Meet Spence, a man whose faith journey took him from being a dedicated member of the Mormon Church to finding happiness and authenticity outside of it. Spence grew up with a strong testimony but often found himself struggling within the confines of his faith.
The turning point came when Spence read a letter for my wife, filled with information that challenged the foundational stories of the church. He couldn’t reconcile the facts it presented, particularly the troubling aspects of Joseph Smith’s character. As Spence continued to deconstruct his beliefs, he discovered something deeply personal—he is bisexual. This discovery, coupled with the church’s stance on LGBTQ issues, made it even more difficult for him to stay. Now, free from the church’s teachings, Spence feels happier than ever and finally able to be his true self. He was a Mormon, but his journey has led him to a place of greater self-acceptance and joy.
Growing up I had a strong testimony, but I struggled. Now, without the church, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I finally feel like I can be myself. I was a Mormon.
I first read the letter for my wife and I couldn’t reconcile with the facts it contains, Joseph Smith was not a good man, he wasn’t even pleasant from the sound of it. After that I struggled to see why I should stay.
During my deconstruction of the church I discovered I’m bi-sexual. I looked into how the church treats the LGBTQ community, it didn’t help.
Spence
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