Sarah Mitchell
Mormonism and Catholicism are two distinct religions with different beliefs, practices, and organizational structures. While Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), consider themselves Christians, this is a subject of debate among other Christians, including Catholics. Mormons and Catholics differ in their conceptions of God, the nature of Christ, the role of the priesthood, views on marriage and family, and their approach to theology and scripture. Some individuals have left Mormonism and converted to Catholicism, citing concerns about Mormon history, doctrine, and community. Others defend Mormonism and highlight its positive aspects, such as community involvement and the dedication of its leaders. The relationship between the two religions is complex, with some dialogue and collaboration occurring between Catholic and Mormon leaders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beliefs | Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, his death for their sins, and his resurrection. They believe in the Book of Mormon. Catholics believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, who is the "Incarnate Son of God" and "Savior of the World". |
| Church Structure | Mormons have a highly structured and tightly controlled church hierarchy with two priesthoods: the Melchizedek and the Aaronic. The basic unit is the "ward", which is equivalent to a small parish. Catholics have a similar structure with priests and parishes. |
| Community | The LDS community is known for its strong sense of community and family values. However, there is also a "just go with it" mentality that some may find challenging. |
| Theology | LDS doctrine is tritheistic and subordinationist, differing from Catholic and Orthodox doctrines, which are trinitarian. |
| Baptism | The Catholic Church does not recognize Mormon baptisms. |
| Marriage | Mormons believe in the eternal glorification of the family and view marriage as a high ordinance. Catholics view marriage as a lifelong contract and do not permit divorce. |
| Religious Freedom | Mormons are closely associated with America and believe Christ established his Church among the Indians. Catholics have a global presence and promote religious freedom and shared family values. |
| Historical Claims | The LDS Church has faced scrutiny over its historical claims and the early history of the Mormon Church, leading to an exodus of members. |
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What You'll Learn
LDS and Catholic beliefs about God
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is a Christian church but is neither Catholic nor Protestant. It is a restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ as originally established in the New Testament of the Bible.
LDS Beliefs about God
According to LDS teaching, God is perfect in his person, character, and attributes, and God does progress. LDS founder Joseph Smith asserted that God the Father was once a man who passed through a life and death. This is in contrast to Catholic (and Protestant) teaching, where God is Being Itself, infinite, and eternal. LDS doctrine is tritheistic, believing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct gods with the Son subordinate to the Father. They are united in purpose but not in nature.
Catholic Beliefs about God
Catholics believe in the Trinity, that God is three persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in one divine nature. God is the Creator of the universe, and Jesus Christ is the "Incarnate Son of God", both God and man. He is the Savior of the World, sent by God to save mankind from death and sin.
Comparison
The main difference between the two belief systems is their conception of God. Catholics believe in the Nicene Creed, which states that God is three persons in one nature. Mormons, on the other hand, believe in three distinct gods with separate natures. This is a fundamental difference that has led the Catholic Church to reject LDS baptisms as valid.
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LDS and Catholic views on marriage
Marriage is a sacred institution in both the LDS and Catholic churches. However, there are some key differences in their beliefs and practices regarding marriage.
In the LDS Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marriage between a man and a woman is considered "ordained of God". It is believed that marriages performed in LDS temples can continue after death and will last eternally. This type of marriage is referred to as a "celestial marriage", which creates a covenant between the couple and God. While the LDS Church used to authorize polygamous marriages in the past, it now opposes such practices and excommunicates members who participate in them. The LDS Church has also distinguished itself by making efforts to reach compromises on LGBTQ issues, such as backing legislation that added sexual orientation and gender identity to Utah's nondiscrimination laws.
On the other hand, the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a lifelong covenant of love and faithfulness between a man and a woman. The Rite of Marriage asks the couple if they will love each other faithfully and totally, reflecting God's love. While the Catholic Church does not recognize marriages between Catholics and non-baptized individuals as valid, it allows marriages between Catholics and baptized non-Catholics with permission from the competent authority. The Church's primary concern is the faith of the Catholic party and the upbringing of any children in the Catholic faith.
Historically, the LDS and Catholic Churches have had differing views on marriage. The LDS Church, as a minority faith, has been shaped by persecution due to its distinct beliefs, including its past support for same-sex marriage legislation. In contrast, the Catholic Church, as the established religion in medieval times, has had a significant influence on societal norms. While the Catholic Church has traditionally been opposed to same-sex marriage, there are differing views within the Church, with some clergy, like Pope Francis, expressing support for the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals.
Despite their differences, there have been instances of collaboration between the LDS and Catholic Churches on social, moral, and political causes, such as their joint support for state-level legislation defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. However, their theological differences have also led to a lack of formal dialogue and engagement between the two churches.
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LDS and Catholic views on the Atonement of Christ
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith, but different denominations have different interpretations of how it works out spiritually, practically, and theologically.
LDS Views on the Atonement of Christ
Latter-day Saints (LDS) believe that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the "central fact, the crucial foundation, the chief doctrine, and the greatest expression of divine love in the plan of salvation". The Atonement is seen as a foreordained but voluntary act of the Son of God, who offered his innocent body, blood, and spiritual anguish as a redeeming ransom for the fall of Adam and the personal sins of those who repent. This belief in the fall of man is understood only in the context of the redemption of man through the Atonement. LDS scripture teaches that the mission of Christ as Redeemer was first taught to Adam and Eve after they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. The Atonement is also viewed as a way to overcome physical and spiritual death, which were brought about by Adam and Eve's transgression.
Catholic Views on the Atonement of Christ
Catholics also believe in the doctrine of the Atonement, which holds that mankind was fallen and was raised up and redeemed from sin by the blood of Christ. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologiae, developed the standard Catholic understanding of atonement. He argues that Christ's death satisfies the penalty owed by sin and that Christ's Passion was needed to pay the debt of man's sin. This idea is known as the "satisfaction theory of atonement". According to Aquinas, the Atonement is God's solution to the problems of past and future sin. In addition, Catholics emphasize the notion of Christ as Victor, vanquishing sin, death, and Satan, so that humanity may be united with God.
While both LDS and Catholic traditions emphasize the redemptive nature of the Atonement, they differ in their interpretations of its spiritual and theological implications. The LDS view focuses on the Atonement as a foreordained plan to overcome the fall of man, while Catholics emphasize the legal and penal aspects of Christ's sacrifice, as well as his victory over sin and death.
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LDS and Catholic views on the nature of the Church
The Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) have several differences in their views on the nature of the Church.
Nature of Jesus Christ
The Catholic Church believes in the doctrine of the Trinity, which states that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist as one person. In contrast, the LDS Church believes that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings with one purpose. Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is a spirit without a physical body and possesses all power. On the other hand, the LDS Church believes that Christ had a separate nature and was visible, embodied, and glorified, similar to the Father. Catholics believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, who is both God and man, and consider him the "Incarnate Son of God" and "Savior of the World". The LDS Church, however, does not believe in the unity of Christ's nature with the Father.
Nature of the Bible
The Catholic Church considers the Bible as the only collection of true ancient accounts involving Jesus Christ, his prophets, and apostles. They believe that the Canon, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is closed and contains the "inexhaustible source of Christian belief". In contrast, the LDS Church believes that the Bible is true only "as far as it is translated correctly". They consider the Book of Mormon to be another true testament of Jesus Christ and a companion scripture to the Bible. The LDS Church believes that the canon remains open, and ongoing revelation is expected.
Nature of Authority and Succession
The Catholic Church believes that Jesus bestowed pastoral authority on Peter, making him the first "Vicar of Christ" and head of the Church. This authority has been passed down through the unbroken succession of the Papacy. Catholics hold that public revelation ended with the death of the last apostle, but private revelations can still be received from God. The LDS Church, on the other hand, believes in a Great Apostasy, claiming that soon after the era of the apostles, four critical parts of the Gospel were lost: prophets, apostles, the priesthood, and revelation. They believe that Joseph Smith restored the line of succession through divine revelation and that he was ordained by biblical prophets and apostles. The LDS Church rejects the Catholic line of succession and considers non-Mormon clergy to have no heavenly authority.
Nature of Sacraments
The Catholic Church and the LDS Church differ in their practices of baptism. Catholics can be baptized at any age through sprinkling, pouring, or full immersion in water, performed by a priest. In the LDS Church, members are baptized by full immersion in water from the age of eight by a male figure in the Church who holds the priesthood authority. The LDS Church considers the Catholic practice of baptism invalid, and the Catholic Church does not recognize LDS baptisms.
Nature of Worship and Liturgy
The LDS Church is known for its distinctive worship practices, which include short talks, unscripted prayers, congregational hymn singing, and occasional special musical performances. They practice a weekly distribution of communion, referred to as "the sacrament," involving the passing of bread and water. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, follows a more traditional liturgy and ritualistic practices, which may vary depending on the specific Catholic tradition.
While there are significant differences between the Catholic Church and the LDS Church, relations between the two faiths have improved over time, and there is a growing dialogue and effort to understand each other's beliefs and practices.
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LDS and Catholic views on the priesthood
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) does not have a professional priesthood like the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian churches. Priesthood in the LDS Church is the power and authority of God, delegated to man, to act in His name for the salvation of humankind. It is not vocational or professional, nor is it hereditary or passed by inheritance from father to son.
The LDS Church restricts its priesthood to men, with all worthy male members eligible for ordination. The priesthood authority is divided into two divisions or "orders": the Melchizedek priesthood and the Aaronic priesthood. The Melchizedek priesthood encompasses all priesthood authority, while the Aaronic priesthood is conferred upon male church members from the age of eleven or twelve and is considered an appendage of the Melchizedek priesthood. The Aaronic priesthood assists the bishop in his service to the congregation. The Melchizedek priesthood is conferred upon men who have previously held the Aaronic priesthood and are at least 18 years old.
The Catholic Church, on the other hand, defends the validity of its priesthood by arguing that there was never a complete apostasy after the death of Jesus Christ and His Apostles in the first century AD, as believed by the Latter-day Saints. Catholics do not recognize the priesthood exercised by Latter-day Saints.
The keys of the priesthood refer to the right to exercise power and authority in the name of Jesus Christ and to preside over the Church. In the LDS Church, the President is the only person authorized to exercise all priesthood keys and he delegates his authority to others as appropriate.
The LDS Church teaches that the priesthood is not to be used as a means of imposing compliance or as a form of unrighteous dominion. Abuse, including verbal, physical, and sexual, is considered unrighteous dominion and is considered a sin.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church and the LDS Church differ in their teachings and beliefs. For example, the Catholic Church believes in the Immaculate Conception, perpetual virginity, and bodily assumption of Mary, which the LDS Church does not observe.
The LDS Church, or Mormonism, is not considered a part of Christianity by some people. However, Mormons believe in Jesus Christ and consider themselves Christians.
The Catholic Church does not recognize Mormon baptisms, and there are differences in doctrinal matters such as the Trinity and the nature of man's relationship with God. Despite this, there have been efforts to improve relations between the two groups, such as Cardinal Francis George's 2010 speech at BYU on religious freedom and shared family values.
Yes, there are accounts of former Mormons converting to Catholicism. Some individuals have shared their experiences and the reasons behind their decision to leave the LDS Church and join the Catholic Church.
The LDS Church has a highly structured and tightly controlled organization, with a focus on wholesome family life. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, has a variety of parishes with different levels of community involvement, and its practices can be influenced by the parishioners and priests.
