www.byzcath.org Forums Mormoms Are Coming

I often try to avoid these kind of discussions with Protestants and people from other sects, they often have better weapons than us, it's much easier for them to prove their heresies taking verses from the bible than for us to do so.

Another thing, the Mormons often hide the true nature of their pantheistic non-christian religion to those they want to convert. Even their members themselves are unaware of the fact that the Mormons believe that there are many universes with their respective god. According to them, God the Father was a guy like you and me, who repented from his sins and lived a merciful life (he had many wives and kids) and evolved to become the god of his own universe.

I prefer to counteract the Mormons and Jehova's witnesses by questioning their patriotism.

Christ suposedly came to America (the promised land, dreamed by freemasons) and there were two races of men: the Nephites who were white and European (and the good ones of course) and the Lemanites who became dark skinned because of their sins and killed the first. (So, another excuse to kill the Indians and take their lands).

I love it! I love it! The best advice I've ever read!

Dear Friends,

An Orthodox priest I know, whenever visited by Jehovah's Witnesses, would start up with blessing with holy water - the JW's invariably ran away . . .

Alex

I have several Icons in the house and one with a vigil candle. I have incense but I don't use it much. I also have lots of holy water.

I will place my Icons in the room we are going to meet with my hand written Romanian Crucifix proudly displayed. Next to it since we are in the Nativity I will display my Russian Nativity Icon. Finally I will surround the rest of the room with my Icons of the Theotokos and IC XC child.

Now what can I do with the holy water besides bless myself?????

Mark all your doors with the Sign of the Cross

after they have gone

Ray, I would sprinkle the Holy Water while saying some prayers in the room where they will be visiting and especially in the doorway. Do that before they arrive.

If you do get into a discussion>> the scriptures I referred to with those who visited me were mainly:

John 1: 1-14

and

John 17:20ff. The prayer of Jesus...

especially vs. 21. "...that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you."

Remember they don't believe in the Trinity as mainline Christian denominations do.

But don't let them get you into an argument at all if you can prevent it or ward it off.

Most of all it helps to just affirm your own assurance of faith and love of God.

May peace prevail,

Porter

I'm tempted to suggest that you sprinkle it upon your visitors but they might not understand and think you are unkind or something. But then it might be something you will wish to do. I'd certainly buy more incense.

CDL

I do not agree. The 6th chapter of St. John's Gospel is more than enough proof for the Eucharist, not to mention the institution narratives in Matt, Mark, Luke, and 1 Cor.

The Mormons have no Biblical proof for their heresies which is why they need the Book of Mormon. Not only that the only proof they give that the Book of Mormon is true is that when you read it you will get "the burning of the bosom"--a happy feeling when reading it. Followers of other religions also get the same feeling when reading the Koran, the Vedas, etc... I get that feeling at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life."

I would start with the resources that were given above from the apologetics links. They are from people who are used to dealing with the Mormons and former mormons.

In fact this website, I believe, is by a former Mormon whose family has been Mormon since the 1830s.

http://www.transporter.com/Mormonism/index.htm

I think we need to be very firm with these Mormons and others who come door to door that we are not interested in their churches. It is being assertive and comes from practice. Think of all the postings here because of it. A simple and clear (short) "thanks but no thanks...not interested at all", you would be spared this worry. Good luck and prayers for your intentions offered.

I knew a guy whose Dad had done this but when the guys turned up (they did not stay very long) he had a number of the local Discalced Carmelite Friors already in the lounge waiting for them. Got any local monks or your parish priest who might just like to be there already when they arrive.

Not necessary; just be kind and loving and personable and ask them the sort of questions that might get them thinking.
Like:
"Can you show me anything from the teachings of the leaders of the Church in the first four hundred years after Christ that would indicate that the Church believed [name here the heretical doctrine: God as evolved man, God the Father having a physical body, matter being uncreated and eternal, etc.]?"
They will no doubt explain that the Church fell away from the Truth right after the Apostles, and that the Truth was not restored until the "revelations" of Joseph Smith in the 19th century.
"But didn't Jesus Christ say that the 'gates of Hell will not prevail'? Are you saying that they did indeed prevail for eighteen hundred years? What about all the souls that lived and died in that time? Did Christ lie?"
I'm sure if you cram on Mormonism you can come up with other pointed questions for them...
-Daniel

Daniel,

Actually your idea of how to ask a properly worded question like you gave may actually plant a seed in one of the young gentlemen's heads that will take root later on, and bring them to the real Jesus Christ and the Holy Church.

Everyone,

As far as some of the other suggestions, they may be somewhat humerous, but in no way exhibits what should be the missionary spirit of the church by trying to chase them out or by insulting them. Things should not be done that is not part of your normal religious and family life. What example would that be for Ray's young son?

Creative suggestions people, especially on how to turn the tables into a missionary effort of the church, not a way to reinforce the gentlemen in their error by showing rudeness and insensitivity. They have a soul that needs to see the Light of Christ and be freed from their heresy and spiritual delusion. This can only happen by a proactive approach.

Let us help not only Ray, but the others that will read this thread later on that are seeking our help.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+
Moderator

Father Anthony,

I could not agree with you more. They way to talk to these cult members is through the example of Saint Francis. Saint Franics's way through example, word, and deed is always the best approach to such matters.

Sunday afternoon I will:
1. Be very polite
2. Let them speak and hear them out.
3. Challenge their points one by one.
4. Thank them for their visit and ensure them they will be in my prayers.

Good Ray!

I pray that it may be a good missionary effort for the church, or at least you plant the seeds that may take root later.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Ray

I do hope you will get a word in edgwise .

I have been visited and found it exceedingly hard to get a chance to respond - yes me - and we all know I am the very quiet member of Byzcath - I never open my mouth here.

Seriously though yes - listen to their points and respond since they are appearing as visitors - you have to be polite to them and I know you will be.

There is one snag however - do be careful not to give any indication that you want a follow up visit from them - or you will constantly be seeing them.

Nowadays, I hesitate to admit ,they do not get past my doorstep.

I don't know too much about Mormonism. However, I do know that their missionaries are adolescent young men, who often are seen riding around on their bicycles for a year doing missionary work, before they are able to join their church. Oh, if all people loved their churches like young Mormons do !
A former coach of mine tried to convert me to Jehovah's Witnesses during a visit recently. I was rather busy & annoyed and was brusque with him. I later wrote to him to apologize and sent him a tract on the Byzantine church. He wrote back and explained that he had never been interested in God until he found the Witnesses. To each his own, I guess. I sent him a Christmas card and later realized my mistake - oops !
If the Witnesses come to my parents' house, my father tells them he'll read their pamphlets, if they'll salute the American flag on his porch . (My father's a man of few words).