Which way should I go, Mormon or Catholic?

Question

I'm technically a member of the Mormon (LDS) church, but I'm hardly active in it. I like some of the Mormon standards (no smoking, no drinking), but I've been very interested in the Catholic faith ever since I was a young child, long before I was ever a member of the Mormon church. There is just something about the spiritualism, tradition and symbolism of the Catholic church that I love, and that I don't get from the Mormon church. Which church should I go for?

Answer 1

That is a personal decison that you must make for yourself. Why not visit a Catholic church for awhile and see how it makes you feel. If you feel at home there and it better suits your beliefs then go for it. Or you may want to try to get involved in your LDS group again and see how that works out for you. Pray about it and you will be lead in the right direction.

Answer 2

Did you choose to be a member of the Church? If so, what was it that prompted you to join? Perhaps the fellowshipping you had when you first joined has slowed down and you feel the need for more contact with Church members. Many new members have a 'let down' type of feeling after awhile when they get into the routine of Church membership and don't have the missionaries escorting them everywhere.
I have been a member of the Church for over 17 years, joining when my oldest child was 2 yrs. Before that I was nothing, but had attended a Baptist church sporadically in my youth.
I am always baffled at the ignorant remarks made about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We don't worship Joseph Smith or follow 'his' teachings. The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith, not 'written' by him. We have the Holy Bible as well as the Book of Mormon as scripture.
We have tradition and symbolism, which is practiced every Sunday when we partake of the sacrament.
I know many Catholics that have joined the Church, and remarked that the LDS Church was similar to the Catholic in that they both follow a set prayer (sacrament) as well as the rituals (again sacrament).
Perhaps you really don't want Christ in your life at all, it sounds like you just want pomp and circumstance, or maybe you just like the smell of that incense stuff they swish around at the Catholic mass.

Answer 3

It sounds like you know some things about both religions. There is symbolism, tradition and maybe spiritualism in every church.
I personally would never join the Catholic church. I think they have changed many things from the way the Bible and Jesus taught. I feel the Catholic Church bbrainwashed everyone long ago so now no one knows what is true and not true.
I do not need to comment on the Mormon church bbecause already know about it.

Answer 4

Look at their different beliefs and decide what is the most important to you. I do not know much about the Catholic church but i am sure there are some similarities...
These are a few reasons that stand out from other religions as to why I am Mormon :

I am sealed to my spouse forever. No other church or religion has the sealing power of the Priesthood as does the LDS.

I can be with my family forever (being sealed to one another), that is a promise from our Heavenly Father.

I belong to the only true church on the earth.

I enjoy the blessings of the Priesthood in my home, paying tithing, attending the temple, and many other blessings.

These are just a few and there are many many more. If your family is the most important thing to you, look into the LDS church. I challenge you to read the Book of Mormon and ask of the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if it is true. You will get an answer if you ask with a sincere heart.
If you appreciate symbolism, the LDS church is rich with ancient symbolism set forth by Jesus Christ.

Talk to the missionaries. Read the Book of Mormon.
Good luck with your journey.

Answer 5

You are right about the spiritualism and symbolism in the Catholic church. The seasons of the liturgy, and the readings chosen are so thematic, and make it very easy, during different times of the year, to reflect on the passion, the ressurection, the nativity, the annunciation... the stained glass and readings always show the syncretism between the old testament events like the near-sacrifice of Isaac with the crucifixion, or the blessing of the bread and wine by Melchizedek with Holy Communion.

Also, Catholic prayer life is so rich - there just so many devotionals, and you can almost shape your own style of prayer life as an individual practitioner, all the while staying in a vibrant community a billion strong. You can have an inner spiritual life that is completely private, and yet fully integrated with your communal spiritual life.

It is the sheer richness of Catholic life that keeps me here. There are just so many spiritual helps that it is the most powerful (and yet simplest) way to live a life that is never far from the Lord.

Answer 6

As an ex-catholic who lived in Utah for seven years, I say go with what makes you feel most comfortable. The problems I had with the catholic church are the same problems I would have with all of christianity. Plus, I didn't like the subordinate roles of the women in the church. But that will be no different than in the Mormon church.

Not all was about about the catholic church.

I became an apostate to all my religious beliefs.

Answer 7

If what you're doing doesn't work, try something else.

You may find that the things you like about Catholicism may be present in an Episcopal Church as well. The service structure and "pew aerobics" (sit down, stand up, kneel, cross yourself, etc.) may be what you're looking for, but the doctrine is different (ie:priests can marry, divorce is allowed, no first communion, no saints, etc.)

The problem with Catholicism is that you can't just "try it on for size." You either are or you aren't. I had friends who were raised Catholic, and had to take classes outside of school from 1st grade until like, 8th or 9th until they had their Confirmation. It takes YEARS to become a "true practicing Catholic." Just try things, and study up on the doctrines of several denominations, and you'll find lots of interesting information!

Answer 8

I think before you go into any religion you should find out as much as you can about it. How closely does it adhere to the scriptures. Neither of the ones you have mentioned are true to the word. Catholicism has doctrines made up over the years by man not God. They have a pope who tells them when they can poo. Every time they sneeze they have to tell some man they call father (which definately goes against the bible) and ask him to absolve their sin. Jesus came and was sacrificed so you could have a direct line to the throne with no middle man here on earth.
Mormonism is a whole nother scary ballgame. I agree both have some things about them that are good and edifying to the soul, but I think you should get hold of a bible and do some leg work first to be sure you will know which religion is applicable to you.

Answer 9

I suggest you explore the Catholic Church a little more before you decide.

If you are interested in joining or just learning more about the Catholic Church, contact your local parish and ask about information about their RCIA Inquiry group.

You can go and ask any questions you want.

This is the first step in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) but you can stop at any time.

There is no obligation to become a Catholic.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 10

Ummmm....do you need a church to hold you to specific standards? Are you unable to keep from smoking or drinking unless there is some threat of hellfire and damnation hanging over your head?

Some people in this world lead truly moral and pure lives without ever having to have fear instilled in them to keep from doing wrong...some people in this world never need the guidence or support from churches or other people to always do the right thing...and it also seems that even with guidence and support and the threat of hell hanging over them, some people still continue to sin like the devil, using religion as a smoke screen to hide their evil.

Speaking of hiding evil....you do know it is evil to molest children right? and it is also just as evil to for others to cover up the abuse of children....before you join the Catholics ask yourself this question :

Where the hell was God at while thousands of children were being raped by God's Priests and in God's houses of worship????