Yearly Archives: 2024

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Along the way, I started watching Mormon Stories videos and other exmormon podcasts, reading things that I had previously put off reading because, well, they might be of the devil. Reading the CES Letter was a key event for me in putting my faith crisis in perspective. I finally gained the assurance that I wasn't alone in my faith deconstruction journey. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
Along the way, I started watching Mormon Stories videos and other exmormon podcasts, reading things that I had previously put off reading because, well, they might be of the devil. Reading the CES Letter was a key event for me in putting my faith crisis in perspective. I finally gained the assurance that I wasn't alone in my faith deconstruction journey. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
When my wife suddenly and unexpectedly passed in 2022, for me, part of grieving was realizing that I needed to let go of many things in my life that no longer served me. It was scary, but necessary for my future well-being. Now, I was free to approach my life in completely new and authentic ways. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
When my wife suddenly and unexpectedly passed in 2022, for me, part of grieving was realizing that I needed to let go of many things in my life that no longer served me. It was scary, but necessary for my future well-being. Now, I was free to approach my life in completely new and authentic ways. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
I had reached a point where the only thing keeping me in the Church was my wife's unwavering faith, in which I noticed a few small cracks appearing post-COVID. I didn't want to hurt her or our marriage of 40+ years, so I kept quiet and acted like a faithful member. I didn't like my own inauthenticity, but figured I would eventually come clean when the time was right. Besides, I still appreciated the support and community aspects of the Church, and 90% of my friends and family were all active members, so I played along. Then she died. My world was shattered. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
I had reached a point where the only thing keeping me in the Church was my wife's unwavering faith, in which I noticed a few small cracks appearing post-COVID. I didn't want to hurt her or our marriage of 40+ years, so I kept quiet and acted like a faithful member. I didn't like my own inauthenticity, but figured I would eventually come clean when the time was right. Besides, I still appreciated the support and community aspects of the Church, and 90% of my friends and family were all active members, so I played along. Then she died. My world was shattered. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
I had questions about many aspects of Church history, doctrine and practices that often gave me pause from the time I was a young missionary, but, good Mormon that I was, I dutifully blamed myself for questioning the Church and the Prophet, repented and shelved the questions. My faith was shaken many times along the way as I grew older and started to realize there's no real, spiritual power in the Church, or in any religion made by men, other than what its members all agree upon, or, rather, what the leaders tell them they need to agree upon in order to please God, which often has the added benefit of enriching the Church through greater tithes and donations. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
I had questions about many aspects of Church history, doctrine and practices that often gave me pause from the time I was a young missionary, but, good Mormon that I was, I dutifully blamed myself for questioning the Church and the Prophet, repented and shelved the questions. My faith was shaken many times along the way as I grew older and started to realize there's no real, spiritual power in the Church, or in any religion made by men, other than what its members all agree upon, or, rather, what the leaders tell them they need to agree upon in order to please God, which often has the added benefit of enriching the Church through greater tithes and donations. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
I was raised in the Mormon faith. I come from Mormon polygamy stock on my Mom's side. Dad joined the Church when I was a 20 years old missionary in Taiwan. I graduated from BYU, married my wife in the temple in Laie, Hawaii, had five kids, nine grandkids. I served in many positions, and up until a couple of years ago I always held a temple recommend. I am a truth-seeker. I was a Mormon. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/
I was raised in the Mormon faith. I come from Mormon polygamy stock on my Mom's side. Dad joined the Church when I was a 20 years old missionary in Taiwan. I graduated from BYU, married my wife in the temple in Laie, Hawaii, had five kids, nine grandkids. I served in many positions, and up until a couple of years ago I always held a temple recommend. I am a truth-seeker. I was a Mormon. - Andy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/andycwilson/

Mark Twain on Mormons

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835–1910), was a prominent American writer, humorist, and social critic best known for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain lived during a transformative period in American history marked by the Civil War, Reconstruction, and rapid industrialization. His sharp wit and keen observations often critiqued …

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This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
I live to witness the good, the beautiful and the true in this life which includes food, music, and intellectually stimulating conversations, and coming to understanding another's point of view. I can think for myself now. - Cameron's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/
I live to witness the good, the beautiful and the true in this life which includes food, music, and intellectually stimulating conversations, and coming to understanding another's point of view. I can think for myself now. - Cameron's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/
The church taught great principles of honesty, integrity, hard work, the importance of family, and love. What got me questioning the church is the actions taken by church leaders since the beginning that were not in line with what I thought the church was. After doing some experiments, I concluded that as much as I wanted the church to be true, the church is indistinguishable from a fraud. - Cameron's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/
The church taught great principles of honesty, integrity, hard work, the importance of family, and love. What got me questioning the church is the actions taken by church leaders since the beginning that were not in line with what I thought the church was. After doing some experiments, I concluded that as much as I wanted the church to be true, the church is indistinguishable from a fraud. - Cameron's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/
I was born and raised in Orem, Utah. My 7 brothers, as well as my sister grew up very active and although it was a very strict home with high expectations of conforming behaviors, rules, and discipline, there was always love in the home and we rarely fought. The Church was life. Baptism, receiving the Priesthood, going on a mission, and getting married in the temple were mile markers worth celebrating. I did all that, but ultimately I was disillusioned by the church. I was a Mormon. - Cameron's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/
I was born and raised in Orem, Utah. My 7 brothers, as well as my sister grew up very active and although it was a very strict home with high expectations of conforming behaviors, rules, and discipline, there was always love in the home and we rarely fought. The Church was life. Baptism, receiving the Priesthood, going on a mission, and getting married in the temple were mile markers worth celebrating. I did all that, but ultimately I was disillusioned by the church. I was a Mormon. - Cameron's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/007shrimp/
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
What a lovely thing being out is. I kept going to church for 9 months after losing my faith just to observe. It was fascinating — well, it was at best boring and at worst disturbing. So many people internalize the most horrid things from this church. Why does Relief Society always devolve into trauma sharing hour? - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
What a lovely thing being out is. I kept going to church for 9 months after losing my faith just to observe. It was fascinating — well, it was at best boring and at worst disturbing. So many people internalize the most horrid things from this church. Why does Relief Society always devolve into trauma sharing hour? - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I watched a Mormon Stories of Tim Kosnoff, and I was so repulsed by what he shared, I decided it was time. That fortuitously coincided with LDS Discussions series on Mormon Stories, and a month later, I was out. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I watched a Mormon Stories of Tim Kosnoff, and I was so repulsed by what he shared, I decided it was time. That fortuitously coincided with LDS Discussions series on Mormon Stories, and a month later, I was out. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I recognized there were things about the Mormon Church that I heard on the fringes but didn’t want to digest. Things that I knew that if I knew them, I’d have to act. I'd have to decide if this was all hogwash or not. Then came the Arizona abuse case. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I recognized there were things about the Mormon Church that I heard on the fringes but didn’t want to digest. Things that I knew that if I knew them, I’d have to act. I'd have to decide if this was all hogwash or not. Then came the Arizona abuse case. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I decided that would be the end of that and to love myself unconditionally. Funny thing is, when you do that, you give yourself room to disagree with everything that doesn’t fit with that message. So I was frequently hearing things at church and THINKING. A dangerous pastime, I know. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I decided that would be the end of that and to love myself unconditionally. Funny thing is, when you do that, you give yourself room to disagree with everything that doesn’t fit with that message. So I was frequently hearing things at church and THINKING. A dangerous pastime, I know. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
My deconstruction started in college when I realized every week so much of what people said was the same self-hatred coded in self-righteousness. People always found something to dislike about themselves to share with the class. And I did the same thing — praying every day to be better and always feeling I was coming up short. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
My deconstruction started in college when I realized every week so much of what people said was the same self-hatred coded in self-righteousness. People always found something to dislike about themselves to share with the class. And I did the same thing — praying every day to be better and always feeling I was coming up short. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I grew up in St Louis in a relatively small ward. So I didn’t really have members in my school. All of my ward experience after childhood has been a series of singles wards at BYU then in Orem. I knew I was ignorant of what Mormonism was. Then I decided it was time to learn. I was a Mormon. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
I grew up in St Louis in a relatively small ward. So I didn’t really have members in my school. All of my ward experience after childhood has been a series of singles wards at BYU then in Orem. I knew I was ignorant of what Mormonism was. Then I decided it was time to learn. I was a Mormon. - Brooklyn's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bparks898/
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
There's so many things I've learned about the church that I had no idea. I was in the wrong for so long. The few issues mentioned are only the tip of the iceberg. Finally, my wife and I decided after all the facts, the Mormon church is not true at all and we started our journey as faithful and true Christians. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
There's so many things I've learned about the church that I had no idea. I was in the wrong for so long. The few issues mentioned are only the tip of the iceberg. Finally, my wife and I decided after all the facts, the Mormon church is not true at all and we started our journey as faithful and true Christians. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
When missionaries teach other people about Mormonism, they always leave crucial details out. "Preach my Gospel" does not tell missionaries to share about the 30+ wives Joseph Smith had, and as young as 14 years old, nor the 50+ wives Brigham Young had. They don't teach you about the actual reason why Joseph Smith was killed - that he burned down a press. They don't teach that Joseph Smith was a known treasure digger. All these details are just the tip of the iceberg and will show red flags to anyone trying to join this cult. All the characteristics of a cult are present in the Mormon church. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
When missionaries teach other people about Mormonism, they always leave crucial details out. "Preach my Gospel" does not tell missionaries to share about the 30+ wives Joseph Smith had, and as young as 14 years old, nor the 50+ wives Brigham Young had. They don't teach you about the actual reason why Joseph Smith was killed - that he burned down a press. They don't teach that Joseph Smith was a known treasure digger. All these details are just the tip of the iceberg and will show red flags to anyone trying to join this cult. All the characteristics of a cult are present in the Mormon church. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
The church is dishonest by not being upfront with everyone, members and non members about their past. They always change the church principles to adjust to the current world situation. It's pretty much up to the current president of the Mormon church to dictate what's the new standard. There's plenty of examples of this going on throughout church history. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
The church is dishonest by not being upfront with everyone, members and non members about their past. They always change the church principles to adjust to the current world situation. It's pretty much up to the current president of the Mormon church to dictate what's the new standard. There's plenty of examples of this going on throughout church history. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
After almost a year of rewiring our brains from the brainwash caused by the mormon church we took one of the most important steps in becoming a true disciple of Christ. We got baptized!! This time we got baptized into Christ and not any church. Which is contrary to mormon teachings since you have to be baptized to be a member. We used the facilities of another non-denominational church to perform our baptism. Being baptized and being member of a church are two separate things, also contradicting the LDS view of baptism. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
After almost a year of rewiring our brains from the brainwash caused by the mormon church we took one of the most important steps in becoming a true disciple of Christ. We got baptized!! This time we got baptized into Christ and not any church. Which is contrary to mormon teachings since you have to be baptized to be a member. We used the facilities of another non-denominational church to perform our baptism. Being baptized and being member of a church are two separate things, also contradicting the LDS view of baptism. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
A Community Church helped us a lot in deconstructing our faith and build it back again on the true gospel of Jesus Christ. We took a few classes about the Bible and we learned so much more about our Savior and true nature of God. We learned that there's only one God, eternally existing in three persons. Contradictory to Mormon beliefs that there are three Gods with one purpose. Mormonism is not Christian because it denies the basic and essential doctrines of the Christian faith. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
A Community Church helped us a lot in deconstructing our faith and build it back again on the true gospel of Jesus Christ. We took a few classes about the Bible and we learned so much more about our Savior and true nature of God. We learned that there's only one God, eternally existing in three persons. Contradictory to Mormon beliefs that there are three Gods with one purpose. Mormonism is not Christian because it denies the basic and essential doctrines of the Christian faith. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
It was hidden right in front of our eyes. A contradiction between the Book of Mormon and the Bible. After learning this, it started to trickle all the questions we had about the church that were "put up on the shelf". After covid was a little bit more calm. We started going to a non-denominational church that was also a key in the reason why we left. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
It was hidden right in front of our eyes. A contradiction between the Book of Mormon and the Bible. After learning this, it started to trickle all the questions we had about the church that were "put up on the shelf". After covid was a little bit more calm. We started going to a non-denominational church that was also a key in the reason why we left. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
The breaking point was GRACE. Reading in the Book of Mormon that Grace only comes AFTER all you can do (2 Nephi 25:23), made no sense when the Bible is teaching that Grace is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not a result of our works. The Bible also teaches that we don't deserve it but Christ gave it to us and it doesn't matter what we do, we will still have God's grace. Paul says in the Bible that our salvation comes COMPLETELY from the grace of God, and is not dependent on works. To illustrate it in simple terms. Mormons believe in: Faith + Works = Salvation. Christians believe in: Faith = Salvation + Works. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
The breaking point was GRACE. Reading in the Book of Mormon that Grace only comes AFTER all you can do (2 Nephi 25:23), made no sense when the Bible is teaching that Grace is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not a result of our works. The Bible also teaches that we don't deserve it but Christ gave it to us and it doesn't matter what we do, we will still have God's grace. Paul says in the Bible that our salvation comes COMPLETELY from the grace of God, and is not dependent on works. To illustrate it in simple terms. Mormons believe in: Faith + Works = Salvation. Christians believe in: Faith = Salvation + Works. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
My wife and I made a 2021 new year's resolution to get closer to Christ. Covid was around, so we were not able to attend to church, thus leaving us at home reading and learning more about Christ and eventually church history. As we started to learn more about Christ, we noticed we were going in a different direction than the church had taught us. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
My wife and I made a 2021 new year's resolution to get closer to Christ. Covid was around, so we were not able to attend to church, thus leaving us at home reading and learning more about Christ and eventually church history. As we started to learn more about Christ, we noticed we were going in a different direction than the church had taught us. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
Hi, I'm Searjasub Lopez. I'm a Software Developer, love computer science and anything tech related. I'm a proud husband and father of 4. I was born into the church. I did everything that was expected of a brainwashed kid that didn't know anything else but what the church fed me almost daily. Baptized at 8, did 4 years of seminary, got both "priesthoods", served a mission in Peru Huancayo, and sealed in the temple with my wife, and held a variety of positions within the Church. I was a Mormon. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/
Hi, I'm Searjasub Lopez. I'm a Software Developer, love computer science and anything tech related. I'm a proud husband and father of 4. I was born into the church. I did everything that was expected of a brainwashed kid that didn't know anything else but what the church fed me almost daily. Baptized at 8, did 4 years of seminary, got both "priesthoods", served a mission in Peru Huancayo, and sealed in the temple with my wife, and held a variety of positions within the Church. I was a Mormon. - Searjasub's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/searjasub/