The Truth about the Mormons from a Devout Mormon

[mormon_fool]

To All,

Well I am going to have to quit posting for a few months. I have a lot of school projects I am falling behind on. I have enjoyed most of the dialogue and a chance to represent a mormon viewpoints. I admire the work of apologists of all faiths, especially Catholics. Being able to stomach challenging literature designed to tear down faith and being able to provide well thought out and comforting answers shows real fortitude and courage.

I also admire those who can dialogue with people of other faiths and help build bridges of understanding. I am also touched by the searching for truth that takes place on these boards. There are some great posters offering helpful advice, constructive criticism, timely information, and inspired wisdom.

Thanks for providing a wonderful experience on this forum. My best wishes for all.

Until we meet again,
mormon fool

 

[Tmaque]

mormon fool:

To All,

Well I am going to have to quit posting for a few months. I have a lot of school projects I am falling behind on. I have enjoyed most of the dialogue and a chance to represent a mormon viewpoints. I admire the work of apologists of all faiths, especially Catholics. Being able to stomach challenging literature designed to tear down faith and being able to provide well thought out and comforting answers shows real fortitude and courage.

I also admire those who can dialogue with people of other faiths and help build bridges of understanding. I am also touched by the searching for truth that takes place on these boards. There are some great posters offering helpful advice, constructive criticism, timely information, and inspired wisdom.

Thanks for providing a wonderful experience on this forum. My best wishes for all.

Until we meet again,
mormon fool

It’s been a pleasure Fool. Come back soon.
God Bless You

 

[catholic-rcia]

Mormon Fool, if you get a chance you can see others on this journey in person at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday nights up until Easter, up on the hill. Or visit us at 11:30 for Mass, as all are welcome. It would give you a whole new perspective. You can always ask for Rich as I am there every Tuesday and every Sunday with my family.

God Bless. You know where to find us

www.catholic-rcia.com

 

[tkdnick]

Jodi:

So why then did Jesus seek baptism from John the Baptist who was of the levite line and a holder of that priesthood? Although he may have not needed to have the priesthood present but to fulfill the prophesy. And to be the Savior he did need to fulfill all the prophesies about his comming.

Jesus was baptized because “’…It must be done, because we must do everything that is right.’ So then John baptized him.” (Matthew 3:15) He was baptized in order to show us what we should do.

 

[tkdnick]

BJ Colbert:

We know that baptism MUST be performed by one who holds the priesthood and has direct authority from God to perform the baptism.

Where do you get this from? Where does it say that baptisms MUST be performed by a priest?

 

[catholic-rcia]

This would be LDS

 

[catholic-rcia]

This would be LDS teachings. That only a Priest could Baptize.

If a soldier is dying on the battlefield, taking his last few breaths, as a Catholic I could and I would Baptize him. I would use my canteen, I would say the words, and he would be healed. This is Catholic teaching.

When I receive the Eucharist, I along with “all” I say these words. Lord I am not worthy to receive you but only say the words and I shall be healed.

Lord I am not worthy to baptize him, but only say the words and he shall be healed.

Today you will be with me in Paradise

We have a very just Lord, his yoke is easy and His burden is light.

 

[tkdnick]

catholic-rcia:

This would be LDS teachings. That only a Priest could Baptize.

If a soldier is dying on the battlefield, taking his last few breaths, as a Catholic I could and I would Baptize him. I would use my canteen, I would say the words, and he would be healed. This is Catholic teaching.

When I receive the Eucharist, I along with “all” I say these words. Lord I am not worthy to receive you but only say the words and I shall be healed.

Lord I am not worthy to baptize him, but only say the words and he shall be healed.

Today you will be with me in Paradise

We have a very just Lord, his yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Amen Brother!

 

[Tmaque]

mormon fool:

A few things in this post stand in need of correction. First mormons are not now required to practice polygamy to enter into exaltation. As one writer suggests:

“the Lord desires us to accept the doctrine of plural marriage, he does not always desire his people to actually practice it. For example, the Book of Mormon peoples were specifically forbidden to practice plural marriage. (Jacob 2). Therefore, we know that plural marriage is not an ordinance like baptism that must be practiced in mortality to be saved. However, it is a celestial doctrine, and those whose hearts are not pure enough to accept the doctrine are not pure enough to dwell in the celestial kingdom as an exalted being.”

lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/history/plural_marriage/necessary.htm

And it’s also openly practiced in Utah, Arizona, Texas, Canada, and perhaps in other states.

By non-LDS.

Later,
fool

You may call those groups non-LDS. But they certainly consider themselves Latter Day Saints. In fact, they think the CoJCoLDS is the group that has apostasized. They have all the same scriptures you do and believe in all the same latter day prophets as you up until Wilford Woodruff. So, to say they are “non-LDS” is, at the very least, misleading.

 

[Jodi]

Thank you for answering my questions I have decided to join my husband and begin the RCIA process. I will have lots of more questions I am sure.

Please keep me in your prayers.

 

[tkdnick]

Jodi:

Thank you for answering my questions I have decided to join my husband and begin the RCIA process. I will have lots of more questions I am sure.

Please keep me in your prayers.

I think that is a good move on your part. Feel free to also use these forums to get answers to your questions.

 

[A_Chaoidh]

We have been warned about false prophets and false teachings. From my Catholic Faith, mormonism fits that description.

Also, please correct me if I am wrong, regarding the Seven Sacraments of the Church, they may only be performed by clergy (deacon?, priest or higher…brothers and nuns may not)?

 

[Tmaque]

Jodi:

Thank you for answering my questions I have decided to join my husband and begin the RCIA process. I will have lots of more questions I am sure.

Please keep me in your prayers.

Jodi,
I will most certainly keep you in my prayers during this difficult time for you and your family. I will ask God to comfort you and to guide you. I made a long and difficult journey from the LDS faith to the Catholic faith and I have the utmost respect for anyone that even contemplates starting that journey. If I may, a little advice. It’s ok if you and your husband are in different places. Don’t feel like you need to rush things. It may take you months, it may take you years, it may never happen. That’s ok. Let God guide your mind and heart. Put your trust in him and it will all work out. We’re all on a journey to God and we all need to respect each other’s point in the journey. GOD BLESS YOU

 

[tkdnick]

A_Chaoidh:

Also, please correct me if I am wrong, regarding the Seven Sacraments of the Church, they may only be performed by clergy (deacon?, priest or higher…brothers and nuns may not)?

This is not totally true. For baptism, it is possible in emergencies for a lay person to baptize someone. Also, it is possible for laity to distribute the Eucharist, however, only a priest of higher can actually consecrate it. All other sacraments must be performed by an ordained minister.

 

[Tmaque]

A_Chaoidh:

We have been warned about false prophets and false teachings. From my Catholic Faith, mormonism fits that description.

Also, please correct me if I am wrong, regarding the Seven Sacraments of the Church, they may only be performed by clergy (deacon?, priest or higher…brothers and nuns may not)?

From the Catholic perspective anything contrary to our position is a false teaching, is it not? Why do you single out Mormonism for this particular criticism? From my perspective Mormons are much like Catholics in that we’re both derided, condemned and hated by those ignorant folks who don’t wish to get to know us and find out what we’re really all about. It’s easier to hate from a distance in ignorance, than it is to understand someone through love, despite the differences. We can be right all day long, have faith to move mountains and keep every commandment but without love it means nothing, it’s a total waste of time.

 

[Jodi]

Comming to the realization that I had understood God all wrong is hard. As I am going through this conversion process I realize that I saw everything through a flawed lense. I find myself looking at my whole life in a new way.

It is a difficult journey but I am glad I am begining it now while my children are still so young. I can only imagine the heart break if I waited any longer and it was too late to easily mold them and they went astray.

Its as if my whole life is different. It is a very odd sensation that I am still getting used too.

I am greatful for the RCIA process. I understand that unlike the lds who can go from first meet to baptism in as little as a week that the catholic church wants very much for me to understand the beliefs and values of the church so I am fully prepared for baptism which in all likelyhood wouldn’t happen until next easter for me.

I feel so young when it comes to the gospel. I have sooo much to unlearn, and learn.

Thanks again for your kind answers.

 

[catholic-rcia]

Matthew 13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Five years after my baptism this is still my second favorite Parable. My first would be the Prodigal son.

As I was going through the RCIA process I felt as if I was 1 inch tall, while the doors to each Sacrament were towering tall. I realized that they were all there for me personally. That the Cross was there for me personally.

I found God in all the small things while I was searching for Him in all the Big things. Now He is everywhere in my life. The best thing about my new found faith is Jesus; His accomplishments really are all that matter, as it’s all we have; all we will ever need. Mine mean nothing at all, unless I am passing His accomplishments onto another. Don’t ever place your trust in another, a Priest, a layperson or even in the Church. You will be let down. Rather place it in the Sacraments of the Church and you will never be let down. You will be able to forgive and reconcile until your last breath. Because you understand that you yourself have been forgiven, and that’s all we have or need to spend an eternity with Christ and our most Holy family.

One more thing Jodi . We are a broken family. In this fact you will find tons of joy!!!

God Bless

 

[A_Chaoidh]

Tmaque:

From the Catholic perspective anything contrary to our position is a false teaching, is it not? Why do you single out Mormonism for this particular criticism? From my perspective Mormons are much like Catholics in that we’re both derided, condemned and hated by those ignorant folks who don’t wish to get to know us and find out what we’re really all about. It’s easier to hate from a distance in ignorance, than it is to understand someone through love, despite the differences. We can be right all day long, have faith to move mountains and keep every commandment but without love it means nothing, it’s a total waste of time.

First, I don’t single out Mormonism, however that is the topic in the thread is it not?

Second. Yes, it is all about love, and love means truth, and the truth is that of the Catholic Church. Love does not mean to accomodate heresy, it means defending the Faith against anathema, heresy, sacrilege and blasphemy. That defense is done with love, out of love and for love, not hate or ignorance. Why is any call for Defense of the Faith often seen as hate or ignorance? If one defends the innocent is that defense hate? For the record I condemn sin, not the sinner. I apologize if my statements don’t convey love, as is their intent, I freely admit I am not perfect and I am a penitent sinner striving for grace. The warning is not against people of another faith, but in this instance from my own experience with missionary Mormons a reminder to Catholics to be mindful of false teachings and false prophets, that is a defense of the Faith.

Third, Equating Mormonism with Catholicism, based on mutual derision from without or other superfluous similarities is an incorrect comparison that is meaningless at best. Do we commiserate? Perhaps, perhaps not. I do not as my primary concern in this context is for the holy Catholic Church.

Finally, There are many Mormons on this thread that are being called to Catholicism, which fills me with joy.

In Faith & Love,
r.

 

[Katholikos]

tkdnick:

This is not totally true. For baptism, it is possible in emergencies for a lay person to baptize someone. Also, it is possible for laity to distribute the Eucharist, however, only a priest of higher can actually consecrate it. All other sacraments must be performed by an ordained minister.

Baptism is performed by an ordained priest or deacon except in cases of emergency, when it may be performed by anyone who knows how to administer a valid baptism. The Sacrament of Marriage for a Catholic must be witnessed by a validly ordained priest or deacon. However, the couple are ministers of the Sacrament to each other. Therefore, two validly baptized Protestants may be sacramentally married in the presence of their clergyman. A Catholic may never be sacramentally married except in the presence of a priest. Thus, the Church recognizes (some) Protestant Baptisms and Marriages, provided all other conditions for a Sacrament are met (no impediments). The other five Sacraments must be performed by a priest.

JMJ Jay

 

[tkdnick]

Jodi:

Comming to the realization that I had understood God all wrong is hard. As I am going through this conversion process I realize that I saw everything through a flawed lense. I find myself looking at my whole life in a new way.

It is a difficult journey but I am glad I am begining it now while my children are still so young. I can only imagine the heart break if I waited any longer and it was too late to easily mold them and they went astray.

Its as if my whole life is different. It is a very odd sensation that I am still getting used too.

I am greatful for the RCIA process. I understand that unlike the lds who can go from first meet to baptism in as little as a week that the catholic church wants very much for me to understand the beliefs and values of the church so I am fully prepared for baptism which in all likelyhood wouldn’t happen until next easter for me.

I feel so young when it comes to the gospel. I have sooo much to unlearn, and learn.

Thanks again for your kind answers.

I cannot imagine the difficulty you are going through right now. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and in the prayers of my church members.

We are all so young in the eyes of God. We are His children and He will be with us through every trial and every joy.

Please do not forget that your process will be long. There will probably be many questions, many heartbreaks. But I truly believe you will find MANY joys! I praise God that you are looking into the Catholic Church!!!

These forums are a great resource. People like Tmaque, catholic rcia, and Paul Dupre have all gone through the process you are now going through. I have no doubt that they will be able to help you through this. Feel free to ask any questions you like on these forums, or you are always welcome to send me a private message or email if I may be of help.