This question about the relevance of the church being true gets asked all the time by Mormons when confronted with evidence that the church’s claims aren’t true. Some members of the church will even candidly admit that the church’s doctrines and history seem sketchy to them, but they don’t worry about it. They say the …
Tag Archives: doctrine
(Page 3)Ally Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Ally is a brave young woman navigating the difficult path of deconstructing her faith while still within her devout Mormon family. Diagnosed with severe anxiety at twelve, Ally’s struggles were compounded by the pressures of her religious upbringing. At thirteen, she began questioning the beliefs she’d been taught, and her journey led her to a …
Continue reading “Ally Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Ian Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Ian, a talented musician, devoted friend, and courageous soldier. Raised in a loving Mormon family, Ian navigated the complexities of faith and personal identity with remarkable resilience. Ian’s faith began to waver after his parents’ divorce, leading him to question church teachings and seek answers that never came. His doubts intensified as he encountered …
Continue reading “Ian Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Erica Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Erica, a woman with deep spiritual roots and pioneer ancestors. Raised as a devout Mormon, Erica valued her spirituality and sees it as a vital part of her identity. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when a prayer about tithing led to a surprising answer that she did not need to pay money …
Continue reading “Erica Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Brian Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Brian, an engineer and pianist with a realist’s perspective on life. Despite his early involvement in the church, Brian always felt like he didn’t belong. Brian’s faith wavered when he discovered inconsistencies and historical issues within Mormonism. His belief in Occam’s Razor led him to question the origins of the Book of Mormon, ultimately …
Continue reading “Brian Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Larry Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Larry, from Southern California and a Mormon family. Despite a relatively normal upbringing, Larry began noticing the differences his faith brought into his life. Larry enjoyed a balanced childhood, all while Larry harbored doubts about the truth of Mormonism. His doubts deepened when a Patriarchal blessing of protection for his family during his mission …
Continue reading “Larry Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Murphy Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Murphy, born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she was deeply involved in the church. Murphy was dedicated to her faith until it became a source of intense frustration and anger. Her strong, opinionated nature clashed with the church’s expectations for women, leading to resentment and a feeling of being unfulfilled in …
Continue reading “Murphy Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Alan Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Adam, born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a rich heritage rooted in polygamist pioneers and a father who converted to Mormonism. Adam’s upbringing was steeped in church activities, culminating in a mission to Ecuador. Despite his deep involvement in the church, Adam struggled with historical inconsistencies and the lack of evidence supporting …
Continue reading “Alan Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Adam Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Adam, a dedicated software developer with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, who was raised in a strict Mormon household. From an early age, Adam adhered faithfully to the tenets of his religion, participating fully in church activities, seminary, a mission, and a temple marriage. However, a journey of deep reflection and relentless inquiry led …
Continue reading “Adam Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
When Moroni’s Promise Doesn’t Work
Here are three articles from Church magazines that show the church acknowledging that Moronoi’s promise is not perfect and that many with real intent don’t get answers to their sincere heart prayers. These articles show that many do not receive the promised spiritual experience or manifestation of the Holy Ghost. Maybe it’s just that the …
Chelsea Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Though Chelsea wasn’t a perfect example of a Mormon, she did hold herself to impossibly high standards, which eventually led her to therapy. Her journey away from the church began with unsettling experiences and growing doubts about church leadership and teachings. Despite her efforts to conform and push aside her feelings, Chelsea faced numerous instances …
Continue reading “Chelsea Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Mormon Race Problems – As They Affect the Church, Mark E Petersen
LDS Apostle Mark E. Petersen, is known for his intolerance and prejudice. He gave a speech at BYU entitled Race Problems – As They Affect the Church in 1954. This talk is not included in the list of BYU Speeches, though they do include his earlier talks from 1953 entitled Tolerance and Chastity. This talk …
Continue reading “Mormon Race Problems – As They Affect the Church, Mark E Petersen”
Frey Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Despite being raised in the church, Frey couldn’t shake the sense that something wasn’t right. As they grappled with their faith, Frey went inactive multiple times, searching for answers to questions that remained unanswered or dismissed. As Frey embraced their identity as a queer individual, they confronted the stark reality of the church’s teachings on …
Continue reading “Frey Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Mark E Petersen, LGBT Are Worthy of Death
Over time, the LDS Church’s perspective on homosexuality evolved from a stance of subdued disapproval to one of pronounced institutional homophobia. In the 1950s, church leaders increasingly characterized homosexuality as both a crime and a treatable mental disorder. In 1968, they further intensified their stance by including “homosexual acts” as grounds for excommunication, effectively aiming …
Continue reading “Mark E Petersen, LGBT Are Worthy of Death”
Nancy Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
As a teenager on the cusp of her senior year in high school, she found herself drawn to the teachings of the Mormon faith, intrigued by its promises of spiritual fulfillment and belonging. Despite initial skepticism, Nancy’s interest was piqued by Joseph Smith’s first vision, a story that resonated with her own quest for understanding …
Continue reading “Nancy Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Olivia Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Raised in a devout Mormon family in Utah, Olivia spent the better part of her life immersed in the teachings and traditions of the church. However, even from a young age, she found herself at odds with certain aspects of her faith, grappling with feelings of doubt and discontent. Despite her initial rebellion during her …
Continue reading “Olivia Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Rosanna Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Growing up in Utah within a devout Mormon family, Rosana inherited her parents’ beliefs but soon found herself grappling with the suffocating pressures of conformity and cultural expectations. Despite her upbringing in a community steeped in faith, Rosana’s experience with church rituals and teachings left her feeling disconnected and disillusioned. The rigid standards imposed by …
Continue reading “Rosanna Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Savi Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Savi, whose journey out of Mormonism was a profound exploration of self-liberation and authenticity. Raised in a devout Mormon family and entrenched in a community steeped in faith, Savi’s departure from the faith was driven by the suffocating pressure to conform to rigid religious standards and the toll it took on her mental and …
Continue reading “Savi Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Fiona Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Fiona, an inquisitive and rational thinker who couldn’t help but question the narratives presented to her. Her journey out of Mormonism was driven by a thirst for truth and a refusal to accept the gaslighting that sought to control her. As she delved into the historical and doctrinal aspects of Mormonism, Fiona found herself …
Continue reading “Fiona Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
LDS Church On Same-Sex Marriages
The Mormon church is famously (or infamously) known for not allowing or supporting same-sex relationships or marriages. There is a trail of history showing the church to be opposed to honoring same-sex couples in society. They vehemently opposed Prop 8, and mobilized membership to work on continuing to outlaw same-sex marriages in the state of …
Special Witnesses – Have Mormon Apostles Seen Jesus?
![“I've never had an experience like that [a miraculous experience with an angel], and I don't know anyone among the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve who had that kind of experience.” - Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle Bellevue South Stake Fireside January 23rd, 2016 | wasmormon.org](https://i0.wp.com/wasmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dallin-H-Oaks-never-had-an-experience-like-that-no-apostle-has-had-that-kind-of-experience.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1)
One of the foundational pillars of the church is the First Vision, in which Joseph Smith claims to have seen the Lord (or both God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ – depending on which of his accounts you read) while praying in the woods. There is an assumption in the church that …
Continue reading “Special Witnesses – Have Mormon Apostles Seen Jesus?”
Mormon Truth Claims Crumble With Changing Church History Narrative
The Church is built on specific claims. The church claims that Joseph Smith met God and Jesus, received ancient plates from an angel, translated them, and had priesthood authority restored by heavenly messengers. Church leaders even state that if the events didn’t occur, the church would fall apart. This is the danger in the church …
Continue reading “Mormon Truth Claims Crumble With Changing Church History Narrative”
Dodie Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Meet Dodie, a nature enthusiast and math mentor who, in 1975, embraced the Mormon faith, captivated by the promise of belonging to God’s true church and guided by the teachings of a living prophet. Devoting over four decades to the Mormon community, she held numerous callings and sought to magnify her role within the church. …
Continue reading “Dodie Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Mormons Call the Church President the Prophet But Haven’t Always
There has been a significant cultural change within the Mormon Church, shifting from church leaders predominantly being referred to as “President,” to being esteemed as “Prophet.” This change evolved gradually over several decades. Initially, references to the church leader as “Prophet” were reserved exclusively for Joseph Smith, the church’s founder, and prophets from biblical and …
Continue reading “Mormons Call the Church President the Prophet But Haven’t Always”
Jim Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Jim’s upbringing in a remote Idaho town was deeply tied to the Mormon faith, where he committed himself to its principles from a young age. However, after decades of unwavering dedication and significant leadership roles within the Church, Jim found himself at a crossroads. A mid-life crisis prompted a profound reassessment of his beliefs, fueled …
Continue reading “Jim Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
The Wives of Lorenzo Snow
Lorenzo Snow Lorenzo Snow was born April 3, 1814, in Ohio. He joined the church in June of 1836 at 22 years of age. In 1837, he was called on a mission, and while serving he missed the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society. He moved to Far West in the summer of 1838, and …
The Mormon-Canadian-BYU Billion Dollar Tithing Funnel
![The church is taking away the government's ability to fund health care, and education, and provide other essential services. They've done it at the expense of taxpayer dollars. There's definitely been a change in [my] perspective. The church teaches that the temple should always be a focal point in your life. The temple has become a physical reminder of greed for me. - Nigel Kennet, a Canadian accountant, was working on the books of a church of a different faith, when he saw how much their members gave to charity. So, he looked into the Mormon's books, and was stunned by where their donations were going. - The Fifth Estate, October 27, 2022 | wasmormon.org](https://i0.wp.com/wasmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/canada-5th-estate-Nigel-Kennet-church-taking-away-government-ability-to-fund-essential-services-temple-has-become-a-reminder-of-greed.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1)
Investigation reveals more than $1 billion raised by the Mormon church in Canada has been funneled to the U.S. rather than going to charitable works in this country. We hear from former members in Canada and elsewhere who say concerns about how money is spent have led them to leave the church. – The Fifth …
Continue reading “The Mormon-Canadian-BYU Billion Dollar Tithing Funnel”
Dianne Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Dianne’s path reflects a profound shift from unwavering faith to skeptical inquiry. Raised in the Mormon tradition and deeply devoted to its tenets and beliefs, her journey toward disbelief began with a clash between science and religious doctrine. As she grappled with the stark disparities between empirical evidence and faith-based teachings, Dianne embarked on an …
Continue reading “Dianne Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”
Brad Wilcox On Asking the Wrong Questions
Brad Wilcox, the Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency gave a Fireside address in Alpine, Utah on February 6, 2022. He made quite a fool of himself and his rhetoric about members asking the wrong questions. He ridiculed a normal and valid question and then posed a racist question instead. He also accuses …
Continue reading “Brad Wilcox On Asking the Wrong Questions”
Bri Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Bri’s journey in the LDS church was marked by courageous questioning. Raised in the LDS church by her grandmother, Bri’s upbringing was steeped in Mormon tradition. Yet, from an early age, she found herself wrestling with profound questions that remained unanswered. Her exploration of topics like gender inequality and the church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues …
Continue reading “Bri Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight”