. At which time they’ll offer you a copy and probably have you read a passage from Moroni in your spare time pray and receive a testimony of the BoM. Offer them something to drink (no coffee or soda, please) and maybe a snack or treat - they don’t eat too well during the day.
Offer to share your faith - lots of them actually like to learn. Plus it gives them something to talk about other than the usual speil.
dont’ expect to discuss current events though - they are on media- lock out with no TV, magazines, newspapers or internet.
Answer truthfully and don’t try to placate them - they’ll get stars in their eyes at the prospect of a rare baptism.
The come in twos - the Senior or more experience missionary (men out for 24 months, sisters out for 18) and a junior one who has been out just a few months or so and is pretty much culture-shocked.
Have fun!

 

[tundramom]

I hope that, if it is a problem for you to say a prayer to our Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ, you will politely say ‘no thank you’ and send them out the door.
.

Are you kidding? Of course it’s not a problem for anyone who is Catholic to pray that way. We do it all the time.

When the missionaries come, they will ask you if they can pray with you. I always say, “sure–I’ll pray” and then I begin to speak the prayer. It doesn’t offend them and I don’t have to say an AMEN to their words (which I wouldn’t do anyway since their very theology is not talking about the same Jesus anyway) But in my home they are more than welcome to pray with me to THE Father in Jesus name of course.

in Christ
Steph

 

[dianaiad]

Sorry, dianaiad. But, you haven’t seen the eyes of a Mormon at my school. :hypno: Then again, I’ve never seen your eyes.

Ironically Yours.

Well, there ARE other reasons to get ‘glazed eyes’ other than the ones you are assigning.

People who are terminally bored, or attempting to deal courteously with boors, tend to have their eyes glaze…

 

[dianaiad]

That is kind of the point

It would be disrespectful of them to do so, y’know. At least, in my opinion it would be.

 

[dianaiad]

Are you kidding? Of course it’s not a problem for anyone who is Catholic to pray that way. We do it all the time.

I wasn’t kidding. Well, a little irony there…but you wouldn’t believe how many people told me that they would not have me praying in their home because I was praying to a ‘different Jesus’ and they didn’t want the devil in their house.

When the missionaries come, they will ask you if they can pray with you. I always say, “sure–I’ll pray” and then I begin to speak the prayer. It doesn’t offend them and I don’t have to say an AMEN to their words (which I wouldn’t do anyway since their very theology is not talking about the same Jesus anyway) But in my home they are more than welcome to pray with me to THE Father in Jesus name of course.

in Christ
Steph

And there you go.

 

[tundramom]

RomanCatholic,

These are young men who truly believe what they are telling you. Treating them with anything other than respect just isn’t a Christian option, and I understand you know it.

I have never told them not to come by and I’ve never let myself argue with them–although sometimes I do want to.

I just look at them as kids who are doing what their belief system tells them they should do. I would hope that if it were my son (or daughter) that someone else would treat them well.

For quite a little bit, when I had chickens, I would load them up with eggs each time they came by. Eggs are easy to cook and I know most of them don’t have that much experience with cooking to begin with. **** edit**** I forgot to add that don’t forget that these kids and their families are paying their own way. Most of them don’t get help from their church to be on their Mission anyway****

Like another poster said, don’t offer them anything like coffee or tea, just offer them water, juice, or milk. If I knew ahead of time what time they would be there, I would probably give them a call and ask them if they’d like lunch.

They’ll give you their version of truth and hopefully they’ll listen politely to yours.

And like I said, they usually will defer to the home owner if he/she wants to be the one to offer prayer. I, personally, wouldn’t have it any other way— but being an ex-Mormon I know to whom I pray… and I know the difference.

Let us know how it goes!

in Christ
Steph

 

[mystified]

Most are very polite and I haven’t had any Mormon elders criticize my faith.
Having been around LDS all my life including a fine family physician, I usually derail their train of thought with a question or two about their beliefs or customs that they cannot explain.
No, don’t offer coffee or tea, but in recent years, my Mormon friends have started consuming a certain brand of carbonated soft drink, in addition to a lot of hot cocoa.

 

[RebeccaJ]

It would be disrespectful of them to do so, y’know. At least, in my opinion it would be.

It’s his house, he can pray however he likes.

 

[zerinus]

I have every intention in doing so zerinus. Which is why I hope to get a free copy of the BoM out of this. I was trying to be funny, not skeptical. I was also being very serious.

I am glad to hear it. That is how it should be.

If they don’t give you a copy of the Book of Mormon on the first meeting, you can specifically ask for one. Sometimes the Missionaries don’t give out a copy of the Book of Mormon on the first meeting. If they didn’t, you can specifically ask them to give you one.

zerinus

 

[Mark77]

Why don’t you take their message seriously, and put it to the test? At the very least you will learn smthing new, and a best you may discover that it is true. You never learn anything if you treat everything with skepticism.

zerinus

If “a best you discover” that a religion started by an mere man (ie. Joseph Smith in 1830) is “true”, then you will be the first person ever in the history of the universe.

The Mormons I know are decent people. They tend to surround themselves with other Mormons and this is an excellent chance to preach the Gospel to them, as Jesus commanded us.

I would do my homework before they come.

There are several Catholic Answers tracts with good information on Mormon beliefs and tactics.

Distinctive Beliefs of the Mormon Church
The Gods of the Mormon Church
Mormon Stumpers
Mormonism’s Baptism for the Dead
Problems with the Book of Mormon

These are all found under the Library-faith tracts-non-Catholic groups category on the CA website.

I would give them 10-15 minutes to give their “testimony” (rehearsed sales pitch) and demand equal time.

They come in pairs so it is difficult for them to listen without fear of being reported.

I would still give them information, fliers, etc. and especially mention Catholic Answers (Catholic.com), so they might be able to search out the Truth of Jesus Christ in private, without fear of punishment.

Jesus told us 2000 years ago;

"Mt 7:15 -
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Mt 24:11 -
And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

Mt 24:24 -
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Mr 13:22 -
False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

Lu 6:26 -
"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. "

There are also many testimonies of Mormon converts to Catholicism on the internet. The Coming Home Network is outstanding! www.chnetwork.org

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!

Mark

 

[hmm]

Hi Roman_Catholic… I have a few thoughts…

I’ve been meeting with some missionaries in my area for 3 months now and being the same age as the missionaries, I was nervous at first on how my meeting would go with them. But, by God’s beautiful grace, this has been one of the best experiences of my life.

I didn’t go into the meeting ignorant of their doctrine or scriptures, so I would suggest reading a little on what their church believes, because it has helped me tremendously. That first meeting, I had a clear picture of what I wanted to talk about: WHY they believe what they believe. And yes, this does include their testimony, which they readily shared with me. But you know what? It gave me an open opportunity to share MY testimony with them. As Catholics, we are blessed with Christ’s leadership in our church, and His grace and peace are intertwined with our lives. Just look at the celebration of the Mass.

All it took for a genuine testimony was to take a second to realize all the powerful things He has done for me, and then share them. It helps that I’m a convert to the faith, but as long as you love your faith, you will be more than fine.

And that’s how I suggest the conversation go. Keep it away from their rehearsed discussions and focus it on why you are grateful to be Catholic.

Now, a few suggestions:

1. Have an inner peace before speaking with them. It’ll show.
2. Don’t let them change the subject. If you can shake them up with the strong, objective evidence for the Catholic faith, do so. They could use it.
3. I would recommend asking to start with a prayer, in which you are the leader. I always pray that the Spirit of Truth will dwell among us because that’s what these missionaries need the most. And don’t forget to make the sign of the Cross. Also, I would open or close with a distinctly Catholic prayer (Hail Mary, Glory Be, Memorare, etc.)
4. When/If they give you the BoM, do NOT make a promise to read it and “pray to know if it’s true”. Instead, do what Rebecca_J suggested and hand them a “Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth” or something along those lines. I gave my missionaries one each and stuck in a Memorare prayer card.

I hope this helps in your meeting. I have to say, the most important thing is having that peace. It’s so easy to lose focus and fall back on debating, but what these people need is a calm, safe, God-filled environment. It truly does speak to them. How do I know?

Well, I’m at the point in my discussions where they have INVITED me to bring up inconsistencies with their beliefs. This is based on a shared understanding that we are of two very distinct religions that, while we do have things in common, we both can’t be right. I’ve made a point of saying that even though we don’t agree, that doesn’t mean we can’t search for truth together. It’s awesome and such a BLESSING! This week, I’m going to be talking about contradictory Prophets as well as the ECFs.

Last thing: They even brought with them a man named Bill, a temple worker and an ex-Catholic. Bill is just as intrigued, and didn’t know much about Catholicism when he left the church at 19. Again, another blessing.

I’ll be praying for you, and I hope that you can look at them with love instead of with spiritual pride. That’s been my biggest obstacle, but by God’s grace, I KNOW I’m making a difference in these men’s lives. God is so good.

 

[dianaiad]

It’s his house, he can pray however he likes.

Yes of course.

What does that have to do with saying that it would be disrespectful of the missionaries to join him in reciting the rosary? For one thing, they probably don’t know it…in fact, I can almost guarantee that they don’t. For a third, am I wrong in thinking that “praying the rosary” is more personal, a form of meditation and reflection than would be appropriate for sharing with a non-Catholic?

I think that they would stand respectfully and be silent while the Catholic did it, but they wouldn’t have a clue what was happening; from what I can see, it takes awhile to recite the rosary.

Diana

 

[CJ_Nick]

Hi Roman_Catholic… I have a few thoughts…

I’ve been meeting with some missionaries in my area for 3 months now and being the same age as the missionaries, I was nervous at first on how my meeting would go with them. But, by God’s beautiful grace, this has been one of the best experiences of my life.

I didn’t go into the meeting ignorant of their doctrine or scriptures, so I would suggest reading a little on what their church believes, because it has helped me tremendously. That first meeting, I had a clear picture of what I wanted to talk about: WHY they believe what they believe. And yes, this does include their testimony, which they readily shared with me. But you know what? It gave me an open opportunity to share MY testimony with them. As Catholics, we are blessed with Christ’s leadership in our church, and His grace and peace are intertwined with our lives. Just look at the celebration of the Mass.

All it took for a genuine testimony was to take a second to realize all the powerful things He has done for me, and then share them. It helps that I’m a convert to the faith, but as long as you love your faith, you will be more than fine.

And that’s how I suggest the conversation go. Keep it away from their rehearsed discussions and focus it on why you are grateful to be Catholic.

Now, a few suggestions:

1. Have an inner peace before speaking with them. It’ll show.
2. Don’t let them change the subject. If you can shake them up with the strong, objective evidence for the Catholic faith, do so. They could use it.
3. I would recommend asking to start with a prayer, in which you are the leader. I always pray that the Spirit of Truth will dwell among us because that’s what these missionaries need the most. And don’t forget to make the sign of the Cross. Also, I would open or close with a distinctly Catholic prayer (Hail Mary, Glory Be, Memorare, etc.)
4. When/If they give you the BoM, do NOT make a promise to read it and “pray to know if it’s true”. Instead, do what Rebecca_J suggested and hand them a “Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth” or something along those lines. I gave my missionaries one each and stuck in a Memorare prayer card.

I hope this helps in your meeting. I have to say, the most important thing is having that peace. It’s so easy to lose focus and fall back on debating, but what these people need is a calm, safe, God-filled environment. It truly does speak to them. How do I know?

Well, I’m at the point in my discussions where they have INVITED me to bring up inconsistencies with their beliefs. This is based on a shared understanding that we are of two very distinct religions that, while we do have things in common, we both can’t be right. I’ve made a point of saying that even though we don’t agree, that doesn’t mean we can’t search for truth together. It’s awesome and such a BLESSING! This week, I’m going to be talking about contradictory Prophets as well as the ECFs.

Last thing: They even brought with them a man named Bill, a temple worker and an ex-Catholic. Bill is just as intrigued, and didn’t know much about Catholicism when he left the church at 19. Again, another blessing.

I’ll be praying for you, and I hope that you can look at them with love instead of with spiritual pride. That’s been my biggest obstacle, but by God’s grace, I KNOW I’m making a difference in these men’s lives. God is so good.

Hello hmm,

Thank you so much for sharing that!!!

A splendid Christian example to us ALL ( IMHO ) !!

I could not agree with you more

Peace,
CJ

 

[Rawb]

For a third, am I wrong in thinking that “praying the rosary” is more personal, a form of meditation and reflection than would be appropriate for sharing with a non-Catholic?

Catholics often pray the rosary with nonCatholics, especially at funerals, when we pray the rosary in groups for the soul of the departed, and, of course, it’s one of the first prayers introduced to converts, who aren’t actually Catholic until after their Confirmation.

Of course we also pray it together in groups. Most prayers and devotions are public in the Catholic Church, rather than private. It’s part of our culture that most things regarding our religion are public (it’s illegal to have a private Mass for example; I could attend any wedding or funeral Mass offered around the world).

 

[RebeccaJ]

Yes of course.

What does that have to do with saying that it would be disrespectful of the missionaries to join him in reciting the rosary?

I don’t know, you tell me. You’re the one who said it would be disrespectful to pray a rosary in a Catholic person’s house.

For one thing, they probably don’t know it…in fact, I can almost guarantee that they don’t.

Well then, he can give them the written prayer to say with him.

For a third, am I wrong in thinking that “praying the rosary” is more personal, a form of meditation and reflection than would be appropriate for sharing with a non-Catholic?

Praying the rosary can be done anytime with anyone, and yes, it is a good thing to share with non-Catholics. Our Lady has led many to her Son.

I think that they would stand respectfully and be silent while the Catholic did it, but they wouldn’t have a clue what was happening; from what I can see, it takes awhile to recite the rosary.

Diana

It takes a while to pray an entire rosary, but one decade doesn’t take that long at all.

 

[dianaiad]

I don’t know, you tell me.

You make an irrelevant statement and then expect me to read your mind and explain it as if it were my idea? Dizzy making…

Well then, he can give them the written prayer to say with him.

I suppose…but that would still be, in my opinion, disrespectful. Not on the part of the Catholic, but on the part of the Mormon. Others might have a different view; this is just me.

Praying the rosary can be done anytime with anyone, and yes, it is a good thing to share with non-Catholics. Our Lady has led many to her Son.

“share with?” yes. But Rebecca, the Mormon saying a “Hail Mary” wouldn’t be doing it with the sort of reverence and respect for Jesus’ mother that you have when you say it. It would, at least to me, be mocking you. Being respectful and silent while YOU do it is one thing; that’s showing courtesy and respect for your beliefs and your faith. Actually participating and saying it with you when we do not believe in it the way you do? I could not do it. It would be like telling you that such things are meaningless, so it doesn’t matter whether a non-believer simply recites the words.

One should have more respect for other people’s faith than that. The rosary MEANS something to you that it simply does not to us.

I’m saying this badly.

It’s like…how would you feel if a Muslim walked to the rail and took communion, knowing that he didn’t think what he was doing was anything but eating a wafer?

Wouldn’t you say that he was showing your beliefs some major disrespect?

It takes a while to pray an entire rosary, but one decade doesn’t take that long at all.

I would stay quiet, and LISTEN carefully, as you said the whole thing. But I would not join you, because it would lessen the meaning it holds if I did.

This may just be my opinion, but…that’s how I feel about it. If I ever do say the rosary, it will be because I believe in it and have converted.

The odds of that aren’t real good. It’s more likely that I would marry again, and you know what I think the odds are of that!

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

Thanks for the advice thus far everyone. It has given me a lot to go on.

One question for mormons, or ex-mormons (or for anyone who may know) should I expect these missionaries to not be from around here? I remember my Mormon friends in HS were going all over the country to do their missions.

God bless

 

[PaulDupre]

But Rebecca, the Mormon saying a “Hail Mary” wouldn’t be doing it with the sort of reverence and respect for Jesus’ mother that you have when you say it. It would, at least to me, be mocking you.

Why don’t Mormons revere and respect the virgin mother of Jesus?

When I was LDS, I often heard the most disrespectful things said about the Blessed Virgin. Mormons often said that “Mary was just God’s brood mare” and that “when Heavenly Father was through with her, Mary was just like any other woman”.

That kind of talk about any woman is shameful to a Catholic, but to say those things about the Blessed Virgin is truly heinous. Is the Mormon “Heavenly Father” a user of virgins? Is he a 'love-em-and-leave-em" kind of guy?

It seems the Mormons have created their god in the image and likeness of Joseph Smith, or apostle Heber C. Kimball.

“I think no more of taking another wife than I do of buying a cow.”
-LDS apostle (prophet, seer and revelator) Heber C. Kimball

 

[RebeccaJ]

You make an irrelevant statement and then expect me to read your mind and explain it as if it were my idea? Dizzy making…

No, i think we are crossing meaning. I thought you meant it was disrespectful to the missionaries. But now you are saying it is disrespectful to the Catholic. I don’t see that it is, either way.

I suppose…but that would still be, in my opinion, disrespectful. Not on the part of the Catholic, but on the part of the Mormon. Others might have a different view; this is just me.

“share with?” yes. But Rebecca, the Mormon saying a “Hail Mary” wouldn’t be doing it with the sort of reverence and respect for Jesus’ mother that you have when you say it.

It is a scripture, which I don’t think any Mormon would not have a hard time saying. I think this is one thing Mormons don’t “get”, Catholics, and many other Christians, say and sing scriptures, as prayers.

It is based on the two scriptures, Luke 1:28, Luke 1:42, put together: “Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”

The last sentence, “Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us now, and at the hour of our death. Amen”, no, I can’t see that a Momon would be comfortable saying this. But that’s ok. Prayer can be awkward and uncomfortable, God still here’s them.

It would, at least to me, be mocking you. Being respectful and silent while YOU do it is one thing; that’s showing courtesy and respect for your beliefs and your faith.

Didn’t you just accuse non-Mormons of not praying with you, yet, you have a problem doing the same with non-Mormons?

Actually participating and saying it with you when we do not believe in it the way you do? I could not do it.

Do you not believe that an angel said these words to Mary? I understand you don’t believe that the souls of the dead who are with God can pray with you.

It would be like telling you that such things are meaningless, so it doesn’t matter whether a non-believer simply recites the words.

You are talking to a person who prayed as an atheist. I tell you, from experience, God heard my prayers. Even the ones that felt highly ridiculous and felt like I was talking to the air.

One should have more respect for other people’s faith than that. The rosary MEANS something to you that it simply does not to us.

I am sorry you don’t have respect for our beliefs. We don’t have the same belief as Mormons, that is, that God only hears certain prayers. We believe He hears all of our prayers, including those prayed with Mary, the Angels and all the Saints. And He also hears the prayers of those who truly seek to know Him. Which, I believe is something Mormons are doing.

God is not bound by these rules you have going.

I’m saying this badly.

It’s like…how would you feel if a Muslim walked to the rail and took communion, knowing that he didn’t think what he was doing was anything but eating a wafer?

Wouldn’t you say that he was showing your beliefs some major disrespect?

Prayers to God are not a Sacrament. The Rosary is not a Sacrament.

A Muslim would not take Holy Communion. It would be unthinkable to them. But to go with your scenario from a Catholic perspective, yes, we ask that people do not take Communion unless they are baptized, confirmed and have confessed their sins. If a non-believer takes Communion, it is their soul that is jeopardy, not ours. If they do not understand their actions, it is not disrespectful.

I would stay quiet, and LISTEN carefully, as you said the whole thing. But I would not join you, because it would lessen the meaning it holds if I did.

No it does not lessen the meaning. Catholics do not have this belief. God hears our prayers. All of them.

This may just be my opinion, but…that’s how I feel about it. If I ever do say the rosary, it will be because I believe in it and have converted.

The odds of that aren’t real good. It’s more likely that I would marry again, and you know what I think the odds are of that!

Well, I have prayed the Rosary with my daughter, who is agnostic. I believe Mary loves her as much as I do and would rejoice in her knowing Jesus as much as I would. Mary would not harm you. She is the Mother of our Lord, the person who held Him as a child, and wept at His feet when He bled on the Cross. She leads us to her Son, which is Salvation and eternal life. There is nothing to fear in this.

If you have cable or satellite TV, you can watch a group of nuns pray an entire Rosary on EWTN. Many people pray with them.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Thanks for the advice thus far everyone. It has given me a lot to go on.

One question for mormons, or ex-mormons (or for anyone who may know) should I expect these missionaries to not be from around here? I remember my Mormon friends in HS were going all over the country to do their missions.

God bless

They will be from out of town.