Tag Archives: I Was a Mormon

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I was fortunate to travel the world with my work. I've read all the major scriptures. I wanted to leave a global perspective on humanity's creation of religions and provide an alternative. So I wrote my alternative. I realize it's an uphill battle. After 20 years of reading stuff they told me not to read, in my retirement, I wanted to do more than complain. I wrote "A Song Of Humanity: A science-based alternative to the world's religions". - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
I was fortunate to travel the world with my work. I've read all the major scriptures. I wanted to leave a global perspective on humanity's creation of religions and provide an alternative. So I wrote my alternative. I realize it's an uphill battle. After 20 years of reading stuff they told me not to read, in my retirement, I wanted to do more than complain. I wrote "A Song Of Humanity: A science-based alternative to the world's religions". - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
So, I started over again reading widely in history, cosmology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, psychology, anthropology, archeology, evolution, evolutionary psychology, management, religion, physiology, brain chemistry, genetics, childhood development, and other related fields. When I joined I was going to be "all in". I have come to believe that there are billions of defenseless children around the world being indoctrinated by the narcissistic fantasies of Bronze Age goatherds--despite what we've learned over the last 200 years. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
So, I started over again reading widely in history, cosmology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, psychology, anthropology, archeology, evolution, evolutionary psychology, management, religion, physiology, brain chemistry, genetics, childhood development, and other related fields. When I joined I was going to be "all in". I have come to believe that there are billions of defenseless children around the world being indoctrinated by the narcissistic fantasies of Bronze Age goatherds--despite what we've learned over the last 200 years. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
Members tried to drag me out of my bed to church (literally). My wife spent three years thinking and feeling about what was going on. My four children were confused. My wife eventually stopped going--and now says she's happier than she's ever been. So am I. The full(er) details of my life and into-and-out-of-faith journey are included in my book. I admire those who were able to "see clearly" earlier than I. Who knows what other paths one might have walked? That said, I just do not believe in believing in things that aren't accurate/true. My motto is "In Truth We Trust." I wish I'd figured this out at age 15, not 48. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
Members tried to drag me out of my bed to church (literally). My wife spent three years thinking and feeling about what was going on. My four children were confused. My wife eventually stopped going--and now says she's happier than she's ever been. So am I. The full(er) details of my life and into-and-out-of-faith journey are included in my book. I admire those who were able to "see clearly" earlier than I. Who knows what other paths one might have walked? That said, I just do not believe in believing in things that aren't accurate/true. My motto is "In Truth We Trust." I wish I'd figured this out at age 15, not 48. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
From my baptism at age 12, I had a shelf of "unanswered questions" in my head. That shelf grew and grew over time. When things piled up at age 48 so high at home, work and church so that I could see tomorrow things were going to get worse, not better, I contemplated ending my life. I was released. Soon thereafter I was sitting in sacrament meeting listening to my former high counselors speak on "Be Ye Therefore Perfect Even As Your Father in Heave is Perfect" and "Even Your Thoughts Will Condemn You" and my body began to shake and tremble. I got up and walked out and never went back. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
From my baptism at age 12, I had a shelf of "unanswered questions" in my head. That shelf grew and grew over time. When things piled up at age 48 so high at home, work and church so that I could see tomorrow things were going to get worse, not better, I contemplated ending my life. I was released. Soon thereafter I was sitting in sacrament meeting listening to my former high counselors speak on "Be Ye Therefore Perfect Even As Your Father in Heave is Perfect" and "Even Your Thoughts Will Condemn You" and my body began to shake and tremble. I got up and walked out and never went back. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
I was born in Idaho in a tiny remote town, my parents later divorced, Mom remarried an inactive Mormon, I was nudged into the Church at age 12, became devout, gave 100% (mission, branch president, high counselor, stake president) and that nearly killed me, so I was either going to die or do something else. After 35 years of devotion with numerous major callings, I had a near-death mid-life crisis and decided I had to start over with a "zero-based budgeting" approach to my beliefs. I was a Mormon. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
I was born in Idaho in a tiny remote town, my parents later divorced, Mom remarried an inactive Mormon, I was nudged into the Church at age 12, became devout, gave 100% (mission, branch president, high counselor, stake president) and that nearly killed me, so I was either going to die or do something else. After 35 years of devotion with numerous major callings, I had a near-death mid-life crisis and decided I had to start over with a "zero-based budgeting" approach to my beliefs. I was a Mormon. - Jim's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/jajisee/
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/dianne-ormond/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by 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/dianne-ormond/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
I emphasize that my decision is not the result of sin, or taking offense, or any other stereotypical justification, but simply that the church is not what it claims to be, and all evidence falsifies the church. The church is good at instilling ethics and values, so it is disturbing when it doesn't follow its own teachings on honesty. After eight years of intensive research and documentation of all sides, I choose to no longer belong to an organization that deceives its members. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
I emphasize that my decision is not the result of sin, or taking offense, or any other stereotypical justification, but simply that the church is not what it claims to be, and all evidence falsifies the church. The church is good at instilling ethics and values, so it is disturbing when it doesn't follow its own teachings on honesty. After eight years of intensive research and documentation of all sides, I choose to no longer belong to an organization that deceives its members. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Faith cannot be sustained on falsehoods and deception. Faith is not sufficient when all tangible evidence contradicts the church. My testimony is based on evidence, facts, and historical research, and I know the church is not true, Joseph Smith was not a prophet, and The Book of Mormon is not the word of God. My integrity demanded that I no longer participate, and I resigned. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Faith cannot be sustained on falsehoods and deception. Faith is not sufficient when all tangible evidence contradicts the church. My testimony is based on evidence, facts, and historical research, and I know the church is not true, Joseph Smith was not a prophet, and The Book of Mormon is not the word of God. My integrity demanded that I no longer participate, and I resigned. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Then came the rage over being deceived my whole life; I knew the church was a fraud, and there was nothing left of my testimony. I continued to research all the little details for eight years, both online and in books, until my family situation made it possible to resign. I so regret my time, energy, youth, and much tithing that were wasted on a lie, but my biggest regret is that I raised my children in the church. Some of my adult children see the fraud, but not all of them will, and there are many damaged familial relationships. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Then came the rage over being deceived my whole life; I knew the church was a fraud, and there was nothing left of my testimony. I continued to research all the little details for eight years, both online and in books, until my family situation made it possible to resign. I so regret my time, energy, youth, and much tithing that were wasted on a lie, but my biggest regret is that I raised my children in the church. Some of my adult children see the fraud, but not all of them will, and there are many damaged familial relationships. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Other than "feelings," what evidence is there the church is what it claims to be? Feelings are not a reliable test of truth, as anyone knows whose feelings have turned out to be wrong, such as feeling good about an investment which failed or a marriage that ended. If feelings equal truth, then Islam, Catholicism, Buddhism, and all other faiths are also the one true religion because their members also have a witness. Regarding faith, belief, witness, prayer, testimony, burning in the bosom, and other such feelings, many get those same inspirational feelings watching "Phantom of the Opera" or "Les Mis." Does that mean they are true? Many get bad feelings learning about the Holocaust. Does that mean the Holocaust isn't true? Most spiritual experiences can be scientifically explained within the brain. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Other than "feelings," what evidence is there the church is what it claims to be? Feelings are not a reliable test of truth, as anyone knows whose feelings have turned out to be wrong, such as feeling good about an investment which failed or a marriage that ended. If feelings equal truth, then Islam, Catholicism, Buddhism, and all other faiths are also the one true religion because their members also have a witness. Regarding faith, belief, witness, prayer, testimony, burning in the bosom, and other such feelings, many get those same inspirational feelings watching "Phantom of the Opera" or "Les Mis." Does that mean they are true? Many get bad feelings learning about the Holocaust. Does that mean the Holocaust isn't true? Most spiritual experiences can be scientifically explained within the brain. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Since none of this evidence exists, I then did research on the brain, belief, and spiritual experiences and testimonies, and science again explained how these experiences occurred within a person’s own brain, without association to outside reality, e.g. Religious Tolerance. Indeed, all humankind has spiritual experiences and feelings, believing their own mutually exclusive faith is true, which is an impossibility. I learned that spiritual experiences and feelings are unreliable and insufficient as valid tests of truth. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
Since none of this evidence exists, I then did research on the brain, belief, and spiritual experiences and testimonies, and science again explained how these experiences occurred within a person’s own brain, without association to outside reality, e.g. Religious Tolerance. Indeed, all humankind has spiritual experiences and feelings, believing their own mutually exclusive faith is true, which is an impossibility. I learned that spiritual experiences and feelings are unreliable and insufficient as valid tests of truth. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
After I was grounded in science, then I started with real church history. I read about the multiple contradictory versions of the First Vision, and Joseph's face-in-the-hat translation method. The final straw was reading about Joseph Smith's marrying a 14 year old, and his polyandry with married women. After reading the heartrending story of Zina Diantha Huntington and Henry Jacobs, I was in tears. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
After I was grounded in science, then I started with real church history. I read about the multiple contradictory versions of the First Vision, and Joseph's face-in-the-hat translation method. The final straw was reading about Joseph Smith's marrying a 14 year old, and his polyandry with married women. After reading the heartrending story of Zina Diantha Huntington and Henry Jacobs, I was in tears. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
In many conversations with apologists and scientists, I have yet to see any credible scientific evidence of Book of Mormon civilizations. These are not events that occurred in the realm of the metaphysical, as these civilizations supposedly took place in the real world, and as such, there would be evidence to support these claims, yet there is none. That started my reading frenzy through about 100 science and religion books in about 6 months. It became undeniably clear that science proved the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham to be fakes. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
In many conversations with apologists and scientists, I have yet to see any credible scientific evidence of Book of Mormon civilizations. These are not events that occurred in the realm of the metaphysical, as these civilizations supposedly took place in the real world, and as such, there would be evidence to support these claims, yet there is none. That started my reading frenzy through about 100 science and religion books in about 6 months. It became undeniably clear that science proved the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham to be fakes. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
What started my disbelief? It started with science. Beginning in seminary and throughout the years, I was taught that "someday science will find proof for the Book of Mormon", so I put it on a shelf and waited. However, as science progressed, my dissonance grew. After watching a dozen archaeology shows on PBS where nothing in the Book of Mormon was ever mentioned, I called a faithful BYU science professor and asked if there was any archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon, and how did he handle the dissonance between science and religion? I could tell by his carefully worded responses that he was no longer a believer. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
What started my disbelief? It started with science. Beginning in seminary and throughout the years, I was taught that "someday science will find proof for the Book of Mormon", so I put it on a shelf and waited. However, as science progressed, my dissonance grew. After watching a dozen archaeology shows on PBS where nothing in the Book of Mormon was ever mentioned, I called a faithful BYU science professor and asked if there was any archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon, and how did he handle the dissonance between science and religion? I could tell by his carefully worded responses that he was no longer a believer. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
I was born-in-the-covenant, lived in Utah my whole life, returned missionary to England. I hold an M.Ed. and a cum laude B.S. in Education; both education degrees are from BYU. I married in the Provo temple and held a myriad of callings. I have always had an extremely strong conscience that kept me on the straight and narrow path, always striving to do right, and never rebelling. I was a Mormon. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
I was born-in-the-covenant, lived in Utah my whole life, returned missionary to England. I hold an M.Ed. and a cum laude B.S. in Education; both education degrees are from BYU. I married in the Provo temple and held a myriad of callings. I have always had an extremely strong conscience that kept me on the straight and narrow path, always striving to do right, and never rebelling. I was a Mormon. - Dianne's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dianne-ormond/
"I'm into art, music, modeling, and gaming! I was raised in the church by my grandmother, went to primary, YW, YW Camp, Seminary, Wednesday nights, etc! My mother and father's side are all Mormon except my father and I! I was a Mormon." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
"I'm into art, music, modeling, and gaming! I was raised in the church by my grandmother, went to primary, YW, YW Camp, Seminary, Wednesday nights, etc! My mother and father's side are all Mormon except my father and I! I was a Mormon." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
"I never understood the belief of women being lower than men and having to 'submit' to them. I never understood the lack of diversity (until seminary at least). I never understood their problem with LGBT+ people." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
"I never understood the belief of women being lower than men and having to 'submit' to them. I never understood the lack of diversity (until seminary at least). I never understood their problem with LGBT+ people." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
"There's so much I'm learning about the church after leaving, and so much I'm unlearning about the church's doctrine to better myself and my relationships everyday." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
"There's so much I'm learning about the church after leaving, and so much I'm unlearning about the church's doctrine to better myself and my relationships everyday." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
"Growing up in the church, I had a lot of questions. They were either never properly answered or the answer gave me doubts and made me have even more questions about what the hell was going on." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
"Growing up in the church, I had a lot of questions. They were either never properly answered or the answer gave me doubts and made me have even more questions about what the hell was going on." - Bri's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/supitsbreezy/
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/supitsbreezy/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by 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/supitsbreezy/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
"My parents were very poor. I dropped out of school when I was 14 and went to another city to work as a nanny. I was very sad and angry but I was happy to get away from my village. At 16, I was sent to Singapore to work as a nanny. My heart was broken because my parents sent me to another country. I was lucky I was not trafficked and sold to be a sex worker. During this time in Singapore, my belief in God shifted. I didn’t like how he made my life so miserable. Other children went to school and enjoyed their teenage life, I was working – and getting scolded by my boss if I made a mistake. What did you do when you were 14 and 16? I worked. Full-time." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"My parents were very poor. I dropped out of school when I was 14 and went to another city to work as a nanny. I was very sad and angry but I was happy to get away from my village. At 16, I was sent to Singapore to work as a nanny. My heart was broken because my parents sent me to another country. I was lucky I was not trafficked and sold to be a sex worker. During this time in Singapore, my belief in God shifted. I didn’t like how he made my life so miserable. Other children went to school and enjoyed their teenage life, I was working – and getting scolded by my boss if I made a mistake. What did you do when you were 14 and 16? I worked. Full-time." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
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/lilik-choi/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by 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/lilik-choi/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
"I was afraid to be like those old ladies waiting for a priesthood holder to bring them to the temple, so I decided to just marry someone who loved me unconditionally. One year after my mission I married my husband. He is an atheist. I was hoping to bring him to the temple. I was very hopeful. I never forced him. He is very kind and always supported me with the church activities. He always took me and picked me up from church. Then we moved to his country." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"I was afraid to be like those old ladies waiting for a priesthood holder to bring them to the temple, so I decided to just marry someone who loved me unconditionally. One year after my mission I married my husband. He is an atheist. I was hoping to bring him to the temple. I was very hopeful. I never forced him. He is very kind and always supported me with the church activities. He always took me and picked me up from church. Then we moved to his country." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"I didn’t really understand the church doctrines at first, but I kept learning. I felt so safe and loved in the church. I paid my tithing diligently and generously. Four years later, I served a mission and was called back to my home country. The mission was easy for me because I was used to living abroad and had a hard life. On the mission, I learned to be less fanatic. I started to dare to question the church doctrines in my head, but I never brought it up to other members or leaders. I was scared of meeting someone I knew from my village and them finding out that I had changed my religion, so I didn’t tell anyone besides my parents. My sister told me to not come home to my village because they found out I changed religion and they would capture me and never let me go. So, after I finished my mission, I went back to Hong Kong as a tourist. Life was difficult with limited money, but luckily there was a member kind enough to let me stay there until I found a job." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"I didn’t really understand the church doctrines at first, but I kept learning. I felt so safe and loved in the church. I paid my tithing diligently and generously. Four years later, I served a mission and was called back to my home country. The mission was easy for me because I was used to living abroad and had a hard life. On the mission, I learned to be less fanatic. I started to dare to question the church doctrines in my head, but I never brought it up to other members or leaders. I was scared of meeting someone I knew from my village and them finding out that I had changed my religion, so I didn’t tell anyone besides my parents. My sister told me to not come home to my village because they found out I changed religion and they would capture me and never let me go. So, after I finished my mission, I went back to Hong Kong as a tourist. Life was difficult with limited money, but luckily there was a member kind enough to let me stay there until I found a job." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"After 3 years, it was getting difficult for me. I became disappointed that God sent me a non-member husband. I didn’t feel belonging in the new ward. I started to question the church doctrines – like the concept of families can be together forever. I didn’t get how are we going to be together when our children will have families of their own. Besides, I didn’t really want to be with my parents. I decided to be less active spiritually. I didn’t read the scriptures as often, and I wore my garments less often. In my head, I was tired of waiting for my husband to find interest in the church, while he was still so kind to me. And he is kind without expecting rewards from heaven. He is just kind, and it hit me so badly. Then I fell pregnant. I kept thinking about the future of my baby. What kind of life do I want her to have? And as I pictured it, I didn’t see the church as a happy place to stay." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"After 3 years, it was getting difficult for me. I became disappointed that God sent me a non-member husband. I didn’t feel belonging in the new ward. I started to question the church doctrines – like the concept of families can be together forever. I didn’t get how are we going to be together when our children will have families of their own. Besides, I didn’t really want to be with my parents. I decided to be less active spiritually. I didn’t read the scriptures as often, and I wore my garments less often. In my head, I was tired of waiting for my husband to find interest in the church, while he was still so kind to me. And he is kind without expecting rewards from heaven. He is just kind, and it hit me so badly. Then I fell pregnant. I kept thinking about the future of my baby. What kind of life do I want her to have? And as I pictured it, I didn’t see the church as a happy place to stay." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"I'd been so fanatic that I only made friends with members, but after my mission, I started to be open to people. Discrimination is very high in Hong Kong with my type of work and having no education. Even the local church members are very discriminative towards people like me. The branch I belonged to was mostly women who worked in Hong Kong as migrant workers like me. So, finding a husband was hard. No men were interested in us lowly workers. Many members did online dating and some are fortunate enough to find a member husband from the US. Some don’t or just stay single until they turn old and wait to married in the afterlife." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/
"I'd been so fanatic that I only made friends with members, but after my mission, I started to be open to people. Discrimination is very high in Hong Kong with my type of work and having no education. Even the local church members are very discriminative towards people like me. The branch I belonged to was mostly women who worked in Hong Kong as migrant workers like me. So, finding a husband was hard. No men were interested in us lowly workers. Many members did online dating and some are fortunate enough to find a member husband from the US. Some don’t or just stay single until they turn old and wait to married in the afterlife." - Lilik's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/lilik-choi/