But, I like twinkies!!! An excellent video and wish him well on his journey. The funny thing about long journeys is that if you go far enough, you often end up where you started.
Great video Tyler. You look happy and content in life. Sons of Perdition was amazing.
Did you get to know Jeremy Johnson the Mormon millionaire who was helping the kids? It turns out that Jeremy is being arrested now for being a huge internet fraudster. He scammed thousands of people out of millions. In one news column he was comparing himself to Jesus.
Bravo Tyler. I am happy to hear that you found out who you are.
As a fellow traveler, I commend you for the courage you had to break away from the guilt and fear the Mormon church has instilled.
Bravo indeed Tyler. Your story resonates with me on almost every level. I know that putting the Mormonism behind you and moving on with your life is just a wonderful thing to do.
Tyler, your experience was moving to hear. I appreciated how you expressed an increase in happiness after no ‘being Mormon’. Also, I loved the ‘Sons of Perdition’. What a thought provoking movie.
What a story! From the bonds of real slavery to freedom. I hear and see this so often in ex-Mormons. Sometimes I ask myself why, not being a Mormon, I take such pleasure in seeing and hearing about people who have left this church. Is it because I have come to believe that it is not only a false cult, but also a true harm to its members and society at large? I do not know. Anyone have any insight into the cause of such sentiments?
The problem with most Mormons is they take it just WAY too far. Mormonism becomes something more than a church or belief system into a lifestyle and many ultimately feel trapped in it. Mormonism, at one time, used to be a very progressive belief system. It has, imo been perverted into more of a command-and-control, corporate (like IBM) culture where decisions are made by the top and the membership is expected to follow those decisions. That wasn’t how Mormonism was founded nor at its core, its real beliefs. The core of Mormonism is simply just talk to God and do what God tells you to do. It has instead become do what the Mormon prophet (and by proxy the leadership) tells you to do. This is the chief problem with Mormonism and why many ex-Mormons have such a visceral fear of leaving and often remark they are relieved after they leave.
Or if you MUST have religion in your life, you could choose to be a progressive critical thinking Christian. There are many christian churches that focus entirely on the personal relationship between you and God (Christ) that doesn’t try and control your “lifestyle”. They simple teach good morals and proper judgement. Mormonism has and will always be about dogmatism, controlling people, cult rituals, power of the church, and guilting its followers. Not even gonna get into some of their insane beliefs. So sure even though christianity has a little crazy in it, if it makes you happy then by all means keep God in your life.
That’s fine, the only problem I have with most Christians is they “seem” to have a real relationship with the Bible, but not so much with God. I see a lot of passion for the one, but if God should show up and explain himself they suddenly scamper off for the hills. If you take Christianity and throw on top “seeing and talking with God” aspect, you essentially have Mormonism (well, except for the all the “other” silliness they pile on top which is so unnecessary).
It’s interesting how much of your comments parallel the faith practiced by nondenominational Christian ministries, which focus on love and forgiveness through fellowship; never mind the irreconcilable minutia in the historical documents. Thankfully, society has allowed us to cherry pick scripture and cannon in efforts to be better human beings. LDS get a one-up with its claim to modern day revelation. But once again, I wonder if past presidents have ever miscommunicated divine inspiration. Could it be possible that some exploited the position to align doctrine with the zeitgeist? (Questions like that always cleared a room for me.) This difficulty is not exclusive to the Mormon faith, either. Organized faith needs to be ever-evolving in order to be a compassionate contributor to society. But there is a universal function that attracts the masses. I hear claims of hearts brimming with the Holy Spirit when people pray and help one another. I argue that as human beings, we need that kind of mental nourishment, and it’s in our nature to focus on an elusive source of betterment to carry us through our lives’ toughest trials. No matter the faith, we yearn for benevolent human interaction. Some with greater zeal than others. It seems that even the most fervent atheists are at peace because they too have found their personal holy spirit through ascribing to expositions by Richard Dawkins. Their spiritual pendulum merely swung to the extreme opposite. This site’s not about the list of reasons why they left the Church, it’s about how they found somewhere / someone else to satisfy a basic human function normally capitalized by religion. The ‘lists of reasons for leaving’ are just its currency. I applaud your stake in modern-day Mormonism and hope to see a unified shift toward your view – especially with the divine clarity you hold. The problem is, it seems like you would rather do without the ordinances, callings, and technicalities. That doesn’t sound like being Mormon. Are you sure there aren’t a few things in there that the rest (non Mormon Christians) are missing out on?
> Could it be possible that some exploited the position to align doctrine with the zeitgeist?
In a sense, this can’t be helped. As we advance in our understanding of nature, science, and the world around us, our understanding of God advances. Also, our societal norms change depending on a variety of factors including wealth, education, etc. However, it is my belief that a prophet of God is ultimately a “truth” speaker. Their main goal should be to correct a misbehavior in society (for example, MLK was a prophet in my opinion as was Gandhi) or reveal some insight into future, current or past events. Modern day Mormon prophets in my opinion ARE NOT prophets in this sense, they are not usually dedicated to this ideal and are merely figureheads and “caretakers” of Mormonism. Most graduate to this role not because they are called of God, but merely because they haven’t died yet. I do not believe this is what God wants and that these men assuming this role should not proclaim they are prophets, but merely corporate leaders attempting to guide the church.
> This site’s not about the list of reasons why they left the Church, it’s about how they found somewhere / someone else to satisfy a basic human function normally capitalized by religion.
Oh, I know. I just level this criticism as most ex-mormons because when you take a hatchet to the thicket of their thinking about Mormonism, it often devolves into a list of reasons they left the church. They don’t like the history, they don’t like the people, they don’t like the policies, and so on. Ultimately, this is pointless and unfulfilling. From my perspective, the reason they are leaving Mormonism isn’t usually because they “found” something better. They haven’t sought out God and God told them to do xyz instead. Now, note I said from my perspective. Most become athiests, which is perfectly fine and where they should have started from since they NEVER experienced any of this stuff. Which I find really sad to spend so much time doing something like this with your lives and never having actually seen anything that verifies any of it is true. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend spending 60 seconds doing something like that. Just say, “I’ve never seen God, I’m an atheist, and I’m moving on”. Now, if you have actually seen God and God has told you to do something else. That is something I would find highly interesting, but in most cases that is not what is going on.
> The problem is, it seems like you would rather do without the ordinances, callings, and technicalities.
Most Mormons are confused about ordinances and worship and the proper relationship they have in our lives. They often say stupid things like “saving” ordinances. In fact, ordinances do not save anyone. That is something that God alone can do. Ordinances are performed as merely prescribed procedures for doing things. For example, taking the sacrament. It doesn’t save you. Jesus Christ saves you. The ordinance of the sacrament is performed to remember that. The same can be said of every other Mormon (or Christian) ordinance. Worship works the same way. It is simply a means of honoring God. When we worship, we recognize God is more intelligent, kind, etc – basically possesses many admirable traits that we wish to have in our beings. I would argue that when we are kind to others or perform charity, we in fact worship God in a true way. At least, it is a far better form of worship than “most” religious people perform by attending church each sunday (or saturday).
As far as other things about Mormonism like their ward and stakes and temple. I believe all of these have been perverted from how they should operate. Wards and stakes should be dedicated to helping everyone (and everyone should be welcome). They should be open 24×7 for the homeless and those in need. Members should be there to offer food, services, or just an ear to listen or shoulder to lean on. I would argue the same about the Mormon temple. It should be dedicated to allow everyone to come and learn about God. There should be song, plays, theatre, poetry, letctures, and so on. It should be place that is both boisterous with activity and also offer places to quietly reflect on God.
> Are you sure there aren’t a few things in there that the rest (non Mormon Christians) are missing out on?
I would argue there is a great deal that is missing from Christianity. 1) Mormonism gives a perspective about why we exist and what the purpose of life is. We learn in Mormonism that life is just a phase in our existence. That we have always existed and will always exist. Our reason for living is to merely enter this realm. How long we stay here is immaterial, but how we spend it should be in doing good and improving our character. 2) Mormonism is universal in a true sense. We understand this isn’t something that happens on our world, but happens all over the universe on different worlds. They may be inhabited by being quite alien to ourselves, but similar events have transpired and will always happen. 3) We have a rationale for believing in God. God just didn’t pop into existence on day and start doing all this. I would argue that, in fact, it is quite irrational to not believe in God given what we know about our own existence and how we advance. Imagine intelligent life evolving on another world a billion years ago and just how intelligent and transcendent they would seem to us now. This to me is the “Mormon” understanding of how God is and our “true” relationship is with God. We don’t worship God because he’s super magic awesome stuff. But, we worship God by learning, gaining insight, improving our character and behaviour towards each other and increase our own intelligence as we seek the truth. 4) Mormonism provides a way in which all beings are saved. We learn that what religions that your born with (or adopt) ultimately do not matter. Everyone will be saved no matter what and how far we choose to progress in the next life is ultimately our decision and not arbitrarily assigned by what faith we were born into or what our circumstance may have been in this life, etc. 5) and I could go on.
“decisions are made by the top and the membership is expected to follow those decisions. That wasn’t how Mormonism was founded nor at its core, its real beliefs.”
“The top” for the mormon church is God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the church of God that was restored by himself and Jesus Christ through a modern day prophet, and is currently led by prophets who continue to communicate with God. So you are correct in saying that ultimately, the decisions do come from the top (God), and that IS the core of Mormonism and its beliefs. That God loves us enough to guide us through a modern prophet that can address issues dealing with life and humanity as a group of people, and that individuals can receive personal revelation through direct communication with God.
“Mormonism becomes something more than a church or belief system into a lifestyle and many ultimately feel trapped in it”
The whole point of life is to learn what we need to do to live with God again and be eternally happy. When that is the goal, then living the commandments needs to be a lifestyle. It’s the only way to truly be happy and to be able to receive that personal revelation from God. If the whole point of life is to come closer to Christ, then Mormonism can’t be anything less than a lifestyle. If you feel “trapped” in it, then you obviously aren’t willing to follow God and obey His teachings, but that’s why he gave us agency. Every man is free to choose for himself what he/she wants to do and become. But the organization of the church is to facilitate that learning process as we strive to be like God. That’s why he blesses us with prophets, so that through them, God can help us know how to use our agency to be happy.
I think it would be wonderful if the top for the Mormon church was God. But God is unchanging, everlasting (even in the Mormon faith) and the LDS prophets have contradicted Him and Christ’s teachings in their own “guidance.” Why is Christ not enough? God sent His OWN son . . . that DID “address issues dealing with life and humanity as a group of people” . . . and CHRIST is the mediator and connector to God.
The point of life is to Glorify GOD. You can’t earn your way back to Him, otherwise He wouldn’t have sent his Son to die for you. It would have been pointless. Happiness is different than the joy found in God’s love. I am happy chewing a stick of gum – but I have true joy in knowing God and how He loves me.
It is easy to feel trapped in the Mormon church, but it’s not because of the thousands of restrictions you are forced to follow . . . it is because you feel like God only loves you when you follow all of them. The TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ is that God LOVES YOU even if you don’t always follow Him. Otherwise, God would be without love because I don’t know a single human who always follows Him.
“Overcoming religion.” That is an intriguing and honest way to describe the process of leaving the mormon church. Your story and thoughts about finding yourself and the process that the lost boys went through resonates with me too. Being able to step away from religion and see it stripped down to what it really is…guilt, fear, manipulation, greed…makes the separation process a lot easier. Leaving is sometimes difficult and scary, but happiness and peace can be the reward. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you Robert, you are correct, I am happy. However, I’m not sinning. You don’t know me at all. You don’t know what kind of person I am, or what good I have done, or what makes me happy. I’m a fine human being, a solid, loving, individual.
But you are. It doesn’t matter how much gosod your doing. If your not doing it in God’s name its worthless. I am a Latter Day Waint who loves God and will never turn my back on him. You should be really appreciative to what God has done for you. He gave us his son to pay the atonement for our sins and yet you don’t feel obligated to him? How dare you. I’ll be praying for you. I know That God exists and that JESUS CHRIST is his son and our Savior and I say this in the name of him Jesus Christ AMEN!
Now, as a Mormon, I take STRONG exception to that! Gandhi, who I greatly admire and try to emulate in my life, was a modern-day savior figure who freed an entire nation with his example of peaceful protest and good living. I’d put him up against any Mormon who has lived in the modern era and consider what good he did anything but worthless. I’d hardly fault Tyler for leaving modern-day Mormonism. I find it repugnant too. The ONLY reason I’m a Mormon in fact is because I’ve seen God and this is what God wants me to do. Otherwise, I’d just love to box a few ears in the Mormon church for setting such a poor example for everyone else.
Tobin
Joel
Posted November 23, 2011 at 6:31 PM
Tobin,
I stumbled upon this site through a string of searches for Jon Huntsman speaking Mandarin; go figure. Now I can’t stop myself from mining for your comments to each Ex-Mormon testimony. In a past thread, I learn that you’re a Mormon Lazarus of sorts: lose faith to a point of atheism, and then declaring to have seen God. While this site fascinates me as an outsider friendly toward folks of LDS heritage, I am more intrigued by your proclamation. It’s like what I said to the missionaries just before they gave up on me: why is it that among Saint Thomas and Joseph Smith, and presumably you, Tobin, the rest of us have to rely on the words of some mortal, corruptible human being for affirmation of God’s existence? Why can’t God, who we have been mincing words, tradition, and ceremony about, come out and clear the air on a regular basis? It would certainly tone down the political rhetoric, at least. I can’t but think that your trolling this site is a personal test of the strength of your faith. A test to see if you truly believe you consciously received God, and not in some heartburn sort of way… These good folks intrigue you as they do I, don’t they?
Joel
Tobin
Posted November 25, 2011 at 2:21 AM
Joel,
Keep reading. My point is that IF JS told the truth (or IF I’m telling the truth), then you should be able to speak with God yourself. Otherwise, you are exactly right. Why should we have to believe other people and magic books w/o some some more substantial proof? Also, I just post here for fun. Most ex-mormons are how I was, they have “lists” of reasons they left Mormonism, but in reality there is only one reason to leave or believe in it – and that is if you have evidence of God and God speaks to you.
Jesus died. But not for your sins. Or mine. He just died. Like I will one day. And all we can do is enjoy the short time we have here on Earth, not waste it on silly, ancient, gods that don’t exist. The only true sin is throwing your life away on dusty, old, ancient myths, and not living a true, genuine, loving existence. Saying that you’ll be “praying” for people is just a passive/aggressive way to say that you’re judging them. I don’t pray for you, I pity you.
Mormon theology and doctrines are distinct and different from those of Christianity. Therefore Jesus Christ himself is different in Mormonism. Mormonism can work for a few people but as it has turned out does not work for most people. LDS claims about 13 million members worldwide so those who actively participate in church activities would be about half of that which is about 6 to 7 million. There are over a 6 billion people in the world. Having said this Mormonism is a bona fide religion and it does indeed work for a small group of people. After leaving Mormonism some people may sin, other people may not sin. I believe Tyler found true happiness after leaving Mormonism and I would like to encourage him once again for doing so.
I’d certainly agree with much of what you said here. Personally, I believe Mormonism (properly formatted and understood) is transcend of Christianity however. It really disposes of the need for organized religion since all you have to do is speak with God (which is something I encourage) and “should” arm you with the tools to do so. This is actually a pretty frightful theology for most organized sect of Christianity (and I might add for the Mormon church itself). If their members don’t need them, a lot of their power and influence over the lives of their believers and supporters just flew out the window.
If this were the religion Mormons were pushing, I believe it would flourish in the world. Unforunately, due to some rather stupid and short-sighted leadership within the Mormon church, it has focused inward upon a “different” exclusive Jesus instead of an inclusive Jesus that liberates people from the dictates of the world’s religions.
All you folks need to WAKE up. God says those who sin feel good about it. Looking at all your posts and videos proves that to be true. I will pray for you folks.
That is an interesting God you believe in Robert. This is a God that makes doing what is wrong your opinion feel good, while when Tyler was living the gospel ala Mormonism, he felt terrible about it.
I want to saythat Following God is not for everyone You can be Happy like the guy in the film pretends to be happy, but in reality he is a confuse soul,, that like the devil wants to know more than God and his apostoles. I must love him just the way he is but I dont buy his happiness for one minute. Must people that cant follow the narrow path to heaven is because they are either gay or lesbians and cant control their instics for love with someone of the same sex.. DO you out there call that natural? or Holly? that is the problem with satan followers allways trying to deceive the children of God, and the sick and the weak will allways fall in his traps and lies. God have mercy on their souls!!!!.
I want to saythat Following God is not for everyone You can be Happy like the guy in the film pretends to be happy, but in reality he is a confuse soul,, that like the devil wants to know more than God and his apostoles. I must love him just the way he is but I dont buy his happiness for one minute. Must people that cant follow the narrow path to heaven is because they are either gay or lesbians and cant control their instics for love with someone of the same sex.. DO you out there call that natural? or Holly? that is the problem with satan followers allways trying to deceive the children of God, and the sick and the weak will allways fall in his traps and lies. God have mercy on their souls!!!!.
I want to saythat Following God is not for everyone You can be Happy like the guy in the film pretends to be happy, but in reality he is a confuse soul,, that like the devil wants to know more than God and his apostoles. I must love him just the way he is but I dont buy his happiness for one minute. Must people that cant follow the narrow path to heaven is because they are either gay or lesbians and cant control their instics for love with someone of the same sex.. DO you out there call that natural? or Holly? that is the problem with satan followers allways trying to deceive the children of God, and the sick and the weak will allways fall in his traps and lies. God have mercy on their souls!!!!.
Sad thing for you and the rest here: It does NOT matter what you believe in. These are the Latter days and JESUS CHRIST return is soon upon us. You will know the truth when he returns and you will know that he is our KING! “Blessed are those who are reviled and hated and cursed at by the world!” So Tobin, REPENT!
Repent means to literally change. So far I’m foggy about what your better idea or course would be for me? I know what my shortcomings are and what I do need to change. But nothing you have said has helped me with anything I am concerned with. So, before you go around telling people to repent, please let give them a better idea first. I think you’ll find them much more receptive to your call for CHANGE, excuse me, REPENT!!!
Oh Toby your so funny. LOLOLOLOLOL Jesus said that folks would in the last days find comfort in their sins. You are a perfect example of that. As for change, sorry I got no change to spare. LOL
Now, what sins are you accusing me of? Is this the ‘sin’ of not doing what Robert says or what Robert’s small conception of God thinks I should be doing? IF you are a Mormon, I find that you are a very poor example of one and really wish you would stop your rant on here since you are both embarrasing yourself. and the church and gospel you profess to believe in.
I have spent some time reading your posts on various videos, and I was wondering if you could tell me why you knowing the problems with mormonism, still choose it over straightforward christianity, because you seem mostly rational. I’m not trying to sell you on the idea (hence the name Mr. Agnostic) but I am extremely curious as to why…
I choose Mormonism because it is credible (if you remove the non-sense). Basically, if you reduce the JS story (believe or disbelieve it – doesn’t matter) to what is imporant, the claim is this – you can speak to God and God will appear and answer you. Based on that experience, you can progress in your understanding of God. No need for pastors, prophets, magic books, magic sayings and other non-sense.
Most Mormons (and I believe the vaste majoriy of ex-Mormons) never bother doing that. I really find that odd, since there is really no good reason to believe in Mormonism without that. It would seem to me that its claims are ridiculous otherwise and a fraud. I would make the same assertion about other religious beliefs as well. Without some “real” evidence that they are true (as in God actually showing up or something as equally weighty), there is no reason to believe them either and one should just default to atheism. Being agnostic is ok, but no more than wishful thinking that there is a God w/o some proof.
Anyway, that is why I’m Mormon. I have been an atheist and an ex-mormon, so I understand their position. However, I believe they are wrong, simply because I have experienced something different to make me reconsider my position. I DO NOT expect them to believe me unless they do exactly the same thing.
Firstly, Tyler, excellent video! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Secondly…
Robert said: “God says…” and “Jesus said…” with no quotes to substantiate any of it… so you may as well have said “Robert says…” Not that Jesus or God hold any more weight than you do. LOL!
Or better yet, “Santa says…” Now THAT would have been a good threat to ensure my obeyance! SANTA I believe in. He’s done me more good over the years than God or Jesus.
Your so funny Catherine. You are all so prideful and angry towards God’s church that it makes you feel good to insult and mock us. Oh well blessed are those who are reviled by men!
At the end of the day we are all floating on a little ball in the middle of unimaginable blackness. How do reconcile this bizarre reality? There are things in Hubble images that are much more disturbing than anything in the LDS Church.
From my well-travelled and well-studied perch, the LDS philosophy is still one of the most elegant and profound in world history, including Zen. Read “Light in the Wilderness” by Catherine Thomas, holy smoke.
If it’s not for you that’s fine, I just wonder if you have seen it the way I have.
I just read Ethan’s comment – “At the end of the day we are all floating on a little ball in the middle of unimaginable blackness. How do reconcile this bizarre reality?”
I love the quote by Einstein, “The most beautiful and deepest experience a man can have is the sense of the mysterious. It is the underlying principle of religion as well as all serious endeavour in art and science. He who never had this experience seems to me, if not dead, then at least blind. To sense that behind anything that can be experienced there is a something that our mind cannot grasp and whose beauty and sublimity reaches us only indirectly and as a feeble reflection, this is religiousness. In this sense I am religious. To me it suffices to wonder at these secrets and to attempt humbly to grasp with my mind a mere image of the lofty structure of all that there is.”
I think that most of us are dead to mystery. Some do so by ignoring the wonder of existence; caught up in trivia. Others repress the big questions involved in the human condition by living in cults, paring down the mystery to that which will fit in a mind; a loving God of flesh and bones that created the world, secret handshakes to get into heaven after we die. The thing is that we can sense the mystery through any belief structure. Rumi says it the best:
An ant hurries along a threshing floor with its wheat grain,
moving between huge stacks
of wheat, not knowing the abundance all around. It thinks its
one grain is all there is to
love. So we choose a tiny seed to be devoted to. This body,
one path or one teacher.
As an ex-Mormon myself I have had the opportunity to stand up and speak out when people fail to understand or are quick to judge Mormons. The mainstream Mormon church (LDS) is not one in the same as the FLDS church. I don’t know what kind of “Mormon” this film-maker was in his past but this video fails to distinguish something that is often misunderstood by people who don’t know Mormons. I feel strongly that clarification should be made. I mean… you can be nice, and enthusiastic all you want, as soon as you aren’t completely honest, the message is spoiled.
People fall apart. False Regligios fall apart becasue god does not permit satanic development. THe Catholics decieved many through their false religion. Christianity is the only way. Read KJV bible because its the only REAL bible. other bible have lost verses(see chick.com/bible).
Guy seems like a decent person. As for myself, I started to leave the Mormon faith, but ended up coming back and couldn’t be happier. I now encourage others to ask questions, but have faith there are answers. Go Go Mormons!
I thought I saw you at Jim Gaffigan with your son last night. I didn’t want to embarrass you if I was wrong, so I didn’t say anything. I wanted to tell say thank you so much for sharing your story. We haven’t had our names taken off yet. It will be a while before we do, but we have been “out” for about 2 years. I admire you and all the people in the videos on this site. Keep it up!
“When a rogue angel known as “Insanity” escapes and starts a polygamist cult in Utah, all Hell breaks loose. Friends murder friends, husbands abandon wives, heads leave their bodies, and a frenzied fat man beats his revered prophet with a broom – and this is just the beginning.”
I love this website, people’s experiences show you that joy exists way beyond the mormon church. I bet all these idiots like Robert or this Laredo kid (and the general membership) don’t know a bit of their own church. I was a faithful mormon in a time, but when I realized the way leaders adjust history and the fraud of their doctrines I felt betrayed by those whom I had believed to be called of god. So guys, don’t waste your time answering to such ridiculous and arrogant replies. Mormon faith is funny, and they’ll realize it sooner or later as everything clarifies.
Uhm, I have never, ever mislead anyone to believe they are the same church. Ever. Perhaps you should watch my film Sons of Perdition prior to you claiming that I have done that. If anything, we went out of our way to differentiate the two entities.
Perhaps you should investigate prior to calling me a fraud. (which frankly, is a rather unkind thing to say to a stranger who has done nothing to you).
first off the FLDS is completley different than LDS. FLDS is a tiny religion that branched off of mormans and continued on with polygamy. polygamys messed up. but mormans dont practice polygamy. i highly doubt anyone of you “ex-mormans” has ever even prayed about your decision of leaving the church. i recently joined the church and im happier than ive ever been in my life. and mormans nevver say your going to go to hell if you leave the church. MORMANS DONT EVEN BELIVE IN HELL.
First off, I would like to say that you do look like a happy man that has found himself. I think your story is great about how you went on a journey to find happiness and to find yourself. What i don’t see is how this negatively correlates with the church. I am an ex-catholic, but i would not share my life story on a forum devoted to tearing down the catholic religion, simply because the catholic religion has nothing to do with who i am today. The LDS church has been the most influential thing to helping me figure out who i am. It is because of the church that i strive to become better and to grow. When i think of the path i was on before i found the church, I can honestly say that without the church, I may be eating twinkies right now. Maybe the church didn’t help you find who you are, but for many other people it has. I would also take a moment to consider the possibility that quiting the church came as an unnecessary side product of trying to find yourself rather than being the cause of finding who you are. I can tell you are a good man, and with my knowledge of the gospel as taught by Christ and modern day LDS prophets, I believe the gospel could do a great deal for you, and all people, to further enrich your life. They say you know something is true when other go to great lengths to tare it down.
Hello,My name is JoAnna,I have a movie that,I have seen and been dealing with for my experiance as a single mormon.These experiances that i have been through will blow people minds.I can prove what has been put apond me.If you care to contact me please do so.Thanks and My God bless.
Just wanted to add to what has been said, I find it highly amusing that this video appears to be using the principals of “heartsell”, and I love it! If you don’t know what it is, look it up. There’s a reason this video seems so familiar to all you LDS and ex-LDS.
The boys are going to hell for leaving their church? No scripture or prophet supports that statement. If people said than isn’t that leaning on the arm of flesh for eternal truth?
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But, I like twinkies!!! An excellent video and wish him well on his journey. The funny thing about long journeys is that if you go far enough, you often end up where you started.
Tobin
You radiate happiness. And I can’t wait to see your film!
Great video Tyler. You look happy and content in life. Sons of Perdition was amazing.
Did you get to know Jeremy Johnson the Mormon millionaire who was helping the kids? It turns out that Jeremy is being arrested now for being a huge internet fraudster. He scammed thousands of people out of millions. In one news column he was comparing himself to Jesus.
Read more here http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,208815,238306
Gadianton –
Thanks for the comment. Yes, Jeremy is in the film, he “adopted” three of the boys. He is a very interesting person, to say the least…
Bravo Tyler. I am happy to hear that you found out who you are.
As a fellow traveler, I commend you for the courage you had to break away from the guilt and fear the Mormon church has instilled.
Bravo indeed Tyler. Your story resonates with me on almost every level. I know that putting the Mormonism behind you and moving on with your life is just a wonderful thing to do.
Tyler, your experience was moving to hear. I appreciated how you expressed an increase in happiness after no ‘being Mormon’. Also, I loved the ‘Sons of Perdition’. What a thought provoking movie.
Thank you, Tyler.
Perfectly said.
Excellent Video! Where can we watch the Son of Perdition documentary?
What a story! From the bonds of real slavery to freedom. I hear and see this so often in ex-Mormons. Sometimes I ask myself why, not being a Mormon, I take such pleasure in seeing and hearing about people who have left this church. Is it because I have come to believe that it is not only a false cult, but also a true harm to its members and society at large? I do not know. Anyone have any insight into the cause of such sentiments?
The problem with most Mormons is they take it just WAY too far. Mormonism becomes something more than a church or belief system into a lifestyle and many ultimately feel trapped in it. Mormonism, at one time, used to be a very progressive belief system. It has, imo been perverted into more of a command-and-control, corporate (like IBM) culture where decisions are made by the top and the membership is expected to follow those decisions. That wasn’t how Mormonism was founded nor at its core, its real beliefs. The core of Mormonism is simply just talk to God and do what God tells you to do. It has instead become do what the Mormon prophet (and by proxy the leadership) tells you to do. This is the chief problem with Mormonism and why many ex-Mormons have such a visceral fear of leaving and often remark they are relieved after they leave.
Tobin
Or if you MUST have religion in your life, you could choose to be a progressive critical thinking Christian. There are many christian churches that focus entirely on the personal relationship between you and God (Christ) that doesn’t try and control your “lifestyle”. They simple teach good morals and proper judgement. Mormonism has and will always be about dogmatism, controlling people, cult rituals, power of the church, and guilting its followers. Not even gonna get into some of their insane beliefs. So sure even though christianity has a little crazy in it, if it makes you happy then by all means keep God in your life.
Mr. Agnostic
Mr Agnostic,
That’s fine, the only problem I have with most Christians is they “seem” to have a real relationship with the Bible, but not so much with God. I see a lot of passion for the one, but if God should show up and explain himself they suddenly scamper off for the hills. If you take Christianity and throw on top “seeing and talking with God” aspect, you essentially have Mormonism (well, except for the all the “other” silliness they pile on top which is so unnecessary).
Tobin
Tobin,
It’s interesting how much of your comments parallel the faith practiced by nondenominational Christian ministries, which focus on love and forgiveness through fellowship; never mind the irreconcilable minutia in the historical documents. Thankfully, society has allowed us to cherry pick scripture and cannon in efforts to be better human beings. LDS get a one-up with its claim to modern day revelation. But once again, I wonder if past presidents have ever miscommunicated divine inspiration. Could it be possible that some exploited the position to align doctrine with the zeitgeist? (Questions like that always cleared a room for me.) This difficulty is not exclusive to the Mormon faith, either. Organized faith needs to be ever-evolving in order to be a compassionate contributor to society. But there is a universal function that attracts the masses. I hear claims of hearts brimming with the Holy Spirit when people pray and help one another. I argue that as human beings, we need that kind of mental nourishment, and it’s in our nature to focus on an elusive source of betterment to carry us through our lives’ toughest trials. No matter the faith, we yearn for benevolent human interaction. Some with greater zeal than others. It seems that even the most fervent atheists are at peace because they too have found their personal holy spirit through ascribing to expositions by Richard Dawkins. Their spiritual pendulum merely swung to the extreme opposite. This site’s not about the list of reasons why they left the Church, it’s about how they found somewhere / someone else to satisfy a basic human function normally capitalized by religion. The ‘lists of reasons for leaving’ are just its currency. I applaud your stake in modern-day Mormonism and hope to see a unified shift toward your view – especially with the divine clarity you hold. The problem is, it seems like you would rather do without the ordinances, callings, and technicalities. That doesn’t sound like being Mormon. Are you sure there aren’t a few things in there that the rest (non Mormon Christians) are missing out on?
Joel
Joel
Joel,
> Could it be possible that some exploited the position to align doctrine with the zeitgeist?
In a sense, this can’t be helped. As we advance in our understanding of nature, science, and the world around us, our understanding of God advances. Also, our societal norms change depending on a variety of factors including wealth, education, etc. However, it is my belief that a prophet of God is ultimately a “truth” speaker. Their main goal should be to correct a misbehavior in society (for example, MLK was a prophet in my opinion as was Gandhi) or reveal some insight into future, current or past events. Modern day Mormon prophets in my opinion ARE NOT prophets in this sense, they are not usually dedicated to this ideal and are merely figureheads and “caretakers” of Mormonism. Most graduate to this role not because they are called of God, but merely because they haven’t died yet. I do not believe this is what God wants and that these men assuming this role should not proclaim they are prophets, but merely corporate leaders attempting to guide the church.
> This site’s not about the list of reasons why they left the Church, it’s about how they found somewhere / someone else to satisfy a basic human function normally capitalized by religion.
Oh, I know. I just level this criticism as most ex-mormons because when you take a hatchet to the thicket of their thinking about Mormonism, it often devolves into a list of reasons they left the church. They don’t like the history, they don’t like the people, they don’t like the policies, and so on. Ultimately, this is pointless and unfulfilling. From my perspective, the reason they are leaving Mormonism isn’t usually because they “found” something better. They haven’t sought out God and God told them to do xyz instead. Now, note I said from my perspective. Most become athiests, which is perfectly fine and where they should have started from since they NEVER experienced any of this stuff. Which I find really sad to spend so much time doing something like this with your lives and never having actually seen anything that verifies any of it is true. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend spending 60 seconds doing something like that. Just say, “I’ve never seen God, I’m an atheist, and I’m moving on”. Now, if you have actually seen God and God has told you to do something else. That is something I would find highly interesting, but in most cases that is not what is going on.
> The problem is, it seems like you would rather do without the ordinances, callings, and technicalities.
Most Mormons are confused about ordinances and worship and the proper relationship they have in our lives. They often say stupid things like “saving” ordinances. In fact, ordinances do not save anyone. That is something that God alone can do. Ordinances are performed as merely prescribed procedures for doing things. For example, taking the sacrament. It doesn’t save you. Jesus Christ saves you. The ordinance of the sacrament is performed to remember that. The same can be said of every other Mormon (or Christian) ordinance. Worship works the same way. It is simply a means of honoring God. When we worship, we recognize God is more intelligent, kind, etc – basically possesses many admirable traits that we wish to have in our beings. I would argue that when we are kind to others or perform charity, we in fact worship God in a true way. At least, it is a far better form of worship than “most” religious people perform by attending church each sunday (or saturday).
As far as other things about Mormonism like their ward and stakes and temple. I believe all of these have been perverted from how they should operate. Wards and stakes should be dedicated to helping everyone (and everyone should be welcome). They should be open 24×7 for the homeless and those in need. Members should be there to offer food, services, or just an ear to listen or shoulder to lean on. I would argue the same about the Mormon temple. It should be dedicated to allow everyone to come and learn about God. There should be song, plays, theatre, poetry, letctures, and so on. It should be place that is both boisterous with activity and also offer places to quietly reflect on God.
> Are you sure there aren’t a few things in there that the rest (non Mormon Christians) are missing out on?
I would argue there is a great deal that is missing from Christianity. 1) Mormonism gives a perspective about why we exist and what the purpose of life is. We learn in Mormonism that life is just a phase in our existence. That we have always existed and will always exist. Our reason for living is to merely enter this realm. How long we stay here is immaterial, but how we spend it should be in doing good and improving our character. 2) Mormonism is universal in a true sense. We understand this isn’t something that happens on our world, but happens all over the universe on different worlds. They may be inhabited by being quite alien to ourselves, but similar events have transpired and will always happen. 3) We have a rationale for believing in God. God just didn’t pop into existence on day and start doing all this. I would argue that, in fact, it is quite irrational to not believe in God given what we know about our own existence and how we advance. Imagine intelligent life evolving on another world a billion years ago and just how intelligent and transcendent they would seem to us now. This to me is the “Mormon” understanding of how God is and our “true” relationship is with God. We don’t worship God because he’s super magic awesome stuff. But, we worship God by learning, gaining insight, improving our character and behaviour towards each other and increase our own intelligence as we seek the truth. 4) Mormonism provides a way in which all beings are saved. We learn that what religions that your born with (or adopt) ultimately do not matter. Everyone will be saved no matter what and how far we choose to progress in the next life is ultimately our decision and not arbitrarily assigned by what faith we were born into or what our circumstance may have been in this life, etc. 5) and I could go on.
Tobin
“decisions are made by the top and the membership is expected to follow those decisions. That wasn’t how Mormonism was founded nor at its core, its real beliefs.”
“The top” for the mormon church is God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the church of God that was restored by himself and Jesus Christ through a modern day prophet, and is currently led by prophets who continue to communicate with God. So you are correct in saying that ultimately, the decisions do come from the top (God), and that IS the core of Mormonism and its beliefs. That God loves us enough to guide us through a modern prophet that can address issues dealing with life and humanity as a group of people, and that individuals can receive personal revelation through direct communication with God.
“Mormonism becomes something more than a church or belief system into a lifestyle and many ultimately feel trapped in it”
The whole point of life is to learn what we need to do to live with God again and be eternally happy. When that is the goal, then living the commandments needs to be a lifestyle. It’s the only way to truly be happy and to be able to receive that personal revelation from God. If the whole point of life is to come closer to Christ, then Mormonism can’t be anything less than a lifestyle. If you feel “trapped” in it, then you obviously aren’t willing to follow God and obey His teachings, but that’s why he gave us agency. Every man is free to choose for himself what he/she wants to do and become. But the organization of the church is to facilitate that learning process as we strive to be like God. That’s why he blesses us with prophets, so that through them, God can help us know how to use our agency to be happy.
I think it would be wonderful if the top for the Mormon church was God. But God is unchanging, everlasting (even in the Mormon faith) and the LDS prophets have contradicted Him and Christ’s teachings in their own “guidance.” Why is Christ not enough? God sent His OWN son . . . that DID “address issues dealing with life and humanity as a group of people” . . . and CHRIST is the mediator and connector to God.
The point of life is to Glorify GOD. You can’t earn your way back to Him, otherwise He wouldn’t have sent his Son to die for you. It would have been pointless. Happiness is different than the joy found in God’s love. I am happy chewing a stick of gum – but I have true joy in knowing God and how He loves me.
It is easy to feel trapped in the Mormon church, but it’s not because of the thousands of restrictions you are forced to follow . . . it is because you feel like God only loves you when you follow all of them. The TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ is that God LOVES YOU even if you don’t always follow Him. Otherwise, God would be without love because I don’t know a single human who always follows Him.
It’s amazing what you can do when you’re uninhibited from the chains of repression.
“Overcoming religion.” That is an intriguing and honest way to describe the process of leaving the mormon church. Your story and thoughts about finding yourself and the process that the lost boys went through resonates with me too. Being able to step away from religion and see it stripped down to what it really is…guilt, fear, manipulation, greed…makes the separation process a lot easier. Leaving is sometimes difficult and scary, but happiness and peace can be the reward. Thanks for sharing your story.
Your happy in your sins. I will pray for you.
Thank you Robert, you are correct, I am happy. However, I’m not sinning. You don’t know me at all. You don’t know what kind of person I am, or what good I have done, or what makes me happy. I’m a fine human being, a solid, loving, individual.
What I’m not doing, is “sinning”.
But you are. It doesn’t matter how much gosod your doing. If your not doing it in God’s name its worthless. I am a Latter Day Waint who loves God and will never turn my back on him. You should be really appreciative to what God has done for you. He gave us his son to pay the atonement for our sins and yet you don’t feel obligated to him? How dare you. I’ll be praying for you. I know That God exists and that JESUS CHRIST is his son and our Savior and I say this in the name of him Jesus Christ AMEN!
Now, as a Mormon, I take STRONG exception to that! Gandhi, who I greatly admire and try to emulate in my life, was a modern-day savior figure who freed an entire nation with his example of peaceful protest and good living. I’d put him up against any Mormon who has lived in the modern era and consider what good he did anything but worthless. I’d hardly fault Tyler for leaving modern-day Mormonism. I find it repugnant too. The ONLY reason I’m a Mormon in fact is because I’ve seen God and this is what God wants me to do. Otherwise, I’d just love to box a few ears in the Mormon church for setting such a poor example for everyone else.
Tobin
Tobin,
I stumbled upon this site through a string of searches for Jon Huntsman speaking Mandarin; go figure. Now I can’t stop myself from mining for your comments to each Ex-Mormon testimony. In a past thread, I learn that you’re a Mormon Lazarus of sorts: lose faith to a point of atheism, and then declaring to have seen God. While this site fascinates me as an outsider friendly toward folks of LDS heritage, I am more intrigued by your proclamation. It’s like what I said to the missionaries just before they gave up on me: why is it that among Saint Thomas and Joseph Smith, and presumably you, Tobin, the rest of us have to rely on the words of some mortal, corruptible human being for affirmation of God’s existence? Why can’t God, who we have been mincing words, tradition, and ceremony about, come out and clear the air on a regular basis? It would certainly tone down the political rhetoric, at least. I can’t but think that your trolling this site is a personal test of the strength of your faith. A test to see if you truly believe you consciously received God, and not in some heartburn sort of way… These good folks intrigue you as they do I, don’t they?
Joel
Joel,
Keep reading. My point is that IF JS told the truth (or IF I’m telling the truth), then you should be able to speak with God yourself. Otherwise, you are exactly right. Why should we have to believe other people and magic books w/o some some more substantial proof? Also, I just post here for fun. Most ex-mormons are how I was, they have “lists” of reasons they left Mormonism, but in reality there is only one reason to leave or believe in it – and that is if you have evidence of God and God speaks to you.
Tobin
@ Robert
Jesus died. But not for your sins. Or mine. He just died. Like I will one day. And all we can do is enjoy the short time we have here on Earth, not waste it on silly, ancient, gods that don’t exist. The only true sin is throwing your life away on dusty, old, ancient myths, and not living a true, genuine, loving existence. Saying that you’ll be “praying” for people is just a passive/aggressive way to say that you’re judging them. I don’t pray for you, I pity you.
Awesome Tyler! Thanks for sharing!!
Like I said b4 repent. Before Christ returns.
Mormon theology and doctrines are distinct and different from those of Christianity. Therefore Jesus Christ himself is different in Mormonism. Mormonism can work for a few people but as it has turned out does not work for most people. LDS claims about 13 million members worldwide so those who actively participate in church activities would be about half of that which is about 6 to 7 million. There are over a 6 billion people in the world. Having said this Mormonism is a bona fide religion and it does indeed work for a small group of people. After leaving Mormonism some people may sin, other people may not sin. I believe Tyler found true happiness after leaving Mormonism and I would like to encourage him once again for doing so.
James,
I’d certainly agree with much of what you said here. Personally, I believe Mormonism (properly formatted and understood) is transcend of Christianity however. It really disposes of the need for organized religion since all you have to do is speak with God (which is something I encourage) and “should” arm you with the tools to do so. This is actually a pretty frightful theology for most organized sect of Christianity (and I might add for the Mormon church itself). If their members don’t need them, a lot of their power and influence over the lives of their believers and supporters just flew out the window.
If this were the religion Mormons were pushing, I believe it would flourish in the world. Unforunately, due to some rather stupid and short-sighted leadership within the Mormon church, it has focused inward upon a “different” exclusive Jesus instead of an inclusive Jesus that liberates people from the dictates of the world’s religions.
Tobin
Um Robert? I hate to break it to you, but Jesus is dead. Go do something worthwile, and quit waiting for myths to show up…
What a great story! Sending positive thoughts your way Tyler!! Keep enjoying life brother!!
Thanks for the wonderful story. It helps knowing there are other ex-mormons out there that had similar awakenings on leaving the church.
And I DO know you. We met a while ago.
All you folks need to WAKE up. God says those who sin feel good about it. Looking at all your posts and videos proves that to be true. I will pray for you folks.
That is an interesting God you believe in Robert. This is a God that makes doing what is wrong your opinion feel good, while when Tyler was living the gospel ala Mormonism, he felt terrible about it.
I find that very interesting.
Tobin
I want to saythat Following God is not for everyone You can be Happy like the guy in the film pretends to be happy, but in reality he is a confuse soul,, that like the devil wants to know more than God and his apostoles. I must love him just the way he is but I dont buy his happiness for one minute. Must people that cant follow the narrow path to heaven is because they are either gay or lesbians and cant control their instics for love with someone of the same sex.. DO you out there call that natural? or Holly? that is the problem with satan followers allways trying to deceive the children of God, and the sick and the weak will allways fall in his traps and lies. God have mercy on their souls!!!!.
I want to saythat Following God is not for everyone You can be Happy like the guy in the film pretends to be happy, but in reality he is a confuse soul,, that like the devil wants to know more than God and his apostoles. I must love him just the way he is but I dont buy his happiness for one minute. Must people that cant follow the narrow path to heaven is because they are either gay or lesbians and cant control their instics for love with someone of the same sex.. DO you out there call that natural? or Holly? that is the problem with satan followers allways trying to deceive the children of God, and the sick and the weak will allways fall in his traps and lies. God have mercy on their souls!!!!.
I want to saythat Following God is not for everyone You can be Happy like the guy in the film pretends to be happy, but in reality he is a confuse soul,, that like the devil wants to know more than God and his apostoles. I must love him just the way he is but I dont buy his happiness for one minute. Must people that cant follow the narrow path to heaven is because they are either gay or lesbians and cant control their instics for love with someone of the same sex.. DO you out there call that natural? or Holly? that is the problem with satan followers allways trying to deceive the children of God, and the sick and the weak will allways fall in his traps and lies. God have mercy on their souls!!!!.
Sad thing for you and the rest here: It does NOT matter what you believe in. These are the Latter days and JESUS CHRIST return is soon upon us. You will know the truth when he returns and you will know that he is our KING! “Blessed are those who are reviled and hated and cursed at by the world!” So Tobin, REPENT!
Robert,
Repent means to literally change. So far I’m foggy about what your better idea or course would be for me? I know what my shortcomings are and what I do need to change. But nothing you have said has helped me with anything I am concerned with. So, before you go around telling people to repent, please let give them a better idea first. I think you’ll find them much more receptive to your call for CHANGE, excuse me, REPENT!!!
Tobin
Oh Toby your so funny. LOLOLOLOLOL Jesus said that folks would in the last days find comfort in their sins. You are a perfect example of that. As for change, sorry I got no change to spare. LOL
Robert,
Now, what sins are you accusing me of? Is this the ‘sin’ of not doing what Robert says or what Robert’s small conception of God thinks I should be doing? IF you are a Mormon, I find that you are a very poor example of one and really wish you would stop your rant on here since you are both embarrasing yourself. and the church and gospel you profess to believe in.
Tobin
I have spent some time reading your posts on various videos, and I was wondering if you could tell me why you knowing the problems with mormonism, still choose it over straightforward christianity, because you seem mostly rational. I’m not trying to sell you on the idea (hence the name Mr. Agnostic) but I am extremely curious as to why…
Hi Mr Agnostic,
I choose Mormonism because it is credible (if you remove the non-sense). Basically, if you reduce the JS story (believe or disbelieve it – doesn’t matter) to what is imporant, the claim is this – you can speak to God and God will appear and answer you. Based on that experience, you can progress in your understanding of God. No need for pastors, prophets, magic books, magic sayings and other non-sense.
Most Mormons (and I believe the vaste majoriy of ex-Mormons) never bother doing that. I really find that odd, since there is really no good reason to believe in Mormonism without that. It would seem to me that its claims are ridiculous otherwise and a fraud. I would make the same assertion about other religious beliefs as well. Without some “real” evidence that they are true (as in God actually showing up or something as equally weighty), there is no reason to believe them either and one should just default to atheism. Being agnostic is ok, but no more than wishful thinking that there is a God w/o some proof.
Anyway, that is why I’m Mormon. I have been an atheist and an ex-mormon, so I understand their position. However, I believe they are wrong, simply because I have experienced something different to make me reconsider my position. I DO NOT expect them to believe me unless they do exactly the same thing.
Tobin
Firstly, Tyler, excellent video! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Secondly…
Robert said: “God says…” and “Jesus said…” with no quotes to substantiate any of it… so you may as well have said “Robert says…” Not that Jesus or God hold any more weight than you do. LOL!
Or better yet, “Santa says…” Now THAT would have been a good threat to ensure my obeyance! SANTA I believe in. He’s done me more good over the years than God or Jesus.
Your so funny Catherine. You are all so prideful and angry towards God’s church that it makes you feel good to insult and mock us. Oh well blessed are those who are reviled by men!
At the end of the day we are all floating on a little ball in the middle of unimaginable blackness. How do reconcile this bizarre reality? There are things in Hubble images that are much more disturbing than anything in the LDS Church.
From my well-travelled and well-studied perch, the LDS philosophy is still one of the most elegant and profound in world history, including Zen. Read “Light in the Wilderness” by Catherine Thomas, holy smoke.
If it’s not for you that’s fine, I just wonder if you have seen it the way I have.
What happened? Were you paid off by the I’m a Mormon campaign agency to stop new posts?
Missing your videos,
Alden
I just read Ethan’s comment – “At the end of the day we are all floating on a little ball in the middle of unimaginable blackness. How do reconcile this bizarre reality?”
I love the quote by Einstein, “The most beautiful and deepest experience a man can have is the sense of the mysterious. It is the underlying principle of religion as well as all serious endeavour in art and science. He who never had this experience seems to me, if not dead, then at least blind. To sense that behind anything that can be experienced there is a something that our mind cannot grasp and whose beauty and sublimity reaches us only indirectly and as a feeble reflection, this is religiousness. In this sense I am religious. To me it suffices to wonder at these secrets and to attempt humbly to grasp with my mind a mere image of the lofty structure of all that there is.”
I think that most of us are dead to mystery. Some do so by ignoring the wonder of existence; caught up in trivia. Others repress the big questions involved in the human condition by living in cults, paring down the mystery to that which will fit in a mind; a loving God of flesh and bones that created the world, secret handshakes to get into heaven after we die. The thing is that we can sense the mystery through any belief structure. Rumi says it the best:
An ant hurries along a threshing floor with its wheat grain,
moving between huge stacks
of wheat, not knowing the abundance all around. It thinks its
one grain is all there is to
love. So we choose a tiny seed to be devoted to. This body,
one path or one teacher.
As an ex-Mormon myself I have had the opportunity to stand up and speak out when people fail to understand or are quick to judge Mormons. The mainstream Mormon church (LDS) is not one in the same as the FLDS church. I don’t know what kind of “Mormon” this film-maker was in his past but this video fails to distinguish something that is often misunderstood by people who don’t know Mormons. I feel strongly that clarification should be made. I mean… you can be nice, and enthusiastic all you want, as soon as you aren’t completely honest, the message is spoiled.
People fall apart. False Regligios fall apart becasue god does not permit satanic development. THe Catholics decieved many through their false religion. Christianity is the only way. Read KJV bible because its the only REAL bible. other bible have lost verses(see chick.com/bible).
Guy seems like a decent person. As for myself, I started to leave the Mormon faith, but ended up coming back and couldn’t be happier. I now encourage others to ask questions, but have faith there are answers. Go Go Mormons!
Are the people behind this project giving up. We were supposed to see new videos each week. Come on. We’re waiting.
I thought I saw you at Jim Gaffigan with your son last night. I didn’t want to embarrass you if I was wrong, so I didn’t say anything. I wanted to tell say thank you so much for sharing your story. We haven’t had our names taken off yet. It will be a while before we do, but we have been “out” for about 2 years. I admire you and all the people in the videos on this site. Keep it up!
The Valley of Fire, a novel by Brett Cottrell, because growing up mormon in Las Vegas was funny.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ME7PEI
“When a rogue angel known as “Insanity” escapes and starts a polygamist cult in Utah, all Hell breaks loose. Friends murder friends, husbands abandon wives, heads leave their bodies, and a frenzied fat man beats his revered prophet with a broom – and this is just the beginning.”
I like you! And glad you shared this story!
I like you too Sylvia.
I love this website, people’s experiences show you that joy exists way beyond the mormon church. I bet all these idiots like Robert or this Laredo kid (and the general membership) don’t know a bit of their own church. I was a faithful mormon in a time, but when I realized the way leaders adjust history and the fraud of their doctrines I felt betrayed by those whom I had believed to be called of god. So guys, don’t waste your time answering to such ridiculous and arrogant replies. Mormon faith is funny, and they’ll realize it sooner or later as everything clarifies.
You are a fraud for leading the audience to believe that warren Jeff’s group is Mormon. Totally dishonest!
You are afraid of the truth!
Ever searching and unable to find the truth.
Uhm, I have never, ever mislead anyone to believe they are the same church. Ever. Perhaps you should watch my film Sons of Perdition prior to you claiming that I have done that. If anything, we went out of our way to differentiate the two entities.
Perhaps you should investigate prior to calling me a fraud. (which frankly, is a rather unkind thing to say to a stranger who has done nothing to you).
first off the FLDS is completley different than LDS. FLDS is a tiny religion that branched off of mormans and continued on with polygamy. polygamys messed up. but mormans dont practice polygamy. i highly doubt anyone of you “ex-mormans” has ever even prayed about your decision of leaving the church. i recently joined the church and im happier than ive ever been in my life. and mormans nevver say your going to go to hell if you leave the church. MORMANS DONT EVEN BELIVE IN HELL.
First off, I would like to say that you do look like a happy man that has found himself. I think your story is great about how you went on a journey to find happiness and to find yourself. What i don’t see is how this negatively correlates with the church. I am an ex-catholic, but i would not share my life story on a forum devoted to tearing down the catholic religion, simply because the catholic religion has nothing to do with who i am today. The LDS church has been the most influential thing to helping me figure out who i am. It is because of the church that i strive to become better and to grow. When i think of the path i was on before i found the church, I can honestly say that without the church, I may be eating twinkies right now. Maybe the church didn’t help you find who you are, but for many other people it has. I would also take a moment to consider the possibility that quiting the church came as an unnecessary side product of trying to find yourself rather than being the cause of finding who you are. I can tell you are a good man, and with my knowledge of the gospel as taught by Christ and modern day LDS prophets, I believe the gospel could do a great deal for you, and all people, to further enrich your life. They say you know something is true when other go to great lengths to tare it down.
Hello,My name is JoAnna,I have a movie that,I have seen and been dealing with for my experiance as a single mormon.These experiances that i have been through will blow people minds.I can prove what has been put apond me.If you care to contact me please do so.Thanks and My God bless.
Just wanted to add to what has been said, I find it highly amusing that this video appears to be using the principals of “heartsell”, and I love it! If you don’t know what it is, look it up. There’s a reason this video seems so familiar to all you LDS and ex-LDS.
Nice work!
The boys are going to hell for leaving their church? No scripture or prophet supports that statement. If people said than isn’t that leaning on the arm of flesh for eternal truth?