Depression and Conversion
For all of my adult life I have been a devout Mormon and for most of my adult life I have struggled with depression. Within the last few years I have shared many interesting discussions with Catholic friends about the Catholic faith and sometimes I feel drawn to learn and study more. Sometimes I feel like I might even want to convert, but I still have very strong ties to the Mormon faith and I fear the problems my conversion might create for my family that I love so dearly. There are times that I feel that it is only beacause of my depression that I'm looking for spiritual fulfillment elsewhere, but then again God may be calling me to a new direction. What should I do?
QUESTION from Robert on May 28, 2004
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on June 3, 2004
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Dear Robert: I do not think your interest in the Catholic Chruch is because of depression, though God may use that depression to get your attention. I believe that God is calling you to join the Catholic Church, but you need to follow your conscience as God gives you the light to follow. There is one thing for sure, making this decision cannot be influenced by what family might think. Remember the story in the Bible where Jesus says that He did not come to bring peace but devision, and then talks about how even family members may be ripped apart because of Him? Our soul is at stake. We must follow God's lead even if that means trouble within the family. We will be in prayer for you and your family. As Mary said to the men at Cana, "Go ask Him (Jesus) and do what He tells you."
God Bless, |