Typically members won’t condemn for that, but welcome them back at any time. Church leadership may not be comfortable letting anyone officiate a position but that doesn’t mean they aren’t welcome. Friends and Family who remain members are usually the source of condemnation, and not by any teachings of their faith, but quite the opposite.
Over my life I’ve broken down religion to one word. Control. It’s how you control large masses. Add that to a regularly defunded public school system. People barely have a chance. You are special. You freed yourself. And now you’re a hero helping others. Much love to you
From my experience, I'd say that it's partially, if not completely, a means to manufacture control over oneself or one's own life, of which I've come to see belonging to a religion is only one example.
Trying to be a perfect Mormon girl caused me a brain damage too! It’s the worst thing/disrespectful things people can do to themselves:( I’m so so happy that I decided to remove my name:)
I started to see the church for what it really is during the 2015 youth conference in Palmyra, NY. All the teens were being paraded in front of a microphone and they all said the same version of "I know this church is true because..." Reading Recovering Agency also helped. I resigned in 2016, and the bishop tried to intervene. Resigning has been the best decision I've ever made.
The younger generations are really leading the charge with their discernment and willingness to think for themselves!! Thank you, from us wee bit older folks!
Hey, I've had a fairly similar experience. Unfortunately, all my immediate family and most of my friends are still in the cult. Something that was therapeutic for me was the work of Steven Hassan, who did a lot of research about cults, and how to combat cult mindsets.
Thank you for sharing. As an exmo of 11 years I am still feeling those in my family and hometown watch me expectantly awaiting my return to the fold. I only read the CES letter this week and it was very validating to know my gut wasn't off on my choice to move on. Thanks again for sharing your story. It makes a difference in my life when I get to commune with fellow exmos!
I use to be Mormon. Took my name off the records if the church . they then began to organize harass me . i am gay and i grew up Mormon . best thing I've ever done also one of the hardest things .
Thank you for this video! I left the Jehovah’s Witnesses less than a year ago and lived a very similar experience. It's been so difficult, but with videos like yours i realize i'm not alone. stay strong, friend:')
Dear Mackenzie, Thank you for having the courage to leave your tribal connection, something I routinely aspire to but only erratically accomplish. As a philosopher, I am supposed to be able to follow logic and reason wherever they take me. However, honest reflection has made it clear to me how incredibly difficult it is to defy my group ties. At a very deep level, those ties define me. II am literally standing up and applauding you. Bravo Young Warrior for your brave authenticity!
Great video! I’m an ex Mormon and consider myself lucky that I could walk away when I came out as gay, 12 years ago. It wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I read the CES letter and thought what in the actual fuck!???? Lol. I married my wife last year and have never looked back! Best wishes to you on this new, exhilarating journey!
You’re adorable!! Religious, atheist, lesbian, heterosexual- a lot of us just don’t care about any of that. Just be YOU, be kind and all will be well. Take care and keep smiling, cause you’re so cute when you do. :-)
It takes bravery to open up like this and I applaud you! Like many here, I was raised Mormon (even related to some very famous Mormons) but it just didn’t add up. I am now an atheist FYI. So you keep being true to yourself, keep learning and everything else follows. Hello from Salt Lake City!
Between this and Chris Stuckmann's Jehovah's Witness video, I'm glad my parents never entered me into their religion and allowed me to choose whether I wanted to be a part of it or not. Sorry to hear what you went through; I have too many Mormon survivor friends who have digressed to me many things you've brought up in this video. It's saddening, depressing, and just a shame that organisations like this haven't seemed to evolve over time, and seem stuck in their rather outdated mindset.
Thank you for sharing! I have been listening to others like you looking for support because I’m on the dance about the church. Thank you for making me feel not alone! And thanks for the resources!
I can relate to your experience reading the CES Letter. I read it in one afternoon and was blown away by what I was learning. I was a lifelong member until at the age of 43 I read that letter. I was serving in the bishopric and resigned from my calling and a couple years later resigned from the church.
I still remember exactly when I decided I was going to leave. I was sitting in my gf at the times parent's Family Ward. I looked around and said to myself "I'm not doing this the rest of my life" it took me another 6 months to completely bail. Funny story. My gf at the time left me, ended up getting married in the temple, and her and her husband left together.
I'm a non Mormon who grew up and still live in Utah in my 50's and a lot of what you say here Mackenzie resonates with my experiences talking with Mormon friends. They opened up to me and told me their thoughts and feelings in a way the could never do with their LDS family and friends out of fear for the price they could pay. From my observation and conversing with my LDS friends being ex-communicated from the church also means possibly losing LDS friends and family and in a few cases, their jobs. I felt bad for them because the price they could pay so they lived in silence and fear of being found out. Mackenzie because I know the heavy price one can pay for questioning or leaving the LDS church I admire your strength and courage to speak out and give courage to others who also have doubts but afraid to speak.
So fun to come across this video the very week I may well need to break the news to my own family. Not sure how they're going to handle it; on the one hand, they're probably seeing it coming, but on the other my dad and my sister got in a big argument last year over Steven Universe's gay content and he called her a disappointment for showing the show to our littler siblings and for working with a yt creator on reaction videos. I sincerely hope that in the 2 years since you posted this things have gotten at least marginally smoother between you and your family, and I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for myself, too. Thanks for sharing your story. It is all too much like my own has become this past year.
I grew up in the church and as I got older I remember always feeling unworthy and how I was never doing enough, even though I was just being myself. By age 16 I was already mentally out of the church, and was just waiting until I was old enough where my parents couldn't force me to keep going. Now I'm 22 and after doing some research throughout the years about the church I will never go back
Full disclosure as a viewer, I’m not going through any faith crisis, I just wanted to hear your story, and I truly hope the best for you whatever that may be:)
Wow thank you for this. I’m been going through all of this stuff and and planning on telling my parents tomorrow. And I’m also telling them I’m bisexual at the same time and I’m really nervous. I’m also only 16 so still need to be in the same house as my very believing family so that’ll probably be hard but I’m also feeling really optimistic about the future and how I can explore so many new things. Just the process of telling friends and family is really hard! Edit: Telling them went the worst it possibly could have. I can’t leave until I’m 18 and even then I think they are going to disown me. Fortunately I only have 14 months until then.
Oh Isabelle I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment sooner and I’m so sorry your parents responded horribly. If you feel unsafe in your home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or someone safe, there are many resources and organizations for your exact situation. Hopefully time will heal but if not, know that you are not alone in this ❤️
Just because you do not choose to believe what someone else does doesn't make you a bad person! It just makes you a human being! As no matter what they say no 2 people are exactly the same! It doesn't exist! Even Identical twins who physically the same in every way are diffrent! The thing's they like their choices everything! So never think you hafto be like someone else or believe everything they believe! Be true to yourself!
Being so deep rooted and still being able to get out is sooooo difficult and nearly impossible to do for most people. That shows your ability to think critically and take a step back and reflect on yourself and your beliefs. Kudos!
"It’s Easier to Fool People Than It Is to Convince Them That They Have Been Fooled.” - Mark Twain Congratulations on finding your truth! You seem like such a sweet, caring girl. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you're doing well 💗
This was so inspiring to watch. I have a niece who has been out of the LDS church for a year now and you helped me to understand a lot of what she is going through. We have not had a lot of conversations as we are many states apart and she is a busy young mom, but it is good to hear your honesty. I am not Mormon but my sister joined 40 years ago so I have been studying about it on and off for a long time.
Liisa Glandorf Thank you so much for your comment, sorry it took a me a while to see it! I’m so glad that my video helped you understand your niece, that’s the best possible outcome I could have hoped for ❤️ Lots of love
It's been 4 years since you've posted this, I hope you are in a happier place now. I knew nothing about Mormonism until I watched your reaction to the south park episode along with ex-mormon Alyssa Grenfell's reaction to the same episode (I'm an avid watcher of SP). What I will say is your reaction is more relevant than you realize because the message has carryover not just with other ex-Mormons or other religious groups or cults but with business, politics, friendships, and relationships etc. The short version is to watch out for sacred cows - people or institutions that are seemingly BEYOND CRITICISM. 1 big red flag is actions or beliefs that SOUND EXTREME, such as the example you mentioned, shunning homosexuals simply because they are homosexual. 2. related to 1, which you touched up on is LOGICAL INCONSISTENCIES - in the homosexual example, the religion on the 1 hand is passing itself off as loving and nurturing, yet is behaving in ways that sound intolerant. 3) BAD BEHAVIOR within the movement IS RATIONALIZED or quietly IGNORED. Famous examples involve the Catholic Church's obtuse reaction to the priest pedophilia scandal, or the numerous women that were abused by Dr Larry Nassar in the Carroli Compound and yet nobody in charge would do anything. In the case of Joseph Smith, you described some of his repulsive behavior the Church never told you about. 4) related mostly to 2) is NOT GETTING ANSWERS, or GETTING BAD ONES. There's a famous quote: "question authority." I would modify that view to say "ask authority questions, but when the answers they give back SOUND UNCONVINCING, CONTRADICTORY, OR EVASIVE, then be prepared to QUESTION AUTHORITY. Just my short list, but again your video felt really spot on, I'm glad you made it. Even though I have no experience having anything to do remotely with Mormonism, it's a powerful message that again I must stress has a lot of carryover.
thank you for sharing your perspective. i was raised in a very strict conservative evangelical household, always went to church at least twice a week. my father used to be a pastor and my mother's parents were evangelical missionaries to the Philippines, so she grew up going to a christian boarding school in Malaysia. God and His Word were big parts of every day of my life growing up. i started doubting things when i was 9 or 10, but when i was 16 i was first introduced to the concept of evolution, outside of Michael Crichton novels and Pokemon. i was floored, i quickly read The Origin of the Species and The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. i wouldn't say that i lost my faith, rather that i freed myself from a mindset that hinged on suppositions that conflicted with the very nature of reality. it wasn't sad or depressing but a relief. it had an extremely negative effect on how i was perceived by my parents and my church friends. my best friend at the time's mother told him he wasn't to hang out with me any more. my family ended up going to therapy for a while as a group and as individuals and that helped quite a bit. i'm 28 now and i'm lucky enough to have a good relationship with my family, but my heart goes out to all those who aren't so lucky. my aunt disowned us and the rest of our extended family about 18 years ago, and that was hard enough knowing i would never see my cousins again, but i cannot imagine what it would be to lose everyone. anyway i'm sorry for rambling on, and i hope everyone has a great day :)
That's so interesting to me. The whole time I was watching the video, all I could think about is if this situation could exist in a protestant Christian environment. I'm a Christian so I kind of thought that its unlikely, maybe I'm biased lol but obviously wrong. I'm speaking more specifically to the social dynamic, being shunned kind of deal. It's upsetting to see differences in belief hurt or break a family.
I'm ex-protestant and can recognise aspects of my experience in what you describe. The loneliness of losing your community and everything from your former life and the subsequent identity crises was certainly the hardest thing. I'm sure you've found the same, but the consolation was that the new sense of self and relationships that gradually emerged out of it felt a lot more authentic and honest. Thanks for sharing and hope you're able to have a good relationship with your family in time.
Came across this video in my feed and just wanted to say thank you for sharing. I admire your courage; this is obviously a very personal video to share with the internet. I'm relatively ignorant of LDS, but it's a fascinating topic. If you choose to share more, I'd be interested to watch.
Hey, I just wanna say that you are amazing for doing this video. You seem so genuine with your experiences and I’m so glad you can finally be yourself, and not a mold of what the church expects you to be. I grew up in South Jordan, Utah but I didn’t grow up in a Mormon household thankfully, but I have had a lot of friends and family go through the same thing you’re going through. Keep your head up, it’s all smooth sailing from here. Keep fighting against injustices and always fight for equality!
Finding this video helped me a ton. I was raised Mormon and just recently left after 30 years. I'm struggling trying to find myself outside of how i structured my life around it for 30 years.
Hi. Former Southern Baptist here. I wish you well in your lifelong journey. I have found that there is no purpose to be found but instead to be made. You make your own purpose, and as far as an afterlife. I am so very sorry that your family has reacted in such a negative way. I cannot believe they kicked out! Was it during the pandemic? Also, it's such a blessing to leave the shackles of thought and experience placed on you. Life is fun as fuck, go live and experience as much as possible while you still can, and while you and your friends are still alive to experience things together. It sounds like you should move out of mormon country and to a place that is more accepting of all walks of life. I could tell you were getting in the feels when you tried to rationalize your family being sad they won't experience the afterlife with you together. Great news, there is no proof at all of one, so they will have to get their act together and love their wonderful daughter in the only life there is proof of....This one. Have fun, if you need anything, the comments and YT community can be a great place for info. Us heathens and deplorables aren't all that bad, just give us a chance lol. It's so liberating not believing in fairy tales anymore isn't it? Scarily its very eye opening to realize how much brainwashing takes place in this "advanced" society we live in 2021 right? In Utah it might seem like you are in the minority but even I still live in SC (unfortunately) but have traveled internationally and toured all over the place and have found the majority of folks now a days are not as religious as past generations.
Thank you for sharing your story. My mom is a die-hard Baptist Christian that preaches absolute fear; even sinful thoughts will send you to hell if you didn't repent. She wasn't as bad as some, but I grew up terrified and with zero self esteem. I have never felt more free and alive since denouncing Christianity and all its hypocrisy. Goodness I am so happy now. I hope you are too, it only gets better as time goes by!
I grew up a non-Mormon is Sandy, Utah...back when the suburbs literally turned to farmland at the end of my street. I was raised in the Methodist Church...which I left around 1993 (a whole "broken shelf" story of its own). At that time, Mormons comprised 57% of Utah's population, and Methodists (despite being the 3rd largest religion in America) only made up .37% of Utah's population. _Note that decimal,_ and imagine being outnumbered 150-to-1 everywhere you go! I spent my first two decades being ostracized, bullied, and even evicted once...desperately longing for validation, acceptance, and love...so I I can only imagine how hard it must be to _have_ them, only to face _losing_ them. As someone who grew up on the _outside,_ welcome to the club. It's hard at first, but life is so much brighter once you get a bit of _distance_ between yourself and Plato's Cave. Thanks for sharing your story!
I get you sister, I saw the church treat a family member of mine pretty rudely but what made it worse was that it was swept under the rug. So they left. For me I grew up Pentecostal, but the small town church I grew up in was so relaxed it didn’t matter what you did in life, rather you were gay, homeless, or a penniless drunk. That in itself is what created my outlook in life and my faith, I’m a believer and I’ll share the good word in my actions and a the little things I can do for my family and people I meet.
You are brave. Brave for making this video, brave for expressing your truth, and brave for being true to yourself. I know this is almost two years old. I hope things are going well for you. I'm an ex-Mormon.
@@paulgregersen3570 she is on the right track. Anyone who opens their eyes realizes that Mormonism is a patriarchal C U L T that has tons of money socked away... just like the hideous Catholic church.
I loved your openness in sharing your story. Glad to see you are creating a life for yourself outside of Mormonism. I resigned in 2016 after my faith crisis of 1998-99. It took a while before I could pack it all in and resign.
Thank you for your comment Mike, it must’ve been so hard to stay in the church all those years after your faith crisis. I can’t even imagine. ❤️ Do you want me to delete the hateful reply to your comment? I’d be happy to
Beautiful girl, your story is so inspirational! ❤️ I couldn't help but notice the spark in your eyes and your beautiful aura. I am 100% sure that you are on the right track towards your happiness and personal growth and I wish that you will create a wonderful and supportive family of your own! As a European, who was raised and baptized as an Orthodox Christian, I really am thrilled by these stories. Religion was never imposed on me and as I was growing up, I had the opportunity to choose any path I would like to follow without it meaning that I would lose touch with my friends and family. Now I can say that I am more spiritual, rather than genuinely religious, but I do believe in the Universal Energy that some people call God. And I fully respect all kinds of beliefs, as long as they do not interfere with any person's free will and freedom of choice. 😊
A friend of mine left the church when they put her to hell to "atone" for her "sin" of having a child out of wedlock. They made give her daughter up for adoption in order to be able to stay in the church. She did EVERYTHING they asked her to do and in the end they still judged her. The church was a huge part of her life but after that, she just left. When two of those young missionaries came to my door one day, asking if I'd like to talk about the LDS, I GLADLY let them in and ripped the "church" to shreds in the most passive aggressive way for putting my friend through that and ended the conversation when they looked so stumped and even a bit ashamed for what my friend went through and how the "Bishops" treated her (how any "CHURCH" would make a MOTHER give up their child like that is not okay with me. Family is EVERYTHING!). But I did give them four bottles of ice cold water for their journey, it was after all, a very hot day and they were on bikes. They really did leave looking quite pensive and not at all offended or upset.
I’m Catholic and it’s a big part of my life and I don’t know much about the mormon church but I get the pressure and the faith crisis and I’m just glad you got through it❤️
Hang in there man, ex-Catholic myself... if you'll permit me to add something to your "shelf". ;) Imagine yourself sitting up in heaven, able to look down into the hell God sent some of your friends and family to that didn't make the cut, to burn and suffer for all eternity. You'll be around for all eternity as well.. How long do you think you will be able to watch them burn before you start to feel like this is wrong, horrifying, and that you are aligned with a monster. What do you make of the entity that believes infinite torture is virtuous? Take care.
The Nov 5 policy was the end for me. I was a Sunday school teacher and I tried for a month after that to keep myself at church, but I couldn’t believe it anymore. By the end of the year, I asked to be released from my calling and I stopped going to church. I’m still on the records of the church. I haven’t told my parents. I’m scared of they day they find out because I know our relationship is over after that. That hurts because I live the same life I used to; I don’t drink, I’m monogamous. I do swear a lot more I guess. The difference is I don’t go to church and I don’t read the scriptures anymore. It’s been hard in some ways, but mostly I’m happier. I never want my children to wonder if I love them more than the church.
Smart girl. I don't know you but I'm proud of you. I hope you'll make a lot of good friends and you'll explore life while you're young. Looks like you've got a lot of heart.
I loved your video! I was studying the Mormon Church and went for about 3 months then I left. While I was investigating the LDS Church I discovered many contradictions and crazy teachings in here. For example Brigham Young taught about people in the Sun & Moon. I was like Wtf? 🤷🏻♂️ Glad that you opened your beautiful eyes! You’re a beautiful person and hope my comment can help you to feel better. Xoxo
Jancel Badabay Thank you so much for your kind words! Glad you got out ASAP! Joseph smith taught that there were people on the moon that dressed like quakers :)
Edgar Cayce (Sleeping Prophet) said that all planets and stars are learning grounds where spiritual beings in other dimensions reside while learning. Earth like planets are the only ones that we actually gain a physical body. So people on the moon or sun, according to Edgar Cayce that maybe true, but definitely not in physical form.
SO SO PROUD OF YOU! Stories matter more than you know, and your story, on every front, is nothing but inspirational. Enjoy your new path, with the freedom to explore the vastness of new thoughts, feelings, and knowledge of this amazing world...unshackled by the burdensome blinders the church has on it's people.
Growing up in Massachusetts we had missionaries living across the street from us. They came to visit and started teaching. Next thing I know I'm 14 and getting baptized into the Mormon church. No more drinking caffeiinated drinks, no swearing, church on Sundays, seminary on Sunday nights and mutual on Wednesday evenings. Wow... I was the oldest of 5 children and now we had a new lifestyle. Living under your parents roof as minors you have to do as they say. My father was a white Supremist.i see how the church was attractive to him. Being sealed as a family in the temple freaked me out but also scared me when I no longer wanted to be involved. I want to be with my family when I die....needless to say 8 years in therapy has helped me. Im a good person and respect anyone's choice in believing in what they choose. Whatever that may be. If it makes your heart happy and your soul content you've hit the jackpot... I have nothing against the church. It just wasn't a good fit for me as an adult.
Exjw here. I can't tell you how inspiring it is to hear your story. It's like all these cult leaders read from the same book because we see the same tactics again and again. Ignorance. Fear. Guilt. The crushing of self doubt. Then ostracism if all else fails. It's truly evil. It's also sad to see how inflexible our parents all were. I don't know the struggles they had to deal with, but it seems like believing in these false doctrines was all they had to hang onto. Too bad for them. I wish you nothing but success and happiness in your journey. I remember how difficult it was for me. Some things will never be resolved. Your family is HERE now. 🙏🏾🌹
You are human. Don't be so hard on yourself. Rub your nose if you feel the need. It took so much courage to just be you. Be you! I just found your channel. When i am in Utah next, i visit my Italian family up there, i live in Colorado. We can have a coffee or a nice alcoholic beverage. Lol!! I did go through some similar things with my family when i eventually stopped going to the Catholic church. Stay strong. I am going to subscribe.
It sounds like you're happy and doing well in life. That's what's important. I stopped going to church a while back because there are a whole lot of things that just don't add up. There were a lot of question marks before ever running into the CES letter, but that's definitely an interesting read. My mom knows that I don't go to church any more, but I don't think she'll ever understand why. She's dyed in the wool super committed to it. It's kind of sad, but it seems to bring her happiness, so that's good.
I really like your hair like that! So glad you had the strength to leave some never do! You look so happy and so glad your making viedos again and doing what makes you happy!
Hey, I loved this. I could probably be your mom. I appreciate everything you said. You’re so right about everything. I got married in the temple, the whole thing. I only went back twice, it was so traumatizing. My beloved husband unexpectedly passed away over a year ago. I am glad I’m sealed to him although I really don’t believe in all of this. I’m struggling to say the least. All I know is that I love God and Jesus Christ with all my heart. I love my beloved husband with all my heart. Blessings for you, we’re all on our own journey. Sending peace and happiness your way.
"I am glad I’m sealed to him although I really don’t believe in all of this." Sounds like you are very confused at the very least. Why would you be glad to be sealed with your husband for all time and eternity when you don't even believe in that?
I was raised Mormon and being an empath as well as an old soul...as a child I felt close to A higher power & the spiritual world in Church but I had that connection at home as well. After I was baptized, I remember going to Primary School and the teacher talking about the separate Kingdoms. My soul hurt & my heart was telling me this isn’t correct, so I asked the teacher “ok, if I go to the Celestrial Kingdom & my brother goes to the Trilestrial Kingdom, I can visit him but he can’t visit me?!?” The teacher replied yes & at that moment I knew the LDS faith was not for me. I went home & told my mom that I would not be going to church any longer. Best decision ever & to this day I have my own spiritual beliefs that have aligned with other people’s beliefs. None of which are similar in anyway to any religion. So I do not attend “church” but continue to work on the lessons in life I came back to learn. My spiritual beliefs are most easily explained by telling people to combine “what Dreams May Come”, “Cloud Atlas” & the tv series “The OA”. All of the above movies & show do not complete my faith but they are the closest to hitting the nail on the head for some of the most important parts of my belief system. Thank you for sharing your story love & light 💗 💫
Having gone through the painful process of leaving the church, I can appreciate the difficult road you have traveled. Please know that God loves you and that religion doesn't save, but Jesus does. I encourage you to open the New Testament and begin reading without any Mormon preconceptions. It will change your life! God bless you.
As an ex-mormon that grew up in Utah valley I know how hard it can be and I'm really happy you're able to find what you need in life. Everyone deserves happiness and to explore themselves. Religion can be such a hard struggle. Thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable and inspiring to let people know that may be questioning their own faiths that there is hope.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm proud of you for your courage to question what you were taught, to be yourself...and for choosing the right! All the love, -David Fitzgerald Author of The Complete Heretic's Guide to Western Religion: The Mormons
You seem like a strong woman, you can get through it, I had my own issues with the church years ago and had a similar falling out. Having your core beliefs challenged is hard to move forward from. But you can do it.
You are very intelligent, warm and courageous. Kudos! I was a convert (ages 12-16). I left at age 17 due to having doubts. It started with my shock when I asked the bishop if our pets would be with us in the afterlife. He said “No”. Being a huge animal lover, this left me upset for a long time. As a convert, I had questions in seminary. These questions were never answered…the only response was “read the scripture more and pray harder”. I did that for years, but never got any answers. As a strong believer in equality, it did not sit well with me as I got older, that women did not hold any leadership roles or the more powerful, decision-making positions in the church. Yes, there are biological differences between men and women. But we know now that in countries where women have closer to equal status in the leadership positions, the quality of life for everyone, is higher. The world needs women’s voices at the highest, decision-making tables. We need all genders at these tables, because our minds can work differently in certain ways and we each bring something important to the table, that the others do not. In my time of church-going (early 80’s), we weren’t talking much about LGBTQ issues. But if we had, I am sure I would have been on the side of inclusion. Discrimination is just not okay. It wasn’t in previous centuries either, but in the 21st Century, there is absolutely no excusing it. Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you the very best.
Letter to My Wife is the best, concise list of the doctrinal/historical issues that I've found. CES Letter is good enough, but I'd recommend downloading the MP3 and sharing that with mormons who are ready to look outside their bubble. Congrats to you Mackenzie on figuring it out so early in life!
Ex mormon too, in heart. I actually dont wanna hold many negative feelings towards any church (that isn't some of those weird cults that you hear about and stuff). My situation was pretty similar to yours, but id say i dont wanna hate the church, at all. Its just when my mom forces me to keep going, simply because im in condition to live on my own, so i have no right to decide and she's doing that for my own good... Yeah, idk if God's real or not, and i fear hell when i die, but thats not what grinds my gears... Now the pressure to not leave at all... Yeah, now that's too much
My issues with the church started during my mission about 20 years ago, and they were too many to list here, but long story short I left the church soon after returning from my mission. A few years after that I had my name removed from church records, because I didn't want the church to have an excuse to send home teachers or missionaries to "rescue" me, or leave the door open for the church to use their disciplinary system on me.
This is such a lovely video. It came up in a weird way in my feed but I'm so glad it did. I grew up Catholic (bi as well), and I hope others see this to learn that being different is alright, with thinking differently is alright, and not being part of your church is alright.
Thank you for sharing your story. I don't want to presume anything about you, so please don't think I am by saying this, but as somebody who left religion (Christianity in my case) 7 years ago, I'd like to offer one small piece of advice: Obviously, religion is more than a mere checklist of beliefs. It is a framework for culture and, more importantly, a system of morality. Regardless of how deeply flawed that system is, the fact of the matter is leaving it behind leaves you, to borrow your analogy, *without a shelf for all that stuff on the floor* and it's going to take years and an awful lot of work to construct a new one. Be patient and be wary, especially of ideologies and those who claim moral authority. New beliefs tempt us with false confidence. This is a mistake I've made far more times than I care to admit. Watch yourself else you may begin substituting seemingly-superior yet equally-lazy moral structures in place of the one you left behind. You may have left religion, but the mindset that kept you there all those years is more subtle and takes far longer to break out of. I've met more religiously-minded atheists than I can even count and even was one myself. The best place to start is by searching for principles which genuinely make sense to you and then try to apply them equally and universally. If you can do so in good conscience, you're on the right track. If not, then keep searching. Don't be afraid to go with your gut. If something feels hypocritical, then it probably is. You have your skepticism and that's going to be indispensable to you moving forward. *use it* Best of luck to you, especially with your family. I hope someday they realize what an incredible daughter they have.
Your courage is inspiring and I think you are well set on the path to wisdom, the way to speak to your loved ones and anybody else is in truth, true to yourself and who you are talking to, it will bring out your heart and empathy and people will hear it, whether they listen or not is on them and just know we love you too.
Thanks for sharing your story! I listened to it after finding your South Park video. I'm not a mormon, but I did grow up in a church; I can sympathize with your story. Best of luck on your journey! PS. You have really nice teeth, and a really pretty smile!
Ex-Mormon here, it felt so good to stop going to church every week. I feel so free. Teaching sunday school was so draining, and now i can actually live the way I want. I can drink with friends now and im not afraid to swear 😂
What an incredible story. Not like, wow cool, but, wow that's intense. I know how hard it is to come out, and for you to be able to do that after EVERYTHING else...amazing. ✊
It is amazing that people like us ex-mo’s can say “I still love you if you are still a Mormon”. That proves that just because we left the church doesn’t mean that we are on the dark side! We actually have the truth and wish they could open their eyes and look at their beliefs open minded. Good for you!!!! Most of them won’t and will defend their religion to the fullest. That is exactly what I did when I was a member. Once I left I had a completely different outlook. They will never know until they view it from the outside looking in. I am an ex-mo of 21 years and I am so grateful for my decision!
McKenzie I freaking love you! That takes so much courage to make this video. Although, I’m choosing to continue my belief in the church of Jesus Christ, I went through similar things right out of high school and it is a terrifying feeling to think/realize that everything you thought you knew was a lie. Like I said, I still choose to believe strongly in the church but I’m glad you are finding who you are and that you did it so respectfully! ❤️
Very touching and brave of you to share your thoughts honestly! If no one else told you they're proud of you, I am! I myself am an "ex Mormon" however, for a very different reason. My "Eternal Companion" filed for divorce many years ago and the Church has refused to disolve our Temple Sealing. I requested that my records be removed from their roster as well, all to no avail. The claim of a 16 million plus membership cannot be gainsaid when it's leadership will not afford simple, honest request (s) from it's "Flock"
Mike, the suits out in Utah don't care about the flock. That was one of the many things that I realized when I resigned back in 2016. Best decision ever.
Thank you for this. I’m going through a faith crisis of my own and this is the day after I made that decision and it’s really painful. Your video has helped me make it through the day so thank you. I hope you have a good day/night whenever you read this
Aw thank you for this comment! I have definitely been there! It warms my heart to no end to know this video did the exact thing I wanted it to, which is to comfort those going through the very hard process of leaving. Lots of love to you ❤️
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." - James 4:14
My husband and I both came from an extremely fundamentalist Christian sect, so many of your experiences ring true for both of us. So many of these experiences are universal for anyone coming out of an extremely religious or cult-like atmosphere. What we found very helpful was researching Religious Trauma Syndrome. Cannot recommend enough. Good luck on your journey. Love and blessings from Canada.
This is a really interesting video! I've never been religious so hearing people's perspectives on religion is always fascinating to me. Thank you for being so open and I hope you're doing well
You were neck deep, not knee deep. I am trying to help some locals from the Mormon church, it's real hard, they are very vulnerable at present, and I am a rough type with very different values. My values are as follows, be truthful and honest, and try very hard to not kill anyone, as outlined by George Carlin. Don't feel bad, the Catholic Church is just as devious, actually, all churches have their flaws, I went my own way, it's much better now.
You have more courage than I. I am probably 3 times as you but am embarrassed to say that I have not yet told people that I have been an athirst for almost 20 years now. Thanks for sharing.
