Well at least he wasn’t locked into Scientology. You know I was raised that you couldn’t say anything bad if it was the truth. So I have nothing bad to say about the Mormon church but I assume most Mormons would think that I have nothing but bad things to say about their church. It’s because I speak the truth but it’s not bad what I say. Tthey’re the ones calling it bad. I’m not speaking bad thoughts I speak honest truth as I see it . What they see is a result of narcissism & brain molding & goes beyond logic. they’re reading me and thinking that’s bad & that’s the idea I didn’t do that God did that God put that thought in your mind think about that...? YES ITS BAD, It’s also true which makes it really bad do you get it? Probably not LOL
I've never heard someone leave a religion because they wanted to offer a good education for their child. This is impressive. I bet you guys are amazing parents
Yeah man, I've been an atheist for the majority of my life and I can't even fathom the feeling of God that religious people experience. It's fascinating to me.
same, when we don't have these ideas put in our heads as we grow, it becomes really hard to understand them later on, the idea of believing in something simply due to "faith" is very hard for me to comprehend.
Johnny, I have watched so many Mormon Stories videos & have never commented because of the fear you spoke about. Your courage has inspired me. I left Mormonism in my mind & heart 22 years ago, kept going for 10 more years (fear again) but my husband & children, parents, siblings, etc remained. It was very lonely, especially on the 2 days where my daughter got married in the temple & then later my son got married in the temple & I was not allowed in. I feel so happy for you that your wife & boys are with you on your journey. I loved what you said about wonder & awe & all there is to learn. This is a mom thing to say but I’m so proud of you & wish you all the best!
that just says everything about this "church" j(and many others). didn't allow you to be in there when your kids got married. nobody can exmplain to me that acts like that in any way mean well.
You really weren't allowed at your daughter s wedding because of your beliefs? I could understand if you were "bashing" it as you left if not... Did your daughter or any of your family want you to be there?
@@GRAITOM it nots that she wasn’t allowed by the children. it’s the church doesn’t let you enter the temple because you’re not active (it’s a lot more complicated than that but it’s the main gist)
My dad is an ex-Mormon, he left the church around when I was born, just as you did with your own son. We're very lucky to have a family that's so accepting of him, but I've always wondered what leaving the church was like for him. I know your experiences weren't the same, but I feel like this gives me such an insight into who he is. Sincerely thank you, Johnny.
Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!
@@dannytadashi4235 I am a Asian American too from India, it's not compulsory to give 10% of your income, where did you hear that from, which Mormon church you were in, give me your info, I will check about you in the records, I think you are lying. I haven't payed my 10% for above 3-4 years, they haven't said to me anything. Evn though they helped me very much during the pandemic because I have low income. Plus they gave me accommodation which helped in saving my rent for the house. 3rd I am from India, Buddhism is from India and china and Vietnam is a communist state with no religion, but still the fact is Christianity is fastest growing religion in china and Vietnam. Till 2030 there would be more Christians in china than in the USA. Source - www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/09/15/protestant-christianity-is-booming-in-china 2. www.christianitydaily.com/articles/10634/20210126/open-doors-china-s-xi-threatened-by-massive-growth-of-christianity.htm In India too Christians are increasing massively, in the North East and South West part of India, the Christian population if 95- 99%, which was previously 10% in the 90's
@@Ryanlexz Can you imagine being this outright ignorant that that’s what you get of this? Religions are constantly spreading, and I believe that’s a good thing! Faith is healthy, and at that, faith is natural. Perhaps give yourself and this video a good look if that’s all you took from this. This video is about the clearly traumatic experience that is leaving an unfortunately manipulative faith like the LDS one.
When you posted this, my husband and I were hurting and realizing we were leaving. This video helped us so much. We didn't feel alone anymore. Thank you for this. A year later, our family is so much happier!
Congratulations. Your kids will grow up knowing fossils tell a story, and dna is a storybook of problem solving, and viruses are interesting, and that plants and fungis, and birds and fish are alll amazing and so much deeper and more interesting than any fantasy or faith ever created even if it was updated and evolved and adapted to fit what we know now it will always be shallow and dark with contradictions and ignorance, that the real world is sooooo much more worthy of our devotion to learning and understanding and loving and caring for than any one dimensional story created by a manipulative and transparent 15 year old grifter out of parts and peices plagiarized at best . That history of humanity is deeper and more full of lessons and learning and amazing people who were truthful and humble not narcissistic self righteous self proclaimed profits than allll the holly books and crystal ball reading grifters could ever glue together with desperate fears of mortality and guilt of betraying the sweet parents who themselves blindly slurped up the con with no word back from that so called god they prayed to as a child truly expecting a response and got nothing no matter how we desperately called out to please show us this is not happening, that everything we ever were told is built on a god who will never reply.
Sorry if that went off the deep end, I just wanted to express how beautiful it is to hear parents doing what you have chose. It will save your children years, maybe even decades of asking why … mor worse, a lifetime of blind obedience to a lie.
I wish I had my husband to support me. I do feel very alone. But I know I'm doing the right thing by leaving the religion.even though I've been shunned and ridiculed, staying in would be disingenuous. I hope that I can find new friends.
Dear Johnny, I enjoyed your talk and appreciate your openeness and thoughtfulness! I´m a 42 year old mom from Germany, was raised in the evangelical state church. Gladly I developed a personal relationship with Jesus before questioning church as a system. Cause when I left church my faith was strong and vibrant. Later in life I went through tough times that really shook my faith, and at some point I almost threw away my hope in Christ. But whatever - Jesus held me, carried me, let me cry, laugh, complain, demand, whatever - He is so patient and gracious! It´s about time people meet Jesus for themselves, without a religion, a church system. Jesus wants to lead you to the Fatherheart of God. Once you´ve found that, you don´t need a system and can enjoy life in fullness, be curious, fellowship with all kinds of people. Keep searching and learning Johnny! It´s worth it!
It resonates with me so deeply what you said. Perfect words to express my own feelings. Even though the words were meant to @johnnyharris, I take them to my heart. And I'm so glad to know that are more people that love Jesus outside the framework of religion. It's comforting to hear that. Thank you!
This video really hits home! I recently left the Mormon Church myself, and it's been the biggest mental, emotional, social, and whatever you want, roller coaster in my life! The church tried to manipulate me as a Social Media Influencer, and when I didn't give in, they tried to excommunicate me, but it was the truth claims and negative social impacts that I couldn't look past. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. Messages like this are important to people in the church and people looking into it. From one RM now UA-camr to another, 加油！(It means keep it up in Chinese :D)
I was kicked out of my house when I was 18 because I wouldn’t go on my mission. Lived out of car for months while I was going to college and playing football. Having parents that understand that their children might develop different beliefs is something I wish everyone going through issues with the church can experience. Unfortunately I didn’t.
I am so sorry that happened to you, you are very strong to get through that. Hopefully now, outside of that, you've found people who can support you and wish you well.
Whoa Justin! Your statement grabbed me and I feel great empathy for you. I too chose sports over a mission. I hope you have been able to find peace. Be well.
That is so wrong. My brother was "called" too. He had won a scholarship and had already started at the university. But was talked into going on the mission. When he came back, he had been totally indoctrinated, and he never went back to school. A totally different person.
The fact you and your wife stayed together and went through this together is extremely inspiring. Your kids will be great member of this world it is clear.
Well, as long as they got theirs. All while using the kid as an excuse. That's what is important. It's not like this was tried by any other generations.
I began distancing myself with the church about 2 years ago after 8 years of deconstruction. Your words rang true for me. The pain and deconstruction, the excitement of starting over coupled with the pain of grief, anger, resentment, and having to reframe has been challenging, for me and for so many others I've met on similar journeys. Thank you for sharing what you have. Vocalizing it gives people the courage to choose their best life.
Listen first, think , and then decide ......it may take many years..... just don’t believe anything.....just put your your experience to understand ...... HINT: use“NATURE” to understand something.
People like you are the god.... cause you can question, I question sanatan dharm and by my logic I understand it not believe it , actually feel it, if i am wrong please make correct. You can read “ GITA”. Again if i am wrong please make me right.... i feel and believe by logic “GITA”.
Having been raised in Orthodox Judaism, this resonates on such a deep level. I left when I was 14 but it’s astounding how much it’s influenced my life, both positive and negative. At least it got me asking questions :)
I learned to back away from religion when I realized how the priests and preachers professed hate in contradiction to Jesus' teachings about love just because other people follow other religions 😕
Having been raised in Utah, in an LDS environment, served a mission, temple marriage, have a son, moved to Delaware, and recently decided to leave the church, this hits home.
You should really watch the UA-cam video "Morality and Christian God (Sam Harris)" It demonstrates exactly why religion is worse than cancer. Look at it like you survived cancer, you're a courageous and intellectually honest man because of it. To be able to recognize you are deluded and misinformed goes against all human nature. So I'm proud of you. How often do you hear someone admit their extremely cherished opinion/belief was wrong? The cognitive dissonance of believing scientists are lying while literally everything you touch and use was made and improved by science... it's astonishing. It all stems from our fear and inability to comprehend not existing anymore. Then people exploited that fear to create civilization. Telling people if they behave then they'll get to be with all their loved ones when they die. As long as they behaved as well. In a sense, it was a useful lie. But it has gotten out of hand. It has gotten in the way of progress far too many times. The simple fact is, the New Testament was written by 1st-century goat herders who didn't know where the sun went at night. And there's not a single thing in that book that couldn't have been written by a literate human from the 1st century. Humans have a really hard to being honest with themselves. If there was a god who had this magical club for us if we just recognized him, he would most certainly make it obvious he exists. Even in a book written two thousand years ago. He could have made exact specific predictions about the internet for example. He could have provided such advanced mathematical concepts and equations that they'd still be the most advanced mathematical wealth of knowledge two thousand years later. It's just so damn obvious the more you think about it and the more honest you are with yourself. I went through it too. I was extremely indoctrinated from a young age. Private Christian schools, bible class 5 days a week, church on Wednesday nights, church on Sunday morning. I believed it beyond any shadow of a doubt. I thought Scientists were evil liars and apart of Satan's army. I told my lesbian neighbor friend she was going to hell. Because I believed it and I loved her and it scared me to imagine her burning for eternity. Being honest with myself was the single hardest thing I've ever done and I enjoy meeting people who have also waged that internal war.
My situation is a bit similar. If those people truly cared about epistemology and the most accurate view of the universe, they would have been glad that you pose disagreements because that gives them an opportunity to rethink their ideas in a rational discourse, which always benefits the quality of what we think is the case. And the more accurate our ideas are with the actual world, the more liveable word we can contribute to creating. Please take care!
@@mateusztgorak If you like the study of epistemology, I recommend the channel, Beyond the Fundamentals. Perhaps starting with the video, The Shortcomings of Theological Labels with Leighton Flowers. It's a "Christian" channel, but the guy seems fairly thoughtful, and is open to having his point of view being scrutinised. I'll post the link in a separate comment, in case this channel automatically blocks links.
you guys have it easy yet you are such fragile cry babies ... when we leave islam we get death threats and some of us get jailed or killed by our own families and deaths are covered up as some accident by authorities to preserve the familys honor .. you people have no idea how lucky you are to have such freedoms and safety , you can even go public and no one will hurt you
@@_hunter_hunter1048 I've seen a lot of videos of people dying, being injured, tortured etc and it really makes you appreciate the safety of the country one lives in (for me, a european country). You really get a new found appreciation after you see the 1000th mexican guy get brutally murdered for completely unjust reasons. I really do see where you're coming from and I do agree that we don't appreciate it enough but just because you have it the worst doesn't mean that having big problems that just aren't as severe isn't a problem. It's still a huge problem, and a shitty experience. I get what you mean but diminishing all the shit that a lot of have to go through because someone has had it worse is pointless and just makes everyone feel more shitty.
I can whole-heartedly appreciate the courage it took to do something like this-so deeply personal and at the same time risky. The way you spoke about your son being a catalyst for your initial decision was especially touching. I have two sons of my own, both recent adults, that were raised in the LDS faith. As for myself, I was a teenage convert that always struggled with doctrinal and structural aspects of the church, and religion writ large. Around the time my boys were entering double-digit years I fell away and it took some time for me to shuck off the shame that came with that. Over the ensuing years I found my footing, and I have done my best to show my boys an alternate philosophy, ethic, and value system without undermining or maligning the church they continue to attend with their devout, now temple-married mother. Knowing that this video is out there should they ever find themselves wrestling with their own beliefs is a comfort to me. Thank you.
I broke out of Adventism…. So much of what you say was going through your mind I can relate to as well. The culture for one thing…. It’s more than church, we have church school, colleges, hospitals etc. it’s a lifestyle. Even those who are liberal Adventist still have one foot in the door and many times that is enough to satisfy most. I took both feet out. I researched and researched Ellen White and how things she said did not line up biblically… I read the torture people went through in 1844 when they thought Christ was coming and He did not… people died, including babies who froze to death. People lost homes, property… they needed help…. I became sola scripture… I do believe in the Bible only… I never gave up on Christ, He is my everything. I let all the additions to the Bible go - I sought out honest biblical preachers… no prosperity preachers. No rapture theories… Now, I’m finding myself in a similar boat with politics. Trump is now church king and this is a struggle… both feet are out with him. I’m alone again in my journey. But it’s the truth. He is not a man of God. He does not represent God - not the God I worship.
@@DonnaNelson-u6e well government and politicians will never be your savior or church that is where evil holds court Trump is not perfect but if we can bring outsiders in to stop the wicked atheist satanist people destroying we the citizens rights and spending us into oblivion . I am a constitutional liberation just so you know I hate big government corruption . Not D or R 😊
A friend sent me this video because I recently left the Mormon church as well. I literally could have made this exact video. Thank you for articulating it so beautifully. It’s so hard to do-especially for people who aren’t familiar with the faith. ❤️
I wish you the best on your journey. I'm currently inactive, though I still believe that the core teachings and values of the church are good and I follow them the best I can. I understand how many things aren't taught the best they could be, but I hope people can see past the mistakes of the people trying to teach and understand that God loves you and I'm sure anyone else who truly knows you does as well. I find it's really hard not to love someone once you realize what they have been through and why they do the things they do. No judgement here. Just sad to see so many being pushed away from something I ultimately still have a lot of respect for. It's what made me who I am.
@@valderon3692 A Freemason started the Morman Church. The Morman Church is Satanic at the top level just like Freemasonry. Even the Catholic church appears to have been taken over by Luciferians (Satanic). Most members of all those organizations are clueless as to what is going on at the top. The members are a cover for the evil ones. The members probably also get misled on various things.
I was directed to this video and even though years old, i needed to comment. I resigned about 20 years ago in my late 20s. I know the struggle and heartache of leaving a core part of your identity. My collapse was digging into church history after taking an insitutes class. My family closest to me are still very active and dont 'accept' my choices. We dont fight any more, but it is just not discussed.
I know that so much went into preparing to tell this story, and I have to say I am so honored you have chosen to share it with us. It is hard to comprehend the emotional and mental journey both you and Iz had to go through before feeling able to share this, and I really appreciate how you demonstrated taking that time and sharing over the past couple years when you weren’t ready.
As a Catholic raised Italian, living most of my youth in protestant Netherlands, fast forward now in India since many years, a land of such strong, deep cultural flamboyancy and diversity, and drenched in a spirituality which is only religious to those who look at it superficially...the way you tell your story tells me you have really, really travelled deep in your spiritual and personal search. You are a courageous and admirable human being. May your story inspire many.
Idk where u went in the Netherlands but I lived here all my live and almost no one here is religious. The country also isn’t protestant but 50/50 catholic/protestant
I grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness and a lot of this hit home for me. It’s a painful and hard process when you leave. The loneliness hurts and losing your friends and family can be difficult. But nothing can replace the joy of living an authentic life
Johnny, my wife and I just told our parents that we're stepping back from the LDS Church a few weeks ago. Thank you for this video, really hit home about a lot of the thoughts and feelings I've been unpacking. I've enjoyed your channel for a while and had no idea you were an ExMo. Glad to see you've found happiness and a new identity on the other side. Thanks again.
Proof Eucharist is body of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary is his mother. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;z 50this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”a 52The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?” 53Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. 54Whoever eats* my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. 55For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.b 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Eucharistic miracle.. ua-cam.com/video/soCkftBBsBo/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/oogJ-cdi7yI/v-deo.html (Rome Reports) ua-cam.com/video/whbzLYi7cyc/v-deo.html (Lanciano) ua-cam.com/video/6PJ8BORx1p8/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/bd16tBRbLXw/v-deo.html Incorruptible bodies of saints due to the Eucharist - only happens in the Catholic church. No other religion has this miracle ua-cam.com/video/GSCk0qs-2-M/v-deo.html (Padre Pio) ua-cam.com/video/jN4SvtRje2I/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/-TrR1CEWdbc/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/XCDBekAQ-FI/v-deo.html (Carlo Acutis) ua-cam.com/video/33vlkJh2iJc/v-deo.html Apparition of Virgin Mary ua-cam.com/video/GQnKS7YUE7Q/v-deo.html (Virgin Mary apparition in Ivory Coast) ua-cam.com/video/0PPGuMmn6TQ/v-deo.html (Virgin Mary statue moving) ua-cam.com/video/tVU8bhbQInw/v-deo.html (Virgin Mary apparition in Egypt) ua-cam.com/video/nMEWxRB-1dc/v-deo.html 1968 Egypt ua-cam.com/video/8YR6INkTK7Q/v-deo.html (Miracle of the sun) ua-cam.com/video/yF0_ysUivxE/v-deo.html (Miracle of the sun) ua-cam.com/video/76qAMB3qUpA/v-deo.html Sun miracle in Medjugorje in Easter Sunday
SO grateful to learn about your quest to be the best parent you could be. It is not easy creating a new path for your family. The world is better for your effort.
“Leaving the church is painful, socially, mentally, you pay a price for doing so.” Powerful statement I fully relate to. Left the church years ago, and this is still so real. It’s a journey.
I left the church 30 years ago & still unpacking the psychological, social & cultural impact all these years later. I appreciate you sharing your story, and wish all those post Mormon warriors in their journey towards their own Truth ❤️
thankfully, i am a PCA, and we dont believe that Church, your priest or your works is a gateway of salvation to heaven, but when we leave the Church, is basically sad personally, its like losing a community that you have build together in Christ(altough that doesnt mean they are going to excommunicate you or abandon you,lol) PCA are basically a community where you can grow together inside Christ, and given a material or organization to build a genuine Christian community that really makes you feel something(especially if you are the Elder, but in PCA everyone is given chance to repent and testimony about everyday God's work) not to mention, its gonna feels weird to meet with your Godfather and Godmother when you leave the church, lol especially if they are your neighbor.
@@BillPigg, I think that this woman experienced a "rape" by a Mormon leader. She was blamed & shamed for this violent act but the Mormon Church completely ignored her as the true victim & excommunicated her. They chose to believe her perpetrator. That's so sad.
I had to have that same conversation with my wife and it was so horrifying to me, taking my own life seemed like a better choice. Through a lot of struggle and overwhelming fear, I got through it and our marriage is still going strong 4 years later. To anyone else in a similar position, it is possible to make it out not only alive, but stronger for it. My kids often thank me for taking the big step to leave the church and thereby make it possible for them to be true to who they are rather than live a life filled with shame.
Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!
It can absolutely feel like your world is going to end. It's terrifying telling that to a spouse. For me, I am now in a mixed faith marriage and we still struggle. It's been 10 years of deconstruction and about 1.5 years of fully being out. It's the most liberating, jarring, and centering experience. We still struggle, but I've come to embrace a deeper version of myself and our marriage has been all the better for it.
I too came from a high control religion. This video profoundly spoke to me. Thank you for sharing your personal journey. Please create a follow-up video as you said you would 3 years ago.
Can't agree more. When he described his frustrations with the 'authority structures,' I felt like he took the words directly out of my own mind. I was lucky, like him. My parents adopted me when I was two weeks old through the church, they raised me to be a saint, and I was for a long time. when I was 16-17 years old, I told them I didn't believe and that I didn't want to go anymore, not knowing what their reactions might be. They were understanding, loving, patient.. They knew they were going to try to get me to go back, hell, I knew that, too. But they never stopped loving me and I knew that and felt that. Made all the difference in the world. I think my Mom had an idea to get up to heaven first and butter up the big guy before I got there so maybe he'd just let me slide into eternity w her and my brother and my Dad 😂
I feel the same, I'm an ex-muslim and tbh i never thought how much similar the stories of ex-mormons are to us. It's not easy to leave a cult, I salute you all.
@@HarpaxA she passed in 2019, stage four cancer. She was my protector, my guardian angel, the one person I knew would always be on my side no matter what. I miss her every single day.
Coming from an active member of the church, I throughly enjoyed this video. It is always interesting to me to see peoples stories of transitioning out of the church, and to have someone who is able to express their story so well. My dad left the church when I was young, and it did break apart my parents marriage. It’s something I am still unpacking well into my adult years. I am genuinely happy for you and your wife, and I’m glad that you two were able to find joy in your life beyond the church. Thank you for sharing, looking forward to future videos.
I’m so sorry that it broke your family up. It shouldn’t have. Many couples can continue having a very happy family and believe differently. It’s hard when they get counseled by the brethren to do otherwise. It must’ve been u credibly difficult for you & I hope you get all of the help that you need to help you through your pain. Hugs
active member here as well. As a convert, who joined the church as an adult, it breaks my heart when people feel like they have been tricked or lied to their whole lives. I love this church and the gospel. I feel for these people
@@Ether-pb5gb also a convert at 18. Served a mission and married in the temple. I totally agree with you. It makes me really think deeply about how I will raise my children. I feel a lot of members born in the church are victims of pressure from parents and community which drives them to eventually leave the church. Theres a better way to raise children, I just know it.
❤❤ Wow, Johnny. I’ve been following you forever and I truly respect you for doing an honest video like this. I’ve watched the first of your videos about the church and about to watch #2. Keep being you, bro
I’m LDS and don’t have plans to change my activity. This is the first time I’ve ever commented on any UA-cam video but I wanted to say how beautiful this was. I deeply love how well you explained your situation. Coming from the faith I can let everyone know it’s a big deal. I appreciate your respectful honestly with us and yourself. Keep living and loving this beautiful life we all have.
Wow. You literally just made the most perfect comment anyone has made. Thank you so much for saying this it really helped me sort through my feelings after watching this video.
Look at this insidious worm trying to create a kind persona toward ex-members, like they don't attempt to destroy former members lives and bar them from their own families when individuals choose a non-delusional path... Don't try to be nice lol we know your looking down on us all from Tier 1 heaven lol. (The guy was being nice but I feel the need to troll him so...)
When I was pregnant I started realizing the huge responsibility that my child brings My son changed me completely and forever and all for the better I wish my husband followed that path too like your wife did That change is still making it hard to be together but I’m glad that I can be the person that I am for my son
Tough journey, the gospel of jesus christ, is true. The people that make up anything, are flawed. Not wrong on all aspects, but flawed. Giving my relationship with the savior will not be jeopardised by anyone. My relationship with him is the reason I'm here. Not man.
@@user-bd5md5cm2j Tough journey indeed. She and Johnny Harris are strong people to take on this journey, to risk their long-established social groups in order to search for who they really want to be. Believe what you want, after all, we're also just doing the same.
I was raised agnostic/atheist and, as someone said in the comments, hearing about this kind of experiences is very interesting for me as I haven't ever experienced anything similar and I think it's very important to listen to them so that we can understand what you go through better so thank you for being one of those who shares their story, I get it must be hard to do. I really appreciate that many people re-evaluate their values as parents and I think we sometimes see things clearer that way. I want to thank you again and wholeheartedly for making this video. It was a great resource for someone like me to begin to understand what stepping out of a church can mean, but I'm sure as I've read in the comments that it has been a major help for many people who are dealing with the same doubts you did. Making this video requires a lot of courage and I want to acknowledge it and thank you for that. Seriously, thank you. P.S.: It really got me thinking what you said about thinking about the world in a special framework and then, without it, it being exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. I feel that way with the world. And it's awesome. We'll always have new things to learn in this incredible world we live in. Lots of luck, Johnny, stay safe!! :)
I was born into a hindu family but as i grew a bit older , i started to question god, and hinduism isnt as imposing or orthodox as christianity so my parents just let me believe what i wanted to, they resisted only a bit.
I've always enjoyed your work. Your honesty with yourself and others, even on a public platform, has always been refreshing. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal aspect of your life. I was raised LDS as well. I understand how difficult this must have been.
One of the reasons I like Gary Habermas is that he questioned the authority of scripture, viewed it the same way skeptics do, and tried to find the truth about the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. The process took years and it was the topic of his PhD. A few of his lectures on the topic are on youtube.
I was once a Jehovah's Witness. I am so much happier after leaving. "When one man practice something illogical he is crazy, but when practiced by a large group it's a religion."
Good for you bro, you deserve to be your own man, and if there is a god it definitely ain’t some guy dressed up in religious clothes who knows what’s up
100% agree with you and you can't convince them otherwise. And I think people don't realise how difficult it can be to break away from something or a religion you've known your whole life.
Thanks for sharing this. I was wondering how the Mormon faith interprets the Bible verse Matthew 22:30 that says there is no marriage in heaven. I ask in sincerity and respect, it is just a question that comes to mind. Really appreciate all your videos too. All I've watched are very well done.
And reading comments there are many people going thorugh the same, trust me it's very scary to do what he has done already ( I am personally going thorugh that but I am really really scare)
Johnny, many others in this comment thread have far more personal and relevant reasons for appreciating this video, but I just want to add my voice to the wave of people thanking you for your vulnerability and honesty in making this vid. I'm sure you've considered this video for a long time, and I'm sure this was one of the hardest videos to make - so thank you.
I can't imagine how scary it must have been to detach yourself from your family's believes and leave everything your heart knew of the spiritual world. What a battle it must have been on so many levels!
@@digimbyte I'm also catholic and agree with your comment, but it is difficult in the sense to turn away from your family's religious beliefs. That is hard.
Raising a child with an open minded mindset is so important, it makes them a tolerate and accepting human being. Your kids are lucky to have you guys ❤️
Yeah, when I have kids I won't impose anything on them and I'll let them explore and choose when they come of age. I've seen how shoving beliefs down a child end up, it usually just have worse things in the future.
I can't agree with you on this. There has to be limits. In a civilised society children need to be taught some kind of belief system. Ok yes we should teach them to be tolerant but if we don't teach them then they will get their lessons and beliefs from elsewhere and it might not Bea good source. I completely reject this let your child choose. Yes it's good to give them some kind of choice at some point but from being young I think it's fine to teach them good principles and take them to church as there are good things taught there.
@@Gracemeguide1988 My aunt does this with her kids and my mom did this with me to an extent. It was actually ironic bc my parents aren't religious and I ended up religious (for a time). My aunt takes her kids to different churches/temples of different religions to experience options and a broader understanding of society. As for myself, I can quote the bible better than many of my very religious friends, which just goes to show that unhealthy devotion can sometimes lead to dogmatism. Religion is very much subjective. Teaching them traditionally is not necessarily bad. But there is a big difference between exposing them to a lot which I would recommend, vs exposing them to absolutely nothing, which sounds like a bad idea and will hold them back socially, intellectually, spiritually, culturally.
@@Gracemeguide1988 i understand what you are saying, but teaching kids good principles is not exclusive to teaching them through a belief system. especially when a lot of religious group intermix those good principles to forms of hatred or inacceptance. and from my personal experience, picking out which of those things you have been taught to believe your entire life are good and which are bad, and then leaving the bad ones are very tolling and frankly was one of my darkest moments. but then again, it may depends on what kind of religious belief you are teaching to your kid. but if i had the ability to choose how i wanted to grow up i would definitely chose not being taught any belief system
@@Gracemeguide1988 my father brought me up catholic, but at 10 I rejected the church. He never once questioned my choice, and I found my own way of expressing spirituality. I didnt turn into some monster or evil person with the absence of the church. We can learn to be good people without religion to teach us to be good because we may be damned after we die.
I was raised by hard-core Mormon parents from birth to around 18 and literally every word you said was true and relatable. This one really touched me. Appreciate you and this is the first video from you I've ever seen.
Now you did it, you can kiss your trip to planet Kolab good bye. OK, so you rejected Mormonism. What about Scientology? They have a good story too. And what about old good traditional Christianity? Just don't leave your son with a priest alone.
@@Defenderrassila Koran is a twisted book of Mohammad's thoughts and beliefs passed off as God's(blasphemy) mixed with Bible. The scriptures are the only real truth to seek. Inspired by God-Devine. Bless who reads this and heed to this. In Yeshua Name. Amen
I was in the same situation, I grew up in the LDS church and it is all I know. I’m Mexican and when my family and I got to the USA I thought take time time to know if the church is the way that I want for me. The members of the church here were rude with my family, but despite of that I’m here. This is my place.Some Mormon people are nice and some are awful, but I decided to believe in the church and no matter what we are going to be here. Good for you to have the courage to change your life. Because it is sooooo difficult.
People don’t talk about this enough. I didn’t leave the Church because I was “wanting to sin,” or whatever. I left the Church because of years of pain, and deep struggles with the doctrine, the culture, and the Church as an institution. Thank you for addressing the complexities of this experience, because it really is unlike any other.
@@DK-qp9os yeah and at the end the atheist end up with doing suicide, why things like suicides, depression and other mental diseases are common in atheist, because they are negative.
@@socio-economicnewsnetwork4740 Suicide common in atheists? I call bullshit. Atheists are less likely to go to prison than religious people based on statistics from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the US, you’re more likely to do bad as a religious person.
I was in a closed religious community for 27 years. I am 10 years out, and just beginning to have a desire to speak about my experience. This video was healing for me. Many parallels.
He said he asked God a question ... but he never said if God answered? I'm gonna assume he didn't and this is when he started to consider that either God doesn't exist ... or God has better things to do than converse with an uncountable number of sycophantic, needy, irrational, perpetual children begging for something they are capable of getting themselves ... if they would only summon a dollop of courage and common sense.
@@poweraccountabilityleague6877 God exists for those who believe. I once had faith, but no longer. I still respect those with faith. It's their world, their existence, their reality. We each have our own.
@@thomasmcshane7199 I know everyone's favorite phrase is "perception equals reality" ... so if Rachel Dolezal perceives herself to be an oppressed black person then that makes it reality ... but it doesn't ... no matter how much faith she has in that "truth".
Thank you Johnny for sharing your story. I also left my religious upbringing as a Seventh-Day Adventist at 21 upon finishing college and completing my degree in dental hygiene. I moved to Switzerland after a few years and spent twenty years sifting my life out. I am so glad that I made that decision so many years ago and have no regrets I have returned to the states and lived in a Seventh-Day Adventist community with my husband for over 30 years as a non- Adventist. I have never regretted leaving my childhood faith and feel I have a more genuine spiritual life because I had the courage to use my critical thinking and learned to live outside of a socially prescribed formula. It's been a 55 year journey and I've never looked back. Well done Johnny for waking up and finally setting yourself free.
"Setting yourself free". Please do not label institutions or churches prisons because of personal experiences which are devoid of a Wholistic picture. I believe you have your own reasons for leaving and that's well respected. Same way one can have perfect reasons for staying. Stop decorating the idea of leaving a church body.
Thank you, I'm not a Mormon, but my daughter fell in love with one and because she refused to become a Mormon her relationship with young man had to end. His family would have nothing to do with her or him if they were to continue. We were devastated to hear that. Now I understand why. I really appreciate you, taking the time to talk about this topic with us.
If your daughter was married to a Mormon, his religion would have been the centre of his life and she would be expected to equally devote her life to it as well. The marriage couldn't survive that sort of daily strain. It's hard enough for some couples if they are huge sports fans for rival teams, but this is on a spiritual level and is about whether you get to take your spouse with you to the afterlife (and you're going to be dead way longer than you've been alive). Imagine him thinking that he was going to lose her for all eternity if she didn't become Mormon. He would fight constantly to try to save her soul (unless he didn't love her and didn't mind losing her). But what kind of life would that have been for your daughter or the guy? It would have been grating on her and it would have been devastating and heartbreaking for him. I'm not a Mormon, I'm a Christian (I'm not sure why Mormons are lumped in with Christians since it's completely different, Christianity has more in common with Islam and Judaism than Mormonism). But in either case, there is no way that I could be married to someone who didn't share the most important belief in my life. There is definitely no way I could ever marry a Mormon because many of their teachings directly oppose the Bible. I honestly think your daughter dodged a bullet.
I first learned about the Church when I was 13 years old in Argentina. I have always been interested in spiritual things. I remember that when I was 9 or 10 years old, in a religion class at school, my teacher said that when we die, our parents will no longer be our parents, because we will all be brothers. Something inside me did not agree with that and I was very sad that there would not be a family in heaven. Years later, when the missionaries taught me that families can be eternal, my spirit recognized that truth. I was very happy to know that I would have a Heavenly Father and that he also established families and that they could be together forever. One of the things that caught my attention was the Book of Mormon. At 13 years old, I had never read a book with so many pages. I was born in a place with few resources and I did not have the habit of reading books from cover to cover. When I started reading the Book of Mormon I couldn't stop reading it. I felt something new up until that moment. It's like my intangible part was receiving something that made it happy and I felt like a void was being filled. It's hard to describe these beautiful feelings that still accompany me to this day. I read the book from cover to cover. It was the first book with many pages that I read. I could feel every time I read it that I had a teacher who was teaching me and who was awakening my understanding and feelings. The next book I read was the Bible and I felt the same. I am grateful to have met The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today I am 48 years old and I look back and see all the blessings I received for having read the Book of Mormon that time. Today I live in Idaho and I have the opportunity to live in a community where the majority are members of this church, most of them farmers, and I had never seen how a group of believers have so much faith to the point of having control over the weather. Farmers here depend on artificial irrigation and how much snow falls. So when there is not enough snow falling, they unite in prayer and fasting and the miracle happens: abundant snow. This is so true that I heard from people outside the church when there is abundant snow falling, they say that surely the Mormons are fasting. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I could not deny it because of what I was told when I read it and I know that Jesus Christ established a church in ancient times, because we need some ordinances to enter the kingdom of heaven and that those ordinances must be done with his authority. I know that there should be one today because I do not believe that God allows us to reach the judgment without having had the opportunity to receive those ordinances. There is such a church, I found it and I invite you to find it. I invite you to understand that there is a part of us that is real and also needs food just like our body and it is our spirit. www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist
I've never seen your channel before but really and truly, thank you so so much for making this video. I chose to leave a little over a year ago. The hardest part about going out and living more authentically is exactly what you said: worrying about all of the people I am going to disappoint. It's incredibly frustrating to have others have such an enormous part of an intimate and personal decision like leaving the church. It was the absolute hardest decision I have ever made and probably will ever make. Thank you for giving me the hope that those voices will quiet down in time.
Man, I’m an ex-JW and I tell you, the number of times I finished your sentences with tears in my eyes. The anger, the frustration, the regret, the pain, oh, there are no words, no words
It’s complex and often isolating leaving a faith. It’s discovery of self, humbling and eventually confidence in finding the answers outside of doctrine. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hey Johhny. I remember being your home teacher in DC. We loved getting to know you and your family. Really happy for you. I have seen the rise of your channel and really enjoy it. I really connected with a lot of what you said. Give our best to your wife.
Shane, I bet it was hard for you to take the approach you did. When I left, back in '83, I was shunned and none of my friends in Logan UT would speak to me. They were taught to shun those who resign/leave Mormonism. They blamed some weakness in me that caused the resignation. They tried to get my wife to divorce me (per their policies). They said the could not take the names of my children off the records until I told them they would be hearing from my lawyer. So, good on ya' Shane.
"They were taught to shun those who resign/leave Mormonism." Gotta say, been in the Church since 98, and never in all that time have I heard anything about "shunning" those who are struggling or leaving. Rather, the opposite. Not saying that you didn't feel that on some level, but I am clear that as ministers of Christ, that is NOT what I have been taught.
@@johnnyonthespot1665 Yes, there are those that shun, but that is not the teachings of the church. You are correct that the church teaches quite the opposite and if someone is "Shunning" they are doing so contrary to the teachings of their own church.
You have no idea how much relief this video has brought me. It’s almost like it’s a reflection of my own life. Although I was raised in the evangelical church, most of the points you made really hit home. There’s so much beauty to life to limit it to an archaic framework. I am too a filmmaker and artist, and It is very important to be able to have the freedom to explore the world through the lens of awe. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Hello there~ I’m curious how it helped you see the beauty more? What belief do you hold now? I’m on the opposite end. As an evangelical Christian, for me, beauty only makes sense in the framework of a loving creator. I don’t think I could see beauty if it was all a random collection of atoms. :)
I was born as an Atheist in France, I now live in the Netherlands where I met Mormons. They were very active in evangelizing the world. They were very recognizable in the streets, slim, always in suits and ties, sometimes on bicycles, they were really beautiful. I have always had a lot of respect for them and still have for their perseverance as Don Quixotes for a lost cause. But your testimony really touched me Johnny. If everyone was like you, honest, kind and empathetic with respect for oneself and others, respect for nature we would live in a better world.
Mormonism is not Christian. It's about as Christian as Catholicism. Mormonism borrows heavily from Freemasonry as Joe Smith was Master Mason, among other things. Freemasonry is actually just a cover for Satanism so thank God you got out of that bizarre religion.
@@fggoodman Mormons practice baptism and celebrate the sacrament, but they also participate in other religious rituals. Mormons self-identify as Christians. Atheïst like myself consider Mormonism as a branch of Protestantism like Seven Day Adventists, Gehovas Witnesses, Reformed, Baptists and so many streams of Protestantism. On the other hand some Christians consider Mormonism "non-Christian"; others, focusing on similarities, consider it to be a Christian religion. Opinions differ among scholars of religion on whether to categorize Mormonism as a separate branch of Christianity or as the "fourth Abrahamic religion" (alongside Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
@@noelvanwilgenburg Jehovah's Witnesses? Wow. Lol. JW is also just cult that has very little to do with following Jesus Christ. The founder of JW like the founder of Mormonism, was a high level Freemason. This is how you can tell if something is Christian or not? If the church is called anything other that Christian Church then it's bogus. Different denominations, and sects, etc. are forbidden. Each one of those entities has its own personalized beliefs and traditions that deviate from Scripture. Just because you identity as Christian doesn't make it so. Look at the beliefs of the Mormons, the JW's, etc. and you can see how bizarre and un-Biblical they really are..
I'm a fan of your content. As someone who is a convert, served a mission, and is currently attending BYU, I appreciate the different insights this video provides.
I’m not a Mormon or ex-Mormon but I can relate to this video. I grew up a Jehovah’s Witness and let me tell you they’re not much different. Many things you said hit home. When I decided to leave it left a rift in my relationship with my family. That rift continues to this day. You also hit home when you said that the Mormon church acts as if they’re the gatekeepers of the truth. Jehovah’s Witnesses do the same thing. It’s been a rough road but knowing other people go through similar things helps.
Same here. I grew up JW. Even as a little kid, I thought some of the bible stuff was weird, such as Noah's flood. I was about 10, and I thought "god killed everyone?". Then he's a mass murderer.
A similar thing happened to my mom. She grew up as a JH and left the congregation at 14. Ever since then her entire family shunned her. She struggles with alcoholism now to numb the pain of her family abandoning her because she didn’t share the same beliefs. In my experience, religion has separated more people and created a kind of cult mentality. I wish I could take the pain away for my mom but all I can do is offer my love and company.
“Fleeing structure that I feel put down who I really was” - This sentence is profound for me. I was raised in a Southern Baptist church. I can relate to many of the struggles you mention about distancing from a religious structure, especially when it is intertwined with family and friend circles. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Leaving Mormonism especially is so difficult, the religion is almost entirely your culture. With meetings and callings and youth mutual and Sunday school and Sacrament... It's not a 1 hour 1 day a week thing. It's a major major major part of your life, and in turn a lot of your social interactions will be church adjacent. Leaving Mormonism doesn't just potentially ostracize you from family, but your entire community. Anyone who goes through with it will always have my respect. It is a very very very tough and scary thing to do.
The good thing you have to take away from this,on top of Johnny leaving the mormon church, is that it wasn't like trying to leave Scientology! That a whole other ball of wax right there.I myself left the LDS as little over 30 years ago and Johnny, I feel your pain. My leaving wasn't as intertwined as Johnny's. I was always speaking up for myself and had very strong opinions as a teen. I had gone to church on sunday( 3hrs) plus a Sunday night "fireside" (1or 2hrs) then on Wednesday to have what's called mutual (2 or 3 hr). So roughly 8 hours a week. Then starting in high school I went to and graduated from seminary, which is about an (1hr) before school starts, Monday thru friday, FOR 4 YEARS! So by this time the church is laying the guilt on pretty thick and preparing the young men to go on thier Missions and the young women to be Holly Homemaker. In some if not most mormon communities you didn't go on a mission then OMG something must be wrong with you and you most likely have brought shame to your family. I was confirmed a teacher, which to you non mormons our there, you go from being a deacon at 13 to teacher at 15 and then priest at 17yrs old, my numbers might be off a little, it's been a while so plz forgive any inaccuracies. Then at 18 you go on a 2 year mission to spread the gospel. For me,I was in with the bishop and said to him( I was a teacher at the time), I don't think I want to move on to being a priest. And that was the beginning of my exit from the mormon church.I also live in the D.C. area so the pressure wasn't as intense as it was living in Utah, where everywhere you turn its mormons. My tight group of friends supported and respected my choice, but some of the other members either gave me the cold shoulder or in some cases outright denied my existence, which I found to be very hypocritical, because those actions go against the teachings of the church. I also witnessed some of the older married men, who had been cramming this stuff down your throat, do exactly what they had told you was unacceptable. In one case a former bishop, who shall remain anonymous, ditched his fat wife and kids, for his hot secretary. Now don't get me wrong, I think going on a mission is a very noble thing to do. These young men get to learn a new language and go to an exotic country, not always but most of the time, and they pay for it, out of their own pockets, from money that they have saved up for years. And the church covers the rest, mostly. Well I've prattled on enough, so in closing I'll tell you there are alot of positive things about the LDS church, the women are super hot, and I mean HOT, not all but most. And the bonds you build with your close friends, who you probably were in boy scouts with, last a lifetime. We played alot of basketball. Most churches have a full size, wooden floor basket ball court in them. And the lessons they teach preach goodness and honesty, things that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Johnny, I hope you read this and find some truth and wisdom in my words, because I've been where you find yourself today And if anyone wants to discuss jump on in.
My Pentecostal church was similar to this. My whole life revolved around church, youth group, missions, church school, etc. It was a cultural shock when I finally stepped away.
I'm very glad that your wife came to the same decision. Clearly you two chose well when you married. I have nothing but good hopes for you and your family moving forward.
It's crazy how decades after I left, I still feel this weird urge to defend mormonism whenever people speak out against it. In an instant I come to my senses, but wow.
I am in the process of leaving now. I know what you mean about the instinct to defend the church and culture. I suppose that some part of that instinct will be with me forever. Thanks for sharing.
You aren't alone. I was raised Southern Baptist, but even at 42 I still have a nagging fear of damnation because all that crap was drilled into me as a child. It's terrible.
I didn't experience this once I left but for sure experienced defending the church when I was a member. Now when a nevermo mentions Mormonism I arm them with knowledge of all the craziness so they will never be persuaded by missionaries. That programmed defense mechanism the church crafted in your psyche will deminish the more you peel layers. It will get to a point where you realize you're defending an abusive and toxic culture.
I'm the same way, I still fight mentally as if did I make the right choice? Its definitely a mental battle its actually awful mentally. I'm glad there are others like me.😊
There is no I..... Your brain makes the illusion of the I the Self but in reality your BRAIN same as Mind and what the Christians refer to Heart creates the STORY the Narrative since you were knee high and started schooled being programmed from child to adult it just a program like a hard drive . You can not think what you have not learned .....
My mothers side of side of the family was LDS. My grandfather held the preisthood. I was raised in the church. Blessed, baptized, and even baptized for the dead in the temple. I eventually asked to be excommunicated, where they sent me a letter taking back all of my blessings ever given. I still have that letter and have held onto it for years. Growing up LDS ingrains so much into you from birth. I am still working through breaking down and overcoming the abuses of the church on my soul. Recovery takes a long time, and in some families it is generational. Thank you for sharing your story.
I was raised Roman Catholic. The first time I decided not to go to Mass on a Sunday, I thought for sure I would be struck by lightning, but I wasn't. I found a beautiful little park where I could sit and watch the ripples on a lake, feel the warm breeze and truly felt I was in the presence of God. I eventually started taking little road trips looking for Indian mounds, and really got into a personal spirituality that taught me more just by being alone in nature, God's creation than I ever heard from a pulpit. Now, many years later, I have returned to the church, but with a greater understanding of what I am here for. Thank you for your story. It helps to understand what others believe.
I, too, was raised Catholic. However, when I stopped attending mass for a bit, I let go of that fear I had that I would be punished for deliberately ditching it. I already stopped believing a little bit before that, but when I went back to mass some time later, not only was it depressing but also oblivious to different ideas and cultures outside the Christian bubble. When I first learned about contradictions in the Bible, I also let go of that fear of reading it because I thought it would have this magical power over me. Now, I'm constantly finding the time out of my busy schedule to start reading the Bible and thoroughly cut myself off from Catholicism once and for all. Everything I learned since I left about Catholicism's impact on my life and my people (I'm Mexican), I now have a deeper hatred for the very idea of Christianity and Catholicism specifically, and a deep sadness for the potential of those cultures that Catholicism destroyed. I'm still trying to reconcile these feelings by just enjoying life and learning about different cultures while still keeping in touch with my own in my own special way and sharing it with other people. I also feel a stronger sense of purpose within me in this sea of uncertainty, and it's liberating. I'm proud to be a Mexican atheist. My decision to seek truth and compromise made me a better person.
@@TonyAMO Whoa !! 😦 While a part of me agreed with things you shared, (myself having been raised in a Catholic household), your words clearly display a need for healing that only comes from God. The fact that you wrote of the hatred you have reveals the enemy having a foothold on you. God, our Creator, has written His name on our hearts. While we are free to be angry and feel every emotion He has given us, truly none can declare atheism as it has been defined. (Not to offend you or anyone~~ it's just the way it is 🙂) There are no contradictions in the Bible. Every part of it supports itself ... from the Old through the New Testament. There have been changes and additions in the 'Catholic Bible.' Undoubtedly, this has agitated strife and uncertainty. (There should be no praying to Mary or the saints; only to God, through Jesus) Ritualistic, rambled prayers are in vain, and it is SO SAD. 😔 If there is something that puzzles us, we can take it up with God. He may choose not to reveal everything now, while we must choose not to allow the devil's deception to draw us away as he stirs up more conflict and confusion. (At the moment, it seems he's got you EXACTLY where he wants you, and this is quite a dangerous place to be) God's handiwork is right before us~~ The trees and flowers, the sun and moon and oceans, babies, puppies, butterflies, sound, sight, smell, ... There is no denying God in our hearts and minds... only from our lips, because we would rather not be accountable for choices against His instructions. I am upset with the way things are taught in the Catholic Church. I was taught more of His punishment and condemnation instead of His amazing grace, love, and mercy. I now have quite a strong relationship with Him as I have been a nondenominational Christian for a couple decades. I mess up every day in both my thoughts and deeds, yet my desire is to follow Him. And I know I am forgiven as I still ask for His pardon each day, with the faith in what Jesus has done for me through His death and resurrection !! 🙏🏽 Though you'll likely say you don't want it, my prayers will be lifting you up, in Jesus' Name. 😊
I'm currently pretty close to leaving and it has been a really long, complicated, slowly peeling back layers experience for me. Lots of counseling led to it. It's been really hard. But I'm glad I heard your experience. I relate a lot. Thank you so much for this respectful, honest video. I really connected with it and can empathize. I'm so grateful for understanding friends and family.
Have you every received personal revelation? Have you already made promises or covenants with the possible existence of God? Is the Book of Mormon a fantasy novel? Is every person you know who has received revelation or have physical spiritual experiences lying? Have you felt any type of lifted pain from past sin when repenting?
@@devonmarr9872 BOM has had many changes to it over the years...it was plagiarized from books that were around in smiths time and also he copied word for word parts from the bible....I believe the mormon church is built on a lie...BUT largely the church teaches people to be good and do good...to do service unto others...how can God have anything against what is built up for his Glory? mormons worship God and Jesus and see holy spirit as the trinity as father son and spirit which is one God...this is the correct view...although there are many descrepencies and problems with the church it is MOSTLY a good organization...whatever we have great faith in WE TURN INTO THE TRUTH!!!! what you do over and over and over BECOMES FACT...IT BECOMES REALITY...something that bears fruits...so I cannot say too much against the church....I would rather put it this way instead of saying why follow something built on a lie? we should ask "what does God have against what teaches people to love him and worship him?". sure mormons have overstepped the mark...it is all way too much...simple reading of the bible and prayer and keeping the commandments and turning away from sins and being clear before death is enough to be saved...mormans claim they have fullest truth or highest truth...nope...Catholics and protestants and baptists and so on into non church attenders are going to heaven...all will be judged before the father...is joseph smith in hell for writing a false work? no he is in a high glory....when we consider the millions of lives helped...all the positive stories this far outweighs any of the untruths in the church
@@babkeebabkus8177 In my perspective there are tough things to wrestle with when it comes to the LDS church. What it boils down to for me is how can u be the best disciple of Christ I can. I have personally found this answer to be in the LDS churchs doctrine, ordinances, and revelation. Despite this there is always a level of personal human error that it may be wrong or all a lie. I have however made good faith convenents and promises to God that I intended to make and continue to uphold. If they end up being fictitious covenants or not giving through revelation from him personally he will see the intents of my soul and judge me on this. I would much rather uphold my promises to the Lord than abandon them because I have a chance of being wrong.
I kind of took me a while and personally I don’t really have any experience with being Mormon but I do think this message stretches out for anyone growing and working to become a different person from who you were expected to be as a result of your childhood and early adult hood whether it’s religion or cultural norms.
Johnny i just want to say thank you. Ive been fighting myself to make a decision and i think this video is definitely the one thing that helped me figure out what i need to do.
As a 14 year old, I am struggling with all of this. Exactly what he has said is how I feel and I'm so glad I found this because it has really helped me. Thank you Johnny.
It is a hard decision to make but you have to do what you feel God wants you to do. Big life altering decisions should be made slowly after much prayer and pondering. I’m working through this whole process as a father with 11 children and trying to hear what God wants for me and my family.
As a Catholic 14 year old, dealing with just trying to understand my own religion and maybe seeing what other religions offer. Catholicism is what I have decided to stick with since historically and religiously I believe it and find it true. Hope you all find your way!🙏♥️✝️🇻🇦
"Dissonance is OK." That's one of the sentences I would put on t-shirts. Everything around me always wants the golden way, the absolute truth and someone who shows you what is right and what you should do. But life isn't that boring.
I've been dealing with theological and religious dissonance in my own life and this saying, I think, will really help me feel at peace with where I am at right now.
thank you so much for this message, i was born and raised Mormon, but i always felt i was on the outer layer of the church's core. its so nice to hear your story. it makes me feel better about who i am, living the life on the other side of the mormon roots
As a former pastors daughter, with tons of emotional damage from churches, I didn’t feel as close to God as I do now (haven’t been to church in years) I have a relationship with God. It’s not a religion for me anymore. It’s not about rituals or doing things right. It’s about my relationship with God.
Hello Kathryn, I was working since 1986 as a Development Worker in India, Sudan, South Africa and Vietnam. I have left the Church (Evang. Reformed) long time ago since I have realized that It can't be true that any Çhurche or Religion knows exactly the Will of God and think their beliefs are the real truth. I still believe in God and have a very close personal relationship with him. He saves me all the time from messes I went into. I do not need a building or structure to find to God or do the right things in life. I do not need a Jesus or Mother Maria to pray to either.
@Stephanie Gonzalez Dear Stephanie, you ment all other Religions are wrong. How you know it since your believe is just a believe and biased by your church. Are all Muslims, Jewish, Hindus, Bhutists and other people wrong? Think of it. Christians are a minority. But we believe in one God, what ever you call or name it. And I don't need a proxy.
Thank You Johnny. This was like a sign. I've now decided and I'm leaving next week, on my 25th birthday. My brother is the only one that knows. I'll see you on the other side. Again- THANK YOU!
I hear them say, “you can leave the church but you can’t leave it alone”. It held me in the nice guy phase for over a year. But like you said, I don’t fit the bitter or nice guy stereotype anymore. I’m just me. Who I was always meant to be. Thanks Jonny. This vid has helped me heal a little more
Bitter nice guy is a great way to put it, thank you! When I left I definitely didn’t leave it alone, at least for a minute. Probably cathartic in some way. Sure as hell’ve left it alone since then though. Too much other stuff that’s truly important to focus on.
Thank you for sharing your story. As a former Jehovah's Witness, every single nuance of your experience resonated with me. Having my child also made me reassess my beliefs and how I wanted to raise him. You're so right, it's a lot better on the other side if you honor your truth. There is nothing like the freedom of thought, expression and openness that we can experience outside of these orthodox organizations.
A Freemason started the Morman Church. The Morman Church is Satanic at the top level just like Freemasonry. Even the Catholic church appears to have been taken over by Luciferians (Satanic). Most members of all those organizations are clueless as to what is going on at the top. The members are a cover for the evil ones. The members probably also get misled on various things.
Oh wow, thank you for confirming my comment that this happens in some form in literally every religion. Because religion is man made, it follows man made manipulation tactics for retention and growth. That freedom you experience in orthodox organizations is an illusion, and also a lie. Technically the book that you are worshipping says that you don't get that kind of freedom of thought and expression. You can't just interpret things however you want, there is a book with exact wording that can be observed and is what your entire belief is based on. Except most people don't even read their bible, and rather just accept the snippets that the pastor picks out and interprets for them...
@@user-k4d-e59mo28oc What does that have to do with leaving a religious organization? They aren't openly criticizing LDS. They're talking about their experience leaving. If you want to see other experiences of people's path to exit religion look for other individual stories on those religions. There are many out there.
Oh bro. This is the best video I have watched on a long time. I appreciate all the work you put and I can totally relate. Thanks for making me feel that I was completely right about my decision.
Hi Adam. I can appreciate that. I was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I got disfellowshiped 5 years ago but got reinstated last year so I could speak with my family. I’m slowly becoming inactive because I don’t believe it but I can’t bear leaving my family. I wish you well with your transition ❤️
Thanks for the honesty Johnny, this is a heartbreaking story and powerful at the same time. I will add my words of support for you like so many others have in the comments; Your experience is relatable and I can feel how it is truly from the heart. When we share authentic stories like this it has the potential to make an incredible impact on those who are struggling or need to hear it from someone who has already navigated choppy waters. Wishing you and the fam much continued happiness!
Were I to express my true feelings, I'd seriously offend a lot of people, and I don't wish to do this. Still, I have a few deeply held views which need to be spoken. 1. Belief is very personal. If someone genuinely believes something, no amount of logic nor persuasion will change this. But this is NOT what religion is. Religion is a fixed set of beliefs, maintained by a church, which ALL members are REQUIRED to accept if they wish to belong. And ALL religions have a long set of rewards and punishments, actual and implied, to keep the flock in line. This is UNACCEPTABLE. If we have 'free will' then we alone get to decide ... rather than an organization dictating a set of beliefs for us. 2. ALL churches target Children for indoctrination from a very early age. This is WRONG. Children should be allowed to grow up, unfettered by adult considerations, completely free to choose for themselves what path to follow, once they come of age. What's the point to indoctrinating Children anyway? If their families have chosen the 'correct' religion, then their Children would naturally follow. But this needs to be an actual choice, otherwise it has no legitimacy. Of course it is extremely unlikely that these things will ever change, since as Johnny suggests, they are deeply entrenched. So the carnage within families, between faiths and nations will continue to destroy lives. Nor do I accuse any single religion ... ALL religions do exactly the same.
@@johnnyharris And just a friendly suggestion ... it's good to see you encouraging your Children to use the awesome Hasselblad ... but you 'might' consider putting a skylight filter on the front of your lens ;-)
Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!
@@johnnyharris the funny thing is that when I left, I don’t feel any heavy heart 💜 or guilty like you . It was so easy for me. Maybe because I am Asian Vietnamese and Chinese American And maybe because I don’t have too Mormon or white man influence on me hehehe 😜!!!
You are a hero, sir. It's unfortunately rare to see someone with a child, changing their life, and truly making decisions for the sake of their child, without shoving their own self interest onto them.
I watched all of your videos on the L.D.S and could feel the sense of loss you must have experienced...and I just wanted to say "Thank You". YOUR sacrifice has given US the opportunity to expand OUR minds with the incredible content you create. I subscribe to VERY few "channels"....and yours is now one of them. Thank you again sir.
I was a 3rd generation Jehovah's Witness. I know exactly how you feel and what you went through. Leaving a high control group like the Mormons or Witnesses is completely different than if you're say, Presbyterian, and decide to leave. Amongst ex-JWs, we pretty much identify with a line in Hotel California that says: 'You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.'
Knowing people from this group saying you chose the world that you know who controls makes me feel really uncomfortable being in a religion. I actually decided just to live by the way I learned about God and goodness
My dad was a Buddhist monk before he met my mom. I used to tease him by saying "what kinda man would give up on his religious faith over a woman?" He replied " son, my only religion is love"
Buddhist is the most rational religion out there. The biggest difference between Buddhism and all other established religions is that Buddhism itself asks you to question everything and not just blindly follow any doctrine. And no one is going to hell for not accepting anything about Buddhism. All other religions relies on fear of hell and promise of heaven but Buddhism doesn't.
Buddhist here (from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰). The sad thing about Buddhism is, it's becoming a religion day by day. Buddhism is a philosophy. Most people confuse that.
@@kanishkz3159 Lord Buddha even said that never to blindly follow his teachings. Question everything. Be your own light. Edit: oh god. I am sounding like a preacher.
A couple of years ago, I dated a guy who was still active in the Mormon church- I'm also a guy, so you know how that sounds. He was out to his family and they accepted him, but didn't know he was dating other men (if they knew, they would make him resign). He did a mission and worked in his church's council, and although he knew he would have to leave the church if he wanted to be open about loving me, he still devoutly believed it. He was so convicted that his beliefs were the only way, and I saw the consequences he'd face if he left... those of which he never explicitly mentioned. I loved him so much, but I had to let him go because I couldn't handle the thought of me essentially taking his whole world away from him... I feared he'd resent me. It's so hard to love someone, but never truly have them. I don't know where he is today, but I hope he's safe, happy, and okay.
Blake, I admire you for doing the right thing. Decades ago, before Gays could marry, I had to let the love of my life go, because I am disabled, and even if I just lived with her, if the social worker found out, I would have lost my benefits. But she wanted to have the "full wedding experience," complete with me wearing a wedding band at all times. Had I lost my benefits, she would have to pay for my medical bills and medicine out of pocket, bankrupting her. So, for both our sakes, I had to let her go.
I just came across your channel and subscribed after watching a few videos. The US coup video was fabulous, but this video resonated with me personally as a former member of the LDS church. The content you’re creating and I now have a deeper appreciation. Wonder and awe is a powerful and spiritual experience.
The man literally internally fought with everything he's known all his life for his kid. His child is very very lucky.
🙌🙌
@@jonmiplaystv3837 p
Praise God
He really is a good father, I wish more parents were like him
Well at least he wasn’t locked into Scientology. You know I was raised that you couldn’t say anything bad if it was the truth. So I have nothing bad to say about the Mormon church but I assume most Mormons would think that I have nothing but bad things to say about their church. It’s because I speak the truth but it’s not bad what I say. Tthey’re the ones calling it bad. I’m not speaking bad thoughts I speak honest truth as I see it . What they see is a result of narcissism & brain molding & goes beyond logic. they’re reading me and thinking that’s bad & that’s the idea I didn’t do that God did that God put that thought in your mind think about that...? YES ITS BAD, It’s also true which makes it really bad do you get it? Probably not LOL
I've never heard someone leave a religion because they wanted to offer a good education for their child. This is impressive. I bet you guys are amazing parents
My parents did this with me while we were living in the Jewish ultra orthodox community
Raising a child has always been majority catalyst for many people to evaluate there own beliefs to decide what to pass on.
Spoiler :(
Lol what
@@rayzard3687 less likely as western evangelists are buying people in Asian countries with their huge money.
As someone who grew up in an agnostic/atheist household, stories like this fascinate me. It's just so foreign to everything I've experienced.
Yeah man, I've been an atheist for the majority of my life and I can't even fathom the feeling of God that religious people experience. It's fascinating to me.
I envy you. Getting out of religion is traumatizing experience.
same, when we don't have these ideas put in our heads as we grow, it becomes really hard to understand them later on, the idea of believing in something simply due to "faith" is very hard for me to comprehend.
Omg yes. Literally.
Thanks for sharing Rick Beato, very cool.
Grew up LDS and broke away as a teenager and still struggle with the guilt and shame. Thank you for sharing.
I hope you find peace in your decision
Johnny, I have watched so many Mormon Stories videos & have never commented because of the fear you spoke about. Your courage has inspired me. I left Mormonism in my mind & heart 22 years ago, kept going for 10 more years (fear again) but my husband & children, parents, siblings, etc remained. It was very lonely, especially on the 2 days where my daughter got married in the temple & then later my son got married in the temple & I was not allowed in. I feel so happy for you that your wife & boys are with you on your journey. I loved what you said about wonder & awe & all there is to learn. This is a mom thing to say but I’m so proud of you & wish you all the best!
that just says everything about this "church" j(and many others). didn't allow you to be in there when your kids got married. nobody can exmplain to me that acts like that in any way mean well.
You really weren't allowed at your daughter s wedding because of your beliefs? I could understand if you were "bashing" it as you left if not... Did your daughter or any of your family want you to be there?
@@GRAITOM good point. that says a thing or two about the son and the daughter as well.
@@GRAITOM it nots that she wasn’t allowed by the children. it’s the church doesn’t let you enter the temple because you’re not active (it’s a lot more complicated than that but it’s the main gist)
Religion is a joke. So are people that follow. You are not alone. Just surrounded by morons.
My dad is an ex-Mormon, he left the church around when I was born, just as you did with your own son. We're very lucky to have a family that's so accepting of him, but I've always wondered what leaving the church was like for him. I know your experiences weren't the same, but I feel like this gives me such an insight into who he is. Sincerely thank you, Johnny.
Show him this video and let him tell his history
Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!
@@dannytadashi4235 I am a Asian American too from India, it's not compulsory to give 10% of your income, where did you hear that from, which Mormon church you were in, give me your info, I will check about you in the records, I think you are lying.
I haven't payed my 10% for above 3-4 years, they haven't said to me anything. Evn though they helped me very much during the pandemic because I have low income. Plus they gave me accommodation which helped in saving my rent for the house.
3rd I am from India, Buddhism is from India and china and Vietnam is a communist state with no religion, but still the fact is Christianity is fastest growing religion in china and Vietnam. Till 2030 there would be more Christians in china than in the USA.
Source - www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/09/15/protestant-christianity-is-booming-in-china
2. www.christianitydaily.com/articles/10634/20210126/open-doors-china-s-xi-threatened-by-massive-growth-of-christianity.htm
In India too Christians are increasing massively, in the North East and South West part of India, the Christian population if 95- 99%, which was previously 10% in the 90's
Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO
@@Ryanlexz Can you imagine being this outright ignorant that that’s what you get of this? Religions are constantly spreading, and I believe that’s a good thing! Faith is healthy, and at that, faith is natural. Perhaps give yourself and this video a good look if that’s all you took from this. This video is about the clearly traumatic experience that is leaving an unfortunately manipulative faith like the LDS one.
When you posted this, my husband and I were hurting and realizing we were leaving. This video helped us so much. We didn't feel alone anymore. Thank you for this. A year later, our family is so much happier!
Hunting Dam 🦫 You Lucky 🍀 Ducks 🦆 I Love Hunting Like I Never Have Anyone To Go With 👍
Congratulations. Your kids will grow up knowing fossils tell a story, and dna is a storybook of problem solving, and viruses are interesting, and that plants and fungis, and birds and fish are alll amazing and so much deeper and more interesting than any fantasy or faith ever created even if it was updated and evolved and adapted to fit what we know now it will always be shallow and dark with contradictions and ignorance, that the real world is sooooo much more worthy of our devotion to learning and understanding and loving and caring for than any one dimensional story created by a manipulative and transparent 15 year old grifter out of parts and peices plagiarized at best . That history of humanity is deeper and more full of lessons and learning and amazing people who were truthful and humble not narcissistic self righteous self proclaimed profits than allll the holly books and crystal ball reading grifters could ever glue together with desperate fears of mortality and guilt of betraying the sweet parents who themselves blindly slurped up the con with no word back from that so called god they prayed to as a child truly expecting a response and got nothing no matter how we desperately called out to please show us this is not happening, that everything we ever were told is built on a god who will never reply.
Sorry if that went off the deep end, I just wanted to express how beautiful it is to hear parents doing what you have chose. It will save your children years, maybe even decades of asking why … mor worse, a lifetime of blind obedience to a lie.
I wish I had my husband to support me. I do feel very alone. But I know I'm doing the right thing by leaving the religion.even though I've been shunned and ridiculed, staying in would be disingenuous. I hope that I can find new friends.
ua-cam.com/video/CRw-q83iicw/v-deo.html
Dear Johnny, I enjoyed your talk and appreciate your openeness and thoughtfulness! I´m a 42 year old mom from Germany, was raised in the evangelical state church. Gladly I developed a personal relationship with Jesus before questioning church as a system. Cause when I left church my faith was strong and vibrant. Later in life I went through tough times that really shook my faith, and at some point I almost threw away my hope in Christ. But whatever - Jesus held me, carried me, let me cry, laugh, complain, demand, whatever - He is so patient and gracious! It´s about time people meet Jesus for themselves, without a religion, a church system. Jesus wants to lead you to the Fatherheart of God. Once you´ve found that, you don´t need a system and can enjoy life in fullness, be curious, fellowship with all kinds of people. Keep searching and learning Johnny! It´s worth it!
It resonates with me so deeply what you said. Perfect words to express my own feelings. Even though the words were meant to @johnnyharris, I take them to my heart. And I'm so glad to know that are more people that love Jesus outside the framework of religion. It's comforting to hear that. Thank you!
❤
as an athiest i find this to be quite positive to be honest. just wish if instead of jesus it was some form of nebulous power
This video really hits home! I recently left the Mormon Church myself, and it's been the biggest mental, emotional, social, and whatever you want, roller coaster in my life! The church tried to manipulate me as a Social Media Influencer, and when I didn't give in, they tried to excommunicate me, but it was the truth claims and negative social impacts that I couldn't look past. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. Messages like this are important to people in the church and people looking into it. From one RM now UA-camr to another, 加油！(It means keep it up in Chinese :D)
First reply on a verified UA-camr's comment
Congrats on that! (Idk what is Mormon church lemme watch video)
ua-cam.com/video/akM8v20eNxs/v-deo.html
So you made this video while you were still in the church?
@@SamuelSamuelSamuel1 same
天安门大屠杀
I was kicked out of my house when I was 18 because I wouldn’t go on my mission. Lived out of car for months while I was going to college and playing football. Having parents that understand that their children might develop different beliefs is something I wish everyone going through issues with the church can experience. Unfortunately I didn’t.
I am so sorry that happened to you, you are very strong to get through that. Hopefully now, outside of that, you've found people who can support you and wish you well.
That's sad that your parents did that.
Whoa Justin! Your statement grabbed me and I feel great empathy for you. I too chose sports over a mission. I hope you have been able to find peace. Be well.
Sorry to hear that you are kicked out of your home. I hope all parents are sensible to know that "A child never asked to be born".
That is so wrong. My brother was "called" too. He had won a scholarship and had already started at the university. But was talked into going on the mission. When he came back, he had been totally indoctrinated, and he never went back to school. A totally different person.
The fact you and your wife stayed together and went through this together is extremely inspiring. Your kids will be great member of this world it is clear.
Well, as long as they got theirs. All while using the kid as an excuse. That's what is important. It's not like this was tried by any other generations.
his children loved thos masks lol
I left the church when I was 18 but the church did get 1 thing right. Heaven is real y’all. I’ll see ya there.
@@icloudtrevorIs it their version of "heaven"?
@@oliveryt7168 no sir…. Better. MUCH BETTER. Yours mine theirs.. Everyone who has a soul!!
I began distancing myself with the church about 2 years ago after 8 years of deconstruction. Your words rang true for me. The pain and deconstruction, the excitement of starting over coupled with the pain of grief, anger, resentment, and having to reframe has been challenging, for me and for so many others I've met on similar journeys. Thank you for sharing what you have. Vocalizing it gives people the courage to choose their best life.
Your story is a mirror of mine from over 50 years ago on leaving a Pentescostal church. At age 76 I have no regrets.
I left Pentecostal Church as well, it was the best thing I could do.
Listen first, think , and then decide ......it may take many years..... just don’t believe anything.....just put your your experience to understand ......
HINT: use“NATURE” to understand something.
People like you are the god.... cause you can question,
I question sanatan dharm and by my logic I understand it not believe it , actually feel it, if i am wrong please make correct.
You can read “ GITA”.
Again if i am wrong please make me right.... i feel and believe by logic “GITA”.
Henry!! Awesome to see you here on UA-cam!
thank you for sharing! I’m so happy for you
Having been raised in Orthodox Judaism, this resonates on such a deep level. I left when I was 14 but it’s astounding how much it’s influenced my life, both positive and negative. At least it got me asking questions :)
Did being Orthodox teach you how to think critically, read critically, and debate?
I learned to back away from religion when I realized how the priests and preachers professed hate in contradiction to Jesus' teachings about love just because other people follow other religions 😕
But do Palestinians deserve a State tho?
Did you leave Orthodox Judaism or Judaism altogether?
@@peanutbar8882 yes. Jordan
Having been raised in Utah, in an LDS environment, served a mission, temple marriage, have a son, moved to Delaware, and recently decided to leave the church, this hits home.
You are a brave and honest man. I wish you well
@@Sampsonoff I don't really see myself as brave, but thank you nonetheless. It's all still a very new experience for me.
@Timbo Slice Right now I consider myself agnostic. I believe that love is love and that intent is power. Beyond that, I'm not sure as of yet.
C H, please take time to watch this ua-cam.com/video/dQh-H3h4i9A/v-deo.html
@Timbo Slice The certitude with which you claim to know is amusing.
I have been going through this at 65… not out of Mormonism but my Faith…. A lot of anxiety and depression. You have helped me today.
You should really watch the UA-cam video "Morality and Christian God (Sam Harris)"
It demonstrates exactly why religion is worse than cancer. Look at it like you survived cancer, you're a courageous and intellectually honest man because of it. To be able to recognize you are deluded and misinformed goes against all human nature. So I'm proud of you. How often do you hear someone admit their extremely cherished opinion/belief was wrong? The cognitive dissonance of believing scientists are lying while literally everything you touch and use was made and improved by science... it's astonishing.
It all stems from our fear and inability to comprehend not existing anymore. Then people exploited that fear to create civilization. Telling people if they behave then they'll get to be with all their loved ones when they die. As long as they behaved as well. In a sense, it was a useful lie. But it has gotten out of hand. It has gotten in the way of progress far too many times. The simple fact is, the New Testament was written by 1st-century goat herders who didn't know where the sun went at night. And there's not a single thing in that book that couldn't have been written by a literate human from the 1st century.
Humans have a really hard to being honest with themselves. If there was a god who had this magical club for us if we just recognized him, he would most certainly make it obvious he exists. Even in a book written two thousand years ago. He could have made exact specific predictions about the internet for example. He could have provided such advanced mathematical concepts and equations that they'd still be the most advanced mathematical wealth of knowledge two thousand years later. It's just so damn obvious the more you think about it and the more honest you are with yourself.
I went through it too. I was extremely indoctrinated from a young age. Private Christian schools, bible class 5 days a week, church on Wednesday nights, church on Sunday morning. I believed it beyond any shadow of a doubt. I thought Scientists were evil liars and apart of Satan's army. I told my lesbian neighbor friend she was going to hell. Because I believed it and I loved her and it scared me to imagine her burning for eternity. Being honest with myself was the single hardest thing I've ever done and I enjoy meeting people who have also waged that internal war.
I left the church as soon as I turned 18. I was harassed for years after. My grandpa is a bishop. Thank you for posting.
My situation is a bit similar. If those people truly cared about epistemology and the most accurate view of the universe, they would have been glad that you pose disagreements because that gives them an opportunity to rethink their ideas in a rational discourse, which always benefits the quality of what we think is the case. And the more accurate our ideas are with the actual world, the more liveable word we can contribute to creating. Please take care!
Stay Strong⚜️
@@mateusztgorak If you like the study of epistemology, I recommend the channel, Beyond the Fundamentals. Perhaps starting with the video, The Shortcomings of Theological Labels with Leighton Flowers.
It's a "Christian" channel, but the guy seems fairly thoughtful, and is open to having his point of view being scrutinised.
I'll post the link in a separate comment, in case this channel automatically blocks links.
you guys have it easy yet you are such fragile cry babies ... when we leave islam we get death threats and some of us get jailed or killed by our own families and deaths are covered up as some accident by authorities to preserve the familys honor .. you people have no idea how lucky you are to have such freedoms and safety , you can even go public and no one will hurt you
@@_hunter_hunter1048 I've seen a lot of videos of people dying, being injured, tortured etc and it really makes you appreciate the safety of the country one lives in (for me, a european country). You really get a new found appreciation after you see the 1000th mexican guy get brutally murdered for completely unjust reasons.
I really do see where you're coming from and I do agree that we don't appreciate it enough but just because you have it the worst doesn't mean that having big problems that just aren't as severe isn't a problem. It's still a huge problem, and a shitty experience. I get what you mean but diminishing all the shit that a lot of have to go through because someone has had it worse is pointless and just makes everyone feel more shitty.
I can whole-heartedly appreciate the courage it took to do something like this-so deeply personal and at the same time risky. The way you spoke about your son being a catalyst for your initial decision was especially touching. I have two sons of my own, both recent adults, that were raised in the LDS faith. As for myself, I was a teenage convert that always struggled with doctrinal and structural aspects of the church, and religion writ large. Around the time my boys were entering double-digit years I fell away and it took some time for me to shuck off the shame that came with that. Over the ensuing years I found my footing, and I have done my best to show my boys an alternate philosophy, ethic, and value system without undermining or maligning the church they continue to attend with their devout, now temple-married mother. Knowing that this video is out there should they ever find themselves wrestling with their own beliefs is a comfort to me. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing
I broke out of Adventism…. So much of what you say was going through your mind I can relate to as well.
The culture for one thing…. It’s more than church, we have church school, colleges, hospitals etc. it’s a lifestyle. Even those who are liberal Adventist still have one foot in the door and many times that is enough to satisfy most. I took both feet out.
I researched and researched Ellen White and how things she said did not line up biblically… I read the torture people went through in 1844 when they thought Christ was coming and He did not… people died, including babies who froze to death. People lost homes, property… they needed help….
I became sola scripture… I do believe in the Bible only… I never gave up on Christ, He is my everything. I let all the additions to the Bible go - I sought out honest biblical preachers… no prosperity preachers. No rapture theories…
Now, I’m finding myself in a similar boat with politics. Trump is now church king and this is a struggle… both feet are out with him. I’m alone again in my journey. But it’s the truth. He is not a man of God. He does not represent God - not the God I worship.
@@DonnaNelson-u6e well government and politicians will never be your savior or church that is where evil holds court
Trump is not perfect but if we can bring outsiders in to stop the wicked atheist satanist people destroying we the citizens rights and spending us into oblivion . I am a constitutional liberation just so you know I hate big government corruption . Not D or R 😊
A friend sent me this video because I recently left the Mormon church as well. I literally could have made this exact video. Thank you for articulating it so beautifully. It’s so hard to do-especially for people who aren’t familiar with the faith. ❤️
I wish you the best on your journey. I'm currently inactive, though I still believe that the core teachings and values of the church are good and I follow them the best I can. I understand how many things aren't taught the best they could be, but I hope people can see past the mistakes of the people trying to teach and understand that God loves you and I'm sure anyone else who truly knows you does as well. I find it's really hard not to love someone once you realize what they have been through and why they do the things they do. No judgement here. Just sad to see so many being pushed away from something I ultimately still have a lot of respect for. It's what made me who I am.
I was wondering, when you say you left the Mormon church, do you mean you stopped believing in the christian god too?
jesus is the way not the beliefs of the mormon
@@vitorisi1 The "Mormon" belief is following Jesus. It's literally in the name of the church...
@@valderon3692 A Freemason started the Morman Church. The Morman Church is Satanic at the top level just like Freemasonry. Even the Catholic church appears to have been taken over by Luciferians (Satanic). Most members of all those organizations are clueless as to what is going on at the top. The members are a cover for the evil ones. The members probably also get misled on various things.
I was directed to this video and even though years old, i needed to comment. I resigned about 20 years ago in my late 20s. I know the struggle and heartache of leaving a core part of your identity. My collapse was digging into church history after taking an insitutes class. My family closest to me are still very active and dont 'accept' my choices. We dont fight any more, but it is just not discussed.
WOW. I didn't know that the no-shampoo guy is actually my most relatable person in the world. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO
Lmao, “no shampoo guy” 💀
I know that so much went into preparing to tell this story, and I have to say I am so honored you have chosen to share it with us. It is hard to comprehend the emotional and mental journey both you and Iz had to go through before feeling able to share this, and I really appreciate how you demonstrated taking that time and sharing over the past couple years when you weren’t ready.
As a Catholic raised Italian, living most of my youth in protestant Netherlands, fast forward now in India since many years, a land of such strong, deep cultural flamboyancy and diversity, and drenched in a spirituality which is only religious to those who look at it superficially...the way you tell your story tells me you have really, really travelled deep in your spiritual and personal search. You are a courageous and admirable human being. May your story inspire many.
Are you in Kerala,india
glad u experienced indian spirituality, i am from india, and i bet it is most fascinating civilization.
Idk where u went in the Netherlands but I lived here all my live and almost no one here is religious. The country also isn’t protestant but 50/50 catholic/protestant
Thank You for your words and courage. I will always shake your hand and open my door for You
I grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness and a lot of this hit home for me. It’s a painful and hard process when you leave. The loneliness hurts and losing your friends and family can be difficult. But nothing can replace the joy of living an authentic life
Jehovah witness is a cult 😳
@Alvin Theng - And so is the Mormons and every other religion.
Same here! I grow up as a JW…. I think the mouth of the process leaving the religion ere the most stressful and the most important moment of my life
@Russell M. Nelson thanks , recovery is hard but every day is better
@@faldflaldfwewrtwety losing everyone was definitely hard for me
Johnny, my wife and I just told our parents that we're stepping back from the LDS Church a few weeks ago. Thank you for this video, really hit home about a lot of the thoughts and feelings I've been unpacking. I've enjoyed your channel for a while and had no idea you were an ExMo. Glad to see you've found happiness and a new identity on the other side. Thanks again.
It is so hard to come out to your parents about that. That was very brave of you two!
It's a rough journey. Good luck to you.
Congrats to you sir. Couldn't have been easy. It's great that yourc wife is also on board. Enjoy your new found freedom with empathy.
Proof Eucharist is body of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary is his mother.
48I am the bread of life.
49Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;z
50this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die.
51I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”a
52The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?”
53Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.
54Whoever eats* my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.
55For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.
56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.
57Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.b
58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
Eucharistic miracle..
ua-cam.com/video/soCkftBBsBo/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/oogJ-cdi7yI/v-deo.html (Rome Reports)
ua-cam.com/video/whbzLYi7cyc/v-deo.html (Lanciano)
ua-cam.com/video/6PJ8BORx1p8/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/bd16tBRbLXw/v-deo.html
Incorruptible bodies of saints due to the Eucharist - only happens in the Catholic church. No other religion has this miracle
ua-cam.com/video/GSCk0qs-2-M/v-deo.html (Padre Pio)
ua-cam.com/video/jN4SvtRje2I/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/-TrR1CEWdbc/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/XCDBekAQ-FI/v-deo.html (Carlo Acutis)
ua-cam.com/video/33vlkJh2iJc/v-deo.html
Apparition of Virgin Mary
ua-cam.com/video/GQnKS7YUE7Q/v-deo.html (Virgin Mary apparition in Ivory Coast)
ua-cam.com/video/0PPGuMmn6TQ/v-deo.html (Virgin Mary statue moving)
ua-cam.com/video/tVU8bhbQInw/v-deo.html (Virgin Mary apparition in Egypt)
ua-cam.com/video/nMEWxRB-1dc/v-deo.html 1968 Egypt
ua-cam.com/video/8YR6INkTK7Q/v-deo.html (Miracle of the sun)
ua-cam.com/video/yF0_ysUivxE/v-deo.html (Miracle of the sun)
ua-cam.com/video/76qAMB3qUpA/v-deo.html Sun miracle in Medjugorje in Easter Sunday
@@Raverraver9999 k
Wow just wow I never thought we would get a documentary this personal. Amazing video as always.
Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LOLOLOL
SO grateful to learn about your quest to be the best parent you could be. It is not easy creating a new path for your family. The world is better for your effort.
“Leaving the church is painful, socially, mentally, you pay a price for doing so.” Powerful statement I fully relate to. Left the church years ago, and this is still so real. It’s a journey.
It gets better!! So courageous to walk away from something that was no longer serving you. Hugs
Same hardest but most fulfilling decision I've ever met
ua-cam.com/video/lczaO4YnFnQ/v-deo.html
There's definitely a difference vertebrae leaving the church and leaving God
I left the church 30 years ago & still unpacking the psychological, social & cultural impact all these years later. I appreciate you sharing your story, and wish all those post Mormon warriors in their journey towards their own Truth ❤️
thankfully, i am a PCA, and we dont believe that Church, your priest or your works is a gateway of salvation to heaven, but when we leave the Church, is basically sad personally, its like losing a community that you have build together in Christ(altough that doesnt mean they are going to excommunicate you or abandon you,lol) PCA are basically a community where you can grow together inside Christ, and given a material or organization to build a genuine Christian community that really makes you feel something(especially if you are the Elder, but in PCA everyone is given chance to repent and testimony about everyday God's work) not to mention, its gonna feels weird to meet with your Godfather and Godmother when you leave the church, lol especially if they are your neighbor.
Pretty cool, same here except with Christian orthodox
Now I just love Jesus and try read and follow the Bible without the lenses of men’s theology
@@LuluDior4 Jesus is the truth the way and the light. Not mormonism. If you truly want to know the truth seek HIm
@@LuluDior4 - What is "R"? - as in "blamed a R on me", and "my R was Mormon"
@@BillPigg, I think that this woman experienced a "rape" by a Mormon leader. She was blamed & shamed for this violent act but the Mormon Church completely ignored her as the true victim & excommunicated her. They chose to believe her perpetrator. That's so sad.
I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been to have that discussion with your wife. And the relief you must have felt when your paths rejoined.
I had to have that same conversation with my wife and it was so horrifying to me, taking my own life seemed like a better choice. Through a lot of struggle and overwhelming fear, I got through it and our marriage is still going strong 4 years later.
To anyone else in a similar position, it is possible to make it out not only alive, but stronger for it. My kids often thank me for taking the big step to leave the church and thereby make it possible for them to be true to who they are rather than live a life filled with shame.
Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!
@@SlusserGuitars so glad you got through it and are better for it. All best wishes to you and your family
It can absolutely feel like your world is going to end. It's terrifying telling that to a spouse. For me, I am now in a mixed faith marriage and we still struggle. It's been 10 years of deconstruction and about 1.5 years of fully being out. It's the most liberating, jarring, and centering experience. We still struggle, but I've come to embrace a deeper version of myself and our marriage has been all the better for it.
I too came from a high control religion. This video profoundly spoke to me. Thank you for sharing your personal journey. Please create a follow-up video as you said you would 3 years ago.
As an ex-Mormon my story is identical. Watching this felt like I was reliving my life before leaving the church.
Can't agree more. When he described his frustrations with the 'authority structures,' I felt like he took the words directly out of my own mind. I was lucky, like him. My parents adopted me when I was two weeks old through the church, they raised me to be a saint, and I was for a long time. when I was 16-17 years old, I told them I didn't believe and that I didn't want to go anymore, not knowing what their reactions might be. They were understanding, loving, patient.. They knew they were going to try to get me to go back, hell, I knew that, too. But they never stopped loving me and I knew that and felt that. Made all the difference in the world. I think my Mom had an idea to get up to heaven first and butter up the big guy before I got there so maybe he'd just let me slide into eternity w her and my brother and my Dad 😂
ua-cam.com/video/CRw-q83iicw/v-deo.html
@@erkandjurk6090Mother's love know no bonds
I feel the same, I'm an ex-muslim and tbh i never thought how much similar the stories of ex-mormons are to us. It's not easy to leave a cult, I salute you all.
@@HarpaxA she passed in 2019, stage four cancer. She was my protector, my guardian angel, the one person I knew would always be on my side no matter what. I miss her every single day.
Coming from an active member of the church, I throughly enjoyed this video. It is always interesting to me to see peoples stories of transitioning out of the church, and to have someone who is able to express their story so well. My dad left the church when I was young, and it did break apart my parents marriage. It’s something I am still unpacking well into my adult years. I am genuinely happy for you and your wife, and I’m glad that you two were able to find joy in your life beyond the church. Thank you for sharing, looking forward to future videos.
I’m so sorry that it broke your family up. It shouldn’t have. Many couples can continue having a very happy family and believe differently. It’s hard when they get counseled by the brethren to do otherwise.
It must’ve been u credibly difficult for you & I hope you get all of the help that you need to help you through your pain. Hugs
Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LOLOLOL
active member here as well. As a convert, who joined the church as an adult, it breaks my heart when people feel like they have been tricked or lied to their whole lives. I love this church and the gospel. I feel for these people
@@Ether-pb5gb also a convert at 18. Served a mission and married in the temple. I totally agree with you. It makes me really think deeply about how I will raise my children. I feel a lot of members born in the church are victims of pressure from parents and community which drives them to eventually leave the church. Theres a better way to raise children, I just know it.
Not the Mormon church hitting an ad on this video 😭 Lol but forreal this was an amazingly vulnerable piece! Love to see videos like this
Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO
❤❤
Wow, Johnny.
I’ve been following you forever and I truly respect you for doing an honest video like this.
I’ve watched the first of your videos about the church and about to watch #2.
Keep being you, bro
I’m LDS and don’t have plans to change my activity. This is the first time I’ve ever commented on any UA-cam video but I wanted to say how beautiful this was. I deeply love how well you explained your situation. Coming from the faith I can let everyone know it’s a big deal. I appreciate your respectful honestly with us and yourself. Keep living and loving this beautiful life we all have.
Dang, what a good comment
Wow, well said, respect to you man!
Wow. You literally just made the most perfect comment anyone has made. Thank you so much for saying this it really helped me sort through my feelings after watching this video.
Look at this insidious worm trying to create a kind persona toward ex-members, like they don't attempt to destroy former members lives and bar them from their own families when individuals choose a non-delusional path... Don't try to be nice lol we know your looking down on us all from Tier 1 heaven lol. (The guy was being nice but I feel the need to troll him so...)
Never too late to change🙃
When I was pregnant I started realizing the huge responsibility that my child brings
My son changed me completely and forever and all for the better
I wish my husband followed that path too like your wife did
That change is still making it hard to be together but I’m glad that I can be the person that I am for my son
I hope the situation will resolve itself with time, best of luck on your journey!
Tough journey, the gospel of jesus christ, is true. The people that make up anything, are flawed. Not wrong on all aspects, but flawed. Giving my relationship with the savior will not be jeopardised by anyone. My relationship with him is the reason I'm here. Not man.
@@user-bd5md5cm2j Tough journey indeed. She and Johnny Harris are strong people to take on this journey, to risk their long-established social groups in order to search for who they really want to be.
Believe what you want, after all, we're also just doing the same.
@@rizaleliasmosquera5114 👍 true my friend.
I was raised agnostic/atheist and, as someone said in the comments, hearing about this kind of experiences is very interesting for me as I haven't ever experienced anything similar and I think it's very important to listen to them so that we can understand what you go through better so thank you for being one of those who shares their story, I get it must be hard to do. I really appreciate that many people re-evaluate their values as parents and I think we sometimes see things clearer that way. I want to thank you again and wholeheartedly for making this video. It was a great resource for someone like me to begin to understand what stepping out of a church can mean, but I'm sure as I've read in the comments that it has been a major help for many people who are dealing with the same doubts you did. Making this video requires a lot of courage and I want to acknowledge it and thank you for that. Seriously, thank you.
P.S.: It really got me thinking what you said about thinking about the world in a special framework and then, without it, it being exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. I feel that way with the world. And it's awesome. We'll always have new things to learn in this incredible world we live in. Lots of luck, Johnny, stay safe!! :)
My friend is an athiest he lost his phone finds it in his car and says
"Oh thank god"
He failed to see the irony in this haha
I was born into a hindu family but as i grew a bit older , i started to question god, and hinduism isnt as imposing or orthodox as christianity so my parents just let me believe what i wanted to, they resisted only a bit.
@@4m0d kinda what I'm going through rn
@@jesseready5667 common saying. Doesn't have much to do with God anymotr
@@jesseready5667 Gee what is a colloquialism anyway?
I've always enjoyed your work. Your honesty with yourself and others, even on a public platform, has always been refreshing. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal aspect of your life. I was raised LDS as well. I understand how difficult this must have been.
Regardless beliefs and religions.... your testimony by itself is one of the bravest and honest that I have seen/hear in years. Thank you.
Almost every religion teaches "Seek the Truth"
If religion comes in the way of seeking the Truth, there is no harm in leaving the religion.
Hard truth!
One of the reasons I like Gary Habermas is that he questioned the authority of scripture, viewed it the same way skeptics do, and tried to find the truth about the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. The process took years and it was the topic of his PhD. A few of his lectures on the topic are on youtube.
Questioning is half knowledge
@@TajamalGhumman true
@@TajamalGhumman حسن السؤال نصف العلم
I was once a Jehovah's Witness. I am so much happier after leaving. "When one man practice something illogical he is crazy, but when practiced by a large group it's a religion."
Same here. It’s so nice to to happy outside of the JW craziness. I’m happy for you being outside of it!
Good for you bro, you deserve to be your own man, and if there is a god it definitely ain’t some guy dressed up in religious clothes who knows what’s up
Research please ..., without confirmation bias
Cult*
100% agree with you and you can't convince them otherwise. And I think people don't realise how difficult it can be to break away from something or a religion you've known your whole life.
Thanks for sharing this. I was wondering how the Mormon faith interprets the Bible verse Matthew 22:30 that says there is no marriage in heaven. I ask in sincerity and respect, it is just a question that comes to mind. Really appreciate all your videos too. All I've watched are very well done.
Damn this one has blown me away. This clearly took a huge amount of courage to post so thank you
When one of your favourite UA-camrs comments on another one of your favourite UA-camrs.. 😍
And reading comments there are many people going thorugh the same, trust me it's very scary to do what he has done already ( I am personally going thorugh that but I am really really scare)
Nice to see you here Evan
Evan♡
Hallo Evan.
“Peeling back that layers” is such an appropriate descriptions, and the layers are many and go very deep and can be very painful.
100th like
That's exactly how my mom described it
Johnny, many others in this comment thread have far more personal and relevant reasons for appreciating this video, but I just want to add my voice to the wave of people thanking you for your vulnerability and honesty in making this vid. I'm sure you've considered this video for a long time, and I'm sure this was one of the hardest videos to make - so thank you.
Thank you so very much Johnny
Thank you for this wonderful, articulate video about exactly what it is like to live and leave the Mormon church. You and your family are wonderful.
I can't imagine how scary it must have been to detach yourself from your family's believes and leave everything your heart knew of the spiritual world. What a battle it must have been on so many levels!
Alot of people experience this! Especially in Christianity
As an catholic, I never found it to be as difficult. the literature made no sense and was clearly just making itself up.
@@digimbyte I'm also catholic and agree with your comment, but it is difficult in the sense to turn away from your family's religious beliefs. That is hard.
@@digimbyte Which literature you talking about?
@@BongoEdits why would you leave the Catholic Church
Raising a child with an open minded mindset is so important, it makes them a tolerate and accepting human being. Your kids are lucky to have you guys ❤️
Yeah, when I have kids I won't impose anything on them and I'll let them explore and choose when they come of age. I've seen how shoving beliefs down a child end up, it usually just have worse things in the future.
I can't agree with you on this. There has to be limits. In a civilised society children need to be taught some kind of belief system. Ok yes we should teach them to be tolerant but if we don't teach them then they will get their lessons and beliefs from elsewhere and it might not Bea good source. I completely reject this let your child choose. Yes it's good to give them some kind of choice at some point but from being young I think it's fine to teach them good principles and take them to church as there are good things taught there.
@@Gracemeguide1988 My aunt does this with her kids and my mom did this with me to an extent. It was actually ironic bc my parents aren't religious and I ended up religious (for a time). My aunt takes her kids to different churches/temples of different religions to experience options and a broader understanding of society. As for myself, I can quote the bible better than many of my very religious friends, which just goes to show that unhealthy devotion can sometimes lead to dogmatism.
Religion is very much subjective. Teaching them traditionally is not necessarily bad. But there is a big difference between exposing them to a lot which I would recommend, vs exposing them to absolutely nothing, which sounds like a bad idea and will hold them back socially, intellectually, spiritually, culturally.
@@Gracemeguide1988 i understand what you are saying, but teaching kids good principles is not exclusive to teaching them through a belief system. especially when a lot of religious group intermix those good principles to forms of hatred or inacceptance. and from my personal experience, picking out which of those things you have been taught to believe your entire life are good and which are bad, and then leaving the bad ones are very tolling and frankly was one of my darkest moments. but then again, it may depends on what kind of religious belief you are teaching to your kid. but if i had the ability to choose how i wanted to grow up i would definitely chose not being taught any belief system
@@Gracemeguide1988 my father brought me up catholic, but at 10 I rejected the church. He never once questioned my choice, and I found my own way of expressing spirituality. I didnt turn into some monster or evil person with the absence of the church. We can learn to be good people without religion to teach us to be good because we may be damned after we die.
I was raised by hard-core Mormon parents from birth to around 18 and literally every word you said was true and relatable. This one really touched me. Appreciate you and this is the first video from you I've ever seen.
Now you did it, you can kiss your trip to planet Kolab good bye. OK, so you rejected Mormonism. What about Scientology? They have a good story too. And what about old good traditional Christianity? Just don't leave your son with a priest alone.
Brother go read Koran Don’t be blind worship read
I was raised a raging atheist but no I’m a happy mormon, thanks Jesus
@@Defenderrassila Koran is a twisted book of Mohammad's thoughts and beliefs passed off as God's(blasphemy) mixed with Bible. The scriptures are the only real truth to seek. Inspired by God-Devine. Bless who reads this and heed to this. In Yeshua Name. Amen
@@theonechannel9428 read Romans 1:27=Roman's 1:32 John 1:19-21 good luck
I was in the same situation, I grew up in the LDS church and it is all I know. I’m Mexican and when my family and I got to the USA I thought take time time to know if the church is the way that I want for me. The members of the church here were rude with my family, but despite of that I’m here. This is my place.Some Mormon people are nice and some are awful, but I decided to believe in the church and no matter what we are going to be here. Good for you to have the courage to change your life. Because it is sooooo difficult.
People don’t talk about this enough. I didn’t leave the Church because I was “wanting to sin,” or whatever. I left the Church because of years of pain, and deep struggles with the doctrine, the culture, and the Church as an institution. Thank you for addressing the complexities of this experience, because it really is unlike any other.
@@DK-qp9os yeah and at the end the atheist end up with doing suicide, why things like suicides, depression and other mental diseases are common in atheist, because they are negative.
@@socio-economicnewsnetwork4740 Suicide common in atheists? I call bullshit.
Atheists are less likely to go to prison than religious people based on statistics from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the US, you’re more likely to do bad as a religious person.
@Habib Bhai Translation: “Yes! That religion sucks! Come give mine a chance it’s totally better! 😃 “.
@Habib Bhai yes,the Islamic religion is no longer necessary
the story has already been let go from the hands of Demons and God,Now we walk all alone
@@socio-economicnewsnetwork4740 false.
I was in a closed religious community for 27 years. I am 10 years out, and just beginning to have a desire to speak about my experience. This video was healing for me. Many parallels.
He said he asked God a question ... but he never said if God answered? I'm gonna assume he didn't and this is when he started to consider that either God doesn't exist ... or God has better things to do than converse with an uncountable number of sycophantic, needy, irrational, perpetual children begging for something they are capable of getting themselves ... if they would only summon a dollop of courage and common sense.
@@poweraccountabilityleague6877 God exists for those who believe. I once had faith, but no longer. I still respect those with faith. It's their world, their existence, their reality. We each have our own.
@@thomasmcshane7199 I know everyone's favorite phrase is "perception equals reality" ... so if Rachel Dolezal perceives herself to be an oppressed black person then that makes it reality ... but it doesn't ... no matter how much faith she has in that "truth".
Bless you my brother.... just stay close to Jesus, because the time is short - ua-cam.com/video/a9d3W7PeWdI/v-deo.html
@@thomasmcshane7199 existence of God is subjective….wow!
Johnny: "I love my kids, I love film, I love travel..."
Also Johnny: *"i LoVe MoSs"*
ua-cam.com/video/lczaO4YnFnQ/v-deo.html
mmhmmMmmmosssss
who doesn't? :)
For a second I thought he said Elon musk
Being German I though he said Mass... Like "Nah, he can't mean moss, can he?" XD
Thank you Johnny for sharing your story. I also left my religious upbringing as a Seventh-Day Adventist at 21 upon finishing college and completing my degree in dental hygiene. I moved to Switzerland after a few years and spent twenty years sifting my life out. I am so glad that I made that decision so many years ago and have no regrets I have returned to the states and lived in a Seventh-Day Adventist community with my husband for over 30 years as a non- Adventist. I have never regretted leaving my childhood faith and feel I have a more genuine spiritual life because I had the courage to use my critical thinking and learned to live outside of a socially prescribed formula. It's been a 55 year journey and I've never looked back. Well done Johnny for waking up and finally setting yourself free.
"Setting yourself free". Please do not label institutions or churches prisons because of personal experiences which are devoid of a Wholistic picture. I believe you have your own reasons for leaving and that's well respected. Same way one can have perfect reasons for staying. Stop decorating the idea of leaving a church body.
Much much awaited. You've told us many times that you'll do a video about this and finally it's here.
I know it will be an amazing story.
Why do you have a stethoscope hanging around your neck?
@@iamnaz9 hmmm, I wonder as well
@@iamnaz9 I think he's an organ harvester..
@@killerqueen9113 dats a very rude statement to say to a doctor who is just proud of what he is.
Thank you, I'm not a Mormon, but my daughter fell in love with one and because she refused to become a Mormon her relationship with young man had to end. His family would have nothing to do with her or him if they were to continue. We were devastated to hear that. Now I understand why. I really appreciate you, taking the time to talk about this topic with us.
That's too bad. Not all families do that. The farther East you go the less ridgid the rules.
I had a relationship that ended almost exactly like this except revers the genders.
If your daughter was married to a Mormon, his religion would have been the centre of his life and she would be expected to equally devote her life to it as well. The marriage couldn't survive that sort of daily strain. It's hard enough for some couples if they are huge sports fans for rival teams, but this is on a spiritual level and is about whether you get to take your spouse with you to the afterlife (and you're going to be dead way longer than you've been alive). Imagine him thinking that he was going to lose her for all eternity if she didn't become Mormon. He would fight constantly to try to save her soul (unless he didn't love her and didn't mind losing her). But what kind of life would that have been for your daughter or the guy? It would have been grating on her and it would have been devastating and heartbreaking for him.
I'm not a Mormon, I'm a Christian (I'm not sure why Mormons are lumped in with Christians since it's completely different, Christianity has more in common with Islam and Judaism than Mormonism). But in either case, there is no way that I could be married to someone who didn't share the most important belief in my life. There is definitely no way I could ever marry a Mormon because many of their teachings directly oppose the Bible. I honestly think your daughter dodged a bullet.
Its a cult trust me
@@cultleader6977 lol
It speaks volumes about their marriage, that they didn't break up over this, but re-united with a common mindset.
Yes . I wish them well.
Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO
@@Ryanlexz Islam is growing more organically as compared to Christianity.
@@manikaggarwal2018 thanks God they do. I don't want liberal taking over
@@Ryanlexz totally agree.
I first learned about the Church when I was 13 years old in Argentina. I have always been interested in spiritual things. I remember that when I was 9 or 10 years old, in a religion class at school, my teacher said that when we die, our parents will no longer be our parents, because we will all be brothers. Something inside me did not agree with that and I was very sad that there would not be a family in heaven. Years later, when the missionaries taught me that families can be eternal, my spirit recognized that truth. I was very happy to know that I would have a Heavenly Father and that he also established families and that they could be together forever. One of the things that caught my attention was the Book of Mormon. At 13 years old, I had never read a book with so many pages. I was born in a place with few resources and I did not have the habit of reading books from cover to cover. When I started reading the Book of Mormon I couldn't stop reading it. I felt something new up until that moment. It's like my intangible part was receiving something that made it happy and I felt like a void was being filled. It's hard to describe these beautiful feelings that still accompany me to this day. I read the book from cover to cover. It was the first book with many pages that I read. I could feel every time I read it that I had a teacher who was teaching me and who was awakening my understanding and feelings. The next book I read was the Bible and I felt the same. I am grateful to have met The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today I am 48 years old and I look back and see all the blessings I received for having read the Book of Mormon that time. Today I live in Idaho and I have the opportunity to live in a community where the majority are members of this church, most of them farmers, and I had never seen how a group of believers have so much faith to the point of having control over the weather. Farmers here depend on artificial irrigation and how much snow falls. So when there is not enough snow falling, they unite in prayer and fasting and the miracle happens: abundant snow. This is so true that I heard from people outside the church when there is abundant snow falling, they say that surely the Mormons are fasting. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I could not deny it because of what I was told when I read it and I know that Jesus Christ established a church in ancient times, because we need some ordinances to enter the kingdom of heaven and that those ordinances must be done with his authority. I know that there should be one today because I do not believe that God allows us to reach the judgment without having had the opportunity to receive those ordinances. There is such a church, I found it and I invite you to find it. I invite you to understand that there is a part of us that is real and also needs food just like our body and it is our spirit. www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist
Вдохновляющее свидетельство
I really enjoyed this testimony of yours
@@bootertrooper3596 Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
@@andreiles1 I would love to know what you wrote, but UA-cam isn't translating it into English for me.
@@andresrivadeneira5366 Inspiring Testimony))
I've never seen your channel before but really and truly, thank you so so much for making this video.
I chose to leave a little over a year ago. The hardest part about going out and living more authentically is exactly what you said: worrying about all of the people I am going to disappoint. It's incredibly frustrating to have others have such an enormous part of an intimate and personal decision like leaving the church. It was the absolute hardest decision I have ever made and probably will ever make. Thank you for giving me the hope that those voices will quiet down in time.
Man, I’m an ex-JW and I tell you, the number of times I finished your sentences with tears in my eyes. The anger, the frustration, the regret, the pain, oh, there are no words, no words
Same!!! I'm an atheist now, how about you guys?
Hi! What means JW? I am not English native speaker. I speak Spanish
@@carlperl412 Jehovah's Witness/Witnesses
@@maujafer87 we about to go to paradise with Christ, so better join or good luck walking around those satan's loop, poor soul.
I was about to ask that same what was jw but he answered it . This comment is all the way top
Thank you, it’s so important to talk about this. “Leaving any church is hard but sometimes it’s worth it”
I told my teachers I didn't believe in god and they were mesmerized with my intelligence so they gave me a PhD in aerophysics..
@@Jchasser Sounds like a Reddit atheist's dream
It’s complex and often isolating leaving a faith. It’s discovery of self, humbling and eventually confidence in finding the answers outside of doctrine. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hey Johhny. I remember being your home teacher in DC. We loved getting to know you and your family. Really happy for you. I have seen the rise of your channel and really enjoy it. I really connected with a lot of what you said. Give our best to your wife.
Thank you for being such a good home teacher/minister.
🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺❤️
Shane, I bet it was hard for you to take the approach you did. When I left, back in '83, I was shunned and none of my friends in Logan UT would speak to me. They were taught to shun those who resign/leave Mormonism. They blamed some weakness in me that caused the resignation. They tried to get my wife to divorce me (per their policies). They said the could not take the names of my children off the records until I told them they would be hearing from my lawyer. So, good on ya' Shane.
"They were taught to shun those who resign/leave Mormonism." Gotta say, been in the Church since 98, and never in all that time have I heard anything about "shunning" those who are struggling or leaving. Rather, the opposite. Not saying that you didn't feel that on some level, but I am clear that as ministers of Christ, that is NOT what I have been taught.
@@johnnyonthespot1665 Yes, there are those that shun, but that is not the teachings of the church. You are correct that the church teaches quite the opposite and if someone is "Shunning" they are doing so contrary to the teachings of their own church.
You have no idea how much relief this video has brought me. It’s almost like it’s a reflection of my own life. Although I was raised in the evangelical church, most of the points you made really hit home. There’s so much beauty to life to limit it to an archaic framework. I am too a filmmaker and artist, and It is very important to be able to have the freedom to explore the world through the lens of awe. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Good for you. Religion is a hindrance to full living. Enjoy your talents and your life !
@@claires9100 Thank you! 🙏🏼
yo can i quote you
@@makotopark7741 Of course, no problem 🙏🏼
Hello there~
I’m curious how it helped you see the beauty more? What belief do you hold now?
I’m on the opposite end. As an evangelical Christian, for me, beauty only makes sense in the framework of a loving creator. I don’t think I could see beauty if it was all a random collection of atoms. :)
I was born as an Atheist in France, I now live in the Netherlands where I met Mormons. They were very active in evangelizing the world. They were very recognizable in the streets, slim, always in suits and ties, sometimes on bicycles, they were really beautiful. I have always had a lot of respect for them and still have for their perseverance as Don Quixotes for a lost cause. But your testimony really touched me Johnny. If everyone was like you, honest, kind and empathetic with respect for oneself and others, respect for nature we would live in a better world.
Mormonism is not Christian. It's about as Christian as Catholicism. Mormonism borrows heavily from Freemasonry as Joe Smith was Master Mason, among other things. Freemasonry is actually just a cover for Satanism so thank God you got out of that bizarre religion.
@@fggoodman Mormons practice baptism and celebrate the sacrament, but they also participate in other religious rituals. Mormons self-identify as Christians.
Atheïst like myself consider Mormonism as a branch of Protestantism like Seven Day Adventists, Gehovas Witnesses, Reformed, Baptists and so many streams of Protestantism.
On the other hand some Christians consider Mormonism "non-Christian"; others, focusing on similarities, consider it to be a Christian religion. Opinions differ among scholars of religion on whether to categorize Mormonism as a separate branch of Christianity or as the "fourth Abrahamic religion" (alongside Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
@@noelvanwilgenburg Jehovah's Witnesses? Wow. Lol. JW is also just cult that has very little to do with following Jesus Christ. The founder of JW like the founder of Mormonism, was a high level Freemason. This is how you can tell if something is Christian or not? If the church is called anything other that Christian Church then it's bogus. Different denominations, and sects, etc. are forbidden. Each one of those entities has its own personalized beliefs and traditions that deviate from Scripture. Just because you identity as Christian doesn't make it so. Look at the beliefs of the Mormons, the JW's, etc. and you can see how bizarre and un-Biblical they really are..
@@noelvanwilgenburg
Are you still Atheist?
@mraco polo
You don't know What I'm gonna say.
I am a religious person, but I don't believe in heaven and hell.
I'm a fan of your content. As someone who is a convert, served a mission, and is currently attending BYU, I appreciate the different insights this video provides.
I’m not a Mormon or ex-Mormon but I can relate to this video. I grew up a Jehovah’s Witness and let me tell you they’re not much different. Many things you said hit home. When I decided to leave it left a rift in my relationship with my family. That rift continues to this day. You also hit home when you said that the Mormon church acts as if they’re the gatekeepers of the truth. Jehovah’s Witnesses do the same thing. It’s been a rough road but knowing other people go through similar things helps.
Same here. I grew up JW. Even as a little kid, I thought some of the bible stuff was weird, such as Noah's flood. I was about 10, and I thought "god killed everyone?". Then he's a mass murderer.
@@doneestoner9945 that’s how it was for me. None of the stuff we were being taught made any sense to me.
When the stuff that you are being taught does not make sense, you are being conned and its time to move on.
A similar thing happened to my mom. She grew up as a JH and left the congregation at 14.
Ever since then her entire family shunned her. She struggles with alcoholism now to numb the pain of her family abandoning her because she didn’t share the same beliefs. In my experience, religion has separated more people and created a kind of cult mentality. I wish I could take the pain away for my mom but all I can do is offer my love and company.
@@williambudd2850 Exactly!!
“Fleeing structure that I feel put down who I really was” - This sentence is profound for me. I was raised in a Southern Baptist church. I can relate to many of the struggles you mention about distancing from a religious structure, especially when it is intertwined with family and friend circles.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
"Wouldn't the world be a better place if all religions didn't think they had a direct line to God?!?"-Woody Allen
Lies, traitor!!
@@GardenGuy1942 try to be polite, please
@@GardenGuy1942 Damn, you reacted exactly how a Southern Baptist member is expected to react. Kudos.
@@michaelholston2233 And Woody is worthy of quoting on this? lp
Leaving Mormonism especially is so difficult, the religion is almost entirely your culture. With meetings and callings and youth mutual and Sunday school and Sacrament... It's not a 1 hour 1 day a week thing. It's a major major major part of your life, and in turn a lot of your social interactions will be church adjacent.
Leaving Mormonism doesn't just potentially ostracize you from family, but your entire community.
Anyone who goes through with it will always have my respect. It is a very very very tough and scary thing to do.
The good thing you have to take away from this,on top of Johnny leaving the mormon church, is that it wasn't like trying to leave Scientology! That a whole other ball of wax right there.I myself left the LDS as little over 30 years ago and Johnny, I feel your pain. My leaving wasn't as intertwined as Johnny's. I was always speaking up for myself and had very strong opinions as a teen. I had gone to church on sunday( 3hrs) plus a Sunday night "fireside" (1or 2hrs) then on Wednesday to have what's called mutual (2 or 3 hr). So roughly 8 hours a week. Then starting in high school I went to and graduated from seminary, which is about an (1hr) before school starts, Monday thru friday, FOR 4 YEARS! So by this time the church is laying the guilt on pretty thick and preparing the young men to go on thier Missions and the young women to be Holly Homemaker. In some if not most mormon communities you didn't go on a mission then OMG something must be wrong with you and you most likely have brought shame to your family. I was confirmed a teacher, which to you non mormons our there, you go from being a deacon at 13 to teacher at 15 and then priest at 17yrs old, my numbers might be off a little, it's been a while so plz forgive any inaccuracies. Then at 18 you go on a 2 year mission to spread the gospel. For me,I was in with the bishop and said to him( I was a teacher at the time), I don't think I want to move on to being a priest. And that was the beginning of my exit from the mormon church.I also live in the D.C. area so the pressure wasn't as intense as it was living in Utah, where everywhere you turn its mormons. My tight group of friends supported and respected my choice, but some of the other members either gave me the cold shoulder or in some cases outright denied my existence, which I found to be very hypocritical, because those actions go against the teachings of the church. I also witnessed some of the older married men, who had been cramming this stuff down your throat, do exactly what they had told you was unacceptable. In one case a former bishop, who shall remain anonymous, ditched his fat wife and kids, for his hot secretary. Now don't get me wrong, I think going on a mission is a very noble thing to do. These young men get to learn a new language and go to an exotic country, not always but most of the time, and they pay for it, out of their own pockets, from money that they have saved up for years. And the church covers the rest, mostly. Well I've prattled on enough, so in closing I'll tell you there are alot of positive things about the LDS church, the women are super hot, and I mean HOT, not all but most. And the bonds you build with your close friends, who you probably were in boy scouts with, last a lifetime. We played alot of basketball. Most churches have a full size, wooden floor basket ball court in them. And the lessons they teach preach goodness and honesty, things that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Johnny, I hope you read this and find some truth and wisdom in my words, because I've been where you find yourself today
And if anyone wants to discuss jump on in.
My thoughts are they try to keep you so busy you don’t have time to question anything lol
My Pentecostal church was similar to this. My whole life revolved around church, youth group, missions, church school, etc. It was a cultural shock when I finally stepped away.
Kinda like being muslim
@@llamaliammm Kinda like any other successful cult and religion of the past 10,000 years
I love and appreciate how sincere you are discussing this topic, and how you are able to be honest without being unkind. Thank you!
I'm very glad that your wife came to the same decision. Clearly you two chose well when you married. I have nothing but good hopes for you and your family moving forward.
Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LOLOLOL
It's crazy how decades after I left, I still feel this weird urge to defend mormonism whenever people speak out against it. In an instant I come to my senses, but wow.
I am in the process of leaving now.
I know what you mean about the instinct to defend the church and culture. I suppose that some part of that instinct will be with me forever.
Thanks for sharing.
You aren't alone. I was raised Southern Baptist, but even at 42 I still have a nagging fear of damnation because all that crap was drilled into me as a child. It's terrible.
I didn't experience this once I left but for sure experienced defending the church when I was a member. Now when a nevermo mentions Mormonism I arm them with knowledge of all the craziness so they will never be persuaded by missionaries.
That programmed defense mechanism the church crafted in your psyche will deminish the more you peel layers. It will get to a point where you realize you're defending an abusive and toxic culture.
I'm the same way, I still fight mentally as if did I make the right choice? Its definitely a mental battle its actually awful mentally. I'm glad there are others like me.😊
There is no I..... Your brain makes the illusion of the I the Self but in reality your BRAIN same as Mind and what the Christians refer to Heart creates the STORY the Narrative since you were knee high and started schooled being programmed from child to adult it just a program like a hard drive . You can not think what you have not learned .....
good video
Hi daily dose, love your videos
you're here :0
Ur real?
Love you so much!
Later.
Hey I love your videos!!
My mothers side of side of the family was LDS. My grandfather held the preisthood. I was raised in the church. Blessed, baptized, and even baptized for the dead in the temple. I eventually asked to be excommunicated, where they sent me a letter taking back all of my blessings ever given. I still have that letter and have held onto it for years. Growing up LDS ingrains so much into you from birth. I am still working through breaking down and overcoming the abuses of the church on my soul. Recovery takes a long time, and in some families it is generational. Thank you for sharing your story.
I was raised Roman Catholic. The first time I decided not to go to Mass on a Sunday, I thought for sure I would be struck by lightning, but I wasn't. I found a beautiful little park where I could sit and watch the ripples on a lake, feel the warm breeze and truly felt I was in the presence of God. I eventually started taking little road trips looking for Indian mounds, and really got into a personal spirituality that taught me more just by being alone in nature, God's creation than I ever heard from a pulpit. Now, many years later, I have returned to the church, but with a greater understanding of what I am here for. Thank you for your story. It helps to understand what others believe.
I love this
I, too, was raised Catholic. However, when I stopped attending mass for a bit, I let go of that fear I had that I would be punished for deliberately ditching it.
I already stopped believing a little bit before that, but when I went back to mass some time later, not only was it depressing but also oblivious to different ideas and cultures outside the Christian bubble.
When I first learned about contradictions in the Bible, I also let go of that fear of reading it because I thought it would have this magical power over me. Now, I'm constantly finding the time out of my busy schedule to start reading the Bible and thoroughly cut myself off from Catholicism once and for all.
Everything I learned since I left about Catholicism's impact on my life and my people (I'm Mexican), I now have a deeper hatred for the very idea of Christianity and Catholicism specifically, and a deep sadness for the potential of those cultures that Catholicism destroyed.
I'm still trying to reconcile these feelings by just enjoying life and learning about different cultures while still keeping in touch with my own in my own special way and sharing it with other people. I also feel a stronger sense of purpose within me in this sea of uncertainty, and it's liberating.
I'm proud to be a Mexican atheist. My decision to seek truth and compromise made me a better person.
Your story is great, thanks for sharing.
@@TonyAMO
Whoa !! 😦
While a part of me agreed with things you shared,
(myself having been raised in a Catholic household),
your words clearly display a need for healing that only comes from God.
The fact that you wrote of the hatred you have
reveals the enemy having a foothold on you.
God, our Creator, has written His name on our hearts.
While we are free to be angry and feel every emotion He has given us,
truly none can declare atheism as it has been defined.
(Not to offend you or anyone~~ it's just the way it is 🙂)
There are no contradictions in the Bible.
Every part of it supports itself ...
from the Old through the New Testament.
There have been changes and additions in the 'Catholic Bible.'
Undoubtedly, this has agitated strife and uncertainty.
(There should be no praying to Mary or the saints; only to God,
through Jesus)
Ritualistic, rambled prayers are in vain, and it is SO SAD. 😔
If there is something that puzzles us, we can take it up with God.
He may choose not to reveal everything now,
while we must choose not to allow the devil's deception to draw us away
as he stirs up more conflict and confusion.
(At the moment, it seems he's got you EXACTLY where he wants you,
and this is quite a dangerous place to be)
God's handiwork is right before us~~
The trees and flowers, the sun and moon and oceans,
babies, puppies, butterflies, sound, sight, smell, ...
There is no denying God in our hearts and minds...
only from our lips,
because we would rather not be accountable for choices against His instructions.
I am upset with the way things are taught in the Catholic Church.
I was taught more of His punishment and condemnation
instead of His amazing grace, love, and mercy.
I now have quite a strong relationship with Him
as I have been a nondenominational Christian for a couple decades.
I mess up every day in both my thoughts and deeds,
yet my desire is to follow Him.
And I know I am forgiven as I still ask for His pardon each day,
with the faith in what Jesus has done for me
through His death and resurrection !! 🙏🏽
Though you'll likely say you don't want it,
my prayers will be lifting you up, in Jesus' Name.
😊
Problem / Catholicism is not found on the Bible. Why not study the Bible alone?
I'm currently pretty close to leaving and it has been a really long, complicated, slowly peeling back layers experience for me. Lots of counseling led to it. It's been really hard. But I'm glad I heard your experience. I relate a lot. Thank you so much for this respectful, honest video. I really connected with it and can empathize. I'm so grateful for understanding friends and family.
Agreed
DO IT. Shia LaBeouf demands it!
Have you every received personal revelation?
Have you already made promises or covenants with the possible existence of God?
Is the Book of Mormon a fantasy novel?
Is every person you know who has received revelation or have physical spiritual experiences lying?
Have you felt any type of lifted pain from past sin when repenting?
@@devonmarr9872 BOM has had many changes to it over the years...it was plagiarized from books that were around in smiths time and also he copied word for word parts from the bible....I believe the mormon church is built on a lie...BUT largely the church teaches people to be good and do good...to do service unto others...how can God have anything against what is built up for his Glory? mormons worship God and Jesus and see holy spirit as the trinity as father son and spirit which is one God...this is the correct view...although there are many descrepencies and problems with the church it is MOSTLY a good organization...whatever we have great faith in WE TURN INTO THE TRUTH!!!! what you do over and over and over BECOMES FACT...IT BECOMES REALITY...something that bears fruits...so I cannot say too much against the church....I would rather put it this way instead of saying why follow something built on a lie? we should ask "what does God have against what teaches people to love him and worship him?". sure mormons have overstepped the mark...it is all way too much...simple reading of the bible and prayer and keeping the commandments and turning away from sins and being clear before death is enough to be saved...mormans claim they have fullest truth or highest truth...nope...Catholics and protestants and baptists and so on into non church attenders are going to heaven...all will be judged before the father...is joseph smith in hell for writing a false work? no he is in a high glory....when we consider the millions of lives helped...all the positive stories this far outweighs any of the untruths in the church
@@babkeebabkus8177 In my perspective there are tough things to wrestle with when it comes to the LDS church. What it boils down to for me is how can u be the best disciple of Christ I can. I have personally found this answer to be in the LDS churchs doctrine, ordinances, and revelation. Despite this there is always a level of personal human error that it may be wrong or all a lie. I have however made good faith convenents and promises to God that I intended to make and continue to uphold. If they end up being fictitious covenants or not giving through revelation from him personally he will see the intents of my soul and judge me on this. I would much rather uphold my promises to the Lord than abandon them because I have a chance of being wrong.
I kind of took me a while and personally I don’t really have any experience with being Mormon but I do think this message stretches out for anyone growing and working to become a different person from who you were expected to be as a result of your childhood and early adult hood whether it’s religion or cultural norms.
Johnny i just want to say thank you. Ive been fighting myself to make a decision and i think this video is definitely the one thing that helped me figure out what i need to do.
As a 14 year old, I am struggling with all of this. Exactly what he has said is how I feel and I'm so glad I found this because it has really helped me. Thank you Johnny.
Religions are somewhat good for humans but too many human operated houses use the name of religion to scam people.
15 yo, exactly the same boat man.
It is a hard decision to make but you have to do what you feel God wants you to do. Big life altering decisions should be made slowly after much prayer and pondering.
I’m working through this whole process as a father with 11 children and trying to hear what God wants for me and my family.
16 here, I totally get it.
As a Catholic 14 year old, dealing with just trying to understand my own religion and maybe seeing what other religions offer. Catholicism is what I have decided to stick with since historically and religiously I believe it and find it true. Hope you all find your way!🙏♥️✝️🇻🇦
Thank you for this.
As a former JW I appreciate this more then you could ever know :)
I would love to listen to a conversation between the two of you about faith and religion and your respective journey's!
+1 on your idea Karo
I would love to hear you speak more spanish with that mexican accent
I got a serious reveal from some USA Mormon here in Moscow Russia 🇷🇺 on an interview last week . Worth watching
"Dissonance is OK."
That's one of the sentences I would put on t-shirts.
Everything around me always wants the golden way, the absolute truth and someone who shows you what is right and what you should do.
But life isn't that boring.
This sentence hit me the most, I would buy that shirt.
I´d buy it
yep
i also loved that quote it gave me chills
I've been dealing with theological and religious dissonance in my own life and this saying, I think, will really help me feel at peace with where I am at right now.
thank you so much for this message, i was born and raised Mormon, but i always felt i was on the outer layer of the church's core. its so nice to hear your story. it makes me feel better about who i am, living the life on the other side of the mormon roots
As a former pastors daughter, with tons of emotional damage from churches, I didn’t feel as close to God as I do now (haven’t been to church in years)
I have a relationship with God. It’s not a religion for me anymore. It’s not about rituals or doing things right. It’s about my relationship with God.
Thats grace for you, as it is written, the just shall live by faith
Hope for the best for you
Gbu
Hello Kathryn, I was working since 1986 as a Development Worker in India, Sudan, South Africa and Vietnam. I have left the Church (Evang. Reformed) long time ago since I have realized that It can't be true that any Çhurche or Religion knows exactly the Will of God and think their beliefs are the real truth. I still believe in God and have a very close personal relationship with him. He saves me all the time from messes I went into. I do not need a building or structure to find to God or do the right things in life. I do not need a Jesus or Mother Maria to pray to either.
Grace thru faith
Gentiles are obligated to keep the Torah's 7 Noahide commandments. Good luck.
@Stephanie Gonzalez Dear Stephanie, you ment all other Religions are wrong. How you know it since your believe is just a believe and biased by your church. Are all Muslims, Jewish, Hindus, Bhutists and other people wrong? Think of it. Christians are a minority. But we believe in one God, what ever you call or name it. And I don't need a proxy.
“Malísimo, wey!” You just became much cooler among your audience of Mexican descent.
He even nailed the accent
@@ErickRodriguez-pd6gk it was impressive!
All latino audience to be honest hahaha
@Crab Rangoon Big words for the country with the most junkies in the world.
@@verlorenish no need to shit on afflicted people to argue with a brick wall/troll haha.
Thank You Johnny. This was like a sign. I've now decided and I'm leaving next week, on my 25th birthday. My brother is the only one that knows. I'll see you on the other side. Again- THANK YOU!
happy birthday and best of luck :)
Well, your brother and at least 67 other people so far :-)
wait, just like that? lol
Enjoy the ride :) and stay firm in your decision. Freedom from religious doctrine is always best.
Happy Birthday. You are so brave. Best of luck.
Thank you, Johnny, for sharing this and the way, you do it. It means a lot to me.
I hear them say, “you can leave the church but you can’t leave it alone”. It held me in the nice guy phase for over a year. But like you said, I don’t fit the bitter or nice guy stereotype anymore. I’m just me. Who I was always meant to be. Thanks Jonny. This vid has helped me heal a little more
Bitter nice guy is a great way to put it, thank you! When I left I definitely didn’t leave it alone, at least for a minute. Probably cathartic in some way. Sure as hell’ve left it alone since then though. Too much other stuff that’s truly important to focus on.
I like to think I'm just a nice guy in general, so having left the church I guess you could say I'm the "nice former Mormon" stereotype. Eh.
Thank you for sharing your story. As a former Jehovah's Witness, every single nuance of your experience resonated with me. Having my child also made me reassess my beliefs and how I wanted to raise him. You're so right, it's a lot better on the other side if you honor your truth. There is nothing like the freedom of thought, expression and openness that we can experience outside of these orthodox organizations.
Look for a new church. A church that has bible study. This helps in asking all the questions among your peers and Reverends
A Freemason started the Morman Church. The Morman Church is Satanic at the top level just like Freemasonry. Even the Catholic church appears to have been taken over by Luciferians (Satanic). Most members of all those organizations are clueless as to what is going on at the top. The members are a cover for the evil ones. The members probably also get misled on various things.
Oh wow, thank you for confirming my comment that this happens in some form in literally every religion. Because religion is man made, it follows man made manipulation tactics for retention and growth. That freedom you experience in orthodox organizations is an illusion, and also a lie. Technically the book that you are worshipping says that you don't get that kind of freedom of thought and expression. You can't just interpret things however you want, there is a book with exact wording that can be observed and is what your entire belief is based on. Except most people don't even read their bible, and rather just accept the snippets that the pastor picks out and interprets for them...
@@anthonyfaiell3263 that comment hit home! Good words man
@@chogesilas7059 Careful. I did just that and found that churches share similar doctrines not found in God's Word.
I'm so glad your wife left the church with you. You two are SO BRAVE!
Very lucky!
Now Mr. and Mrs. Brave should do reports exposing Islam, Baptist/Evangelical Christianity and Hinduism.
@@user-k4d-e59mo28oc What does that have to do with leaving a religious organization? They aren't openly criticizing LDS. They're talking about their experience leaving. If you want to see other experiences of people's path to exit religion look for other individual stories on those religions. There are many out there.
@@user-k4d-e59mo28ocThat wouldn't make a lot of sense considering they were Mormon not Muslim.
@@user-k4d-e59mo28oc Why only these? Expose all religions.
Oh bro. This is the best video I have watched on a long time. I appreciate all the work you put and I can totally relate. Thanks for making me feel that I was completely right about my decision.
You conveyed the internal struggle I've had for years ever since leaving The Jehovah's Witnesses. My wife finally understands it. Thank You.
Hi Adam. I can appreciate that. I was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I got disfellowshiped 5 years ago but got reinstated last year so I could speak with my family. I’m slowly becoming inactive because I don’t believe it but I can’t bear leaving my family. I wish you well with your transition ❤️
@@kellysaunders7155 Same here
@Queen Nikki Now the exorcism cases now that's interesting on a whole new level.
Thanks for the honesty Johnny, this is a heartbreaking story and powerful at the same time. I will add my words of support for you like so many others have in the comments; Your experience is relatable and I can feel how it is truly from the heart. When we share authentic stories like this it has the potential to make an incredible impact on those who are struggling or need to hear it from someone who has already navigated choppy waters. Wishing you and the fam much continued happiness!
Thank you!!
Were I to express my true feelings, I'd seriously offend a lot of people, and I don't wish to do this. Still, I have a few deeply held views which need to be spoken.
1. Belief is very personal. If someone genuinely believes something, no amount of logic nor persuasion will change this. But this is NOT what religion is. Religion is a fixed set of beliefs, maintained by a church, which ALL members are REQUIRED to accept if they wish to belong. And ALL religions have a long set of rewards and punishments, actual and implied, to keep the flock in line. This is UNACCEPTABLE. If we have 'free will' then we alone get to decide ... rather than an organization dictating a set of beliefs for us.
2. ALL churches target Children for indoctrination from a very early age. This is WRONG. Children should be allowed to grow up, unfettered by adult considerations, completely free to choose for themselves what path to follow, once they come of age. What's the point to indoctrinating Children anyway? If their families have chosen the 'correct' religion, then their Children would naturally follow. But this needs to be an actual choice, otherwise it has no legitimacy.
Of course it is extremely unlikely that these things will ever change, since as Johnny suggests, they are deeply entrenched.
So the carnage within families, between faiths and nations will continue to destroy lives. Nor do I accuse any single religion ... ALL religions do exactly the same.
@@johnnyharris And just a friendly suggestion ... it's good to see you encouraging your Children to use the awesome Hasselblad ... but you 'might' consider putting a skylight filter on the front of your lens ;-)
Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!
@@johnnyharris the funny thing is that when I left, I don’t feel any heavy heart 💜 or guilty like you . It was so easy for me. Maybe because I am Asian Vietnamese and Chinese American And maybe because I don’t have too Mormon or white man influence on me hehehe 😜!!!
You are a hero, sir. It's unfortunately rare to see someone with a child, changing their life, and truly making decisions for the sake of their child, without shoving their own self interest onto them.
I watched all of your videos on the L.D.S and could feel the sense of loss you must have experienced...and I just wanted to say "Thank You". YOUR sacrifice has given US the opportunity to expand OUR minds with the incredible content you create. I subscribe to VERY few "channels"....and yours is now one of them. Thank you again sir.
I was a 3rd generation Jehovah's Witness. I know exactly how you feel and what you went through. Leaving a high control group like the Mormons or Witnesses is completely different than if you're say, Presbyterian, and decide to leave. Amongst ex-JWs, we pretty much identify with a line in Hotel California that says: 'You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.'
How are you now?
Love that song
Knowing people from this group saying you chose the world that you know who controls makes me feel really uncomfortable being in a religion. I actually decided just to live by the way I learned about God and goodness
@@WinterEdition it's not going to answer because it's not real.
@@isshia what is goodness?
My dad was a Buddhist monk before he met my mom. I used to tease him by saying "what kinda man would give up on his religious faith over a woman?" He replied " son, my only religion is love"
Buddhists know what's up, in my opinion Buddhists have figured it out better than any other religion. Love is the only way!
Buddhist is the most rational religion out there. The biggest difference between Buddhism and all other established religions is that Buddhism itself asks you to question everything and not just blindly follow any doctrine. And no one is going to hell for not accepting anything about Buddhism. All other religions relies on fear of hell and promise of heaven but Buddhism doesn't.
Buddhist here (from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰).
The sad thing about Buddhism is, it's becoming a religion day by day. Buddhism is a philosophy. Most people confuse that.
@@kanishkz3159 Buddhism is not a religion, rather one of the philosophies of Dharmic Traditions.
@@kanishkz3159 Lord Buddha even said that never to blindly follow his teachings. Question everything. Be your own light.
Edit: oh god. I am sounding like a preacher.
A couple of years ago, I dated a guy who was still active in the Mormon church- I'm also a guy, so you know how that sounds. He was out to his family and they accepted him, but didn't know he was dating other men (if they knew, they would make him resign). He did a mission and worked in his church's council, and although he knew he would have to leave the church if he wanted to be open about loving me, he still devoutly believed it. He was so convicted that his beliefs were the only way, and I saw the consequences he'd face if he left... those of which he never explicitly mentioned. I loved him so much, but I had to let him go because I couldn't handle the thought of me essentially taking his whole world away from him... I feared he'd resent me. It's so hard to love someone, but never truly have them. I don't know where he is today, but I hope he's safe, happy, and okay.
You are a remarkable person. So sorry that you could not stay with him.
Wow that's sounds like a lot to go through, I hope he got out there to be free.
You made me tear up
I'm so sorry, Blake. ❤️ You're such a selfless guy. I hope you're doing well and he is too.
Blake, I admire you for doing the right thing. Decades ago, before Gays could marry, I had to let the love of my life go, because I am disabled, and even if I just lived with her, if the social worker found out, I would have lost my benefits. But she wanted to have the "full wedding experience," complete with me wearing a wedding band at all times. Had I lost my benefits, she would have to pay for my medical bills and medicine out of pocket, bankrupting her. So, for both our sakes, I had to let her go.
I just came across your channel and subscribed after watching a few videos. The US coup video was fabulous, but this video resonated with me personally as a former member of the LDS church. The content you’re creating and I now have a deeper appreciation. Wonder and awe is a powerful and spiritual experience.