Byron Marchant was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) who made history by taking a stand against the church’s racial policies at a pivotal time. In 1977, Marchant openly opposed the LDS Church’s priesthood ban on Black members, a policy that had been in place for over a …
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Corey’s journey from a devout member of the Mormon Church to an individual outside its walls is a powerful example of courage, intellectual honesty, and the pursuit of truth and genuine faith. Raised in southern Idaho within a large Mormon family, Corey was deeply woven into the fabric of the Church. His identity, values, community, …
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A few years ago, Russell M. Nelson revealed how Joseph Smith would translate by using a rock in a hat a few years ago. Suppose, for a moment, that he could know this technique from experience. What if President Russell M. Nelson knew more about the translation process? What if he used the same technique …
Kathy’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to walk away from a faith that has defined so much of one’s life. Raised in the Mormon church, Kathy’s early years were marked by the expectations of religious conformity, deep-rooted shame, and a sense of never …
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Stephanie grew up deeply immersed in the Mormon faith, believing that following the Church’s teachings would lead her to salvation. She dedicated herself to the Church from an early age, participating in youth activities, serving a mission in Colorado, and eventually marrying in the temple. But underneath the commitment, Stephanie carried a secret: since she …
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Frank grew up in a devout Mormon family, fully immersed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he was seen as a model member, served a mission, married in the temple, and attended BYU. He always loved learning, and his quest for deeper understanding led him to explore the internet, where he …
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The church makes misleading statements about how much the Apostles and Prophets of the LDS church are paid. They state regularly that there is no paid ministry, no professional clergy, and that no one is paid for their church service. This omits the fact that all senior leaders in the church are paid what they …
Meet Kate, a woman who has faced incredible challenges as she navigated a profound faith transition. Kate was “born in the covenant” and spent her life in the Church. But at 45, her “proverbial Mormon shelf” came crashing down, triggered by a series of life changes that left her feeling lost, uprooted, and homeless—all tied …
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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 …
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If you saw a thirsty man drinking water from a well you knew to be poisoned, would you let him continue to drink or would you guide him to a safe well? This analogy embodies a profound moral duty to intervene when we see others in harm’s way. It extolls the virtues of compassion, responsibility, …
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Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person experiences discomfort due to holding conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. To reduce this discomfort, individuals often try to reconcile these inconsistencies, either by changing their beliefs, justifying their actions, or avoiding information that exacerbates the conflict. Leon Festinger Social psychologist Leon Festinger coined the term “cognitive dissonance” in the 1950s in …
A respectful note for whoever thinks Mormonism is not a cult, please consider the BITE model developed by Dr. Steven Hassan based on his own observations and experiences as a cult survivor. The BITE model describes the four areas of authoritarian control cults exert over their followers. The acronym refers to [B]ehavior Control, [I]nformation control, [T]hought control and …
Corbin Allred is an American actor best known for his roles in film and television, particularly within the Mormon community. Born into the church in Salt Lake City, Utah, Allred was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and his faith played a significant role in some of his …
Doc Bob’s journey is one of deep involvement in the Mormon Church, from a small-town Mormon upbringing to significant leadership roles, including serving as a Branch President and on the High Council. His faith was shaped by personal interviews with high-ranking apostles and a mission to Mississippi. However, as Doc Bob delved into church history, …
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Determining whether The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church) qualifies as a cult hinges on various criteria. According to the BITE model, we find evidence that it meets several characteristics associated with cults. Note that the term “cult” carries negative connotations and lacks a universally agreed-upon definition, and …
Steven Hassan Dr. Steven Hassan is a prominent mental health professional, author, and advocate known for his expertise in cults and undue influence. Having experienced firsthand the effects of mind control and manipulation as a former member of the Unification Church (commonly known as the Moonies), Dr. Hassan has dedicated his life to helping individuals …
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Jana’s journey is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to question deeply ingrained beliefs and to prioritize personal well-being over rigid expectations. Raised in a devout Mormon family in Utah, Jana spent years trying to conform to the ideals of her faith, despite the inner turmoil it caused her. As she struggled with …
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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 …
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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In the Book of Mormon, Moroni offers a promise often cited by members of the LDS Church to confirm its truthfulness. This promise is foundational for many Mormons, providing a personal spiritual confirmation of the church’s teachings. Moroni encourages readers to ask God with a sincere heart and real intent if the Book of Mormon …
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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 …
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