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Less than two months later, I announced my own atheism, and my subsequent leaving of the church. The response was the same. I lost many friends in an instant. But I chose that time to show my brother he was not alone, that I’d had the same thoughts and conclusions he had. I wanted him to know it, and this was my way of showing him. I’m now closer to him than ever. Six months later, I shipped off to basic training, avoiding much of the fallout of my falling away, which took a lot of the flak off of my brothers back. Now, 4 years later on, all of my siblings have stated to me their disillusionment with the church and their desire to abandon it. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
Less than two months later, I announced my own atheism, and my subsequent leaving of the church. The response was the same. I lost many friends in an instant. But I chose that time to show my brother he was not alone, that I’d had the same thoughts and conclusions he had. I wanted him to know it, and this was my way of showing him. I’m now closer to him than ever. Six months later, I shipped off to basic training, avoiding much of the fallout of my falling away, which took a lot of the flak off of my brothers back. Now, 4 years later on, all of my siblings have stated to me their disillusionment with the church and their desire to abandon it. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
During this time, my younger brother had delved deeper into the scripture as well, becoming even more devout than ever. He studied and made notes every night, prayed and discussed with my grandpa, who was in the bishopric. He was the star Mormon teenage boy. And then suddenly he publicly announced he was an atheist and despised the church and all it stood for. This took me by complete surprise, and what surprised me even more was the reaction of those we knew. The responses he got were vile, telling him he’d burn forever, saying he was possessed by the spirit of the devil, saying he had no right to make that choice as he was still a minor. He became depressed and withdrew from all of us. This was the time, I felt. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
During this time, my younger brother had delved deeper into the scripture as well, becoming even more devout than ever. He studied and made notes every night, prayed and discussed with my grandpa, who was in the bishopric. He was the star Mormon teenage boy. And then suddenly he publicly announced he was an atheist and despised the church and all it stood for. This took me by complete surprise, and what surprised me even more was the reaction of those we knew. The responses he got were vile, telling him he’d burn forever, saying he was possessed by the spirit of the devil, saying he had no right to make that choice as he was still a minor. He became depressed and withdrew from all of us. This was the time, I felt. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
That’s when I found the CES Letter. It flipped everything I knew upside down and tore it to shreds. For those who have read it, I’m sure you know why. So many falsehoods and lies the church taught me since childhood, I couldn’t believe it. I had to find more. And so I did. My shelf crumbled at the age of 16 or 17 and I stayed a closeted atheist for nearly that whole time, waiting for the right time to announce my unbelief to the world. The right time would come soon, though. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
That’s when I found the CES Letter. It flipped everything I knew upside down and tore it to shreds. For those who have read it, I’m sure you know why. So many falsehoods and lies the church taught me since childhood, I couldn’t believe it. I had to find more. And so I did. My shelf crumbled at the age of 16 or 17 and I stayed a closeted atheist for nearly that whole time, waiting for the right time to announce my unbelief to the world. The right time would come soon, though. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
However, soon enough these questions grew to larger questions. Why can’t I see you God? Why haven’t you spoken to me? Why do you allow suffering? I delved into the scriptures, desperately looking for answers, but what I found was more troubling. Contradicting teachings everywhere I looked, strange beliefs and statements. This couldn’t be right, so I watched Conference talks as much as I could. But something stuck with me from one, he said to “doubt your doubts,” look not to the world but only church approved teachings. This struck me as strange, why should I avoid the worldly teachings if they’re so obviously false? Besides, if I couldn’t find answers within the church, where else would I look but outside of it? - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
However, soon enough these questions grew to larger questions. Why can’t I see you God? Why haven’t you spoken to me? Why do you allow suffering? I delved into the scriptures, desperately looking for answers, but what I found was more troubling. Contradicting teachings everywhere I looked, strange beliefs and statements. This couldn’t be right, so I watched Conference talks as much as I could. But something stuck with me from one, he said to “doubt your doubts,” look not to the world but only church approved teachings. This struck me as strange, why should I avoid the worldly teachings if they’re so obviously false? Besides, if I couldn’t find answers within the church, where else would I look but outside of it? - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
Initially, my struggles with the church started with the divorce. I blamed myself for it, even though I know I had no part in it, but even still it hurt me. I prayed every day and night asking for my family to be fixed and for Him to forgive me for whatever I’d done to make this happen. Years and years passed and I had no answers and only more questions had joined the fray. Why can I not drink coffee? Why can’t I have sex until I’m married? Simple questions a preteen would have with a growing mind. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
Initially, my struggles with the church started with the divorce. I blamed myself for it, even though I know I had no part in it, but even still it hurt me. I prayed every day and night asking for my family to be fixed and for Him to forgive me for whatever I’d done to make this happen. Years and years passed and I had no answers and only more questions had joined the fray. Why can I not drink coffee? Why can’t I have sex until I’m married? Simple questions a preteen would have with a growing mind. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
At times I feel I matured quickly, though I know I probably didn’t, as I had to be a rock for my siblings. Eventually we settled into our new life, and we grew up as normally as we could. I had taken up music as a Cellist just after the divorce and it proved to be an outlet I needed, and continues to be to this day. Years passed and at the age of 19, partially to avoid going on a mission and avoid repercussions from recently leaving the church, but mostly because I always wanted to, I joined the United States Army as an infantryman, and nearly 4 years later I still am. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
At times I feel I matured quickly, though I know I probably didn’t, as I had to be a rock for my siblings. Eventually we settled into our new life, and we grew up as normally as we could. I had taken up music as a Cellist just after the divorce and it proved to be an outlet I needed, and continues to be to this day. Years passed and at the age of 19, partially to avoid going on a mission and avoid repercussions from recently leaving the church, but mostly because I always wanted to, I joined the United States Army as an infantryman, and nearly 4 years later I still am. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
I had the standard Mormon life: church, Boy Scouts, growing and young family. However, at age 9 my parents decided to get a divorce and to this day I do not know all of the reasons, but I know part of it was my mom’s disillusionment with the Church. She left the church very soon after the divorce, and mine and my 3 siblings lives were thrown into turmoil. Growing up with two homes to live between, especially as the oldest, was difficult. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
I had the standard Mormon life: church, Boy Scouts, growing and young family. However, at age 9 my parents decided to get a divorce and to this day I do not know all of the reasons, but I know part of it was my mom’s disillusionment with the Church. She left the church very soon after the divorce, and mine and my 3 siblings lives were thrown into turmoil. Growing up with two homes to live between, especially as the oldest, was difficult. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
I am a musician and a friend to many. I was born and raised in the church to loving parents, that I can’t deny and never would. I am a Soldier. I am the atheist in the foxhole they claim doesn’t exist. I was a Mormon. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
I am a musician and a friend to many. I was born and raised in the church to loving parents, that I can’t deny and never would. I am a Soldier. I am the atheist in the foxhole they claim doesn’t exist. I was a Mormon. - Ian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/greensockninja/
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/ehaner/. 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/ehaner/. 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 consider myself Christian, but I’m relearning what that means. I am going to a community church with my children and I’m meeting regularly with a religion professor who has given me books to read. I love learning and I’m grateful that God has provided so many resources to continue to grow towards him! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I consider myself Christian, but I’m relearning what that means. I am going to a community church with my children and I’m meeting regularly with a religion professor who has given me books to read. I love learning and I’m grateful that God has provided so many resources to continue to grow towards him! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I now know God is bigger than the Mormon church. God’s love reaches all his children in what ever form they are willing to receive it. There is no “one true church.” That’s it. That’s as far as my testimony goes. I’m sure my testimony of Jesus Christ will change over time. My hope is that I continue believing in him and God. From the start of leaving the Mormon church, my greatest fear was to loose my spirituality which is based on Christ. Just like some believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas, I believe in Christ and the magic of Christianity. I don’t want to loose it or him! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I now know God is bigger than the Mormon church. God’s love reaches all his children in what ever form they are willing to receive it. There is no “one true church.” That’s it. That’s as far as my testimony goes. I’m sure my testimony of Jesus Christ will change over time. My hope is that I continue believing in him and God. From the start of leaving the Mormon church, my greatest fear was to loose my spirituality which is based on Christ. Just like some believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas, I believe in Christ and the magic of Christianity. I don’t want to loose it or him! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I had also been struggling with depression, and never feeling like I was good enough. I remember finally asking for contentment because I was on the brink of suicide. Once I had realized I had suicide ideation, I stopped praying for happiness and started praying for contentment. I think that’s why God gave me the answer he did about tithing. I no longer wanted to subscribe to the Mormons ways of finding happiness. I had tried them and they lead me into a viscous cycle of unattainable goals. My desires had changed and so God lead me to contentment. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I had also been struggling with depression, and never feeling like I was good enough. I remember finally asking for contentment because I was on the brink of suicide. Once I had realized I had suicide ideation, I stopped praying for happiness and started praying for contentment. I think that’s why God gave me the answer he did about tithing. I no longer wanted to subscribe to the Mormons ways of finding happiness. I had tried them and they lead me into a viscous cycle of unattainable goals. My desires had changed and so God lead me to contentment. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I don’t want to be a part of a church that recognizes their wrongs but makes no apologies. I don’t want to be a part of a church that actively marginalizes blacks and women by doing so. I have made my story very simple, but it is more complex. While in the church, I loved learning of its history and would come upon conflicting issues that I would justify and put away from myself so I could focus on being a good Mormon. Those conflicting issues did help me leave when God finally gave me a way out. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I don’t want to be a part of a church that recognizes their wrongs but makes no apologies. I don’t want to be a part of a church that actively marginalizes blacks and women by doing so. I have made my story very simple, but it is more complex. While in the church, I loved learning of its history and would come upon conflicting issues that I would justify and put away from myself so I could focus on being a good Mormon. Those conflicting issues did help me leave when God finally gave me a way out. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I’m surprised that the gospel topic essays don’t pull more people I know away. They try to be honest but are deceptive at the same time. The essays that bothered me most are on the priesthood and polygamy. I hurt for the blacks who lost their priesthood rights and succinctly family rights. Why does the church refuse to apologize for taking the priesthood away from blacks when they know Brigham Young was not God lead in doing so? I also grieve for early European immigrant converts who were told by missionaries that church didn’t practice polygamy only to find out after a life threatening journey to the Salt Lake valley that they do. I can’t imagine the pain those wives bore when their husbands agreed to practice polygamy and bring in new wives. It makes me want to vomit! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I’m surprised that the gospel topic essays don’t pull more people I know away. They try to be honest but are deceptive at the same time. The essays that bothered me most are on the priesthood and polygamy. I hurt for the blacks who lost their priesthood rights and succinctly family rights. Why does the church refuse to apologize for taking the priesthood away from blacks when they know Brigham Young was not God lead in doing so? I also grieve for early European immigrant converts who were told by missionaries that church didn’t practice polygamy only to find out after a life threatening journey to the Salt Lake valley that they do. I can’t imagine the pain those wives bore when their husbands agreed to practice polygamy and bring in new wives. It makes me want to vomit! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I was relieved to leave the many rules, policies and expectations of the Mormon church! Shortly after removing my garments, I remember attending a family birthday party and feeling like I could finally love and fully accept my family members who weren’t Mormon. I didn’t have to be a superior example or pray that someday they would except the church beliefs and live with the rest of us in a celestial kingdom for eternity. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I was relieved to leave the many rules, policies and expectations of the Mormon church! Shortly after removing my garments, I remember attending a family birthday party and feeling like I could finally love and fully accept my family members who weren’t Mormon. I didn’t have to be a superior example or pray that someday they would except the church beliefs and live with the rest of us in a celestial kingdom for eternity. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
Wow! What a great start to a snowball effect. If I don’t pay tithing, I can’t go to the temple. If I can’t go to the temple, I don’t have to wear my garments. If I don’t wear my garments during the week, should I be untruthful and wear them on Sunday? If I don’t wear my garments, other Mormons will be able to tell and judge me. I would rather not go to church and be judged. If I don’t go to the LDS church, then I can finally attend other churches. I would love to attend other churches! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
Wow! What a great start to a snowball effect. If I don’t pay tithing, I can’t go to the temple. If I can’t go to the temple, I don’t have to wear my garments. If I don’t wear my garments during the week, should I be untruthful and wear them on Sunday? If I don’t wear my garments, other Mormons will be able to tell and judge me. I would rather not go to church and be judged. If I don’t go to the LDS church, then I can finally attend other churches. I would love to attend other churches! - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I left because of a simple problem and a prayer asking for a solution for the problem. The answer I received in prayer did not match my taught expectations. All I wanted to know was “How should I pay tithing?” I expected to hear, “Make sure to pay 10% of your own income.” But instead I heard, “You do not need to pay any more money to this church.” - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
I left because of a simple problem and a prayer asking for a solution for the problem. The answer I received in prayer did not match my taught expectations. All I wanted to know was “How should I pay tithing?” I expected to hear, “Make sure to pay 10% of your own income.” But instead I heard, “You do not need to pay any more money to this church.” - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
My name is Erica and I was raised as a Mormon with pioneer ancestors from both parents. My favorite part about me is that I’m spiritual. I thought this made me a valuable Mormon, but as I explored the church history, I found out that personal revelation doesn’t keep you a member. The church no longer serves me in a healthy way. I was a Mormon. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
My name is Erica and I was raised as a Mormon with pioneer ancestors from both parents. My favorite part about me is that I’m spiritual. I thought this made me a valuable Mormon, but as I explored the church history, I found out that personal revelation doesn’t keep you a member. The church no longer serves me in a healthy way. I was a Mormon. - Erica's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/ehaner/
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/bwilliams8492/. 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/bwilliams8492/. 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 an agnostic-atheist now. I don't know whether or not there is some "intelligence" that's responsible for the creation of the universe, but I'm not convinced by any of the creation theories put out by any religions. Whatever this intelligence may be, I don't think it made the human race in its image, nor do I think it cares about whether I drink tea. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
I'm an agnostic-atheist now. I don't know whether or not there is some "intelligence" that's responsible for the creation of the universe, but I'm not convinced by any of the creation theories put out by any religions. Whatever this intelligence may be, I don't think it made the human race in its image, nor do I think it cares about whether I drink tea. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
Why don't I leave the mormon church alone? Because there are people I love still in it. I watch them spend their free time and money on what I consider a greedy corporation, pursuing ordinances that I'm convinced are meaningless and I want to free them from the shackles they don't even know they have on. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
Why don't I leave the mormon church alone? Because there are people I love still in it. I watch them spend their free time and money on what I consider a greedy corporation, pursuing ordinances that I'm convinced are meaningless and I want to free them from the shackles they don't even know they have on. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
I hated myself a lot more back when I was mormon. I had many self-esteem issues thanks to my feelings of inadequacy when it came to spiritual matters. I've come to terms with the church's affect on my formative years, and consider myself to be "post-mormon" now. I've learned to love myself, but the lack of a mormon "tribe" to be there and help out, combined with a rather small family has made an already lonely life harder, but I wouldn't take it back for anything. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
I hated myself a lot more back when I was mormon. I had many self-esteem issues thanks to my feelings of inadequacy when it came to spiritual matters. I've come to terms with the church's affect on my formative years, and consider myself to be "post-mormon" now. I've learned to love myself, but the lack of a mormon "tribe" to be there and help out, combined with a rather small family has made an already lonely life harder, but I wouldn't take it back for anything. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
Having a faith crisis has also completely changed how I view all things that enter my life. I doubt everything, and critically consider any new opportunities that arise. Having something whose truth I held so strongly be destroyed was one of the most painful things I've ever had to go through, and I highly recommend it to everyone. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
Having a faith crisis has also completely changed how I view all things that enter my life. I doubt everything, and critically consider any new opportunities that arise. Having something whose truth I held so strongly be destroyed was one of the most painful things I've ever had to go through, and I highly recommend it to everyone. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
Did Joseph Smith really divinely receive and translate the Book of Mormon, or did he get the idea from elsewhere? In particular, finding out the similarities between Book of Mormon place names and modern New England place names, and also discovering the View of the Hebrews, cemented the idea in my mind that the Book of Mormon isn't original. Of all things, it was the discovery of the small African island nation of Comoros (formerly Camorah) and its capital city of Moroni that broke my shelf. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
Did Joseph Smith really divinely receive and translate the Book of Mormon, or did he get the idea from elsewhere? In particular, finding out the similarities between Book of Mormon place names and modern New England place names, and also discovering the View of the Hebrews, cemented the idea in my mind that the Book of Mormon isn't original. Of all things, it was the discovery of the small African island nation of Comoros (formerly Camorah) and its capital city of Moroni that broke my shelf. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
I was always a shitty mormon; told the Bishop I didn't masturbate even though I did. Didn't attend the Boy Scouts. Never went on any treks, never visited the temple, never got my patriarchal blessing. I suppose it was this juvenile feeling of not having a place to belong that made discovering the CES Letter such an easy thing for me. I've always believed in Occam's Razor; the simplest answer is likely the correct one. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
I was always a shitty mormon; told the Bishop I didn't masturbate even though I did. Didn't attend the Boy Scouts. Never went on any treks, never visited the temple, never got my patriarchal blessing. I suppose it was this juvenile feeling of not having a place to belong that made discovering the CES Letter such an easy thing for me. I've always believed in Occam's Razor; the simplest answer is likely the correct one. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
A single mother and her only child stand out in a church full of nuclear families with multiple kids. At the same time, our mormon status distanced us from our fellow Filipinos. I had a year or two to look forward to being baptized, and went on to receive the Aaronic and Melchezidek Priesthoods. I planned to go on a mission and later attend university at BYU, but neither of those panned out due to financial troubles. I never felt like I truly belonged anywhere. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
A single mother and her only child stand out in a church full of nuclear families with multiple kids. At the same time, our mormon status distanced us from our fellow Filipinos. I had a year or two to look forward to being baptized, and went on to receive the Aaronic and Melchezidek Priesthoods. I planned to go on a mission and later attend university at BYU, but neither of those panned out due to financial troubles. I never felt like I truly belonged anywhere. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
I like playing the piano and making music. I'm an engineer and a realist. My parents split up when I was quite young. Searching for a father figure for me, my mom converted to the church when I was 6. I was a Mormon. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
I like playing the piano and making music. I'm an engineer and a realist. My parents split up when I was quite young. Searching for a father figure for me, my mom converted to the church when I was 6. I was a Mormon. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/bwilliams8492/
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/larry-camp/. 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/larry-camp/. 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!
We love life and are ok not having all the answers. We feel so lucky to have discovered the truth related to mormonism, and are ok not knowing what lies ahead. Nobody does. As my favorite beer maker (Kona) says on its can , "One life, right?" We're making the most of the life we have left.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
We love life and are ok not having all the answers. We feel so lucky to have discovered the truth related to mormonism, and are ok not knowing what lies ahead. Nobody does. As my favorite beer maker (Kona) says on its can , "One life, right?" We're making the most of the life we have left.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
I should add that in September of 2018, our second child Dusty passed away at 31 from a spontaneous dissection of the right iliac artery. We were (and still are) devastated. We no longer believe in god, but we hope we will see our son again. I have a podcast, Nobody Knows Your Story where my guest shares their life stories. Ive had quite a variety of guests share their stories which has been very therapeutic.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
I should add that in September of 2018, our second child Dusty passed away at 31 from a spontaneous dissection of the right iliac artery. We were (and still are) devastated. We no longer believe in god, but we hope we will see our son again. I have a podcast, Nobody Knows Your Story where my guest shares their life stories. Ive had quite a variety of guests share their stories which has been very therapeutic.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
We relocated from Hawaii to AZ just before leaving mormonism. But, we didn't feel comfortable around our former church friends and decided to move back to UT where we hadn't lived since 1983. It's kinda funny moving to cult central after making our escape. We ended up in the St George area, and discovered a large post Mormon community. We have developed several "real" friendships that are based on things other than religion. We love it here!- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
We relocated from Hawaii to AZ just before leaving mormonism. But, we didn't feel comfortable around our former church friends and decided to move back to UT where we hadn't lived since 1983. It's kinda funny moving to cult central after making our escape. We ended up in the St George area, and discovered a large post Mormon community. We have developed several "real" friendships that are based on things other than religion. We love it here!- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
I immediately went to the internet, found several articles, and the Mormon stories podcast. I was out in 4 weeks. I mentioned the podcast to my wife, she listened and asked for a few books like "No Man Knows My History". We resigned in June of 2017. We've never been happier. Facts over faith!- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
I immediately went to the internet, found several articles, and the Mormon stories podcast. I was out in 4 weeks. I mentioned the podcast to my wife, she listened and asked for a few books like "No Man Knows My History". We resigned in June of 2017. We've never been happier. Facts over faith!- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
The next Sunday, sitting in Sacrament meeting, I went to lds.org and eventually found the essays. I read the first vision essay, saw that the 1832 account was the only one in Joseph's handwriting, and that it was vastly different than the 1838 version I had been taught and that I had taught as a missionary. I clearly remember thinking, "Well fuck me". This was January of 2017.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
The next Sunday, sitting in Sacrament meeting, I went to lds.org and eventually found the essays. I read the first vision essay, saw that the 1832 account was the only one in Joseph's handwriting, and that it was vastly different than the 1838 version I had been taught and that I had taught as a missionary. I clearly remember thinking, "Well fuck me". This was January of 2017.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
In 2016, our daughter came home from BYU-H for Christmas break. She asked to speak to us, started crying and asked what we knew about the church essays. We had never heard of them. She said they had been studying them in her religion class, and what they said was very different than what we were told growing up. She said she Googled lots of factual mormon history and no longer believed. Pretty shocking.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
In 2016, our daughter came home from BYU-H for Christmas break. She asked to speak to us, started crying and asked what we knew about the church essays. We had never heard of them. She said they had been studying them in her religion class, and what they said was very different than what we were told growing up. She said she Googled lots of factual mormon history and no longer believed. Pretty shocking.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
I had shelf items that began on my mission. You see, right before I left, I received a blessing and was told my family would be protected while I was away. About a year in, my younger brother Jeff broke his neck on a trampoline and was rendered a quadriplegic. He died at 28 due in part to his accident. Huh, what about the promise in the blessing? Yeah, this is where my shelf began to bow.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
I had shelf items that began on my mission. You see, right before I left, I received a blessing and was told my family would be protected while I was away. About a year in, my younger brother Jeff broke his neck on a trampoline and was rendered a quadriplegic. He died at 28 due in part to his accident. Huh, what about the promise in the blessing? Yeah, this is where my shelf began to bow.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
Aloha, I'm Larry. I was born into the religion of my parents, Mormon. I grew up in Southern California and really didn't notice I was that different until Jr High. I should mention my parents were pretty normal. On Sunday we went to church, but we changed out of our Sunday clothes, watched TV, listened to music and could have friends over. I love my wife, my kids, Hawaii, the outdoors, softball and I was a Mormon.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
Aloha, I'm Larry. I was born into the religion of my parents, Mormon. I grew up in Southern California and really didn't notice I was that different until Jr High. I should mention my parents were pretty normal. On Sunday we went to church, but we changed out of our Sunday clothes, watched TV, listened to music and could have friends over. I love my wife, my kids, Hawaii, the outdoors, softball and I was a Mormon.- Larry's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/larry-camp/
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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/murphy/. 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/murphy/. 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've had periods of silence with family members that lasted literal years. When I've tried to be a support person or help within my family, I've been avoided, I'm certain, because I'm "not a faithful person." I've lost all ability to be of service or even a source of comfort or knowledge, in my family. Not all family members feel this way, but enough that it makes being around them difficult. It's grief and loss, primarily, but also anger and frustration at being judged harshly for doing something that for me, was so personally positive and necessary. I felt like I followed the truth, and my family would have preferred I stayed, dishonestly, in the lie. It's disappointing to see your family as not having the bravery to be people of integrity and honesty, too. I'm not a perfect person, by any means, but the alienation I have received has no explanation other than my leaving the church."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I've had periods of silence with family members that lasted literal years. When I've tried to be a support person or help within my family, I've been avoided, I'm certain, because I'm "not a faithful person." I've lost all ability to be of service or even a source of comfort or knowledge, in my family. Not all family members feel this way, but enough that it makes being around them difficult. It's grief and loss, primarily, but also anger and frustration at being judged harshly for doing something that for me, was so personally positive and necessary. I felt like I followed the truth, and my family would have preferred I stayed, dishonestly, in the lie. It's disappointing to see your family as not having the bravery to be people of integrity and honesty, too. I'm not a perfect person, by any means, but the alienation I have received has no explanation other than my leaving the church."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"Leaving a cult can be traumatizing as people lose everything they have and know, but I, fortunately, am VERY happy. I view myself as a human. I'm capable of great good and great stupidity simultaneously, and nobody gets credit for my actions but me, and me alone. The good I do isn't God. It's me. The crap I do isn't Satan. It's the basic human condition, which is beautiful in its variability. Mistakes are not damning. Mistakes are just that, and they're easy to let go of. I no longer walk through a world of strangers, but a world of equals. I didn't know how scared I was of people outside the church until I wasn't afraid anymore, until I saw myself for what I was - truly one of them. The world is full of amazing, AMAZING good people who are happy and free."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"Leaving a cult can be traumatizing as people lose everything they have and know, but I, fortunately, am VERY happy. I view myself as a human. I'm capable of great good and great stupidity simultaneously, and nobody gets credit for my actions but me, and me alone. The good I do isn't God. It's me. The crap I do isn't Satan. It's the basic human condition, which is beautiful in its variability. Mistakes are not damning. Mistakes are just that, and they're easy to let go of. I no longer walk through a world of strangers, but a world of equals. I didn't know how scared I was of people outside the church until I wasn't afraid anymore, until I saw myself for what I was - truly one of them. The world is full of amazing, AMAZING good people who are happy and free."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"It took me years to stop being "angry" and accept that just LEAVING the church already might actually give me freedom and joy. It was scary. Finally, after years of grumping about EVERYTHING, I discovered I was pregnant with a little girl. My entire family resigned the following week. Somehow I had been able to justify and juggle the thought of raising sons in the church, but discovering that I would have a daughter made me see that future as impossible. My daughter deserved more than I had received. My daughter deserved to see herself as capable of anything. My daughter deserved to have happiness and feel confident and beautiful in all her dreams and ambitions. She deserved to see herself as a force for good. She deserved to see herself as incredibly strong, solely capable, and a leader if she wanted to. She wasn't inherently a temptation, or a "mother" before she'd even had a chance to become a woman. Obviously, leaving Mormonism involved SO MUCH MORE, but for me, it was being damned for being female. Mormonism is damnation to women."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"It took me years to stop being "angry" and accept that just LEAVING the church already might actually give me freedom and joy. It was scary. Finally, after years of grumping about EVERYTHING, I discovered I was pregnant with a little girl. My entire family resigned the following week. Somehow I had been able to justify and juggle the thought of raising sons in the church, but discovering that I would have a daughter made me see that future as impossible. My daughter deserved more than I had received. My daughter deserved to see herself as capable of anything. My daughter deserved to have happiness and feel confident and beautiful in all her dreams and ambitions. She deserved to see herself as a force for good. She deserved to see herself as incredibly strong, solely capable, and a leader if she wanted to. She wasn't inherently a temptation, or a "mother" before she'd even had a chance to become a woman. Obviously, leaving Mormonism involved SO MUCH MORE, but for me, it was being damned for being female. Mormonism is damnation to women."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I was a raging feminist who complained about YM/YW activity inconsistencies and attitudes from the beginning. When I went to University I complained about sexism again, and realized how useless I felt as a woman in the church. When I went on a mission, I saw the church as cruel in the way they treated their missionaries and viewed their investigators as numbers. When I got married, I realized God was sexist. It took me YEARS to accept that Mormon God was sexist. Eventually I just convinced myself that that was the church, and it would catch up someday. It took me a couple years of reading history, and knowing the dark truths about Joseph Smith to realize I didn't believe in him, and that being a part of the Mormon community wasn't worth sacrificing my integrity for. It took YEARS. And then it took about one minute."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I was a raging feminist who complained about YM/YW activity inconsistencies and attitudes from the beginning. When I went to University I complained about sexism again, and realized how useless I felt as a woman in the church. When I went on a mission, I saw the church as cruel in the way they treated their missionaries and viewed their investigators as numbers. When I got married, I realized God was sexist. It took me YEARS to accept that Mormon God was sexist. Eventually I just convinced myself that that was the church, and it would catch up someday. It took me a couple years of reading history, and knowing the dark truths about Joseph Smith to realize I didn't believe in him, and that being a part of the Mormon community wasn't worth sacrificing my integrity for. It took YEARS. And then it took about one minute."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"For me it was also reading family history records - seeing how my ancestors were AVID treasure diggers, and how they adored Joseph Smith for his work with them - sacrificing the black dog for its blood, etc, in treasure rituals. It was looking at the murders that took place in Missouri, and recognizing that the Mormons were NOT the victims. It was in looking at the murders that happened in Utah, and empathizing with the women who were brought there under the illusion that polygamy didn't actually take place - only to catch them in the practice through their manipulations. I was misled from my earliest childhood to see the Mormons as completely innocent victims."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"For me it was also reading family history records - seeing how my ancestors were AVID treasure diggers, and how they adored Joseph Smith for his work with them - sacrificing the black dog for its blood, etc, in treasure rituals. It was looking at the murders that took place in Missouri, and recognizing that the Mormons were NOT the victims. It was in looking at the murders that happened in Utah, and empathizing with the women who were brought there under the illusion that polygamy didn't actually take place - only to catch them in the practice through their manipulations. I was misled from my earliest childhood to see the Mormons as completely innocent victims."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"In studying the history of the church, I found so many stories, so many alternate tellings, so many differences from FAITHFUL members, that I realized I had been deliberately misled. It's knowing that there were other First Vision accounts that varied SIGNIFICANTLY from the one traditionally taught. You can't tell me you'd see God the Father AND Jesus Christ and forget to mention it on more than one occasion. The fact that alternate accounts were literally hidden away in a safe by the prophet says they knew they were hiding something faith-shaking. It was in learning about Joseph's MANY adulterous encounters. It was realizing that Joseph being tarred and feathered was only because the doctor had a change of heart last minute and didn't castrate him, for his alleged crimes against another man's sister. It was reading the first-hand accounts from WOMEN who told of their encounters with the prophet, and their introduction to polygamy. It became apparent, to this ex-social worker, that Joseph Smith was a sexual predator, in MANY disturbing cases."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"In studying the history of the church, I found so many stories, so many alternate tellings, so many differences from FAITHFUL members, that I realized I had been deliberately misled. It's knowing that there were other First Vision accounts that varied SIGNIFICANTLY from the one traditionally taught. You can't tell me you'd see God the Father AND Jesus Christ and forget to mention it on more than one occasion. The fact that alternate accounts were literally hidden away in a safe by the prophet says they knew they were hiding something faith-shaking. It was in learning about Joseph's MANY adulterous encounters. It was realizing that Joseph being tarred and feathered was only because the doctor had a change of heart last minute and didn't castrate him, for his alleged crimes against another man's sister. It was reading the first-hand accounts from WOMEN who told of their encounters with the prophet, and their introduction to polygamy. It became apparent, to this ex-social worker, that Joseph Smith was a sexual predator, in MANY disturbing cases."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I started an even deeper dive into gender inequality in the church - polygamy, priesthood, abuse, lies, betrayal, etc, etc, ETC, ETC. The doctrine of a Heavenly Mother broke my heart, though it didn't make me leave. I realized that not only did the Church recognize we had a Mother, they simultaneously commanded us not to talk to her, talk ABOUT her, or even tell us more about her. I realized my own divine destiny was like Her own - doomed to silence and playing eternal second fiddle."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I started an even deeper dive into gender inequality in the church - polygamy, priesthood, abuse, lies, betrayal, etc, etc, ETC, ETC. The doctrine of a Heavenly Mother broke my heart, though it didn't make me leave. I realized that not only did the Church recognize we had a Mother, they simultaneously commanded us not to talk to her, talk ABOUT her, or even tell us more about her. I realized my own divine destiny was like Her own - doomed to silence and playing eternal second fiddle."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I was a rigid, rigid judgmental bitch. And I was SO angry. I've always been a strong, opinionated personality, intent on changing the world. I am ready to move mountains single-handedly if necessary. Being Mormon somehow managed to make that energy a bad thing. As a woman, I was "supposed" to be kind, sweet, and loving. I was supposed to make babies and be a homemaker, and I was "supposed" to be happy doing just that. Only that. And that was infuriating. So, this rigid, angry bitch got married, and started having children. Multiple children later, I realized I resented my husband. He had done nothing wrong, but he also had zero religious "ambition." He didn't want to be an apostle or anything! And subsequently, that meant I would never move mountains for my God, which was the most important thing I could ever be asked to do. As his wife, I would never have that opportunity."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I was a rigid, rigid judgmental bitch. And I was SO angry. I've always been a strong, opinionated personality, intent on changing the world. I am ready to move mountains single-handedly if necessary. Being Mormon somehow managed to make that energy a bad thing. As a woman, I was "supposed" to be kind, sweet, and loving. I was supposed to make babies and be a homemaker, and I was "supposed" to be happy doing just that. Only that. And that was infuriating. So, this rigid, angry bitch got married, and started having children. Multiple children later, I realized I resented my husband. He had done nothing wrong, but he also had zero religious "ambition." He didn't want to be an apostle or anything! And subsequently, that meant I would never move mountains for my God, which was the most important thing I could ever be asked to do. As his wife, I would never have that opportunity."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was a Laurel President. I refused to date until I was 16. I went to a BYU, served an LDS mission in Toronto Canada, and have only ever kissed one man in my entire life - my husband. I am a mother, a historical sites hunter, a writer, and I was a mormon."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/
"I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was a Laurel President. I refused to date until I was 16. I went to a BYU, served an LDS mission in Toronto Canada, and have only ever kissed one man in my entire life - my husband. I am a mother, a historical sites hunter, a writer, and I was a mormon."- Murphy's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/murphy/