Dear Bri,

Wanting to know about Mormonism is fine. Speaking to Mormon missionaries, who will no doubt be pushy about converting you, is not the best way to do it. There are online Resources by Catholic and other Christian sources. Mormons claim to be Christians and honestly believe they are, but they are not.

They reject the Trinity as all true Christians understand it.

• They believe that all three persons of the Trinity are separate Gods.
• They believe Jesus was created by the Father as a spirit brother of lucifer.
• They believe that God the Father lives on a planet near Star Base Kolob, and
• have many other very unorthodox, heretical beliefs.

They are, as a rule, wonderful people with a great family ethic, love of neighbor, etc, etc. but unlike Protestant Christians, they aren't really Christian.

You can't be a Christian and believe Jesus was created. Jesus pre-existed eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God in Three Persons of the Same Substance, but as distinct Persons . . . . not three separate gods.

Unless you are very, very well-versed in the Scriptures and Catholic doctrine, I would advise not speaking with a Mormon missionary who is trained in proof-texting certain, selected verses out of context to persuade non-Mormons, especially Catholics, too many of whom sadly don't know their Bible, to convert to Mormonism.

He may tell you he's just there to explain and answer your questions, but he is trained to convert and his goal will be to convert.

I hope this helps,

Warmly,

John DiMascio

Dear Bri,

Allow me to add to John's fine answer.

He said:
There are online Resources by Catholic and other Christian sources.

Here are some good articles from our colleagues at Catholic Answers:

• Distinctive Beliefs of the Mormon Church
• The Gods of the Mormon Church
• Mormon Stumpers
  
  
• Beginning Apologetics 2: How to Answer Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons by Fr. Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham

and some knowledge base postings:

• Why would you question whether Mormons are Christians, when they are Christians?
• Can you provide some advice for a devout Catholic fiancé and a devout Baptist fiancée?

John said:
He may tell you he's just there to explain and answer your questions, but he is trained to convert and his goal will be to convert.

This is unlike what our little group does. We don't try to convert those who send us questions via e-mail. We just:

• clear up misperceptions about our faith
• teach what the Church teaches, and
• give good reasons for anyone who is not a Catholic to consider becoming one.

The questioner decides the rest.

Hope this helps,

Mike