Why Should a Mormon Become Catholic?

[LivingWaters7]

So I hesitated posting this thread, but thought, what the heck.

For the past few days, I’ve been really feeling a “pull” towards just getting up, going to the local parish, going to Confession/Reconciliation, repenting, and becoming Catholic again. Seeing all of my Scott Hahn books on the shelf isn’t helping either (especially his latest, Consuming the Word: The New Testament and the Eucharist in the Early Church, which is fantastic). I dunno, it might happen soon…

Anyway, many Mormons have misconceptions about the Catholic Church, its doctrines, history, and practices. Many also find great comfort in certain LDS beliefs, such as:

-temples and eternal families
-prophets, revelation from God to man (including personal revelation), church guided by revelation, Heaven not being “closed” (in their view)
-apostles, priesthood
-“one true church”

So, the point of this thread is to talk about what is it about Catholicism that should cause Mormons to pause, get out of their comfort zone, and look at the Catholic Church? Both churches claim to be the One True Church. They both can’t be right (maybe both are wrong! but we’ll skip that). Many Mormons are familiar with a story (I’m giving this off the top of my head) of how a Catholic (maybe it was a priest) said to a Mormon that either the LDS Church is right (and that a restoration of Christ’s Church was needed) or the Catholic Church is right (and Christ’s Church continues to exist since He established it, never needing a restoration). Various LDS apologetic books include that story, then go on to investigate the LDS viewpoint. This thread is therefore about the Catholic viewpoint, whether it’s about the apostasy (or lack thereof), specific doctrines (including the nature of God), sacraments, etc. Why should a Mormon look at a Catholicism, and go so far as to convert, especially when they find comfort and really believe the things I listed above?

Let’s keep it civil (and no “because it’s true” or “because Joseph Smith was a liar and a charlatan”), especially for the LDS lurkers that may be curious!

 

[CarolNoel]

Living Waters. I am looking forward to reading you have finally answered that “pull.”

 

[Quaesitor]

As a Mormon born and now converted Catholic, I would say the biggest reason to convert would be Jesus in the Eucharist.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

I don’t mean this sarcastically, but convert for salvation.

 

[meltzerboy]

So I hesitated posting this thread, but thought, what the heck.

For the past few days, I’ve been really feeling a “pull” towards just getting up, going to the local parish, going to Confession/Reconciliation, repenting, and becoming Catholic again. Seeing all of my Scott Hahn books on the shelf isn’t helping either (especially his latest, Consuming the Word: The New Testament and the Eucharist in the Early Church, which is fantastic). I dunno, it might happen soon…

Anyway, many Mormons have misconceptions about the Catholic Church, its doctrines, history, and practices. Many also find great comfort in certain LDS beliefs, such as:

-temples and eternal families
-prophets, revelation from God to man (including personal revelation), church guided by revelation, Heaven not being “closed” (in their view)
-apostles, priesthood
-“one true church”

So, the point of this thread is to talk about what is it about Catholicism that should cause Mormons to pause, get out of their comfort zone, and look at the Catholic Church? Both churches claim to be the One True Church. They both can’t be right (maybe both are wrong! but we’ll skip that). Many Mormons are familiar with a story (I’m giving this off the top of my head) of how a Catholic (maybe it was a priest) said to a Mormon that either the LDS Church is right (and that a restoration of Christ’s Church was needed) or the Catholic Church is right (and Christ’s Church continues to exist since He established it, never needing a restoration). Various LDS apologetic books include that story, then go on to investigate the LDS viewpoint. This thread is therefore about the Catholic viewpoint, whether it’s about the apostasy (or lack thereof), specific doctrines (including the nature of God), sacraments, etc. Why should a Mormon look at a Catholicism, and go so far as to convert, especially when they find comfort and really believe the things I listed above?

Let’s keep it civil (and no “because it’s true” or “because Joseph Smith was a liar and a charlatan”), especially for the LDS lurkers that may be curious!

Based on what you state (“becoming Catholic again”), I take it you were Catholic at one time, either practicing or not. Some of that “pull” you are feeling may be based on this, and some may be based on your disappointment with the LDS religion. I also see you’re investigating the Qur’an, so I infer you are on a spiritual quest, as we all are in a sense. If you believe it is the Holy Spirit that is pulling you back toward the Church, then I would say go with that feeling by taking a leap of faith. You might want to investigate Catholicism further, especially if you are not too well-versed in the faith, by reading some of the writings of the Church Fathers and the Saints, as well as the Gospels and contemporary apologists. Whatever you eventually decide, best wishes on your faith journey.

 

[boomerang]

 

[LivingWaters7]

As a Mormon born and now converted Catholic, I would say the biggest reason to convert would be Jesus in the Eucharist.

Indeed. I think that one of the major issues for Latter-day Saints is on whether Christ taught the Real Presence or not. Many LDS apologetic works attempt to “prove” LDS beliefs (such as pre-mortal existence or exaltation) and practices by referencing writings from the early Christians. However, I have yet to see them attempt to demonstrate that the LDS view on the Eucharist/Sacrament was the original view. Instead, we see that the ECFs consistently taught the Real Presence, and interestingly, all of the most ancient Christian churches, no matter where they were and are (Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Ethiopia, India, Armenia, etc) all taught and teach the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In addition, it’s hard to read the New Testament account as supporting the LDS view.

 

[suzannep]

When Jesus established the Church, he said he would be with us 'til the end of time. The Catholic church is the only one which has an unbroken line of succession from Peter, the first Pope and Jesus sent Peter and the apostles to baptize and preach the Gospel to all the nations. Except for the apostle John, all of the apostles died willingly while preaching the gospel - no small sacrifice. Seems to me, if they were not preaching the truth, they would have recanted rather than go to their torture and deaths. If as Mormons and other non-Catholic denominations believe that the Church fell into apostacy, then wouldn’t that make Jesus a liar - as he said he would never leave us. Where was Jesus for 1800 years? Under what authority did Joseph Smith establish a new church? Who sent him? My understanding is that LDS members rely on a feeling that comes over them whereas as Catholics we must look at objective truth. I pray that God will give you clarity as you discern coming home. God bless…

suzannep

 

[twopekinguys]

So I hesitated posting this thread, but thought, what the heck.

For the past few days, I’ve been really feeling a “pull” towards just getting up, going to the local parish, going to Confession/Reconciliation, repenting, and becoming Catholic again. Seeing all of my Scott Hahn books on the shelf isn’t helping either (especially his latest, Consuming the Word: The New Testament and the Eucharist in the Early Church, which is fantastic). I dunno, it might happen soon…

Anyway, many Mormons have misconceptions about the Catholic Church, its doctrines, history, and practices. Many also find great comfort in certain LDS beliefs, such as:

-temples and eternal families
-prophets, revelation from God to man (including personal revelation), church guided by revelation, Heaven not being “closed” (in their view)
-apostles, priesthood
-“one true church”

So, the point of this thread is to talk about what is it about Catholicism that should cause Mormons to pause, get out of their comfort zone, and look at the Catholic Church? Both churches claim to be the One True Church. They both can’t be right (maybe both are wrong! but we’ll skip that). Many Mormons are familiar with a story (I’m giving this off the top of my head) of how a Catholic (maybe it was a priest) said to a Mormon that either the LDS Church is right (and that a restoration of Christ’s Church was needed) or the Catholic Church is right (and Christ’s Church continues to exist since He established it, never needing a restoration). Various LDS apologetic books include that story, then go on to investigate the LDS viewpoint. This thread is therefore about the Catholic viewpoint, whether it’s about the apostasy (or lack thereof), specific doctrines (including the nature of God), sacraments, etc. Why should a Mormon look at a Catholicism, and go so far as to convert, especially when they find comfort and really believe the things I listed above?

Let’s keep it civil (and no “because it’s true” or “because Joseph Smith was a liar and a charlatan”), especially for the LDS lurkers that may be curious!

You know, you could probably answer your own question the best.

You have been on both sides of the issue, and are struggling. You are the best person to understand where you’re at, and how you got there.

Don’t get me wrong, if it were up to me, I would drive you to confession right now, but that wouldn’t do you any good if you weren’t really ready to do it.

Something I tell people every year in RCIA is, “Everyone is in a different place in their faith journey. The important thing is that we are all on the same journey.”

You will get there. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but you will.

God is leading you on this journey for a reason. My guess is that reason is so you appreciate your faith and church home more than you have in the past.

Just know there are alot of people here that are praying for you. Including me.

 

[chero23]

Your post had a key word… A pull. You had a pull to become catholic again. It’s the Holy Spirit guiding you back to his church. You seem to have the right ideas, getting books and getting that urge to go back into a parish.

Get back in the flow of things, read the rosary once a day, or better yet once a week, just get that sensation back. Get some biblical guidance by going to sites like here and scripture catholic. Also, watch videos on YouTube of Tim staples, Scott Hahn, Steve ray, and other catholic apologetics.

 

[LivingWaters7]

Just wanted to quickly say thanks for the thoughts and prayers, I appreciate them as always.

Also, and not that I don’t appreciate them (which I do! ), but the way I envision this thread is as a collection of doctrinal points, thoughts, etc, as to why a Mormon, especially a former Catholic, should be Catholic, and not a personal thread about me. Trust me when I say that there is a good number of former Catholic LDS (in my own YSA ward I met a number), many of whom misunderstand many things about Catholicism, which probably led them to Mormonism. Also, as I’m sure many of the other ex-LDS can talk about, many LDS simply don’t even consider the Catholic Church, seeing it as an apostate organization, among other things (especially as we read older material).

 

[Robyn_p]

Well, besides the Eucharist, I would say the knowledge and comfort of being part of a two thousand year old community is something. Realizing that Jesus really didn’t leave us desolate. That he never abandoned or ceased guiding his Church. That God remains faithful, even if we haven’t always.

Also, I don’t know if LDS have any understanding of the communion of saints, but this is such a great gift! Knowing that physical death can’t separate us from loved ones. That their prayers are being offered up to God for us, and they’re still intimately involved in our lives even after death. Awesome to realize we have so great a cloud of witnesses helping us.

Confession. Hearing the words of absolution is such a freeing and awesome experience.

There’s so much more…but those are some of the big ones for me.

P.S. Living Waters, I just got Scott Hahn’s new book myself. I’ve haven’t had the chance to sit down and read it yet, but I’ve been looking forward to it, and now that you reminded me of it I think I’ll just go ahead and do that right now.

 

[Quaesitor]

Indeed. I think that one of the major issues for Latter-day Saints is on whether Christ taught the Real Presence or not. Many LDS apologetic works attempt to “prove” LDS beliefs (such as pre-mortal existence or exaltation) and practices by referencing writings from the early Christians. However, I have yet to see them attempt to demonstrate that the LDS view on the Eucharist/Sacrament was the original view. Instead, we see that the ECFs consistently taught the Real Presence, and interestingly, all of the most ancient Christian churches, no matter where they were and are (Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Ethiopia, India, Armenia, etc) all taught and teach the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In addition, it’s hard to read the New Testament account as supporting the LDS view.

I totally agree that the LDS miss the mark when obviously Christ could have called to everyone who was leaving and say “Hey I mean symbolically!” and got them all back, but no.

For me I looked at only one main point of difference when I converted. That was: Did the church really die off in the first two centuries as Joseph suggested or was it still thriving. I came out with two possibilities. One, either Christ made a mistake and withdrew his authority (basically Christ would have to have lied since he is God and knows everything past, present and future) or two, more realistically, Christ didn’t go back on his word and all authority still remains with the Catholic church. Read Mathew 16:18

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,* and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

This was enough for me, it proved to me that Christ wouldn’t take away his authority and therefore the authority still lies with the See of Peter.

I did’t look at anything else. I’m not going to bad mouth Joseph or the LDS church or call them what I could, but for me this was enough. I believe it with every fiber of my body. One thing I never heard in the LDS church was how Christ had a propensity to name people for good reason and then use those names in unique ways. I never knew that Peter was another word for Rock.

 

[SteveVH]

Indeed. I think that one of the major issues for Latter-day Saints is on whether Christ taught the Real Presence or not. Many LDS apologetic works attempt to “prove” LDS beliefs (such as pre-mortal existence or exaltation) and practices by referencing writings from the early Christians. However, I have yet to see them attempt to demonstrate that the LDS view on the Eucharist/Sacrament was the original view. Instead, we see that the ECFs consistently taught the Real Presence, and interestingly, all of the most ancient Christian churches, no matter where they were and are (Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Ethiopia, India, Armenia, etc) all taught and teach the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In addition, it’s hard to read the New Testament account as supporting the LDS view.

LW, you are correct that the real presence has always been taught, and it makes sense when one considers that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic faith. That is where I would ask someone inquiring into the Catholic faith to spend their resources. If the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a false doctrine, then there is no Catholic Church and no point in looking any further. On the other hand, if it is true then one had better run to the Catholic Church and fast because that is where Christ is.

Five thousand walked away from Jesus because of this issue. Jesus’ words still echo through time: “Will you also leave?” Our only response can be “To whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life”. We believe it because of the one who said it.

The tug you are feeling is God drawing you back into his arms. You are in my prayers.

 

[kimg901]

Why should everyone? Because its the Church Christ founded. Others make claims of such but why would Christ decieve billions?

 

[boomerang]

From the Young Women’s Journal 1892: People living on the moon, dressed like Quakers, according to Joseph Smith.
Listen to the Holy Spirit. Come back to the real church. We’ve got Jesus in the Eucharist, saints, martyrs, stigmata, miraculous cures. Who does the Blessed Virgin keep appearing to? It ain’t the Mormons. :aok:

 

[Quaesitor]

From the Young Women’s Journal 1892: People living on the moon, dressed like Quakers, according to Joseph Smith.
Listen to the Holy Spirit. Come back to the real church. We’ve got Jesus in the Eucharist, saints, martyrs, stigmata, miraculous cures. Who does the Blessed Virgin keep appearing to? It ain’t the Mormons. :aok:

WOW!!! Thanks boomerang, never heard that one and it is pretty interesting. There’s more to the article than what you captured because it continues onto the next page, just thought I would tell you. From which we get:

". . . I was told that I should preach the gospel before I was 21 years of age; that I should preach the gospel to the inhabitants upon the islands of the sea, and–to the inhabitants of the moon, even the planet you can now behold with your eyes.

The first two promises have been fulfilled, and the later may be verified."

contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/YWJ/id/11790/rec/3

 

[twopekinguys]

Just wanted to quickly say thanks for the thoughts and prayers, I appreciate them as always.

Also, and not that I don’t appreciate them (which I do! ), but the way I envision this thread is as a collection of doctrinal points, thoughts, etc, as to why a Mormon, especially a former Catholic, should be Catholic, and not a personal thread about me. Trust me when I say that there is a good number of former Catholic LDS (in my own YSA ward I met a number), many of whom misunderstand many things about Catholicism, which probably led them to Mormonism. Also, as I’m sure many of the other ex-LDS can talk about, many LDS simply don’t even consider the Catholic Church, seeing it as an apostate organization, among other things (especially as we read older material).

Let me ask you two quick questions.

1. What is the one major thing about mormonism that you are struggling with?
2. What is the one major thing about Catholicism that is drawing you back?

 

[exiled]

Many also find great comfort in certain LDS beliefs, such as:

-temples and eternal families
-prophets, revelation from God to man (including personal revelation), church guided by revelation, Heaven not being “closed” (in their view)
-apostles, priesthood
-“one true church”

If LDS take great comfort in temples, in order to help them consider the Catholic Church, perhaps point out the beautiful old churches that we have. My understanding is that LDS go to temples, in part, to be in close communion with God, and that the decor in a temple helps to elevate one’s mind toward God and Eternity. Older, more ornate Catholic churches do that, too.
Eternal families-I’m sure that is a draw to the LDS, but we get so much more in the Catholic understanding of our families and eternity. We have our loved ones, but we also now see the rest of our family, the human family, that we all are a part of. I’m excited about that!
Prophets-we have the security of the authority of the Holy Father. No difference except, if I understand correctly, everything the LDS prophet says is supposed to be doctrine, whereas in the CC only matters of faith and morals. The CC allows for a lot more free expression of our individual personalities and pursuing our particular charisms, if you ask me.
Security of the apostles and the priesthood…well, we’ve got that, too. Catholics realize that we all have roles as “priests”, although not sacredly ordained.
And the “one, holy, catholic and apostolic”-yep, we’ve got that covered, too.
So LDS do not lose any of those things that are bringing them certainty within the LDS church, and are, in fact, getting more within the CC.

 

[LivingWaters7]

From the Young Women’s Journal 1892: People living on the moon, dressed like Quakers, according to Joseph Smith.
Listen to the Holy Spirit. Come back to the real church. We’ve got Jesus in the Eucharist, saints, martyrs, stigmata, miraculous cures. Who does the Blessed Virgin keep appearing to? It ain’t the Mormons. :aok:

Oh wow indeed. I was familiar with the claim that there were people living on the moon, dressed like Quakers before, but I didn’t realize that it was in the Young Woman’s Journal, an official Church publication.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Woman%27s_Journal
eom.byu.edu/index.php/Young_Woman%27s_Journal