Chris Jeffs' story
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- This is the personal story by Chris Jeffs, a former member of the FLDS church.
This video was created as part of Atheists of Utah's Freedom from Religion Project, which is a series of individual stories from people leaving religion as part of their journey to a better life.
Atheists of Utah can be found at the following online presence locations:
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Kudos to his father. Not many would choose family over the religious peer pressure
I know a lot about the Flds, he's the smartest guy I have ever seen leave the church. Good on you.
leoamazon woman agree
There is a real God who loves you🙏🙏
You tried to sever man not God there is a Big difference
This is a subject that you can go into a deep rabbit hole when you start checking it up right?
Chris you are so well spoken and it’s pretty obvious you stepped away from the cult you grew up in and got an education, good for you young man 👏🏻👏🏻
"education begets skepticism "wonderful quote, thank you for this video
Like how Mormonism begets child molestation!
I am not sure that that is likely for all mormons. It is certainly higher risk in bigger families with fewer checks and balances but not over all. Child molestors are sadly amongst all groups of people in most places (and I write that as an atheist)
I just want to give you a hug and thank you for being so strong to tell your story.
Congratulations, you are one brave man. One must but admire you, for it can't have been an easy decision.
I wish you joy and happiness in your new life.
He is a smart young man, he will find his own way in life.
Agreed
You can still have a healthy relationship with God and without religion. Spirituality comes from within.
babble2leeza stop
You are so right...dogma vs dogma only causes conflict and war...relationship with God should be one on one...
@@420dlo65 You stop.
babble2leeza amen 🙏🏻
babble2leeza this is not where you come to pass your mythology off as fact. When you have some demonstrable proof of said deities come on back. The rest of us are just glad he didn’t trade one flavor of koolaid for another. Go thump your bible elsewhere
I know it's difficult to share your testimony, but I am so glad you found clarity, and peace after you left. keep up the good work!
At first I didn’t know what to expect from this video but after listening to the whole story I count help myself but to get emotional, my up most respect for this man and thank you for this story all the way from Huntsville TX
Dear Jeff,
I can never pretend to understand all that you have experienced in your young life. I am not a Mormon and have only recently delved deeper into the stories behind the fundamentalist branch studying the Le Baron families as well as several in Colorado City. Hours and hours of reading. What an eye opener indeed.
I just happened upon your story...and I will not try to convince you to change your feelings. I can't. But please allow me to extend my deep condolences over the loss of your brother along with so many other losses you have had to face. I wish I could tell you why bad things happen to good people. But there is no easy answer. I won't tell my story except to say that every day I have to hold on to the truth found in God's Word. My losses have been many and science has answered several questions, but the Lord has chosen to remain silent.
I can tell you this, at the lowest ebbs of my life the only thing that mattered was Jesus. Not money, wealth, education, religion, etc. None of those things could bring back what and who I had lost. Salvation has nothing to do with plural marriage or a set of doctrinal rules. It's about Jesus. He is indeed God's son and He died on a cross because HIS blood was the only means for us to find forgiveness of sins. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23). We can none of us stand in the Lord's holy presence. That is why God sent His son Jesus (John 3:16). If we choose to call on Jesus and ask Him to forgive us for the things we have done wrong, turn from those sins, invite Him to live in our hearts, and believe in Jesus to save us instead of our own works, then we are saved.
Being saved doesn't keep us from bad things happening in an evil world Jeff, but it does make us forgiven and freed. There is no atonement we as humans could ever make to earn our way to God. He loves you already. He saw you as you were being formed within your mother's womb (Psalm 139). God doesn't give you a long list of do's and dont's. Obviously we can tell moral right from wrong. And when we make a mistake (which we do everyday as human beings) then God promises that if we will "confess our sins (to Him) He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
Jeff, God loves you more than you can even imagine. He is not an organised religion with mad made rules.
Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). And the best part of all is that if we choose to follow Jesus by faith then He's the one who sets us free from the immense damage we have sustained. He grabs us up in His arms and he collects our tears. He heals us from the inside out. We don't have to do anything more than believe in Him, surrender to Him, and rest in Him. Let me also say that the Lord has graciously provided us with a medical community that can help us travel the mountains and valleys of healing. They are trained, they are sounding boards, they are teachers, and they have a place. But when you leave their office, the Lord is our loving Father, Wonderful Counselor, and Mighty God. I can say this because I am living it every single day. Without Jesus I couldn't survive.
I will leave you with that and say God bless you.
Awesome. What an amazing young man! Thank you for sharing your story.
Chris, I've never been religious and I've always felt that i missed out on something, especially being black. Im proud of you. You are honest as far as you can be and I respect that. Live and learn like we all must do. I've had my share of stuff too. PPl and families are what they are these days. Life is hard. Find someone to love and if and when you find out that's bullshit, love yourself and do you. Thanks for sharing.
"Ex FLDS Member turned atheist."
You, sir, are a f**king hero.
he's very misguided. it's good he got out of that cult, but his new cult, atheism, is even worse. His new faith that there is no God at all is terrible.
watchgoose Do you understand atheism at all? Do understand what a cult is ?I don't think you do. Atheism is simply the lack of belief of a god. That's it. A cult controls the lives of its followers and is drangous to those who are in the cult. Actually learn about what you are talking about so you don't look so stupid. To be honest I like the atheists in my life better because they are more loving and accepting than the Christians I have know.
watchgoose; atheism has no charachteristics of a cult, you subscribe to it or not; your fellow atehists are very unlikely to;
The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its
leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology,
and practices as the Truth, as law.
Questioning, doubt, and
dissent are discouraged or even punished.
Mind-altering practices
(such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and
debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts
about the group and its leader(s).
The leadership dictates,
sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example,
members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry�or leaders prescribe what
types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to
discipline children, and so forth).
The group is elitist,
claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for
example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar�or the
group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity).
The group has a polarized
us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.
The leader is not
accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders
or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations).
The group teaches or
implies
that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems
necessary. This may result in members' participating in behaviors or
activities they
would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining the
group (for
example, lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus
charities).
The leadership induces
feelings of shame and/or guilt iin order to influence and/or control
members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
Subservience to the
leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically
alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the
group.
The group is preoccupied
with bringing in new members.
The group is preoccupied
with making money.
Members are expected to
devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
Members are encouraged or
required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.
The most loyal members (the
�true believers�) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group.
They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves
or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.
It's true. There is no God. Iut's not a cult. It's the most likely scenario. More people in the UK now don't believe in God than do - it's the way forward. It's brilliant.
watchgoose Really? Why?
Not a religion- a cult like so many others. Awful things. A very brave and intelligent young man. Wishing you all good things in your future x
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are very smart and down to earth. Peace.
"accepting me for what I was rather for what I believe in, looking at you as a person and not a collection of believes" that approach is so humble and is so much simple makes more sense for happiness than fallowing a group of common believers who can easily be corrupted and lose their individuality.
Thanks for sharing what a soul you have great work ahead. Don't forget to keep us posted as your awareness evolves
proud that you were able to get away dude its only up from here
I get it. It's monsters that destroy and use god as a vehicle.
As an atheist from neighboring Nevada, I appreciate your story. You've overcome a lot- and you've pulled yourself from the shackles of religion, and you're a very thoughtful guy. Inspiring. I hope everyone sees this.
Good for you Chris, glad you got away.
I’m so glad you posted this - I’ve been binging on the shows (Netflix,Discovery+, etc) about Warren Jeffs and the ripple effect he had on people but this angle isn’t talked about, thank you for sharing! 🙏
Live your life and be happy! That’s all we ask of you moving forward.
Thanx for sharing your story. All the best.
Their eyes were on Warren Jeffs not on Christ! So Sad!
Christ does not exist but he is certainly a better role model than WJ
Boy are you in for a big surprise Jane! :)
God is very much real
He truly does exist - I feel like deep down you know God is real. I hope you try to learn more. 💗
@@janesmith2485 you are so delusional!
Great interview, and the best of luck to anyone leaving cults and religions, because it's very hard in some cases. But he's right about the support. A lot of information, knowledge and facts out there to read, and technology also gives plenty of opportunity to connect with people who have the same experiences.
who is responsible for that lamp 😭 not the best setting for a great interview... one of the only ive seen where the person wasnt asked a series of questions... very articulate story teller... nix the music though
Good stuff
I couldn't stop looking at it the whole time!
This is Utah, right? How can you criticize LDS feng shui? :-> Its influence was causing those near to it to feel that God can be held responsible for the outcomes of personality religions.
A very distracting lamp but good interview and a well rounded and focused nice young man
Jane Doe I think it's from the Good Will. Really good looking guy tho!
I cannot stop staring at that lamp ... it's bothering me !
Temi Brown I agree such a handsome smart man but what a fugly lamp.
Same here🤗🤣
Aww now I'm looking at it...
Hey, I like that lamp. lol.
i first noticed the lamp.
thanks for this, good for you getting out of that crap. It takes a lot of courage to leave such a controlling group as that. (Btw, just a note, the background music is really distracting, it'd be easier to focus on the interview without it)
I have massive respect for what you've done, and I am truly sorry about your brother.
I'm a recovering addict myself, I know the pain.
I will say one thing though, God didn't ruin your brother's life, the member's of your former religion did. These type of people do horrible and selfish things in the name of God, Allah, etc..
I'm s firm believer there's a very thin line between a religion and a cult
If in fact their is one true deity, I doubt he/she would take joy or allow your brother too pass under such circumstances
He was hurt by the people of the Church, as were you
I'm deeply sorry for that
G-D didn't destroy brother David's life. His wife did that. People have a free will. Nowhere in scripture says we've gotta goto "church" especially this day in age. I hate religion too but so does Y'shua (Jesus). I pray the Holy Spirit calls you to Himself
I'm a Christian in my belief I have no Church affiliation. I'm sure I will get blasted for being one here. I hope not. I can't stand hearing these stories of how these children had to live in fear by wierdos. I can understand the resentment towards it. Maybe later he will find piece in his heart. My family had a horrible lives. And God had nothing to do with it. To me he cleaned it up and saved it. I to had a brother that died of drug overdose. So I know the pain.
it's horrible your grandfather tried to make your dad chose between the church and his own son there isn't even a choice to be made. far as I'm concerned your dad is more of a godly man for being loyal to his family then your grandad who supposedly a profit. also with all the scrappy things no wonder you don't believe in God and church and all that . also you are very very well spoken and ya know so much for being as young as you are!
This must be Brent's brother
So glad that this young man is free.
Chris, so sorry to read so many comments here about still believing in Jesus. Hate that. I also was raised for a time in a cult. It SUCKS. I do believe in god, but that to me is an energy NOT a deity. I am a mediator, this gives me a space to find truth inside of me AND that is where god resides for me. My mom always said I was possessed by the devil because I did not follow her way. She would cry and say shitty things like how sinful I was because of not following her way. EYE ROLL on all of it, but I do believe in a higher power or energy. It all gets so out there. But its given me a great deal of strength and love. So much Self-love, I am very grateful for that. Blessings to you, and bowing to you for your decisions
Thank you for sharing. You're brave.
I hope you find a relationship with Jesus.
A wonderful talk on the choice of atheism. I am also an atheist and I hate what organized religions do to individuals and their families.
As a person who did not grow up with any religion I can say that you are like most children raised in a fallen world. Most homes are not perfect and some things you experienced have motivated you one way or another. The loudest points in your testimony are that your brother choosing to take his own life was not something God did. And, the differences between Joseph Smith and Jesus are like night and day. Mormonism is one of many religions in the world, but it is not the truth. Therefore sir, you can be healed and released from what causes you pain when you think about your brother and God. I say this as a father of four children. My heart goes out to you. With strong and caring men in your life you can be restored brother. Thank you for sharing.
God didn't tell him do that. It's not God's fault. You can still love God.
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm only two minutes in but I LOVE that you found a way to break free!!! I admire you more than I can describe.
I personally was trapped in religion for a significant part of my life, and breaking free and "waking up" (as I call it) was one of the harrrdest things I had to do, and my religion was NOTHING like the tyrannical brainwashing FLDS, so I can't IMAGINE how hard it must've been for you, but like I said, I ADMIRE you and I'm so glad you broke free and are sharing your story.
I see this video is from eight years ago, I hope you are doing well.
he's cuute!! ^_^
This young man will still be going to Heaven👍🇦🇺
Powerful testimony.
Thank you for posting this video. The background music was distracting and sometimes overpowered the speaker.
Christianity is not the enemy. Men have warped His message. I respect that you left this horrible situation, however I hope that you give Christianity another chance.
How sad your story is. Life here is not to be religion, it is about a 'relationship' with Jesus Christ! God the Father did not take your brother's life but the enemy (Satan, the devil) did. God is all loving for God IS love : ). I pray for you and read God's Word (the Bible), that gives you the answers! Jesus Bless you.
Kelly ( a follower of Jesus, my Lord and Savior)
Well said.
Yeah well said I am also a follower of Jesus Christ
I know this is old and I understand why you feel like you do but I hope that one day you get introduced to the real God who isn't judgemental but is loving and forgiving. He loves you no matter what and just talk to Him like he's in front of you. That's my God. He's my friend and my father and he's caring. Good luck with your journey through life. I hope you live a happy life because I can't even imagine what all you went through as a child.
Dear Chris, I’m so sorry all of this happened to you, not only because of the emotional abuse you suffered by being in this horrific cult, but also because it turned you away from God.
I hope you have success in your life, as you are a handsome and intelligent young man, and please know that I’m praying for you.
From a loving grandmother in Atlanta
Congrats Chris. I left the Big Mormon church and never looked back. Í took an Ma from U of U. Life has everything to offer you, now. Try a Vipassana meditation retreat to learn how your mind works and why you do things. You don't need any religious activity to be happy. It's enough to do good things and you'll have a happy life. Best of luck, live a long time.
Mike
what made you walk away? Did you leave alone or did your family leave with you and how old were you when you did this?
Without God there’s no peace and happiness on this earth but not the Jeff’s god, the God of this universe who created you so wonderful and you can be free in Him, don’t loose your eternal life over the peace that man can give it’s nothing it’s wrong, you’re a smart young man and you can do so much be blessed 😊
Good for you, especially being open to learn how to meditate!
Mike Stewart without the power of God you are nothing on this earth, He is your creator, one day you will meet Him and be responsible for all you’ve done in this life, He will not ask you from what group or religion you come but how you’ve love Him and obey His holy book , may God have mercy on your soul, be blessed!!
maria torok stop with the fear based propaganda 🤦🏼♀️🙄
Chris there has been loads of times I felt n still fell that God don't hear my prayers haven't been to church in years like 30 but I ask God for help some still waiting for answers I myself can't change church to me is money but I pray in my home when I remember
good luck
I applaud you sir. In my society I had the freedom to choose, although I initially went to church from the age of 5 and I was brought up a Christian.
At 12 years old, I became an atheist because I believed the Old Testament and its teachings about the beginning of creation etc was nonsense.
The New Testament was a way to encourage us to live good lives, but not in the slightest for any eternal life, that equally didn’t make sense to me, but for the good of humanity, YES, and we’re so lucky to be alive and living this one life, who needs more!
I’m not a communist in any way but do wholeheartedly believe completely in one thing Karl Marx said, ‘Religion is the opiate of the masses’ and it has definitely kept them inline throughout the world, and sadly in the 21st century still does.
I am now 68 and although my death is not that many years away, I have no fear, I’m content and am grateful for the life I’ve been privileged to have.
really appreciated hearing your story. Sorry for your pain about your brother :(
Its sad they made you a non believer. Hope you find peace
What an amazing young man and it shows what education can do. I am similar (not FLDS but was Catholic) adn it is very hard to break away if you have family as so many stages of life many of which are very good are bound up with church ritual. We need somehow to invent them for atheists so we do not lose the good with the bad.
Hi Chris Jeff,
My heart is completely broken for you and I want to say that I understand how you feel, but I am sure I don't although, I have known grief through losing a loved one.
I want you to know that whatever your journey in life has been, God is still writing your story and is interested in you 100%. It may not feel like it today but you will live to experience this and your family will see the light through you.
My prayer for you is that you will experience God's love in a whole new way and the peace that surpasses understanding; because religion, atheism can't offer peace, but Christ the prince of peace can. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Excellent.... Just excellent. Thank you xx
“They looked at me as a person. Not a collection of beliefs.” Thats powerful. Chris that is awesome you got away! And didn’t get brainwashed. Your very attractive. Have u ever considered modeling?
Mormons ... good god .. this is a sick religion ... these men are sexual perverts..and the children and women are victims ... so sick
Your story is quite unique. I think it most amazing that a person and his family could come out of an FLDS situation and be able not only to critically view his past religion but decide that religion and God both were not true! I am very sorry still for your other relatives in the church and their forced separation from you. Good luck and I hope you have a great life full of doing what it is you wish to do and of service to your community. Thanks
Jesus came to reconcile us to Abba Father. To have a relationship with the Father not a religion. Religion equals division. Religion separates family. Breaks family about. The bible speaks about in the last days there will be many false prophets and teachers that will deceive many even claiming they are Jesus. Jesus said do not believe them. The Apostle Paul speaks about the spirit of antichrist operating in the world. In these religion is the spirit of the antichrist in operation. Jesus came to set us free not put us in bondage. We may not like certain rules but they are for our protection. Were there is no law there is lawlessness. Seek a relationship with God not a religion. Those who claim that their religion is the true religion are deceived by the great deceiver satan. That's a lie straight out of hell. To the atheist You don't have to receive what no one says about God but don't reject it either. Find out for yourself. Atheist fight against a God they claim they don't believe in. Find out for yourself. God bless.
This is why I don't believe in relion it's all brainwashing and gangsterism. Different Christian ( Gangster Groups) Denomination have more than 100's of translation for each scripture. So why must people by such confussion. I'm not Judging I'm just expressing my sadness when I see how are people are easily brain washed and lifes turned upside down!!!!!!Most of these Christian religious leaders, I doing the same as the Bible. David committed a grevious sin of adultery, deceit, and murder, regarding Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. The child of David’s union with Bathsheba was taken by God in place of David’s life. Thus David could remain king so that the promises God made about David’s throne could stand (2Samuel 11 & 12). This is why I don’t believe the Bible how can a loving God our creator kill a child and make the sinner King???? The Reward: God said regarding David, "I have made a covenant with my chosen; I have sworn to David my servant, 'I will establish your seed forever, and build up your throne to all generations'"(Psalm 89:3-4). David s throne was the earthly equivalent of God s throne in heaven. Thus Jesus is said to have sat on David s throne when he sat down on God s throne (Acts 2:29-36, Revelation 3:21). God is not a God of Confussion, Religion Is!!
Good interview. Happy that he is a good looking dude... eyes on him and not that thing called a lamp on the table.
Parents, elders who use children as pawns and do not encourage critical thinking need to listen to this young man. He is decent and good and an atheist. And that's alright
Great story.
This breaks my heart.
Your openness and authenticity in what you went through is inspiring. I'm so sorry you went through so much!
Those are life-changing experiences that would make anyone question where God was during them.
You said you have been interested in philosophy. I wonder if you've read any books by C.S. Lewis or Ravi Zacharias? Lewis wrote about pain and suffering in a lot of his books. Your story makes me think of his book, "The Problem of Pain".
If you are looking for intellectual writers/speakers who grapple with deep philosophical questions, Lewis goes after them in his books and Ravi Zarachias is one of the most gracious and knowledgeable apologists/intellectuals I have ever heard speak. He also goes after the heavy questions. You can look him up on UA-cam or google his books.
Good for you for getting out, mate. Best of luck to you.
God also hates religion. He wants a personal relationship with you, One on one, just you and Him. He loves you.
I understand you in so many ways.I hope you find peace and thank you for sharing! I went to the same church for 16 yrs .I disagreed and spoke out and left shortly after,For 16yrs they said they loved me)Not) have not spokin to me since,and with all the bad things that has happend to me and ext..I just decided I would not be pit in a religious box ever again.Take care!nd Thank You for sharing!
My mum was a mormon, not of the flds but the church of jesus christ and the latter-day saints, me and both my brothers were forced to goto church every sunday for years. This made us rebel and the brainwashing that others had never worked on us. Now we're all atheist too. Religion should be a choice.
It takes incredible courage to step away from what you eloquently describe as the "comfort and poison" of religion, especially one that works to insulate and separate its members from the world.
I agree education is the key needed to open the mind and to enable a person to make well-informed decisions that aren't based on repeating the rhetoric of someone else.
It makes me think of the profoundness of this quote from Harriet Tubman, "I freed a 1000 slaves and I could've freed a 1000 more had they known they were slaves." I'm glad you found your own path and happiness.
Beautifully said
Poor thing I’m sorry to hear all of this
I loved what u said "education begets sceptasism" disregard my misspelling. religion reeks havoc
I hope today he is an advocate for the falsehood of FLDS, speaks to those that chose to leave showing them life will exist and all is possible. Very intelligent, passionate, understanding, resourceful, non judgemental young man. Especially when saying I will push nothing on you, research and learn on your own though remember I am your friend.
WELCOME TO FREEDOM !!!
For similar reasons my aunt is an atheist as well. The hurt of what she feels was the absence of God.
I'm really proud of you.
It's really interesting. So sorry you had that experience. But because of bad experiences, does not mean there isn't a creator who loves and sustains you 💖
Satan says "Do what thou wilt".
My question to "Atheists" is what or who dictates morality. This "freedom"...who says that ANYTHING is wrong? Whatever people say, everyone lives by a set or codes. It's just about WHO sets those codes.
The sad thing is that the laws of God the TRUE laws are about living in perfect peace (no fear, envy, child abuse, mistrust etc). But many people under the banner of religion cause people to hate the very idea of ANY God. Praying for those who read this to be unbound and realise they are loved 🙏
I grew up in a Christian home. I remember hearing crap stories about Jesus healing the blind and junk and all I could think was this is crap!
congratulations to you! I'm so glad you are free of this, life is better, even without strict structure! You are amazing, much love to you 💕🥀💕🥀💕
I guess there are different kinds of people, levels, in churches. Mormans came to help my family when my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. They were very kind. I dont remember any pressure to join their church. But I was a child. Glad you are out and can think for yourself.
Chris, I am very very sorry for what happened to you as a child. In my own opinion I truly hope God will reveal Himself to you whether its through the Holy Spirit or otherwise. I cannot judge your choices for they are your own and was caused by people with very disappointing actions. I believe that God never really leave us...we leave Him and that He allows certain things to happen to enable and equip us to help others who went through the same situation...to be a light for those who cannot see a way out towards the light. I also believe that God will never ever let you go....even if its when you 80 years old and laying on your death bed...He will still give you a last chance to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior. You are a good man, but still a man with feet of clay as am any human of flesh. I pray that the Holy Spirit will touch your heart in a way you will have no choice but to acknowledge the true and only way.....even if its when you're 80....
I also will never feel the yoke of organized religion again.
Good for you!! :-) why need a religion anyway? Mine is : do good and be good. Religion has only brought misery and how the hell can people today believe in a thousand year old supersticious book? Just enjoy life, have fun, be kind and sympathetic and thats ALL you need really , NO churches and NO religions.
Well done. Too many people are afraid to admit they don't believe in case they go to hell. He's a brave young man. It's more than possible to live a good life, to try to help others, to be kind and law abiding, without the need of blindly believing this fairy story.
The old testament speaks about the laws of man that are hidden among the verses of Gods commandments and the barriers they place between mans relationship with God and his purpose for us. It also speaks about how even the elect christian believers will scarcely make it into heaven. Because you can not buy your way into heaven or Gods good graces with physical labor obedience to mortal man, traditions or humanly sacrifices. Salvation is not a man thing its a heart thing and God is a gentle spirit possesing all power as a source of gaining what you need spiritually emotionall mentally and physically. There is a scripture that says He will withold No good thing from you. Therefore if good was being witheld from you then God was mot present in this process. His purpose for our lives is for us to love one another be fruitful and multiply. Very simple anf kimd he is not a hard task master. He is the giver of peace.The confusion and issues happen when mortal man places himself in the place of God and like the devil he seeks to recieve the praise that only a sovereign loving God can inhabit. You are such an articulate young man and I empathize with you and your struggle in one way or another we all have family dysfunction in different measures some much more devasting than others. The brokeness from these experiences move us through life in various ways I like your brother found myself self medicating trying to make some kind of human connection with people who have given up and resolved themselves in a world of drugs sex and self destructuon on the journey to escaping those demons that follow. But in my most desparate moment after an suicide attempt, while I began to fade away, saw a vision of my family crying at my funeral and then back to the business of life after I was gone. This to me was unsettling because for me my abusers would continue on their derogatory paths and the one who loved and wanted a life so desparately would have paid for the sins against me with my own life. The thought of that price seemed unfair and too high. So after being pulled up by my arm and beaten severely by my mom I vomited all the pills I had taken. Now the pysical abuse sexual attacks and demeaning verbal displays against me continued throughout my life. But I was determined to outlast it all and my faith in what I understood love was not made me fight for my children and give them the opposite of what I had sufferred. No it was not easy but I committed myself to the question you made If God was a good and loving God of peace he could not have taken part in the awful deeds men and woman family members did to me. Long story short we dont always have all the answers to the why of our tragedies and brokeness but there is a real God of love that leads us and lives in the best parts of ourselves that proves himself true and righteous everytime we treat each othet with respect and allow one another the liberty to choose our own lifes direction. He also forgives mistakes each time we dont get it right down here on earth and we often do not. In these moments we have to forgive ourselves for being human and except that our purpose is much much greater than the mistakes we've made and the pain weve suffered. We were meant to journey through life and find out what lies under the layers of our being, asking the all powerful God to cleanse the wrong and reveal the best of us daily. This part of you is what shines and reminds others in the struggle, that it is darkest just before the break of dawn. You say you dont believe in God but I see his love all over you (and his light inside) because with everything you have been through the love he placed inside of you stayed in tack. Only a soveriengn God could do this. Thank you for your insight and know that no part of what you have suffered had anything to do with God but everything to do with man's protocol to keep mass control of human life to dictate and rule for his own pleasure. God bless you baby stay encouraged and keep your head up
Chris, you may want to check out a book, "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel. It is a very good read regardless of your beliefs or lack of and doesn't try to convince you of anything. It is his journey from being a devout atheist and is very interesting. He knows where you are at and I am sure he would speak with you if you choose to. Again, he would not try to convince you of anything and be nothing but respectful to you. You owe if to yourself.
Chris, I am a Christian, but of the most free kind. I go to the United Church of Canada. I've prayed next to a muslim. a first nations. an atheist. my pastor is homosexual. everyone is welcome. we don't really talk of God too much. we do reference Jesus, but only to show how to live a caring life, a good life, a respectful life to all. the only people who never entre our doors are catholics. but they be crazy !!!!!!!!!!
wow, he is very brave guy to leave religion
6:00 I'm happy to give you a little more insight on that- being as I've moved around a lot, so I've infiltrated almost all cliques/ groups in schools as a child and teen. & also I'm a former junkie & drunk and I've been in recovery for over a year now. It's not that the kids were "all high" when you guys were in public school, it's because a lot of them come from complicated or abusive home lives- they don't have the highest self esteem and thus standards for the kinds of people they let into their lives- they understand that some people have gone through some serious shit! That not everyone is born with a perfect life & that the circumstances they've gone through, or had people close to them go through some traumatic bs that was not of their own choosing, that the things that have happened to or around them- don't define who they are perse. Keeping in mind that however experiences can affect people- but those circumstances, situations, or events do not define everyone's self worth/ value. Does that make any sense there buddy?
I feel compelled to tell you that you can have all those you enjoy as an atheist and still be a Christian. You knew the flds is not a true representation of anything Godly. As a true Christian you can enjoy freedom and more. I'm very devout in my Christianity but can't stand religion. In fact I haven't even been to church for a while because I hate religion so much. But there many Christians that hate religion. Jesus hates religion. Christianity is a relationship with the one true God that you can talk to like He's your best friend. If you get to the place you really want to know ask God to prove Himself to you. Don't talk to anybody about it don't do any research or maybe just the Bible but that's not as important as the relationship. You can't really understand the Bible without the relationship. Just think about it. I'm so happy for you that you were able to escape the flds but your experience is not normal. Just remember that.
Maura DeLaune, you are so right! I don't dislike any religion as I really do try to respect everyone, you know "each to his own". But, you said exactly how it is in our days. He absolutely does not have to be an atheist, but can still have those friends!
If I could jump on a plane right now just to give you a hug, believe me, I would!
God did not destroy your brother. Sin did. It's so sad that what you've been exposed to is so far from what God really is.
My heart truly goes out to you and all that have only known the Mormon teaching. God is real and He does love you.
Jesus is the only way.
I'm so happy you haven't turned to alcohol and drugs.
I do understand your feeling though.
I pray you find the truth of God's word and way.
The Apostles Doctrine
This sounds harsh at the outset, but it really is true. The devil does not fight fair. His poor brother was already broken, but sin and took him further down. So thankful this is not the end of the story and he and his brother will be healed and restored through Christ's sacrifice.
Bible thumping much?! Leave the man figure out his own way and stop shoving God down his throat.
It is extremely difficult for people who leave institutions of any kind. I know personally 😪😧🇦🇺
Check out Adam's Road and their life stories under "Bios."
You are bright to see the Truth and have the courage to make a decision toward freedom. But don't just swing back to being an atheist. I understand if you are disgusted with how it was, but that doesn't have to relate to our Creator-Father. It in no way represents 'God'.
so good
The person of Jesus has helped me out of abuse
GOD IS IN YOU