The Conversion Story
The conversion story of Eric and Marilyn begins with their marriage in 1987 and subsequent move to the wide open spaces of South Texas next door to a family with ten children. Although having a few minor concerns with their beloved Catholicism, neither Eric nor Marilyn had any intentions of changing religions. In fact, they had their first son baptized into the Catholic Church after Marilyn, once a Franciscan Nun, left her position as Associate Director of Youth Ministry for the Houston-Galveston Diocese. All the while Eric was the leader of a parish quartet singing group.

Over time Eric and Marilyn became curious as they observed the family next door. The family impressed them with their Christ-like examples in serving one another and others in the area with love and generosity. With the birth of their first child, Eric and Marilyn were the recipients of their neighbor’s service, touching their hearts and increasing more their curiosity about what motivated them to such dedicated service. From time to time the neighbors would share their Christian beliefs and invite Eric and Marilyn to various family and Church activities. Thinking their neighbors belonged to some mainstream Christian religion, there was great disappointment to the Shuster’s in finding out their neighbors were Mormons. Eric and Marilyn knew little about the Mormon faith other than the usual stories of plural marriage, a colorful history, and bicycling missionaries going door to door.

Eventually finding out the true name of the church to be the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eric and Marilyn kept a close watch on their neighbors with a mixture of amazement at their Christ-centered lives and bewilderment of their choice of religions. When curiosity about their neighbor’s fruitful lives turned into genuine interest, Eric and Marilyn decided to investigate more fully the doctrines and practices of Mormonism.

Over the course of that next year, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, there was an abundance of studying, pondering, praying, crying, and relinquishing for Eric and Marilyn as they carefully navigated their examination of the LDS faith. During their journey there was a number of stirring spiritual and temporal experiences, many of which could only be explained as miracles at the hands of God.

Having eventually run out of reasons to resist the inspiration of the Lord, on June 24th, 1989 Eric and Marilyn entered the waters of baptism and became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On July 14th, 1990 Eric and Marilyn were sealed for all time and eternity in the Holy Temple, allowing their family to be together forever.

Comparative Doctrinal Study
A key part of Eric and Marilyn’s journey of conversion was the serious study of doctrines and practices between the Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their diligent study took place before and after their baptism, using the comprehensive Catechism of the Catholic Church and various official LDS doctrinal materials to ensure sound and objective analysis and understanding. The 40 doctrines and practices respectfully examined in the book include:
 

Premortal Existence Revelation God the Father The Trinity/Godhead The Crucifixion (Atonement) Priesthood Power Church Structure Mary Eucharist/Sacrament Holy Orders The Second Coming Heaven Temples Youth and Adult Fruits of Faith

The Creation The Scripture Jesus Christ our Savior Angels The Resurrection of Christ Priesthood Marriage and Celibacy Church Name Baptism Confirmation Particular Judgment The Resurrection of Man Hell Eternal Families

The Fall of Adam and Eve Prayer The Holy Spirit Satan and his Followers Priesthood Structure Paid Ministry Popes and Prophets Penance/Repentance Marriage Purgatory/Spirit World The Final Judgment Earthly Families Redeeming the Dead

Biographies
Eric Shuster is the fifth of six children born to George and Patricia Shuster. He is a graduate of Saint Lawrence Catholic College Preparatory School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State University and a Masters of Science degree from the University of Phoenix. He is a veteran of the information technology industry and the President and CEO of IntelliClear Inc., a Colorado-based market research firm (www.intelliclear.com). Eric is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Christian Studies (www.studychristianity.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, teaching, and practice of Christianity. Mr. Shuster also maintains a personal blog at www.ericshuster.com. Mr. Shuster was born into the Catholic faith, and was an active member for 27 years. During this time, he served in a variety of lay leadership roles relating to music, youth ministry, and young adult ministry.

Eric’s wife, Marilyn, is the third of eight children born to Bruce and Bettie Williams. She is a graduate of Nathan Hale High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saint Thomas (magna cum laude). Like Eric, she was born into the Catholic faith and was an active member for 34 years. During this time, she served in a variety of lay leadership roles, including certified Catholic youth minister, and Franciscan nun.

Contact and Appearance Scheduling
Eric and Marilyn welcome your questions or comments regarding their conversion from the Catholic Church to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at eshuster@catholic2lds.com or mshuster@catholic2lds.com respectively. Due to the volume of email received it is not always possible for the Shuster’s to personally respond to every email, therefore your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated. Additionally, Mr. and/or Mrs. Shuster are available for book signings, firesides, presentations, and other events on a pre-scheduled basis by contacting them directly using the email addresses provided.
 

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