Yearly Archives: 2024

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I wondered why, if this is so great, why doesn’t everyone embrace it. What am I missing and why does the Church make me feel empty? Why would a loving God treat his children so differently based on where they were born, who their parents are, what race they were born into, what their last name is, what their sexual preference is, what their gender is, how much money they have and whether they followed Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim or Christian teachings. Why would God demand 10% tithing to get into the celestial kingdom; pay-to-play just didn’t seem right. - Tom's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/tom808/
I wondered why, if this is so great, why doesn’t everyone embrace it. What am I missing and why does the Church make me feel empty? Why would a loving God treat his children so differently based on where they were born, who their parents are, what race they were born into, what their last name is, what their sexual preference is, what their gender is, how much money they have and whether they followed Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim or Christian teachings. Why would God demand 10% tithing to get into the celestial kingdom; pay-to-play just didn’t seem right. - Tom's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/tom808/
Born and raised in the faith, I’m a descendant of pioneers who crossed the plains and settled the Salt Lake Valley. I was the perfect Mormon. Seminary, mission, BYU, Temple marriage, family, Stake, and Ward leadership. Ancestors crossed the plains with Brigham Young. Life revolved around the church in every way. We held family home evenings each week and attended every Church service, conference, and fireside. If something was happening at the Church, we were there! I’m a corporate executive, educator, parent, and husband. I was a Mormon. - Tom's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/tom808/
Born and raised in the faith, I’m a descendant of pioneers who crossed the plains and settled the Salt Lake Valley. I was the perfect Mormon. Seminary, mission, BYU, Temple marriage, family, Stake, and Ward leadership. Ancestors crossed the plains with Brigham Young. Life revolved around the church in every way. We held family home evenings each week and attended every Church service, conference, and fireside. If something was happening at the Church, we were there! I’m a corporate executive, educator, parent, and husband. I was a Mormon. - Tom's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/tom808/
It is not charity to aid a business enterprise... Ensign Peak Advisors (EPA) has operated a for-profit securities investment business that (a) used none of its $100 billion for any religious, charitable, or educational purpose, and (b) made distributions to only two recipients, in each case to for-profit activities that are “private” interests. Distributing or transferring a combined $2 billion for an insurance company (Beneficial Financial Group) and a shopping mall (City Creek Center) clearly conflicts with EPA’s requirement to operate for religious, charitable, or educational purposes. Either of these facts is sufficient, by itself, to defeat tax-exempt status for EPA. - David Nielsen, former Senior Portfolio Manager, Ensign Peak Advisors, Memorandum regarding Ensign Peak Advisors submitted to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee | wasmormon.org
It is not charity to aid a business enterprise... Ensign Peak Advisors (EPA) has operated a for-profit securities investment business that (a) used none of its $100 billion for any religious, charitable, or educational purpose, and (b) made distributions to only two recipients, in each case to for-profit activities that are “private” interests. Distributing or transferring a combined $2 billion for an insurance company (Beneficial Financial Group) and a shopping mall (City Creek Center) clearly conflicts with EPA’s requirement to operate for religious, charitable, or educational purposes. Either of these facts is sufficient, by itself, to defeat tax-exempt status for EPA. - David Nielsen, former Senior Portfolio Manager, Ensign Peak Advisors, Memorandum regarding Ensign Peak Advisors submitted to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee
Ensign Peak Advisors (EPA) has made only two sets of distributions. Each was for profit-making, “private interests”: 1. In 2009, EPA distributed approximately $600 million to benefit Beneficial Financial Group (BFG). BFG is one of the Church’s for-profit entities, and operates as an insurance and financial services company. 2. Between 2010 and 2014, EPA distributed $1.4 billion to Property Reserve Inc. (PRI) for development of a luxury shopping mall known as the City Creek Mall. PRI used the funds to upgrade this shopping mall. - David Nielsen, former Senior Portfolio Manager, Ensign Peak Advisors Memorandum regarding Ensign Peak Advisors submitted to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee | wasmormon.org
Ensign Peak Advisors (EPA) has made only two sets of distributions. Each was for profit-making, “private interests”: 1. In 2009, EPA distributed approximately $600 million to benefit Beneficial Financial Group (BFG). BFG is one of the Church’s for-profit entities, and operates as an insurance and financial services company. 2. Between 2010 and 2014, EPA distributed $1.4 billion to Property Reserve Inc. (PRI) for development of a luxury shopping mall known as the City Creek Mall. PRI used the funds to upgrade this shopping mall. - David Nielsen, former Senior Portfolio Manager, Ensign Peak Advisors Memorandum regarding Ensign Peak Advisors submitted to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee
"He who takes offense when offense was not intended is a fool, yet he who takes offense when offense is intended is an even greater fool for he has succumbed to the will of his adversary." - Brigham Young, Mormon Prophet | wasmormon.org
"He who takes offense when offense was not intended is a fool, yet he who takes offense when offense is intended is an even greater fool for he has succumbed to the will of his adversary." - Brigham Young, Mormon Prophet
"It’s wonderful to know what we know. We're so blessed. We don't have to wonder why we're here for. We don't have to question anything in the church. Don’t get off into that. Just stay in the Book of Mormon. Just stay in the Doctrine and Covenants. Just listen to the prophets. Just listen to the apostles. We won't lead you astray. We cannot lead you astray." - LDS Apostle, M. Russell Ballard, Provo YSA Devotional, October 24, 2015 | wasmormon.org
"It’s wonderful to know what we know. We're so blessed. We don't have to wonder why we're here for. We don't have to question anything in the church. Don’t get off into that. Just stay in the Book of Mormon. Just stay in the Doctrine and Covenants. Just listen to the prophets. Just listen to the apostles. We won't lead you astray. We cannot lead you astray." - LDS Apostle, M. Russell Ballard, Provo YSA Devotional, October 24, 2015
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/sandra/. 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/sandra/. 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!
It’s not God’s one and only true church. Joseph Smith was a sexual freak. I think God loves everyone and the church’s stance on LGBTQ is just plain wrong. I never understood why 15 old men in Utah determine what underwear I can and cannot wear. The sexism in the church is ridiculous. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
It’s not God’s one and only true church. Joseph Smith was a sexual freak. I think God loves everyone and the church’s stance on LGBTQ is just plain wrong. I never understood why 15 old men in Utah determine what underwear I can and cannot wear. The sexism in the church is ridiculous. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
My main reason for leaving is the church’s culture in regard to abuse. They pretend it doesn’t happen, hide it, and cover it up. It’s a toxic culture filled with judgmental people. I also don’t think it’s God’s church. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
My main reason for leaving is the church’s culture in regard to abuse. They pretend it doesn’t happen, hide it, and cover it up. It’s a toxic culture filled with judgmental people. I also don’t think it’s God’s church. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! When I was 15, I was able to get to a phone and call the police when my mom horrifically beat me. My mom told the police that I beat myself up (eye roll) and I was suicidal. I wasn’t suicidal, but I knew if I said I was, then the police would have to take me away to a mental hospital. Yes, the mental hospital was a better option than home. At the hospital, the therapists determined that it would be unsafe for me to return home to my mother. They asked me if I knew of a home that would be safe. I recommended the Relief Society President’s home. The hospital released me to the RS president’s house. I told her about my abuse and how terrifying my mom was. I figured I’d stay at her house for a few weeks until the courts could find me a safe home. Instead, the RS President dropped me off at my mom’s house the next morning. I had about 12 hours of abuse-free time after leaving the hospital. The RS President knowingly returned me to my abuser and I received a beating on arrival. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! When I was 15, I was able to get to a phone and call the police when my mom horrifically beat me. My mom told the police that I beat myself up (eye roll) and I was suicidal. I wasn’t suicidal, but I knew if I said I was, then the police would have to take me away to a mental hospital. Yes, the mental hospital was a better option than home. At the hospital, the therapists determined that it would be unsafe for me to return home to my mother. They asked me if I knew of a home that would be safe. I recommended the Relief Society President’s home. The hospital released me to the RS president’s house. I told her about my abuse and how terrifying my mom was. I figured I’d stay at her house for a few weeks until the courts could find me a safe home. Instead, the RS President dropped me off at my mom’s house the next morning. I had about 12 hours of abuse-free time after leaving the hospital. The RS President knowingly returned me to my abuser and I received a beating on arrival. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! The same bishop called me into his office two other times to tell me that I was a bad kid and needed to be better. At this point, I never broke the word of wisdom, didn’t kiss any boys, no porn, etc. I cried to the bishop and told him I was being abused. I told him I was afraid my mom would murder me. His reply was I just needed to be a better kid and my mom wouldn’t hurt me if I was nicer. I first reported my abuse to the church when I was 12. Absolutely nothing was done. I was abused an additional 5 years because the church did nothing! Let that sink in, 5 years of additional extreme child abuse because the church didn’t report the abuse. I told multiple YWs leaders, seminary teachers, bishop, and a RS president of my abuse and no one did a thing to save me. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! The same bishop called me into his office two other times to tell me that I was a bad kid and needed to be better. At this point, I never broke the word of wisdom, didn’t kiss any boys, no porn, etc. I cried to the bishop and told him I was being abused. I told him I was afraid my mom would murder me. His reply was I just needed to be a better kid and my mom wouldn’t hurt me if I was nicer. I first reported my abuse to the church when I was 12. Absolutely nothing was done. I was abused an additional 5 years because the church did nothing! Let that sink in, 5 years of additional extreme child abuse because the church didn’t report the abuse. I told multiple YWs leaders, seminary teachers, bishop, and a RS president of my abuse and no one did a thing to save me. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! When I was about 11 years old, my mom thought my 3 sisters and myself were being possessed by the devil. I remember closing my eyes and trying to feel if satan was in me. I felt no satan. I looked at my sisters and I didn’t think satan had power over them either. My mom slapped my face to get the devil out. When the slap didn’t work, my mom called the bishop and asked him to come over to pray satan out of our bodies. The bishop said he’d be right over! I thought that since the bishop is the mostly godly person in our ward, the Holy Ghost would tell him that we were being abused and he’d save us. Or at the very least, he’d be able to tell that we were 4 good kids and we aren’t possessed by the devil. I was wrong! My mom had us 4 girls meet with the bishop in my sister’s bedroom. It was awkward and uncomfortable. He told us that we need to be better kids and honor our (father) and mother. He then said a weird prayer/blessing where he asked the devil’s spirit to leave our bodies. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! When I was about 11 years old, my mom thought my 3 sisters and myself were being possessed by the devil. I remember closing my eyes and trying to feel if satan was in me. I felt no satan. I looked at my sisters and I didn’t think satan had power over them either. My mom slapped my face to get the devil out. When the slap didn’t work, my mom called the bishop and asked him to come over to pray satan out of our bodies. The bishop said he’d be right over! I thought that since the bishop is the mostly godly person in our ward, the Holy Ghost would tell him that we were being abused and he’d save us. Or at the very least, he’d be able to tell that we were 4 good kids and we aren’t possessed by the devil. I was wrong! My mom had us 4 girls meet with the bishop in my sister’s bedroom. It was awkward and uncomfortable. He told us that we need to be better kids and honor our (father) and mother. He then said a weird prayer/blessing where he asked the devil’s spirit to leave our bodies. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! My mom would abuse me in the name of religion. She’d sometimes approach me and tell me that the Holy Ghost told her that I did something bad and needed to be punished. I’d then get beat up, grounded, or possessions taken away. I never did anything that the Holy Ghost accused me of. I once got accused of doing drugs by the Holy Ghost (which I never touched). The Holy Ghost even told my mom that I was having sex with my dad (very not true). My mom would beat me to “knock the satan” out of me. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Trigger Warning: Abuse! My mom would abuse me in the name of religion. She’d sometimes approach me and tell me that the Holy Ghost told her that I did something bad and needed to be punished. I’d then get beat up, grounded, or possessions taken away. I never did anything that the Holy Ghost accused me of. I once got accused of doing drugs by the Holy Ghost (which I never touched). The Holy Ghost even told my mom that I was having sex with my dad (very not true). My mom would beat me to “knock the satan” out of me. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
My parents divorced when I was 10 and my dad left the church. Every time I went to church, members would tell me how amazing my mom was because she was Mormon and how horrible my dad was because he left the church. It bugged me but also confused the hell out of me. My mom, the abusive psychopath, was good cause she was Mormon. And my dad was bad because he didn’t go to church. I kinda believed it! I also believed that my dad would go to Mormon hell and I’d never see him after we die. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
My parents divorced when I was 10 and my dad left the church. Every time I went to church, members would tell me how amazing my mom was because she was Mormon and how horrible my dad was because he left the church. It bugged me but also confused the hell out of me. My mom, the abusive psychopath, was good cause she was Mormon. And my dad was bad because he didn’t go to church. I kinda believed it! I also believed that my dad would go to Mormon hell and I’d never see him after we die. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
My mom was extremely abusive. My earliest memory of abuse was at age 3 and my abuse ended when I moved out at age 17. My life was a living hell in which I had to pretend all was perfect on Sundays at church. I never felt like I fit in. I was always trying to jump through Mormon hoops but never felt perfect enough. Can you imagine being forced to sing “I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me. I want to spend my life with them through all eternity” when your mom just beat you up 10 minutes before church? - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
My mom was extremely abusive. My earliest memory of abuse was at age 3 and my abuse ended when I moved out at age 17. My life was a living hell in which I had to pretend all was perfect on Sundays at church. I never felt like I fit in. I was always trying to jump through Mormon hoops but never felt perfect enough. Can you imagine being forced to sing “I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me. I want to spend my life with them through all eternity” when your mom just beat you up 10 minutes before church? - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Hi, I’m Sandra and the LDS church ignored my reports of abuse. My mom would abuse me in the name of religion. I was born into the Mormon church and grew up in Chicago. I went to BYU, got married in the temple, and had 3 kids. I have spent my entire life trying to convince myself that the church was true and trying to ignore every experience that said otherwise. Abuse, abuse, abuse, and more abuse, that is why I left the church. I wish I left sooner! I was a Mormon. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Hi, I’m Sandra and the LDS church ignored my reports of abuse. My mom would abuse me in the name of religion. I was born into the Mormon church and grew up in Chicago. I went to BYU, got married in the temple, and had 3 kids. I have spent my entire life trying to convince myself that the church was true and trying to ignore every experience that said otherwise. Abuse, abuse, abuse, and more abuse, that is why I left the church. I wish I left sooner! I was a Mormon. - Sandra's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sandra/
Over the past several years, my team and I have learned something about clarity and the importance of hard conversations that has changed everything from the way we talk to each other to the way we negotiate with external partners. It’s simple but transformative: Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. - Brené Brown, Social Psychologist - Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind | wasmormon.org
Over the past several years, my team and I have learned something about clarity and the importance of hard conversations that has changed everything from the way we talk to each other to the way we negotiate with external partners. It’s simple but transformative: Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. - Brené Brown, Social Psychologist - Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind
I knew, of course, that “more good” was not a derivative of the word Mormon. I had studied both Latin and Greek, and I knew that English is derived in some measure from those two languages and that the words more good are not a cognate of the word Mormon... When I have seen the word Mormon used in the media to describe us there flashes into my mind his statement, which has become my motto: Mormon means “more good.” We may not be able to change the nickname, but we can make it shine with added luster... Mormon should mean “more good” - President Gordon B. Hinckley - Mormon should mean “more good” October 1990 | wasmormon.org
I knew, of course, that “more good” was not a derivative of the word Mormon. I had studied both Latin and Greek, and I knew that English is derived in some measure from those two languages and that the words more good are not a cognate of the word Mormon... When I have seen the word Mormon used in the media to describe us there flashes into my mind his statement, which has become my motto: Mormon means “more good.” We may not be able to change the nickname, but we can make it shine with added luster... Mormon should mean “more good” - President Gordon B. Hinckley - Mormon should mean “more good” October 1990
“I wish to correct an error among men that profess to be learned, liberal and wise; and I do it the more cheerfully, because I hope sober thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth, than be led astray by the vain pretentions of the self-wise. The error I speak of, is the definition of the word "MORMON." ... I may safely say that the word Mormon stands independent of the learning and wisdom of this generation... we have the word MOR-MON; which means, literally, more good.” - Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons Volume 4 Number 13. May 15, 1843 | wasmormon.org
“I wish to correct an error among men that profess to be learned, liberal and wise; and I do it the more cheerfully, because I hope sober thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth, than be led astray by the vain pretentions of the self-wise. The error I speak of, is the definition of the word "MORMON." ... I may safely say that the word Mormon stands independent of the learning and wisdom of this generation... we have the word MOR-MON; which means, literally, more good.” - Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons Volume 4 Number 13. May 15, 1843
“We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation. That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.” - President Russell M. Nelson | Special Devotional, Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 16, 2018 | wasmormon.org
“We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation. That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.” - President Russell M. Nelson | Special Devotional, Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 16, 2018