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I am a recovering mormon. I joined at the age of 23, and I am still trying to figure out why. I have always been a free thinker, but I guess I found myself alone among the masses, and decided to do as the Romans do. I am now 3 years divorced, after 11 years of a “celestial” marriage… And I am happier than ever (other than the time away from my kids, of course).
I would love to participate in any way I can with this cause. whether you want to capture my story or not, I just want to help.
I made this video doing 100% factual research. It explains some of the problems with the faith and it is very funny
Mormons ROCK!!!!! I am not a mormon but all of them are different! I have a friend who is mormon and He is the nicest person I’ve ever met in my entire life. He took me to Church and I loved it!
Yes, SOME Mormons are nice… it does not mean the doctrine is true..There are lots of ways to find nice people other then attending LDS church. Nice people are everywhere. The question is…is their gospel true?…FACT is NO it is NOT TRUE. I know…I have spent 25 yrs of my life living it…and it simply revolves around the fear of not being able to be with your family in the after life if you don’t obey and repent. The real truth to the Mormon church has been covered up by pleasant stories and”good feelings.” You can get the same good feelings watching a movie, hearing a touching story, hearing a song that speaks to your energetic vibration. These good feelings simple mean you are human, because we feel emotions and all of us humans have love in our hearts. Do some actual research and find out for yourself. Don’t base your opinion of the Mormon faith being true just because you ran into some nice people. OPEN YOUR MIND TO THE WHOLE PICTURE The topic is not the people who are in the church…it is the church itself. To all of you Mormons trying to defend your faith…go the the library and look in the history books…the facts are there. Joseph Smith was shacking it up with a 14 yr old house servant in the barn…Emma didn’t find out until a year later that he a “married” this little girl. Most girls haven’t even got their periods by this age yet for cry out loud. Tell me why the prophet would have interest in marrying a child? He told her it was for her eternal exaltation. If that happen today…even the church members would see it as child molestation and statutory rape. There are too many real historical facts that are not taught at church…why would they want to teach these truths? They don’t because it would expose it for what it really is. I am free… I am happy… I am honest and believe in acting humane…I don’t live in fear… I am one of the “nicest” people you’ll ever meet and I am an EX Mormon.
I AGREE WITH JAMES FA’ALAGI!!!!!!! I was given the Book of Mormon and I read it and compared it with Bible. I was formally a methodist and after reading the Book of Mormon, I realized that there were a lot missing from many other Churches that existed in the Church of Jesus Christ in ancient times (i.e. apostles). I LOVE THIS CHURCH. The only reason why people leave the church is because of pride. They do not humble themselves and try to obey some of the commandments to receive not only blessings but a testimony of the truthfulness of the Church as well
Rocky, there is no god.
How do u know?
I’m gonna echo this.
How do you know?
how do you know there is one? i bet he took time out of his busy management of the universe to write some horrid out of date hateful book to keep a few knuckle dragging idiots occupied in their pointless futile lives bwhahahahah
if you want to have a good argument for religion read some CS lewis, christian apologists at least have AN argument not just some mormonic(pun intended). Anyway enjoy your empty meaningless life thinking someone actually cares about you and listens to your sick thoughts.
PEACE
also hahhahahhahahhhah you religious ppl make my life so enjoyable
I was formerly Church of England and after a cursory look at Mormonism I too joined. That doesn’t make it true anymore than your comments about comparing the Bible with the Book of Mormon. Just because you LOVE it, doesn’t mean you always will. I thought I would too. That kind of mindset does not allow for any additional information or evidence from being considered. Another name for that is blind faith.
You are falling into the trap of allowing other people to determine what you believe about people who leave the church also. I quote,
“The only reason why people leave the church is because of pride. They do not humble themselves and try to obey some of the commandments to receive not only blessings but a testimony of the truthfulness of the Church as well.”
Where did you find that information? Did you talk to people who have left the LDS Church or did you just regurgitate words you have heard from other members of your church?
There is not a soul who does not have pride about something, but to say that people leave the church because of pride is very lacking in empathy or understanding. Your Savior expects much more from you than that judgmental attitude and you know it.
It is your own PRIDE in your belief that you belong to the true church that gets in the way of your obedience to your Savior to not judge others. You are not in my head; you don’t know what I know, what I feel, what I have experienced so how can you possibly judge?
Go thy way and sin no more.
agree
I left because I learned about the true history of the church (not what they tell you). The information is out there, provable, and will shock you to the core if you truly believe Mormonism and do not let your pride in it get in the way of your intelligence.
Agreed Dave H. Get out there and read what a fraud Joseph Smith was, learn the true and provable history the mormon church will NEVER let you learn, will sweep under every rug and make every lie and excuse to “disprove” it. Open your eyes, use reason and analysis. Study historical facts surrounding the fairy tale that is the BofM. It is total fiction, just as the bible is. Science, reason and thinking for yourself, please try it. No one doubts that mormon people are mostly decent (albeit pretty freaking weird), but that is no reason to buy into the insanity.
My $0.02 worth.
You would never say that if you were a woman!
CL… I am a woman…exactly what is it that you insist I won’t say?
My pride didn’t have anything to due with it….they leave due to true actually facts. Go to a library and do some reading. It might surprise you to find real truthfulness…not just something someone told you. The Book for mormon cross references the Bible for a reason…Joseph Smith used the Bible to write the Book of Mormon. It’s really funny how NO ONE seems to pick up on that.
MORMONS ARE THE BEST!
+1
I love being a mormon. I have never felt so good in my life
Good for you.
your life reaaaally must have sucked then hahahahah
No your life did when I teabagged your mom all night.
My friends are all mormon. They are the best friends i’ve ever had.
you must not have very many friends
This is at Zach, Fred, Rocky and James. I dont like mormons.
Wow… after viewing this site. I WANT TO BE MORMON NOW!
WOW! You will be delighted to be brainwashed and accept their ridiculous beliefs.
Well John, I respect you for your opinion bro. You are a child of God just like me.
oh will you just shut up!!!! Nobody cares what you have to say! this is a site for EX-MORMONS!! not you disgusting slimy brainwashed mormons! go away and stop telling us stuff that you know we wont listen too! Just go and read your book of mormon or something and stop annoying everyone who is just trying to be themselves!
Hey emily. There is no need to get angry. No one has said anything against you, so why are you bashing on them.
Agreed. What have Mormons done to YOU?
Emily, I agree with you 100%, but you have to understand that your reaction is EXACTLY what these brainwashed cult members WANT! They can’t help it, they don’t realize just how close to the ‘kool aid’ they really are…and as a former member of the church, I can say that HIDEOUS things were said and done to me in the name of the cult!! I don’t think patriarchal blessings are supposed to include sexual abuse…
Well Zach, Fred, Rocky, James, and Harold I know you are all one person and I think what your doing is wrong and u could in trouble for this.
Well Free, Zach, Rocky, James, and Harold I know you are all one person and I think what your doing is wrong and u could in trouble for this.
In trouble how? Just curious……..
I love mormons
they are so positive on life. I am not mormon but after viewing the videos on this site, I think I want to be Mormon now.
dont waste your time, trust me
Have you tried?
Luke, Those happy, positive people in the videos are actually EX-Mormons.
What? I dont think so John Wilsh. I live in California and have no clue who the others are.
oh im sorry i didnt know i was just taking a guess and thought id be right apparently not. i sincerely apologize.
no, you’re definitely right. same guy.
These are great videos! I’m just sick and tired of how the church vilifies people who leave the church. I’m a disaffected mormon, still active, but cog-dis is ever growing.
I love the people in my ward, but I’m sick of the half truths, the covering of embarrassing history, the guilt when not conforming, the pressure to conform and to be non questioning. I find most people to be loving and kind in the church (at a local level), but there is no room open discussion.
Mormons are great, (most of my friends are mormon), but the church as a whole is pretty rotten. And now I can’t be authentic with people, cause then I’ll be labeled apostate… well you know the drill…
I will simply respond to your comment by saying that ALL organized religions are basically cults, run by men for their own personal satisfaction. They want your money and they will use guilt to get it, they will impose their will wherever possible, and there is little if any true spirituality. You need only yourself to commune with God; you don’t need a leader, a special building, a fairy tale book, or someone who says they are the only one allowed to talk to God.
I was converted Nov 2005. I’m currently working up to requesting my name to be removed from the rolls.
For me, the path has been long and painful, from a priest who was not fulfilling his covenants and using me to cover up for him, to feeling left out and to the side. I watched one of my best friends get divorced, and have seen how much she worries that because he wasn’t excommunicated for adultery that he will do something to keep her from getting sealed again. I on the other hand, because I had a pregnancy out of wedlock, and didn’t tell on her husband since he was blackmailing me, get told that “God is making you sick as a punishment for not repenting.” If I wasn’t trying to repent, I wouldn’t even be in your office Mister Bishop. I also got told “Really I don’t think we’ll excommunicate you in a formal hearing because you’re a convert and weren’t raised knowing how bad this was.” Which I do agree with the church on a doctrine basis, the people of the church are what make me believe that much like every other organized church out there, people who make up the church are corrupt.
To all of you current Mormons who are checking out this site, I wish you all the best on your journey of discovery. Keep looking for the answers, use your mind to question, and listen to your heart. I’ve been there. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most important.
That’s probably the most intelligent comment on this thread. Well said, Karen.
Agreed. THE single most important decision, and the hardest, I have made in my life. 16.5 years (15 temple endowed) as a convert… officially resigned because I came to realize I had been dupped by cunning, lovely stories, and an emotional desire to “have” a forever, eternal family. As I read the “scriptures” and researched from church history, church documents, publications, etc… I came to realize all the revisionism, manipulations of historical documents, changes in the BOM (and STILL MORE!!) I HAD to concede that it is all the biggest load of BULLSHIT this world has and will ever know. I have Mormon family members and friends. I respect their choice to believe as they do… but for me, it is now simple to emphatically state the Book of Mormon is a work of 19th century FICTION and it’s “author” and original leader, Joseph Smith, Jr was a MASSIVE con-man, who manipulated his followers, abused his position of authority, was a pedophile, and was never a Prophet of God. He was, most certainly a False Prophet and a Cult Leader, no different than Jim Jones. I could go on and on… but science and archeology and church history itself continue to prove that the “cornerstone” of the Mormon religion, The Book of Mormon” is FAKE.
I just love mormons too! I love how creative and free they are! what I love the most is their positive and very intelligent gospel doctrine. For instance, how a cup of green tea (if you don’t repent) will prevent you from ruling your own galaxy! that is just brilliant. how God, the creator of everything above and below, planets, universes, and what not…needs a few bucks from you every paycheck. Of course is not about money! ah! and how the book of mormon teaches you that there were horses before the spaniards. Well, they were not really horses they say now –they were deers. So they took animals slightly bigger than dogs into battle, why? because it makes sense people! c’mon. wake up! oh! before i forget…have you gone on a tour to the city of Zarahemla lately or any of the cities of the book of mormon? well, my friends are waiting to know the exact location of nephite empire just yet. all mormons have been waiting for the last 150 years so it can’t be much longer. i don’t know why but the the rest of the world is missing out. the mormon culture is just super awesome: ponzi schemes, girls with mashroom haircuts every where, wanna-be prophets, people going in front of the membership once a month and parrots the same mantra month after month, taddle telling on each other, and everybody dresses on sunday with the same uniform. i just love it and i can’t wait to be baptized and be controlled on what to say, what to think, what to eat, and not be me anymore! and you know what I’m most excited about after joining the cult? you guessed it: the magic underwear. praise the holy joseph smith for that. thank you and I’m crying right now for everybody to see me.
this is hillarious! love it!
i hope that these video series help to open peoples’ minds and get them to think for themselves. delve into history, not just “church-approved” history either. take some time away to think for yourself, discover yourself and you might be surprised at what you find. it’s a big, beautiful world out there and mormonism is just a small, limiting perspective on it.
Bitter Much… lol
Chris,
I am no scholar nor will I pretend to even understand even half of what you are claiming, but this I know, One day we will all come to understand what is really true, we will see the reasons behind everything and we will know what God knows. With that said if I get to heaven or wherever you think we are going and I come to find out that the LDS beliefs of serving our fellow men, loving our neighbors, to name a few values, but most importantly patterning our lives after One who was perfect is such a problem then I will deal with the repercussions of my actions then. until then I will just have faith that living a good life with high morals and values (which the world does not teach us) will bless me far more than trying to explain every little piece of doctrine, because I believe it is far more important to live the principles of goodness than to just simply know the doctrine
(I am Chris Johnson’s brother, whom you appear to be addressing)
Thanks so much for your comment! I greatly respect your belief in holding true to living a good life and serving others. I think this is a wonderful thing. In regards to this belief I would ask the following:
How do we know what is right and what is wrong?
I would answer this question by saying that we must first come to an understanding of truth, as best as possible. You would likely agree with this.
Second question.
What is the best way of determining truth, so that we can build a proper set of morals around this foundation?
This is where we would likely disagree, and yet, it is the FOUNDATION upon which one must be most sure of. Coming to a proper conclusion in regards to this question is likely the most important question in your entire life. I would answer that the best method of determining truth and reality is the scientific method. I have a HUGE problem with the LDS belief that our entire lives are to be based on a different method. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. The following question illustrates why I have a problem with relying on personal revelation from God as the best way to determine truth:
What extraordinary evidence do you have that the Holy Ghost is not simply your own mind, but an actual entity that exists outside of yourself?
Remember that subjective experiences are not to be considered extraordinary evidence. This is why we can not simply believe the extraordinary claims of alien abduction without further examination and skeptical inquiry.
So in conclusion I would like to reiterate my great respect for you in doing your best to build a life full of love and kindness for those around you. I would also invite you to seriously examine the truth seeking methods that inevitably lead to your conclusions on what morals are going to provide optimal human well being. This includes answering the questions I have raised, in particular about how you know the Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost. There are many advances in neuroscience that will help you delve into this topic, as well as psychological studies that shed doubt on the veracity of truth claims based on personal and subjective transcendent experiences. If your goal is to treat others the way they should be treated, then your goal must include the best method of discovering truth. This goal must include an honest search for both sides of the debate- that would include articles and literature that is critical of the Mormon method of discovering truth. I would suggest that to be intellectually honest with your self and to be morally grounded, this search must be done with as much earnestness and sincerity as humanly possible.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts,
Sincerely,
Dan Johnson (Creator of the “I am an Ex Mormon” video series)
Dan,
I understand you are an intellect and that in order to make sense of the world around you, you must first prove things scientifically. Have you ever stopped to consider the One with the highest intellect and scientific knowledge? First I have had many experiences with the Holy Ghost…are there times where it may just be me..yes..but the outcome has been the same when I followed the promptings…GOOD! I would like to think that I am an open-minded person and believe that everyone is blessed with their agency, but what I don’t understand is why you all take SOO much time trying to disprove beliefs that for the most part bring people so much joy and happiness. We already live in an extremely self-centered world where everyone is out to get what they deserve without regard for those around them…I am so grateful to be a part of an organization that teaches us to look outside ourselves and that there is a Greater being than myself that I can turn to for comfort and peace…now tell me where is the harm in this?
Bc
hi BC,
(with all due respect and no animosity of any kind)
i guess if you don’t feel comfortable with others expressing their views about mormonism, why bother coming here? why not enjoy your blissful world at other forums that are faith promoting?
now you mention that the LDS,Inc teaches how good people should be and all that. Well that’s great. but other organizations do it as well. some are christians; some aren’t.
in fact, i don’t even need a gandhi or a smith to tell me to be kind to other people. to help others. to be there for my fellow human beings. to me, that’s just common sense. to most people on this planet. don’t buy the premise that mormons are the best people on this planet. such arrogance is appalling. to me, they are just people who happen to think differently than i do.
i’m not interested in convincing you of anything. so whatever you believe is fine.
go back to the basics. use your common sense. ask questions. the real hard questions and demand answers. don’t be a slave of a system. any system. unshackle your mind. be free.
Thank you so much. My wife and I lived in Utah for 8 years. We were not Mormons. All of our relatives were Mormons. Close to 70% of our Mormon relatives are anti-depressants. Most of this anti-depressant use is directly because the church demands them to have a positive attitude, pretend they are happy all the time, and because the church demands them to be perfect. The fact is this: they are not saints. They are just people who have been conditioned from birth to follow the strict and very hurtful teachings they were born into. There have been suicides. I learned first hand how toxic Mormonism is in Utah. Thank you for creating videos that will help people escape. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
How can you create a website like this that’s just sick!! You might think you are way happier now than you use to be before, but did you stop and think to figure out why you weren’t happy? Were you following the commandments keeping the law of chastity? Did you read your scriptures and pray faithfully everyday? How could your videos make a positive impact on someone’s life you really can’t be serious! You even have an exmormon foundation do you even realise what you are doing? Has any of you actually got proof that the church isn’t true? Did you not learn that everyone is given trials for a reason? When i watched the videos most of the time you quit because of the members of the church or because you are now divorced but did you pray and wait for an answer before you got married did you make the most of your relationship did you support your companion in everything did you read your scriptures as a family. I’m pretty sure most of you haven’t! Others “stopped being a mormon” because heavenly father didn’t answer your pray… did you not listen when you were told that the lord doesn’t always answer your prays straight away? Oh and for the people that left due to a gayism or something similar:
yes some people do sometimes share feelings for the same sex have you not heard of temptation? Here’s a story about my uncle who went on his mission came back and was going to get married but he experience some feelings for the same gender and went away from the church because he thought being gay was who he was and he was happy that way i remember about fives years later he called my grandma on a sunday and said mom there’s something missing i’m not too sure what it is but i think i need to go to church however he didn’t go that day. Talking to him you would think he was happy but deep inside he wasn’t 6 years later he had now been away from the church for 11 years he came back we had a family reunion and he told us everything which had happened to him and his feelings yes he did have fun doing the “things of the world” but it turns out that deep inside he wasn’t happy because he always felt something missing. I could on forever and tell you how the church is tru!!
i am only 15 and i’m a mormon and i couldn’t be more proud of who i am to be honest my life wouldn’t be same without the gospel in my life i just know it and i can’t deny all the feelings when i have wether i’m at church, mutual, efy, camps, seminary, doing personal progress being nice…. Seriously how can you say this isn’t the right church!!!! Go home get a set of scriptures read it faithfully and ask if it is true as well as the church and come back and say it isn’t. I guaranty no one will come back.
My name is Leah i’m a mormon and proud of it!!How can you create a website like this that’s just sick!! You might think you are way happier now than you use to be before, but did you stop and think to figure out why you weren’t happy? Were you following the commandments keeping the law of chastity? Did you read your scriptures and prayed faithfully everyday? How could your videos make a positive impact on someone’s life you really can’t be serious! You even have an exmormon foundation do you even realise what you are doing has any of you actually got proof that the church isn’t true? Did you not learn that everyone is given trials for a reason? When i watched the videos most of the time you quit because of the members of the church or because you are now divorced but did you pray and wait for an answer before you got married did you make the most of your relationship did you support your companion in everything did you read your scriptures as a family. I’m pretty sure most of you haven’t! others “stopped being a mormon” because heavenly father didn’t answer your pray did you not listen when you were told that the lord doesn’t always answer your prays straight away? Oh and for the people that left due to a gayism or something similar
yes some people do sometimes share feelings for the same sex have you not heard of temptation? Here’s a story about my uncle who went on his mission came back and was going to get married but he experience some feelings for the same gender and went away from the church because he thought being gay was who he was and he was happy that way i remember about fives years later he called my grandma on a sunday and said mom there’s something missing i’m not too sure what it is but i think i need to go to church however he didn’t go that day talking you would think he was happy but deep inside he wasn’t 6 years later he had now been away from the church for 11 years he came back we had a family reunion and he told us everything which had happened to him and his feelings yes he did have doing the “things of the world” but it turns out that deep inside he wasn’t happy because he always felt something missing.
i am only 15 and i’m a mormon and i couldn’t be more proud of who i am to be honest my life wouldn’t be same without the gospel in my life i just know it and i can’t deny all the feelings when i have wether i’m at church, mutual, efy, camps, seminary, doing personal progress being nice…. Seriously how can say this isn’t the right church!!!! go home get a set of scriptures read faithfully and ask if it is true as well as the church and come back and say it isn’t i guaranty no one will come back.
Maybe your videos are just made up as well who knows?
My name is Leah i’m a mormon and I couldn’t be more proud of it!
Leah you are getting mad at someone who has said absolutely nothing offensive. I think this reaction shows that you are being overly defensive, not that anyone else is being offensive.
Leah, if you spent half as much time paying attention in school as you do spouting off about things you cannot possibly understand as you are only a child, you might be able to spell, and possibly even construct a grammatically correct sentence now and again. Sweetie, learn EVERYTHING you can before you write manifestos that make you look like a fanatical cult member.
Poor sweet drinker of koolaid.
You can not dispute FACTS.
READ my dear child. STOP following and start asking the HARD questions about:
Necromacy, Polygamy, Polyamory, Pedophilia, FreeMasonry, Blood Atonement, Adam/God Theology, etc…
For all these people who made their brave journey out of Mormonism we need to make them feel supported and loved. I recently sent a message to the admin asking why there was a video missing in one week and he replied he was the only person who is maintaining this website and donation can make it run more smoothly. Please let’s donate generously so we can be keep informed.
The social and religious scientific data indicates that many former Latter-day Saints migrate to a variety of religious and irreligious places after departing. Some opt for atheism or agnosticism, while others find more “New Age,” mystical, or Roman Catholic contexts of interest.
For those former Mormons still interested in considering traditional Christianity, a new resource called Transitions has been designed for those who have self-extracted from Mormonism yet who retain an interest in more traditional forms of Christianity. You can view the first three of six video chapters, as well as the Introduction to the written workbook, at the resource’s website: http://www.ldstransitions.com.
Thanks for sharing John.
It is Sad really that those who find the Mormon Faith does not mesh with their lifestyle/ thinking seem to find it is their duty to bring others with them. misery Loves Company I guess. There is nothing wrong with Mormonism, if you do not like it do not join simple as that. They do not hold a gun to you head.
Why waste so much of your time fighting against something unless you have some sort of personal grudge against it. What has the Mormon Church Done to make its members evil, or bring harm to others. there are plenty of Bad things in this world that you could focus your efforts on and make a real difference.
The only purpose of this site is to breed Prejudice and hate, no good will come of that.
“It is Sad really that those who find the Mormon Faith does not mesh with their lifestyle/ thinking seem to find it is their duty to bring others with them.”
There are so many people leaving the church that if they all “find it is their duty to bring others with them” do you have any idea how massive the exMormon movement would be? Instead, this website was produced by one person, asking people if they are willing to be in a video. Hardly the mark of thousands of exMormons trying to tear down the church.
“misery Loves Company I guess.”
Have you watched the videos then? They don’t seem to be miserable people, (even the deleted scenes lol) although you might find what you said rather humorous after watching Bruce’s video.
“There is nothing wrong with Mormonism, if you do not like it do not join simple as that. They do not hold a gun to you head.”
I would argue this one a bit if you don’t mind me getting on my soap box for a moment. I would bet a large sum of money that you would have a hard time finding a child below the age of 8 years old that would reject their parents teachings, especially with the belief that if they rejected these teachings, they would be separated from their parents in the after life. If you think that children do not have a metaphorical gun to their head I would have to disagree.
“Why waste so much of your time fighting against something unless you have some sort of personal grudge against it. What has the Mormon Church Done to make its members evil, or bring harm to others. there are plenty of Bad things in this world that you could focus your efforts on and make a real difference.”
I do have a grudge and I freely admit it. This is part of my bias and in order to be honest with myself and others I am willing to admit my bias and my grudge. My question to you is ‘Do you understand what my grudge IS?’
“The only purpose of this site is to breed Prejudice and hate, no good will come of that.”
That’s not true Joe. If a gay member of your church is about to commit suicide and instead he comes across Steve Lee’s video, leaves the church and lives an incredibly fulfilling life and never looks back, I see this as a huge benefit (saved someone’s life!).
D. William Johnson, WELL SAID! My personal issues with the cult are many, but the brightest pain still results from the sexual abuse I received as part of my patriarchal blessing..if that is considered a ‘grudge’ so be it…but I would not be so focused still if the church would honor my request to be removed from their records. I have been asking since 2000.
This site is for like minds to share experiences through our “awaking”… not to pull people from the church. You are seeing this site as such because you are offended, but who on this site invited YOU here? The only fighting that is happening here is when Mormons come and try to discredit the things we are sharing amongst ourselves. We will meet here and share…why don’t you go to your meetings and share there. Don’t bring your negativity to our place of peace and open minded thoughts. You are judging us calling us prejudice and hateful. We just don’t believe in your gospel, and we are sharing our thoughts here on a site called i am an ex mormon…so again…WHY ARE YOU HERE? You come to fight and argue…Go back to your church and repent for judging and being hateful to us.
AMEN !! AND AWOMEN !!
Joe, most active Mormons are under the impression that this and other ex-Mormon websites are nothing more than hate clubs, where forum participants all just wanna talk bad about Mormons all day. What you do not understand is that we all need support. When I left the church, I didn’t know who I could talk to honestly and who was only going to judge me as apostate before even hearing my views. Where do you think hopeless kids and even adults are going to turn when they have no one to talk to? Do you not realize that when a member leaves and has a true crisi of faith and accepts that Joseph Smith, Jr was not who he said he was, that their whole world falls apart? This is not a fun experience for us. It is hard to consciously accept that you have been duped your whole life and to have your family and friends judge you for your “falling away”, all because we were seeking truth and knowledge. Our views are quickly painted as “anti-Mormon”, even when we simply cite official church documents and literature. We are told to accept our apostate status, while being treated like we are poisonous and spewing venom, simply because we want to be understood by somebody, anybody.
As long as we still have vast numbers of family members in the church, the church will remain a huge part of our lives regardless of our membership status. As we feel we were manipulated, we feel those still active in the church are falling victim to a dishonest organization, and therefore we feel the need to both counter the fictitious claims of the church while also supporting those who have come to the same realization we have. We all have different views now, and we like that. What we bond over is the shared struggle and soul-wrenching process of leaving the church and the social control that comes with it. We don’t expect members to understand us. Part of what made leaving hard was knowing beforehand how we would be perceived by the very people who sang our praises at church when we were going through the motions. As long as the “Every Member a Missionary” culture is around, you shouldn’t be questioning other people motives to change the minds of others for what they feel is the better. Missionaries and members alike spend time trying to get people to change to their belief, so I don;t see why you think that us doing the same is simply out of spite? I personally share my experience with the church with other’s in hopes that fewer children will be taught such damaging thought processes without a choice in the matter, bearing testimony to prophets before they learn to read.
Matt, very eloquent….thanks!
MATT…AMEN!!! well said…hopefully the Mormons will start to understand why we are really here. For love and support.
ABSOLUTELY… SPOT ON.
Your use of the made-up word “gayism” does enough to show just how naive and ignorant you really are. Telling people that they are leaving because they didn’t try hard enough is foolish. You are 15. You know nothing. I went to EFY twice myself, and it was at the second that I made up my mind that I didn’t believe. I would advise you to hold your judgements until you learn more about life and philosophy.
You went to EFY twice and decided that second that you didn’t believe? Was it because your parents wanted you to or did you want to go on your free will? Did you have bad attitude or good one? Just think about it. When we are searching for truth and are hungry to learn more about the gospel, we feel the spirit and feel of the saviors love for us. We are not here to judge any person for leaving the church. If we are it is not our duty but only Christ is to judge.
I went on my own, but the message being taught to us was wrong, and I could not feel affirmation of the gospel, but instead I mad the conscious decision that the church was not truth, but instead a longstanding fabrication. I wanted to believe. Staying in the church is easy. It takes courage to walk away on your own to seek real truth. I will say the church has may good values, but the supposed “gospel” they are tied to is a farce
I’m a member of the LDS church. Whenever I have struggled with depression or stress, I’ve found it’s usually because I want something that I can’t or shouldn’t have/do – at least those are the things that my religion tells me that I shouldn’t do or have. What I have learned in the process of my own spiritual progression has been pretty profound and dear to me.
Worshipping church structure and dedicating ourselves to “the church” isn’t the purpose of the church. The leaders do not serve themselves – they serve Jesus Christ. The structure, the leadership, the other members are all there to help you (and them) come closer to Christ. The path isn’t constantly filled with happiness – it’s often filled with pain and misery until you can let that pain and desire for other things go and cling to Christ and find joy in His presence.
Following the teachings of Jesus Christ that I found through my church was instrumental in causing me to become the kind of person who desires to be closer to Jesus Christ. The closer I get to that perfected state (the direct presence of Christ), the more extreme or foolish I’ll seem to a lot of you anti-Mormons. You’re probably even rolling your eyes now.
On either end of the spectrum, from the tiniest part of an atom to the expanse of the universe, there will always be things too small to see or to comprehend and things too big and far away to see or to understand. Even the best scientists rely on faith in what they can’t see or comprehend (and on everything outside of their field of focus). There is always room for faith and improving understanding both science and God. God is eternal.
The LDS organization should not be confused as an end in and of itself, but as a means to become part of Christ’s flock. For me, the church has helped me to do that. After studying what I’ve studied, doing what I’ve done, and having felt the joy of being closer to Christ, I can only conclude that the LDS church is Christ’s true church. Sometimes it’s tough, but nobody said that throwing off the natural man would be painless or full of happy moments. It certainly does have happy moments.
Whichever path you choose to travel in life, both happiness and pain tug at us. My only plea with you anti-Mormons is to consider what’s at the end – because everyone gets there someday. I hope your eternal end is worth your temporary journey.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I believe you did so because you want to show love towards us and that is why I appreciate your comment. I hope you continue to feel closer to Jesus Christ, a symbol of love and forgiveness that I still think is very meaningful. I certainly hope my eternal end is worth my temporary journey as well- but I have no reason to fear if I live with integrity and love.
Agreed.
I’m a member of the LDS church. Whenever I have struggled with depression or stress, I’ve found it’s usually because I want something that I can’t or shouldn’t have/do – at least those are the things that my religion tells me that I shouldn’t do or have. What I have learned in the process of my own spiritual progression has been pretty profound and dear to me.
Worshipping church structure and dedicating ourselves to “the church” isn’t the purpose of the church. The leaders do not serve themselves – they serve Jesus Christ. The structure, the leadership, the other members are all there to help you (and them) come closer to Christ. The path isn’t constantly filled with happiness – it’s often filled with pain and misery until you can let that pain and desire for other things go and cling to Christ and find joy in His presence.
Following the teachings of Jesus Christ that I found through my church was instrumental in causing me to become the kind of person who desires to be closer to Jesus Christ. The closer I get to that perfected state (the direct presence of Christ), the more extreme or foolish I’ll seem to a lot of you anti-Mormons. You’re probably even rolling your eyes now.
On either end of the spectrum, from the tiniest part of an atom to the expanse of the universe, there will always be things too small to see or to comprehend and things too big and far away to see or to understand. Even the best scientists rely on faith in what they can’t see or comprehend (and on everything outside of their field of focus). There is always room for faith and improving understanding of both science and God. God is eternal.
The LDS organization should not be confused as an end in and of itself, but as a means to enable you to become part of Christ’s flock. For me, the church has helped me to do that. After studying what I’ve studied, doing what I’ve done, and having felt the joy of being closer to Christ, I can only conclude that the LDS church is Christ’s true church. Sometimes it’s tough, but nobody said that throwing off the natural man would be painless or full of happy moments. It certainly does have happy moments.
Whichever path we choose to travel in life, both happiness and pain tug at us. My only plea with you anti-Mormons is to consider what’s at the end – because everyone gets there someday. I hope your eternal end is worth your temporary journey.
Joseph Delli Gatti
joey@dellco.net
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I believe you did so because you want to show love towards us and that is why I appreciate your comment. I hope you continue to feel closer to Jesus Christ, a symbol of love and forgiveness that I still think is very meaningful. I certainly hope my eternal end is worth my temporary journey as well- but I have no reason to fear if I live with integrity and love.
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I am an active member of the LDS church. Although I do not have any intention of changing my mind because of my firm testimony of the blessings of this church, I do appreciate this websites way of presenting its message in a non-aggressive and non-offensive way (hopefully). Above all, for those who are commenting and observing these conversation, What is the “real” reason for leaving the church? I consider myself to be a more open and non-judgmental person and respect anyone decision to join or leave the church, God’s given us agency and we have every right to choose. However, almost every case of those I’ve met who’ve left the church say that “the church isn’t true” or that “it didn’t work out for me” leave because of actions of another LDS member or believer. I’m interested to know if the reason for leaving was because of the doctrine and principles taught within the church? or the people in it. Unfortunately, not every tree will always produce perfect fruit, but that tree could still be what we’re meant to hang from.
Hi Paul,
I realize you left this note a long time ago, but I just stumbled upon it and thought I’d have a go at responding to your query. As I cannot speak for others, my response will be limited to my experience.
I left the Church just about 3 years ago. As I’m sure you can imagine, my choice to leave was very complex and definitely involved a reaction to both people and doctrine. However, I would argue that people’s actions within the Mormon Church are guided by doctrine in many circumstances. My decision to leave was based on two major things: 1) information control & intellectual freedom (i.e. the Church’s attempts to censor it’s history), 2) unfair treatment of women (i.e. the subjugation of women to priesthood holders).
Both of these things have doctrinal roots and in some cases, I believe they are bureaucratic byproducts. Certainly, there were many times when members offended me based on these doctrines. For example, I can think of countless times when members treated me poorly or made rude comments because I was a single women (i.e. “Oh! I’ll be dead and gone before you get married,” comment made by an old home teacher). However, offensive comments and actions are often a result of deeply held beliefs such as, all women should be married to a priesthood holder. So…I would argue that in many cases, the doctrine and member’s action go hand in hand.
At the end of the day though, I certainly didn’t leave because members offended me–I left because I disagree with the doctrines and teachings.
I feel sorry for the people featured that left mormonism for atheism. There is a God that loves us and the only requirement we have to meet is to accept Jesus Christ in our hearts and accept the free gift of salvation.Period. There is a joyfulness that you will never have if you dont have God in your life. You can only bring so much happiness to yourself. I understand that coming out of mormonism is extremely hard and it does leave a lot of people with screwed up views on religion for a long time, but there is hope in an everlasting God. I pray that these people leave all their baggage behind and come to the throne of God with open hearts and minds and find that joy and fulfillment that only God can offer.
On another note, I would never donate to a cause that encourages atheism. If you want to help people coming out of mormonism in finding the real God of the Bible I can support that but not encouraging them leave one messed up religion for a self serving religion.
I Stand with you Lyndsay!!! Jesus real, alive, and in love with us all, HE is THE ONE. Joseph Smith is a False Prophet. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 From the Holy Bible written by Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I’m praying for you all on your quest for TRUTH. I pray that you see the deception of Joseph and also Atheism. They both undermined Jesus and is finish work on Calvary. He paid our debt for sin, and HE is the ONLY ONE who is worth to be our Lord and Savoir! We still need Jesus! Please take the time to READ JESUS’ OWN WORDS The Lord Jesus also warned of false prophets (Matthew 7:15-23; 24:11-28).
I have a friend who is a mormon. I have known him since 2002. Before I knew his religion I had noticed some strange things about him. Well not really strange but just odd. He could never think for himself and was always having to rely on his parents for their approval or permission. Some of the things were so simple yet he would not do it. Even for his own personal educational gain he wasn’t able to do it without considering what would happen if he went behind his parents back. I can’t understand how a religion could brainwash their own kids into not letting them think for themselves and let them grow as a human being.
I was raised in the Mormon religion my whole life and still have a hard time thinking for myself. I married a wonderful catholic man and he is always telling me that I don’t need to ask permission to call my mom or talk to my friends but I have a hard time coming to grips with that and I’m still angry at myself for not being able to put everything in order. Sometimes I’ll end up taking it out on my husband who is trying his best to understand everything that I’m going through but most of the time has to take a step back to let me vent. Every time I call home I get a lecture about how I need to go back to church and read my book of Mormon and pray every night and I just don’t see how reading a book is going to somehow fix my life. Occasionally she’ll lecture me about converting my husband and I have to tell her he’s not interested. I could never see what was really going on in the church right on front of my eyes until I found this on YouTube and now I’m having to face the fact that everything I was told from the time I could understand the English language has been built on a lie. I have no idea how to truly come to terms with any of this. I’m just glad I’m not alone.
I became a mormon at the age of 16 and left at 17 , I did not agree with alot of what the church tought me but the base of the teachings are really that of any church the reson i had for leaving was souly the youth of the church they were so mean and on one occasion called me a slut and ungodly just because the skirt i wore to mutual was above my knee when i sat. i have nothing but nice things to say about all of the adults i came in contact with and im still on good terms with them today , the proublem is not the teachings of the church its the mind set of the people.
mormons aren’t that far of salvation, but they missed up the most important…
1. The more I learn about the history of the Church – both what they present and what’s presented by its critics – the more I feel that it resembles the religioius organizations or churches it has long condemned – changing/altering doctrines and rituals, tayloring teachings in accordance with social climate, etc. Then I realized it cannot be more true and divine than the Jewish religion that Jesus condemned.
2. After watching Boyd K. Packer’s condescending talks on homosexuality, I can’t help but wonder what gave him the right to talk about something he absolutely has no idea of and to sneer at with a comment “Who would do that?”
I was born a Mormon and have spent 26 of my 28 years an active member. Two years ago I began my journey out of Mormonism. Two weeks ago I became an official ex-Mormon, and I couldn’t be happier! My husband continues to believe (although he is not active), which makes me sad, but I am grateful that I will have a chance to bring up my children with a more balanced view of life. I don’t know many other people who have left the Mormon church, so websites like these are a wonderful comfort to know that there are others out there like me and that I’m not alone!
Sarah…I was born into it too and left at 25. It has been eight years for me and life has never been better. I want to tell you that your children will thank you for your courage and strength to let it go and more forward with peace. It is a gift to them. My son is ten now…he is the most amazing, stable and confident boy. You are not alone.
You have friends and supporters here. I am one of many. I am an Ex-Mormon and very happy to be OUT from under its controlling spell.
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This site needs to be shut down. There is no need to hurt peoples beliefs. Being mormon or exmormon, catolic, etc. Doesn’t matter. So what u belive in the church or not. Being an ex mormon and telling people u left the church. Who cares. Its sad. The church never forced u to join. They never persuade you to join. You chose to join. You got your confirmation. Then u denied it. I am a mormon. I have been excommunicted and have been rebaptized back into the church. I have not denied the church to be true. Members who left the church and say they are happy. Dont look happy. I was never happy when i was excommunicated. The videos look like they are lying. I feel sorry for them. This site reminds me of the prophets of the old and new testaments, book of mormon and the latter days. They teach about christ and the people wont listen. U all know what happens next.
Jim…
Have you heard of the FIRST AMENDMENT… the FREEDOM of SPEECH.
So go away… go back to your church.
BE HAPPY if you can. GOOD LUCK to you.
You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, un‑comely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind.
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 7:290 (JournalOfDiscourses.com)
This is the kind of CRAP that your “Prophet” preached. I am WHITE. MORMONISM remains one of THE most RACIST cults on the planet. People of Color are NOT “cursed” yet Mormon leaders still TODAY believe that God cursed rebelliousness with a BLACK SKIN and a FLAT NOSE. I am, according to Mormon Doctrine, an APOSTATE, a rebellious soul. According to Brigham Young, I should be wrinkled and black because of my apostasy. I am PLENTY white… 51 years old and have NO wrinkles.
Don’t believe what I write? LOOK IT UP IN THE JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. Not only was Joseph Smith, Jr. a 19th century scam artist, but Brigham Young was a NUTJOB. Go back to your fake church… give the wealthiest “church” on the planet your tithing and your devotion…
Thank you but… HELL NO, THANK YOU!!
U know nothing about apostate kim. Ive been there. And hiding behind the 1st ammendment means nothing to me. Im australian. You are a coward and when truth is shown u try and hurt or even destroy someones faith. My faith has not neen shaken. You point fingers of racism. Yousay we are a cult u r wrong again and again. You need to follow all your ammendments not just one. U forget racism is against acertain race we are all human. How csan we be rracist if we all are against each other. We all belong to the same race. The human race. U dont like my belifs. I get that. How can you say im wrong when the bible and the book of mormon says its right. U tear aperson down. To your level. Christ would never do that.he would love you.
How do I apply for the 50% reduction? My subscription was over about a half year ago and now I would like to extend mine…
This website makes me very sad. So many nice and wonderful people seem to use it for an outlet of their disappointment with the Church of Jesus Christ. I can only imagine how many of you were mistreated and judged in some way by its members. Many may have lost their faith in our father and our redeemer. But this will nether cause them to stop existing nor losing their faith in you.
I do not want to stir up more angry feelings. I want to let you know, that your posts helped me to realize once more how precious each one of gods children is. No matter where we stand in life, gods arms of mercy are ever extended to each one of us. But it is our holy and most protected right to choose for ourselfes if we let him embrace us once again.
I joined the LDS church 8 years ago. I served a mission and married in the temple. I pay my tithing, keep the word of wisdom and try to educate myself as much as possible. I recieve anserws to my prayers. I witness miracles. I know that God lives.
Do I love all people? No. Do I take offence? Yes. Do I murmur? Yes. Is my life perfect? No.
I do not wish to judge, but I expose myself to judgment.
As a follow human I urge you to seek this Jesus the prophets have spoken of.