What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the Mormon Church? Or for that matter, someone interested in leaving the Mormon Church?

To someone joining the church: Honestly, you’re better off without it. I’d rather you be a Catholic, but if you want to investigate this, then research EVERYTHING and question EVERYTHING. Have a healthy level of skepticism around it. If you can learn everything about the church and still want to join, then the church is meant for you.

To someone leaving: I’d give them a high five and express how glorious their journey will be. It’s going to be hard. It’s going to suck. But when you get through it, it will be for the better. Life outside is SO much better than inside.

proudxmo

"Read the CES Letter. Then research the sources. Then, make a decision."

bakiraka01

Carefully study and learn.  The Church tells people to just listen to their message and only read materials that the Church has officially sanctioned. You certainly should read and listen to the Church’s message.  But that’s just part of the story.  That’s just what they want you to hear and the Church has become very very good at messaging and manipulating people.

The psychology that supports the way the Church messages itself is a fascinating study in its own right.

Read lots of information from many sources and don’t just accept the Chruch’s position because of their slick messaging or the really nice missionaries. Take your time, think about it, talk to a range of people and interpret it all through the lens of your life experiences. If it doesn’t make sense, then don’t try to make it make sense.

Merely wanting it to be true doesn’t make it so.

Good luck in your journey.

tom808

Please please learn everything you can about it. If you know any post mormons talk to them and ask hard questions. They have no reason to lie to you. They will give you honest answers and not think less of you.

susan_groom_1956

The church is incredibly damaging and lead by evil, hate filled old me. Stay away from it.

greensockninja

Research the church the same way you would before you make a major purchase. You research a car before you buy it, maybe even take it to your mechanic if it is used. Your bank requires an independent inspection before it will finance your home purchase. People will even read independent reviews before deciding which restaurant to visit or which movie to watch. The church is going to require 10% of your income, and hours of "voluntary" service. Sometimes the hours can exceed 20 hours per week for some of the more high demand callings. 10% of your income can reach well in to the six figures over the course of your lifetime. Put at least as much time looking at independent reviews, or alternate opinions, as you would with any other major life decision. Don't just trust what the missionaries tell you, or make the decision because you felt good once after you prayed, just as you wouldn't blindly trust what the used car salesman tells you after you looked at the first car on the lot.

swordsman1989

2 questions, same answer. Research outside of church-approved sources. Do not doubt your doubts.

mbreaux

Spend some time seriously studying church history. Read the church sanctioned essays on lds.org.  Read the CES letter. Trust your instincts.  Just like buying a (very expensive) car, do your due diligence.

flyinlate

packham.n4m.org/…

richard-packham

The same advice you would give someone thinking of buying a car, a house, etc. Research!! Committing a portion of your time, energy, and MONEY to anything is a big decision. Especially when it comes to religion and a church that demands as much from you as the Mormon church does. So read up on its origins and practice living it before actually accepting baptism, because once you're in it's harder to get out. If it improves your life, then go for it. If it doesn't, please don't join.
Anyone who leaves should do something similar. Compare your life now to a life without the same set of beliefs and practices. Are you happy now? Is it easier to imagine you being happy without the church? Then go for it.

BW

Do not join the church; leave the church! Do not get involved in this cult! I know that the promises of the church can be enticing. Giving up the community was the hardest part of leaving for me, and it was the only thing that could make me consider returning. Once you're in the community, they expect so much of you. They expect you to give your time and money to them, and if you refuse, they chastise you. Leaders pretend to care about you, but they're just doing their jobs. This is very damaging to children and teens. The church appears helpful, but is actually toxic. Don't (keep) do(ing) this to yourself. Get out and see that there is so much more to experience than this.

Anonymous

If you're thinking about joining the Mormon church:

To each their own. But I will say I wish I'd listened to my parents (it kills to admit that lol) and slowed my roll; done my due-diligence; really dug in and given the decision the academic and intellectual scrutiny it required. I wish I'd understood that feelings are fickle and they don't equate to truth.

If you're struggling in the church or contemplating leaving:

You're not alone!

For the past year I have been very cautious about who I shared news of my leaving with, as I don't want to hurt or offend anyone, cause rifts, or invite debate or reactivation efforts. But as the news has slowly trickled out, I have been amazed by the number of Mormon friends I have who have confided in me that they have also left the church.

For many reasons, people often choose to leave quietly or feel they have to go it alone; I get it and there's no reason or obligation to go public. But if you are having doubts or are contemplating leaving the church, I know it can be scary and it can be so lonely--I'd recommend finding at least one safe person you trust that you can confide in! I took the plunge and reached out to people that I knew had left and it was comforting to swap stories. The main reason I'm choosing to share my journey publicly now is that I want people to know they're not alone, and there's no shame in following your own path; there's actually a ton of joy in it :) Feel free to reach out: [email protected]

kelly0408

If you're struggling in the church or contemplating leaving:

You're not alone!

For the past year I have been very cautious about who I shared news of my leaving with, as I don't want to hurt or offend anyone, cause rifts, or invite debate or reactivation efforts. But as the news has slowly trickled out, I have been amazed by the number of Mormon friends I have who have confided in me that they have also left the church.

For many reasons, people often choose to leave quietly or feel they have to go it alone; I get it and there's no reason or obligation to go public. But if you are having doubts or are contemplating leaving the church, I know it can be scary and it can be so lonely--I'd recommend finding at least one safe person you trust that you can confide in! I took the plunge and reached out to people that I knew had left and it was comforting to swap stories. The main reason I'm choosing to share my journey publicly now is that I want people to know they're not alone, and there's no shame in following your own path; there's actually a ton of happiness in it :)

Anonymous