Yearly Archives: 2025

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I went from feeling like a weekly disappointment at church, and daily waste of God son, to being the happiest I've ever been after leaving and letting go of the lies I've been fed all my life. Since I left, I've learned so much about that organization. So many things make me sick. While many other things make me extremely angry. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I went from feeling like a weekly disappointment at church, and daily waste of God son, to being the happiest I've ever been after leaving and letting go of the lies I've been fed all my life. Since I left, I've learned so much about that organization. So many things make me sick. While many other things make me extremely angry. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I remarried, and we started off strong in the church. But certain things just weren't adding up for both of us. She decided to leave, and I wanted to. But I decided I would try to stay for our kids. The problem was everything I read, studied, or heard within the church started to feel like a lie. I deep down knew how I felt was true. I started to look into the history, the stories, and research documents on the church, about the church, and the men running it. It shattered my shelf. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I remarried, and we started off strong in the church. But certain things just weren't adding up for both of us. She decided to leave, and I wanted to. But I decided I would try to stay for our kids. The problem was everything I read, studied, or heard within the church started to feel like a lie. I deep down knew how I felt was true. I started to look into the history, the stories, and research documents on the church, about the church, and the men running it. It shattered my shelf. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
Looking back, the 1st crack on my shelf was how I was denied my temple recommend because of child support (I owed, because I thought my ex and I would work on our marriage, and get back together. She was deceiving me, and waiting for ORS to have proof against me for Family Law). So while I was paying it back, I was not aloud to receive my recommend, until it was paid off. The crack grew more when I was told that my kids would no longer be sealed to me, because of the divorce. Although neither the bishop, or stake president could give me a reason why, or why not. I was sour about that. But decided that I didn't believe it, and God would work out the rest. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
Looking back, the 1st crack on my shelf was how I was denied my temple recommend because of child support (I owed, because I thought my ex and I would work on our marriage, and get back together. She was deceiving me, and waiting for ORS to have proof against me for Family Law). So while I was paying it back, I was not aloud to receive my recommend, until it was paid off. The crack grew more when I was told that my kids would no longer be sealed to me, because of the divorce. Although neither the bishop, or stake president could give me a reason why, or why not. I was sour about that. But decided that I didn't believe it, and God would work out the rest. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I went through my divorce. My ex blasted me to the ward. Despite the many times I had been around them, they did not have enough respect to speak to me. I moved, and over the next two years I worked on being a good member while being told repeatedly how I failed to keep my family "together forever". - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I went through my divorce. My ex blasted me to the ward. Despite the many times I had been around them, they did not have enough respect to speak to me. I moved, and over the next two years I worked on being a good member while being told repeatedly how I failed to keep my family "together forever". - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I was 15 I left the church to be rebellious. I really was the most well behaved rebellious kid out there. At 18, I started to come back. I felt at the time it was what I was missing. When I turned 19 I decided to skip the mission, and continue to learn from the church. Soon after I met my now ex-wife. I dedicated my life to being a good Priesthood holder, Husband and Father. I worked my tail off to be a great example to my kids in the church. After 11 years in a very unhealthy marriage, I decided to divorce my ex. Over the next 5 years, I tried to be as faithful in the church, as I could. But that's when things changed for me. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I was 15 I left the church to be rebellious. I really was the most well behaved rebellious kid out there. At 18, I started to come back. I felt at the time it was what I was missing. When I turned 19 I decided to skip the mission, and continue to learn from the church. Soon after I met my now ex-wife. I dedicated my life to being a good Priesthood holder, Husband and Father. I worked my tail off to be a great example to my kids in the church. After 11 years in a very unhealthy marriage, I decided to divorce my ex. Over the next 5 years, I tried to be as faithful in the church, as I could. But that's when things changed for me. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
“The present effort of trying to find some other explanation for the organization of the Church, for the origin of the Book of Mormon, and for the priesthood with its keys and powers will be similar to other anti-Mormon fads which have come and blossomed and faded. Truth will prevail. A knowledge of that truth comes by effort and study, yes. But it comes primarily as a gift from God to those who seek in faith.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Lord, Increase Our Faith," Ensign November 1987 | wasmormon.org
“The present effort of trying to find some other explanation for the organization of the Church, for the origin of the Book of Mormon, and for the priesthood with its keys and powers will be similar to other anti-Mormon fads which have come and blossomed and faded. Truth will prevail. A knowledge of that truth comes by effort and study, yes. But it comes primarily as a gift from God to those who seek in faith.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Lord, Increase Our Faith," Ensign November 1987
“Say you would rather read something you trust, like the scriptures. Spending a lot of time and energy reading anti-Mormon literature would be a waste. If you run across it, discuss it with someone who is knowledgeable about the gospel. Never take anti-Mormon literature at face value. Honest inquiry is good, but everything needs a proper perspective and context. If the misrepresentations in anti-Mormon literature really disturb you, then tell your friend how you feel so that he’ll leave you alone about it.” - New Era, 2007, July: Q&A: Dealing With Anti-Mormon Literature | wasmormon.org
“Say you would rather read something you trust, like the scriptures. Spending a lot of time and energy reading anti-Mormon literature would be a waste. If you run across it, discuss it with someone who is knowledgeable about the gospel. Never take anti-Mormon literature at face value. Honest inquiry is good, but everything needs a proper perspective and context. If the misrepresentations in anti-Mormon literature really disturb you, then tell your friend how you feel so that he’ll leave you alone about it.” - New Era, 2007, July: Q&A: Dealing With Anti-Mormon Literature
Comic with two people in a boat watching a third person climb overboard, they say: "Stay in the boat!" and "You'll drown out there!" The person disregards their warnings and climbs out saying, "You guys realize we're on land, right?" Those in the boat can't comprehend and simply state to each other, "I feel so sorry for him." Meanwhile the person who is free says, "I'm gonna go do land stuff. Good luck with all... this." https://www.crustaceansingles.com/2016/03/stay-afloat.html
Comic with two people in a boat watching a third person climb overboard, they say: "Stay in the boat!" and "You'll drown out there!" The person disregards their warnings and climbs out saying, "You guys realize we're on land, right?" Those in the boat can't comprehend and simply state to each other, "I feel so sorry for him." Meanwhile the person who is free says, "I'm gonna go do land stuff. Good luck with all... this." https://www.crustaceansingles.com/2016/03/stay-afloat.html
The reason for the asymmetry between men and women regarding priesthood office ordination has not been revealed. Any proposed reason for that asymmetry with regard to priesthood office ordination is speculative. The absence of a reason doesn’t give us license to change the asymmetry just because we want to. - Dale G. Renlund, LDS Apostle, Women's Devotional Pasadena California Stake, March 7, 2025 | wasmormon.org
The reason for the asymmetry between men and women regarding priesthood office ordination has not been revealed. Any proposed reason for that asymmetry with regard to priesthood office ordination is speculative. The absence of a reason doesn’t give us license to change the asymmetry just because we want to. - Dale G. Renlund, LDS Apostle, Women's Devotional Pasadena California Stake, March 7, 2025

Church Admits Gender Inequality in the Church – Absence of a Reason Give No License to Change

At a recent stake-level women’s conference in California, LDS Apostle Dale G. Renlund addressed gender inequality in priesthood ordination. Note that while we’re a full report or transcript of his actual talk is not available, we have the following summary from the Salt Lake Tribune. Renlund addresses gender equality Speaking at a women’s conference this …

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Book of Mormon Most Racially and Ethnically Unifying Book on Earth

In 2014, the church published a series of “personal essays” from then Mission President and rising black LDS leader, Ahmad Corbitt. Admittedly, Corbitt says he was “asked to write this paper” on the “topic of the priesthood and African peoples.” This followed the church publishing the Gospel Topic Essays, and his paper specifically mentions the …

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Renlund’s Boat Parable – Showcase of Demonizing Doubters and Dismissing Concerns

In 2019, both Dale G. Renlund, LDS Apostle, and his wife, Ruth L. Renlund, gave a talk at a Worldwide devotional from BYU-Hawaii. They shared a colorful parable to marginalize and blame doubters for their struggles with the church’s false truth claims. They claimed to be prompted to share this message and that they’d been …

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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/brianolsen/. 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/brianolsen/. 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 can see now that none if it is true. It was all made up. All the nonsense I was taught as a kid is literally just nonsense. The prophets don't walk around the temple talking to Jesus. I wasn't some special kid in heaven. God isn't coming back anytime soon. Joseph never translated anything! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
I can see now that none if it is true. It was all made up. All the nonsense I was taught as a kid is literally just nonsense. The prophets don't walk around the temple talking to Jesus. I wasn't some special kid in heaven. God isn't coming back anytime soon. Joseph never translated anything! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Recently, I started my look into the truth claims and history of the church. The first time I watched the temple ceremony on YouTube I was actually afraid something bad was going to happen. Once I got over that, I was able to start deconstructing for real! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Recently, I started my look into the truth claims and history of the church. The first time I watched the temple ceremony on YouTube I was actually afraid something bad was going to happen. Once I got over that, I was able to start deconstructing for real! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Hi, 👋 Brian here I'm a disabled Veteran. Father of three boys not raised in the church. Born In The Covenant. My mother and many others in my family still are TBM. I was a Mormon. - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Hi, 👋 Brian here I'm a disabled Veteran. Father of three boys not raised in the church. Born In The Covenant. My mother and many others in my family still are TBM. I was a Mormon. - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
He focused on the dents in the boat instead of on the capability of the boat to lead him to the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ... The blogosphere cannot replace scripture study and reading the words of living prophets and apostles. Foster your faith by going to trustworthy sources to find answers to your questions. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii | wasmormon.org
He focused on the dents in the boat instead of on the capability of the boat to lead him to the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ... The blogosphere cannot replace scripture study and reading the words of living prophets and apostles. Foster your faith by going to trustworthy sources to find answers to your questions. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii
What we consider dents and peeling paint on the well-used boat may turn out to be divinely sanctioned and divinely directed from an eternal perspective. The Lord has either had a hand in the dents and the peeling paint or He uses them for His own purposes. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii | wasmormon.org
What we consider dents and peeling paint on the well-used boat may turn out to be divinely sanctioned and divinely directed from an eternal perspective. The Lord has either had a hand in the dents and the peeling paint or He uses them for His own purposes. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii
Those who choose to stay on the well-used, dented boat with the chipped paint are those who recognize that the boat saved them from drowning and can get them safely to shore. In other words, they get on the covenant path and stay on the covenant path. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii | wasmormon.org
Those who choose to stay on the well-used, dented boat with the chipped paint are those who recognize that the boat saved them from drowning and can get them safely to shore. In other words, they get on the covenant path and stay on the covenant path. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii
What do the boat and the fisherman teach us about the Church? Do dents and peeling paint on the Church change its ability to provide the authorized saving and exalting ordinances to help us become like our Father in Heaven? If the fisherman must hold on to the rudder with both hands to keep the boat on course, does that negate his and the boat’s ability to get us safely and reliably where we want to go? You do not have to be an ordained seer to know that slipping back into the water instead of staying in the boat is risky. Yet when we lose sight of the big picture, the small dents and peeling paint can loom large in our minds. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii | wasmormon.org
What do the boat and the fisherman teach us about the Church? Do dents and peeling paint on the Church change its ability to provide the authorized saving and exalting ordinances to help us become like our Father in Heaven? If the fisherman must hold on to the rudder with both hands to keep the boat on course, does that negate his and the boat’s ability to get us safely and reliably where we want to go? You do not have to be an ordained seer to know that slipping back into the water instead of staying in the boat is risky. Yet when we lose sight of the big picture, the small dents and peeling paint can loom large in our minds. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii