Yearly Archives: 2025

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“When I look up at the night sky and I know that yes, we are part of this universe. We are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us. When I reflect on that fact, I look up—many people feel small because they’re small and the universe is big—but I feel big, because my atoms came from those stars. There’s a level of connectivity. That’s really what you want in life, you want to feel connected, you want to feel relevant, you want to feel like you’re a participant in the goings-on of activities and events around you. That’s precisely what we are, just by being alive.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, Author, Science Communicator, TIME Magazine Interview | wasmormon.org
“When I look up at the night sky and I know that yes, we are part of this universe. We are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us. When I reflect on that fact, I look up—many people feel small because they’re small and the universe is big—but I feel big, because my atoms came from those stars. There’s a level of connectivity. That’s really what you want in life, you want to feel connected, you want to feel relevant, you want to feel like you’re a participant in the goings-on of activities and events around you. That’s precisely what we are, just by being alive.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, Author, Science Communicator, TIME Magazine Interview
“The most astounding fact is the knowledge that the atoms that comprise life on Earth, the atoms that make up the human body, are traceable to the crucibles that cooked light elements into heavy elements in their core under extreme temperatures and pressures. These stars, the high mass ones among them, went unstable in their later years. They collapsed and then exploded, scattering their enriched guts across the galaxy. Guts made of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and all the fundamental ingredients of life itself. These ingredients become part of gas clouds that condense, collapse, form the next generation of solar systems, stars with orbiting planets. And those planets now have the ingredients for life itself.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, Author, Science Communicator, TIME Magazine Interview | wasmormon.org
“The most astounding fact is the knowledge that the atoms that comprise life on Earth, the atoms that make up the human body, are traceable to the crucibles that cooked light elements into heavy elements in their core under extreme temperatures and pressures. These stars, the high mass ones among them, went unstable in their later years. They collapsed and then exploded, scattering their enriched guts across the galaxy. Guts made of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and all the fundamental ingredients of life itself. These ingredients become part of gas clouds that condense, collapse, form the next generation of solar systems, stars with orbiting planets. And those planets now have the ingredients for life itself.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, Author, Science Communicator, TIME Magazine Interview
“It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropomorphic concept which I cannot take seriously. I feel also not able to imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere. My views are near to those of Spinoza: admiration for the beauty of and belief in the logical simplicity of the order and harmony which we can grasp humbly and only imperfectly. I believe that we have to content ourselves with our imperfect knowledge and understanding and treat values and moral obligations as a purely human problem — the most important of all human problems.” - Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist, 1947 | wasmormon.org
“It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropomorphic concept which I cannot take seriously. I feel also not able to imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere. My views are near to those of Spinoza: admiration for the beauty of and belief in the logical simplicity of the order and harmony which we can grasp humbly and only imperfectly. I believe that we have to content ourselves with our imperfect knowledge and understanding and treat values and moral obligations as a purely human problem — the most important of all human problems.” - Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist, 1947
“I believe in Spinoza’s God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with fates and actions of human beings.” - Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist, Response to a rabbi asking, “Do you believe in God?” wasmormon.org
“I believe in Spinoza’s God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with fates and actions of human beings.” - Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist, Response to a rabbi asking, “Do you believe in God?”

Mormon Apologist Handbook: Argument does not Create Conviction, Lack of it Destroys Belief

Latter-day Saint apologetics—through institutions like FARMS, FAIR, and now the Interpreter Foundation—have largely operated on a defensive crouch, crafting arguments not to generate genuine conviction, but simply to keep belief from crumbling. Their aim isn’t to persuade the outsider or satisfy the seeker; it’s to keep the disillusioned member tethered, just barely. But Farrer warns …

Continue reading “Mormon Apologist Handbook: Argument does not Create Conviction, Lack of it Destroys Belief”

“Modern apostles are called to be witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world (D&C 107:23). This is not to witness of a personal manifestation. To witness of the name is to witness of the plan, the work or mission, such as the atonement and the authority or priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which an apostle who holds the keys is uniquely responsible to do. Of course, apostles are also witnesses of Christ just like all members of the Church who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.” - Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle, "Boise Rescue," Boise, Idaho Devotional, June 13, 2015 | wasmormon.org
“Modern apostles are called to be witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world (D&C 107:23). This is not to witness of a personal manifestation. To witness of the name is to witness of the plan, the work or mission, such as the atonement and the authority or priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which an apostle who holds the keys is uniquely responsible to do. Of course, apostles are also witnesses of Christ just like all members of the Church who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.” - Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle, "Boise Rescue," Boise, Idaho Devotional, June 13, 2015
“We need to define the difference between doubts and questions. Questions, when asked with a sincere desire to increase one's understanding and faith, are to be encouraged. Such questions, questions we call them, are asked with the real intent of better understanding and more fully obeying the will of the Lord. Questions are very different from doubts.” - Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle, "Boise Rescue," Boise, Idaho Devotional, June 13, 2015 | wasmormon.org
“We need to define the difference between doubts and questions. Questions, when asked with a sincere desire to increase one's understanding and faith, are to be encouraged. Such questions, questions we call them, are asked with the real intent of better understanding and more fully obeying the will of the Lord. Questions are very different from doubts.” - Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle, "Boise Rescue," Boise, Idaho Devotional, June 13, 2015
“While the results of search efforts may be passed from person to person by mouth, it may prove helpful during changes in leadership and other instances to have the search results documented and kept on file in the clerks office. A form can be used for documenting the results of a search (see this sample form, which also contains suggestions on where to search)...” "This sheet is to be used when a member of the ward (usually a member of the bishopric or auxiliary leadership) is assigned to find a member that has not been contacted for some time. Once the steps below are complete, including the recommended changes to membership records and any notes are written, this form should be returned to the ward clerk." - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019 | Ward Sleuthing Form 2008 | wasmormon.org
“While the results of search efforts may be passed from person to person by mouth, it may prove helpful during changes in leadership and other instances to have the search results documented and kept on file in the clerks office. A form can be used for documenting the results of a search (see this sample form, which also contains suggestions on where to search)...” "This sheet is to be used when a member of the ward (usually a member of the bishopric or auxiliary leadership) is assigned to find a member that has not been contacted for some time. Once the steps below are complete, including the recommended changes to membership records and any notes are written, this form should be returned to the ward clerk." - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019 | Ward Sleuthing Form 2008
“We possess some absolute truths that have, where we have applied them, placed us on the “strait and narrow way,” and we are further told that there is “none other way” for salvation. All of this suggests an ecclesiastical exclusivity that seems to embarrass some in the Church, for implied is not just an institutional exclusivity, but also a conceptual superiority with regard to salvational things... With such a great message, can we afford not to be articulate in our homes and wherever we are? Passivity and inarticulateness about this “marvelous work and a wonder” can diminish the faith of others.” - Neal A. Maxwell, LDS Apostle, as Church Commissioner of Education, 1971 | wasmormon.org
“We possess some absolute truths that have, where we have applied them, placed us on the “strait and narrow way,” and we are further told that there is “none other way” for salvation. All of this suggests an ecclesiastical exclusivity that seems to embarrass some in the Church, for implied is not just an institutional exclusivity, but also a conceptual superiority with regard to salvational things... With such a great message, can we afford not to be articulate in our homes and wherever we are? Passivity and inarticulateness about this “marvelous work and a wonder” can diminish the faith of others.” - Neal A. Maxwell, LDS Apostle, as Church Commissioner of Education, 1971
“Though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.” - Austin Farrer, Oxford theologian and New Testament scholar. The Christian Apologist, Light on C. S. Lewis | wasmormon.org
“Though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.” - Austin Farrer, Oxford theologian and New Testament scholar. The Christian Apologist, Light on C. S. Lewis
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/lanceallenclark/. 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/lanceallenclark/. 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’m still the only one in my immediate family who has left the church. My parents believe I’m doomed and that I’ve doomed my children to eternal unhappiness. However, I’m more at peace now in life than I’ve ever been. I’m so happy we left the church and glad my children will not grow up with the same guilt and shame I experienced as a member just trying their best. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
I’m still the only one in my immediate family who has left the church. My parents believe I’m doomed and that I’ve doomed my children to eternal unhappiness. However, I’m more at peace now in life than I’ve ever been. I’m so happy we left the church and glad my children will not grow up with the same guilt and shame I experienced as a member just trying their best. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
I had a period of time where I was nihilistic and pretty damn depressed. A loving and supportive wife (who also left with me) was incredibly important. And having a local community of friends who had experienced similar things was also very comforting and validating. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
I had a period of time where I was nihilistic and pretty damn depressed. A loving and supportive wife (who also left with me) was incredibly important. And having a local community of friends who had experienced similar things was also very comforting and validating. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
Turns out… the church isn’t true!! lol. I could list a myriad of historical and doctrinal reasons why I felt compelled to leave. And the social issues played a big factor too. Leaving was incredibly difficult, even after feeling confident that it wasn’t true. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
Turns out… the church isn’t true!! lol. I could list a myriad of historical and doctrinal reasons why I felt compelled to leave. And the social issues played a big factor too. Leaving was incredibly difficult, even after feeling confident that it wasn’t true. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
Along the way, I also met some incredibly thoughtful and faithful Mormon friends who were really struggling with their faith. In an attempt to be empathetic, I finally allowed myself to dig deeper into church history without the blinding lenses of apologetics. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
Along the way, I also met some incredibly thoughtful and faithful Mormon friends who were really struggling with their faith. In an attempt to be empathetic, I finally allowed myself to dig deeper into church history without the blinding lenses of apologetics. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
Once I left the bubble that is Utah county (where I went to high school) I found so many friends and colleagues from all walks of life. I was uncomfortable with the church’s teachings around LGBTQ issues and developed friendships with people in that community that completely changed my perspective. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
Once I left the bubble that is Utah county (where I went to high school) I found so many friends and colleagues from all walks of life. I was uncomfortable with the church’s teachings around LGBTQ issues and developed friendships with people in that community that completely changed my perspective. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
I struggled silently for years to understand certain aspects of church history and I never seemed to get the answers I needed - but I would just bury those concerns and double down with service, study, and prayer. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
I struggled silently for years to understand certain aspects of church history and I never seemed to get the answers I needed - but I would just bury those concerns and double down with service, study, and prayer. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
I’m the 7th of 11 children. Our family was very orthodox growing up. I did all the things - served a full time mission to Wisconsin, got married in the temple, had 3 kids young, and held several leadership callings. I’m the only child of the 11 to have left the church. I love the outdoors, cooking (and eating), music, pugs, and Lego. I was a Mormon. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/
I’m the 7th of 11 children. Our family was very orthodox growing up. I did all the things - served a full time mission to Wisconsin, got married in the temple, had 3 kids young, and held several leadership callings. I’m the only child of the 11 to have left the church. I love the outdoors, cooking (and eating), music, pugs, and Lego. I was a Mormon. - https://wasmormon.org/profile/lanceallenclark/