My family baptized me in the catholic religion, but I’ve been thinking about converting to mormonism. I’m not sure how my family would take it. How could I convert to the LDS church without hurting my family? I haven’t talked to them about my decision because I’m afraid. I’ve decided to wait a little to think more about what I want. Can you give me any council? How could I convert without offending my family?
3 Responses to “My family baptized me in the catholic religion, but I’ve bee…”
Diego Castro
2010-05-10 05:04:58
Hi friend. I'm very happy that you're interested in my Church! The LDS Church is such a central part of who I am. I'm very grateful for Christ's love that I feel in my life; so much of my relationship with Him has developed because of the influence of His Church in my life. It's a wonderful blessing.
There are many members of the church who were once Catholic, and they might be able to provide you with better answers that I can. I just wanted to point out that it might help if you explained to your family that Mormons have great respect for their Catholic brothers and sisters. Mormons are not Protestants; we do not trace the formation of our church to an explicit rejection of Catholicism. In some ways, Mormons theology has more in common with Catholic theology than with Protestant theology. Additionally, Mormons and Catholics have worked together on humanitarian and social projects for many years. When the Cathedral of the Madeline in Salt Lake City needed to be renovated, the "Mormon Church" even donated money to help with the renovation.
Perhaps if your family knew that Mormons and Catholics have been friends for many years and have a lot in common, they would be more open to your conversion. Hopefully others will provide more insights. Best of luck.
Doug
2010-05-10 09:25:36
This is not an unusual situation. There are at least 2 common reasons for this dilema: 1) It is a cultural thing 2) The parents firmly believe in the Catholic church
I too, was a catholic who became a mormon; my situation embraced a little of both issues. I am Polish American. My dad was very heavily involved in Catholism - he attended mass daily, went on retreats etc. My uncle had been a Catholic priest and philosophy professor at a Catholic college.
Much to my surprise, after my parents learned that I was a Mormon, I learned that both my father and uncle had also investigated the church. My dad, said that if was changning religions he was glad that I chose a "harder" and not an easier religion. He still was not happy, but never mentioned it.
For those who are looking at the issue strictly from a cultural point of view- I feel no concern regarding their objections. Embracing truth is the important thing. I do not feel I am any less Polish than I was when I was a Catholic.
There are endless cases of those who initially objected to someone's becoming Mormon, because they thought they had the truth and the Mormons were wrong. The truth will win in the end and the honest person searching for truth will be inclined to embrace the truth.
Good luck- do what is right; do not belittle Catholicism or anyone else's church. When your parents see the positive changes that comes from your living your religion, they will know that there is something good and right about the Mormons, and though they may not voice it, they will respect you for it.
Richard
2010-05-10 18:01:42
As I've suggested to others who are looking to enlighten their parents as to their new choice, go rent the movie "Fiddler on the Roof" and watch it with your parents, and use it as a jumping point as to your new desire.
Others have commented how catholics and LDS have become and are friends of late. Even to the point of inviting catholic bishops and cardnals to speak at BYU to the student body:
Also back in April of the 2007 General Conference of the LDS church elder Gary J. Colman gave a talk entitled "Are we Christians?":
Best of luck and remember God the Father was your Father befor he sent you to your current parents, and they did what they believed was the best thing for you to get back to him. Love your parents for that, and be aware that you can pray to him for your parents to understand. :) Do your best to them and to yourself in the time we have for this life.
There are many members of the church who were once Catholic, and they might be able to provide you with better answers that I can. I just wanted to point out that it might help if you explained to your family that Mormons have great respect for their Catholic brothers and sisters. Mormons are not Protestants; we do not trace the formation of our church to an explicit rejection of Catholicism. In some ways, Mormons theology has more in common with Catholic theology than with Protestant theology. Additionally, Mormons and Catholics have worked together on humanitarian and social projects for many years. When the Cathedral of the Madeline in Salt Lake City needed to be renovated, the "Mormon Church" even donated money to help with the renovation.
Perhaps if your family knew that Mormons and Catholics have been friends for many years and have a lot in common, they would be more open to your conversion. Hopefully others will provide more insights. Best of luck.
I too, was a catholic who became a mormon; my situation embraced a little of both issues. I am Polish American. My dad was very heavily involved in Catholism - he attended mass daily, went on retreats etc. My uncle had been a Catholic priest and philosophy professor at a Catholic college.
Much to my surprise, after my parents learned that I was a Mormon, I learned that both my father and uncle had also investigated the church. My dad, said that if was changning religions he was glad that I chose a "harder" and not an easier religion. He still was not happy, but never mentioned it.
For those who are looking at the issue strictly from a cultural point of view- I feel no concern regarding their objections. Embracing truth is the important thing. I do not feel I am any less Polish than I was when I was a Catholic.
There are endless cases of those who initially objected to someone's becoming Mormon, because they thought they had the truth and the Mormons were wrong. The truth will win in the end and the honest person searching for truth will be inclined to embrace the truth.
Good luck- do what is right; do not belittle Catholicism or anyone else's church. When your parents see the positive changes that comes from your living your religion, they will know that there is something good and right about the Mormons, and though they may not voice it, they will respect you for it.
Others have commented how catholics and LDS have become and are friends of late. Even to the point of inviting catholic bishops and cardnals to speak at BYU to the student body:
Also back in April of the 2007 General Conference of the LDS church elder Gary J. Colman gave a talk entitled "Are we Christians?":
Best of luck and remember God the Father was your Father befor he sent you to your current parents, and they did what they believed was the best thing for you to get back to him. Love your parents for that, and be aware that you can pray to him for your parents to understand. :) Do your best to them and to yourself in the time we have for this life.