So lately I’ve been looking into the LDS Church and through research, scriptures, time and prayer, I think this might be the path for me. Ofcourse I still have many things to learn and won’t be converting for a while. How can I avoid the tension this possible decision is already making in my Catholic family? I’ve already decided that if I were to convert, I would not do so until my freshman year of college to make things easier on both myself and my family. I live in a highly mormon populated area and my parents love the people, but disagree with their beliefs. I’m not bitter at my parents because I understand that they just want what they think is best for me. But then how do you choose what you think is best for you and the love of your family–especially when your mom tells you in tears that she feels like she’s losing you as a daughter and then I’d break her heart if I were to convert. Looking into this church and visiting the temple has brought great joy to my life, but the hardships developing between my parents and I have only brought depression. I’m desperate for some advice. If anyone can help me, please…
One Response to “So lately I’ve been looking into the LDS Church and…”
Gordon B. Hinckley one said,
2012-07-08 21:59:59
Hi friend. It seems to me you have the right attitude. You're cultivating your spirituality. You're understanding of your mom's concerns, even though you're dedicated to your new spiritual path. You seem like a spiritually mature person who's headed in the right direction.
Perhaps the key is to emphasize that you are not abandoning the many true religious teachings you received from your parents as a child. There are many true teachings in the Catholic Church. I'm sure that as a child those teachings helped you to grow closer to God, and they'll continue to do so. Help your parents understand that you intend to honor these true teachings. There are some additional teachings and corrections/revelations found in the LDS church that aren't found in the Catholic Church. Some of these teachings are very important. But 95% of what the Catholic Church teaches is also taught in the LDS church. Mormonism isn't meant to replace your old religion. It's meant to build and enhance the previous true teachings you've received. As the late president of our church Gordon B. Hinckley one said, "I say this to [people of other faiths]: you develop all the good you can. We have no animosity toward any other church. We do not oppose other churches. We never speak negatively of other churches. We say to people: you bring all the good that you have, and let us see if we can add to it."
I hope this answer helps. Let your parents know that you love them and are grateful for the teachings they gave you as a child. Best of luck to you, sister.
Perhaps the key is to emphasize that you are not abandoning the many true religious teachings you received from your parents as a child. There are many true teachings in the Catholic Church. I'm sure that as a child those teachings helped you to grow closer to God, and they'll continue to do so. Help your parents understand that you intend to honor these true teachings. There are some additional teachings and corrections/revelations found in the LDS church that aren't found in the Catholic Church. Some of these teachings are very important. But 95% of what the Catholic Church teaches is also taught in the LDS church. Mormonism isn't meant to replace your old religion. It's meant to build and enhance the previous true teachings you've received. As the late president of our church Gordon B. Hinckley one said, "I say this to [people of other faiths]: you develop all the good you can. We have no animosity toward any other church. We do not oppose other churches. We never speak negatively of other churches. We say to people: you bring all the good that you have, and let us see if we can add to it."
I hope this answer helps. Let your parents know that you love them and are grateful for the teachings they gave you as a child. Best of luck to you, sister.