Jared Halverson's address at Restore: A Faith Matters Gathering Purchase the full Restore recordings here faithmatters.t... Subscribe to Faith Matters content here faithmatters.org/
I am someone who sat with Brother Halverson during a faith crisis. I was 17 and he was my seminary teacher. Both he and his wife were angels in my life.
So awesome to have someone supportive and willing to listen to any concern or question. Everyone needs support during those times. I've had a few myself and I feel like I always come out stronger and more committed to Jesus Christ.
Same here, Beau. My faith crisis led me to study the Gospel even more deeply than I had before, and it answered some questions I’d always had. For example, 30 years ago, the Abraham facsimiles were the one thing I couldn’t understand, but thankfully Heavenly Father can reveal concepts to anyone: I took President Uchtdorf’s counsel to “doubt your doubts” some 20 years before he shared it. 😄 It took 15 years, but I now view the Abraham facsimiles as the nail in the critics’ coffin. Funny how what doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. 😊
I went through a faith crisis because of an addiction to lust which was expressed through the use of pornography. I struggled with my faith for six years. I also went through those phases of the fall. Sometimes I would be nostalgic one day, apathetic the next and bitter the day after. Things got a little better after confessing to my bishop but I still couldn't kick the addiction. It came to a point when I was basically doing everything possible to police my own behavior and I was still struggling with this. Then I realized that I was trying to fix myself through my own efforts and was paying lip service to Jesus Christ and the atonement. It was when I admitted my powerlessness over my struggle that Christ started to lift me up. I realized it was okay that I couldn't overcome this problem because there was one who had overcome all things. Ether 12;27, "My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me." I know that Christ can help us with the burdens we face and that He will carry us through the atonement stage to heights that we didn't even dream were possible. I know this because He carried my own burdens.
I’m now out of the church and happy, but I’m grateful for brother Halverson for sitting down and actually listening to the concerns during the process. He was respectful and offered a listening ear, which bridges the divide between LDS and nonLDS that frankly shouldn’t exist in the first place. I’m grateful for people like him who aim to help people navigate a more nuanced position and healthier mentality. While we ultimately disagree, I respect the space he is carving out for others as they figure out their spiritual and religious beliefs. By not stigmatizing people, we can bridge the divides and focus on the wonderful qualities we share instead of the strident theological differences.
Good point. It's not so much about trying to prove who is right and who is wrong. It's about who is willing to defend freedom to worship peacefully how we choose, it's about standing for upright values, and trying to get rid of the bad in this world.
This was profound. I’m a convert of 40 plus years. As I reflect on his teaching of what he refers to the ARC of life I can see it so wonderfully in its simplicity in my own journey. I now have a better understanding of the valley of the shadow of death. I have a greater appreciation of mother Eve. The way he describes it puts my mind at peace regarding those who are going through a faith crisis. Its so refreshing. I had been in a car accident before leaving on my mission. While on my mission I had to be hospitalized for a ruptured disc. I ended up having surgery and recovering in the Mission Home. I lost 3 months but stayed on my mission. I believe that experience took me from creation to fall and I began my journey to the Atonement. That experience helped me later through a divorce, the loss of my older son , the trials of a second marriage, the loss of a son in law, the struggles of being abused as a child. It’s been the solid foundation I’ve been able to build on and deepen my testimony of the Savior. I realize how careful I need to be on not be overbearing in sharing my testimony. To be more empathetic on where others are at.
I've been LDS all my life. I'm devastated and let down. I've been so faithful waiting for my patriarchal blessing to come true. It says the main thrust in my life will be to be a mother. I am 43 and my husband is 49, no children, just massive heartache and fertility treatments. My faith in the church is dwindling every day. I read the book of Mormon 2 times in my life, and NEVER got a witness. But I did have a testimony of my blessing. But it's painful that it hasn't happened. No one has anything helpful to truly encourage me. They just give the dismissive response of "oh honey It will happen in the NEXT life" and that response is hurtful and is like putting salt on an open wound!💔 I also went to the temple to find clarity and I had a panic attack at the Vail, I cried in the celestial room for 2 hrs and no one said a word to me 💔😞. I feel like everything in my life is a MESS. I'm reading that Jesus is not the same Jesus that I grew up with in the church. I'm exhausted and some days just want to end it all.
I'm so sorry you are going through all this and feeling so depressed and hopeless, Crystal! I've been there. Please hold on! People need you more than you know! I was promised a husband and children in my patriarchal blessing, too, and I haven't even found the husband part yet. As for a mother, the best I can do is be a kind mothering heart to the children that are in my life! Or even adults in my life who have never had very good mother figures. I truly hope you get your promised blessings! I'll be praying for you! Know you are loved!❤
I love your words Brother Halverson and I feel the truth in them. I wrote a poem about my faith crisis, it’s called Trusting in The Sunshine and I share about being “afraid I would fall, past all redeeming I built up a wall, so tired from fear and from pain but you called to my heart so I could begin again. It must have hurt to see me so broken, I know you watched earnestly for me to be awoken. Knowing your light would bring confidence and peace they left the moment I doubted my faith to believe. When I wanted to run and hide from the shame you helped get my head and heart back in the game. Showing as you always do that your love is enduring constant and true. Your love is a lighthouse steady and strong, when the waves of doubt are dragging me down. My rescue is certain the storm will subside when I offer my heart and let you be my guide” I feel it was placed in my heart to bring me back to my Savior and to strive to be a true disciple once again. I have tried to share it with other who are experiencing their own faith crisis
Brother Halverson, I am so glad I found you again. I was a seminary teacher in Tullahoma, Tn. when you were in the Nashville area. Thanks for being a great example to me. My wife and I have been married for almost 61 years. We have 8 grandchildren and 9 greats! We are 79 years old. I believe I remember a guitar, right? I plan to share this talk with folks that have strayed off the covenant path. Love you buddy!
Maybe in light of what he just taught- rephrase your expression from “strayed…” to “those in the fall stage” - it feels more compassionate and less judgmental ❤
We must change our paradigm, language and teachings as a Church to set our young people up for Connection to Christ. Prepare them for tests of life. Tests.. trials. Tragedies. We must have better life training for them.. and it is not what we are doing now. It’s time we change and alter our approaches too. Missionaries need to love Jesus and desire to serve Him. When they do, they will succeed. If they don’t, thry will struggle. They need to know how to study deeply and thoroughly and teach kindly and generously.. And for sure they need to understand grace!
We need to raise children who are basing their full life on Jesus! If they have solid faith in Jesus, true love of His Word, true love of His people… they can face all obstacles with His voice! We must have Born Again children and missionaries..
Exactly. We need to always put Jesus Christ first. We need prophets and apostles that teach about Him. But we must always ask ourselves "How does their message build my relationship with the Savior?"
I have bipolar disorder. When I was younger and living with my parents was very difficult for both of us. I know it is tough to be a parent of a someone with a Mental illness. I cry myself to sleep sometimes because I feel so sorry because what I put my parents through hell. I know Parent shouldn’t blame thechild who has a mental illness but they did and they made it clear they did. Haven’t heard from my mother for years and my father when he was alive I hardly saw him either. I’m so glad to hear someone not disowning Children of mental illness.
me too Jodave Very few understand the effect of BPD on how we struggle with social interaction and family. I jst stay silent and avoid interactions as much as possible. This brain disorder is truly hard. Ive had so many opportunities in life i have been unable to take advantage of because moods leave me struggling to cope. Prayer and scriptures and Temple keep hope alive. I can never seem to stop cryiing for the mistakes and the actiing out on these overwhelming feelings...memories surface and feelings explode and it hurts bad. I always believe I can never be forgiven after heaing plainly an atta girl from the Lord's SPirit.....interaction with the Lord's spirit has been hard for me but after a prayer journal it is easier...do you ever wonder what it is we are to learn from this? It sure is isolating.
I’m a mother of 3/4 with mental Illness and one with autism as well. My husband and I struggled so much, didn’t understand, but went through it asking for saving grace. Looking back, we are CHANGED. God was able to use all of our struggles for ultimate blessings. For you who struggle and feel alone, even if you are abandoned here on Earth, you have a spark of divinity given by your loving Heavenly Father. He will help you take each step. He’s there even when you push away in frustration and anger. Please know , you are loved and needed.
Keep walking. Sometimes we might sit down and take a rest but stay close to the path and keep moving when you have strength. God is loving, understanding and forgiving. Every soul is of great worth to Him ❤️
My faith crisis led me out. Simply put, I’m glad I pushed in rather than trying for the hundredth time to make it work through denial and literal make-believe. I’m also glad people can find their way to make faith work, I simply couldn’t and see no reason I should have to.
It led me out, too, for nearly 8 years, but then I started feeling like something was missing. I realized CES Letter was a lie and was only written to destroy faith, not increase it or uplift. I am angry that I was deceived, and believe me, I never thought I would come back, but God works in mysterious ways, and I now KNOW the gospel is true and that it was restored by an imperfect man, Joseph Smith. I also realized I WANTED it to not be true because I thought it was too hard to follow and didn't understand the history. In other words, it was easier to leave than stay. But, I had to be put down to be rebuilt again, so I don't regret my faith crisis- it made me so much stronger, and now my testimony isn't built on sand, but stone.
@@Happyshiningpeople12 - god working in mysterious ways is most likely our way of dealing with uncertainty and things not going our way. You should ask yourself, why do very well meaning, wise, deeply spiritual people all come to vastly different conclusions on who/what god is and what he wants for humanity? I think the simplest reason should be pushed into rather than excused out of. No offense, but I’m guessing you’ll eventually have another crisis unless you just give up and stop asking hard questions.
@@Happyshiningpeople12 You may want to revisit the CES letter, it’s pretty black and white on most of what it covers. After learning all I have of the real church history narrative, it would be impossible for me to return to the church. I think it’s done an amazing job at community and for this reason my family still participates in ward activities and my kids go to YM and YW events. But I think the church focuses WAY to much on feelings as a confirmation of truth. As stated by another person on this thread, there are countless people of varying faiths who feel that their feelings confirm the truth of their religion. Could God be the author of such confusion?
@@ardbegthequestion No, because even though there are hard questions, God expects us to have faith, which means not demanding a sign or given 100% evidence. If we KNOW something, we don't need faith. Regarding the Gospel, I know it comes from God; it's the WAY it did and how it was restored that demands faith. I won't have another faith crisis at my age, but will still grapple with things I can't entirely agree with. But it doesn't matter in the end because if I believe the gospel is true, I will follow its teachings. The rest is noise. Oh, and it isn't God who is the author of confusion; it's Satan who weaves a few truths in a bunch of lies. Every religion has truth in it, but there's only ONE that has the WHOLE truth and the restored one. THIS is what you and every one of us need to understand and take on faith. I've been to other religions and attended one for a couple of years after I left the LDS faith, and while it was good and served a purpose, I didn't have the same feelings or convictions as I did when I felt the spirit in the LDS church. Now, this is just my testimony, but when God allows the Holy Ghost back into your life after being gone for years, you recognize it comes from him and him alone.
This totally resonated with me!! His graphs with Creation/Fall/Atonement make the message so relatable and easy to understand - and not terrifying! Listened 3x, then started sharing! REALLY APPRECIATE THIS ONE!!
This was amazing. I have been struggling with a faith crisis and feeling badly like I had done something wrong. Now I get it and feel like I understand that it is natural to question and learn and grow. Thanks for sharing this!
Listening to this I can’t help but think of this quote… - A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring;There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,and drinking largely sobers us again. -Alexander Pope Continue down the path of your faith crisis, not by giving up, but by digging deeper! We should not be afraid of our history, but rather we should embrace the ugliness because it eventually lead us all back to the truth!
Too many people expect absolute perfection of the leaders of any organization. As far as LDS history, some can be trying. But that should make people dig deeper to build their relationship to Jesus Christ and focus on His saving power.
Brother Jared Halverson is great at teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and he truly is doing what will help a lot of God's children need in these times. God bless you, Brother Halverson.
Great talk Jared. You used to come into tmobile highland where I managed all the time. As someone who has left the church, I appreciate you addressing the data with a great analogy of Creation, Fall, Atonement
It’s in the fall stage that things fall apart. Because we know we can’t go back to creation, but we don’t know that we can move on to atonement. There is terrible hopelessness if we feel that there is nothing after the fall stage. That’s why understanding the atonement leads to hope, and hope leads to faith. Faith is the act of moving forward without a sure knowledge that some redemption exists .
I listened to the podcast episode and then came here to watch it immediately afterwards. This brings me so much hope and understanding. I'm so glad I tuned in and then watched again. Seeing the visuals was really helpful. Thank you for your work and faith Brother Halverson!
I think that so many young people are leaving the church because they've started realizing how much its teachings have negatively affected them. I experienced years of terrible depression which have evaporated as I've left the church. I have never felt more fulfilled and peaceful.
Church and faith has been one of the few things that give me hope and comfort. It's true I feel guilty sometimes when I mess up, but if it wasn't for the church I'd have a ton of addictions
For many, people have addictions because of the intense focus the church and other organizations put on “said addiction” when your told don’t do that and are shamed for it the natural response is to think about it more and more so then what happens…we do more of that thing… it’s a vicious cycle..I have found mindfulness techniques and thus learning to be more self aware has helped me overcome any bad habits more than any organization could.
I'm glad the focus is on Christ, on forgiveness, hope, faith, patience and long suffering. We each personally must understand the difference between guilt and shame, guilt saying I made a mistake but I can change and grow, and shame being in despair and feeling lack of worth. Feeling shame is human and understandable, but at its essence also shows a lack of faith and something we must build. No one can decide our worth for us. We must be believing in Christ and have faith that Christ can heal us and make us whole. The scriptures are clear that His arms are stretched out still. Christ reaches out to the outcast and downtrodden, He ate with sinners and healed those who were overlooked and seen as dross. God's people often judged others then, and still may, and that's ok. We make mistakes- That's living in an imperfect world, we can focus on Christ instead of our problems. Ignoring it all won't change our reliance on our Savior to be made whole. Christ taught about the prodigal returning, invited all to repent and follow him. Repentance is joyful and healing, not negative. It's our job to read and know the words of life and wisdom in the scriptures. We can't expect others to always carry us through life. We must put in effort. I know Christ is the true source of joy and nothing is more beautiful than the love of God- that love we feel when we serve others, when we help each other, when we're patient, and when we come unto Christ. Believing Him and trusting that he loves us in spite of our imperfections is the beautiful message of the gospel because He keeps showing his love for us, keeps knocking, and He is the physician for the sick, and my personal master healer.
“Faith crises move you closer to God.” My crisis moved me closer to God, just not the Mormon God who is goes from angry, vengeful to loving and merciful on a dime. My crisis allowed me to stop having the cognitive dissonance with an angry god versus a loving and understanding god.
I love this. Great talk. I have been interested in NDEs for years and studying them actively. Many of the points in them confirm LDS doctrine (atonement, premortal life, our nature as children of God, the ability to get out of "hell"/spirit prison, the potential for people of all faiths to be saved, life on other planets) but some points were different, such as in cases of reports of having had previous earth lives or God not caring what religion the person belongs to. Some things shared were deeper truths you can extrapolate from scripture but not directly stated, but are explored more in Eastern philosophy and religion, such as about everything being a part of God. I struggled to grapple with my questions and did not trust prophetic guidance, even though I knew the church was restored by inspiration. This caused me to be quite cynical about the church for many years. I am gradually coming to re-appreciate the doctrine and build bridges between those deeper truths I learned and the scriptural accounts. The Spirit led me on a journey of discovery to see more of what I learned in the scriptures, mainly pertaining to ideas about our spiritual nature as one with God, being an extension of His light, and ultimately perfect, as all creation is. I went through fall stage and am progressing in atonement stage. I have a channel where I share NDEs, mainly ones that I find especially congruent with LDS doctrines, or that shed light on them.
Unfortunately, my husband's questioning and faith crisis led him to choose another path and have his name removed from the Church-his fall. I'm having trouble holding on through his fall period until the Atonement works for him. That's my crisis of faith-to remain faithful when it feels like I'm all alone spiritually in my temple marriage.
You are not alone. Your story is similar to mine. 😥 Hang in there, Sister. Sending prayers to you for courage, discernment, and peace 'in the 'storm'. Remember Abigail (OT). She is my hero! You are loved & my heart goes out to you.
Perhaps his atonement isn't "coming back to the church" Perhaps he's already in the atonement stage waiting for your fall and atonement. Not at all saying one has to leave the church to experience the atonement. If you listen to this talk, you see it's a matter of maturation and gaining more understanding, compassion. Don't aim to change him. Aim to understand him and change yourself. As he said, be broken together. That's where the strength will come in a marriage.
Many have made it through the stage you’re in. My wife and I both do not attend church anymore…I went agnostic and she went more born again. We have a great marriage still, hasn’t been easy but we focus on the basics. Doing things for each other, have open dialogue etc. There are support groups out there where you can see how many are making it through a similar situation. My advice is to choose your husband over all else. In the past there have been scenarios where church leaders convinced a woman to leave her husband in search for “worthy” priesthood bearer. This is such a tragedy. Your husband is the same guy he’s always been, just with some new beliefs. Let him know you choose him and I hope things will work out for you guys.
What a wonderful perspective. It is only by going through the Fall stages that we come to recognize the places in our lives that need the atonement. It requires repeated experiences with faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, along with Hope in Jesus Christ to reach the atonement phase. We cannot get to the atonement phase without the struggles of the Fall.
Faith crises needn't be averted...they can be converted! 😁 Thank you for this wonderful discourse, Bro Halverson - you're a wonderful tool in the hands of God.
Might I say this - whenever there is a faith crisis, place less emphasis on the person who delivers a message and focus squarely on the message. Look for ways it helps to build your commitment to Jesus Christ and how it will help build your light and your happiness. I've done this and it helps ever so much to look deeper and see how what they say is meant to build my faith and relationship to Jesus Christ.
Great video. Rebuilding your testimony by starting at foundation principles of the gospel is key to a stronger testimony. We ALL live in a "fallen state" and we ALL have to have the humility to accept our fallen state until we can truly understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, the fall can be permanent for many. They lack the perspective that belief or disbelief is not definitive forever, it’s definitive for that moment. However, the church (our leadership) has pushed a “it’s either true or it’s not…it’s either black or it’s white” and that training leads us to be so definitive in our decision making around church/doctrine/policy. The “creation” phase is replete with “all in or all out” teachings by our brethren and that decimates so many when the “fall comes”.
But it is either true or not true, right? That’s the whole point. If it’s this ambiguous thing than what’s the point to being a Mormon. I could be anything really so long as my life’s trajectory is improving
Haha. Minute 1, great into! I listen to it all night on my Chromebook. I have horrible insomnia and if I wake up terrified, it calms me down and I learn stuff.
I can so relate! Bro Halverson always helps me feel the Saviors peace. I also love the "Piping up" program for my insomnia. It's the weekly Tabernacle Organ recital.
There is nothing wrong with a faith crisis. Those can be the moments when someone experiences a refreshing of their commitment to Jesus Christ and experience His love and goodness.
I went through a faith crisis based off the objective truth claims of the church, which helped me become more converted to Yeshua. I realized that, in the end...it wasn't a faith crisis at all, but rather an awakening. I stopped relying on the works of ordinances for salvation and turned all my faith to Him and doing good to all men around me, following His example.
Ordinances alone don't save. However, words alone don't have the power to build commitment to Jesus Christ. Would the adversary rather have Christians who think words are more powerful than actions? Or actions are more powerful than words?
I’m thinking I like faith building experience better than faith crisis. Or we can just say a person has questions… and we give them answers… truth in love
For two years I felt like I was in a Faith crisis and fall until I was introduced to the biblical and evangelical idea of grace in the Bible that teaches Who and how we can be saved and reformed. Christ is the way and the only way. If the focus is on the church it just isn’t on Christ. I’m sorry and it saddens me that this is the case but it’s too clear. Attend any testimony meeting in the church and listen to where the emotion and passion is emphasized. 9 out of 10 times, maybe fewer in some wards and on occasions like Easter, the focus is on The Church. This turns the temple into a great and spacious expensive building full of people pointing out the people who don’t believe I’m what they have and are suffering. I listen in elders quorum as men, almost in glee, tell how sad those outside the church are because they are not LDS. Being LDS does not save us, Christ does that for us and it is the only philosophy that fixes all pain and suffering in life. If we’re honest we know the organization of the church does not have that power. We have the evidence after many years of the Church propagating the idea that they can cure what ails you. Only Christ heals.
@@Sayheybrother8 Scott Peck writes "The greatest evil is our need to be seen as good". I have sat through to many Elders Quorum meetings to count, that seem intent on validating my goodness by making all things not LDS a threat. We are so unaware of our own Pharisaical patterns, we focus on measurable spiritual behaviors, which has trained us to care more being seen as good, than actually working on being good. "The Church", in many ways, has become a completely Un unique message of, We are right and you are wrong, join us or else you will not get to the Celestial kingdom. This rhetoric is old, not unique, it happens every day in the sales world. We create urgency by demonizing other products or services thinking that will create trust that we have the best solution. In the long run, this tactic creates exactly the opposite result, suspicion, resentment, and paralysis. It would be more useful to gather in Elders Quorum and share our lives, how we are struggling, where we can reach out. The gospel was meant to open me to God, not to affiliate me with God's "In Group".
@@Sayheybrother8 You should sit in Relief society . The sisters got it.I think men are more structute oriented, whereas women feel the spirit, even to a point of picking up that sack of potatoes, because the spirit was prompting them. I feel Jesus guiding my life and I am LDS. Seek and pray for spiritual experiences, says pres Nelson.
Well said and I appreciate that comments like this are not removed and allowed to be seen by those who’ve watched this video. I exited the church after my faith crisis but I respect all the various outcomes of where people “land” after a crisis. It’s very interesting to see the nuanced ideas that are now popping up which in my opinion are attempts to hang on to one’s testimony amidst new facts that can’t be disputed. It’s like trying to make the feelings of a testimony be the same even though there’s new information that wasn’t known when the initial testimony was developed. I wonder what the narrative will be 20 or 30 years from now
@@Thriving-uv2ce I think the future will be erased of everything in between the revelation of the Book of Mormon and President Nelson. People will say that the church was organized by imperfect humans and that was Mormonism. Since the use of the moniker of Mormon was restricted the church has been restructured to the point that anything that was done when it was Mormonism can be painted as the church when it was in the process of revelation and especially with the rebranding people who know nothing about the church will easily dismiss the past stories told about Mormonism, true or false.
So think of simplicity complexity and refined simplicity. Same concepts. He just uses the creation fall atonement metaphor. Both add meaning to my story. Complexity is beautiful… especially when it leads to refined simplicity or as he called it today… atonement. The shade s noon, Faith is not Blind is fantastic!
So I like a lot of the things Jared Halverson says such as “imagine what the church could be if those that have experienced the fall could get to atonement”… the problem is, the church doesn’t allow people who have experienced this to make a difference. Instead, they are told not to talk or they risk excommunication. The brethren certainly don’t teach nuance and you won’t find nuance anywhere in the church except for places like this I suppose but it isn’t official. As much as I really admire Jared and what he is trying to accomplish, it is a pipe dream and a form of Mormonism of his own make. The Mormonism from the prophets doesn’t allow this kind of thought. And as such, the church will continue to hemmorage members and we will continue to be called “lazy learners” by the prophet himself. Ya, it hurts
Be the change you envision. (Maybe you are already doing that.) It appears (I could be wrong) that you may want leaders of the church to be more perfect than the very disciples Jesus called during his earthly ministry. They were not perfect, just willing, and therefore justified (by virtue of their calling). We sustain imperfect, yet justified leaders to many positions. The church leadership comes from the same imperfect congregation as you and I come from. The gospel is still being restored and perfected, just the same as the membership and leaders of the church. If you see and understand a better way, use the power of love, prayer and gentle persuasion to live out those principles in your own life (again, not saying you don't). Your example will speak louder than words of dissent and admonition. It may not be fast, but it is more in keeping with the Lord's teaching and example. I wish you well, my brother... Truly. it sounds like you've been through some difficult challenges. I'm not implying you haven't been treated right or wrong as I don't know your situation. I just hope you can find a way to make a difference inside the organization the Lord set up to save and exalt us, as challenging as it can be as times. I pray for your peace and wisdom as we all go through this life a little battered and bruised, and blessed. If anything I said was wrong, unhelpful or offensive...Please accept my apology. I don't mean to offend or cause pain, or contention. I do care more than you know, as some of my closest family members have had severe faith challenges due to imperfect leaders who didn't handle serious situations very well. Leaving the church didn't solve their problems because they eventually felt the same way about other organizations they joined who didn't meet their expectations either. And in their isolation, they became bitter and disillusioned about everything. I continue to mourn for their losses and mine, as we are not as close as we used to be. I know some of what they struggle with was not their fault, and I know the Savior knows that too. I have great empathy for them and would give anything to heal their pain. I continue to love them, and I know they love me too. You are loved, as well. Blessings to you, my friend in Christ. You are probably a better Christian than I am.
@@curtiste3235 The problem is, the unique fundamentals are false / fiction. That can't be fixed. And the leadership (the corporate leadership) absolutely know this, and yet, they continue to lie about it. It's not about imperfect people, for most (some have left, no doubt because of the disgusting character of Smith / Young / et al., no doubt), it's about false unique fundamentals. Let me put it this way... Does The Book of Mormon have to be historically valid, for the Church to be true? In other words, do the people, places, etc., in the text have to be real people, from a real time and place, for the Church to be true? Obviously, yes. The thing that can't be fixed, is that it isn't true. You can have the nicest people in the world. Be great humanitarians. Be peaceful, family focused, etc., but if the unique fundamental claims are false, none of that, though surely nice, matters. Until some leader has the courage to come clean, there will be no resolution to this, and you'll continue to lose lifelong faithful members, like me.
Lovely ideas. You’re position to the idea of a church that might exist in the future but is far from today’s reality, AND reconcile no doctrinal contradictions nor rampant deceptions.
Give me two addicts turning to face each other with the horrific truth of their lives and that’s when the rehearsed humor ends and the merciful witness of God begins its change in our lives as He tools these weaknesses for His own wise purpose…
Interesting so far and truth. I hope the leaders of the church do encourage you in your pursuit and endeavors with helping people. I hear familiar tones here from Isaiah, about the ladder of ascension (7 steps and descending 2 steps and so on) as we progress we gradually get those blessings and ascend towards God in our earthly-life path. These are good things and hopeful. Never give up, never give. Encourage others, love others, help others… the Lord requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit… Do you study Isaiah? Have you been a student of Avraham Gileadi?😊
The reason people are leaving the Church and the reason Faith Crisis is so pertinent today is because when people delve into Church History it doesn't stand up to truth claims made from the pulpit
I’m a Mormon. We should believe the Scriptures, not man. And the Scriptures testify the Mormon Church is the only true Church of Jesus Christ on Earth. But if something is taught that can't be verified by Scripture, think twice about believing it. I understand why so many people are leaving the church. Many false doctrines exist causing countless RU-vid videos mocking Mormonism. False doctrines like grandpa gods, (God the Father has a father), Mormons becoming gods of their own planets, Adam helped create the earth, Christ and Satan are brothers, God the Father has rarely spoken in Scripture, the African Americans were bad in the pre-existence; all of which no Scripture verifies. And each Sunday the Sacrament is tainted because only Elders and Priests can administer but the Deacons prepare/administer, and the Teachers pass/administer the Sacrament. (D&C 20:57) And the Lord says, He’s bound when we do what He says but if not there is no promise. (D&C 82:10) …that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written. (D&C 24:14) And we wonder why there’s depression, mental illness and other unspeakable events among us? And many are leaving the church because if you don't fit the mold the church leaders sculpture you're not a part of the click. Mormons believe the church leaders over Scripture. The zealous believers have the church leaders in mind with everything thing they think say and feel testifying to impress others how much they believe the current church leaders are God-inspired. But the Scriptures reveal the church leaders are the problem with the entire Planet. For example, In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 we are informed of a person revealed as the son of perdition. This son of perdition sits in the temple of God making himself God or above all that is called God. Therefore, if the Mormon Church is the only true church, then the only person 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 could be talking about is the current Mormon prophet. For what other church is the one and only true Church with temples? And Joseph Smith taught a son of perdition can only be a church member holding all the rites of God's priesthood and using the priesthood against God as did Judas. Therefore, who else other than the current Mormon prophet could the apostle Paul be speaking of? It's as plain as the nose on a face. And even God in the Doctrine and Covenants tells us about the current church leaders and how displeased He is saying the end of this world will begin among them. (D&C 112:23-26) Joseph Smith taught the false doctrine of grandpa gods (God the Father has a father) not over the pulpit as a prophet but as a sermon at a funeral, which should not be taken as Scripture fulfilling God’s sayings to Paul, And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (2 Thessalonians 2:11) That they might be damned who believed not the truth….(2Thessalonians 2:12) And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7) (D&C 112:23-26) And the current Mormon prophet is the son of perdition because he has all the saints believing God our Heavenly Father was created by a being greater than Himself but Scripture says there is no greater than our God. (Hebrews 6:13) Therefore, the son of perdition has all the saints breaking the first commandment God gave Moses, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Does it make sense to reasonable thinking that God would command we have no other gods before Him but really there are? Does He not want us to know this? Why is it a secret? There’s a reason He commanded to have no other gods before Him. Because by believing in false grandpa gods the saints believe our God is an infinitely lesser God putting Lucifer before God. And the moment we put a god before our God, our God becomes an infinitely lesser God. Not only that, our God also becomes a liar. He and the Scriptures says He is the greatest of all. He and the Scriptures says He is the Most High God. He and the Scriptures say He created all things. And in the Scriptures He says over and over there are no gods beside Him. (Isaiah 44:6) (Isaiah 44:8) (Isaiah 45:22) (Hebrews 6:13) Therefore, the saints believing there are gods before Him is the saints believing the son of perdition or the current Mormon prophet over the Scriptures and calling God and the Scriptures a lie. And Isaiah warns, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) The saints call the son of perdition (President Nelson) good and good (Jesus Christ) evil. Because President Nelson says Christ and His Father are liars and fosters the false doctrines. Peter, John, Paul, Alma, Nephi, Lehi, Jacob and all the canonized prophets would not allow false doctrines from the Adversary but President Nelson does. President Nelson says Christ did not create all things. (John 1:1-3) Matter/energy cannot be created or destroyed the scientists say therefore the son of perdition or President Nelson says the grandpa gods created these calling Christ and the Scriptures a lie. Well did Abinadi warn the wicked king Noah and his priests, Have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments? (Mosiah 13:25) I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Lord would not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people. (Mosiah 13:26) And what is the commandment Abinadi taught that the people do not obey? Thou shalt have no other God before me. (Mosiah 12:35) Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before God. (Mosiah 12:30) And it is a false doctrine to say God our Heavenly Father has rarely spoke to us in Scripture. (3 Nephi 27:26), (3 Nephi 24:1). (2 Nephi 31:20), (2 Nephi 31:11) (D&C 49:20) Beware of the doctrine of the scribes and Pharisees, which are today’ Church leaders. (Matthew 16:6-12)
Matthew 4:1 speaks of the Spirit leading Jesus to fast for 40 days. The cross reference is Mosiah 3:7. It speaks of the Savior suffering as mortal man suffers through this probation and on to the process of the atonement. Do you see Jesus' 40 day fast as a faith crisis prior to his early ministry or just missionary prep?
What do you do whenever you have children and siblings in other faiths and some of them are not even attending their churches I just want The Holy Ghost to come and Help me talk to them and reach their souls, so we can be all together ❤️❤️❤️
I feel your pain, Nova. I'm so sorry that's happening. Sending prayers for your inspiration, wisdom and peace through this difficult journey. Love them, just love them. Love never faileth... in this life and the next. There is ALWAYS hope in Jesus Christ though we may not see how right now. Blessings my friend.
32:03 and here’s maybe why folks are leaving the Mormon church. Not because something about them needs to “grow”, it because people have a lot more access to information and other worldviews in a much more holistic way, and as such, the fiction is more easily exposed and now with a community that can walk people out of faith, fear no longer can have it stronghold.
You have such a great way of putting things into words. I’ve tried to share similar comments but you put it so clearly. And even though we are a minority voice on this particular video, I’m glad we get to share our thoughts.
@@Thriving-uv2ce - well I've been processing through my leaving of faith since 2016, so I've have some practice, at least in this ephemeral format. I don't have many conversations in person about faith (which is a whole interesting phenomena). When and what did you leave or change perspective?
Please have more much more sympathy to real pain people feel. It’s not a stage.. it’s tragic to someone.. it’s painful to people.. it can be abuse and trauma. It’s not a stage! It’s mortality! It’s Satan.. it’s the difficult journey of sinful man. We live in sinful world. So we can face true pain. We need Jesus! It’s solved by truth taught in love! His love! His truth! But people are not stages.. Maybe a journey but stage sounds trivial. We are analyzing this too much. We must honor faith journeys that God is honoring and working with.
I’ve read your comments on this video and responded to some. I see that there hasn’t been any response from the producers of the video and I know how you feel. Even those who say they’re here to help us struggle interacting with the people. They do a good job with what they do, reaching out to many, but the few of us who only have videos and not a community need interaction. In the meantime remember what you’ve learned about the Savior. God will not leave you alone. Depend on Him and trust in Him and the way He has planned for you will be lit and you will be given strength to follow that path. God bless and keep the faith!!!
Lauri, don't judge things to quickly with Jared Halvorsen. Seriously. He takes more time talking about what he spoke about here. The stages he talks about you can literally go through, then back then...it can be all over the place. I don't think he trivializing anything here. He had limited time. He does have a way he can communicate with you, if you so desire.
My faith crisis lead me to Christ. Then Christ lead me to remove my name from the LDS Church and its made my life clearer and more in line with Christ teachings. Thanks
@@Fred-mp1vf There once were three men that lived their whole lives in a cave chained to a wall. The men would see shadows on the wall and believed they were real spirit beings. One day one of the men broke free from his chains and made his way out of the cave. Everything was so bright and beautiful, he saw flowers, trees, grass, animals, and other people. Then he noticed that the sun was casting a shadow when the light would hit all these things. He went back to the entrance of the cave and noticed the shadows casting into the cave were not real. So the man went back into the cave to tell his friends, but with the limited language he had it was difficult for him to explain it to his friends, and his friends couldn't understand what he was trying to say. They thought he had gone mad. The men that only knew the cave and the shadows believed that the one that left the cave was deceived and the one that left the cave came to tell them that they are being deceived. So how do you know what reality is if you never open your mind and realize that you may actually be the one that is deceived without even realizing it. To find the truth you need to be willing to assume you don't have truth and then evaluate the LDS critic view with the LDS faithful view and then use your critical thinking skills God has blessed you with to evaluate what you believe is right. Or you can continue to stay in your cave being bound by your chains continuing to believe the shadows are real and continue to mock / criticize your friends that have looked outside the cave. The Problem: A lot of members are trying to get the people that left the cave, to come back into the cave and still believe in the shadows. Some do and some even stay but it's usually because they want to be with their friends in the cave regardless of the shadows. There is no one that wanted Mormonism to be true more then I did, and it took over 10 years of trying to prove the church to be true that helped me realize I was the one deceived. It is a painful experience to realize that all the sacrifices I have made for a Chuch that I love so much, would deceive me like it has, however it was a learning experience and I forgive the leaders of the church as well as all the members. Even though I have removed my name from the church, I still continue to attend church every week with my family because I still see the value of being in a religious society of people I call my friends, I still partake of the sacrament, participate in Sunday school classes, and still hold a calling in my ward. I also still Uphold to the covenants I made in the Temple and strive to live a life of righteousness. Most people in my ward and family don't even know I removed my name. If you have any questions about church history or other aspects of the church I am always open for those discussions.
@@Fred-mp1vf ONE: the Church is NOT Jesus Christ so stop treating like it is and TWO: Pres Nelson and the general authorities receive revelations the same way all mankind do. TIME TO WAKE UP ⏰️
I’m a Mormon. We should believe the Scriptures, not man. And the Scriptures testify the Mormon Church is the only true Church of Jesus Christ on Earth. But if something is taught that can't be verified by Scripture, think twice about believing it. I understand why so many people are leaving the church. Many false doctrines exist causing countless RU-vid videos mocking Mormonism. False doctrines like grandpa gods, (God the Father has a father), Mormons becoming gods of their own planets, Adam helped create the earth, Christ and Satan are brothers, God the Father has rarely spoken in Scripture, the African Americans were bad in the pre-existence; all of which no Scripture verifies. And each Sunday the Sacrament is tainted because only Elders and Priests can administer but the Deacons prepare/administer, and the Teachers pass/administer the Sacrament. (D&C 20:57) And the Lord says, He’s bound when we do what He says but if not there is no promise. (D&C 82:10) …that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written. (D&C 24:14) And we wonder why there’s depression, mental illness and other unspeakable events among us? And many are leaving the church because if you don't fit the mold the church leaders sculpture you're not a part of the click. Mormons believe the church leaders over Scripture. The zealous believers have the church leaders in mind with everything thing they think say and feel testifying to impress others how much they believe the current church leaders are God-inspired. But the Scriptures reveal the church leaders are the problem with the entire Planet. For example, In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 we are informed of a person revealed as the son of perdition. This son of perdition sits in the temple of God making himself God or above all that is called God. Therefore, if the Mormon Church is the only true church, then the only person 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 could be talking about is the current Mormon prophet. For what other church is the one and only true Church with temples? And Joseph Smith taught a son of perdition can only be a church member holding all the rites of God's priesthood and using the priesthood against God as did Judas. Therefore, who else other than the current Mormon prophet could the apostle Paul be speaking of? It's as plain as the nose on a face. And even God in the Doctrine and Covenants tells us about the current church leaders and how displeased He is saying the end of this world will begin among them. (D&C 112:23-26) Joseph Smith taught the false doctrine of grandpa gods (God the Father has a father) not over the pulpit as a prophet but as a sermon at a funeral, which should not be taken as Scripture fulfilling God’s sayings to Paul, And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (2 Thessalonians 2:11) That they might be damned who believed not the truth….(2Thessalonians 2:12) And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7) (D&C 112:23-26) And the current Mormon prophet is the son of perdition because he has all the saints believing God our Heavenly Father was created by a being greater than Himself but Scripture says there is no greater than our God. (Hebrews 6:13) Therefore, the son of perdition has all the saints breaking the first commandment God gave Moses, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Does it make sense to reasonable thinking that God would command we have no other gods before Him but really there are? Does He not want us to know this? Why is it a secret? There’s a reason He commanded to have no other gods before Him. Because by believing in false grandpa gods the saints believe our God is an infinitely lesser God putting Lucifer before God. And the moment we put a god before our God, our God becomes an infinitely lesser God. Not only that, our God also becomes a liar. He and the Scriptures says He is the greatest of all. He and the Scriptures says He is the Most High God. He and the Scriptures say He created all things. And in the Scriptures He says over and over there are no gods beside Him. (Isaiah 44:6) (Isaiah 44:8) (Isaiah 45:22) (Hebrews 6:13) Therefore, the saints believing there are gods before Him is the saints believing the son of perdition or the current Mormon prophet over the Scriptures and calling God and the Scriptures a lie. And Isaiah warns, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) The saints call the son of perdition (President Nelson) good and good (Jesus Christ) evil. Because President Nelson says Christ and His Father are liars and fosters the false doctrines. Peter, John, Paul, Alma, Nephi, Lehi, Jacob and all the canonized prophets would not allow false doctrines from the Adversary but President Nelson does. President Nelson says Christ did not create all things. (John 1:1-3) Matter/energy cannot be created or destroyed the scientists say therefore the son of perdition or President Nelson says the grandpa gods created these calling Christ and the Scriptures a lie. Well did Abinadi warn the wicked king Noah and his priests, Have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments? (Mosiah 13:25) I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Lord would not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people. (Mosiah 13:26) And what is the commandment Abinadi taught that the people do not obey? Thou shalt have no other God before me. (Mosiah 12:35) Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before God. (Mosiah 12:30) And it is a false doctrine to say God our Heavenly Father has rarely spoke to us in Scripture. (3 Nephi 27:26), (3 Nephi 24:1). (2 Nephi 31:20), (2 Nephi 31:11) (D&C 49:20) Beware of the doctrine of the scribes and Pharisees, which are today’ Church leaders. (Matthew 16:6-12)
We all sail through Seas of Oppression, the Storms of Adversity, even the Oceans of Sorrow. At times we navigate Tumultuous Lakes and Frothing Rivers of Personal Trials, however we are always at the helm. The vehicle that steers us through such difficulties are our Testimonies, The Ship "Endurance". If our rudder is fouled or our planks are breached, then the waters of persecution and denial begin to flood in and overtake our position. There is help from the Master Craftsman's, our Shipbuilder who is always afloat with us. At times we may need to awake Him from bow of the ship, but He will always respond, either to Rebuke the waves or bring assurance to overcome any obstacle--if we allow Him
Directionally I can agree with Jared. However, one needs to understand that proper deconstruction/fall might very well include the jettison of nearly every single truth claim of the LDS church. While I do believe it could evolve into something beautiful through its strong community, I doubt most are willing to give up so many strongly held beliefs despite the overwhelming evidence against them.
It seems we arebnot comfortable with the Church Going through the “ fall stage” Why? And do you think the Church is in a fall stage or has been in one or will? What does it look like for the Church to “repent” to change and to be more balanced? Why do they leave? Is it becatse we are not teaching the truth in love? Are their things like church organization or prophets that we are basing faith on? Instead of basing faith on the Lord Jesus? Can people move forward by leaving the Church? I’ve seen it. Could we truly add into our church the truth that needs to be added and focused upon and put at the center of the Church?
I feel the reason The Church doesn’t acknowledge the fall phase and demonstrate how we rose from the fall is because they would have to diminish the temple and emphasize Jesus Christ as the door to heaven. I believe it is a very real and concerning issue for them and can see they’ve painted themselves into a corner. Christians are those who believe faith in Christ, living a life that reflects that faith is the covenant path to God. The law is written on our hearts and not a handshake or sacred/secret message. Changing the name of the church and emphasizing Christs name is great but the church hasn’t started emphasizing Christ as the Savior because the temple has been our Savior for a couple hundred years.
@@alisadunn5443 but the fall stage is not acknowledged in our culture. We don’t like to discuss it and our doctrine actually doesn’t include it so it is hard to grasp the idea that we are helpless without the Savior. There’s a bit of dissonance there about when you really think about it and for me it’s created an uncomfortable place. The only thing I know for sure is regardless of how hard I try I can’t get to a point where I feel I’m qualified to be with God. When I read the Bible and pray about it It only makes sense for me that Christ is the cure for that.
@@Sayheybrother8 I'm not sure how you come to that conclusion. The Savior, His Crucifixión, the Atonement, the Sacrament, the temple and all the covenants?we make there, it's all interconnected. What I find confusing is when the people aren't able to repent because their desire for things of the world is stronger than to be like the Savior, to sacrifice, etc.
My honest reaction, I thought he had some interesting insights. The idea of looking at where someone is really at (how cracked is their foundation), when the real crisis runs much deeper was a really good one. I can also say that the idea that most of us in the "fall" stage don't want to talk about it with our believing friends and family because we don't want to destroy their faith. I mean, hey, if they are happy, why would I mess that? Sadly, That is where the insights stopped. He then went on for 45 minutes saying exactly what the Church always says. Ignore facts and just have faith and move forward. Mix in some cute anecdotes and be sure to tear up just a little bit at that end. Nevermind that Church was founded by a pedophile, or that literally the entire endowment session was lifted whole cloth from freemason rituals. Never mind that the Church doctrine has led to, and continues to lead to, the highest teen suicide rates in the country. The Church is causing real harm in a number of ways, and to quote Dallin H Oaks, "we neither seek, nor do we offer apology". In other words, that whole repentance thing, is for the little people. Mr. Halverson, maybe in your longer talks you offer something of substance that actually addresses some of these issues, but I heard no answers here.
@@phillipcook3430 You mean do i feel bitter because after a lifetime of devotion and service I learn that it was all based on lies. Or that when the church was supposed to be biggest help to my kids it turned out to be their worst enemy. If that is a stage, then yes, I am in it.
I think this is a beautiful try on why this is happening, but I don't think it's accurate. Not everyone is going through leaving the church the same way. Sometimes letting go of religion is faith.
🤔🤔The Crucifixion was a faith crisis for the Apostles. Judas hit his ahead of the rest. He panicked with the realization of what he had facilitated had and saw but one way to fix his mistake. Peter lied thrice, had a good cry, then went fishing. By what is recorded in the Bible Jesus came back to Peter and had to remind him to "feed my sheep." There was never a qualification there for "feed the white ones, not the black ones..." or to say "we can exclude the rainbow sheep- they like a different fabric." Many things I bore fervent testimony to as a missionary in Ohio 1990-1992, to counter "Anti" information, have been reversed and published as "Gospel Topics Essays." The Church validated Sandra & Gerald Tanners questions.I have reason to believe Robert K Ritner far more than other "Egyptologists." It really wasn't "Anti's" that wrapped the detcord around my shelf it was my Church leaders approach to the truths they didn't want to discuss.
Who came with this concept " faith crisis" sounds like it is were people without testimony and lack of hope in the church fall into, but in reality to me can be someone who doesn't understand that though trials and pain well be tried in this life. Anyway
* I’m a Mormon. We should believe the Scriptures, not man. And the Scriptures testify the Mormon Church is the only true Church of Jesus Christ on earth. But if something is taught that can't be verified by Scripture, think twice about believing it. I understand why so many people are leaving the church. Many false doctrines exist causing countless RU-vid videos mocking Mormonism. False doctrines like grandpa gods, (God the Father has a father), Mormons becoming gods of their own planets, Adam helped create the earth, Christ and Satan are brothers, God the Father has rarely spoken in Scripture, the African Americans were bad in the pre-existence; all of which no Scripture verifies. And each Sunday the Sacrament is tainted because only Elders and Priests can administer but the Deacons prepare/administer and the Teachers pass/administer the Sacrament. (D&C 20:57) And the Lord says, He’s bound when we do what He says but if not there is no promise. (D&C 82:10) …that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written. (D&C 24:14) And we wonder why there’s depression, mental illness and other unspeakable events among us? And many are leaving the church because if you don't fit the mold the church leaders sculpture you're not a part of the click. Mormons believe the church leaders over Scripture. The zealous believers have the church leaders in mind with everything thing they think say and feel testifying to impress others how much they believe the current church leaders are God-inspired. But the Scriptures reveal the church leaders are the problem with the entire planet. For example, In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 we are informed of a person revealed as the son of perdition This son of perdition sits in the temple of God making himself God or above all that is called God. Therefore, if the Mormon Church is the only true church, and I believe it is and will back that belief using the Scriptures, then the only person 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 could be talking about is the current Mormon prophet. For what other church is the one and only true church with temples? And Joseph Smith taught a son of perdition can only be a church member holding all the rights of God's priesthood and using the priesthood against God as did Judas. Therefore, who else other than the current Mormon prophet could the apostle Paul be speaking of? It's as plain as the nose on a face. And even God in the Doctrine and Covenants tells us about the current church leaders and how displeased He is saying the end of this world will begin among them. (D&C 112:23-26) Joseph Smith taught the false doctrine of grandpa gods (God the Father has a father) not over the pulpit as a prophet but as a sermon at a funeral, which should not be taken as Scripture fulfilling God’s sayings to Paul, And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (2 Thessalonians 2:11) That they might be damned who believed not the truth….(2Thessalonians 2:12) And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7) (D&C 112:23-26) And the current Mormon prophet is the son of perdition because he has all the saints believing God our Heavenly Father was created by a being greater than Himself but Scripture says there is no greater than our God. (Hebrews 6:13) Therefore, the son of perdition has all the saints breaking the first commandment God gave Moses, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Does it make sense to reasonable thinking that God would command we have no other gods before Him but really there are? Does He not want us to know this? Why is it a secret? There’s a reason He commanded to have no other gods before Him. Because by believing in false grandpa gods the saints believe our God is an infinitely lesser God putting Lucifer before God. And the moment we put a god before our God, our God becomes an infinitely lesser God. Not only that, our God also becomes a liar. He and the Scriptures says He is the greatest of all. He and the Scriptures says He is the Most High God. He and the Scriptures say He created all things. And in the Scriptures He says over and over there are no gods beside Him. (Isaiah 44:6) (Isaiah 44:8) (Isaiah 45:22) (Hebrews 6:13) Therefore, the saints believing there are gods before Him is the saints believing the son of perdition or the current Mormon prophet over the Scriptures and calling God and the Scriptures a lie. And Isaiah warns, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) The saints call the son of perdition (President Nelson) good and good (Jesus Christ) evil. Because President Nelson says Christ and His Father are liars. President Nelson says Christ did not create all things. (John 1:1-3) Matter/energy cannot be created or destroyed the scientists say therefore the son of perd. or President Nelson says the grandpa gods created these calling Christ and the Scriptures a lie. Well did Abinadi warn the wicked king Noah and his priests, Have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments? (Mosiah 13:25) I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Lord would not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people. (Mosiah 13:26) And what is the commandment Abinadi taught that the people do not obey? Thou shalt have no other God before me. (Mosiah 12:35) Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before God. (Mosiah 12:30) And it is a false doctrine to say God our Heavenly Father has rarely spoke to us in Scripture. (3Nephi 27:26), (3Nephi 24:1). (2Nephi 31:20), (2Nephi 31:11) (D&C 49:20), (3Nephi 20:29) (D&C 49:5), (Moses chapters 1-2) Beware of the doctrine of the scribes and Pharisees. (Matthew 16:6-12)
19:14 - creation, fall, atonement… I could come up with a dozen arch narratives that explain every story, every journey. I’m sorry, the Yahweh story or whatever narrative LDS folk believe is just another way we as humans describe our journey through life. The real bit that matters is our lives and people we love, not the made up beings that we talk about to tell the story.
Love is what matters. Not myths we tell ourselves. Not a corporation or religion. If a religion helps you join it. If a religion hinders you leave it. It’s all going to be fine. We each find God in our own way. All is well.