Monthly Archives: January 2025

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"Mr. Cowdery expressed a desire to associate himself with a Methodist Protestant Church of this city. Rev. John Souder and myself were appointed a committee to wait on Mr. Cowdery and confer with him respecting his connection with Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. We accordingly waited on Mr. Cowdery at his residence in Tiffin, and there learned his connection, from him, with that order, and his full and final renunciation thereof... He arose and addressed the audience present, admitted his error and implored forgiveness, and said he was sorry and ashamed of his connection with Mormonism." - Oliver Cowdery, Witness of The Gold Plates | wasmormon.org
"Mr. Cowdery expressed a desire to associate himself with a Methodist Protestant Church of this city. Rev. John Souder and myself were appointed a committee to wait on Mr. Cowdery and confer with him respecting his connection with Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. We accordingly waited on Mr. Cowdery at his residence in Tiffin, and there learned his connection, from him, with that order, and his full and final renunciation thereof... He arose and addressed the audience present, admitted his error and implored forgiveness, and said he was sorry and ashamed of his connection with Mormonism." - Oliver Cowdery, Witness of The Gold Plates
“If you believe my testimony to the Book of Mormon; if you believe that God spake to us three witnesses by his own voice, then I tell you that in June, 1838, God spake to me again by his own voice from the heavens, and told me to separate myself from among the Latter Day Saints.” - David Whitmer, Witness of The Golden Plates | wasmormon.org
“If you believe my testimony to the Book of Mormon; if you believe that God spake to us three witnesses by his own voice, then I tell you that in June, 1838, God spake to me again by his own voice from the heavens, and told me to separate myself from among the Latter Day Saints.” - David Whitmer, Witness of The Golden Plates
[John Murphy]: “I heard you saw an angel. I never saw one. I want your description of [the] shape, voice...” [David Whitmer]: “It had no appearance or shape.” [Murphy]: “Then you saw nothing nor heard nothing?” [Whitmer]: “Nothing, in the way you understand it.” [Murphy]: “How, then, could you have borne testimony that you saw and heard an angel?” [Whitmer]: “Have you never had impressions?” [Murphy]: “Then you had impressions as the Quaker when the spirit moves, or as a good Methodist in giving a happy experience, a feeling?” [Whitmer]: “Just so.” - David Whitmer, Witness of The Golden Plates | wasmormon.org
[John Murphy]: “I heard you saw an angel. I never saw one. I want your description of [the] shape, voice...” [David Whitmer]: “It had no appearance or shape.” [Murphy]: “Then you saw nothing nor heard nothing?” [Whitmer]: “Nothing, in the way you understand it.” [Murphy]: “How, then, could you have borne testimony that you saw and heard an angel?” [Whitmer]: “Have you never had impressions?” [Murphy]: “Then you had impressions as the Quaker when the spirit moves, or as a good Methodist in giving a happy experience, a feeling?” [Whitmer]: “Just so.” - David Whitmer, Witness of The Golden Plates
"I was well acquainted with Martin Harris, who was often at my house for days at a time. I have questioned him much about the plates from which the “Book of Mormon” purports to have been translated. He never claimed to have seen them with his natural eyes, only spiritual vision." - Reuben P. Harmon, a neighbor of Martin Harris in Kirtland, Ohio | Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates | wasmormon.org
"I was well acquainted with Martin Harris, who was often at my house for days at a time. I have questioned him much about the plates from which the “Book of Mormon” purports to have been translated. He never claimed to have seen them with his natural eyes, only spiritual vision." - Reuben P. Harmon, a neighbor of Martin Harris in Kirtland, Ohio | Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates
"A sensible and religious gentleman in Palmyra put the following question to Harris: 'Did you see these plates?' Harris replied that he did. 'But did you see the plates and the engravings on them with your bodily eyes?' Harris replied, 'Yes, I saw them with my eyes; there were shown unto me by the power of God, and not of man.' 'But did you see them with your natural, bodily eyes, just as you see this pencil case in my hand? Now say no or yes to this.' Harris replied, 'I did not see them as I do that pencil case, yet I saw them with the eye of faith; I saw them just as distinctly as I see anything around me, though at the time they were covered over with a cloth.'" - Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates | wasmormon.org
"A sensible and religious gentleman in Palmyra put the following question to Harris: 'Did you see these plates?' Harris replied that he did. 'But did you see the plates and the engravings on them with your bodily eyes?' Harris replied, 'Yes, I saw them with my eyes; there were shown unto me by the power of God, and not of man.' 'But did you see them with your natural, bodily eyes, just as you see this pencil case in my hand? Now say no or yes to this.' Harris replied, 'I did not see them as I do that pencil case, yet I saw them with the eye of faith; I saw them just as distinctly as I see anything around me, though at the time they were covered over with a cloth.'" - Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates
Martin was in the office when I [John H. Gilbert, typesetter for most of the Book of Mormon] finished setting up the testimony of the three witnesses, I said to him, “Martin, did you see those plates with your naked eyes?” Martin looked down for an instant, raised his eyes up, and said, “No, I saw them with a spiritual eye.” - Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates | wasmormon.org
Martin was in the office when I [John H. Gilbert, typesetter for most of the Book of Mormon] finished setting up the testimony of the three witnesses, I said to him, “Martin, did you see those plates with your naked eyes?” Martin looked down for an instant, raised his eyes up, and said, “No, I saw them with a spiritual eye.” - Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates
Stephen Burnett claimed that Martin Harris denied having seen the plates “with his natural eyes.” Citing the language of the revelation, Burnett asserted that to see by God’s power meant that the witnesses viewed the plates only “in vision or imagination.” Harris felt misrepresented and immediately attempted to clarify his earlier statement. Struggling to put the transcendent experience into words, he stated, according to Burnett, that he saw the plates as if he “saw a city through a mountain.” - Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates | wasmormon.org
Stephen Burnett claimed that Martin Harris denied having seen the plates “with his natural eyes.” Citing the language of the revelation, Burnett asserted that to see by God’s power meant that the witnesses viewed the plates only “in vision or imagination.” Harris felt misrepresented and immediately attempted to clarify his earlier statement. Struggling to put the transcendent experience into words, he stated, according to Burnett, that he saw the plates as if he “saw a city through a mountain.” - Martin Harris, Witness of the Gold Plates
"Be it known... that we... have seen the plates. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify... an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God... that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes." - Testimony of Three Witnesses Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer | wasmormon.org
"Be it known... that we... have seen the plates. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify... an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God... that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes." - Testimony of Three Witnesses Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer

How To Leave the Mormon Church

There are many reasons someone might decide to quit the Mormon Church, often stemming from a deep desire for authenticity, integrity, and personal freedom. For some, the decision arises after discovering inconsistencies in the church’s foundational narratives, such as the lack of evidence for the Book of Mormon or the troubling aspects of Joseph Smith’s …

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QuitMormon Offers Free Legal Assistance For Mormons Who Want To Resign

Mark Naugle, an immigration attorney from Orem, UT, is the creator of QuitMormon.com, a free service that helps members resign from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His involvement in this effort was not initially planned but was influenced by his own personal experience. When Naugle was 15, his family, after conducting their …

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Once you realize that the Mormon church is not what it claims to be, you are faced with what to do about it. The answer depends on your specific situation, but there are several possibilities. For many, the decision to resign reflects a commitment to intellectual honesty and emotional well-being. Quitting can provide a way to reclaim autonomy, heal from feelings of guilt or unworthiness perpetuated by the church’s teachings, and embrace a path that aligns more authentically with their values and truth. Resignation is often the culmination of a long, painful journey but also the beginning of a liberating and empowering new chapter. | wasmormon.org
Once you realize that the Mormon church is not what it claims to be, you are faced with what to do about it. The answer depends on your specific situation, but there are several possibilities. For many, the decision to resign reflects a commitment to intellectual honesty and emotional well-being. Quitting can provide a way to reclaim autonomy, heal from feelings of guilt or unworthiness perpetuated by the church’s teachings, and embrace a path that aligns more authentically with their values and truth. Resignation is often the culmination of a long, painful journey but also the beginning of a liberating and empowering new chapter.
Leaving the Mormon Church is a deeply personal decision, and there is no one "right" way to do it. Whether you choose to leave quietly, formally resign, or share your story publicly, the journey is yours to define. If you're unsure where to start, reaching out to supportive communities or resources can make the process less daunting. | wasmormon.org/how-to-leave-the-mormon-church
Leaving the Mormon Church is a deeply personal decision, and there is no one "right" way to do it. Whether you choose to leave quietly, formally resign, or share your story publicly, the journey is yours to define. If you're unsure where to start, reaching out to supportive communities or resources can make the process less daunting.
This letter is to inform you that I have terminated my membership of the Church. Please remove my name from the records of the LDS Church immediately. I understand that the withdrawal of my name cancels the effect of baptism and removes any Priesthood or Temple blessings. I will NOT participate in church disciplinary councils for I have done nothing wrong and I have no unresolved transgressions. I do NOT want to be contacted by anyone acting on behalf of the church. This includes Bishops, Ministering brothers and sisters, and anyone else. I demand that you remove my name completely from your records within 5 business days of receipt of this notice and will consider my resignation completed at that time. | QuitMormon Resignation Letter | wasmormon.org
This letter is to inform you that I have terminated my membership of the Church. Please remove my name from the records of the LDS Church immediately. I understand that the withdrawal of my name cancels the effect of baptism and removes any Priesthood or Temple blessings. I will NOT participate in church disciplinary councils for I have done nothing wrong and I have no unresolved transgressions. I do NOT want to be contacted by anyone acting on behalf of the church. This includes Bishops, Ministering brothers and sisters, and anyone else. I demand that you remove my name completely from your records within 5 business days of receipt of this notice and will consider my resignation completed at that time. | QuitMormon Resignation Letter
“QuitMormon is a pro bono service run by an unassuming T-shirt-and-jeans Utah immigration attorney named Mark Naugle. The 34-year-old has streamlined the process of resigning from the Church. When users are ready to have their names removed from Church records, they simply submit a request to Naugle that includes their name, date of birth, address, membership number, and whether they’re a minor. Naugle takes it from there, sending a form letter to the Church that requests the removal of the client’s information from all records. Crucially, the letter also forbids further contact between the Church and his client. Mormons never have to reach out to their bishops to explain their decision to leave, and they won’t receive well-meaning visits from their former peers.” - The Verge, 2019 | wasmormon.org
“QuitMormon is a pro bono service run by an unassuming T-shirt-and-jeans Utah immigration attorney named Mark Naugle. The 34-year-old has streamlined the process of resigning from the Church. When users are ready to have their names removed from Church records, they simply submit a request to Naugle that includes their name, date of birth, address, membership number, and whether they’re a minor. Naugle takes it from there, sending a form letter to the Church that requests the removal of the client’s information from all records. Crucially, the letter also forbids further contact between the Church and his client. Mormons never have to reach out to their bishops to explain their decision to leave, and they won’t receive well-meaning visits from their former peers.” - The Verge, 2019
“Any organization that tells you what to eat, what to do with your body, what to do on specific days of the week, and then ostracizes you when you actively disavow them, I think is a cult. Any organization that requires a lawyer’s help to leave it so that they stop harassing you and stop hunting you down worldwide I also think is a cult. Having experienced it myself, having been in the organization and knowing the psychological damage it can cause, they’re a cult.” - Mark Naugle, Founder of QuitMormon.com | wasmormon.org
“Any organization that tells you what to eat, what to do with your body, what to do on specific days of the week, and then ostracizes you when you actively disavow them, I think is a cult. Any organization that requires a lawyer’s help to leave it so that they stop harassing you and stop hunting you down worldwide I also think is a cult. Having experienced it myself, having been in the organization and knowing the psychological damage it can cause, they’re a cult.” - Mark Naugle, Founder of QuitMormon.com
“You'd contact your local leadership, you will call a bishop and tell them, 'We don't want to be on the records anymore.' They most likely won't take that well, they'll accuse of sinning, put you on a 60-day waiting period, call you for meetings, send people over from the ward to try and talk you back into it.” - Mark Naugle, Founder of QuitMormon.com | wasmormon.org
“You'd contact your local leadership, you will call a bishop and tell them, 'We don't want to be on the records anymore.' They most likely won't take that well, they'll accuse of sinning, put you on a 60-day waiting period, call you for meetings, send people over from the ward to try and talk you back into it.” - Mark Naugle, Founder of QuitMormon.com
How to Avoid a Faith Crisis. • Experiment on the word and desire to believe. • Doubt not, but be believing; ask deep questions. • Make sure that Jesus Christ is your only foundation. • Accept Joseph Smith as the Lord's restorer. • Let the Book of Mormon be your keystone. • Take an eternal view on earthly concerns. • Use sound study methods and clear reasoning. • Consult reliable, well-informed resources. • Listen to the Spirit and follow the prophets. • Find safety and peace in obeying the commandments. • Embrace the ever-changing Church policies. • Examine Church history with a 360º perspective. • Forgive, forget offensive leaders and members. • Maintain daily habits to stay on the covenant path. • Record the times when God spoke peace to you. | wasmormon.org
How to Avoid a Faith Crisis. • Experiment on the word and desire to believe. • Doubt not, but be believing; ask deep questions. • Make sure that Jesus Christ is your only foundation. • Accept Joseph Smith as the Lord's restorer. • Let the Book of Mormon be your keystone. • Take an eternal view on earthly concerns. • Use sound study methods and clear reasoning. • Consult reliable, well-informed resources. • Listen to the Spirit and follow the prophets. • Find safety and peace in obeying the commandments. • Embrace the ever-changing Church policies. • Examine Church history with a 360º perspective. • Forgive, forget offensive leaders and members. • Maintain daily habits to stay on the covenant path. • Record the times when God spoke peace to you.
A Mormon faith crisis is inevitable for those who seek to reconcile the religion's foundational claims with objective truth because the Mormon faith is built on a narrative that does not hold up to scrutiny. At its core, the church hinges on the prophetic authority of Joseph Smith, the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and the divine mandate of its leadership—all claims that crumble under critical examination. Also, the church's history of racism, sexism, polygamy, and homophobia—justified as divine revelation—contradict its own teachings on morality and equality. Faith crises are not simply caused by offense or laziness, as the church often claims, but by the irreconcilable gap between its teachings and reality. When faith is tethered to a narrative that cannot withstand scrutiny, a crisis of faith and questioning are not only possible but they are unavoidable—especially for anyone who values integrity and truth. | wasmormon.org/how-to-avoid-a-faith-crisis/
A Mormon faith crisis is inevitable for those who seek to reconcile the religion's foundational claims with objective truth because the Mormon faith is built on a narrative that does not hold up to scrutiny. At its core, the church hinges on the prophetic authority of Joseph Smith, the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and the divine mandate of its leadership—all claims that crumble under critical examination. Also, the church's history of racism, sexism, polygamy, and homophobia—justified as divine revelation—contradict its own teachings on morality and equality. Faith crises are not simply caused by offense or laziness, as the church often claims, but by the irreconcilable gap between its teachings and reality. When faith is tethered to a narrative that cannot withstand scrutiny, a crisis of faith and questioning are not only possible but they are unavoidable—especially for anyone who values integrity and truth. | wasmormon.org/how-to-avoid-a-faith-crisis/
The only way to truly avoid a faith crisis is to have built the faith on principles of integrity, open inquiry, and adaptability, rather than anchoring it to a fragile, unverifiable story as its core. Teaching members to avoid a faith crisis might offer a veneer of guidance, but its approach—anchored in blind obedience and avoidance of difficult questions—ultimately denies individuals the opportunity to explore their beliefs authentically. True faith, or even a life of integrity, cannot thrive on suppressing doubts or ignoring facts; it grows through honest inquiry, personal reflection, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. A faith crisis is not a failure to be avoided but a critical step in uncovering what is real and meaningful. Rather than fearing it, we can embrace it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and build a life based on authenticity rather than illusions. If you’ve faced your own faith crisis share your story. By sharing your journey, you not only find connection and healing but also help others who may be navigating their own crises to know they’re not alone. | wasmormon.org/how-to-avoid-a-faith-crisis/
The only way to truly avoid a faith crisis is to have built the faith on principles of integrity, open inquiry, and adaptability, rather than anchoring it to a fragile, unverifiable story as its core. Teaching members to avoid a faith crisis might offer a veneer of guidance, but its approach—anchored in blind obedience and avoidance of difficult questions—ultimately denies individuals the opportunity to explore their beliefs authentically. True faith, or even a life of integrity, cannot thrive on suppressing doubts or ignoring facts; it grows through honest inquiry, personal reflection, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. A faith crisis is not a failure to be avoided but a critical step in uncovering what is real and meaningful. Rather than fearing it, we can embrace it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and build a life based on authenticity rather than illusions. If you’ve faced your own faith crisis share your story. By sharing your journey, you not only find connection and healing but also help others who may be navigating their own crises to know they’re not alone.