After a 10 year faith Crisis, Austin wrote his own response to the CES Letter | Light and Truth
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- #latterdaysaints #mormon #comeback
COMMENT 'LIGHT AND TRUTH' TO ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY FOR A COPY OF THE LIGHT AND TRUTH LETTER - ENDS SEPTEMBER 28TH
"There's very logical reasons to be members of the church, and very logical reasons to believe in a higher power --something beyond that's bigger than us, that has a spiritual aspect. This isn't irrational, this is rational. And so once you can get back into realizing that belief is reasonable, then you can ask the questions that will truly give you a testimony through prayer and study and pondering those primary answers we hear all the time. I talk about the heart and the head. I believe that we can, and should, have knowledge in our heart, feeling emotion, yearning for God, along with rationality and reason. For me, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints is God's true and living church on the earth. I know that in my heart and I know it in my head. I have both of those. I think critics have had their way for a long time trying to convince people that there's no reason to have a rational testimony. But the 'Light and Truth Letter,' it's showing that it is reasonable -- and rational to believe, there's a lot of space for belief. My hope is that if you're struggling and you're a believing member, but having doubts -- If that's the case for you and you're telling yourself, there's no way the church could be true. That's not you talking. That's the critic parroting. You're parroting a critic, because there's lots of reasons to believe. I try to lay it all out in the 'Light and Truth Letter.' To show all of the positive evidences that there are for the church and that it's actually really rational and reasonable to believe. There is a preponderance of evidence that is more for us than against us. And for me -- that's enough to believe. And once I made that decision, then God could do something with me."
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I recently purchased and am currently reading the Light and Truth Letter. You should all purchase it IF you’re struggling with anything you’ve read from anti-Mormon smooth brain drivel posters ALL OVER the interwebs. Some will read it and they are so far gone it won’t help, but there are many who’ve been conned and aren’t lazy and will be very interested in an honest take from this faith building response to the lying liars who hate God in most cases and couldn’t care if their words cause chaos within your family. God bless you all!
Thank you Austin, I love this podcast, glad you appeared on it.
Geeze, with this attitude and perception towards those who leave, I can't imagine why more people don't want to come back...
@@bikelanecommuter Do you post smooth brained anti-LDS drivel all over the interwebs? If not, with all do respect, I wasn’t talking to or about you. I’m glad that you are a sincere seeker of truth. Keep it up!
@@dcarts5616 Insults don't have to be directed at me personally for me to recognize they are counter productive to your stated aim.
Your comments about your fellow brothers and sisters didn't come across as very Christ-like...but maybe I misinterpreted what seemed to be unkind insults?
Like many people who are drawn to this content, I know plenty of people who have lost belief and many who have left. They aren't lazy or "smooth brained."
There's a lot we don't know. Maybe some humility is in order, for all of us.
@@bikelanecommuter I get angry about lies (or twisted propaganda or stories out of context or whatever you want to call it) constantly posted as truth by anti-LDS. It’s deceitful. I wasn’t talking about you if you’re not one of the liars I was addressing. I made a distinct separation in my OP between drivel posting antis and honest seeking truth seekers. Thank you for helping me to clarify what I thought was pretty evident from the offset.
@dcarts5616 Wow! Smooth Brained? Lazy? Lying liars who hate god??? Well, at least you are honest with your judgement of those whose views differ from yours. Most members sarcastically just say, “I’ll pray for you” with those familiar vicious undertones..Your hate-filled comment captures one of the primary reasons I began to question my membership to begin with. The people who proclaim to be welcoming, loving, and working to become Christ-like are the very same people who will work hard to shame, minimize, and ultimately ostracize their “brothers” who leave the church. What you are missing is that leaving the church is incredibly traumatic due to the loss of community and all those friends you thought you had. Since former “friends and brotheren” turn their backs on people in their time of greatest need, that void is filled by others with similar experiences. The “smooth brain drivel” as you so eloquently put it is often the only voice of love and acceptance.
I purchased the Light and Truth Letter after I watched Ward Radio. I’m only about 10 pages in. I love it. I don’t need it and I pray that I never do. However, I have several people in my life that this book will help me talk to. Thank you for writing it.
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Where did you purchase it?
People keep talking about buying it but it's free and open source on their website
@@mariahrobinson3006 true, but I wanted to be able to give it away once I read it.
Light and Truth! My husband left the church in 2020 and was rebaptized earlier this year. There’s been a huge difference in our home. This book will make a huge difference and help you defend your faith. Read it and pass it on ❤
Have him come on! Would love to hear your stories!
YYUUUUUSSSSSSSS 🫡
Light and Truth!
Thank you so much for this episode! Everything they said resonated so much with me. I loved their realness and open mindedness. I can’t wait to read the book!
Hopefully you enjoy it!
Light and truth
I am always happy when anyone can find Jesus. Regardless of where it comes from. Happy for you two. Personally I have learned as much or more from others not of our faith than from those in it. The whole entire world family has truth to learn from.
Yes, absolutely
You are explaining this so well. Every way you explain this is exactly what I realized. And I also realized that not everyone else sees it that way, which is what makes it difficult to have discussions with loved ones who choose to see it the other way.
Definitely. I highly recommend worldview apologetics (anything from Jeffrey Thayne)
Light and truth!!! Hoping to read this book! What a powerful story. Thank you for sharing.
Light and truth! Keep up the good work! Great podcast. Greetings from the Netherlands!
Light and Truth - Luz y Verdad
Thanks for your book
I think I know what people mean when they say typical member, and at the same time I want to remind the Saints in the western USA that what you describe is not typical for the whole world or even the whole ward where you live. It doesn’t have to be long, but would be nice to hear what early life with the family looked like so we are not left filling in the blanks. This is an observation of many responses and not a criticism of this wonderful interview.
I love this story!!!
I sent 2 comments to the CES Letter informing on the reality of Paul Gregersen debunking the Egyptologist opinions against Joseph Smith. I gave a basic rundown on how Paul Gregersen proved that Joseph Smith was right, the Egyptologists were wrong. The CES Letter IGNORED my comments.
Light and truth letter please
Light and Truth!
❤✨LIGHT AND TRUTH ✨❤
Light & Truth
Speaking of loving the podcast, i'm not Mormon but I dated one, I love the members and love Ashley and her story and her guests even though I don't really agree with anything on the teachings but i'm always intrigued to watch it and can't deny the miracle that pulled Ashley out of her hell in this life.
Isn’t that the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ? No matter what religion you are, He will heal those who choose to come unto Him. ❤
Thanks for watching!
Light and Truth needed for my son
Light and Truth!
Light and Truth
"Faith Journey" vs "Faith Crises" ... "Crises makes it feel urgent....Don't need to be in a hurry." A useful mindset!
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@@ruexcited2WholeHearted I don’t like the term “faith crisis” either; it’s the Church that is in crisis.
I prefer “faith journey” because it is only a crisis if you make it one.
It’s certainly not easy though, whether or not you stay in the Church.
I watched Austin and Tikla on Ward Radio not long ago and I'm so glad that you interviewed them here also. I love what they have to say and I think this new Truth and Light Letter will do much to dispel the gloom from the CES letter scam.
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Light and Truth. I love your comeback podcast. I have several children who are struggling with or have left the church. This podcast provides me a sliver of hope that someday they will return.
I don't have a testimony of Church history - I have a testimony of MY history. Utimately, we need to work out our own salvation and come to understand for ourselves the workings of God and the Restoration in our lives.
Well said!!
Light and Truth!! Love love love that there is a response to the CES letter
As soon as I saw Austin on Ward Radio, I was hoping he would come here and share his story. This is so awesome!🙂
I was hoping that as well!
I can vouch for the amazing research coupled with spiritual enlightenment that comprise the “Light and Truth Letter.” I highly recommend it as a guide to everyone in their faith journey. Keep up the great work with the podcast, Lauren! ❤
Thank you!
I love Tikla and all the Woman of Ward Radio
You shouldn't be watching that heathen channel. ;)
Same here!
I've decided no amount of anti literature can change the happiness I feel when I'm at church. I've often wondered if that's just the result of all the social conditioning we received as children and young adults from our parents, member friends, church leaders, mission experiences, etc., etc. Even if it is, it is still happiness. We have a limited time on earth. Best to spend it doing the things that give you health, happiness, and security. That's what living church teachings do. So...I have absolutely zero interest in hearing anti literature. I don't know what is in the CES letter. Doesn't interest me. Don't want to read it. Don't want to investigate it. Because none of it gives me what I know works for me and my family.
You’re better off without reading it. Any anti Mormon argument you’ve ever heard is from ces letter
@@lukedriscoll793 It's actually a huge benefit to us that the CES letter has every anti-Mormon argument you can imagine. The author puts all his eggs into one basket, not realizing that if it's debunked, then basically all of anti-Mormonism is debunked as well.
It's not just conditioning. The proof is that even converts see it, feel it, and live it.
@@aliceduren6542 Very true
It is wonderful that you have this kind of faith. I would encourage you to read this light and truth letter, as the points and information in it may help you help someone else who is having a faith journey.
I just read it.. finished in 2 days. I was on the same boat like Austin and became inactive. Still am.. but my faith has been restored.. I found more light and truth in the LDS gospel than anywhere else.
Coming back and being a believing member is an exciting and thrilling journey 🫡
You are loved. The Spirit of God, like a fire is burning. The latter-day glory begins to come forth.
So happy for you :)))
Light and truth ❤️
Highly recommend, as someone that was recently rebaptized, it’s a great resource.
I posted about it on Facebook and one of the counselors in my stake ordered a copy. It’s going to do wonders for the Little Rock Arkansas stake.
CES = overrated.
One of my articles on sexual assault rates at BYU is cited in the Light and Truth Letter. I'm glad I could play a tiny part in a wonderful project.
Jacob Mayberry?! Your part is more than tiny.
@@jonahbarnes5841 I almost flipped out at you, you associate professor of all things apocryphal. But then i realized who I was reading...and it all made sense. I guess I'll have to go have my own faith crisis now. Only a former missionary from the Buenos Aires Norte mission who served in Jose Leon Suarez could ever talk me out of it.
@@mmaddox1787 don't stop bro. faith crises are lit, just think of the drugs! divorce! Waking up in your own vomit! it's a gas!
Have you guys looked into the history that BYU did electro shock conversion techniques on gay men?
@@thewakakeboarder yup
Light and Truth
Light and truth. My son and also my son-in-law both have left the church and felt like they have been misled all there lives. And when I tried to share my testimony with them of the truth. They dug in even deeper. So now all I feel that I can do is try to be that example and have something solid to come back to if they decide to come back. I have loved these podcasts for along time now. Don’t give up.
I am so sorry. It is so heartbreaking to have this happen. I have come to the same conclusion that the best I can do is be a loving light. I pray for us both.
I'm on the other side of the world. I have the same challenge . I believe all we can do is be the best ME... 🎉😂.
The mislead comment is them parroting the critics they've heard. Regardless, raising your children in the Church was the best possible thing you could have done for them. Nothing to be ashamed of.
Love the way you wield the sword 🗡️ of justice in defense of truth and virtue!!!!
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Light and Truth! I think this book would bless my teens
Their book is really fantastic. It won't sway already hardened hearts, but it will build confidence in members and in those who feel that the hard questions are unanswerable.
Where there's Jesus, there's light and truth.
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I’m thankful for all my friends and family members who have gone through faith crisis, they made me dig deeper and have a stronger testimony.
I really love the discussion on how when we frame it as a crisis it seems rushed which throws out waiting upon the Lord. ❤❤❤
Thank you so much! I have a friend who was scammed by the CES Letter!
I do too! It is awful 😢
I sent 2 comments to the CES Letter informing on the reality of Paul Gregersen debunking the arrogant Egyptologist opinions against Joseph Smith. I gave a basic rundown of how Paul Gregersen proved Joseph Smith was right, the Egyptologists were wrong. The CES Letter ignored my comments.
Of course they did, they only want to be validated in their life decisions, not to actually face the truth. - Lauren
@@RichardHolmes-ll8iiI would like to read what he says. Do you have a good webiste or article you would recommend?
Me too.
I have never read the CES letter or listened to Mormon Stories. I have been aware of the letter for years because so many LDS podcasts discuss it. In these later days, we must be aware of these controversial topics and form our own researched answers. I have started reading this book ❤️ and it is amazing! Also, Steven C. Harper is involved in a CES Letters RUclips podcast that started around June of this year. These are an answer to my prayers that I can discover these controversial topics and find my own answers. We all must do this! Satan is desperate and is bombarding our families. I need to build my knowledge so I am not blindsided by difficult questions that my children ask! I also am very impressed by the Christ-like attitude of both Bro. Fife and Bro. Harper!
light and truth
Light and truth! I already shared this, before watching it. I love all the episodes!
LIGHT AND TRUTH
LIGHT AND TRUTH… I listen to Ward Radio so I heard about the book and was planning on buying it. But now I’ll wait and see if I’m a winner to your drawing. Thanks to all of the people that make The Comeback Podcast possible, it has helped me through a lot family issues. My testimony has grown immensely since I started listening to it. I get bummed after I listen to the new one on Sundays because I know I have to wait another week for the next one. Keep up the good work❤️
It is free online! You can also print out the PDF
Light and Truth ❤ So grateful for Ashley, this podcast and for Austin and his wife coming on - but mostly I’m grateful for Jesus, His love, forgiveness, sacrifice, teachings, mercy, grace, truth and light! 💕
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Light and truth! My granddaughter recently left the church and we are all heart broken. Thank you for your words and new book.
What an extraordinary episode and couple! I just ordered the book and looked forward to reading it. Thank you Thank you Thank you for all of the amazing episodes that provide hope to many who are directly or indirectly impacted by all of the hate that's out there against the church and its members. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.....
I came to the same conclusion that faith cannot be proven or disproven in regard to the Book of Mormon or Bible for this matter. Anyone can ask why over and over or say they don’t like or even hate ABCXYZ. But take the totality of things into consideration. Are the people, movement, doctrine, institution a net positive or negative. If you conclude negative - what organization/system is more plausible? I can understand not wanting to be part of the church or finding another church one likes better. But don’t act like my beliefs in Mormonism are less plausible. It makes just as much sense as any other truth claim about reality (which is different than a psychological state.)
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I would love this book if I am chosen. Half of my siblings have left church (3). But if I am not chosen then it will be okay. God will only give me the light and truth book if it is His will. Maybe someone else needs it more than me. Light and truth.
You can print off pdf copies for free and give it to them
You can get it online for free. ❤
Light and truth ✨️
Sometimes, we might feel that there is something better out there than the church but it is an illusion. I stay in the church because I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints is the Church of Christ.
LIGHT AND TRUTH. Brigham Young said that any Truth whether in Heaven or Hell, it belongs to the church. So there no reason to leave if you find more light and truth. By definition, it already belongs to the Church! 😁
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Light and Truth
Absolutely awesome episode Austin, Tikla, and Ashly! Thanks for letting me know about the "The Light and Truth Letter". I plan to read it in its entirety.
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Light and ztruth! Love this podcast!
Light And Truth! The source is Jesus Christ. Austin fife never lost sight of that! Thanks for the CES response!!
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Light and Truth
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Light and Truth
I love the concept that it's not a faith crisis but an exciting journey to find God and our relationship with Him and His church!
Light and Truth. I hope I win! I want to read this book. ❤
Light and Truth!
Ive been inactive for over a decade. Recently found out im having my first child. Just had my interview lastnight with the president, and now planning our wedding. I just want be able to use the preisthood again to bless my family. #Belize
YES!!
I have several close family members who are in the midst of their own faith crises. Oh, how my heart aches for them and I pray for intervention everyday. Being a good example and honest encouragement doesn't seem to have any effect on their hearts. I dearly need more Light and Truth in my life not just for me, but to have to share with others. We all are on a failing journey.
"Light and Truth"
I love this podcast. I've been here ever since you were on Saints Unscripted and have listened to every episode. Thank you for doing this! These really mean a lot to me! I have my own story to share but unfortunately I'm still waiting on my wife to hopefully come back to the church someday to help me complete this come back journey. Until then, hearing others stories brings me hope. Thank you!
Legendary podcast for sure. Chin up and enjoy your journey! 🫡
Light and Truth! My husband is currently going through a “Faith Crisis” I would love this letter!
Austin is my hero 🦸♂️! What an incredible testimony! I’ve sent countless copies of the Light & Truth Letter to all my friends & family who’ve left the church or struggled with stuff
Thanks for watching! That is a sigma move for sure
Loved this story. Ashley, do you have any stories of people coming back from JW faith?
Light and Truth
What a blessing this podcast is, and what a blessing the Light and Truth Letter is! Both provide me with hope that those I love who have left the Church might someday come back. Thank you for all you’re doing!
Hope so!
Light and Truth please!! Your journey is awesome. I love the openness for truth. Bummer…I don’t have Instagram 😞
As a member of 46 years, I had so much anxiety just trying to keep all the “ rules” of the church on top of the commandments of Christ. I’ve had to step away just to breathe and find my mental health. It’s been very difficult and I’ve learned quite a bit about who I am personally apart from the mask I wore as a member. Mentally, I’m better. Spiritually I’m better if only for taking the time to look inward. I attend church because I love my believing husband. He’s so patient.
At this point, I feel if I return to believing, I’ll fall apart again.
Perhaps you could begin by reading the book. Like he said, it's free online.
You have my sympathy. I'm a believing member my whole life, and I have found tremendous peace in the church. I hope that your journey allows you to feel the peace again. Never stop praying for miracles in your life, and for the faith to see them. :) God bless
Remember, the sacramental and temple covenants are not us covenanting we will be perfect today, but that we will look to Christ for strength. Just start there. That is how I am much stronger at keeping the commandments. I promise you will have strength if you focus on Jesus. I also recommend reading a book called “believing Christ” it changed the way I see Jesus and it will help you.
The author is Stephen Robinson if you are looking for it.
Some members really struggle with scrupulosity and I really feel for them.
I am so impressed that you let this man tell his story without inserting yourself, your opinions, your own experiences. you just let them talk. It is so refreshing. Opposite of someone like Bill O'Riley who interrupts, talks over, etc. and just has to be the center of the discussion. Kudos to you for being such a good listener.
Just bought my book.
What awesome guests! ❤️☀️
Light and Truth! I love it online and the hardcopy looks great!
‘LIGHT AND TRUTH’ for my daughters desert of doubt
I disagree about joining your loved one on the faith journey.
LIGHT AND TRUTH! Would love to read this! ❤
Light and Truth. I love your podcast! Keep it going.
LIGHT AND TRUTH - This is a really cool episode. I've only been listening to this podcast for a couple days. I just finished... or got caught up on The Standard of Truth Podcast. So I was looking for something a little less academic and more touchy feely. I went through a faith crisis or journey a couple months ago. I was in a bishopric and had to ask to be released because it just became too much on my family. I really struggled. I felt like a defective member because I didn't force my family to power through a difficult situation. My wife is also on a journey. We have seen some close family members leave the church. She was raised in the church and never really questioned because it's just what you do. Church is your life, but she didn't and still doesn't know why. I have been struggling because since I had the "crisis" paradigm I felt like I needed to be doing something and that it is my responsibility to get her through it. Prior to this I realized its not my responsibility. I just want to be available to God to use me if I am the instrument he needs to help my wife. I want to focus on loving her and being there for her. Answer the questions as they come up and don't get too excited because it can scare the spark before it becomes a flame. SO I really enjoy the paradigm shift. It doesn't feel as scary. So love this episode. Gonna keep on listening.
Thanks for watching and sharing your journey to this point! Best wishes
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TL;DW: Nothing was addressed in this one hour video/podcast relating to the CES letter (or any issue on church history or BoM claims of historical truthfulness). It’s an hour of “i became less interested, kinda atheist, kinda agnostic, then changed my mind and chose to believe, buy my book.”
I have yet to find a source that can directly and honestly remedy the truth claims issues with logic and reason. In the end, nobody can answer why “the lamanites” have asiatic DNA instead of Hebrew. Nobody can answer why it’s OK that Joseph smith sexed young girls, including under age girls, behind Emma’s back. And why he threatened “to destroy” Emma if she didn’t accept Joseph’s extra-marital affairs. Or why the “translation” process was an occult-like rock in a hat that didn’t involve the claimed gold plates at all.
It’s likely because the answer is simple: Joseph smith was a conman, and lied about the gold plates. The truth is usually simple and logical.
Likely you won't like my letter if you read it but nearly everything you say here I address. Including manipulative techniques critics use.
@@LightandTruthLetter why wouldn’t I like it? I value objective truth, and if you use logic instead of fallacy, I’m all for it. Where is it?
I needed this so much to help me with my close family member who has stepped away! My husband has been very concerned that I am going to be led down the same path and doesn't like me discussing it with him. I have been given so many wonderful thoughts and ideas and even some confirmation that my asking questions is a good thing. Thank you, Austin and also Tikla (you are amazing!) I am excited to read Light and Truth!! You are an answer to my prayers! Thank you for sharing your faith "journey" not crisis! ❤
Thanks for watching!! 🫡
Light and Truth. So excited for this podcast !
Light and Truth! I was expecting this to feel so heavy, and it's not! I love this❤
Light and truth ! Thank you for focusing on the abundance and not he scarcity of the LDS faith and the balance of heart and mind . And emphasizing Christ and the atonement . I love the description of freedom that comes from choosing to believe.
Thanks for watching!
Light and truth!
Another beautiful podcast!!
This episode...I want so many people to listen and internalize this 🙏🏻
“Light and Truth letter.” Thanks for this thoughtful and inspiring discussion.
I feel fortunate that I never got addicted to my opioid medication.
Light and truth. Thank you so much for every episode of the come back podcast I cannot begin to tell you how much I have needed every episode and how much it helps me. Monday mornings at the gym are a highlight because I have a new comeback podcast episode to listen to. This gives me so much hope for the people I love. Thank you so much!
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Light and truth! I loved this episode!
I read the whole book in one day.
Light and truth! Can't wait to add that to the other great things that have come into my mind from this podcast!
Light and truth
Excited to read this!
🕯️ LIGHT & TRUTH 🕯️
Love everything about this podcast ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Light and truth!
Light and Truth❤
Light and truth! Love this story
Light and Truth