Ethan Walker
Converting from the Mormon church (LDS) to Catholicism is a complex process, often described as bittersweet. Mormons who leave the church are taught that they will no longer obtain salvation in the highest Kingdom of Heaven and will forfeit their Eternal Exaltation. Many converts have described their journey as a difficult and challenging experience, requiring a lot of investigation and introspection. Some sources suggest that Catholics could learn from the strong community and family networks of the LDS church. The process of conversion to Catholicism involves enrolling in RCIA classes, which are initiation classes that teach about the Catholic faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for conversion | Catholics can drink tea and coffee; Joseph Smith's 1800-year disconnect from Christ; LDS members believe Peter, James and John appeared to LDS founder Joseph Smith and conferred upon him the keys of the kingdom that Christ gave to Peter; Catholics have natural theology; Catholics have a multi-level heaven |
| Resources for conversion | RCIA classes; The Journey Home, a Catholic TV program; podcasts by ex-Mormons; books by converts from Mormonism to Catholicism |
| Challenges of conversion | LDS teaching is that if one leaves the church, they can no longer obtain salvation in the highest Kingdom of Heaven and will forfeit their Eternal Exaltation; leaving a faith that forms the bedrock of one's identity and worldview |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the differences between the Catholic Church and LDS
The Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) have several differences in their beliefs and practices. Here are some key distinctions to understand:
Baptism: In the Catholic Church, baptism can be performed at any age through sprinkling, pouring, or full immersion in water by a priest. In the LDS Church, members can be baptised at age 8 and older through full immersion in water by a male figure who holds the priesthood authority.
Sacraments: The Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing the sick, marriage, and ordination. The Eucharist, or the partaking of bread and wine, can be done daily. In the LDS Church, while specific sacraments are not defined, similar ordinances are practised, including baptism and the sacrament of bread and water, which symbolises the body and blood of Christ.
Leadership: The Catholic Church is led by the Pope, who is believed to hold the power of God given to St. Peter by Jesus Christ. In the LDS Church, the leadership structure is different, with a First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other governing bodies.
Scriptures: Catholics believe in the Bible as the collection of true ancient accounts involving Jesus Christ. LDS members also believe in the Bible but primarily in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ. They believe that God the Father was once a man who progressed to become a god.
Salvation and Eternal Families: LDS teaching includes the concept of "eternal families", where families can be together forever in eternity. However, this is dependent on each family member living according to LDS principles. Catholics, on the other hand, believe in multiple levels of Heaven and do not teach that salvation is exclusive to one church.
Community and Mission: The LDS Church is known for its strong community and family networks, with members actively engaging in missionary work. Former LDS members often comment on the zeal and community focus they bring to the Catholic Church when they convert.
While there are differences between the two faiths, it is important to remember that many similarities exist as well, and these should not prevent unity and mutual understanding between believers.
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Investigating the history of the Mormon Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormon Church, was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 in Fayette, New York. Smith, born in 1805 in Vermont, moved with his family to Palmyra, New York, where he experienced a series of revelations and visions. In one such vision, Smith claimed that God and Jesus Christ appeared to him and instructed him to establish a new church. In another, an ancient prophet named Moroni directed Smith to a hill where he discovered a religious history of an ancient American civilization engraved on metal plates. This became the Book of Mormon, published in 1830, which serves as a foundational sacred text for the church.
The Mormon Church quickly gained followers, and in the mid-19th century, converts were encouraged to gather in America. However, the church also faced opposition and criticism. Smith and his followers moved successively to Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. After Smith's death in 1844, the majority of his followers sided with Brigham Young, who led the church to its current headquarters in Salt Lake City. Young led the Latter-day Saints on a westward journey, first to Nebraska and then to the Utah Territory in 1847.
The Mormon Church is known for its distinctive culture and practices, including abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, as well as observance of Sabbath-day restrictions. Members adhere to laws of sexual purity, health, fasting, and tithing, contributing ten percent of their income to the church. The church also teaches ordinances such as baptism, endowment, and celestial marriage.
In recent years, the church has faced criticism and allegations of historical revisionism, child sexual abuse, sexism, racism, and anti-LGBTQ+ teachings. Despite these controversies, the Mormon Church continues to grow, with approximately twelve million members worldwide.
Conversions from Mormonism to Catholicism have been documented, with some individuals sharing their experiences and reasons for leaving the LDS Church. Some former Mormons have expressed a sense of feeling “lied to" and struggling with the teachings being imparted to their children. Others have found a sense of community and devotion to Christ in the Catholic Church.
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Exploring the natural theology of Catholicism
Catholicism, like other religions, has its own unique theology, or set of beliefs about the nature of God and the world. Natural theology, in particular, is a type of inquiry that seeks to understand the existence and attributes of God without referring to any sacred texts or divine revelations. This means that individuals can explore the natural theology of Catholicism regardless of their religious background or lack thereof.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that humans are capable of attaining knowledge of the existence of a personal God through their faculties of rational thought. This idea is further supported by Catholic doctrine, which holds that God's existence can be proven with certainty through philosophical demonstration and rational means alone. However, it is important to note that natural theology may only confirm the existence of a deistic God, rather than the God of Catholicism specifically.
One example of natural theology in Catholicism is the argument presented by Gregory the Theologian, who asserted that the intricate laws of nature could not be the result of chance but must be designed by God. This reasoning aligns with the modern fine-tuning argument, which suggests that the universe is finely tuned for life and, therefore, must have been intentionally created.
Another influential figure in Catholic natural theology is Thomas Aquinas, whose work "Summa Contra Gentiles" explores what can be known about God through reason alone. Aquinas's approach to natural theology has been further developed by neo-Thomists, who have created various branches such as Transcendental Thomism, Aristotelian Thomism, and Existential Thomism. These neo-Thomists use Thomistic natural theology as a tool for higher education and apologetics, defending and promoting the Catholic faith.
While natural theology has faced criticisms and objections throughout history, it remains an essential aspect of Catholic theology. By engaging in natural theology, individuals can explore the fundamental questions about God's existence and nature, using shared sources of evidence such as sensation, reason, science, and history. This pursuit of knowledge can lead to a deeper understanding of Catholicism and its unique perspective on the divine.
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Learning about the Catholic faith through RCIA classes
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process by which non-Catholics enter the Catholic faith. RCIA classes are an important step in the journey of becoming a Catholic.
RCIA classes are typically held in parishes annually, beginning in autumn and ending before Easter. The classes cover a range of topics, including the Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testament), the Theology of the Mass and the Sacraments, the Articles of the Creed, Christian Morality, the Ten Commandments, and Prayer.
The RCIA program is designed to help individuals understand and embrace the teachings of the Catholic Church. It provides an opportunity to explore the fundamentals of the Catholic faith, including its beliefs, traditions, and practices. Through the RCIA classes, participants can gain a deeper understanding of Catholic doctrine, history, and spirituality.
In addition to the formal classes, RCIA programs may also include other resources such as introductory videos, lessons, prayers, scripture readings, discussion questions, and quizzes. These supplementary materials enhance the learning experience and allow individuals to study at their own pace. The RCIA program offered by Catholic Online School, for example, provides a wealth of information that is intended to bring fulfilment, joy, and happiness to those embarking on their faith journey.
While RCIA classes are an essential step in the conversion process, it is important to remember that becoming a Catholic involves more than just completing the classes. To be a Catholic, one must also profess the Catholic faith in its entirety, be united in the Sacraments, and follow the Church's teachings. This includes receiving the Sacraments, such as Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, from a Catholic priest.
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Understanding the conversion stories of former Mormons
Conversion stories of former Mormons can be understood through the lens of changing beliefs and practices, as well as the influence of online communities and personal experiences. In their narratives, former Mormons often explain the process by which they moved away from Mormonism and towards other faiths, such as Catholicism.
For some, the decision to leave Mormonism may be influenced by a change in personal circumstances or a re-evaluation of their beliefs. For example, a former Mormon may have initially been attracted to the conservative nature of the LDS church, but later come to embrace a more intellectual and spiritual path, as seen in the conversion story of a Mormon to Catholicism. In this case, the individual felt a sense of completeness and tolerance towards themselves and others, believing that their "worthiness" did not define their acceptance by God.
Online communities also play a significant role in the de-conversion process. Doubting and former Mormons engage in rituals of sharing their experiences and creating a spiritual community, even as they disavow their previous faith. These online spaces provide a platform for individuals to connect and find support during their journey away from Mormonism.
Additionally, some former Mormons may question the exclusivity of Mormonism and the idea that only Mormons have access to the truth or the gift of the Holy Spirit. They may seek a more inclusive spiritual path, such as Catholicism, which offers a sense of belonging and acceptance.
It is important to recognize that the interpretation and practice of any religion vary from individual to individual. The decision to leave Mormonism and convert to another faith is a personal and complex process that involves a re-evaluation of one's beliefs, connections with spiritual communities, and a search for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Leaving the Mormon church can be a challenging experience, especially if your family and community are part of the church. It is important to do your research and seek out sources that offer a fair assessment of the history and origins of the Mormon Church. You can also watch or listen to "The Journey Home" on Catholic TV, where the host interviews converts and shares their journey to Catholicism.
Mormonism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), has some key theological differences with Catholicism. Mormons believe that Peter, James, and John appeared to LDS founder Joseph Smith and conferred upon him the keys to the kingdom of Christ. Catholics, on the other hand, believe in the immaculate conception of Mary by God, non-physically. Additionally, the LDS Church teaches that those who leave the church will forfeit their Eternal Exaltation and can no longer attain salvation in the highest Kingdom of Heaven.
The first step is to sign up for RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes, where you will learn about the Catholic faith without any commitment. If you still desire to become Catholic after RCIA, you will receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first holy communion during the Easter Vigil.
In addition to RCIA classes, you can refer to the Catechism, which is a one-volume summary of Catholic teachings. Attending Mass in person or digitally can also provide you with a better understanding of Catholic practices and beliefs.
Leaving the LDS Church can be emotionally difficult, especially if you feel like your universe is being "ripped out from under you". It is important to seek support from like-minded individuals who have gone through similar experiences. You can connect with former LDS members who have converted to Catholicism and learn about their journeys. Additionally, prayer can provide strength, clarity, and peace during this challenging time.
