Deseret News | Current focus concentrates on retaining LDS members

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New Harmony: Current focus concentrates on retaining LDS members

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BEA | 11:24 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

ALL WE NEED TO KNOW IS THE PROMISE THAT THE BOOK OF MORMON TELLS US. PRAY IF IT IS TRUE? IF YOU GOT THE RIGHT ANSWER YOU WILL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE THE CHURCH.
RIGHT OR WRONG I'VE BEEN PUTTING UP WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE FOR 80 YEARS. THINK WHAT HEAVENLY FATHER PUTS UP WITH.
AT LEAST I HAVE PEACE OF MIND.

Remember | 11:26 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I recently went through a "dip" in spirituality after being on a "high." I was asking lots of questions and frankly, doing TOO MUCH internet research. I found life to be fine, but my relationship with God lacking.

Things began happening in my life like sitting in Sacrament Meeting and having an outpouring of the Spirit. Then I began to remember many outpourings of the Spirit I had. I remembered sacred experiences. I found myself revived. Not once did I talk to a Bishop or Home Teacher, only to my wife. No one talked me out of my dip. The Spirit did. The Lord reached out.

No matter what your experiences have been, I can testify I am led by no man. My relationship with God kept me within the fold as he brought wonderful and powerful experiences to my memory as I tried to live His commandments. I urge you to remember and not intellectualize yourself away from the Father.

Town Heathan | 11:33 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I have to agree with Jason!!!

To WOW, FDG and Ron in OC....

Members like you is the reason that Pres. Monson has to make it a point to go after those left in the wayside.

Your pompous, self-rightious attitude does more to chase people away from the church than it does to bring more people to the church.

Go look in a mirror...SERIOUSLY!!! Go look in a mirror and ask yourself if Either Gordon B. Hinkley or Thomas Monson would say what you said? If you think they would, then you are seriously deluded!!!

Open dialoge helps heal the wounds of those who have been wounded. Open dialoge helps to educate the uneducated. Open dialoge is what Democrocies are made of and what seperates us from Dictatorships. Open dialoge is what you are afraid of... You need to ask yourself...why am I afraid of what someone says about my church? Is it I am afraid it might be true and my whole sense of values may be wrong? Lash out to those who profess to believe differently than you. You aid and abet those of us who are seeking healing from the wounds of Mormonism.

Comments continue below

Hatuletoh | 11:31 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Do not forget the parable of the prodigal son.

jpb | 11:34 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

CaReader - it sounds like your testimony was built on a house of cards, not unlike sand. All of the rhetoric above is about "culture" or "history." Testimony of truth (regardless of your faith) stems from your relationship with God. Individual members (even local leaders) should never be the reason you leave. There are plenty of historical stories that are unsettling, but as I recall the Old Testament and New Testament is not a Calvin and Hobbs story book. There are plenty of rocky roads and errors, yes errors, but people we call prophets and apostles in those same books that many religions ascribe to. Even Lehi faltered and needed bolstering from Nephi.

This was a nice article and an important focus. We don't pity those who have left, we simply believe there is something we want them to have. They may disagree and that is okay, but our intent is pure.

Why do these comment sections always turn into the same back and forth?

Hmmm... | 11:37 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

First, to Happy Member, might I recommend you contact the Stake Presidency or even your local missionaries. They will see to it that your friend receives the needed help. If they don't, I'll post my info and you can call me. I learned early on in my mission, nobody is not entitled to a blessing when needed.

Moving on, I just have to say like many have already, we really do need to work harder as members. Too many of us (myself included) forget the many times Pres. Hinckley asked us to be better neighbors, better friends, and just be the best we can. To those that leave, though sometimes hidden, there are many open arms in the Church that would love to help you in anyway we can.

It's Simple | 11:39 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

With most of the comments made today, it's amazing how complicated they make things out to be. Who cares that you're a 6th-generation Mormon, served a mission, married in the temple, served in church callings, a relative to a general authority, discovered the truth about LDS history, blah, blah, blah. Nothing shocks most If you want to leave the church, fine... goodbye. It's not for everyone and this is a free country. If you made the choice to not believe, that's great for you and/or your family. It's all about everyone's individual choice. Sure there's moronic LDS people out there who can't be stopped, but I believe the times are changing and LDS are becoming more compassionate and community supportive that we've been in the past. I'm active LDS and I want to be left alone too. The only way to get offended is to let yourself be.

Oh, and after you've gone "less active" or "left the church", the best way to stop missionaries or over-zealous hometeachers from bothering you is to have your name removed from church records, and ask that you have "No Contact" written down for the area you live in. See ya around!

Formerly Active | 11:41 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Six months ago, I was released as the 1st counselor in the Bishopric after serving faithfully for six years. As a bishopric, we always made it a point to seek out and serve those considered to be on the "margin" of the church. Now, due to some family crises and the subsequent loss of a son, I find my family and me to be on the margin because of our "out of the norm" experience. Since that time, our east Sandy ward and stake have provided no home or visiting teachers, zero contact and not even a single acknowledgment of our pain at losing a child. Living on the margins of Mormonism can be very painful to experience. If only we could all love our neighbors instead of limitng it to the "chosen few". What a glorious experience it would have been to have even one ward member embrace us and express heartfelt sympathy. The behavior of my ward and stake was not Christlike.

Jimmy | 11:42 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The primary reason that I am no longer an active member of the LDS church is because I get tired of seeing members of my ward bash an inactive or nonmember for doing the same things that I have seen these same people do. I've mentioned this to local church leadership before to hear "how bad can it really be" Trust me it is BAD!

Stick & Stones | 11:49 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I am inactive.
I donï¿½t care what members think of me or how they judge me. I quit worrying about that ignorant stuff along time ago. When I left I left the gossip, the haughty and holier than thou people behind me.
Please LDS church doesnï¿½t worry about me. I donï¿½t need the pressure that comes with being a member of a stuffy non-spiritual religion. I am very happy and I am as well a very moral and good person, and Iï¿½m genuine to all others. I am an 8th generation Mormon. However, I broke out of the suffocating shell I once lived in. Now I can breathe and I am not depressed any longer.

LDS | 11:46 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I was active for many years and raised my children in the church, they have all grown up and moved away and all of them now have animosity towards the church and mormons. I am a jack mormon now and i do not wish to totally leave the church because my mormon family roots and culture goes back to the beginning of the church and i love my mormon family and friends. But the church is so full of malarkey and magical nonsense and twisted history that it is impossible for self thinking or intelectual people to take it serious. For many years I tried to defend it, but it is ridiculous to defend some of the obvious falsehoods in the church. It is like trying to defend Santa Claus. He is a wonderful guy, but......The church needs to let the light of day in and free the members of ignorant slavery.

Michael De Groote | 11:52 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

An old friend of mine in Arizona, the late Daryl Andersen, had a scripture he loved to quote:

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Prov. 15:1

As difficult as this is, this is how best to respond to anger and hurt feelings--even if the other person's feelings and anger are unjustified. We need less "reproving betimes with sharpness" and more "increase of love ... lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.ï¿½

By the way, from what he has said in previous columns, I think Jerry is an expert on this topic. I'd like to echo his "Don't give up!" sentiments. If some of the people who are less active only knew just how much they are needed, perhaps they would give it another shot. (We really do need you!)

If you are still not so sure about venturing back, perhaps this quote from another friend of mine might lighten the load:

"You should always go to Church ... because there is always going to be somebody there who hates being there as much as you do." ;-)

Re:Already made up your mind | 11:52 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Your right to the extent that you say that LDS Church leaders are human and they do make mistakes. However, when the church claims to be the one and only true church and its leaders speak for God, then things can get sticky. Church prophets claim that what they say is the word of God, so when Brigham talks about men living on the moon, it makes people think something is not quite right here. The one thing I would like to see happen with the church, is that the leadership comes out and says we are a church like any other church nothing more nothing less. However, when you claim to be the one and only, then you have to be willing to be scrutinized. I believe whats happening now is that people are realizing that the wool has been pulled over their eyes...but no more. Good for them

live and let live | 11:47 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I think lots of us need to grow up. Jesus said be one or the other but not luke warm. If you don't want us church people bugging you politely ask to be left alone and go on your way and lets be friends after all Jesus said that we should take care of each other no matter our status. Is not that what the parable of the "Good Samaritan" was all about?

For those of you that are bitter grow up and quite blaming the church any church for that matter, the bad leader that hurt your feelings, the insensitive member, for your bitterness. Jesus also counseled us to forgive and move on.

What we need is mutual respect and friendship based on charity towards each other no matter who we are or what church we belong to. The second great commandment after all was "Love your neighbor as yourself"! Jesus said!

Imperfect but trying | 11:57 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Retention really strikes a chord with me. My heart goes out to all those who really need someone to be there for them, to help them. It is a good message for the whole world. We really are all in this life together, in order to help one another.

Unfortunately, oftentimes it proves difficult for us to put others needs above our own. Both those wanting retention efforts on their behalf and those who they want retention efforts to come from, suffer from the same problem; we are too focused on ourselves and our own challenges.

I know, personally, I often miss opportunities, to be there for others. I can't seem to perceive what they need, and how I can help, while I am caught up in what it is I need, and how I need help. Many times the help I need from another person in this life, just does not come, and that is not exclusive to any religion, but rather a reality of the human race.

Only when I started living my LDS religion to become for others what I hoped they could be for me, did I gain what I desired from them--Christlike love.

Our Ward | 11:51 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

A bunch of back stabers and people that false testify about things they know not
Bearing false witness is a 10 Commandment
The Book of Mormon does not reveal this
Throw the Book of Mormon away

Shiz | 11:58 a.m. Feb. 14, 2008

God is just the man behind the curtain, and Joseph Smith, no more than the mayor of Oz.

6 generation LDS | 12:03 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I guess according to SENIOR 10:40am-- and others on here. We in-actives members have no right to read these blogs. However, we live in Utah as well. If that is ok with you wonderful LDS folks of Utah?

Michael-New Zealand | 12:12 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter day Saints is a church of God and Jesus Christ on this human ran earth and to forward the movement of Gods Plan Christian Ethics. Every member can and will make mistakes as I do and you do. Just move on and pray and move forward with your goodness and choose to be as active as you need to for your Christian growth. Tell others to back off when you need space and worship at your ward in your way. Do not be pressured to overload yourself or family members. If I disagree with something I say so and love those that are hyper and on a high but do not let them run my life. If you studied the history of every past holy man or women in the Bible etc. You would think oh they were human too!!!!! Joseph Smith could have been perfect but would that helped those who do not want to belive? No! that goes for you and me at times!!! Love to all and see ya in the Spirit World one way or another!!

pete | 12:23 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Keep the faith. Those that go to church and get offended by somebody there is going to church for the wrong reasons. I would just hate to stand before my maker and have him ask, why you left the only true church, and say that somebody offended me. I think we all, including myself need to be more open and communicate our feelings. If somebody offended us, we need to tell them, they can't read minds. I think everybody that falls away obviously had a testimony, and still does, even though they won't admit it. You can't ignore feelings like that.

Concerns | 12:18 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

One reason I am hampered in my Church activity and belief is the bizarre aspects of Church History and conduct of early leaders like Joseph Smith & Brigham Young. For instance, Joseph Smith married at least 11 women already married to other men (google: Zina Huntington, "In Sacred Lonliness"). Most of these men were active LDS, most did not know what was going on when this happened. At least one woman (Sylvia Session) had a child by Joseph Smith while still married to her original husband. How can this be acceptable?? If affects my faith & ability to believe anything Joseph Smith said or did. I've tried to get answers but none are forthcoming. I cannot believe and continue to pay tithing until I get a real, honest explanation. I want to believe--really but I cannot. This, by the way isn't the only thing (google: blood atonement, Brigham Young slavery, LDS Church financial records & disclosure, etc.). There needs to be honesty and openness from the Church (no more "lying for the Lord"), people can accept the fact that Joseph & Brigham had serious flaws but not dishonesty from the Church about these things. That's my reason for inactivity.

BornAgainMormon | 12:27 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

From many of the comments I've seen in here it appears that many people who claim to be inactive did so because of what other people did to them, around them, or to someone they know. The church isn't based on men. It isn't based on something as unreliable as a human being. I had the same opinion once upon a time. My grandmother died and no one from the ward came out to see how my family was, check on us, nothing. It took me years to realize it wasn't about the members' actions. It was about my conviction to lead a good life, a christ-centered life, and do my best. If every inactive member would realize this, and not get so offended by the actions of a few people, imagine what could be accomplished. Sometimes the answer isn't going to local leadership and complaining how the rest of the members are ignoring this person; sometimes the answer is going to an inactive member and just being their friend, helping, talking to them. Simple, unadulterated humanity and kindness. I'm now an active member of the LDS church, but I go and worship because I'm doing it for me.

LDS | 12:32 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Be wise!

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 12:36 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

There are people in our wards and stakes who fall down on their jobs as home teachers, bishops, etc. But I have had my own shortcomings. Some people in my ward are short-sighted in not reaching out to people outside their own established clique of friends, but I am sure I have my own blind spots. Church history is replete with the personal failings of apostles and bishops. But if I were in their place, I would have my own shortcomings. People who back out of the LDS Church because of the human failings of others deserve to be reached out to, but they also need to be reminded that forgiving others is part of the covenant of mutual support we make when we are baptized.

To those who claim they are more enlightened and educated than those of us who are still in the Church: I haven't read anything written by such people that is not outclassed by the scholarship of people who are faithful LDS. The Book of Mormon was always meant to be a litmus test that finds people who are willing to have faith in God and ask for revelation. It judges us, not the reverse.

dont be such a baby | 12:36 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

you worry to much about the PEOPLE of the church you get offended by the people the bishops the wards. yes, i do not like my ward or the people in it. but that does not discourage me from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church is perfect, the members are not and we need to realize that. i have NEVER had a ward that has been truly home, but who cares....

Jorge Solano | 12:37 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

We all go through hard times. I became inactive for some time. My children along with other members helped me to realize I was wrong.
Let's accept our own weaknesses and invite the Lord to be our guide. Life is nice and good and great things lie ahead.

Dan | 12:38 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Gossipping, backbiting, hypocrisy, etc, etc. is not a Mormon problem. It is a "HUMAN" problem! Unfortunately, ALL humans are fallible. If you haven't learned this yet, you still have a long ways to go.

Re: Imperfect but trying | 12:47 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

It sounds to me like you are wallowing in self pitty. People that leave the church don't typically need anyones pitty. I know for me it has been a difficult experience. The reason is that my wifes family has been judgemental about why I am leaving their faith. I believe most people that leave aren't worried about what eternity will look like for them, they are more worried about how they will be treated by their Mormon friends and family. I know for me I have debated getting my name removed from the records, however I don't know how my family will be treated. It doesn't bother me when Mormons testify to me I just thank them for their opinion and I wish them well. Love is the most powerful thing in the universe. My wife has made major changes in her thoughts, feelings and life in regards to the LDS faith and alot of this has to do with me loving her and respecting her choices.

good job pete | 12:55 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

just keep on hearing what you want to hear. Nine out of ten people on this blog left the church because IT ISN'T TRUE! Very few people left because they got their feelings hurt. For people who leave it's not "a falling away" it's a celabration. Is that the reason you stay in the church because you would hate for God to ask you "why did you leave the only true church?" It sounds to me like you might living your life in fear. Do you believe that God wants you to be part of an organization that teaches you to be a member out of fear?

For Me.. | 12:51 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I haven't gone back to church, mainly because of the way I have been treated by the ward members. As a homosexual, I wanted to try to strengthen my spiritual side to see if that would help me overcome my feelings. Instead I was ignored by the members, have never had a regular Home teacher, nothing. Then I read what "good and upstanding" members write on these blogs and it makes me wonder if I can ever go back. When your lost and looking for the true path it doesn't help when you are constantly being assaulted. Jesus would and does walk with me as I struggle to find my way, but a few local ward memebers would be nice company too. Or is it all just a lot of lip service?

"They draw near me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.." Truer words were never spoken.

Please... | 12:53 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Everyone seems to be so eager to post their Mormon pedigree and credentials followed by their declaration of happiness after leaving the church, as if it gives them some sort of credibility. Guess what, I was born into a less active LDS family. My grandfather was an abusive hypocrit, my father was an abusive hypocrite, I was rejected by my LDS peers through my teenage years, I was at one point berated and rejected by a poor bishop, stake president, and lousy mission president. I was a raging addict for the majority of my life. I've seen the hypocrisy and stupidity of some in the church. However, I've also seen what the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the church can do to change and improve lives. I stuck with it, not because my geneology told me to, but because I had faith to make it work. It did. I have seven years of sobriety, a stable job, marriage, and the opportunity to bless the lives of those I serve. Some of you were never converted and I'm glad you finally scraped up the courage to end your personal charade. For the rest, press-on and have faith.

JerseyJohnny | 12:56 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Witth the Mormons, it's always about "the church". It's never about Jesus Christ. They want to be accepted by us Christians as being fellow Christians, yet their religion is about their church, not Christ. When someone leaves my Church for another Christian Church, we don't call to them to come back as if their eternal life depends on it, because we realize there are other truly Christian Churches. We worship Christ and whatever is to His glory is fine; it doesn't have to be our particular church. There are many churches of many denominations which make up the Universal, True Church. All of them focus on Christ. But this is where the Mormons will always be outside of Christianity. Against free thought and against all outsiders, they wish to remain insular so they can retain their control on people. It's really no wonder they are having problems keeping people in their religion.

AJ | 12:57 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I converted to the LDS church years ago, and I raised my children in the Church, but I left as did all of my children but one. We found that unless you were connected to the "important people" in the ward and stake, you were often left out of social connections. You were valued by "position held in the church" or your "LDS heritage." Also, the missionaries who taught me only taught me "safe stuff," but once I got into the Church I learned things that disturbed me very much. I once challenge the temple ceremony and was told to stop, yet now what I challenged has been removed from the ceremony. Obviously, I was not alone in my challenges. I think that I am typical of many converts who eventually left.

Senior | 1:00 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

As so often happens with the hyper-sensitive, 6 generation LDS has taken my comment to an illogical extreme. Of course you have a right to be here. My comment never indicated you don't have that right. I simply asked why you're here, reading these stories and commenting on them, if you no longer want to be affiliated with the LDS Church. It just doesn't make sense to me. Years ago I signed on with Amway. It didn't work for me, and so eventually I left it and never looked back. I was at peace with my decision. But I never go to the Amway Web site to read the testimonials that are probably there, nor do I look for Amway message boards to voice my displeasure and tell the people who like Amway that they are sheep or dellusional. I just leave it alone. I don't go there. I'm truly not interested. And I guess I just don't understand why, if you are truly at peace with your decision to leave the church, you keep hanging out here, waving your Mormon heritage and proclaiming your idependence. If reading the words here disturb you, why do you do it?

Please again... | 1:06 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Also, I would like to add. If you have the energy to come here to complain about being contacted by the church, then you have the energy to write church headquarters to have your records removed. It's really that simple.

Wow Raymond | 1:03 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

For me my enlightenment began when I took an honest look at what the church was teaching and how that worked in my life. The rules and regulations did't work for me anymore. In my opinion, organized religion has done more to harm society than help it (the dividing of humanity, wars, superiority complexes etc.) The church served its purpose for me and now it doesn't.

Clean Cut (with a Coke) | 1:24 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I think we can all just step back, take a deep breath, and remember what President Hinckley said: "The true gospel of Jesus Christ never led to bigotry. It never led to self-righteousness. It never led to arrogance. The true gospel of Jesus Christ leads to brotherhood, to friendship, to appreciation of others, to respect and kindness and love."

This surely applies to ALL people: Mormon, Ex-Mormon, Not Mormon, or nothing at all. God loves all his children. We share what we believe in love, but never ought we to judge others, or be so quick to take offense. Especially when we all "walk imperfectly." ("Lord I would follow thee" is one of my favorite hymns.)

Tia | 1:25 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I did have my name removed, almost a year ago. Now they somehow have my cell phone number and have called me twice in the last few days to try to let missionaries come over.

Doesn't always work.

Joe Mama | 1:28 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Their are two LDS churches - the one in Utah, and the one outside of Utah. And, I hate to tell you Utahns, that Utah is not Zion and the church functions a heck of a lot better outside of Utah than it does inside Utah.

I grew up in Utah, and five years ago I moved away, and to my surprise the ward I moved into is by far the best ward I have ever had the privilege of attending. People come to church each Sunday because they have a sincere desire to learn about Christ and to strengthen their testimonies - NOT to catch up on the latest gossip. And people are genuinely happy to see others when they attend.

Whenever I visit Utah, invariably I get the "welcome back to Zion" comment within minutes of attending my parent's ward. The smug, arrogant attitude of the "Utah Mormons" makes me want to puke, and it is that attitude that drives people away. You're no better than anyone else, and you're certainly no more righteous than the person next door.

I love being a non-Utah Mormon.

re: good job pete | 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Have we met before, because you really don't know who I am. I wouldn't even call it fear. I call it, the right thing to do. If a person knows what the right thing is, he does it, that is a simple principle. How can I be fearful of a loving Father in Heaven. Come now. And guess what, he loves you and everybody else who falls away. He is our Father. Don't put ideas and words into peoples blogs, it isn't very good people skills.

Try Kindness | 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

(1) I am an active member, and I have often heard gossip about other members that was absolutely not true. I donï¿½t know why some members like to hurt others. I assume it is jealousy.

We once had a very beautiful lady in our Ward. There were sisters in our ward who were extremely jealous of this particular gal and a few of the ward sisters would say mean and evil things about her, because she likes wearing make-up and wore her hair perfect all the time. They would say she looked like a harlot. The gossip finely got back to her and she left the church. I remember she was a truly a spiritual lady, but couldnï¿½t handle the lies and gossip made up about her. She has since joined the Catholic Church. From knowing this lady as I have, it always seemed to me that she was in search and looking for spiritual things.

Try Kindness | 1:37 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

(2) I suppose in her own way, she has finely found it elsewhere in her new faith. She is however still my friend and I try to stay in contact with her. I hope someday she will return to the LDS way of life. That is if my friend can ever gets over the hurt she sustained as a member of the LDS church.

Let all try as members to practice honesty and kindness towards others. Lies will not get us to the higher kingdom.

ALWAYS REMEMBERï¿½WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.

Both ways are good. | 1:35 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

If the church and the lifestyle work for you, excellent. And I say that sincerely. They are not for me, though I still consider myself a Mormon and always will. My main problems are with black people being unworthy of the priesthood until 1978, and then suddenly changing to worthy. Don't understand it. I don't know how there's any way to explain such discrimination. The other is with being called shallow and selfish for choosing to wait until age 32 to get married, and then only having one baby. Not everyone fits into the prescribed mold, and there are those who are actively hard on the misfits. Anyway, to those who live it, I wish you well. To those who don't, I also wish you well. Make peace with your choices and be happy.

LDS in Texas | 1:48 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

"Those who choose to leave [the Church] may still be our friends and neighbors. They may still be reasonable, kind, loving people with differences that we can accept. I hope we can have some degree of mutual respect and less nastiness."
This comes from "Cutting a Little Slack for Ex-Mormons" by Mormanity--a "must-read" blog entry for many participating in this discussion.

Anonymous | 1:53 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

These surely must be the last days.

Mormon Emeritus | 1:55 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

All of this is so subjective. Reference for "older" members - my age. Annie Hall, the last scenes. "Because we needed the eggs." That's why it works, that's why it doesn't work.

If it works for you, god - he, she, it - bless you. For those of us for whom it doesn't work - we need to find our own path. It is hard. We become hardened to the spiritual by being repelled by the religious. It is our challenge. I remember a quote from Sunstone long ago - when I paid attention to such things: "Social convention masquerading as divine will."

Many good comments on both sides. I guess I would just say we all need to make room for each other. If pushed, I would have my membership expunged. But if not pushed, I look at it as being Irish or Iranian or Latino - you could have the paperwork changed, but would it change me? Being raised Mormon is part of who I am. I don't hide from it. Perhaps someday I can embrace it.

Meantime, may god - he, she, it - bless us all.

Spanky | 1:59 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

It's been my experience that most of the people I know who have left the LDS church have done so not because of being offended, they've done so because they've come to the belief that the LDS church isn't true. Personally, I came to believe that if there is a God, who created everything, then that God does not live by the rules of man, and is so far above us that he doesn't care whether we believe or not, or go to church or not. It wouldn't be a concern to an all knowing creator. Those are the concerns of man, not God, and have been used by all religions since the beginning of history as a threat to keep people in line. I've come to believe that a creator would be more likely to be concerned about how we treat each other and other living things on the planet, which he also created. In other words, God isn't concerned about religion.

Latter Days | 2:01 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

This is all simply a sign of the times. Hasn't it been prophesized for thousands of years that in the Latter Days, when things get tough, the weak will fall away? The strong will remain faithful, no matter what.

The most intelligent posting of all on this article was by Richard at 10:13am. Too often missonaries "convert" and baptize people who just aren't ready.

Anonymous | 2:08 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

pete | 12:23 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008
Keep the faith. Those that go to church and get offended by somebody there is going to church for the wrong reasons. I would just hate to stand before my maker and have him ask, why you left the only true church, and say that somebody offended me.......I believe these were some of your comments. My point is that people aren't leaving the church because they are offended, there leaving because they feel it isn't true. You asked me if I know you? I don't believe so, but I know alot of people just like you. People who use words like "testimony" in order to prove that their church is the one and only. You can believe that your way is the right way, but that doesn't mean that it is. It is only the right way for you. When you only hear what you want to hear because you are seeing the world through Mormon colored glasses, than you are only seeing one part of this human experience. I know this to be true because I used to wear those same glasses and speak about a testimony.

Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Those are good words Spanky.
Trouble is, "... but Joseph Smith said ..." is used automatically in everything anybody says.

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