So proud of my friend for sharing her truth. She’s a truly genuine human being and I believe her story strikes/challenges many people within the church due to the fact she never sought anti Mormon literature nor did she make choices contrary to the church’s guidelines. She loved, she lived and she’s out because of the positive side that Mormonism offers. Square pegs don’t fit round holes.
Same with me....amazing how we finally wake up and see the truths that are really right in front of our face all the time but we are told to put questions and doubts on our shelves. We do until it's so heavily laden down and that's when it breaks and we are finable to break free of the church's manipulations.
Having Margi on this episode is SO helpful! Wow! The SKILL and the subtlety. As a brash, obnoxious Aries, I really want to emulate her. She is amazing!👏👏👏
Im black and I’m not Mormon! I am a non denominational Christian and lean more on relationship and spiritual side of things. But I love this podcast and listening to this made me realize I used to also have a eating disorder. I used to starve myself and lived off of trail mix and green tea for months! I lost so much weight. I struggle with food still and wow this just really opened my eyes.
1:53:53 I always feel like you can hear the bubble in full effect when you hear someone on the show talk about how prestigious BYU is, because the truth is unless you're mormon it really doesn't factor as an option.
@@carrieaustin4105 that’s fair! Knowing more about BYU now, I do understand why it’s a highly regarded school in terms of education. It does seem to have some great professors and academic programs.
It seems like Kelsey still has a bit of a purity complex around reading “anti” material (please correct me if I’m wrong, Kelsey! I might be reading into your words too much!) I love that she found her way out through her own experiences and intuition but I think there’s enormous value in understanding how the Mormon church came to be and who Joseph Smith actually was, because you learn a lot about humans as a whole, and psychology.
I wouldn't say so, but that's definitely an interesting observation! I have nothing against the literature personally, my point was just that it wasn't the catalyst to my journey and I haven't found it necessary to justify my decision/reasoning. My shift was entirely internal, but that doesn't invalidate someone else's journey!
What a beautiful and authentic person you are, @KelseyEdwards. It was good to catch up with your life a bit. I agree that your mom is amazing! You are equally amazing!
I really like Margi as a co-host. If you haven't seen her "interview" of John himself on the podcast, it is very good. It is a great way to get to know both of them better. It wasn't recent, but was several years back.
Young man 2 houses up broke his wrist as a senior in high school. Doctor prescribed opioids for the pain. 10 years later, he overdosed in his bedroom. Still living with his parents. Never able to become a stable adult. Never able to hold down a job. And his parents- torn up inside at the life their son was living, but unwilling to make him leave the house even though they knew his addiction was causing him to behave in extremely antisocial ways…they walked in on their dead son in his room. That is what the opioids are doing.
One of my children was prescribed oxy. after an accident at 21. For over 20 years he was addicted, did a 30 day program it didn't work, the addiction to oxy. became heroine. He lost jobs, house, wife. Ended up in jail. This was a godsend as he got the help he needed and has been clean and healthy for 3 years.
@@janetmitchell4452 I’m so glad your son is in recovery. There is an excellent UA-cam channel called Mythvision & the host is in recovery & talks openly about his heroin addiction in a way that I find really helpful. He’s just honest & doesn’t hide anything. It’s a great channel & I would definitely recommend for extra support.
One of my friends in high school broke his arm or leg (I forget unfortunately) on an ATV with a few other boys who got injured too. He got a Vicodin prescription and started selling it to other high school kids after a few days of having it
That's terrible. I was a pharmacy technician. That type of medicine is kept locked in pharmacies with only the pharmacists having the keys and able to dispense it. They're supposed to really check to make sure it was actually prescribed and doctors are supposed to know to not over prescribe. There are other natural and less harsh ways to deal with long-term pain. The drug companies WERE lying, as stated in the video. Beyond tragic to evil.
I have to point out the complications of opioid addiction. People would say that my mother has an opioid addiction, but she is not taking it to get high. She has to take it to deal with her pain enough to get through a day. I get so frustrated at times. She’s had to switch pharmacies where she receives judgement from the pharmacist because she is on opioids. I’ve had to pick them up for her when she isn’t doing well or go with her when I’m worried about her on snow, etc. and the pharmacists can be so rude about what they see as an addiction.
@Brooke Albretsen @J M thank you for sharing your story Brooke! Thank you for your response J M!! I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. I am always in pain. The FDA has NOT taken opioids off the street as much as they have taken pain medication away from people in pain!! People in the medical field are so afraid of losing their licenses with regards to opioids, that the harsh judgement increases for those that truly need it. It’s a vicious cycle.
I have multiple friends with chronic pain who've either had their meds taken away, or are afraid of asking for adequate pain medication despite their suffering out of fear they'd be labelled drug-seekers by their medical providers, and have what little they have taken away. One of these friends committed suicide a year ago due to the pain she was suffering and how poorly doctors treated her. I'm sure in 15 years there will be a new opioid crisis scandal-this time focusing on the people who were mistreated by doctors and society for simply seeking adequate treatment for their injuries and chronic pain.
Being brought up within the Church of Scotland and my dad being a lay preacher, at no time in my life did I ever feel a disappointment to him or my mum, they loved me for who I am. It makes me sad that religion can be so cruel... Kelsey is amazing... I love her single ... Life in a box. She is NOT lost... xx
Add the CES letter to it as well as the gospel topics essays and it will definitely seal the deal for you! The way the church continues to hide its history even with the essays is so very deceitful!
@letahamilton I can see how you would make that connection. I’m Kelsey’s mom. We knew the McCurdys very well. Kelsey really is extremely different from Jeanette and I’m nothing like Debbie, though I have plenty of my own faults. My heart goes out to Jeanette, Kelsey and anyone who deals with perfectionism. It’s so hard and I’m so proud of my amazing daughter for how she is working through that factor.
John, I cannot express how helpful these episodes are for me. I recently ended up in an outpatient mental health program and it was the thing that finally helped me realize that I have agency and that I control my life. I've never been Mormon, or even religious, but I did grow up with an emotionally abusive mother. And I relate to these episodes so so much because the things I felt and my experiences seem to parallel the feelings and experiences of people who grew up in the church. The constant feeling of not being good enough. The desperate attempts to achieve the unachievable. For me it was to make my mother happy and for those who grew up in the church, many express trying to be the perfect Mormon. Very different tasks but both equally unachievable. And the perfectionism. Oh the perfectionism. I mean, I went to law school to make my mother happy. Every decision I made until I was 25 was intended to make her happy. And I didn't make a single decision without first thinking of what she wanted until I was in my late 20s. When I started to try to set boundaries with her, she couldn't handle it. She called me selfish and tried to guilt me into seeing her. We even went to therapy where she said all the right things, only to take them back six months later. And the impacts of that were so far reaching. Even after realizing she was abusive and years of therapy, I still didn't feel like I had control of my life. I would still spiral into destructive behaviors because I felt like it didn't matter. I couldn't fix things anyway, so why bother. But now, five years after realizing she is abusive, I finally feel like I can fix things in my life. I can fix my finances and I can even try a different career if I want. And finding Mormon Stories and other ex-mormon content has really helped me in this journey. Thank you.
Super insightful episode. I left the church several years ago, divorced, and am now dating a Unitarian Universalist minister here in SLC (who took the sex ed classes as a UU member when he was a teen). 1:22 is a topic that comes up daily and has been a big challenge to navigate. Thank you for having this conversation.
@small footprint Not at all. I'm saying that I want to hear from women who were raised with the expectation that they would never have to fill that roll. What impact did that expectation have on them? Did they not start or finish a certain level of education because it seemed unnecessary? Did they struggle to understand a professional work environment when they had to provide for their children? How was their faith journey impacted by this role shift? Things like that.
As a kid I had pastors tell me "pray for your dad, he will find his salvation, God will save him" and, as a kid I took that as if I don't pray enough or do well enough it would be on me that he wasn't "saved". We werent mormon but our eternal families exist and if one isnt saved we go one place and they go another for eternity, and that was a huge source of amxiety for me. Its still hard to accept not knowing what happens after death. Especially after losing my dad a year ago... deconstructing is hard. I resonate so much with your experience of your parents separation. Thank you for sharig.
Wow thank you so much Kelsey for sharing your story. I’m a NeverMo but an exfundie and I can really relate to your story. My dad is also an addict w pain pills as drug of choice and I’m an oldest daughter. When you described “turning off the switch” to not be tested by sexual sin or other sins.. that’s the first time I’ve heard someone say that out loud and I deeply relate. My Ed and Scrupulosity were so entwined. They helped each other grow stronger. Also Margi, again, I really enjoy your voice on this podcast. You ask such good questions!
I’m only thirty minutes in and the amount of times she says how much her parents sacrificed and how grateful she is for all that they sacrificed for her and her career… huge red flags going up for me there. That can be a huge emotionally and psychologically manipulative tool to use on children. SHE didn’t ask for them to do that, but they certainly made her feel a certain way (indebted) about it. I doubt she sees it, too. She’s speaking about them quite similarly to how Jeanette McCurdy spoke about her abusive mom before she realized just how abused she was. I hope she eventually sees, because God only knows how they continue this in their current relationships.
I repeated myself a few times out of nervousness, not abuse! Airing the way I was raised publicly is a vulnerable thing to do, and I wanted to counteract that by making it clear how much I love my parents and how grateful I am to them. I actually grew up with Jennette - there are many similarities in our lives and stories, but I know firsthand that our mothers/parents are nothing alike. Thanks for your concern though 💗
I just listened to her song. I can completely understand why you would feel like living as a Mormon is like living in a box. It’s a great song. Perfect description of living a Mormon life.
Oh no, maybe it got stuck in review. Thank you for watching. What was your big take away? And are you Mormon, former Mormon, or curious about Mormonism?
Tbh, it has been hard for me to leave. At first it felt liberating and still has been in many ways to know I can now live more authentically, but it's also been really scary as I've descended into some major existential crises. I'm also going to BYU right now and I feel completely alone since I can't talk to many people about it. It's really destabilizing to choose to leave something that's been your whole culture your whole life; I'm having to accept that i have no beliefs right now, and that I have to wait very patiently to allow new ideas and understandings of the world and our existence slowly form and resonate with me. I just don't know how to operate on many ways since i believed in a god my whole life. I don't know how to navigate things like loss from a new perspective. I had a couple spiritual experiences that i don't attribute to Mormonism or any religion, and that i honestly can't explain, which might indicate that we have Spirits and that there is something after this; but i honestly just don't know too well. So i agree that not in every way does it actually entail a monster in the closet and it can be more of a puppet, but it's definitely not easy either.
Kelsey Edwards is an amazing singer song-writer and actress be sure to check out her new song Life in a Box available on Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/1zDLJKEXqBgEkrbt2REsBM
I grew up Unitarian Universalist and went through the sex Ed program (which at the time was called "about your sexuality" or AYS and took the place of Sunday school for 2-3 years in middle school) in the early/mid 90s. And a lot of what we learned would still be considered pretty progressive in 2022. I distinctly remember some fairly explicit videos on anatomy and we also watched the Seinfeld masturbation episode. And naturally we all had to put condoms on bananas and were offered pink triangle pins and more condoms to take home. It was fairly mortifying for an awkward and waspy-repressed teen but in retrospect I'm so grateful because we certainly didn't discuss those things at home or in school. Thanks for another great episode!
I also was UU and took this class, probably around 2010. Truly MILES ahead of the sex ed class I took in junior high. I no longer attend any church but I’m genuinely considering going back when I have kids just to take them to this class
As a seeker, UU keeps on looking better and better! I’ve known only one UU personally. She was a Sunday School teacher at the UU church and I love her very much and look up to her to this day. I’ve never gone to a UU service. Idk why though. I guess I am scared.
@@Constantin9va I'm in no way trying to recruit you (in fact I am no longer actively uu although I still hold humanist beliefs) but you should definitely check it out. I think a lot of post Mormon people would flourish there. You already know this but there are no requirements of faith, just seven broadly humanistic principles to uphold. Congregations seem to vary a lot regionally but it is a solid home for intelligent, thoughtful, ethical social justice oriented people of many beliefs. There is also a sense of community (not to the level of what I think is common in Mormon wards, but similar to a typical Protestant church) that John often mentions he has struggled to find in the post Mormon space. But without the coercive control obviously. I grew up in the Midwest and am now on the east coast and there are lots of uu congregations in urban/suburban areas here but I'm not so sure about the west.
I’ve been taking my 7 year old to UU services because she’s come home with a lot of questions about religion lately and is getting pressure from other kids about attending church. I was really excited to hear about their sex Ed program. I think it’s called Our Whole Lives now and I’ll definitely be sending my kids to that even if we don’t keep attending services!
If you're not a book person, Dopesick on Hulu was incredible, regarding the Sackler family and the opioid crisis that ensued following the production of OxyContin.
Thank you for the suggestion. I binged this past weekend and found it maddening and sad at the same time. Opioids are so much stronger than anyone’s want to be free of them or of the pain they are suffering. It’s a disgrace what our government and big corporations do because of greed. I’m not sure how people can put so much faith into these organizations.
I was a kid actor in theatre growing up but not Mormon- there was a notably high percentage of kids who were child actors in theatre that were Mormon. I remember noticing that even as a kid. I seriously thought it was because they sang koombaya and church songs everyday after school. 🤭🙃
I can second that 100% so many similarities here. Some big differences with a narcissist father who walked out on a temple marriage, wife, and family for another woman and her family. NO church support after mom moved us back to her parents, our grandparents town in happy valley ie: Springville everyone related to each other. Early 80's there was NO place for the "forever family" without a husband/father = NO church support. My mother was the definition of self reliant. I guess her working at BYU could be "church help" only because she was such an amazing resourceful hard worker. Not having anything but pioneer roots, judgement and abuse from the "company leaders" has blessed me to finally deconstruct after 50+ years and reconstruct a beautiful life away from the "company" and manipulations including helping my staunch husband see the light. I totally get it but I have met my Savior, know Him intimately & choose no arm of man to block my relationship with Him. I was never "perfect" yet He loves me unconditionally so unlike the "company". Loving TN Coastal NC is just a country club faking a mormon church ❤️ love connecting with others and similar experiences. WTG you are a beautiful person! Always stay true to yourself!!
When we moved into our last house a couple built across the way.They had 3 kids the youngest around 5.Over the years we watched them grow into adults.The family was LDS and seemed to do everything by the book.The son's went to BYU,on mission and the daughter married young. When the last child did his mission and started BYU they decided to put their house up for sale.We were told the husband had been commuting to another town for his job and the house was now too big.It all made sense.What did not was them getting a divorce.We were shocked to hear rumors and them proof when a friend who attended church with them said it. If it can happen to them nothing will surprise me.
Hello Mormon Stories community, I'm a french never mormon atheist and there's something about the concept of testimony that I don't completly understand : how do you define the concept of testimony ? As I understand it, it's a way to publicly affirm your faith in the church, in god and Jesus. In many Mormon Stories interviews I see people struggling to find their testimony even if they are faithful believers. I'm probably missing something. English is not my native language, I wish my question makes sense...sorry if I'm not... :)
Bonjour, alors d'après ce que j'ai cru comprendre, chez les Mormons leur idée "témoignage" est l'ensemble de leurs expériences personnelles qui les ont convaincu de la véracité de leur église... par exemple, certains vont dire que leur témoignage est basé sur une expérience de foi personnelle, ou une prière exaucée. les mormons semblent convaincus que leur foi est basée sur des réalités matérielles dans leur vie plutôt qu'une simple conviction personnelle, alors beaucoup qui n'ont pas eu d'expériences impressionnantes vont trouver des trucs un peu farfelus pour leur témoignage. Par exemple, dans un épisode précédent, un invité a parlé de la guérison 'miraculeuse' de son père après qu'un membre de l'église ait prié pour lui, et ce jeune homme a donc basé tout son témoignage sur cette expérience.
I suffered many years with scrupulosity. I don't think the church realizes or cares that the same talk can be interpreted so many different ways by people listening.
Hi! Im from Mexico City, and move to Provo UT a few years ago only staying 2 years there. I couldn't imagine that fake perfection on the people of the church. I grew surrounded for the real world where all you learn form church really help you ti stay safe. But in Utah, i saw it more about to maintain an appearance of perfectionism. In the first chance we had we move out of Utah, the fake bubble. I really love the church and the principles. I have lived where evil predominates, and where church principles are more like a life jacket. Not to proof who is better or not, who is richer, or slim, or blond. Jesus is love, no matter what! As a human we deal with the abuse of generations until we break the chain. I admire the courage you guys had. And doing the best you can do is always the right thing. Good Job guys!
The last 30 minutes brings up forever families. Yes! I can remember from a very young age (pre baptism) questioning why temple marriage was required to be a forever family? Why would god separate families in heaven? ...I'm atheist now but as a child it was very concerning. Why is it a requirement when it's not in any scripture?
1:13:41 I had a Fentanyl epidural into my spine for five days for multiple broken ribs. It was a trip that the I.V. was locked next to me bc addicts creep around hospitals and steal peoples meds. It took two doctors to come to my bedside and sign off on it. This is all because of this epidemic. A close friend of mine died 15 years ago after overdosing on OxyContin. This has been going on a long time
Y'all mind as well make Margi the new co-host, she's been on the show more times than John's glasses has 😆 I really love her insights on though, especially from her therapy background
The Mormon Church seems to make people gloriously miserable and whatever they do to leave or reconcile that misery it drives them to confess their experiences on this marvellous channel. The eminent Doctor John Parkinson Dehlin provides a platform that proves that conversation is a good source of therapy and he steers each person through their wretched experiences so as to provide people like me with a truly comprehensive understanding of the effects the Mormon church has on its congregation. A few questions comes to mind after watching episode 1704. What is the ultimate outcome for this channel and its in depth interviews? To what extent has it in any way had an influence on the Mormon church? And are these case studies providing any consolation for people who have gone through similar experiences? I wish you well and hope the channel has made a difference to people who need its content.
Dr. John Dehlin has helped the Church do research and spoken with their leaders about bringing about change for the LGBTQ+ community and those struggling through a faith crisis. The focus on this channel has been to 1) Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology, 2) Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis, and 3) Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions.
Wonder if "studying scriptures" means pretty much the BoM (BoM+) or does it include reading the Bible too? If so, does Kelsey just block out the many passages there that inform of the oneness of God; and think that they aren't relevant anymore b/c of belief in JSJ's first vision account where he claimed to have seen TWO?... Just trying to clarify what Mormons mean when they contend to spend a lot of time studying "scripture?"
Members of the LDS church study both - I read the Bible many times growing up, but we are taught a different interpretation of those scriptures. To members of the LDS church, oneness of God means "oneness of purpose," not that God and Jesus are literally, physically in one body.
@@KelseyEdwards Thanks4responding... I've been taught that the Father essence is SPIRITUAL and beyond our ability to fathom... Jeremiah23:23&24 testifies of that unimaginable reality… “Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord. Embracing the first vision means you accept that JSJ was shown something that Jesus never even showed His own disciples, although He had many opportunities to do so (if it was the truth of reality). One example is from John14 when a couple of the disciples wanted it made clear what He meant when referring to a seemingly separate Father... Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father, so how can you say, 'Show us the Father?' Mormons seem to believe that JSJ would be more favored than Jesus' own disciples who'd been close companions &confidants for YEARS... We all accept that we are more than our body, when that body ceases to be of service to us at time of death... We know that our true self lives on... Shouldn't we be able to acknowledge the same is true of GOD (in whose image we're made)? The Father/Soul essence is testified of in 1Timothy6 "...which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen." ...The Son essence (Jesus Christ) is how that incomprehensible, spiritual Father essence was able to make Himself visible and relate-able through the agency of Mary... Impossible to give credibility for TRUTH to both the Bible and the BoM+... The books tell us different things... If you believe the first vision, then you don't believe all the passages from the Bible that assure of the oneness of God (Deut6:4, 2Kings19:15&19, Isa44:6&8&24, 45:5&6&21&22, 46:9&10, 48:12&13, Joel2:27, Zech14:9, Mark12:29, John5:44, James2:19, Rev1:8&17&18, 21:6)... Thanks4the opportunity to share... = )
I didn't join the church until I was 21 but I already had an ED and I am autistic, which means that I interpret things quite literally or need things explaining fully and not be left to guess at things (there is a lot more to Autism but for what I am talking about right now, that is the relevant thing.) The dress codes, word or wisdom, and law of chastity messed me up so much, I cannot imagine how much worse it would have been if I had grown up in the church. It made my ED a lot worse and I covered my body up all of the time because I couldn't have anybody see anything, it is awful. I have luckily left now but I still working through the trauma. Thank you Kelsey for sharing your story. :)
I hope the main takeaway from all these stories is to remember we're supposed to be kind to everyone, don't judge others, don't be self-righteous! Follow Jesus' teachings & example vs being harsh, judgemental & conservative.
At the end of this I was so excited so watch the rsst. I actually clicked on the second one first then found this one because you told me to John. I'm so curious how things did a 180 lol
Homeschool students do not need a high school diploma to get into colleges and universities. That is a myth. I used to produce homeschool conferences and we had quite a few universities come as sponsors/vendors to promote to homeschool students because they are often quite self motivated in their own education. They do need high test scores or other experiences.
This is true. My homeschooled daughter transferred to an in-state university after attending our local community college for two years. It was her choice to follow this academic path.
In many of these Mormon stories I hear them mention "the gospel" and they are referring to their Mormon religion or the Mormon version of the gospel when they say this and I just think that is not the gospel. In the mormon world view there is no distinction between their Mormon version of the gospel and Christ and the historical gospel and Christ.
Most Christian denominations do not recognize Mormonism as part of their religious tradition. Even some conservative Evangelicals do not consider Catholicism as true Christianity for several reasons. I'd like to hear some discussion about this in one way or another. Mormons are such a minority in most parts of this country and even less so worldwide. There must have been some conflict with other Christian sects or denominations. Maybe this is outside the scope of this podcast, but I am always fascinated with the idea of the in versus out group. (Turns out Kelsey did delve into this some later in the episode.) Also, I am not sure who came up with the purity culture traditions (chewing gum, etc.), but I have definitely heard other Evangelicals use some of these techniques. With Catholics, the idea of purity is there for the flock, but they have a separate group of nuns, monks, and priests which embodies those ideas.
@ Wesley Bush This bit of history might begin to answer your question. I copied about a half page of it word for word from Wiki pedia web page of the Governor of Missouri's name. Keep in mind that the first Mormon church meeting was April 6, 1830 and there were six people in attendance. Porter Rockwell was Joseph Smith's well armed body guard. Here you go with Part 1 ... Lilburn Williams Boggs (December 14, 1796 - March 14, 1860)[1] was the sixth Governor of Missouri from 1836 to 1840. He is now most widely remembered for his interactions with Joseph Smith and Porter Rockwell, and Missouri Executive Order 44, known by Mormons as the "Extermination Order", issued in response to the ongoing conflict between church members and other settlers of Missouri.
Wesley, Christians will never consider the Mormons Christian because their theology is so drastically different. At best they are a sect of Christianity. Mormons believe that we are all equal to god in everything but knowledge. Its the only thing that separates us from becoming our own gods like the father. In Mormonism, god didn't create us. We are all pre-existent and eternal. This is anathema to Christian religions. As for Catholics, there are many in the evangelical community that don't believe Catholics are Christian but the "devil" is in the details. What evangelicals mean by "they aren't Christian" is that they don't have a saving faith. The reason is that they add works to grace and according to Paul that nullifies grace. Evangelical's would say that they weren't Christian in the same way that they would say Mormonism isn't Christian. One teaches a false doctrine that may make it harder for a member to find Christ while the other one preaches blasphemy and mimics the sin that got Lucifer cast out of heaven.
@@blusheep2 The objections to Catholicism I heard were always things like praying to saints or using rosary beads. I imagine the Eastern Orthodox churches or Anglicism would fall along similar lines.
@@wesleybush8646 Yeah, those things are mentioned as well but though they are not respected in evangelical circles, it is the salvation by grace AND works that gets them triggered. Mary is another big one along with the statues that are treated as objects of worship in some Catholic cultures.
Families can stay together in Evangelical Protestantism but only if everyone stays a Christian. I grew up with my parents fearing that a couple of my older siblings were going to go to hell. Not because they were doing anything bad but because they didn't seem very interested in being Christian. I think that's a pretty common way of looking at things. This is probably less common but also both of my parents thought that their parents and siblings were going to hell. Not because they weren't also Christian but because they were in the wrong branches of Christianity. They were in the Catholic and United churches.
So much mention of her Mom for someone at her stage of life. Plus the idea of lack of control. Sounds like not just lack of control because of the industry.
Not at all. I shared vulnerable parts of my childhood which could be potentially embarrassing for my parents, so I wanted to counteract that by sharing my gratitude for them. And I was nervous, so I repeated myself a few times :) no need to spin it into something it isn't.
Who else introduces you to religion other than missionaries or your family? Religion and family are intertwined deeply, so it seems only natural to talk about your roots when you’re asked about them.
Interesting. This idea that families will be together in the after-life is not biblical. The bible rather suggests that after resurrection, people just become just another angel w/o marriage, relationships. I would think this would be a HUGE thing to make clear if it were so or that important.
Takes time to understand how to blame the effect of church members agency too in human mental illnesses. Thank you for sharing your own experience. I know people that experience the opposite everything happend when they decide to live againts the healthy and protective teachings of the church.
Dearest daughter Kelsey, I applaud your courage, talent, grace and compassion. Much more to say f2f. I love you!! Dad
Please be a guest on “Mormon Stories”!! I feel your story could help so many of us also!
All my love!
So very brave, your lovely daughter
@kurtanddeniseedwards If you haven't done an interview, I hope you would consider
Sending you so much love.
I’m really appreciating Margi’s ability to compassionately draw out important unexamined details in Kelsey’s story. And how well spoken Kelsey is!
Yes! EXACTLY! It’s breathtaking and I strive to emulate this aura in my own real life🧡❤️🔥❤️
Margi is amazing, she made me feel so seen and understood. Thank you for the kind words!
So proud of my friend for sharing her truth. She’s a truly genuine human being and I believe her story strikes/challenges many people within the church due to the fact she never sought anti Mormon literature nor did she make choices contrary to the church’s guidelines.
She loved, she lived and she’s out because of the positive side that Mormonism offers. Square pegs don’t fit round holes.
Olkjllk
Thanks Benji for your kind words about my daughter.
Same with me....amazing how we finally wake up and see the truths that are really right in front of our face all the time but we are told to put questions and doubts on our shelves. We do until it's so heavily laden down and that's when it breaks and we are finable to break free of the church's manipulations.
Benji!! Love you so much my friend, thanks for your kind words and support. You da best ❤
Yeah, she's kind of a big deal!! ❤️
John and Margi Dehlin are saving lives with their work.
🎯🎯
Having Margi on this episode is SO helpful! Wow! The SKILL and the subtlety. As a brash, obnoxious Aries, I really want to emulate her. She is amazing!👏👏👏
Im black and I’m not Mormon! I am a non denominational Christian and lean more on relationship and spiritual side of things. But I love this podcast and listening to this made me realize I used to also have a eating disorder. I used to starve myself and lived off of trail mix and green tea for months! I lost so much weight. I struggle with food still and wow this just really opened my eyes.
1:53:53 I always feel like you can hear the bubble in full effect when you hear someone on the show talk about how prestigious BYU is, because the truth is unless you're mormon it really doesn't factor as an option.
good point haha
Yes! I was a bit confused by that part. I’ve never been Mormon, and I’ve never really heard anyone say BYU is prestigious.
It's prestigious to Mormons 🙂
@@carrieaustin4105 that’s fair! Knowing more about BYU now, I do understand why it’s a highly regarded school in terms of education. It does seem to have some great professors and academic programs.
I often wonder if my degree would have been more intense and extensive somewhere else.
Joseph smith can tear any family apart
It seems like Kelsey still has a bit of a purity complex around reading “anti” material (please correct me if I’m wrong, Kelsey! I might be reading into your words too much!) I love that she found her way out through her own experiences and intuition but I think there’s enormous value in understanding how the Mormon church came to be and who Joseph Smith actually was, because you learn a lot about humans as a whole, and psychology.
I wouldn't say so, but that's definitely an interesting observation! I have nothing against the literature personally, my point was just that it wasn't the catalyst to my journey and I haven't found it necessary to justify my decision/reasoning. My shift was entirely internal, but that doesn't invalidate someone else's journey!
That “eternal family” deal. That’s a problem
What a beautiful and authentic person you are, @KelseyEdwards. It was good to catch up with your life a bit. I agree that your mom is amazing! You are equally amazing!
I remember it being said that you don’t get addicted to pain meds as long as you are taking them for real pain. Talk about victim blaming!
I can totally see why women might be especially sad to leave their mission-it’s the one time they might get as much respect as men do in the church.
It was very validating for me!
Not so much. The “Elders” were still in charge of everything.
I really like Margi as a co-host. If you haven't seen her "interview" of John himself on the podcast, it is very good. It is a great way to get to know both of them better. It wasn't recent, but was several years back.
Young man 2 houses up broke his wrist as a senior in high school. Doctor prescribed opioids for the pain. 10 years later, he overdosed in his bedroom. Still living with his parents. Never able to become a stable adult. Never able to hold down a job. And his parents- torn up inside at the life their son was living, but unwilling to make him leave the house even though they knew his addiction was causing him to behave in extremely antisocial ways…they walked in on their dead son in his room. That is what the opioids are doing.
One of my children was prescribed oxy. after an accident at 21. For over 20 years he was addicted, did a 30 day program it didn't work, the addiction to oxy. became heroine. He lost jobs, house, wife. Ended up in jail. This was a godsend as he got the help he needed and has been clean and healthy for 3 years.
@@janetmitchell4452 I’m so glad your son is in recovery. There is an excellent UA-cam channel called Mythvision & the host is in recovery & talks openly about his heroin addiction in a way that I find really helpful. He’s just honest & doesn’t hide anything. It’s a great channel & I would definitely recommend for extra support.
One of my friends in high school broke his arm or leg (I forget unfortunately) on an ATV with a few other boys who got injured too. He got a Vicodin prescription and started selling it to other high school kids after a few days of having it
That's terrible. I was a pharmacy technician. That type of medicine is kept locked in pharmacies with only the pharmacists having the keys and able to dispense it. They're supposed to really check to make sure it was actually prescribed and doctors are supposed to know to not over prescribe. There are other natural and less harsh ways to deal with long-term pain. The drug companies WERE lying, as stated in the video. Beyond tragic to evil.
I have to point out the complications of opioid addiction. People would say that my mother has an opioid addiction, but she is not taking it to get high. She has to take it to deal with her pain enough to get through a day. I get so frustrated at times. She’s had to switch pharmacies where she receives judgement from the pharmacist because she is on opioids. I’ve had to pick them up for her when she isn’t doing well or go with her when I’m worried about her on snow, etc. and the pharmacists can be so rude about what they see as an addiction.
@Brooke Albretsen @J M thank you for sharing your story Brooke! Thank you for your response J M!! I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. I am always in pain. The FDA has NOT taken opioids off the street as much as they have taken pain medication away from people in pain!! People in the medical field are so afraid of losing their licenses with regards to opioids, that the harsh judgement increases for those that truly need it. It’s a vicious cycle.
I have multiple friends with chronic pain who've either had their meds taken away, or are afraid of asking for adequate pain medication despite their suffering out of fear they'd be labelled drug-seekers by their medical providers, and have what little they have taken away. One of these friends committed suicide a year ago due to the pain she was suffering and how poorly doctors treated her.
I'm sure in 15 years there will be a new opioid crisis scandal-this time focusing on the people who were mistreated by doctors and society for simply seeking adequate treatment for their injuries and chronic pain.
Being brought up within the Church of Scotland and my dad being a lay preacher, at no time in my life did I ever feel a disappointment to him or my mum, they loved me for who I am. It makes me sad that religion can be so cruel... Kelsey is amazing... I love her single ... Life in a box. She is NOT lost... xx
I love this, thank you so much! You are NOT lost either! 💗
@KelseyEdwards thanks for taking time to reply.
Wish you a Happy Christmas and a very happy New Year x
I also have never read the CES letter, my transition was completely internal as well. Very cool to hear from someone else with the same experience!
So cool!
Add the CES letter to it as well as the gospel topics essays and it will definitely seal the deal for you! The way the church continues to hide its history even with the essays is so very deceitful!
Is anyone else seeing the parallels with Jeanette McCurdy? Obviously not the same, but parallels in the e.d. & Mormon perfectionism.
@letahamilton I can see how you would make that connection. I’m Kelsey’s mom. We knew the McCurdys very well. Kelsey really is extremely different from Jeanette and I’m nothing like Debbie, though I have plenty of my own faults. My heart goes out to Jeanette, Kelsey and anyone who deals with perfectionism. It’s so hard and I’m so proud of my amazing daughter for how she is working through that factor.
John, I cannot express how helpful these episodes are for me. I recently ended up in an outpatient mental health program and it was the thing that finally helped me realize that I have agency and that I control my life. I've never been Mormon, or even religious, but I did grow up with an emotionally abusive mother. And I relate to these episodes so so much because the things I felt and my experiences seem to parallel the feelings and experiences of people who grew up in the church. The constant feeling of not being good enough. The desperate attempts to achieve the unachievable. For me it was to make my mother happy and for those who grew up in the church, many express trying to be the perfect Mormon. Very different tasks but both equally unachievable. And the perfectionism. Oh the perfectionism. I mean, I went to law school to make my mother happy. Every decision I made until I was 25 was intended to make her happy. And I didn't make a single decision without first thinking of what she wanted until I was in my late 20s.
When I started to try to set boundaries with her, she couldn't handle it. She called me selfish and tried to guilt me into seeing her. We even went to therapy where she said all the right things, only to take them back six months later.
And the impacts of that were so far reaching. Even after realizing she was abusive and years of therapy, I still didn't feel like I had control of my life. I would still spiral into destructive behaviors because I felt like it didn't matter. I couldn't fix things anyway, so why bother.
But now, five years after realizing she is abusive, I finally feel like I can fix things in my life. I can fix my finances and I can even try a different career if I want. And finding Mormon Stories and other ex-mormon content has really helped me in this journey.
Thank you.
I’m thrilled beyond measure to learn that these episodes are helpful to you Melissa!!!
@Andrea Melissa.
Super insightful episode. I left the church several years ago, divorced, and am now dating a Unitarian Universalist minister here in SLC (who took the sex ed classes as a UU member when he was a teen). 1:22 is a topic that comes up daily and has been a big challenge to navigate. Thank you for having this conversation.
Thanks for the love and support! Glad you've found a happy path ❤
Thank you for having her on!!
I would love to hear stories of women who are unexpectedly thrust into the provider roll and how that changed them!
@small footprint Not at all. I'm saying that I want to hear from women who were raised with the expectation that they would never have to fill that roll. What impact did that expectation have on them? Did they not start or finish a certain level of education because it seemed unnecessary? Did they struggle to understand a professional work environment when they had to provide for their children? How was their faith journey impacted by this role shift? Things like that.
As a kid I had pastors tell me "pray for your dad, he will find his salvation, God will save him" and, as a kid I took that as if I don't pray enough or do well enough it would be on me that he wasn't "saved". We werent mormon but our eternal families exist and if one isnt saved we go one place and they go another for eternity, and that was a huge source of amxiety for me. Its still hard to accept not knowing what happens after death. Especially after losing my dad a year ago... deconstructing is hard. I resonate so much with your experience of your parents separation. Thank you for sharig.
I have been saying how the Church needs resources for ADHD/Autism as well as mental health.
@@Starfish2145 The Mormon Church ignores the neurodiverse community.
Best resource would be to leave the LDS.
@@jeffs4483 I am. I'm going Episcopalian.
Wow thank you so much Kelsey for sharing your story. I’m a NeverMo but an exfundie and I can really relate to your story. My dad is also an addict w pain pills as drug of choice and I’m an oldest daughter. When you described “turning off the switch” to not be tested by sexual sin or other sins.. that’s the first time I’ve heard someone say that out loud and I deeply relate. My Ed and Scrupulosity were so entwined. They helped each other grow stronger. Also Margi, again, I really enjoy your voice on this podcast. You ask such good questions!
Katie!! Wow so nice to know I'm not alone in that. They were deeply intertwined for me too, clearly. Appreciate your comment and support! ❤
I’m only thirty minutes in and the amount of times she says how much her parents sacrificed and how grateful she is for all that they sacrificed for her and her career… huge red flags going up for me there. That can be a huge emotionally and psychologically manipulative tool to use on children. SHE didn’t ask for them to do that, but they certainly made her feel a certain way (indebted) about it. I doubt she sees it, too. She’s speaking about them quite similarly to how Jeanette McCurdy spoke about her abusive mom before she realized just how abused she was. I hope she eventually sees, because God only knows how they continue this in their current relationships.
Yeah, it’s noticed
I repeated myself a few times out of nervousness, not abuse! Airing the way I was raised publicly is a vulnerable thing to do, and I wanted to counteract that by making it clear how much I love my parents and how grateful I am to them. I actually grew up with Jennette - there are many similarities in our lives and stories, but I know firsthand that our mothers/parents are nothing alike. Thanks for your concern though 💗
I find Kelsey's story profound and relatable - I hope she continues to make music about her deconstruction!
Thank you so much Indi! I appreciate that a lot ❤
@56:56 - 58:10 That was me too. I never heard of “calling & election” until I was older though.
I just listened to her song. I can completely understand why you would feel like living as a Mormon is like living in a box. It’s a great song. Perfect description of living a Mormon life.
Means a lot that you like it and can relate!! I appreciate the support ❤
My commented was deleted from earlier I think…? Bummer. But I just finished this video and wanted to say I enjoyed it a lot :)
Oh no, maybe it got stuck in review. Thank you for watching. What was your big take away? And are you Mormon, former Mormon, or curious about Mormonism?
Thanks so much Nikki!
Tbh, it has been hard for me to leave. At first it felt liberating and still has been in many ways to know I can now live more authentically, but it's also been really scary as I've descended into some major existential crises. I'm also going to BYU right now and I feel completely alone since I can't talk to many people about it. It's really destabilizing to choose to leave something that's been your whole culture your whole life; I'm having to accept that i have no beliefs right now, and that I have to wait very patiently to allow new ideas and understandings of the world and our existence slowly form and resonate with me. I just don't know how to operate on many ways since i believed in a god my whole life. I don't know how to navigate things like loss from a new perspective. I had a couple spiritual experiences that i don't attribute to Mormonism or any religion, and that i honestly can't explain, which might indicate that we have Spirits and that there is something after this; but i honestly just don't know too well. So i agree that not in every way does it actually entail a monster in the closet and it can be more of a puppet, but it's definitely not easy either.
Kelsey Edwards is an amazing singer song-writer and actress be sure to check out her new song Life in a Box available on Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/1zDLJKEXqBgEkrbt2REsBM
I wanna be on this podcast and share my story. How do you get on it?
I grew up Unitarian Universalist and went through the sex Ed program (which at the time was called "about your sexuality" or AYS and took the place of Sunday school for 2-3 years in middle school) in the early/mid 90s. And a lot of what we learned would still be considered pretty progressive in 2022. I distinctly remember some fairly explicit videos on anatomy and we also watched the Seinfeld masturbation episode. And naturally we all had to put condoms on bananas and were offered pink triangle pins and more condoms to take home. It was fairly mortifying for an awkward and waspy-repressed teen but in retrospect I'm so grateful because we certainly didn't discuss those things at home or in school. Thanks for another great episode!
I also was UU and took this class, probably around 2010. Truly MILES ahead of the sex ed class I took in junior high. I no longer attend any church but I’m genuinely considering going back when I have kids just to take them to this class
As a seeker, UU keeps on looking better and better! I’ve known only one UU personally. She was a Sunday School teacher at the UU church and I love her very much and look up to her to this day. I’ve never gone to a UU service. Idk why though. I guess I am scared.
@@Constantin9va I'm in no way trying to recruit you (in fact I am no longer actively uu although I still hold humanist beliefs) but you should definitely check it out. I think a lot of post Mormon people would flourish there. You already know this but there are no requirements of faith, just seven broadly humanistic principles to uphold. Congregations seem to vary a lot regionally but it is a solid home for intelligent, thoughtful, ethical social justice oriented people of many beliefs. There is also a sense of community (not to the level of what I think is common in Mormon wards, but similar to a typical Protestant church) that John often mentions he has struggled to find in the post Mormon space. But without the coercive control obviously. I grew up in the Midwest and am now on the east coast and there are lots of uu congregations in urban/suburban areas here but I'm not so sure about the west.
I took OWL as a young adult. It was fun!
I’ve been taking my 7 year old to UU services because she’s come home with a lot of questions about religion lately and is getting pressure from other kids about attending church. I was really excited to hear about their sex Ed program. I think it’s called Our Whole Lives now and I’ll definitely be sending my kids to that even if we don’t keep attending services!
If you're not a book person, Dopesick on Hulu was incredible, regarding the Sackler family and the opioid crisis that ensued following the production of OxyContin.
Thank you for the suggestion. I binged this past weekend and found it maddening and sad at the same time. Opioids are so much stronger than anyone’s want to be free of them or of the pain they are suffering. It’s a disgrace what our government and big corporations do because of greed. I’m not sure how people can put so much faith into these organizations.
I was a kid actor in theatre growing up but not Mormon- there was a notably high percentage of kids who were child actors in theatre that were Mormon. I remember noticing that even as a kid. I seriously thought it was because they sang koombaya and church songs everyday after school. 🤭🙃
And clogging...
Very classy young lady... and obviously very talented, as well. Very impressed with her and looking forward to her Part II.
Thank you for the kind words! Means a lot ❤
It’s devastating as a little Mormon girl to have this happen. I can vouch.
It really can be. ❤
I can second that 100% so many similarities here. Some big differences with a narcissist father who walked out on a temple marriage, wife, and family for another woman and her family. NO church support after mom moved us back to her parents, our grandparents town in happy valley ie: Springville everyone related to each other. Early 80's there was NO place for the "forever family" without a husband/father = NO church support. My mother was the definition of self reliant. I guess her working at BYU could be "church help" only because she was such an amazing resourceful hard worker. Not having anything but pioneer roots, judgement and abuse from the "company leaders" has blessed me to finally deconstruct after 50+ years and reconstruct a beautiful life away from the "company" and manipulations including helping my staunch husband see the light. I totally get it but I have met my Savior, know Him intimately & choose no arm of man to block my relationship with Him. I was never "perfect" yet He loves me unconditionally so unlike the "company". Loving TN Coastal NC is just a country club faking a mormon church ❤️ love connecting with others and similar experiences. WTG you are a beautiful person! Always stay true to yourself!!
thankyou all for sharing these important stories
Mac n cheese is considered a vegetable in the south.
BYU is the Harvard of the west? That’s a new one to me.
Because Stanford, Cal, UCLA are somehow inferior to BYU? This really is new to me and must be unique to Mormons.
Great interview!
When we moved into our last house a couple built across the way.They had 3 kids the youngest around 5.Over the years we watched them grow into adults.The family was LDS and seemed to do everything by the book.The son's went to BYU,on mission and the daughter married young. When the last child did his mission and started BYU they decided to put their house up for sale.We were told the husband had been commuting to another town for his job and the house was now too big.It all made sense.What did not was them getting a divorce.We were shocked to hear rumors and them proof when a friend who attended church with them said it. If it can happen to them nothing will surprise me.
I’ve always wondered why church was so against coffee but they’re ok with opioids?
Excellent point!!!! 🤔😵💫😵💫
I'm guessing because opioids were prescribed. It didn't make them safe.
I love her song “Life in a box” so much. I’ve put it on repeat several times.
Thank you Tammy! Means so much.
Hello Mormon Stories community,
I'm a french never mormon atheist and there's something about the concept of testimony that I don't completly understand : how do you define the concept of testimony ? As I understand it, it's a way to publicly affirm your faith in the church, in god and Jesus. In many Mormon Stories interviews I see people struggling to find their testimony even if they are faithful believers. I'm probably missing something.
English is not my native language, I wish my question makes sense...sorry if I'm not... :)
Bonjour, alors d'après ce que j'ai cru comprendre, chez les Mormons leur idée "témoignage" est l'ensemble de leurs expériences personnelles qui les ont convaincu de la véracité de leur église... par exemple, certains vont dire que leur témoignage est basé sur une expérience de foi personnelle, ou une prière exaucée. les mormons semblent convaincus que leur foi est basée sur des réalités matérielles dans leur vie plutôt qu'une simple conviction personnelle, alors beaucoup qui n'ont pas eu d'expériences impressionnantes vont trouver des trucs un peu farfelus pour leur témoignage. Par exemple, dans un épisode précédent, un invité a parlé de la guérison 'miraculeuse' de son père après qu'un membre de l'église ait prié pour lui, et ce jeune homme a donc basé tout son témoignage sur cette expérience.
OMG my family had homeschool with Kelsey!! And enjoyed her movie! 🤯
San Antonio homeschool Teen Conference was the best!!
haha hi guys!!
Hey Preston! Long time no talk, dude!
Scrupulosity.. 😢 it’s no joke. All 8 of my kids suffered from mine.
I suffered many years with scrupulosity. I don't think the church realizes or cares that the same talk can be interpreted so many different ways by people listening.
Such a cute and pleasant girl. I can relate so much to certain aspects of what she shared.
aw thank you so much! means a lot!
Cute? I disagree. She's beautiful!
Hi! Im from Mexico City, and move to Provo UT a few years ago only staying 2 years there. I couldn't imagine that fake perfection on the people of the church. I grew surrounded for the real world where all you learn form church really help you ti stay safe. But in Utah, i saw it more about to maintain an appearance of perfectionism. In the first chance we had we move out of Utah, the fake bubble. I really love the church and the principles. I have lived where evil predominates, and where church principles are more like a life jacket. Not to proof who is better or not, who is richer, or slim, or blond. Jesus is love, no matter what! As a human we deal with the abuse of generations until we break the chain. I admire the courage you guys had. And doing the best you can do is always the right thing. Good Job guys!
It has cost many lives. 😢 My dad and I are also addicts. My heart goes out.
sending love to you Tammy! ❤
My hamster escaped from his cage and my cocker spaniel killed him. My dog was so proud! I was so upset as a teen.
heartbroken!! it was so sad :(
Downloaded it!!!
The last 30 minutes brings up forever families. Yes! I can remember from a very young age (pre baptism) questioning why temple marriage was required to be a forever family? Why would god separate families in heaven? ...I'm atheist now but as a child it was very concerning. Why is it a requirement when it's not in any scripture?
1:13:41 I had a Fentanyl epidural into my spine for five days for multiple broken ribs. It was a trip that the I.V. was locked next to me bc addicts creep around hospitals and steal peoples meds. It took two doctors to come to my bedside and sign off on it. This is all because of this epidemic. A close friend of mine died 15 years ago after overdosing on OxyContin. This has been going on a long time
Just looked up Minor Details movie & Jeannette McCurdy is in that movie. Interesting
I'm literally on neopets watching this :D
haha YES!!!
I have compassion. From body image.,anorexia and an absent dad. Hugs
And i love your song Life in a Box.
Thanks for the love, means so much that you can relate!
There is also a series I’ve watched called “Dope Sick.” It’s about the pharmacy who created OxyContin and the family who owned the company.
Love the rebranded logo!
I love Kelsey!!
love ya tommy!
The opiate industry..same as the tobacco industry and the sugar industry. Deliberate addiction.
Y'all mind as well make Margi the new co-host, she's been on the show more times than John's glasses has 😆 I really love her insights on though, especially from her therapy background
Done Nolan!!!
I think my cat hit the report button. She was walking on the phone. If she did, she apologizes. She can't read and never used a smart phone, before. 🙀
In addition to the book Empire of Pain - viewers might watch the documentary "Dopesick" about the opioid addiction crisis and Purdue Pharma.
She is great ❤
The Mormon Church seems to make people gloriously miserable and whatever they do to leave or reconcile that misery it drives them to confess their experiences on this marvellous channel. The eminent Doctor John Parkinson Dehlin provides a platform that proves that conversation is a good source of therapy and he steers each person through their wretched experiences so as to provide people like me with a truly comprehensive understanding of the effects the Mormon church has on its congregation. A few questions comes to mind after watching episode 1704. What is the ultimate outcome for this channel and its in depth interviews? To what extent has it in any way had an influence on the Mormon church? And are these case studies providing any consolation for people who have gone through similar experiences? I wish you well and hope the channel has made a difference to people who need its content.
Dr. John Dehlin has helped the Church do research and spoken with their leaders about bringing about change for the LGBTQ+ community and those struggling through a faith crisis. The focus on this channel has been to 1) Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology, 2) Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis, and 3) Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions.
@@mormonstories Thank you
Wonder if "studying scriptures" means pretty much the BoM (BoM+) or does it include reading the Bible too? If so, does Kelsey just block out the many passages there that inform of the oneness of God; and think that they aren't relevant anymore b/c of belief in JSJ's first vision account where he claimed to have seen TWO?... Just trying to clarify what Mormons mean when they contend to spend a lot of time studying "scripture?"
Members of the LDS church study both - I read the Bible many times growing up, but we are taught a different interpretation of those scriptures. To members of the LDS church, oneness of God means "oneness of purpose," not that God and Jesus are literally, physically in one body.
@@KelseyEdwards Thanks4responding... I've been taught that the Father essence is SPIRITUAL and beyond our ability to fathom... Jeremiah23:23&24 testifies of that unimaginable reality… “Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.
Embracing the first vision means you accept that JSJ was shown something that Jesus never even showed His own disciples, although He had many opportunities to do so (if it was the truth of reality). One example is from John14 when a couple of the disciples wanted it made clear what He meant when referring to a seemingly separate Father... Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father, so how can you say, 'Show us the Father?'
Mormons seem to believe that JSJ would be more favored than Jesus' own disciples who'd been close companions &confidants for YEARS...
We all accept that we are more than our body, when that body ceases to be of service to us at time of death... We know that our true self lives on... Shouldn't we be able to acknowledge the same is true of GOD (in whose image we're made)?
The Father/Soul essence is testified of in 1Timothy6 "...which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen." ...The Son essence (Jesus Christ) is how that incomprehensible, spiritual Father essence was able to make Himself visible and relate-able through the agency of Mary...
Impossible to give credibility for TRUTH to both the Bible and the BoM+... The books tell us different things... If you believe the first vision, then you don't believe all the passages from the Bible that assure of the oneness of God (Deut6:4, 2Kings19:15&19, Isa44:6&8&24, 45:5&6&21&22, 46:9&10, 48:12&13, Joel2:27, Zech14:9, Mark12:29, John5:44, James2:19, Rev1:8&17&18, 21:6)... Thanks4the opportunity to share... = )
I always cried in primary to that one.
I feel this so hard.
@1:25:00 -John Dehlin is centuries ahead of the church. What a mind blowing idea! I’d take my kids to that kind of church, & I’m Agnostic.
Have you considered having someone from the Community of Christ on? I'm curious how their experiences might be similar or different.
Kelsey has the cutest laugh. She seems like such a cool person.
I didn't join the church until I was 21 but I already had an ED and I am autistic, which means that I interpret things quite literally or need things explaining fully and not be left to guess at things (there is a lot more to Autism but for what I am talking about right now, that is the relevant thing.) The dress codes, word or wisdom, and law of chastity messed me up so much, I cannot imagine how much worse it would have been if I had grown up in the church. It made my ED a lot worse and I covered my body up all of the time because I couldn't have anybody see anything, it is awful. I have luckily left now but I still working through the trauma. Thank you Kelsey for sharing your story. :)
I hope the main takeaway from all these stories is to remember we're supposed to be kind to everyone, don't judge others, don't be self-righteous! Follow Jesus' teachings & example vs being harsh, judgemental & conservative.
At the end of this I was so excited so watch the rsst. I actually clicked on the second one first then found this one because you told me to John. I'm so curious how things did a 180 lol
John, got a link for the Purdue Pharmacy book? I can’t find 😢
Homeschool students do not need a high school diploma to get into colleges and universities. That is a myth. I used to produce homeschool conferences and we had quite a few universities come as sponsors/vendors to promote to homeschool students because they are often quite self motivated in their own education. They do need high test scores or other experiences.
This is true. My homeschooled daughter transferred to an in-state university after attending our local community college for two years. It was her choice to follow this academic path.
Within a specifically Mormon context, could someone please explain the "benefits over features" phrase which the mission president used? Thanks.
In many of these Mormon stories I hear them mention "the gospel" and they are referring to their Mormon religion or the Mormon version of the gospel when they say this and I just think that is not the gospel. In the mormon world view there is no distinction between their Mormon version of the gospel and Christ and the historical gospel and Christ.
Have you done a part 2 yet? I can't find it if you have.
Tomorrow!
Most Christian denominations do not recognize Mormonism as part of their religious tradition. Even some conservative Evangelicals do not consider Catholicism as true Christianity for several reasons. I'd like to hear some discussion about this in one way or another. Mormons are such a minority in most parts of this country and even less so worldwide. There must have been some conflict with other Christian sects or denominations. Maybe this is outside the scope of this podcast, but I am always fascinated with the idea of the in versus out group. (Turns out Kelsey did delve into this some later in the episode.) Also, I am not sure who came up with the purity culture traditions (chewing gum, etc.), but I have definitely heard other Evangelicals use some of these techniques. With Catholics, the idea of purity is there for the flock, but they have a separate group of nuns, monks, and priests which embodies those ideas.
@ Wesley Bush
This bit of history might begin to answer your question. I copied about a half page of it word for word from Wiki pedia web page of the Governor of Missouri's name. Keep in mind that the first Mormon church meeting was April 6, 1830 and there were six people in attendance. Porter Rockwell was Joseph Smith's well armed body guard. Here you go with Part 1 ...
Lilburn Williams Boggs (December 14, 1796 - March 14, 1860)[1] was the sixth Governor of Missouri from 1836 to 1840. He is now most widely remembered for his interactions with Joseph Smith and Porter Rockwell, and Missouri Executive Order 44, known by Mormons as the "Extermination Order", issued in response to the ongoing conflict between church members and other settlers of Missouri.
Wesley, Christians will never consider the Mormons Christian because their theology is so drastically different. At best they are a sect of Christianity. Mormons believe that we are all equal to god in everything but knowledge. Its the only thing that separates us from becoming our own gods like the father. In Mormonism, god didn't create us. We are all pre-existent and eternal. This is anathema to Christian religions.
As for Catholics, there are many in the evangelical community that don't believe Catholics are Christian but the "devil" is in the details. What evangelicals mean by "they aren't Christian" is that they don't have a saving faith. The reason is that they add works to grace and according to Paul that nullifies grace. Evangelical's would say that they weren't Christian in the same way that they would say Mormonism isn't Christian. One teaches a false doctrine that may make it harder for a member to find Christ while the other one preaches blasphemy and mimics the sin that got Lucifer cast out of heaven.
@@blusheep2 The objections to Catholicism I heard were always things like praying to saints or using rosary beads. I imagine the Eastern Orthodox churches or Anglicism would fall along similar lines.
@@wesleybush8646 Yeah, those things are mentioned as well but though they are not respected in evangelical circles, it is the salvation by grace AND works that gets them triggered.
Mary is another big one along with the statues that are treated as objects of worship in some Catholic cultures.
Wasn’t there glossalalia at the Kirtland temple?
Regarding the opioid crisis, I recommend the stellar Hulu show Dopesick starring Michael Keaton.
Families can stay together in Evangelical Protestantism but only if everyone stays a Christian. I grew up with my parents fearing that a couple of my older siblings were going to go to hell. Not because they were doing anything bad but because they didn't seem very interested in being Christian. I think that's a pretty common way of looking at things.
This is probably less common but also both of my parents thought that their parents and siblings were going to hell. Not because they weren't also Christian but because they were in the wrong branches of Christianity. They were in the Catholic and United churches.
I lived in Birmingham for 7 years...pretty but different.
Couldn’t find part one on Spotify so I’m here to listen to the first half
Dopesick 2021 drama on HULU talks about Oxy, Purdue Pham book John refers too. Awesome series
So much mention of her Mom for someone at her stage of life. Plus the idea of lack of control. Sounds like not just lack of control because of the industry.
Not at all. I shared vulnerable parts of my childhood which could be potentially embarrassing for my parents, so I wanted to counteract that by sharing my gratitude for them. And I was nervous, so I repeated myself a few times :) no need to spin it into something it isn't.
Who else introduces you to religion other than missionaries or your family? Religion and family are intertwined deeply, so it seems only natural to talk about your roots when you’re asked about them.
Oh yes, Joseph Smith and his 34 (?) wives and their 11 (?) husbands!
As a native of AL I have never seen Mormon missionaries in AL however i have encountered JWs a lot but bever a Mormon missionary.
As a Birmingham resident and native Alabamian....War Eagle!
My daughter also observed a lot of racist behavior on her mission in Iowa/Illinois. She was shocked.
I am not shocked. After all, all of the leaders are racists themselves. Nothing new with that.
“El se-gun-doe” 😂
What’s funny about that?
Yeah, so did mine, but my brother and sister and I are still faithful and active!
Interesting. This idea that families will be together in the after-life is not biblical. The bible rather suggests that after resurrection, people just become just another angel w/o marriage, relationships. I would think this would be a HUGE thing to make clear if it were so or that important.
John are you listening? You ask her questions she already explained
Takes time to understand how to blame the effect of church members agency too in human mental illnesses. Thank you for sharing your own experience. I know people that experience the opposite everything happend when they decide to live againts the healthy and protective teachings of the church.
Where is Part 2?
Tomorrow!
Awesome thanks!
How do you get on this podcast????