The first thing is the difference on how we both view the Trinity. Catholics
believe that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one
in substance, yet separate manifestations of that one God. They also believe
that none of the Trinity have a physical body, but are spirit in nature.
Latter-day Saints believe that the three members of the "Godhead "are
separate individuals who are perfectly unified in purpose and understanding,
and that the Father and the Son have glorified physical bodies of flesh
and bone that transcend the weaknesses of the human condition. They are
eternal and indestructible. We are taught that all men and women will be
resurrected, where their spirits and bodies will reunite, never again to
undergo the separation of the body and spirit known as death.
Latter-day Saints, on the other hand, believe that the ultimate goal
of the faithful is to become as God is, a perfected being with a glorified
and perfect body, to inherit both immortality (absence of death) and eternal
life (life in the same way that God lives); to have all the blessings that
our loving Heavenly Father can bestow to his children.
There are many other areas, but a quick look at the "Articles of Faith"
would likely suffice to provide a basis for further discussion.
Articles of Faith 1
WE believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ,
and in the Holy Ghost.
Articles of Faith 2
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not
for Adam's transgression.
Articles of Faith 3
We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be
saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Articles of Faith 4
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel
are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third,
Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands
for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Articles of Faith 5
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by
the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel
and administer in the ordinances thereof.
Articles of Faith 6
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive
Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and
so forth.
Articles of Faith 7
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions,
healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
Articles of Faith 8
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated
correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
Articles of Faith 9
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,
and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
Articles of Faith 10
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration
of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the
American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and,
that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
Articles of Faith 11
We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to
the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege;
let them worship how, where, or what they may.
Articles of Faith 12
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Articles of Faith 13
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous,
and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition
of Paul-- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many
things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these
things.
