I was a member of the LDS church for 20 years, and have recently begun my quest to find all the reading materials I was forbidden to read while a member. As it turns out the reason they discourage you from reading anything anti-Mormon is because then you wold find out the truth. That it's all a crock of crap! Joseph Smith was a scoundrel and a polygamist who lived polygamy for years before he had his "revelation" from the Lord.
Finding out all of these things about the real Mormon religion has caused me intense agony. Finding out that I've wasted my own life on a lie. I feel like I am grieving, like I have lost a beloved member of my family. I am ANGRY, and so hurt. Now I find myself sceptically of anything to do with God, Christ even the Bible. What if that was made up as well and sometime a LONG time ago some guy made all this stuff up about Jesus. I know in my heart that isn't the truth, but I knew in my heart that Mormonism was true to...and I was wrong. Can someone help me?
And please I don't want to hear from Members of the LDS church who are trying to convince me to return to the fold. I have done something you refuse to do and that is to seek the truth and I have found it. I have no desire to return to the LDS church, and am in the process of removing my name and the name of my son from Church Records. And you would do yourself some good if you would step outside the box for 2 seconds and research that thing you call your religion. Any religion that discourages it's members from seeking the truth is a CULT. Any religion that uses FEAR to obtain cooperation is a CULT. Any religion that consumes every single aspect of your life, and has masonic rituals in their "temples" are CULTS. I am convinced and nothing you can say will change my mind. My questions isn't "How do I return to the Mormon Religion" so please don't treat it as such.
Alissa, to answer your question. There are actual historical evidence that suggests that the Book of Mormon was falsified. The book talks about horses and elephants, and Lions in America at that time. But what Joshep Smith didn't realize was that Horses didn't exist in the America's Prue Columbus when he brought them over on his second trip from Spain. The Book of Mormon also uses the phrase " My brethren I bid then Adieu." A French Word from something that was supposedly translated from Hebrew???
Also how do you explain the Book of Abraham, which Joseph Smith supposedly translated that ended up to be a section of The Book of Death it's a Pagan Burial Ritual. This was discovered by a proffesor AT BYU. A MORMON discovered the lies that Joseph Smith was telling. What about the Kinderhook Plates the Joseph discovered and said were ancient Egyptian symbols which actually turned out to be a hoax by some local farmers the symbols were Chinese Symbols taken from a tea box???
LDS Mom, Your just another classic example of a typical LDS Member. How Dare I come on here and say that thereMAY POSSIBLE be another way...OMG my bad. I'm not coming on here to preach how WRONG the Mormons are (and they are) I came on here to ask for help and if your not going to give me that help then move on.
And as for the question how do they control you with fear? Well they threaten you with being seperated from your families if you don't go to the Temple and get sealed for time and all eternity and participate in a Masonic ritual about slitting your throat and ripping your bowels out. I mean JEEZ how does that NOT scare someone?
FUNNY HOW AFTER I SPECIFICALLY SAID I DON'T WANT MORMONS TO COME ON HERE AND PREACH TO ME ABOUT HOW I NEED TO REPENT AND HOW THEIR CHURCH IS THE RIGHT ONE I GOT TONS AND TONS AND TONS OF MORMONS DOING THAT EXACT THING. ALL I NEED TO KNOW IS HOW TO MOVE ON THAT'S IT PLAIN AND SIMPLE. I WILL BE REPORTING ALL OF YOU WHO DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION WHICH WAS HOW DO I MOVE ON AFTER BEING SUBJECTED TO ALL THE LIES AND CRAP. NOT HOW DO I RETURN TO THE MORMON CHURCH OR HOW DO I KNOW ALL THE STUFF I AM READING IS TRUE. I DON'T NEED TO BE PREACHED TO YOU'D THINK AFTER 20 YEARS IN THE RELIGION I'D PRETTY MUCH HEARD IT ALL. I HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN THE DEFENDER ONCE UPON A TIME YOUR NOT TELLING ME ANYTHING I DON'T ALREADY KNOW PLEASE STOP!!!!!!!!!!
I recieved some great helpful answers on here, some of the LDS members were acutally supportive in my decision to seek the truth, while the other LDS members just affirmed my opinion of them. That they are only worried about defending their religion. Yes I prayed about whether the BoM was true and for along time I would stand up in testimony meetings and repeat the cookie cutter testimony "I'd like to bear my testimony i know this church is true, I love my mom and dad and my brothers and sisters...." but I never did know that it was true.
I thank all of you that helped me, I have been studying exmormon.org and find it very VERY helpful. For you LDS members out there, I will pray for you that you may have a clear mind and that you may discover the truth. i don't want anymore rude comments from people who are suppose to be kind and loving....funny how that works....even though it says IN THE BIBLE "JUDGE NOT THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED." Many members still felt it necessary to do just that.
This is my last edit I promise. Many of the LDS on here state that I need to study both sides, after 20 years you don't think I studied the Mormon religion but the thing is they only teach you the GOOD things never the bad stuff that happened. Most of what I have been reading has been SCIENTIFICALLY proven. There are accounts and signed and swore affidavits from individuals who personally knew Joseph Smith as a liar and a money digger. A man who 2 months before his death was initaiated in the Free Masons. I encourage you to read your OWN church's history it's real history not the one your teachers give you. There are many disgusting things found in the Journal of Discourses, and in many of your own Church History Books, I find it hard to believe they don't teach that kind of stuff to you in church...oh wait then you would leave and take your 10% with you. God be with all of you. LDS and non-LDS alike.
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well gosh, I've heard of all that stuff before, but the Holy Ghost still tells me the church is true. Id much rather listen to the Holy Ghost than an anti.
we aren't really forbidden to do anything accept participate in polygamy and murder each other. Do you really feel you need the freedom to to that? We can still do it only we would be excommunicated.
if you quit the church because of that, its not too smart. Before you quit, you should have prayed and asked if it was true. If you didn't feel anything, then maybe your right. I pray all the time and all the time I get answers.
Just because its on the Internet, doesn't mean its true. Also, how on earth could somebody fake finding the book of Mormon and then write ALL OF THAT.
what the freak? your answer didn't answer anything. It isn't a threat. Where did that ritual come from anyways?
I want to wish you good luck and that whatever way you choose will lead to a happy life.
If you looked for supportive truths against the anti-Mormon claims perhaps you would find your answers.
What caused the change?
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Feisty................
You do realize that most of the issues that you have brought up are answered here in Q&A. Most of the issues you brought up here too are age old arguments that have too been pr oven false. You claim that the Church is false is not due to your studies and reading. If that were the case, you would have seen right through those misleading arguments which have no validity. For each question there is an easy argument found easily for one who would search the answers. I apologize for offense if I have done so, and apologize for other "Mormons" who haven't been so nice to you.
As an answer to your question, I would say move on. Use the teachings that helped you. You are free to do whatever you like. Just please be cautious the next time you post information in regards to the LDS faith. As you've seen if there is something posted that claims this is what the LDS believe and it's wrong........we'll you've seen how that goes.
Did your son still want to get baptized? From another post you mentioned that he saw the missionaries and wanted to join the church.
Edit 2:
I've read a bunch more of your questions and answers....It appears that leaving the church wasn't a recent decision, and you're lifestyle hasn't been that way for a couple of years. Why start the flinging now?
It is sad that you believe all the anti crap you read. Do you honestly think it all truth?
I chose to live without the LDS Church in my life, and I was happy to return. It brings peace - whereas right now you only feel hurt. I am sorry for you. May you find comfort in your decision.
I think it's great you decided to look at your faith. Know that there are many others like you in the world! They all band together to support each other!
yes. Exmo.org is great. For some funny stuff go to the salamander society. Type that into a search bar. It should com up. Type in anti LDS or Mormon recovery. There are alto of on line groups!
I wish you the best with this. One friend of mine went through what you are right now.
There are a ton of books too.
I feel sorry for you with all of these loving brothers and sisters of the LDS church calling you lire, and saying you are stupid. ....Expect this though...The higher ups don't want you spreading "lies" to the other members!
If you need anything...I allow email
He took a step back and re-read the bible and came to the conclusion that it was the truth. I hope you can do the same.
I have NEVER been told what to read and what not to read.
**OK, I took my own advise to repent and I am sorry I freaked out earlier. Sorry. It drives me CRAZY when people say stuff about my church that I know is not true.
You should watch a movie called "God's Army". Pay special attention to the missionary that falls away.
As a former LDS myself, I can relate to what you are saying. The difference is, I never felt angry, and the LDS are no more a cult than any other religion.
You didn't waste your life, you learned an important lesson many people never do... and that is to look at many facets before choosing a path in life.
Take away the positives of your experience, learn from the negatives, and start choosing the path that is right for you. If you want additional support you may email me, it's on my profile.
I did not realize we are forbidden to read anything. We are discouraged to partake of certain media, but forbidden, I don't believe is the correct phrase. I have read the Watchtower magazine- and not been in trouble for it. You are being a little harsh there.
First of all- I would caution you to check into what you read. There is a lot published about the church- by ex and anti-Mormons that is entirely false. Just be cautious that what you are reading is from a reliable source.
I would suggest you see if you can get in touch with Universal Pants. He is an R&S regular who is no longer LDS. I think he can give you some good insight. I will see if I can find his profile for you.
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Looks like he answered right before I did.
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Assie10- there is no fear. Some one once asked Joseph Smith or Brigham Young (can't remember which one), how he got his followers to remain faithful to gospel teachings- he said- "I teach correct principles and allow them to govern themselves" That is pretty much how it goes. They teach us the correct principles and doctrines and then we do our thing. We are really not forbidden to do anything, we are encouraged strongly to lead moral lives, but we are also encouraged to figure it all out for ourselves.
Sorry Assiee- I thought you were asking if they use fear to teach us- I misread your answer.
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I am not gonna try and convince you to come back- you have to decide that for yourself. I will however encourage you to accept Christ's Atonement in your life and begin the healing process. The first thing you need to do is release the anger that you have right now. Anger while, it has it's place for a short time can cloud your judgment. Once you release the anger, then you can begin to heal and continue the path you have chosen for your life. If you hold onto the anger you will never be happy. I gather that you are just try to find what makes you happy in your life. Release the anger, search reliable sources and then you can move on with your life and adapt to your new lifestyle.
it is completely natural to feel that why. It is going to take time to fill the whole that you are left with. I felt the same way about god, but your faith in God will return and it will be stronger then before. Hang in there and believe that better days are ahead!
The church discourages me from reading anti-material?
I have a large library of anti-material and atheist books that I read regularly to keep my testimony...
Anyway, my only question is: have you asked in prayer if the church was false?
John 15: 26
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeded from the Father, he shall testify of me:
I'm not trying to convert you back at all. If you pray, you may be able to find out if it is true or it isn't. It'll help, greatly.
lets sit and watch the moms thumb us down for supporting your decision to seek after truth.
isn't it funny how they do this?
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About your finding out (some of) the truth, albeit the tip of the iceberg:
It's like how you feel if you've ever had your house robbed. It is such a violation of your person.
Just look into everything there is about the bible and Christianity, don't be a "Mormon" about it and be afraid of reading something.
Ask the Lord to teach you the truth, not give you a burning in your "heart". God gave you a brain to learn with too. God gave you this. Be a Breena!
OK. I personally don't take issue with whether you 'come back' to the church or not......but - you ought to at least FULLY research this stuff before you make decisions on it. That means looking at the pros and cons, not just one or the other, and reading and researching and praying on your own. Don't take anything at just a word - question until you find your own answer.....then you know it is YOUR decision.
I have never once been "forbidden" to read anything I wanted to about the church or about Joseph Smith or any other prophet. In fact, I have been encouraged to do so, and have had some wonderful discussions about these things. Also, if you read the actual documents - as they are- without other input or spins, you will find that many of them do not even say what some claim they do.
If you feel agony upon finding out things about this religion which you profess to once have believed, then you need to actually give a chance to researching each of your questions and being open to where the answers may lead you - even if it is 'back into the church'.
some of the places I have found to be most helpful
http://www.jefflindsay.com/
http://fairlds.org/
http://farms.byu.edu/
some of the places I have found questions to be inflamed or misrepresented - although the questions raised may be legitimate, the answers provided usually are not.
http://www.utlm.org/
http://www.carm.org/
good luck in your search - may you find peace in your life's pathway to God, wherever it may lie. you may want to contact UP on here - he has been where you are now.
At first you sound sincere and seem only deceived by anti Mormon materials but, at the end where you said our Church threaten people with separation from their family, that would be really over the line.
And you know that is a lie. You know the church teaches Free agency. You are a prime example of someone who decided not to follow the church. You can make that choice on your own did you not?
Go and live the life you chooses, please do not degrade the LDS church, just because it doesn't fit your life style.
One more point, what make you so sure the anti-Mormon writers are more truthful than our Prophets and leaders?
For someone like you who leave the church, there are many who still maintain their faith. I for one been a member over 30 years, and will died as a LDS.
I have been a member for 13 years...I completely respect your decision to leave the church. I do want to say however, that I have never been forbidden to read anything, and have actually read anti-Mormon material. For me it strengthened my testimony, but everyone is different. God Bless.
I've heard rotten things over the years about what Mormons do. And the people here calling you names have been reported. I don't like to see people using name calling with cuss or bad names. When I see it, I report it. Beware. I'm not a Mormon even though they came to my house trying very hard to convert me. I listen to them to a point then I tell them to leave. I am a Christain though.
The word 'adieu' was used because, to Joseph Smith, no other word seemed better to describe the farewell statement.
I've heard horror stories that the temple ordinances make a patron swear upon slitting throats and disembowelment should they reveal to the world the events going on, but in my 43 years as a Latter-day Saint I haven't heard of such to convince me that it is true.
Yes, there is anger in your narrative and in your heart because you have allowed misinformation harden you. Yet you have God's greatest gift of agency to move away from the Church as you have elected.
We members are strongly encouraged to read books of wisdom while avoiding apostate groups that would tend to bring us down in our faith. In this, I see you have lost whatever testimony you may have had in the past. Your present testimony does in no way change mine.
With all the proof and wisdom you say you now have that the Church and Joseph Smith is untrue will you write a book and join the others of like caliber? Your question and narrative appears to be the first stepping stone in doing so.
Regardless, may your decision bring you peace and happiness. It is your choice and ultimate consequence if you choose to stay away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--however it will turn out for you.
I dint see why you grieve.. there are people still stuck in it as you can see .. and you were the one who actually got the courage to seek the truth .. you should be rejoicing ...
The number of days is a small factor so dint worry about how long you stayed in it .. some of us get small lives .. some very Long .. I think the main factor is who actually makes an effort to walk on the right path and God helps them who aren't stubborn but seek the truth using BRAINS. A HUGE gift by God.
So well .. my suggestion is that you read about other religions. Oh and Karen Armstrong is a woman who might give you unbiased information because she doesn't follow any religion .. I dint agree with her on this because i think practice is equally important as belief. But none the less i admire her talks. You may find them on you tube.
1. LDS members aren't allowed to read anti Mormon books false.
2. Joseph Smith knew that plural marriage was to be around years before D&C 132 was revealed. Yes You can look it up.
A scoundrel no.
3. The church is a crock of crap. false.
4. You never read rebuttals to the questions and doubts put by anti Mormons. You read Fields.org, farms.buy.edu, and other LDS apologetic websites.
5. You're the blame for swallowing the anti Mormon lie hook. line and sinker. The church is true...you believe the world's view of us and not us.
Life After Mormonism???
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