So there's this girl...

then you're finished.

 

I don't feel like reading through all the mormon bashing in this thread, so this may have been pointed out before, but it is highly unlikely. I actually know a lot about Mormonism (not as much as a mormon, but much more than the average person). One of my closest friends at graduate school was a practicing mormon.

Anyways, women can date outside the religion, but I know that a lot of practicing mormons wouldn't. Mormons can't do more than light kissing prior to marriage. It is more strict and important in their community. Without knowing her, I don't know if she practices or not, but if she does, I would suggest you move on. Unless of course you are disinterested in sex (which is obviously fine) or you feel ready to marry early.

 

I saw her two nights ago, but unfortunately, we didn't get to talk too much, as she had to leave early.

 

Hmmmmmmm...sounds like the novelty/newness has already worn off on 'her' part?

She could just be fickle as 'many' young women are....just play it cool and not desperate. ha ha

 

Are mormons christians?

 

Pursue it gently. I wouldn't avoid the relationship because she's a Mormon, you're obviously interested enough in something other than girls (at least I would hope so) if you're going to a Mormon youth group. I've wanted to become a Mormon before but just could accept their particular beliefs. Aside from theological issues, which are big for me, I otherwise really like the Mormon Church and think that they do a ton of good.

But you're talking about an individual. As far as I'm concerned, the advice I'd give is generally the same I'd give with any girl, and just moreso if she's particularly religious. Be a good guy, do right by her and respect her beliefs (religious and other), and pursue a relationship slowly. I hope it works out well for you.

 

it depends on who you ask. Mormons will say yes...i think Catholics and Methodists say not close enough and the rest of us are like "ok, why not/close enough".

 

I agree with some of what I have read posted here, my understanding is that Mormons only marry other Mormons & you would have to convert for at least 1 year before being allowed to marry. Aside from their religious views, they do not believe in smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, coffee or tea. You might also want to learn what her views are on modern medicine. My cousin married one who believed that prayer could cure anything, she went off her meds (she was bi-polar,which she did not tell my cousin before their wedding) & beat the living hell out of him. I am happy that they are now divorced (they generally don't approve of that either, btw). Tread carefully.

 

I'm part of a mormon family, you have to be baptized at the church before they allow you to date their women. But that aside it sounds like you two hit it off.

 

I could see it working between the two of you, the issue will be the other Mormons. They won't approve. At that point she'll either have to tell them to (*)(*)(*)(*) off, or it'll be done with. Because I doubt you are going to become a Mormon.

 

Many Mormons and especially their Unity Church break away denomination live near us. Most are nice people. The only advice I can give is to see what happens. You never know.

 

really , you are aware many fundies think Catholics are cultist

 

Given the number of ex-Catholics, at least in the U.S., the faith is easy enough to walk away from. I did for well over a decade. I decided, as an adult, this isn't for me I get nothing out of it any more and walked away. Never went to another Mass again or took communion, for years. I don't regard Catholicism as a cult. People that claim it is, are just ignorant of the faith. The main issue Protestants have with it, is the Pope...at least that's as I understand it. They don't want to take orders from a Pope or what they interpret as "orders" anyway..

Any person, atheist, muslim, hindu, protestant, is free to attend a Mass at a Catholic church. There is not a person on theis board who I would not invite to attend a Mass. I'd take the time to explain the various tenets to them. They are welcome in my church and I would welcome them as someone who may be interested in knowing the faith. They will not be turned away. There is a Mormon temple no less than 3 miles from my residence that I am unable to visit. I'm unwelcome.

What's that tell you about Mormonism? For me, it says they don't want anybody to know what's going on inside with closed doors...as far as I'm concerned it is no more than brain washing.

 

I did I attend UCof C now but I hold no bad will for Catholics , it just works better for me, nothing against Mormons either

 

I've attended Unitarian churchs, and protestant services. In fact the Protestants get many things right, that the Catholics could learn from...mainlly getting excited aobut the faith. Mormonism is what I absolutely do not trust as anything resembling a Christian faith. Turning away someone who is interested in knowing about it?

That's not a precept of Christianity which WELCOMES all....

 

Except for communion. Non catholics aren't welcome to attend communion at every parish. Having accepted Christs as their Savior matters not.

 

Correct, you shouldn't accept communion as a non-Catholic. That is something I would explain..it's not a "secret"...it's a tenet of the church You could go up there and take the host, none the wiser, but correct, you shouldn't as a non-Catholic. Different approach to the faith than protestantism, though I believe Episcopalians have communion as well.

I was addressing the issue of "cultism" within Catholicism, and having been raised Catholic, educated by Catholics....

I walked away from it.

No one chased me down, held a gun to my head and said you're going to Mass.

So after years of indoctrination, I still made a decision it wasn't for me. Hardly brain washing I'd say...
There are many millions of ex-Catholics who did the same.

Mormonism, as far as I'm concerned...has cultist tendencies.

 

Its what stands out to me. I was welcome to partake in communion in some catholic churches, but no in others. To me, that's cultish, since the reason we are taking communion is a biblical one and shouldn't be confined to one denomination over another.

While I know very little about Mormons, they seem to me just as exclusive and stand-offish as Catholics.
As a matter of fact, any church that doesn't welcome all of God's children is just that.

 

I'm Catholic, what is "stand-offish" about being willing to take anyone of any faith, no faith, semi-faith..and attend a Mass. I'd explain the various tenets, what's going on in a Mass, what this means etc.

yes, it's a basic tenet of Catholicism that being baptized as a Catholic makes one eligible to take the consecrated host...yet ANYONE can convert and be baptized...a Muslim can convert, a Hindu, an Atheist, a Lutheran...it is not an "exclusive" club..

What you're arguing are the tenets of the Catholic church...being baptized by the Church is required to take Communion often times...just as a fallen away Catholic I should not take Communion either until I go to confession...yes those are some of the rules & procedures.

if we really won't to "go there" with Catholicis vs. Fundamentalism....

Fundamentalism denies basic scientific precepts which the Catholic faith accepts, in fact the Vatican has their own team of scientists. There are 3 Catholic priests who I know of in my diocese with PhDs in a science field...they teach at the university level.

Fundamentalists demand a literal interpretation of the Bible...any evidence indicating the World is older than 6,000 years is denied....it's basis is ignorance....

I wanted to approach faith with reason...and Catholicism is far more accepting of an intellectual approach to faith in place of...basic bull (*)(*)(*)(*) like talking in tongues and playing with snakes....essentially faith approached by ignorance.

 

Certainly the Catholic church has more going for it in that regard than most protestant churches. A notable exception to that would be the Anglican church, I suppose, but for the most part the protestant churches do tend to be more or less as you describe them, I think.

Not that Catholic faith is reasonable, though. Ultimately, it's just as silly as the rest.

 

Having been on both sides of this discussion (raised Roman Catholic but attending non/inter-denominational 'Protestant-type' churches later in adult life), if one asks a Catholic what 'religion' they are they will say "Catholic,' usually leaving off the 'Roman' part. And then if you pursue it asking are you "Christian?' They will act like 'of course!'

Mormons seem to be the same way..initial response is Mormon,' but if ask them if they are Christian, they will act like 'of course."

The primary difference between Catholics & Protestants (in general) is the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and it's traditions/history vs. the authority of Scripture alone. Both sides have difficulties in those regards....

 

Here's one priest on the Vatican science counsel.

Fundamentalist's meanwhile....



The thread is about a guy interested in a Mormon...so I've gone off topic enough...

The board can draw their own conclusions.

 

mormons are welcoming, they send missionaries out to welcome you if that does not say anything I don't know what will. but it is biblical law to be equally yoked before marriage, so for a mormon mate you have to be baptized in the church.

if other churches allow inter religion marriage, then that is immoral and against the bible and Prophet Smith's teachings.

 

What a cheap 'hit & run".. .ALL non-Roman Catholics are looney fundies! Lumping the all is what Liberals usually do... You must be ideologically "back sliding'...ha ha

Back to the Mormon girl and the OP.....Good luck as you can see what discussions 'religion' produces..

 

I have no issue with Protestantism....I was addressing the attack on Catholicism.

I have my own issues with Catholicism...a complete and utter failure of the heirarchy to address pedophilia among the priesthood for one thing.

Catholics are not perfect...nor is it the "perfect" faith.

Another person said fundamentalists view Catholics as cultists, I responded in kind....
yes of course handling rattle snakes and talking gibberish is not cultish at all.

We're quibbling amongst ourselves and instead of uniting as brothers and sisters in Christ, we bicker.

The issue to me is, is Mormonism a true Christian faith....Baptists, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Methodists...etc. I recognize as fellow Christians...I am skeptical of Mormons. Less than 3 miles from my residence a very nice, marble and stone Mormon temple was built. I inquired as to taking a tour, speaking with the leaders and getting to know my neighbor. Not judge, but to know...I said I'm Catholic, I'd like to get to know Mormonism.

Believe me, I was given the very, very cold shoulder I would never do that with a Mormon interested in Catholicism. I would not try to "convert" anyone or disparage their faith. They have questions about Catholics, I'll answer as best I can.

So yes, my honest appraisal of Mormonism is that at best it is pseudo-Christian...

Some may say Catholicism is pseudo-Chrisitan, but I would at least not run from the accusations, and I acknowledge the flaws within the Church which need to be addressed, chiefly pedophilia within the priesthood, they should be criminallly charged.