From Mormon to Catholic Part 2 (Stephen Johnson) | Ep. 424

Former Mormon Stephen Johnson joins the show to discuss the second half of his conversion from spiritualism to Catholicism. Matt and Stephen discuss new-age spirituality, Christianity, and hermeticism.

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Chapters:
00:00 Reaction from Last Interview
02:34 Leaving Mormonism
07:14 Is Mormonism a Cult?
11:06 Questioning Atheism
16:50 Alternatives for Objective Morality
20:54 Escaping Solipsism
26:45 Overcoming Hedonism
30:10 Emotional Affair in Africa
35:00 Government as God
41:00 Scientism leading to Mysticism
46:38 Schrödinger’s Cat and Elon Musk
51:35 Jewish Kabbalah
1:01:03 Hermeticism
1:10:03 Encounter with Psychedelics
1:14:00 Aleister Crowley and Marina Abramović
1:21:41 Why Choose Right Over Left
1:26:06 Spiritual Warfare
1:29:26 Encountering God in Scripture
1:34:53 Becoming a Christian
1:40:45 American Civil Religion
1:47:03 Quick Recap
1:48:30 Problems Surrounding the Rapture
1:54:18 Introduction to Patristics
1:57:16 Finding the Catholic Church
1:59:37 Church Scandals and Church Militant
2:02:45 Reconciling History with Reality
2:07:18 Converting to Catholicism
2:14:24 Dealing with the Hurdles
2:16:52 Brant Pitre
2:17:54 Just One More Phase?
2:21:50 Fr Gregory Pine’s Help

[kyletussing]

I think what is so perfect about hearing this man's story is how lucid and precise he is. Anyone who has been on any type of faith journey can connect to this and see themselves reflected in his story. It can also illuminate their own story.

[IRISHBee]

Stephen’s story is a gift to us cradle Catholics who were blessed to have the truth of the faith from birth. I want to always keep his story in mind as motivation to continue to seek God every day.

[jimherlihy]

Thanks Stephen, as a former LDS and TBM, much of your story resonated with me. Your journey is wonderfully told and hopefully compelling to many who may wonder about the very questionable beginnings of Mormonism. I am home in the Catholic Church now as well. Peace be with you.

[magnolia]

What a precious gift his wife gave him by recognizing just how much this meant to him, and by following him because of the efforts he has put in to find the truth. Absolutely beautiful! That brought tears to my eyes.

[martine.]

There is such a similar thread in his journey that reminds me of the journey I’m on now. I was raised JW (Jehovah’s Witness), then dabbled hard in New Age, went to a charismatic non denominational ministry school, which lead me to hunger more for Christ. I’m finally starting RCIA in a week and I almost want to just skip it and get confirmed after watching his testimony 😊

[VesselofTheWill]

These two talks are the most interesting things I've listened to in a while. His journey to Catholicism is similar to mine. Grew up a naive non denominational Christian, rejected it in my teen years, became atheist and then got into new age spiritualism and Buddhism and then came back to protestant Christianity and then finally Catholicism. This man amazes me with how much knowledge he has. He knows Mormonism, Quantum Mechanics, Eastern Mysticism, and Catholicism like the back of his hand. Plus he was in the military. Super cool. Just more proof that when you TRULY seek the truth, the path eventually leads to Christ and his one true church.

[gilpolin]

How is it possible that part 2 is even more interesting than part 1!?
Completely different topics but
This man and he’s journey are fascinating

[KaitlinRay]

This was wonderful! What a beautiful story. As a Protestant exploring Catholicism one of my favorite things is the emphasis on how reason and faith work together. I love this testimony of a process of logical elimination and reasoning leading to Christ! Thank you for this!

[kirstipayne]

I see so many similarities in his conversion story to my husband and myself. Once the veil is lifted and you begin to see the spiritual warfare it’s a terrifying thing. For us becoming Catholic was one the best decisions we have ever made. OCIA this year!!! Thanks be to God.

[kevinmauer]

Catholic living in Utah 🏔️ Wish you were still out here so we could grab a beer.

I went to a practically all-LDS high school (Lehi) as an Evangelical Protestant. The dialogue between Mormonism and Protestantism sent me on a quest for the truth which only Catholicism could resolve. Welcome home, Stephen! Living the Catholic faith is still the greatest spiritual and intellectual adventure I could imagine, now 11 years in.

The Spirit is moving in the Diocese of Salt Lake City! If anyone here lives in Utah, let's connect.

[kristiecobb]

It's no wonder he couldn't be contained by Mormonism - he is brilliant. I've really enjoyed these conversations.

[bilbobaggins]

This guy has been a treat to watch, very humble and sincere.

[karinacd]

He needs his own youtube channel !! He is so bright, but most of all, he speaks humbly and meekly. Great combination!

[SkellingtonKing]

I'm very grateful for these two videos you've made. I have a friend who was a mormon before I showed him these videos. Now he's no longer a mormon and is searching for answers more deeply thanks to the questions and experiences shown in your interview. Hopefuly he converts soon. I ask anyone who reads this to add my friend and me to your prayers, so he can find the Truth and so I can continue to help him get to the Lord.

[charlieanderson]

I love me some apologetics and kick-a$$ debates, but these types of conversations do as much or more to change hearts (and minds). Thank you.

[Higorgqfeir]

I’ve had a similar journey to Stephen in some ways, so it’s really helpful to hear someone articulate these things so well

[amybabcock]

I am a Catholic in Utah. I attend the Tridetine Mass in Park City Utah. I live 1.5 hours away from Park City. Great community and many travel to attend this Mass in Park City. Living in Utah I live among many wonderful Mormons. Most Mormons do not take the time to study history of differing faiths. Therefore, they can not discern truth:( Honestly, many Catholics have not taken the time to learn our beautiful faith. All of this takes a discipline most people do not chose to save their souls. Bless you Stephen for your humility and honesty. You journey is fascinating! Bless you and Pints:)+++

[pamelarenee]

I grew up in the Mormon church. He describes my feelings exactly when I realized that I did not know Jesus. I knew more about Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Now that I have learned the truth I see Mormonism just as Stephen says his understanding of God as a Mormon was “distorted and corrupted “

[lukerogo]

As the son of immigrants who fled Communism, Reagan was 100% correct, America was a shiny city on the hill and I thank God every day my parents had somewhere to flee to.

It's sad how multi-generational Americans do not appreciate what we have here.

[andrewrozario]

Stephen Johnson is one of the most intelligent and most compelling interviews I’ve ever seen on this channel. His testimony is one of the most relevant to what people are exploring in our current culture and offers some of the most satisfying answers. Outstanding.