Man, that second story hit me hard. So sorry; hang in there friend. The irony of "we are free to choose" and "age of accountability is 8" and yet "you are not an adult until you're married and raising children" will never stop astounding me.
I am a Transgender Woman I haven’t started transitioning yet because well I live in Utah. I don’t necessarily like it here but I love the scenery but the point is that I am just a 17 year old girl trying to get through High school I have friends that support me but it was not like that last year. When I came out to the church they told me that I was meant to be born as a guy and that invalidated my feelings my bishop told me this. I got really mad at the church after this I never ever want to go back because it was not the life that I wanted I just wanted to be myself and be happy when I was in the church I was pretty extra being a Mormon now I see another perspective of people getting hurt by the church that’s not the world I want to live in I want world where everyone was respectful and Kind. I found your videos 6th months ago and helps me cope with what is happening with me at the moment thank you for uploading these videos for everyone and including me feel like they are not alone!🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🌈❤️
I live in Utah and have a sister who transitioned years ago. She was even working for a very "Mormon" company when she did it and they were surprisingly helpful when she made the change. Your biggest hurdle will be finding doctors and therapists who are friendly and knowledgeable. It has gotten easier, though. U of U Healthcare even has a Transgender Health department. Get information, get help, and be happy!
My aunts shamed me at my mother's funeral because I was crying and saying goodbye and they said if I was still a believer that I wouldn't be sad, I'd be happy. The plus side of mom's passing: I don't have to ever deal with those aunts again! Lol
I’m in the study process of your videos. Thanks so much…. 46 years in the church ….. I’m really choked too. But I’m going to recover from it!!!! Thanks!!!!
I worked at BYU-I for three years and saw so many students just like one of the stories you read. We lost students to suicide every year I worked there. I lost my faith while working there and went to my bishop for help. He contacted the stake president and I was told to quit or they would notify the college and they would fire me. I left….
I’m a 21 yr old woman still living at home unfortunately. I’ve been forced in the church ever since I was born but I’ve never believed in it. I’ve never believed in God. Just a few months ago I finally told my parents about what I believe bc I just couldn’t fake it anymore. Their response to my beliefs and my story I told to them? I still have to pray with them, I still have to go to church with them and I still have to read Come Follow Me even though I’m 21 and had a calm respectful convo with them about how I don’t believe. I’m not a bad person, I am a hard worker and have a job yet they don’t care about me, they just care about the church. I don’t know what else to do
I'm soooooo sorry. My experience growing up Mormon is that it is extremely infantilizing and disregarding of any notion of consent. It's super f**ked up. So sorry. :(
Know your not alone! I grew up in a non-Mormon, but fundamentalist Christian household. By the time I was 21, my parents already knew for years that I wasn't a believer anymore. They just ignored it and expected me to go to church with them. Now I'm 26 and not going to church anymore, but I still struggle with mental health issues. My heart goes out to you and I hope you'll find a way out someday. Stay strong! Lots of love from the Netherlands❤
I grew up Catholic and am glad I found my way out. Growing up in Mesa AZ I had many many Mormon friends and knew a lot about Mormons because I'd them. I even participated in a harvest festival where a bunch of wards came together at our HS and each performed a dance. The things you do when dating a Mormon LOL. Your Channel has helped me relate to other existing religion bit also tought me so so much about the pressures my friends were experiencing in HS. Thank you for sharing your and these stories.
I'm leaving my comment of support. I have 4 grandchildren who have attended BYUI, THREE have left the church one is going through hell because of their family. I'm 75 transgender mtf person who was extremely active in the church from ward mission leader to high priest group leader to temple worker. It's not easy but I've loved my real life even through the hard times and really great times. There are many people who are willing to help and support you. Don't give up on your self
I agree with the comments about parents doing the best they can with what they have. I think when we become parents, we can empathize more. We realize parenting is hard and we often worry we are doing it wrong. We always want our kids to have a better childhood than we had. ( Our parents included) I hope everyone can recover from religious trauma, and hopefully mend relationships. However, realize if your parents continue to traumatize/ victimize, or decide that the damage is justified in the name of God, it's okay to cut those people out. Do what you need to do for your own mental health. Big hugs to those who've shared their stories. I love hearing them.
So much LOVE for each of you -- it takes so much strength and time to become who you really are when doing so goes against the grain. I hope that even in the darkest, most difficult moments you remember to see that in yourself, feel pride for what you've endured and accomplished so far, and know that countless people have your back.
Thank you for such a wonderful video! I also was mentally out of the church at 14, and I know how scary and helpless that can feel. (Also awesome shirt, I'm going to see Ghost in concert next week and I can't wait! 😊)
Yep. My mom cares more about Fox News than her own kids and I told her on labor day. I'm done talking with my parents for a long time. My mom doesn't have the excuse anymore of just doing what she thinks she needs to do because I'm 34. She flat out just won't listen to anything I have to say and will literally stick her fingers in her ears and walk away. I'm not kidding she is that childish that she will actually stick her fingers in her ears and walk away.
I stopped talking to my mom three years ago and it’s been pure bliss. She isn’t even LDS. She is just immature and narcissistic. It’s very freeing to step away from your parents as an adult
Also 14 here! Happy to hear there are others my age who were able to actually make a choice and leave. If there's anything I've learned over the last 2 years, it's that the ones like me who can't leave HAVE to fake it till you make it. It is challenging at first, (mental struggles are always there regardless) but it's gotten easier with time as i live with it. It'll make the remaining 3 or so years worth it when it's finally over and i can leave. Thank you for your videos, btw!! Helped me feel less alone over the last year and a half.
I'm very grateful for the power of these stories. I'm glad Lexi created this channel and dedicates the time to make these videos. Thank you, this community, for being supportive and real.
The last funeral I went to was for this woman who was basically a second mother to me (she was my best friend's mother, and I spent half my childhood at their house). We held the viewing/farewell speeches at the church, so members gave the speeches. The second one pissed me off so much I almost screamed in the middle of the chapel. The guy gets up to the podium and, in his best car salesman voice, says 200 years ago a man wrote a book saying that you don't need to have faith (obvious reference to Darwin). He then went on to say that he prayed to have the departed guide him in writing his speech, so that what we were listening to him say is as close as you can get to a person writing their own eulogy after death. His entire speech was about having "Big Faith", and he sounded like a car salesman the entire time as he used her memory to promote the church.
Please keep them coming!! I love this. I love you. I love every person that shared their stories. I love everyone who is unable to, including myself. Thank you for being yourself and being a great example of the endless possibilities available to us if we can too be true to ourselves.
I grew up in the church. Both my parents are TBM and my Dad was in the bishopric for a good portion of my childhood and he's still the second counselor. Growing up, I was a model mormon girl, I loved the gospel. I had a testimony. I have always seen the sexism within the church. I remember when I was four (one of my earliest memories) I saw my first baby blessing. I noticed there were no women going which meant that the mom didn't bless the baby. I didn't think that was fair and I asked my Dad about it. He explained the priesthood and how in the one and only true church, the women didn't have it. I didn't think that was fair either. I remember wrestling with this topic through my whole life. In middle school, throwing myself into the mormon woman ideology to see if I could make it make sense. Spending hours awake in bed trying to imagine a traditional household whose power was split evenly between the spouses. I realized that equal power in the home wasn't possible because of financial dependency. In high-school I was introduced to witchcraft. I shunned it as much as I could, but I had friends who had been practicing witchcraft their whole life and were just as convinced in their religion as I was in mine. My grandpa was trying to educate me on Islam. He is not Muslim, but he is a Trump supporter so I didn't trust him on the topic. And I read the quoran on my own. I noticed that at least the beginning of the quoran was the old testament. These events meant that other religions had the lds "holy ghost" and scripture. Next to go was learning about Egyptian funeral rights in school. I studied the pictures from the book of the dead in my textbook and saw that they were very similar to the ones in my book of Moses. I learned about the pillaging of Egypt in the Victorian times how mummy salesmen were untrustworthy and I learned how the book of Moses was translated. I read the silmarilian and noticed a lot of parallels from the first age of middle earth that seemed a lot like what we believed. I realized that if my scriptures could be so easily used as high fantasy fiction, there was a problem. Women are treated unfairly in the church. The holy ghost was not unique to our church. The scriptures were not unique to our church and I could not trust the scripture that was. Then I went to college. I went to BYUI and I still felt like I had a pretty strong faith. I exclusively listened to church music. And I made the goal to read through all the general conference talks on the lds website. This is where things started getting bad. I was faced with the brutal reality of mormon culture and the struggle of living on my own. I was listening to these talks back track on each other and them lie and gaslight about it almost as if God was being constantly misinterpreted by the prophets he hand picked. I took a mission prep class about why people might not want to join the church and the rebuttals they had for "changing the book of mormon, nonconsensual polygamy, blatant racism in not allowing black people to have the priesthood and sealing black people to prophets as slaves in the eternities, and the current treatment of people who were gay" were not satisfactory. I could not see these standard rebuttals being satisfactory for any investigator and they were good reasons for not joining. Covid happened and I traveled home. I realized I was not the same person that left and it only more obvious to my family. My faith crisis got worse when I researched the BITE model and the tension in my home got bad enough that I ended up leaving early to go back to school. Now I'm back at BYUI and I have to pretend to love a religion that tore my family from me.
continue to seek truth -- but be prepared to define and understand what truth is ... It is NOT (or rarely is) a "warm fuzzy feeling" ; understand the difference between religion and faith; everyone has faith (believes) in something; religions are other people telling you what to believe. Avoid religions, but embrace faith in what you believe to be true. Do your own research -- do not be afraid to go beyond the prison walls of moronism.
I spent a week in Provo and it was the longest month of my life. I was visiting a Mormon friend from high school and she was kind of only “regular” Mormon in high school but one semester at BYU and I found her to have completely changed. She was a total stepford girl. The whole city had a cult vibe. It was very sad and creepy. As long as Scientology exists, at least you don’t have the craziest religion though.
I am sure it is extremely difficult to leave something that has been part of you for your whole life. My hat is off to these young people for taking that first step
I quit at 14, I am now 49. I wish I had these channels to access back then. I’m happy you have so many resources! ❤ I’m really happy so many are coming out of religion 💯😻 Thank you for sharing your story!
What an awesome video! I am struck by how eloquent both stories were! I am so glad that younger members are seeing the church for what it is. Side note: Lexi, your look for this video was incredible! I especially loved your hair! I wish I could make mine look so good! 😅🤩😍
in your heart and mind you've already left -- I pray you can find true faith in the one true God (NOT "the church") who really does love you -- regardless of any "church" :-)
Going back to this video after a while. Hearing these stories about how they were the perfect mormon member and ya know going to church, reading scriptures, praying… knowing that no matter what is going on in your life there will always be that one constant that stays strong… I miss it. I miss that structure. That “knowing” feeling. It’s so sad how hard it traps you in there and makes you beleive it’s for the best. It doesn’t even let you see you’re trapped. It makes you beleive the people outside of the church are the ones who are really trapped and at fault. Sometimes I think about that a lot.
I am a 15 year old exmormon. I am genderfluid, bisexual, and pagan, working with aphrodite and trying to figure out what other deities are reaching out to me. My parents still think I am the perfect mormon girl, though. I've been figuring out what I believe this past year and a half, and am very comfortable and happy where I am now (if you ignore the anxiety associated with my family finding out), and you want to know what's funny? with my newfound sense of self as a lgbtq+ pagan still unknown to my family, they've told me countless times that I seem happier and I'm a better mental state. This past summer was one of the hardest of my life. Surrounded by nothing but molly mormons, and being constantly (but not directly) told that being queer is a sin, and my mormon friends who've I've come out to have given me the classic "I'm worried about you" talk, my mental health took a massive decline. I began a scary addiction to self harm, but apparently that's a sin too, according to my church leaders, which doesn't help at all. Essentially, I'm planning on never going to church again once I move out to go to collage, and you and exmormonmindy have really helped. I feel more comfortable in my skin, and my faith as a pagan and non-mormon friends are helping me to repair my mental health. I want to get married to a girl (cuz I have a preference for women) and legally change my name to my preferred name (it's valentine) once I finally move out and become free to be my own person. The last two years have been hard, what with figuring out what I believe and leaving the church mentally (cuz God forbid i do it right now), but I don't think I would trade it for anything. I am so much more comfortable, so much happier, and so much more condident. to every single exmormon that has helped me (whether through the internet or in person) figure out who i am, thank you, and I love you.
As A Pagan since young teenager.(started practicing about 12 questing since about 8 when I got baptized and felt NOTHING and asked if we had a God why don't we have a Goddess and got mixed answers but mostly just don't think about it) whos parents are still Mormon. I understand you. I went through the actions because it was expected but never felt anything and did the least I could get away with concerning the church. Girls camp was just a reason to get out in nature and I was the first to volunteer to do anything outside of what ever the main event was. collect fire wood, do dishes, clean the bathrooms I didn't care, because I was in nature and alone with my thoughts and with nature. They too said I was more happy but didn't realize it was because my new Gods and Goddesses where giving me Peace not their church. To help me through until I was allowed to stop going at about 18, I would try to mentally put everything they were saying as positive as is this something my Gods' would say? and to more research into my own faith giving me a strong well rounded knowledge of many different faiths. When they would sing about God's great I would think of Gods as in plural. and think of my Pagan Gods and Goddesses and sneak in singing Goddess when ever I could. It gets better. You are loved by the Old Ones. They want nothing of you but for you to acknowledge that they are there and they will support you and love you when others don't. The Pagan deities don't want you hurting yourself either. You are beautiful and worthy of love. I know every time I wanted to hurt myself I would write down everything that was hurting and making me overwhelmed and burn it releasing my pain to my Gods. and some times asking to justice how ever they see fit. that helped me. I hope You find your true happiness how ever that looks like for you. May the Gods Bless you as you continue to Bless yourself.
Your reply almost made me cry lol. For a while I stopped talking with aphrodite (feeling that guilt you know) and that was when my sh addiction kicked up. since reconnecting with her, and reaching out to a small handful of other deities i have been able to more or less stop. My faith is helping me heal and be happier, something the mormon God never did. Now whenever I go into the temple i protect myself against the genuinely nauseating anxiety i get (a sign, I think, that the temple is not a place for me), and the panic attacks I've had in temple grounds/thinking about it have gone down a ton. My journey is no where near finished, but things are starting to look up, and have been since I let go of "the one true God" . sick my ass mormons. I'm not fucking going back.
ayo, this is me a little bit later (different ACC.) and guess what bitchessss!! now a theistic satanist/pagan, mainly work with lucifer, aphrodite, hecate, baphomet, etc. I'm literally every mormon parentsworst nightmare lmao
It's not just ex-Mormons who find support online. Many of us are isolated from others who do not share our beliefs, or lack of them. Anonymous sharing can be very liberating and strengthening. Being true to yourself is the only way to mental survival.
I guess the best way a 14 year old can protest being in a church they don't like is to refuse to participate in that church. Your parents may force you to go to church, but you can tell your fellow parishioners that you aren't buying the propaganda. You can tell the Bishop if he tries to talk to you,that you want no priesthood ,you want no assignments and your sex life is none of his damn business.
There were plenty of reasons and stories about why I left the church. I'm a guy and I was forced to go to young women's. I felt betrayed when I couldn't go to camp with the cub scouts when I'd attend all their activities through my step dad who was a scout leader. I always had a hard time relating to any of the topics in activity days...but there were two main instances that really screwed me up. When I went to girls camp I always had a rough time bearing my testimony at the end. I didn't know how to phrase things or what to incorporate towards the gospel with my experiences. I would be tired and excited to go back home so I could do things I was more comfortable with. I had a rough year because I lost my great grandmother to old age and a few friends in car accidents. So after a sad testimony I finally mustered the courage and stood up to share my pain. It's a bit blurry trying to recount all of it... I started out my testimony with "I am not a stranger to pain". The whole camp started laughing at me before I could continue. I was so confused and shaken I started shaking uncontrollably. By the time I was done sharing my testimony everyone was still laughing till their ribs were sore. I did not get it and to this day I still can't. I confused the shaking and horrible feeling for the spirit because everyone said they would feel the spirit after or even during their testimonies. I didn't understand why the spirit made me feel so frightened and hurt. Later on when I was being forced to go to church as a condition to not being kicked out of the house it was getting close to the start of school. This was when my stepdad would give out back to school blessings. I was peer pressured into getting one so I sat down and took it. As I listened to what my stepdad was saying in the blessing I felt awful. He said things like "Your upcoming school year will be the hardest you have ever faced. You will be tempted by people who you will think are your friends to leave the church and go against the gospel. At your lowest moments you will know Christ loves you and come back and be accepted by your friends and family." (Not the actual things he said but around those lines) It hurt like HELL. From what I know those blessings are supposed to be reassuring and bring you comfort. All that did was instill fear and horror into me. Right after, I refused to hug my stepdad and he hugged me against my will and I had to lock myself in the bathroom too stunned to know what to do. I felt like it was more of a prophecy than a blessing. I refused to believe anything about that blessing. It was my final breaking point to stop participating in church activities.
I totally understand the fear of leaving the church when you're already halfway out the door, and you feel like everything is trying to keep you in. But it's so worth it to get out! You can do it!
That Mormon funeral thing is actually in the policy manual section 29.5.4: "The comfort offered by Jesus Christ because of His Atonement and Resurrection should be emphasized. Family members are not required to speak or otherwise participate in the service. Funerals are an opportunity to pay tribute to the deceased. However, such tributes should not dominate the service."
This young woman showed extraordinary courage and self awareness, especially at such a terrible age. I am thankful she has such intelligence and maturity and pray for the kids in her position who don’t.
Heartfelt stories. I can't imagine going through things from being point blank told, "No. The Temple is the most important thing in your life." or facing the challenge of credits not transferring anywhere, because it's a BYU school. :( I've been battling an infection lately, so hope no one minds, but one night while waiting to fall asleep, my brain went, "ExMormon madlibs?" So [person] [bad thing to Mormons] led me to [bad thing to Mormons] and [ultra trivial bad thing]. The two I wrote down that night were, "John Dehlin's p**n shoulders led me to the CES Letter and coffee." and "Exmo Lex's 'anti-Mormon videos' led me to Nuancehoe's TikTok and R-rated movies."
Wow, that 2nd story. That sounds like I could've written it myself...(aside from the gender aspect) While I can say that my life has improved having left the church, I can't deny that it's difficult not having the same level of confidence regarding decisions in life. But hearing stories like these always helps me to remember that I'm not alone in the struggle ❤️
To all those who have share their stories, thank you so much! I am so sorry for what you went through and what you were going through! I love you and I know others love you! You are amazing, you are enough, you are beautiful for just being you, and only you get to choose what that is!
Hi Lexi! I am in the process of leaving the church and will resign my records soon. My spouse is a member of the church and we have two children together. My family and her family are all members of the church except for one of my brother-in-laws who doesn't live nearby. It's really hard feeling alone. Thank you for helping me feel that there is hope for me and that it's okay to do what I genuinely feel is the right thing to do for my emotional and mental health.
You always have choices in the church... as long as you make the right choice that parents/leaders/etc have already decided for you. "I prayed about this, and had a revelation that the choice you made is the wrong one." You can't manipulate someone who sees through the charade. "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
It's heartbreaking to hear what the BYI is going through. I don't believe Religious universities should be legal. We go there to study for our future careers, not to have to live by some draconian religious rules. To fear being outed by friends or classmates is so wrong. More and more young people are leaving the LDS Church, yet the old patriarchal leaders refuse to recognise that they are very much to blame. In Europe, numbers of active LDS members are dwindling fast. Many wards no longer have any active. The Church attempted to falsify the numbers by creating new boundaries. That was a shambles. The LDS are eating away at their numbers from within.
Wow, the very last story struck home for me about being raised in the church, callings, mission, byui. I would love to get to know you one day if possible. I'm on my own journey of finding out what is truth within the whole lds context and without it.
To the 14 year old…I’m so sorry, I hope you’re able to be who and what you want to be in the future, and that your life goes well. I’m sorry about your Grandma…and the whole thing about being good enough to go to her kingdom is awful. There are people out there who will help and support you, you aren’t alone. I hope you can get some access to social media, and I’m sorry you’re trapped in a fundamentalist, misogynistic religion. It’s so great that you can think on your own, and you’re right, praying is not the answer to all solutions…it can be comforting to some people, certainly, but is not the answer to every serious problem. I hope you get the help and support you need.
I support all these people and I really hope their situations get better!! I’m recently ex mo, just a few months ago. My parents still don’t know, I’ve told my mom I’ve been “questioning” even tho I definitely don’t belief anymore but I’m trying to slowly let her know.
I admire this very perceptive young person. I had doubts at that age, but sort of suppressed them... I wasted a good part of my life before abandoning it.
These two young people are very brave. My heart goes out to them and I am worried about them. Honestly I fear for their lives and mental health. I had a crisis of Faith @ 16 when my Father died. I was brought up Baptist and turned my back on that belief. I am an Episcopal now because they accept everyone they don't care if your Black, Brown, or White. Straight, Gay or Bisexual doesn't matter because they love everyone just like Christ did and still does! I am so blessed and thankful that my parents took me to Church and introduced me to God. Jesus is my best friend and has been with me all these years. Please know that God is Love and loves everyone!
it's unfortunate that not all congregations, "churches", etc. are always "on target". Within every denomination one can find spiritually alive and vibrant congregations ("churches") as well as devastatingly-toxic ones. I'm glad you found a healthy congregation ("church") -- but even more grateful that you have a healthy spiritual relationship of faith with God through knowing Jesus -- you were blessed with good and godly parents.
@@sagesaith6354 that is so true about "Churches". So many people are against organized Religion, I understand since many Communities of Faith are toxic or abusive why others have rejected God. I am thankful for my relationships not only with God but my Community/Church.
I kind of had a weird situation where all growing up my family was never really deep into the church (we were forced to go to church every Sunday but that’s about it) and at my peak of believing I probably took it more seriously than my parents. But the second my sibling and I decide we’re done with it, they became these religious zealots that would defend the church to their last breath. It was definitely a moment where I started to see my parents in a new light
I'm gonna share my story there is a few disclaimers I want to make TW: suicidal thoughts and internalized homophobia (also I'm very happy for the people that left the church) I'm a 14 year old trans guy and I can't escape the church. My mom's side of the family lives out in Utah and Idaho but my dad's side of the family lives here in the south. I only went to the temple once because stuff always gets through the way on the day of the temple trip or the temple is closed. I'm so thankful that the temple trip isn't anytime soon and I haven't had to go since that one time in November. My aunt is transphobic and homophobic and she would be the person I'd end up with if something happend to my parents. I'm also homeschooled and I'm always stuck inside my home and I only go to the store or church and once a month my grandmother's house and on occasion a service activity or a stake dance. I went to FSY in July and met a good friend there. I was mostly with her and I felt safe for once. I am not in physical danger around my parents but I don't like to hug my family but I like cuddling with this random kid I only met that week? I got her contact that week and I'm starting to have feelings for her. I feel like I don't deserve to feel comfortable. If that weren't enough I also have cousins that are very molly mormon and I have friends who are religious. Right now is a very dark time for me and I hope if you are still reading have a good day! Thanks for reading my story.
You absolutely deserve to be comfortable, and more than that, you deserve to have a life filled with joy ♥️ Sending you all my love. You have people who support you 100%.
Hang in there, love! You are so worthy of love and acceptance. I understand that you need to live your assigned gender for safety and four years feels like a lifetime right now, but it really is a brief window of time until you can "just no" the people in your life who can't accept you. Hold on tight to your true self until you can live it. Start working and saving now so that you have the means to leave the day you turn 18. Tell them you're saving for your mission, just not that it's your mission for an authentic life. Do you have access to a councilor to help you through thus? If you need an ally I'm here. If you need a place to go in four years, I'm here. If you are cast off before then, I'm here. You are not alone and you're so loved!
You are worthy. Tell yourself until you believe it. It seems like forever until you’re an adult but you’ll get there. I wish you luck and hope you get a good support system soon.
Sweetheart, you are worthy as you are to have joy and love and safety. I'm so sorry you're experiencing this tremendous struggle. Reach out for support because you can find a tribe of people waiting to encircle you with love and acceptance. Hugs to you, dear one.
To the girl who had to hide who she is, I am truly sorry for the damage is caused, but I am more sorry that you had to hide. I used to be a part of that problem because I used to be religious. Do your best to get help with the trauma and hopefully you will find some healing along the way.
I'm not sure how to say this without coming off "preachy", but you need to find your strength within yourselves. You know your truth, hold to that and don't let ANYONE talk you out of it!
A Christian friend of mine brought up an interesting point recently. "I've never understood why Mormons are so upright and controlling and distraught when someone leaves the faith. Like, you guys literally believe you're all going to heaven anyways, and that people in the top heaven can go visit people in the lesser heavens. So.... what exactly is the hang up? Why is there always so much tension? Your religion should be the most relaxing and chill faith out there since you've already got it made."
follow the money -- it's the tithing machine they're worried about - the entire thing is the Deseret Management Corporation’s carrot-on-a-stick incentive for creating monetarily-profitable units (large, so-called “sealed” families) who send their 18-year-old sons and daughters on a self-financed two-year marketing campaign (a.k.a. “missionaries”) to solicit memberships to an exclusive tri-level exaltation fabricated by a so-called seer-stone, money-digging fraud polygamist/philanderer/sexual predator fraudulent banker self-proclaimed prophet (and many more like him who followed).
I tried to commit suicide after my temple marriage then divorce. That was along time ago. I'm so glad that the church is not true. I've been so hard on myself.
If I had it to over again, I'd have the courage of my insights. I'd change environments ASAP. Seek a freer, more open university (not easy, of course! but easier than being slowly squeezed to death). Apply to an employer who didn't care what church I belonged to. Find a part of the country where my vote wasn't gerrymandered out existence by religiopolitical zealots. If underage, obey my parents until 18, then join the Universalists or some other congregation of refugees from absolutism, people who genuinely love and accept each other. If of age, move mountains to create a 2-state buffer between myself & family so we'd only meet at weddings, funerals, & 50ths, formal times limited enuf to maintain good will. And work hard to replace those cultural & spiritual values in my own DNA that are damaging & wrong while nurturing the ones that are healthy & good. In other words, get a life. That would be the advice from me at 76 to me at 18 or 27 or 40.
We need a bingo chart for all the horrid black and white excuses because they are all the same and they don't freakin work. "Focus on church good, not bad", "You're not praying good enough", "Church is facts, everything else bad", "Agency on church terms", "You need to repent", "You need to pay more tithing", "Talk to the bishop", etc
I dont want to risk doxing anyone but to the person from BYUI I'd say talk to the psychology department if you can talk to anyone. In particular look up Dr Wollery. He is a kind understanding and patient person who will actually listen to you about your concerns. Honestly most professors in the psych department are extremely down to earth and loving. They would most likely be happy to help.
@@sagesaith6354 to tell the truth i dont know. I'm not sure if they would feel right doing so. They will however do their best to be understanding and compassionate, which compared to most professors at BYU-I is probably the best you're going to get. Still if anyone there would be willing to help, it would be the psych department that knows all too well the damage the church can do to people mentally.
@@imaginarylloyd8892 fair enough -- it would seem that any mental health professional would need to operate within their own parameters. Hopefully they would be professional enough not to become a defacto extension of the church's bullying and betray their professional calling. But in that church-based institution, that may be too much to hope for -- that they might back away from the church's iron grasp and encourage the individual to honestly seek and follow his/her true agency. It seems too unpredictable to know when some such action would trigger the ire of the upper-echelon bullies and put the counselor's job in jeopardy ... just sayin'
@@sagesaith6354 You are absolutely right. I cant fully speak for the department but the person I mentioned would likely stand with the marginalized. Many of them would, even if it means contradicting the church, they may simply have to be careful about it in order to preserve their jobs. I know that there have been concerns of CES schools trying to remove people with progressive views. I wouldn't say they are better than people outside the university, but they are the best in the university, and they know how to tiptoe around the ultra orthodox while doing as much good as possible.
My experience with my kids was so incredibly different... Very early it became clear that I would have to guide them on a very, very long leash. It was also clear that their journey would start really early and I would have to help them on it instead of choosing the journey for them. But this religion, and to my knowledge, all religions, consider that a young kid is lazy, disobedient, and easy to lead astray. Religions think that kids have to be guided with a stick. This is one of the worst damages that religions do to society.
- there's a difference between "religions" and faith in God. A huge difference. Everyone has faith (believes) in something. Faith in God is letting God tell you what to believe and do; religions (man-made organizations) are other people telling you what to believe and do. Sometimes there is a healthy overlap, but when there is not, avoid religions, but embrace faith in God.
For young people... You might be able to help your parents. Sometimes they stay in the church because they think it is best for you. They already know god hates them, constantly ignoring them, no matter how hard they pray. They constantly disappoint god with their doubts and imperfections. Maybe they hope you will feel the love that they don't. When you leave the church, it might open a door for them. They might not allow themselves at first. They might feel guilt and anger, but possibly, just maybe, they will soon follow you out, and be proud of you, and grateful.
14 ... Wasn't that the age when Joseph Smith's parents forced him to go from church to church, them threatened him that if he didn't go to the grove to pray and make his mind, he'd be assaulted, because that's what Jesus taught about how adults should treat young people? It's ironic that LDSs like to talk about freedom in their political discussions. I can tell how much you actually value freedom by how much freedom you allow when you have all the power. Do you force your kids into a religion and a school? Do you own slaves in the form of pets?
Could you react to the Netflix documentary, Keep Sweet And Pray? It's not about the LDS but FLDS. Still, I would love to hear what you think about it (it's a 4-episode series). Thank you!
it appears to me that mormons faith is in their church and not in Jesus Christ. Which explains why ex mormons don't go to a non mormon church when they leave. I've been a christian for 52 years and have left 4 churches. I got something wonderful out of all of them, Baptist, onenes penctecostal, unitarian pentecostal, and trinitarian pentecostal. My faith was always in Jesus, not whatever church I went to. It doesn't appear Mormons share that experience, yet, I get so caught away in the spirit listening to a mormon choir singing a beautiful song. Also, I found something in every church I went to that i disagreed with. I never agreed 100 percent with any church I went to . Every church has something wrong with it, but Jesus has nothing wrong with Him. Believe in Jesus, don't believe in a church. Watching your videos have enlightened me about Mormons.
I always wondered why Mormons when started talking to me about L.D.S church, I mention I am from a Nordic bloodline they stop instantly and act like they are fleeing from a murder.... Why is that , I have always wondered
My two brothers left the church in their teens and I stayed. The church was very hard for me and I left at 50..but they made worse mistakes than I did! Just because you leave the church doesn’t mean the rest of your life will be peachy-keen and you won’t make Other mistakes. My daughter left the church at fifteen..but she has bad habits..nictotine..beer and pot. And she has failed relationships..as I have. My conclusion..you cannot guarantee life no matter what you do!
Of course you cannot guarantee life -- did you think that believing in God guarantees life? No one's life is "peachy-keen" But having faith in God and living according to His Word will make a difference in your life. I realize that growing up in "the church" poisens everything about having faith in God by twisting and distorting the meaning of Biblical faith. But living by the Bible -- BIBLE -- not BOM -- and praying (to the God of The BIBLE) DOES change things -- even when they're not "peachy keen". Give it a try -- really --
@@sagesaith6354 I already said..I left the church at 50 and I believe differently..but my life did not change significantly..except for a divorce and very confused children and grandchildren. My oldest son is still a Mormon and actually doing the best..my daughter is dead from her choices..my second son went into polygamy and his first wife died of cancer and left their 10 children motherless. My second daughter uses drugs to keep going and my third son is dead from fentynal overdose and broken marriage because his wife loved money. Their dad pounded the church as the only answer to life and it works well for him..except he had trouble with his second wife. I don’t know if things would have been better in the church believing some things wrong but still being here or going the course they went. It is hard to know! I am hoping my life will get better..but it is getting kind of late for me..but I believe right..anyway! There are worse things than believing wrong!
@@sagesaith6354 We are ALL Sinners Saved by Grace..here or in Heaven. I have had tragedies in my life because of the church..believing and not believing.
@UC-wUazwjKR_8Yced7mhtTAQ I never heard of Grace in the Mormon Church..but it is common sense..we are All Sinners! Why should some be punished and some exhonorated. I don’t think that is God. Jesus Saved people from the Pharisee Church and people need to be Saved the same ToDay..Many churches..not just the Mormons. All religions have got a slew of “the commandments of men” were I believe..Jesus Words.
I'm sorry I said something wrong, or in the wrong way. I meant my words as a great compliment, and was apparently written wrong. I've been humbled and humiliated by a viewer, I won't comment again if you don't want me to, Lexi. Please forgive me, you have my committed response that I'll shut up from now on.
Don't shut up. I don't know what you did, but I'm sure it couldn't have been that bad. We all mess up once in a while. I'm sure (whatever it was) that we can all forgive and forget.
just be true to your beliefs -- and there will always be someone who disagrees. Some of them are especially talented in the art of being toxic. I wish I knew what you said, and what was said in response. But do not let your spirit be crushed -- your apology indicates that you are spiritually-sensitive, and your contributions should be welcomed here - :-)
I do believe in God, one and allmighty, creator of everything in the universe. But I don't and will never practice any religion or cult (most cults and rituals are more ridiculous than each other). Moreover Mormon cult is certainly not related to God, but is a bunch of initiation rituals similar to the ones you find in freemasonry. I believe everybody is able to pray and speak to God without having a guru always telling what to do. And of course every book, was it Bible, Quran, Mormon, Vedas ... are books written by men, not by God. So none of them are the truth. I think you were right leaving. Courage to you and may you find your path by yourself.
Jesus completely leveled the playing field! We are ALL Sinners Saved by Grace! None will be punished and none will be exonerated! We are all Forgiven. Just do as the Spirit prompts you and you will be doing the Right thing..either really doing the right thing or learning to do the right thing. The church is somewhat right about cigarettes and alcohol..but God gave that revelation to the Womens Christian Temperance Union too. The Mormon Church is just wrong having the idea that they are more special than other people and will be exhonorated. They are just people..Sinners..like everyone else!
God gave that revelation to anyone who reads (and believes) the Bible. Unfortunately mormons place the Bible in second-class status and mostly ignore it, don't believe it (all), or twist it to support the JS/church narrative. The Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Anything which would compromise, trash, or destroy our body is contrary to God's Purposes for us. That would certainly include tobacco; also anything taken in excess -- including food.
@@sagesaith6354 You are absolutely Right! I had trouble that way. I would come out of every Mormon meeting saying to myself..”But what did Jesus Say?” When I would quote what Jesus Said to my husband (a devoted Mormon) he would accuse me of making it up and would never believe anything I said (Jesus Said.) I learned yesterday..from a Christian Scientist that my belief has been Wrong too! I was believing for years that God Gave me my infirmity so I would learn! So Wrong! This is the Truth..”God is ALL Good” (He would never do what I was believing!) God Loves Me. (He cannot do anything else!) God Makes ALL things Possible. God Makes Me Worthy. God Heals Me. God Blesses Me. God Makes me Safe. God Frees me. God Does Everything! I can do nothing. But Right Believing. I never had any bad habits..but it was not because of the church..it was because when I tried to smoke and drink with my friends..God told me personally Not to! I heard Him..clearly. He comforted me through a rape. He comforted me through a marajuana trip that was horrible and lasted three days. My daughter thought an edible (since I don’t smoke) would help my fibromyalgia. I did learn a few things the hard way! God told me not to marry the man I married and not to go to the Mormon church..but I was listening to significant others. I was born and raised in the church. My father murdered my mother and then killed himself..because they fought over money and the church. My mother left him and took me and my brother..they only thing he had and loved! God would have Never told the Handcart Company to cross the Rocky Mountains in the winter! I really believe God is Love 💕 He would Never Do some of the things I believe He would and was taught He would. Mormons are not special people like they think they are. We are All Just People..Saved by Grace! And we either Believe Right or we Believe Wrong! My Bible says..”the Worlds greatest sin is Unbelief.” That is why things go wrong! May God Bless us All..EveryOne!
@@kathleenwharton2139 - again -- your faith has been proven and grown strong. You have so much to offer others through your experience of God's faithfulness and your strong relationship of faith with our Loving God. Just as with Job 42:12 - "So the LORD blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the first." -- Keep the faith!
I'm glad you left that place, ... Have you considered the book of Daniel in the Bible?💝 I believe there is something there that will blow your mind.🤯🤯🤯
because the faith is presented as pure fact, the upbringing in the church sure does inspire TBM parents to force their kids to live the mormon life. we got baptized at age 8 because of the "age of accountability" right? well.. if we are supposedly old enough to "choose" to get baptized and understand the consequences of doing so, how is a 14 year old, or anyone after the age of 8, not given the choice to leave or make any real choices of their own? well, everyone's stories give the answer to that question i suppose
interestingly enough, regarding that "faith presented as fact", as a result of some lawsuits, the parent organization (the TRUE PROFIT element) of the LDS has now "revealed" to them to become more forthcoming and backtracking some of their "truth" claims in their Gospel Topics essays -- sort of a series of "believe at your own risk" disclaimers
@@0Warrior0Sage7 I most certainly agree. Beyond that, it is an intentional form of deception (to cover previous deceptions) which, by virtue of being such, immediately identifies it with the one true source of all falsehood and deception -- satan. The mormon "church" always has been, and continues to be, one of satan's finest counterfeits of Christianity, one which is so well-fabricated it is diffiCULT to distinguish from THE ONLY One True Church (spiritual) from which it blatantly and most fraudulently appropriated its very name. ALL that has been hidden will be exposed to The Light of God's Truth -- every false statement and action, and every subsequent false statement and action which attempts to cover the prior ones. I truly shudder for the eternal destiny of those who have, knowingly, previously led, and who, knowingly, currently continue to lead this massively-deceptive organization -- Matthew 7:21-23. When Christ returns there will be no more bail-outs in the baker-hats' bath tubs.
I grew up in Utah for 22 years, however after moving out of Utah since 2007, I converted to LDS this year. Why? All the Anti-Mormon videos actually made me Love Mormonism.
if this is not a facetious shill, and if you truly "love Mormonism" as you claim, it would seem that, at the least, you would show the due respect requested by "the prophet" and refer to it properly as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. To do otherwise is "offensive" to "the church" "the prophet", and to Jesus.
_...spent too much time researching the bad things instead of the good..._ It's nothing but bad. Any good claims about the church are either part of the mythology, part of the propaganda, or both.
This is Funny and sad.. so weird. I dont think the temple is bad or the worst place like she thinks. sounds like she needs some help.its not the chuch, its the far Left ruining these kids today.. who is touch lives.? not u.
Man, that second story hit me hard. So sorry; hang in there friend.
The irony of "we are free to choose" and "age of accountability is 8" and yet "you are not an adult until you're married and raising children" will never stop astounding me.
Oof I’m 38 and not married and no children 😂
@@lmitchell3604 Sorry. By Mormon standards, that's the worst of the worst!!
Old enough to ‘choose’ to get baptised but not old enough to leave the church. The irony.
@@sprinklesonmycupcake4915 Exactly.
@@lmitchell3604 same. By choice, and loving it.
Young people like this letter writer give me hope for the future. 14 & already this self aware makes me so happy.
I am a Transgender Woman I haven’t started transitioning yet because well I live in Utah. I don’t necessarily like it here but I love the scenery but the point is that I am just a 17 year old girl trying to get through High school I have friends that support me but it was not like that last year. When I came out to the church they told me that I was meant to be born as a guy and that invalidated my feelings my bishop told me this. I got really mad at the church after this I never ever want to go back because it was not the life that I wanted I just wanted to be myself and be happy when I was in the church I was pretty extra being a Mormon now I see another perspective of people getting hurt by the church that’s not the world I want to live in I want world where everyone was respectful and Kind. I found your videos 6th months ago and helps me cope with what is happening with me at the moment thank you for uploading these videos for everyone and including me feel like they are not alone!🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🌈❤️
I live in Utah and have a sister who transitioned years ago. She was even working for a very "Mormon" company when she did it and they were surprisingly helpful when she made the change. Your biggest hurdle will be finding doctors and therapists who are friendly and knowledgeable. It has gotten easier, though. U of U Healthcare even has a Transgender Health department. Get information, get help, and be happy!
My aunts shamed me at my mother's funeral because I was crying and saying goodbye and they said if I was still a believer that I wouldn't be sad, I'd be happy. The plus side of mom's passing: I don't have to ever deal with those aunts again! Lol
That's awful. Really sorry to hear that.
Glad you can be away from those toxic relatives.
that's messed up
What a heartless thing to do when you were saying farewell to your own MOTHER! Absolutely appalling. I'm so sorry that happened to you.
I’m in the study process of your videos. Thanks so much…. 46 years in the church ….. I’m really choked too. But I’m going to recover from it!!!!
Thanks!!!!
I worked at BYU-I for three years and saw so many students just like one of the stories you read.
We lost students to suicide every year I worked there.
I lost my faith while working there and went to my bishop for help. He contacted the stake president and I was told to quit or they would notify the college and they would fire me.
I left….
That’s horrible!
@@mommyofkittens4809 Unfortunately that story and what I saw was exactly what happens up there-making robot 🤖 Mormons… 1000%
Luke 8:17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
I’m a 21 yr old woman still living at home unfortunately. I’ve been forced in the church ever since I was born but I’ve never believed in it. I’ve never believed in God. Just a few months ago I finally told my parents about what I believe bc I just couldn’t fake it anymore. Their response to my beliefs and my story I told to them? I still have to pray with them, I still have to go to church with them and I still have to read Come Follow Me even though I’m 21 and had a calm respectful convo with them about how I don’t believe. I’m not a bad person, I am a hard worker and have a job yet they don’t care about me, they just care about the church. I don’t know what else to do
I am so sorry! I can’t believe they would be so controlling to you as an adult!
I'm soooooo sorry. My experience growing up Mormon is that it is extremely infantilizing and disregarding of any notion of consent.
It's super f**ked up. So sorry. :(
Know your not alone! I grew up in a non-Mormon, but fundamentalist Christian household. By the time I was 21, my parents already knew for years that I wasn't a believer anymore. They just ignored it and expected me to go to church with them. Now I'm 26 and not going to church anymore, but I still struggle with mental health issues. My heart goes out to you and I hope you'll find a way out someday. Stay strong! Lots of love from the Netherlands❤
@@ExmoLex thank you Lex! Watching your videos have definitely been a safe space:)
@@Kellethorn thank you, and I’m sorry too
I grew up Catholic and am glad I found my way out. Growing up in Mesa AZ I had many many Mormon friends and knew a lot about Mormons because I'd them. I even participated in a harvest festival where a bunch of wards came together at our HS and each performed a dance. The things you do when dating a Mormon LOL. Your Channel has helped me relate to other existing religion bit also tought me so so much about the pressures my friends were experiencing in HS. Thank you for sharing your and these stories.
I'm leaving my comment of support. I have 4 grandchildren who have attended BYUI, THREE have left the church one is going through hell because of their family. I'm 75 transgender mtf person who was extremely active in the church from ward mission leader to high priest group leader to temple worker. It's not easy but I've loved my real life even through the hard times and really great times. There are many people who are willing to help and support you. Don't give up on your self
You’re very friendly and that’s why we watch your content.
She's more authentic and honest by herself than all of the cult leadership combined
It’s good to know so many people are rejecting this powerful and destructive cult.
I will always show up to hear survivors’ stories
I agree with the comments about parents doing the best they can with what they have. I think when we become parents, we can empathize more. We realize parenting is hard and we often worry we are doing it wrong. We always want our kids to have a better childhood than we had. ( Our parents included) I hope everyone can recover from religious trauma, and hopefully mend relationships. However, realize if your parents continue to traumatize/ victimize, or decide that the damage is justified in the name of God, it's okay to cut those people out. Do what you need to do for your own mental health. Big hugs to those who've shared their stories. I love hearing them.
So much LOVE for each of you -- it takes so much strength and time to become who you really are when doing so goes against the grain. I hope that even in the darkest, most difficult moments you remember to see that in yourself, feel pride for what you've endured and accomplished so far, and know that countless people have your back.
Thank you for such a wonderful video! I also was mentally out of the church at 14, and I know how scary and helpless that can feel. (Also awesome shirt, I'm going to see Ghost in concert next week and I can't wait! 😊)
I felt the spirit during these….The spirit of reality and truth! Thank you everyone who shared. Very powerful. You are not alone.
Great work👍
Yep. My mom cares more about Fox News than her own kids and I told her on labor day. I'm done talking with my parents for a long time. My mom doesn't have the excuse anymore of just doing what she thinks she needs to do because I'm 34. She flat out just won't listen to anything I have to say and will literally stick her fingers in her ears and walk away. I'm not kidding she is that childish that she will actually stick her fingers in her ears and walk away.
Walking out of the room plugging her ears..My mother has literally done the same thing. hmmm interesting!
Is this a typical Mormon reaction.....would love others to share
My dad does the same thing. He walks away saying, "lalalalalalala"
I stopped talking to my mom three years ago and it’s been pure bliss. She isn’t even LDS. She is just immature and narcissistic. It’s very freeing to step away from your parents as an adult
@@lisawyatt1671 my family is actually not Mormon. Primarily Presbyterian
Also 14 here! Happy to hear there are others my age who were able to actually make a choice and leave. If there's anything I've learned over the last 2 years, it's that the ones like me who can't leave HAVE to fake it till you make it. It is challenging at first, (mental struggles are always there regardless) but it's gotten easier with time as i live with it. It'll make the remaining 3 or so years worth it when it's finally over and i can leave.
Thank you for your videos, btw!! Helped me feel less alone over the last year and a half.
I've had the "this isn't a choice" speech too. It sucks.
100% supported. Share your story! Share your words! Share your heart! Share your spirit! Appreciation+
I'm loving that Ghost shirt. Easily my favorite band.
I'm very grateful for the power of these stories. I'm glad Lexi created this channel and dedicates the time to make these videos. Thank you, this community, for being supportive and real.
The last funeral I went to was for this woman who was basically a second mother to me (she was my best friend's mother, and I spent half my childhood at their house). We held the viewing/farewell speeches at the church, so members gave the speeches. The second one pissed me off so much I almost screamed in the middle of the chapel. The guy gets up to the podium and, in his best car salesman voice, says 200 years ago a man wrote a book saying that you don't need to have faith (obvious reference to Darwin). He then went on to say that he prayed to have the departed guide him in writing his speech, so that what we were listening to him say is as close as you can get to a person writing their own eulogy after death. His entire speech was about having "Big Faith", and he sounded like a car salesman the entire time as he used her memory to promote the church.
To you who shared your thoughts with exmo Lex thanks. Best to you and do it safely
Thank you, we aren't all as brave as you for sharing. But I hope you realize you touched at least 300 others in a similar situation.
Please keep them coming!! I love this. I love you. I love every person that shared their stories. I love everyone who is unable to, including myself. Thank you for being yourself and being a great example of the endless possibilities available to us if we can too be true to ourselves.
I grew up in the church. Both my parents are TBM and my Dad was in the bishopric for a good portion of my childhood and he's still the second counselor. Growing up, I was a model mormon girl, I loved the gospel. I had a testimony. I have always seen the sexism within the church. I remember when I was four (one of my earliest memories) I saw my first baby blessing. I noticed there were no women going which meant that the mom didn't bless the baby. I didn't think that was fair and I asked my Dad about it. He explained the priesthood and how in the one and only true church, the women didn't have it. I didn't think that was fair either.
I remember wrestling with this topic through my whole life. In middle school, throwing myself into the mormon woman ideology to see if I could make it make sense. Spending hours awake in bed trying to imagine a traditional household whose power was split evenly between the spouses. I realized that equal power in the home wasn't possible because of financial dependency.
In high-school I was introduced to witchcraft. I shunned it as much as I could, but I had friends who had been practicing witchcraft their whole life and were just as convinced in their religion as I was in mine.
My grandpa was trying to educate me on Islam. He is not Muslim, but he is a Trump supporter so I didn't trust him on the topic. And I read the quoran on my own. I noticed that at least the beginning of the quoran was the old testament.
These events meant that other religions had the lds "holy ghost" and scripture.
Next to go was learning about Egyptian funeral rights in school. I studied the pictures from the book of the dead in my textbook and saw that they were very similar to the ones in my book of Moses. I learned about the pillaging of Egypt in the Victorian times how mummy salesmen were untrustworthy and I learned how the book of Moses was translated. I read the silmarilian and noticed a lot of parallels from the first age of middle earth that seemed a lot like what we believed. I realized that if my scriptures could be so easily used as high fantasy fiction, there was a problem.
Women are treated unfairly in the church. The holy ghost was not unique to our church. The scriptures were not unique to our church and I could not trust the scripture that was.
Then I went to college. I went to BYUI and I still felt like I had a pretty strong faith. I exclusively listened to church music. And I made the goal to read through all the general conference talks on the lds website. This is where things started getting bad. I was faced with the brutal reality of mormon culture and the struggle of living on my own. I was listening to these talks back track on each other and them lie and gaslight about it almost as if God was being constantly misinterpreted by the prophets he hand picked. I took a mission prep class about why people might not want to join the church and the rebuttals they had for "changing the book of mormon, nonconsensual polygamy, blatant racism in not allowing black people to have the priesthood and sealing black people to prophets as slaves in the eternities, and the current treatment of people who were gay" were not satisfactory. I could not see these standard rebuttals being satisfactory for any investigator and they were good reasons for not joining.
Covid happened and I traveled home. I realized I was not the same person that left and it only more obvious to my family. My faith crisis got worse when I researched the BITE model and the tension in my home got bad enough that I ended up leaving early to go back to school.
Now I'm back at BYUI and I have to pretend to love a religion that tore my family from me.
continue to seek truth -- but be prepared to define and understand what truth is ...
It is NOT (or rarely is) a "warm fuzzy feeling" ; understand the difference between religion and faith; everyone has faith (believes) in something; religions are other people telling you what to believe. Avoid religions, but embrace faith in what you believe to be true. Do your own research -- do not be afraid to go beyond the prison walls of moronism.
Bro I'm 14 and I just left
Way to go Broheim!
I spent a week in Provo and it was the longest month of my life. I was visiting a Mormon friend from high school and she was kind of only “regular” Mormon in high school but one semester at BYU and I found her to have completely changed. She was a total stepford girl. The whole city had a cult vibe. It was very sad and creepy. As long as Scientology exists, at least you don’t have the craziest religion though.
LDS is crazier than Scientology.
I am sure it is extremely difficult to leave something that has been part of you for your whole life. My hat is off to these young people for taking that first step
I quit at 14, I am now 49. I wish I had these channels to access back then. I’m happy you have so many resources! ❤ I’m really happy so many are coming out of religion 💯😻 Thank you for sharing your story!
When my friend left the mormon church many followed
What an awesome video! I am struck by how eloquent both stories were! I am so glad that younger members are seeing the church for what it is.
Side note: Lexi, your look for this video was incredible! I especially loved your hair! I wish I could make mine look so good! 😅🤩😍
I'm 15 I've been sure I wanted to leave the church since I was 9
in your heart and mind you've already left -- I pray you can find true faith in the one true God (NOT "the church") who really does love you -- regardless of any "church" :-)
Going back to this video after a while. Hearing these stories about how they were the perfect mormon member and ya know going to church, reading scriptures, praying… knowing that no matter what is going on in your life there will always be that one constant that stays strong… I miss it. I miss that structure. That “knowing” feeling. It’s so sad how hard it traps you in there and makes you beleive it’s for the best. It doesn’t even let you see you’re trapped. It makes you beleive the people outside of the church are the ones who are really trapped and at fault. Sometimes I think about that a lot.
I am a 15 year old exmormon. I am genderfluid, bisexual, and pagan, working with aphrodite and trying to figure out what other deities are reaching out to me. My parents still think I am the perfect mormon girl, though. I've been figuring out what I believe this past year and a half, and am very comfortable and happy where I am now (if you ignore the anxiety associated with my family finding out), and you want to know what's funny? with my newfound sense of self as a lgbtq+ pagan still unknown to my family, they've told me countless times that I seem happier and I'm a better mental state.
This past summer was one of the hardest of my life. Surrounded by nothing but molly mormons, and being constantly (but not directly) told that being queer is a sin, and my mormon friends who've I've come out to have given me the classic "I'm worried about you" talk, my mental health took a massive decline. I began a scary addiction to self harm, but apparently that's a sin too, according to my church leaders, which doesn't help at all.
Essentially, I'm planning on never going to church again once I move out to go to collage, and you and exmormonmindy have really helped. I feel more comfortable in my skin, and my faith as a pagan and non-mormon friends are helping me to repair my mental health.
I want to get married to a girl (cuz I have a preference for women) and legally change my name to my preferred name (it's valentine) once I finally move out and become free to be my own person. The last two years have been hard, what with figuring out what I believe and leaving the church mentally (cuz God forbid i do it right now), but I don't think I would trade it for anything.
I am so much more comfortable, so much happier, and so much more condident.
to every single exmormon that has helped me (whether through the internet or in person) figure out who i am, thank you, and I love you.
As A Pagan since young teenager.(started practicing about 12 questing since about 8 when I got baptized and felt NOTHING and asked if we had a God why don't we have a Goddess and got mixed answers but mostly just don't think about it) whos parents are still Mormon. I understand you. I went through the actions because it was expected but never felt anything and did the least I could get away with concerning the church. Girls camp was just a reason to get out in nature and I was the first to volunteer to do anything outside of what ever the main event was. collect fire wood, do dishes, clean the bathrooms I didn't care, because I was in nature and alone with my thoughts and with nature. They too said I was more happy but didn't realize it was because my new Gods and Goddesses where giving me Peace not their church. To help me through until I was allowed to stop going at about 18, I would try to mentally put everything they were saying as positive as is this something my Gods' would say? and to more research into my own faith giving me a strong well rounded knowledge of many different faiths. When they would sing about God's great I would think of Gods as in plural. and think of my Pagan Gods and Goddesses and sneak in singing Goddess when ever I could. It gets better. You are loved by the Old Ones. They want nothing of you but for you to acknowledge that they are there and they will support you and love you when others don't. The Pagan deities don't want you hurting yourself either. You are beautiful and worthy of love. I know every time I wanted to hurt myself I would write down everything that was hurting and making me overwhelmed and burn it releasing my pain to my Gods. and some times asking to justice how ever they see fit. that helped me. I hope You find your true happiness how ever that looks like for you. May the Gods Bless you as you continue to Bless yourself.
Your reply almost made me cry lol. For a while I stopped talking with aphrodite (feeling that guilt you know) and that was when my sh addiction kicked up. since reconnecting with her, and reaching out to a small handful of other deities i have been able to more or less stop. My faith is helping me heal and be happier, something the mormon God never did. Now whenever I go into the temple i protect myself against the genuinely nauseating anxiety i get (a sign, I think, that the temple is not a place for me), and the panic attacks I've had in temple grounds/thinking about it have gone down a ton.
My journey is no where near finished, but things are starting to look up, and have been since I let go of "the one true God" .
sick my ass mormons. I'm not fucking going back.
ayo, this is me a little bit later (different ACC.) and guess what bitchessss!!
now a theistic satanist/pagan, mainly work with lucifer, aphrodite, hecate, baphomet, etc.
I'm literally every mormon parentsworst nightmare lmao
It's not just ex-Mormons who find support online. Many of us are isolated from others who do not share our beliefs, or lack of them. Anonymous sharing can be very liberating and strengthening. Being true to yourself is the only way to mental survival.
I guess the best way a 14 year old can protest being in a church they don't like is to refuse to participate in that church. Your parents may force you to go to church, but you can tell your fellow parishioners that you aren't buying the propaganda. You can tell the Bishop if he tries to talk to you,that you want no priesthood ,you want no assignments and your sex life is none of his damn business.
There were plenty of reasons and stories about why I left the church. I'm a guy and I was forced to go to young women's. I felt betrayed when I couldn't go to camp with the cub scouts when I'd attend all their activities through my step dad who was a scout leader. I always had a hard time relating to any of the topics in activity days...but there were two main instances that really screwed me up. When I went to girls camp I always had a rough time bearing my testimony at the end. I didn't know how to phrase things or what to incorporate towards the gospel with my experiences. I would be tired and excited to go back home so I could do things I was more comfortable with. I had a rough year because I lost my great grandmother to old age and a few friends in car accidents. So after a sad testimony I finally mustered the courage and stood up to share my pain. It's a bit blurry trying to recount all of it... I started out my testimony with "I am not a stranger to pain". The whole camp started laughing at me before I could continue. I was so confused and shaken I started shaking uncontrollably. By the time I was done sharing my testimony everyone was still laughing till their ribs were sore. I did not get it and to this day I still can't. I confused the shaking and horrible feeling for the spirit because everyone said they would feel the spirit after or even during their testimonies. I didn't understand why the spirit made me feel so frightened and hurt. Later on when I was being forced to go to church as a condition to not being kicked out of the house it was getting close to the start of school. This was when my stepdad would give out back to school blessings. I was peer pressured into getting one so I sat down and took it. As I listened to what my stepdad was saying in the blessing I felt awful. He said things like "Your upcoming school year will be the hardest you have ever faced. You will be tempted by people who you will think are your friends to leave the church and go against the gospel. At your lowest moments you will know Christ loves you and come back and be accepted by your friends and family." (Not the actual things he said but around those lines) It hurt like HELL. From what I know those blessings are supposed to be reassuring and bring you comfort. All that did was instill fear and horror into me. Right after, I refused to hug my stepdad and he hugged me against my will and I had to lock myself in the bathroom too stunned to know what to do. I felt like it was more of a prophecy than a blessing. I refused to believe anything about that blessing. It was my final breaking point to stop participating in church activities.
Watching this in Malad Idaho surrounded by Mormon neighbors.. Opening add for mental health crisis assistance. The irony is palpable.
My opening add to the video was a mental health one TOO!!!
I totally understand the fear of leaving the church when you're already halfway out the door, and you feel like everything is trying to keep you in. But it's so worth it to get out! You can do it!
So right on about BYU working to create Mormon robots.
Great video! Thank you!
Love the Ghost shirt 🤘
That Mormon funeral thing is actually in the policy manual section 29.5.4:
"The comfort offered by Jesus Christ because of His Atonement and Resurrection should be emphasized. Family members are not required to speak or otherwise participate in the service.
Funerals are an opportunity to pay tribute to the deceased. However, such tributes should not dominate the service."
Yes! I discuss this in the video I did about Mormon funerals.
My best wishes for those who shared their stories and sending strength as they continue with their journey out of Mormonism. You are very brave.
This young woman showed extraordinary courage and self awareness, especially at such a terrible age. I am thankful she has such intelligence and maturity and pray for the kids in her position who don’t.
Heartfelt stories. I can't imagine going through things from being point blank told, "No. The Temple is the most important thing in your life." or facing the challenge of credits not transferring anywhere, because it's a BYU school. :(
I've been battling an infection lately, so hope no one minds, but one night while waiting to fall asleep, my brain went, "ExMormon madlibs?" So [person] [bad thing to Mormons] led me to [bad thing to Mormons] and [ultra trivial bad thing]. The two I wrote down that night were, "John Dehlin's p**n shoulders led me to the CES Letter and coffee." and "Exmo Lex's 'anti-Mormon videos' led me to Nuancehoe's TikTok and R-rated movies."
Thank you so much for sharing! You are all worthy, and don't ever let someone tell you that you're not.
Wow, that 2nd story. That sounds like I could've written it myself...(aside from the gender aspect)
While I can say that my life has improved having left the church, I can't deny that it's difficult not having the same level of confidence regarding decisions in life. But hearing stories like these always helps me to remember that I'm not alone in the struggle ❤️
To all those who have share their stories, thank you so much! I am so sorry for what you went through and what you were going through! I love you and I know others love you! You are amazing, you are enough, you are beautiful for just being you, and only you get to choose what that is!
Hey guys. I'm not good at this but here it is...I love you all, and other people love you too. You do you, and hang in there. We all got your back.
Thanks for sharing your stories. You are both amazing and brave. And thank you Lex for the videos!
Hi Lexi! I am in the process of leaving the church and will resign my records soon. My spouse is a member of the church and we have two children together. My family and her family are all members of the church except for one of my brother-in-laws who doesn't live nearby. It's really hard feeling alone. Thank you for helping me feel that there is hope for me and that it's okay to do what I genuinely feel is the right thing to do for my emotional and mental health.
You always have choices in the church... as long as you make the right choice that parents/leaders/etc have already decided for you. "I prayed about this, and had a revelation that the choice you made is the wrong one." You can't manipulate someone who sees through the charade.
"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
Well said.
Amazing young lady. My story is very similar to the ones you read. God bless you all
It's heartbreaking to hear what the BYI is going through. I don't believe Religious universities should be legal. We go there to study for our future careers, not to have to live by some draconian religious rules. To fear being outed by friends or classmates is so wrong. More and more young people are leaving the LDS Church, yet the old patriarchal leaders refuse to recognise that they are very much to blame. In Europe, numbers of active LDS members are dwindling fast. Many wards no longer have any active. The Church attempted to falsify the numbers by creating new boundaries. That was a shambles. The LDS are eating away at their numbers from within.
Wow, the very last story struck home for me about being raised in the church, callings, mission, byui. I would love to get to know you one day if possible. I'm on my own journey of finding out what is truth within the whole lds context and without it.
I enjoy listening to the story
Love you Lexi!
if you have ghost, you have everything.
Such things lead to the high suicide rate in youth in Utah.
1. Friday night
2. In the dark
3. Eating 🍽 raw 🍪 dough
4. 💨 🌿
5. Watching the favorite X cult member on RUclips
6. 🍻🍕
To the 14 year old…I’m so sorry, I hope you’re able to be who and what you want to be in the future, and that your life goes well. I’m sorry about your Grandma…and the whole thing about being good enough to go to her kingdom is awful. There are people out there who will help and support you, you aren’t alone. I hope you can get some access to social media, and I’m sorry you’re trapped in a fundamentalist, misogynistic religion. It’s so great that you can think on your own, and you’re right, praying is not the answer to all solutions…it can be comforting to some people, certainly, but is not the answer to every serious problem. I hope you get the help and support you need.
I support all these people and I really hope their situations get better!! I’m recently ex mo, just a few months ago. My parents still don’t know, I’ve told my mom I’ve been “questioning” even tho I definitely don’t belief anymore but I’m trying to slowly let her know.
I admire this very perceptive young person. I had doubts at that age, but sort of suppressed them... I wasted a good part of my life before abandoning it.
These two young people are very brave. My heart goes out to them and I am worried about them. Honestly I fear for their lives and mental health. I had a crisis of Faith @ 16 when my Father died. I was brought up Baptist and turned my back on that belief. I am an Episcopal now because they accept everyone they don't care if your Black, Brown, or White. Straight, Gay or Bisexual doesn't matter because they love everyone just like Christ did and still does!
I am so blessed and thankful that my parents took me to Church and introduced me to God. Jesus is my best friend and has been with me all these years. Please know that God is Love and loves everyone!
it's unfortunate that not all congregations, "churches", etc. are always "on target". Within every denomination one can find spiritually alive and vibrant congregations ("churches") as well as devastatingly-toxic ones. I'm glad you found a healthy congregation ("church") -- but even more grateful that you have a healthy spiritual relationship of faith with God through knowing Jesus -- you were blessed with good and godly parents.
@@sagesaith6354 that is so true about "Churches". So many people are against organized Religion, I understand since many Communities of Faith are toxic or abusive why others have rejected God. I am thankful for my relationships not only with God but my Community/Church.
Wow, super impressed with the 14 year old. I was not nearly so well thought out back then.
btw - remembering you, your husband, and your 4 school children in my prayers -- hope you're feeling better soon.
I kind of had a weird situation where all growing up my family was never really deep into the church (we were forced to go to church every Sunday but that’s about it) and at my peak of believing I probably took it more seriously than my parents. But the second my sibling and I decide we’re done with it, they became these religious zealots that would defend the church to their last breath. It was definitely a moment where I started to see my parents in a new light
Highly recommend the Last Podcast on the Left episodes on Joseph Smith - complete insanity
I'm gonna share my story there is a few disclaimers I want to make TW: suicidal thoughts and internalized homophobia (also I'm very happy for the people that left the church)
I'm a 14 year old trans guy and I can't escape the church. My mom's side of the family lives out in Utah and Idaho but my dad's side of the family lives here in the south. I only went to the temple once because stuff always gets through the way on the day of the temple trip or the temple is closed. I'm so thankful that the temple trip isn't anytime soon and I haven't had to go since that one time in November. My aunt is transphobic and homophobic and she would be the person I'd end up with if something happend to my parents. I'm also homeschooled and I'm always stuck inside my home and I only go to the store or church and once a month my grandmother's house and on occasion a service activity or a stake dance. I went to FSY in July and met a good friend there. I was mostly with her and I felt safe for once. I am not in physical danger around my parents but I don't like to hug my family but I like cuddling with this random kid I only met that week? I got her contact that week and I'm starting to have feelings for her. I feel like I don't deserve to feel comfortable. If that weren't enough I also have cousins that are very molly mormon and I have friends who are religious. Right now is a very dark time for me and I hope if you are still reading have a good day! Thanks for reading my story.
You absolutely deserve to be comfortable, and more than that, you deserve to have a life filled with joy ♥️ Sending you all my love. You have people who support you 100%.
Hang in there, love! You are so worthy of love and acceptance. I understand that you need to live your assigned gender for safety and four years feels like a lifetime right now, but it really is a brief window of time until you can "just no" the people in your life who can't accept you. Hold on tight to your true self until you can live it. Start working and saving now so that you have the means to leave the day you turn 18. Tell them you're saving for your mission, just not that it's your mission for an authentic life. Do you have access to a councilor to help you through thus? If you need an ally I'm here. If you need a place to go in four years, I'm here. If you are cast off before then, I'm here. You are not alone and you're so loved!
You are worthy. Tell yourself until you believe it. It seems like forever until you’re an adult but you’ll get there. I wish you luck and hope you get a good support system soon.
Sweetheart, you are worthy as you are to have joy and love and safety. I'm so sorry you're experiencing this tremendous struggle. Reach out for support because you can find a tribe of people waiting to encircle you with love and acceptance. Hugs to you, dear one.
To the girl who had to hide who she is, I am truly sorry for the damage is caused, but I am more sorry that you had to hide. I used to be a part of that problem because I used to be religious. Do your best to get help with the trauma and hopefully you will find some healing along the way.
I'm not sure how to say this without coming off "preachy", but you need to find your strength within yourselves. You know your truth, hold to that and don't let ANYONE talk you out of it!
A Christian friend of mine brought up an interesting point recently. "I've never understood why Mormons are so upright and controlling and distraught when someone leaves the faith. Like, you guys literally believe you're all going to heaven anyways, and that people in the top heaven can go visit people in the lesser heavens. So.... what exactly is the hang up? Why is there always so much tension? Your religion should be the most relaxing and chill faith out there since you've already got it made."
follow the money -- it's the tithing machine they're worried about - the entire thing is the Deseret Management Corporation’s carrot-on-a-stick incentive for creating monetarily-profitable units (large, so-called “sealed” families) who send their 18-year-old sons and daughters on a self-financed two-year marketing campaign (a.k.a. “missionaries”) to solicit memberships to an exclusive tri-level exaltation fabricated by a so-called seer-stone, money-digging fraud polygamist/philanderer/sexual predator fraudulent banker self-proclaimed prophet (and many more like him who followed).
14y.o
So great to have a clear mind and all of your life in front of you
All the best from England
Mark
I tried to commit suicide after my temple marriage then divorce.
That was along time ago. I'm so glad that the church is not true. I've been so hard on myself.
beautiful
If I had it to over again, I'd have the courage of my insights. I'd change environments ASAP. Seek a freer, more open university (not easy, of course! but easier than being slowly squeezed to death). Apply to an employer who didn't care what church I belonged to. Find a part of the country where my vote wasn't gerrymandered out existence by religiopolitical zealots. If underage, obey my parents until 18, then join the Universalists or some other congregation of refugees from absolutism, people who genuinely love and accept each other. If of age, move mountains to create a 2-state buffer between myself & family so we'd only meet at weddings, funerals, & 50ths, formal times limited enuf to maintain good will. And work hard to replace those cultural & spiritual values in my own DNA that are damaging & wrong while nurturing the ones that are healthy & good. In other words, get a life. That would be the advice from me at 76 to me at 18 or 27 or 40.
Where did you get the shirt?? I love it
potent stuff. coming out nonbeliever is like coming out gay, some people have to do both. 68 and i still don’t get respect for my life choices.
We need a bingo chart for all the horrid black and white excuses because they are all the same and they don't freakin work. "Focus on church good, not bad", "You're not praying good enough", "Church is facts, everything else bad", "Agency on church terms", "You need to repent", "You need to pay more tithing", "Talk to the bishop", etc
I dont want to risk doxing anyone but to the person from BYUI I'd say talk to the psychology department if you can talk to anyone. In particular look up Dr Wollery. He is a kind understanding and patient person who will actually listen to you about your concerns. Honestly most professors in the psych department are extremely down to earth and loving. They would most likely be happy to help.
would they be inclined to help someone leave the "church" ? That would truly and impressively be down to earth -- to honor true "agency"
@@sagesaith6354 to tell the truth i dont know. I'm not sure if they would feel right doing so. They will however do their best to be understanding and compassionate, which compared to most professors at BYU-I is probably the best you're going to get. Still if anyone there would be willing to help, it would be the psych department that knows all too well the damage the church can do to people mentally.
@@imaginarylloyd8892 fair enough -- it would seem that any mental health professional would need to operate within their own parameters. Hopefully they would be professional enough not to become a defacto extension of the church's bullying and betray their professional calling. But in that church-based institution, that may be too much to hope for -- that they might back away from the church's iron grasp and encourage the individual to honestly seek and follow his/her true agency. It seems too unpredictable to know when some such action would trigger the ire of the upper-echelon bullies and put the counselor's job in jeopardy ... just sayin'
@@sagesaith6354 You are absolutely right. I cant fully speak for the department but the person I mentioned would likely stand with the marginalized. Many of them would, even if it means contradicting the church, they may simply have to be careful about it in order to preserve their jobs. I know that there have been concerns of CES schools trying to remove people with progressive views. I wouldn't say they are better than people outside the university, but they are the best in the university, and they know how to tiptoe around the ultra orthodox while doing as much good as possible.
My experience with my kids was so incredibly different... Very early it became clear that I would have to guide them on a very, very long leash. It was also clear that their journey would start really early and I would have to help them on it instead of choosing the journey for them. But this religion, and to my knowledge, all religions, consider that a young kid is lazy, disobedient, and easy to lead astray. Religions think that kids have to be guided with a stick. This is one of the worst damages that religions do to society.
- there's a difference between "religions" and faith in God. A huge difference. Everyone has faith (believes) in something. Faith in God is letting God tell you what to believe and do; religions (man-made organizations) are other people telling you what to believe and do. Sometimes there is a healthy overlap, but when there is not, avoid religions, but embrace faith in God.
Gen Z is leaving in droves. The church should be more alarmed by this, but instead they double down and surprise even more leave!
For young people...
You might be able to help your parents. Sometimes they stay in the church because they think it is best for you. They already know god hates them, constantly ignoring them, no matter how hard they pray. They constantly disappoint god with their doubts and imperfections.
Maybe they hope you will feel the love that they don't.
When you leave the church, it might open a door for them. They might not allow themselves at first. They might feel guilt and anger, but possibly, just maybe, they will soon follow you out, and be proud of you, and grateful.
14 ... Wasn't that the age when Joseph Smith's parents forced him to go from church to church, them threatened him that if he didn't go to the grove to pray and make his mind, he'd be assaulted, because that's what Jesus taught about how adults should treat young people? It's ironic that LDSs like to talk about freedom in their political discussions. I can tell how much you actually value freedom by how much freedom you allow when you have all the power. Do you force your kids into a religion and a school? Do you own slaves in the form of pets?
Could you react to the Netflix documentary, Keep Sweet And Pray? It's not about the LDS but FLDS.
Still, I would love to hear what you think about it (it's a 4-episode series).
Thank you!
it appears to me that mormons faith is in their church and not in Jesus Christ. Which explains why ex mormons don't go to a non mormon church when they leave. I've been a christian for 52 years and have left 4 churches. I got something wonderful out of all of them, Baptist, onenes penctecostal, unitarian pentecostal, and trinitarian pentecostal. My faith was always in Jesus, not whatever church I went to. It doesn't appear Mormons share that experience, yet, I get so caught away in the spirit listening to a mormon choir singing a beautiful song. Also, I found something in every church I went to that i disagreed with. I never agreed 100 percent with any church I went to . Every church has something wrong with it, but Jesus has nothing wrong with Him. Believe in Jesus, don't believe in a church. Watching your videos have enlightened me about Mormons.
I always wondered why Mormons when started talking to me about L.D.S church, I mention I am from a Nordic bloodline they stop instantly and act like they are fleeing from a murder.... Why is that , I have always wondered
My two brothers left the church in their teens and I stayed. The church was very hard for me and I left at 50..but they made worse mistakes than I did! Just because you leave the church doesn’t mean the rest of your life will be peachy-keen and you won’t make Other mistakes. My daughter left the church at fifteen..but she has bad habits..nictotine..beer and pot. And she has failed relationships..as I have. My conclusion..you cannot guarantee life no matter what you do!
Of course you cannot guarantee life -- did you think that believing in God guarantees life? No one's life is "peachy-keen" But having faith in God and living according to His Word will make a difference in your life. I realize that growing up in "the church" poisens everything about having faith in God by twisting and distorting the meaning of Biblical faith. But living by the Bible -- BIBLE -- not BOM -- and praying (to the God of The BIBLE) DOES change things -- even when they're not "peachy keen". Give it a try -- really --
@@sagesaith6354 I already said..I left the church at 50 and I believe differently..but my life did not change significantly..except for a divorce and very confused children and grandchildren. My oldest son is still a Mormon and actually doing the best..my daughter is dead from her choices..my second son went into polygamy and his first wife died of cancer and left their 10 children motherless. My second daughter uses drugs to keep going and my third son is dead from fentynal overdose and broken marriage because his wife loved money. Their dad pounded the church as the only answer to life and it works well for him..except he had trouble with his second wife. I don’t know if things would have been better in the church believing some things wrong but still being here or going the course they went. It is hard to know! I am hoping my life will get better..but it is getting kind of late for me..but I believe right..anyway! There are worse things than believing wrong!
@@sagesaith6354 We are ALL Sinners Saved by Grace..here or in Heaven. I have had tragedies in my life because of the church..believing and not believing.
@UC-wUazwjKR_8Yced7mhtTAQ I never heard of Grace in the Mormon Church..but it is common sense..we are All Sinners! Why should some be punished and some exhonorated. I don’t think that is God. Jesus Saved people from the Pharisee Church and people need to be Saved the same ToDay..Many churches..not just the Mormons. All religions have got a slew of “the commandments of men” were I believe..Jesus Words.
Dale Smith..I don’t know what happened! My answer was directed to you..but it came to some strange sequences of letters and numbers!
I'm sorry I said something wrong, or in the wrong way. I meant my words as a great compliment, and was apparently written wrong. I've been humbled and humiliated by a viewer, I won't comment again if you don't want me to, Lexi. Please forgive me, you have my committed response that I'll shut up from now on.
Don't shut up. I don't know what you did, but I'm sure it couldn't have been that bad. We all mess up once in a while. I'm sure (whatever it was) that we can all forgive and forget.
just be true to your beliefs -- and there will always be someone who disagrees. Some of them are especially talented in the art of being toxic. I wish I knew what you said, and what was said in response. But do not let your spirit be crushed -- your apology indicates that you are spiritually-sensitive, and your contributions should be welcomed here - :-)
@@sagesaith6354 Thank you for saying that, and further, thank you for meaning it. I know you meant it.
@@sharonchandler4185 - let your Light keep shining brightly!
Thanks!, Don't share!
I do believe in God, one and allmighty, creator of everything in the universe. But I don't and will never practice any religion or cult (most cults and rituals are more ridiculous than each other). Moreover Mormon cult is certainly not related to God, but is a bunch of initiation rituals similar to the ones you find in freemasonry. I believe everybody is able to pray and speak to God without having a guru always telling what to do. And of course every book, was it Bible, Quran, Mormon, Vedas ... are books written by men, not by God. So none of them are the truth. I think you were right leaving. Courage to you and may you find your path by yourself.
Jesus completely leveled the playing field! We are ALL Sinners Saved by Grace! None will be punished and none will be exonerated! We are all Forgiven. Just do as the Spirit prompts you and you will be doing the Right thing..either really doing the right thing or learning to do the right thing. The church is somewhat right about cigarettes and alcohol..but God gave that revelation to the Womens Christian Temperance Union too. The Mormon Church is just wrong having the idea that they are more special than other people and will be exhonorated. They are just people..Sinners..like everyone else!
God gave that revelation to anyone who reads (and believes) the Bible. Unfortunately mormons place the Bible in second-class status and mostly ignore it, don't believe it (all), or twist it to support the JS/church narrative. The Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Anything which would compromise, trash, or destroy our body is contrary to God's Purposes for us. That would certainly include tobacco; also anything taken in excess -- including food.
@@sagesaith6354 You are absolutely Right! I had trouble that way. I would come out of every Mormon meeting saying to myself..”But what did Jesus Say?” When I would quote what Jesus Said to my husband (a devoted Mormon) he would accuse me of making it up and would never believe anything I said (Jesus Said.) I learned yesterday..from a Christian Scientist that my belief has been Wrong too! I was believing for years that God Gave me my infirmity so I would learn! So Wrong! This is the Truth..”God is ALL Good” (He would never do what I was believing!) God Loves Me. (He cannot do anything else!) God Makes ALL things Possible. God Makes Me Worthy. God Heals Me. God Blesses Me. God Makes me Safe. God Frees me. God Does Everything! I can do nothing. But Right Believing. I never had any bad habits..but it was not because of the church..it was because when I tried to smoke and drink with my friends..God told me personally Not to! I heard Him..clearly. He comforted me through a rape. He comforted me through a marajuana trip that was horrible and lasted three days. My daughter thought an edible (since I don’t smoke) would help my fibromyalgia. I did learn a few things the hard way! God told me not to marry the man I married and not to go to the Mormon church..but I was listening to significant others. I was born and raised in the church. My father murdered my mother and then killed himself..because they fought over money and the church. My mother left him and took me and my brother..they only thing he had and loved! God would have Never told the Handcart Company to cross the Rocky Mountains in the winter! I really believe God is Love 💕 He would Never Do some of the things I believe He would and was taught He would. Mormons are not special people like they think they are. We are All Just People..Saved by Grace! And we either Believe Right or we Believe Wrong! My Bible says..”the Worlds greatest sin is Unbelief.” That is why things go wrong! May God Bless us All..EveryOne!
@@kathleenwharton2139 - again -- your faith has been proven and grown strong. You have so much to offer others through your experience of God's faithfulness and your strong relationship of faith with our Loving God. Just as with Job 42:12 - "So the LORD blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the first." -- Keep the faith!
@@sagesaith6354 Thank You! May God Bless You.
I'm glad you left that place, ...
Have you considered the book of Daniel in the Bible?💝
I believe there is something there that will blow your mind.🤯🤯🤯
because the faith is presented as pure fact, the upbringing in the church sure does inspire TBM parents to force their kids to live the mormon life.
we got baptized at age 8 because of the "age of accountability" right? well.. if we are supposedly old enough to "choose" to get baptized and understand the consequences of doing so, how is a 14 year old, or anyone after the age of 8, not given the choice to leave or make any real choices of their own?
well, everyone's stories give the answer to that question i suppose
interestingly enough, regarding that "faith presented as fact", as a result of some lawsuits, the parent organization (the TRUE PROFIT element) of the LDS has now "revealed" to them to become more forthcoming and backtracking some of their "truth" claims in their Gospel Topics essays -- sort of a series of "believe at your own risk" disclaimers
@@0Warrior0Sage7 I most certainly agree. Beyond that, it is an intentional form of deception (to cover previous deceptions) which, by virtue of being such, immediately identifies it with the one true source of all falsehood and deception -- satan. The mormon "church" always has been, and continues to be, one of satan's finest counterfeits of Christianity, one which is so well-fabricated it is diffiCULT to distinguish from THE ONLY One True Church (spiritual) from which it blatantly and most fraudulently appropriated its very name.
ALL that has been hidden will be exposed to The Light of God's Truth -- every false statement and action, and every subsequent false statement and action which attempts to cover the prior ones. I truly shudder for the eternal destiny of those who have, knowingly, previously led, and who, knowingly, currently continue to lead this massively-deceptive organization -- Matthew 7:21-23. When Christ returns there will be no more bail-outs in the baker-hats' bath tubs.
I grew up in Utah for 22 years, however after moving out of Utah since 2007, I converted to LDS this year. Why? All the Anti-Mormon videos actually made me Love Mormonism.
Lol
Whatever makes you happy
Oh, so little Marcus is going through his rebellious stage? How cute!
if this is not a facetious shill, and if you truly "love Mormonism" as you claim, it would seem that, at the least, you would show the due respect requested by "the prophet" and refer to it properly as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. To do otherwise is "offensive" to "the church" "the prophet", and to Jesus.
@@sagesaith6354 It's Mormons like you that make people want to leave the Mormon Church.
_...spent too much time researching the bad things instead of the good..._
It's nothing but bad. Any good claims about the church are either part of the mythology, part of the propaganda, or both.
This is Funny and sad.. so weird. I dont think the temple is bad or the worst place like she thinks. sounds like she needs some help.its not the chuch, its the far Left ruining these kids today.. who is touch lives.? not u.