Greetings, I’m Michael
I’m a skeptic, caver, climber, mountain biker, father, husband, mechanic and I was a Mormon.
About me
I was something like a sixth generation Mormon. We had family on my mom’s side that immigrated to Nauvoo. I was born in Utah but moved to Georgia when I was 7.
Why I left More answers about 'Why I left' the mormon church
I got frustrated with always being told “milk before meat” when I would ask hard questions about the church. I’ve always been a fan of logic, science, and critical thinking. I just finally got around to applying logic and reason to matters of faith and found them to be lacking. When I’d ask questions of my church leaders they would always tell me to focus on the basics. So I did. Unfortunately I discovered everything that was good about Mormonism wasn’t unique. And everything unique about Mormonism wasn’t good.
Questions I've answered
Do you consider yourself a Christian? More was mormon answers about 'Do you consider yourself a Christian?'
Once I applied critical thinking to Mormonism I found that none of the claims stood up. Then I applied it to Christianity and eventually all religion. I consider myself an agnostic/atheist. I live my life as if there is no god but I don’t claim to know for sure.
Did you want to sin? Is that why you left? More was mormon answers about 'Did you want to sin? Is that why you left?'
This accusation cracks me up. I give extensively of my time and money to charities and youth organizations. I became vegetarian 5 years ago. I probably obey the Word of Wisdom better than most active members and I adore my wife and would never consider stepping out on her. I’ve asked some members what sin they think I wanted to commit and all they could say was that doubt itself is a sin.
How do you now explain the spiritual experiences that you had as an Orthodox Mormon? More was mormon answers about 'How do you now explain the spiritual experiences that you had as an Orthodox Mormon?'
Confirmation bias. I was told that the good feeling I was having could only come from “the spirit”. So I assumed everything was “spiritual”. But I’ve come to realize that I can get those same feelings from a great song, an inspiring movie, or just hanging out with good friends.
Were you asked inappropriate questions in "worthiness" interviews by your Mormon Bishop? More was mormon answers about 'Were you asked inappropriate questions in "worthiness" interviews by your Mormon Bishop?'
I didn’t even know what masturbation was until my bishop described it to me alone in his office. At least in my case I don’t think he had any ill intent. This is just the kind of thing that happens when a former marine drill Sargent, warehouse manager is told to interview children without having any kind of social work, legal, ethical, or psychological training.
How or why did you stay in the pew? More was mormon answers about 'How or why did you stay in the pew?'
I was a closeted non-believer for several years. I attended only because I didn’t want my wife to be exposed to the kind of treatment I’ve seen other have when a sister comes to church leaving their non-believing husband behind. Eventually she told me that she could deal with it and I didn’t need to keep coming. Sure enough they started treating her exactly like I’d feared. Our last bishop told her that she needed to “get off the fence” and decide whether she was gonna let my then 12 year-old son get ordained. In my experience when you push somebody off a fence they end up on the other side. That’s exactly what happened. She kept attending because she enjoyed her calling with the YW but never went back once they released her.