@@ipaziamercury9942 check out exmormon Reddit page if you are interested in people's stories leaving the church, plenty of people there recovering from the ordeal and supporting each other
I don't know about you, but where I live they are completely open to questions. Just make sure that whoever you're asking the questions to at least knows the answers haha. But yeah I've been living this faith my whole life, and I purposely try to ask critical questions and stretch my understanding to its limits, and all questions have answers it seems so far. Sometimes it takes prayers to receive answers as well, but answers always come:)
Ask away. Don't know who you've been around but we always invite critics to speak. God says women cannot be priests period but in the temple women have the same authority as men.
@@ourlifeinwashington4114 And critics are not invited to speak outside of random youtube comments. You technically can ask any questions to leaders, albeit in private and if sworn to speak only to him, but you barter with your "worthiness" and trustability in any furthered leadership or activity outside of the mundane in so doing. Thinking for yourself at all enters you into that blacklist of being a "caution" member. The worst part of all this is that rarely, if ever, will any answers given to even the most simple and legit of questions. Most will be answered with obscured advice to simply rebrainwash yourself to not care about the answer and accept a non-answer as making sense and dismissing your concerns.
I grew up Mormon and never had doubts after coming to Utah, I learned the truth and I’m now a post-Mormon. This was just 3yrs ago. It broke me and I’m finally OK. Also, the church separates families instead of bringing them together.
i have had a much different experience than you. i never heard of a Mormon until I was about 14-15 years old. I was baptized at age 18. My family was highly against it, and I got kicked out of the house. The church has helped me heal family relationships (which were terrible before I joined the church), the church has helped me out of poverty, the church has helped me with addiction and suicidal thoughts. We are all unique, and our journeys are unique. I nearly left the church because of doubts, but I have been able to overcome that through faith, and holding on to the knowledge that God has given me. I hope your journey, whether in or out of the church, leads you to do a lot of great things for the many struggling people that are here on earth.
what truth? I'm currently 15 yrs old and have been born and raised in the church and now that I'm in high school I have to go to seminary and when it comes to church I don't really have a choice because my moms so passionate about it and punishes me if I don't go to seminary and church. my parents got divorced and my dad is inactive but I'm still forced into the religion and it used to be easy to just got along with it all but now I'm starting to question it all and its all so confusing but I've heard so many people say they learned " the truth" but I'm curious to know what exactly is " the truth?
Liana, It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time. My only advice is to rely on your own experience as a guide. You will fins that others, including your church, have their own motivations at heart. Learn to trust yourself to discern truth from error.
Liana Flores that Jesus is the Christ and we have an eternal destiny ! I was also raised around difficult people ! I’m sorry your going through that ! No matter what you decide to do in life , please remember how awesome you are no matter who controls you now !
“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.” ― Marcus Aurelius
Yes, that’s why Christianity is so great. God demands perfection, but we all have sinned. We sin on a daily basis without even realizing it. The little white lies, judging others, and being envious of others. God loved us so much, he sent his one and only Son to die for us on the cross as the perfect sacrifice.
Im almost 16 and this is exactly what im going through. Because I've refused to believe in the mormon church, my mormon family, friends, and leaders have rejected me. This is not how religion should be. My mom has been forcing the mormon beliefs onto me all my life and she continues to block out my beliefs and thoughts about religion. It hurts me more and more everyday. Now that i have gone almost completely out of the mormon beliefs (as much as i am allowed to at the moment) i am really more happy and i know who i am. I have experienced things that i couldn't have ever experienced before and it feels good. I feel happy and complete and really that's all i could ever ask for
Michelle McEntire, forgive her mom for what? While your kids are under 18 and you are responsible for them, it is your duty to make sure they go to school, get to bed on time, and yes, go to church if you are religious.
As a member, it really hurts to see people bully ex-members, or pressure those who have any independent thoughts. They way you chose to live you life is between you and god. No one else.
Oh, whatever. That is like saying your members (of course mostly men because of the toxic male patriarchy of this religion) can't go on missions because it is about you and God. Come on it has to go both ways. If your members can prophesize, then others can call out the other side of things.
@@latenightkrabbypatties8511 garment tops have continued to shrink in size no doubt. And there are more and more excuses for not wearing garments nowadays. The church is influenced by the world, which is ironic.
When I used to be mormon, we were taught that it was inappropriate to wear tops that showed your shoulders, and the garment top has the little sleeve, which makes it impossible to wear a sleeveless top without the garment hanging out. Many members would cheat and not wear the top, but that was against the rules and looked down upon. You had to answer that you wear the garment correctly and all the time in order to be worthy to go to the temple.
My advice: Don’t join any group that thinks it has a duty to punish you for leaving. There is TRUTH that becomes self-evident for those who seriously and humbly seek it, And for those who, for selfish reasons, don’t really want to find it, they don’t have to.
Excellent advice. I wasn't punished for not attending or believing the lds faith that I was raised in though. Religion is just wishful thinking. It solves the problem of mortality and purpose with immortality and reward.
There are some groups in which one isn't aware that one will be punished for leaving it until afterwards. There are others that evolve over time to become this way, even if they weren't originally.
Anyone who thinks the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is or ever "punishes" someone for abandoning it or never joining, in my opinion, fundamentally misunderstands its doctrines and teachings. Sadly, some within the church inflict what can be considered punishments, but circularly, they themselves would be doing this out of their own fundamental misunderstanding and/or misapplication of the teachings and doctrines!
I am Mormon and I liked this talk. Took courage and I applaud you. You are not alone and questioning is good in everything. Having grown up in Utah, serving a church mission, raising a family...I’m trapped and have zero chance of a real free life. I love my wife, my kids and my heritage but there is no freedom. Good for you.
Hey friend, I recently left. I grew up in Utah in an LDS family, went on a mission and married my wife in the temple. At first, it was hard for her but through time, she’s slowly began to open her eyes to the beauty of the world and ALL cultures and religions. She exactly sat me down a few months ago and told me she wants me to leave and supports me. This shocked me. Have hope! I never thought my wife would support me like she does. Be supporting and loving to her to being Mormon, and through time, she will reciprocate that for you.
@@tracytomlinson2888 I’m not saying it’s impossible. For me, Leaving Mormonism gave me a perspective to life that I never had before. I was so focused on future than I couldn’t live in the present if that makes sense.
@@jordanalexander8099 Sorry, but I'm just trying to understand what you are really saying. How can a religion hold you back like that? Were you living on a remote religious retreat or something?
As an ex-mormon, I feel this. Though my reasons for leaving on top of the discrepancies, hypocrisies, and secrecy with their real (horrific) history, was the relentless discrimination I felt being a POC and also an empirically thinking female. I wanted a career, I wanted to be self-sufficient, I wanted more because I knew I could, but in the church’s eyes, a self-sufficient self-thinking woman is frowned upon. Eventually I left, for the sake of my own safety, wellness, and survival as a human being.
Big gut Ed Thanks but no thanks. I do not believe in God or a god. Preaching to me and simultaneously ignoring my literal life threatening experiences from religion serves no purpose here. Please preach elsewhere. Thanks.
It's so hard to experience this. We almost feel like we're escaping something. We grew up with such an unhealthy relationship with a huge and powerful organization and community. My life is in my control now that I've left the Mormon church
Nathan Petersen lol. Better than a con man who lied to control others to get what he wanted. Marrying teenage girls and other men's wives without them knowing. Yea thats moral. Lying about the plates, rock and hat. If you need someone like that to set your morals you have a huge problem already. Think for yourself and question everything. check out mormon stories on youtube. Learn all you can about your religon if you intend to try to control others with your belief. You should know everything about it and not just what the leaders tell you.
rainepanda It can be very difficult to look at something, you've been taught is good, for what it really is. And how it has negatively affected your ability to experience life. Good luck with figuring it all out. Leaving the church has been the best thing I have ever done.
I was raised a Mormon in Utah county. I stopped believing at the age of 14, but was told to continue going and eventually I would get a "testimony" and believe. I finally stopped going at the age of 17, about 6 months ago. It was really hard, because it destroyed my parents. I love them and don't want to hurt them, but I can't stay in such a toxic religion. Everyone now treats me differently because I've "fallen away". They pity me, because I've made "bad choices". The brainwash is strong when you are raised to believe a certain way, and everybody around you believes the same. It's very cult-like. Anyways, that has been my experience with the Mormon church.
Good for you for following your beliefs. I’m sorry it “destroyed” your parents. Too often I see this pattern that makes it about everyone else except the person leaving.
It breaks my heart when members are rude to ex-members. As a member, I want to give my deepest apologies to ex-members who have been bullied for leaving. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we really need to work on being kinder to those who have left the faith. We believe that all people are children of a loving Heavenly Father, and deserve to be loved infinitely, and unconditionally, but when it comes to people leaving, we're totally fine with being rude, it's unacceptable. To all those who have left, if it makes you happy then I'm glad you've chosen to, and I truly am really sorry if you've been bullied. I hope you all have a wonderful day! :)
I left after 43 years in the church. The hardest part about leaving was the ward and members. I was never bullied and I really enjoyed my ward family. I was in the bishopric when I lost faith in the lds church.
I am mormon but CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME IF THIS IS A CULT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I HAVE DONE TONS OF REASHEARCH BUT I STILL DONT KNOW PLEASE EXPLAIN
@@chickenlord9873 look up the "BITE model" it is list of criteria on how a cult controls people, if more than half of the criteria applies, then call Mormonism a cult. The BITE model was developed by a psycologist who counselled ex-cult members, he compiled different patterns he observed, into a very concise list of criteria
@@chickenlord9873 Mormonism is a cult. It has nothing to do with Christianity. They say Mormonism is a type of Christianity but that isn't true. Mormonism is like the "Christian" version of Islam. They are similar.
It’s more complicated than that. In fact much of the Rocky Mountain area is known as the suicide belt. Plus there are many factors that go into to that. This comment by James is is false and misleading.
What a lovely talk! Your experience was extremely similar to my own - except I left mormonism at age 30. I'm 16 years out and love my life and everyone in it more than I could even fathom when I was a mormon.
Michelle McEntire I'm glad for you like you I drifted at 16 but by the age of 28 I wanted more and went back and having regretted one bit all I can say everyone is different one size doesn't fit all.
Long story short had some Mormon Neighbors for about 10 years the guy got clothes with my grandma and I but closer to her. Grandma died and they keep in touch. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to know everything that's going on. It is really creepy. Especially since I'm not doing too much with my life and they're both super successful and everything in their house seems perfect. Scary perfect... Like magazine / Museum level perfect.
I live there as well! I’ve been here for about a year and when I was trick or treating this lady asked if I went to her ward and started asking a lot of questions about me and all I could think was “What’s a ward?” It was awkward and I made up an excuse that my parents needed me. Don’t worry I grabbed the candy! IT WAS KING SIZE
I am glad Andie could share her personal experience. At the same time, I have struggled with many of the same questions she has, and I have come to a very different conclusion. I have felt empowered, strengthened, and have been able to find answers to my questions and still live the beliefs I have held my whole life. If anyone has questions, I would be so happy to answer them:)
Andie, your very brave for proclaiming your life experience. Any others that give negative opinions about your spiritual journey most definitely have their own doubts about mormonism.
Great talk. A lot of Mormons have a "club" mentality. If you leave you no longer have the gifts and special beliefs that are so important to them. That's why I think it is hard when someone leaves their religion, the potential for ridicule and discredit towards that person is very high. People in that community or religion will likely think that the reason the person left is due strictly to disagreement with that religion, that will scare them. There are so many stories of ex Mormons I find and unfortunately for some, their family disowns them for this choice. That I think, is unacceptable. Jesus said to love another and take care of those in need. It's not easy for anyone to leave a community that they spent so much time, love, and energy in. It's not cool to end a friendship over someone's change in lifestyle or religion (usually). Just shows what kind of "friends" these people are. If they truly cared they would still be there for them no matter what.
I think it's difficult for people to remember, because of rumors about the Mormon church, that the members are human too, and some are therefore going to struggle with accepting people who have left. The teachings of this church tell us to be accepting to each other, so if some aren't following that it is their fault, not the church's.
Kenzie K are you telling us that they actually sent a letter that you lost your salvation totally? What!?!?!? Do they not read the Bible Ephesians 2:8-9 says that we are saved by grace ALONE! Wow, such audacity that alone verifies that these people play total mind control. I would love to see that letter if it could be made public. It to me is the perfect fight against an organization that cares more about their membership on earth than the membership into God's Kingdom. smh
I'm a Mormon, and I agree with everything she said. I know that the Mormon church isn't perfect and definitely doesn't work for everyone. I think that how people decide to live their lives is up to them and I don't think anyone else should interfere, and nobody should feel guilty about how they're living.
alexis steele standard Mormon reply brainwashed response. What is 'the church?' the buildings? Are they perfect? If it's the teachings, and your prophet, seer and revelator is making huge mistakes, then what teachings can you trust? What if the whole idea of the temple is a human mistake. Eternal, plural marriage, blacks being banned from holding the priesthood until the last white man was born, were mistakes. If you are a human making mistakes and they are a human making mistakes, why are they your leader? How can you know which thing you will sink your whole life into, as those who trusted the prophet's claim to speak for God in the past did, only to find out you were years suffering because of a human mistake? How can you believe anything they say came from God when so many things they say came from God end up being mistakes of imperfect humans? It's like following a psychic who keeps predicting things that don't happen. When do you stop saying, well she's just human but her art is perfect? How do you even know what 'the church' is, since all of it was delivered to you by human, error-prone men? What is this 'perfect church' of which you speak that doesn't have human hands all over it?
Fabled Creature, I really want to make a scathing retort, quoting each silly phrase you said wrong, and then proving to you why you are wrong, but I'm really tired. I'm tired of people discriminating us in such a horrid way. Every time an insult is thrown my way about this and that, it hurts to know that they actually just don't understand. If people would just come with an open heart, and try to understand us as PEOPLE, not as a CHURCH, I know the world would be a better place. You might really understand the mormon church, AND disagree with it, but it doesn't matter if you care about the people. We aren't monsters. We don't try to manipulate you. We honestly just want to live our lives. Why must we face this persecution? I don't know. But try to find some love in your heart for PEOPLE who are mormon.
Not all people are perfect, the only person that was is Jesus Christ. We must try our hardest to try to live up to that standard, to that example, that was given to us through Jesus. But in your comment, you said imperfect people make an imperfect religion, and from your stance it seems as though you are targeting all religions and not just the Latter-Day-Saints. You must be talking about Catholic, Islam, Hinduism, etc. religions as well. You see, people make those churches, and not everyone is perfect. Even Atheists, they're imperfect, so how how do they know it's true that there isn't a higher being? Just something to ponder about.
I am so glad your family is still supportive of you even after you left. I can't understnd the people who shun their loved ones just because they don't believe anymore. That is not love! It is not what Christ taught!
John Lee AH yes, Mormon "love" from the Mormon that praised the Mountain Meadows Massacre as a "military operation" Yes always nice to hear from such a loving Mormon as yourself. No wonder why Mormonism is shrinking.
Wow! You've expressed my own journey out as a convert of 40 years. At least I don't have the issues related to multi-generational heritage in the Church. You are a great young lady and you will do great things in the service of others. Be all you can be, Andie. :)
I don't think it matters what you believe in, until you come to your own knowledge instead of blindly following anything you'll never feel content. I am Mormon and I don't blindly follow anything just because I'm told, I've come to my own understanding. I hope she truly has found her peace.
Actually, LDS people are not taught to blindly follow. Anyone who's studied the doctrine knows that personal revelation is one of the key things we believe in. Ask and ye shall receive, doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith, search ponder and pray, these are things members of the church are taught as children. True, sometimes we dont get the answers we want when we want them, but that's when it's time to trust that the man upstairs knows better. There's a huge difference between trusting someone vs being dumbly led about. Like that story in the bible about the sheepherders and the shepherd. I'm not trying to push my religion on anybody, and yes everyone has the right to live as they choose. But I think it's wrong for anyone to say hurtful things about someone's religion, especially when those things are not true. Yes, Mormons can be caddy, exclusive, and judgemental. But you can find people like that anywhere, Mormon or not Mormon. It's not okay to blame/hate the entire church based soley on experiences with imperfect people and hate-filled media.
Kryssa Stevenson I was raised LDS and I would have said the same thing until I became open to the idea of considering, with real and honest intent and prayer and study of the Steven Hassan's BITE model and other information on undo influence and control, that my defense of Mormonism was not justified. I had been following blindly. Now I am free.
Well, I respect your right to live as you will. I'm not trying to bash anyone, just seeing all this hate towards my religion gave me the impression to say what I believe in--just to set the records straight. I defend my faith because I know it's true and it helps me to be my best self. I'm not looking for anyone's approval except for the man upstairs, and living the gospel of Jesus Christ is what helps me to do that. And if anyone disagrees or wants to bash me for that, well I guess that's on them.
I was raised Mormon, but I’ve never had a very strong testimony. I no longer believe at all, but I haven’t told anyone that I plan to leave when I turn 18 and move out; as far as my family and ward know, I’m still a believer. It’s hard because my older sister was not nearly as covert in her nonbelief, so even though I’ve had very strong doubts about the church since I was about 13 (right around the time I found out that LGBTQ+ people were a thing that existed), everyone will think that she’s the reason I leave.
If you want to give people good reasons why you're planning on leaving you can point to Joseph Smith using the seer stones for treasure hunting (fail), the book of Abraham (is a popular papyrus about Anubis), and it uses multiple techniques cults use to control minds.
I'm sad :(((( I'm 14 and I've been forced to believe in this church. This church is sexist and I can't wait till the day I am 18 or idk when I can move out... I'm not saying that sexism is the only thing that bothers me but there are many more points. I have a few more years to go...just a few more years of religion stress and being forced to go lol
my parents beat me until i was big enough to fight back. then they stopped making me go and started to manipulate me mentally. i am 31 and just now realizing how messed up mentally i am.
@@jamrois5992 Sexism that I have experienced: When I was in activity days(this still happens in young womens) we would only get to learn how to cook and do arts and crafts, meanwhile the boys scouts and young men would always play sports in the gym and do all the fun activities. This is just one example, and I even asked my teacher about it and she said "it's just what we have to do". Us girls wanted to play with the guys or just play basketball but we couldn't.
every religion or secular group treats those who leave it with these same actions. we just find it hard to understand the shift in the people we've grown to like or love when these changes become real in our lives.
John Booker NOT true. Other churches don’t, particularly as a rule, disown former members. But that is what we were taught to do as Mormons. And that’s what happened to me when I left te church at 16
I have heard of many religions disowning their families because they choose to believe in another church. also when non secular groups choose to do something contrary to the rest of the group many treat them with hostility as well. whatever group you are apart of, people will still treat others badly
That can happen anywhere, but in some religions the doctrines and power structures implicitly or explicitly mandate a loss of love as a result of loss of belief. Look up Steven Hassan's BITE model.
stockinettestitch wrong actually. I guess you just didn’t pay attention. That or you bishop and other men or women leaders were telling false information.
I'm Mormon and I love our church, but I can understand why people leave my church. I can respect people that try to find happiness in a religious way. Even though I can support this lady in some of her points but I don't think that it should be a TED talk.
I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I questioned lots of things and still do and still am not completely converted to the religion but I believe a lot of it too. That’s why I stay
I'm like that too. Most of the gospel teachings make 100% sense and I embrace them, yet there are quite a lot of things that I question, and there are contradictions that I notice. I know God is real and wants us to be happy and that religion is a way for us to remember all of God's teachings, yet sometimes I think a lot of "extras" have been slipped in not because of God's direction but because of men, and because earth is a short period in eternity, there will be plenty of time at some point for God to square things away. For now, I will continue in the LDS faith, but I might choose not to participate in things I don't feel100% sure about.
A really great resource to get some answers is The Institute for Religious Research (irr.org) - and your own bible! Reading it with the mind and heart of a child, and asking the Lord to reveal His truths to you is incredibly effective and profound
I appreciate you opening up and sharing your experience.I am a mormon and i agree to what u have said, and ultimately its our own personal choices.I have a different experince, and the choice of faith is simple.Sometimes we may not know the meaning of all things, but we can choose to wait or leave.Whatever our choice, i know god still loves us.Don't take my comment as pity.But thank you for sharing your story.Hope you have a good life :)
keerthi badugu im glad for your tolerant attitude. During my own transition out, I've been amazed that so many things that I thought were God's mysteries that I'd have to wait to learn we're already available to learn. I just had to be willing to learn them. I finally understood what I did not as a believer. A lot of things were cleared up.
I moved to Utah to take care of my ill Mother. The first thing I was asked time and time again was, "Are you a member?" Once they found out I was not a member of their cult, they had nothing to do with me. I have never been so discriminated against in my entire life! I am a Christian but they treated me like a Heathen!!!
RE BURD your taking one experience and applying it to everybody in the church. Not everyone is like that. I’m sorry she had a bad experience but we’re not taught to discriminate others. Your simply getting your info on the internet which as you should now is unreliable. I have been part of this church for long enough to see for myself if it’s right or not and I can say with full confidence that Heavenly Father does have a plan for all of us loves every single one of us. It’s not a cult. Sometimes people just aren’t doing what they’re taught in the church and that can put a bad image on us.
I really feel I didn’t leave the church but it left me! When I started to read about Joseph Smith in-depth online it REALLY came clear Joseph was out to.dicieve
Yet so many are still deceived. I'm glad you read through the information objectively and thought for yourself. Not everyone is so lucky, but I don't think anyone convinced is unintelligent in any way, it's just the way these things work, and how our brain defends beliefs.
Kai Vanderlee Reason, it is the best thing in understanding! You find out when you start to realize that anti Mormon’s, that use historical info are not all that bad and are not trying to make you unhappy! The hardest part are the parents that believed to the extent that the leaders can be fully trusted and the parents take their info hook-line-and sinker. Especially when online when it was the Wild West! Young kids are such sponges! When wrong info goes into their innocent brains it can reap havoc that’s for SURE!!
dudes i dated a mormon who i'd been friends with for years, and as soon as i questioned him and how he treated me (non relegious) and my family (parents unmarried) he broke up with me and instantly stopped talking to me and all my friends, it was so abrupt, as if he parents had told him this and... it still really hurts. mormonism has shaped him from the little boy i once knew as a child to somebody who was merely a stranger due to beliefs and ideas thrown at him by the church and people he spoke to about me... idk it just feels weird.
Perhaps he found another friend and needed an excuse to drop you for personal reasons. And you prefer to blame the church rather than taking responsibility for yourself.
@@cdowis his brother is still in contact with one of my friends, my ex current has stopped talking to literally all the people who were once his friends and isn't the type of person who makes new friends easily. whenever i would go to his house his family always seemed upset around me and my ex often told me how his parents didn't approve of my parents not being married, and my ex seemed to judge me for this as well. he'd throw fits and not talk to me for days if i went to a party and he had no concept of personal space, when i brought it up he'd just get clingier or completely isolate himself from me. i don't need you hounding on me and telling me to take responsibility when i see literally no other reason after i simply bring up reasons that i'm upset that he'd start going off at me, blaming everything on me, even things i cant control such as how i was raised, then completely separating himself for people he's known over 7 years.
I grew up in the Church as well. I lived in a predominantly Morman city and most of my friends were Morman. I went to Sunday school, Primary and Mutual. At 14 I started really questioning the belief system. I definitely questioned my place in the church as well and at 14, started distancing myself away from it. By the time I was 18 I had completed quit the church. I no longer had any desire to be a member and I was comfortable with that decision. My family was very supportive. Especially since my mom had been a member all her life. She only cared that I believed in God. That was good enough for her and I do believe in God. I just don't believe in religion. Any religion. That part of my life is well in the past. At 58 I am comfortable with my spirituality. I do not believe in organized religion of any kind but I trust myself enough to know what's right for me. I wish Andie good luck. Even after all these years though it still is a big part of who I am and who I became. At first I rebelled then I just learned to live my life.
This is important because this presentation was given during the "I am a Mormon" campaign and she even says "formerly known as the LDS Church." Now the organization has completely flipped its position and is explicitly known as the LDS Church and not the Mormon Church.
I’m in seminary right now. I don’t like it. I wish I could just leave class and thell everyone why but I can’t. My entire family is Mormon and I still have a good few years I want to spend with then and not be shunned to death. I already know which relatives won’t ever talk to me again. Why can’t life just be simple? Although I am planning on creating an absolutely massive art project to try and show people what oppressive religions can do, to spread awareness in a new medium
I have not been to Utah as i live in Australia i was going to the Mormon church but left it after a while i have never looked back after leaving the church i thought the questions they ask you when you get the preisthood were very inappropriate to as a child of a young age as i was when i got the priesthood
I'm glad you stand for your beliefs. A point of clarification: The Priesthood referenced, is only supposed to be used for service. It cannot be used to simply heal ourselves. Christ was also not able to use His authority to cast himself down from the cross - it was only to be used to heal and help others as God allows. The main purpose of the Priesthood was to call men off their recliners or beds and serve others without compensation or fanfare. It is to be a selfless service. Church Leaders with this authority are only in those positions for a few years until they are once again a general member in the congregation. The Mormon church teaches that God will immediately take the priesthood or authority from any person that attempts to abuse it in any way.
Good talk. Always question everything. I only say one must seek spiritual answers from the source (God) not fallible humans. When you have a question that you don't find a satisfactory answer to you can only seek higher learning. God created you and knows how you need to learn and understand for your best interest. Parents may love us but they don't always see things the same way we do. They don't have all the answers we need.
V. Hansen So people must only seek the answers your leaders say that God has given? How do you know it's not confirmation bias? How do you know God is real, much less infallible? Heaven's Gate followers bore testimonies very similar to LDS testimonies and most of them ended up dead.
Huh? I said don't rely solely on parents or leaders. Just because they don't know the answers it doesn't mean they don't exist. How do you know your own conclusions aren't confirmation biased?
V. Hansen in the LDS church you're supposed to ask God who can and will only confirm what the apostles teach. If you're personal revelation contradicts it, then it is considered to be wrong - either coming from your own pride or from Satan.
Thanks for explaining my own religion to me. I've only been a mormon for 40 years but thank goodness you came along to clear things up. Seek truth. Seek truth and you'll find it. Thats what I am saying.
most of the experiences that left her feeling funny, i completely respect and agree. as a member, most of them shouldnt have happened that way at all or at least not presented that way, for sure. the very worst of all is the idea that her leaving has major eternal repurcussions. she is leaving not because of the Savior, but the failings of those around her. When Joseph Smith said we should all be able to worship how, where, and what we may, he was inspired, and church members regularly forget this in the name of fear.
I was raised mormon. My father was an lds seminary teacher. I'm still a big byu football fan. I'm a reluctant atheist. I like the idea of god and surviving death, but I read dawkins and hitchens.
If a religion preaches good works and positivity, even if its basis is a bit off, then I think people should let people be and let them believe what they want. I'm not a Mormon anymore, but I'm definitely not an anti-mormon.
DId you even watch the video? Good grief what is it you mormons? That is exactly what she is saying. Maybe you should watch the video you think? "I'm not a Mormon " The mere fact you imply she is an "anti-Mormon" implies you very much are. How about you at least get the modicum of courage it takes to watch the video you are criticizing? So following your own path and allowing others the same is "anti Mormon" according to you, how funny.
Ben Turner dude. I wasn't talking about her. I'm talking about people in the comments. People that come down here just to judge and argue against it. Chill lol
How funny it is to see you attempt to dig your way out of your prior statement. No Mormon, you didn't say you were talking to anyone here, clearly you are talking about the video which you are too much of a coward to watch. If you were really complaining against individual comments then how funny it is that you are too much of a coward to even address those people's comments. Dude, that's really pathetic, even for a Mormon.
Well spoken. I hope parents will give their children the freedom to choose their own religion or non-religion. With baptism done at 8 years of age, a time when children are very dependent, most kids will just trust their parents judgement. My parents told me if I did not attend church, I would need to find somewhere else to live.
C Stanford your parents took away your free agency and if they read the scriptures and listen to the general leadership of the church they would know they were wrong .
Jim Bardgett I think more than half of the church kids would stay home on Sunday if they were given the choice. It's like eating your vegetables at dinner... most parents will find some way to motivate their kids. Scriptures and leadership have nothing to do with it.
C Stanfordmy family allowed choice of religion hence we have born again Christians,Muslim Catholic and Norman's now my daughter was baptised at 8 but last weekend I watched her become a born again ,now I love her so I'm not going to disowned .
Jim Bardgett my hat is off to you for being open minded. I wish that the church (and parents) would remind all teenagers that they are free to stay home on Sunday. That should clear the air about church attendance and activity being optional.
Andie, you are the greatest and I applaud you for your bravery. I wish you well in your future and I hope you find greater happiness, success and pride
I am a mormon , a convert . I don't agree with everything you've said here but I can respect your freedom to say these things . I think Mormons do a lot for the communities they live in , this is my experience having been a very different person before that was not in a predominantly Mormon community before and having lived in more than one since . Life is hard , it seems like its one of everyone's life goals to find happiness and contentment with their beliefs , actions, and the things that are prevalent points in their life . My religion works for me. That's why I believe it . Everyone has a religion they follow as religion is essentially a series of beliefs that govern your actions . Some follow more popular ones but none are really outliers or following a set of moral principals that are truly unique . There are many people in the world and I guarantee somebody somewhere agrees totally with your beliefs no matter what they are . I would say this, I hope that everyone can find contentment with the beliefs they choose to follow. Have convictions, don't just float around . Even if you hate Mormons which I get because I used to hate them as well, be steadfast in your beliefs and if they are the truth you will feel content doing so. As with any religion there are people that don't prescribe to the actual doctrine in the various texts of that religion, my experience with the mormon religion and more specifically people who make Mormons look like judgemental, immortal, totalitarian individuals is that they are not following what christ actually said regarding those things . There is a culture and it isn't universal, geographical areas will differ in how they address these things and some are totally off base . You will find this in any group and no wonder , they are human! Every mormon is a human , contrary to what people may think sometimes we have idiosyncrasies and unfortunately it is easy to see people in the mormon church as one large monolithic being, rather than a group of people that all come together and all of which are imperfect. Again , I wish you well and hope that peace enters the lives of all those who strive to bring more to this world than they take from it and who strive to make each day worthy if the effort they put in. God bless.
During a gondola ride up the mountain a Mormon sat across from me describing how snowboarders cause all the problems and resorts should be more like deer Valley in Utah who deny snowboarding. I asked her what jesus would do...? Nope, apparently Jesus doesn't like snowboarders either in her mind. Such funny subjects. : )
good video, im currently stuck in a mormon family and expected to go on a mission here in a few months, i fear greatly that if i were to derail from my current course, i would face immense backlash. i feel hopeless and alone,...
punkfruit you’re not alone. Never do what’s expected of you or feel pressured to live up to others expectations. You’ll regret it when you’re older. Proceed calmly and respectfully but with clear boundaries for what you need. Live your life for you!
You will, but it might be worth it. Missions are a time of erasing your old self and creating a more cult-level self. I had panic attacks. I would never, EVER recommend a mission for someone so close to knowing that it's all a myth and a con. Read the CES letter and Google the BITE model. A mission is the church is cult-mode.
We're the same and to make things worst all of my family members are a strong beleiver of mormon church may father is a former bishop and may grandfatger is also a former bishop. My uncles and aunts served theor missions even my cousins. I just turned 18 amd the pressure is imense I tried to tell the truth that I want to go on a mission but it seems like they don't feel me amd they think that I have a cold and closed heart. Other people (church member's ) reactions seems like I'm a bad person for telling that I have second thoughts on goijg on a misison. I Feel trapped, controlled manipulated and chained, that i should do what I was told no questions asked. It seems like this is their way before, follow blindly. The think of someone not going on a mission as a failure a perspn who's not worthy or perspn who's hard headed and don't beleive in commandements and in god. I'm afraid what they'll do if I tell them when the time they push me harder. I don't know ehat to do, they might cut off my education, I live in a third world country and I want to continue my education it's hard to find a job that'll fund my education and be a working student. I'm not saying that's impossible but it's not an option in my situation I don't know what to do I dont want to go on a misison just because I'm forced to. I've been holding this pain since 16 and I have no one to talk to or relate to about this things. I need help
We are always told that we need to go to church based on our religious beliefs and not the people. I think it is sad that somebody would leave that belief because one person cannot explain the issues that they were having a hard time understanding.
She was confused as a child. It was an item on her shelf, but it broke. She probably studied before deciding that she no longer believed. She probably wants to focus on tolerance rather than historicity.
Women and the priesthood. Too bad you didn't stay and go to the temple as that would of been all answered there. You obviously have not read and searched and prayed. You have bought the lies of the world. Good luck out there living in the great apostasy!
Everybody talking and phones ringing, laughing… If you didn’t want to be there just leave. Stop wasting this woman’s time. She’s got a truth to speak and if you are to bored to care then go elsewhere.
My experience with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been deeply important and a blessing to me. I know that is not the case for everyone, but I have come to grow my understanding and relationship with the Savior and also rise above personal hardships and difficulties. My religion is like an anchor in my life. Mormons are definitely not perfect and can sometimes come across and critical of others, but I feel that the majority are good people trying to actually live as Christ's disciples and make their families and communities better for everyone through service and love.
Andrea Cathcart thank you. I am a teenager in the church and to me your words carry a lot of hope. I have been struggling with questions about the church, because of what i think is prejudice and persecution. I know your words to you are little, but for me they carry something big. I am glad to have found a friend. Thank you.
Yes, the people aren't perfect and neither is the Church. For one thing, we are brought up in the Church that the first thing to happen to Joseph Smith was the First Vision (as a former missionary this is what we also lead off with, a message about Jesus Christ and how young Joseph was visited by God and Jesus), then we're taught that Moroni visited Joseph, showed him the plates, after four years he was "worthy" to translate them. In the actual historical events, Joseph never once spoke of the First Vision before proclaiming he found Golden Plates. He was a treasure hunter who conned people into his treasure findings, this is how he met Emma and why her father didn't like him, he was lazy. In fact, Joseph never spoke of the First Vision until 1832, two years AFTER the Church was established; then he changed the story three more times in the following years. The Church knows this too, but they continue to mislead people on these events. The Church also instructs that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim to translate the plates, never telling about his seer stones (smooth rocks you can find in any creak) placed in a top hat then sticking his face inside; only recently has the Church acknowledged these stones and have placed photos of them on their website. Why not tell us this stuff from the beginning? Did they think it would lower our faith? Perhaps. I find the deliberate withholding and historical rewrites as blatant dishonesty and can't support any religion that does the same. Go further down this rabbit hole and you'll discover that a lot of what Joseph said he saw were through "Spiritual Eyes" (using ones imagination) and that his sudden communications from God (basically everything in the D&C) were spur-at-the-moment attempts to keep people in line to his way of thinking.
Andrea, this thread is not about service and love. It is about belief. Mormons need to drop the thought that they have ALL the truth. They DO NOT! All mormons, please stop saying, thinking, and believing that this is the ONLY true church. IT is NOT. No church is all true. Stop this belief on a deep fundamental level and see what happens to you.
I am a huge advocate of asking your questions! As a member of the LDS church, I was scared to asked questions cause I didn't know if I wanted to know the answer. Now, I LOVE questions!! I have a question jar and all sorts of crazy questions. It's fun. God wants us to understand and we come to an understanding through questioning. It's beautiful. Sometimes questions don't get answered. What kind of questions do you have? My husband and I love getting asked questions and searching them out if we don't know. The best part is that no matter what question I ask now, it doesn't shake my testimony of this restored church. My testimony lies on the Rock, Jesus Christ. I believe in Him and His power. No question can take that away from me now.
Leaving an organization that is toxic is always hard but worth it. I'm still undoing all the indoctrination and reteaching myself healthy thoughts and morals now that I've left, I'm sure it will take me many many years before I finally feel free from what they've done to my mental health.
To be fair, Mormons like many religious group, when you start rowing against the current and expressing reservations or doubts. You're immediately demeaned and talked down to, and criticized back into conformity with church. Because my girlfriend and fiance (at the time) was Mormon, I attended the LDS church for over two years, and when I decided not to join --they persuaded my son to kick me out of his life, and not want anything to do with his father. That how the Mormons get even, when you reject their belief that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and the Book of Mormon is the MOST CORRECT book ever written. So said Brigham Young and many practicing Mormons really-really believe it is true.
I'm sorry you had a bad experience. But like most organisations, you shouldn't judge the entire church based on your negative experience. I am an LDS leader and certainly would not have reacted like that. In fact, recently we had a similar situation and I encouraged the non-member who was investigating the church to not join if they had reservations. Last thing I would want, is for someone to join for the wrong reasons and then go inactive soon after. I don't judge all Catholics as pedofiles despite them having several leaders being foung guilty of doing so.
I took my Norman Rockwell-like childhood of being raised going to church and playing in sports. My father was the scout leader of the Boy Scouts, and I marched in parades carrying the American flag on the 4th of July. After moving to Utah and meeting my son's mother (who was Mormon, as I mentioned) I raised my son as I had been raised. My father during baseball season would pitch to me out in the yard and I would take batting practice. During basketball season we practiced basketball, and during football season we practiced playing football. Now if I go do that street my 17 year old son lives on, one of his neighbors (Mr Sanchez) wants to kill me (no joke) SWAT cops have answered the call because Mr. Sanchez threatened to shoot me. After I helped send my son's mother's brother to prison for being a drug dealer, and holding up a Papa John's. My son's mother's family is Mormon. So taking my Norman Rockwall values of family and fatherhood and incorporating them in a Mormon community, NOW I can't drive down that street without wondering if I am going to be shot by the neighbor, and since Utah is a 'Stand your Ground' State, it'll be just deemed a legitimate killing for being the kind of good father and good neighbor that I was. Turning in a drug dealer, who was part of an armed robbery of a Papa John's in SLC, has caused me to have my son taken away from me, by my former Mormon neighbors. Where is that justified in the Book of Mormon. Under Joseph Smith looking into a hat and coming with the Book of Mormon?
PhoenixSuns NZ Actually, a bad experience can be a wake up call to see systemic dysfunction, and people do have a moral right to leave if the have bad experiences. To say that someone should stay in a church that isn't good for them is mean.
I left the Mormon religion in my early 20's I didn't really care that I was disowned from the church but my own family was hard, but it also took me on a journey of unconditional love. And brought me more freedom. It's fine for others to choose in for what's best for them. If anything being disowned allowed me to find ways to bring ownership in my own life. I'm glad I was dis owned because I wasn't owning my own life.
Good for her. I left my grandparents mormon religion at 17. I knew it was bs at 11, but went along to make them happy. Then I didn’t. I knew it was all made up. Her story sounds so close to mine. From California in the 70s. She’s very brave.
Well I can't blame anyone to base their full potential from their experiences, but I am still hopeful that we can be with Him someday. There is always enough reason why girls can't acquire priesthood, where there is also enough reason why boy can't bear a child. Everything is made equal by our Heavenly Father. It's just how we react to different situations. But I still respect your decision miss, you have your agency in the first place.
I am an active member from Europe, a convert, so I earned my testimony and feel strong in my believe. What it surprises me is all this need of ex mormons to talk about it publicly and mostly badly. They just dont walk away. Interesting, they become missionaries but for the other side. It is not a critic, is an observation
It is hard to leave and the church is toxic. The same way memebers want people to hear their truth and feel the "true happiness" of the gospel, ex-members want members to see the flaws and lies within the church. And to realize that there is a life outside of it. Leaving is freeing, yet traumatic. You really find yourself and become much less judgemental of yourself and others
I want to leave the church, and I don't want my children to experience my situation....but I thought I will just endure for several more years for byu tuition lol( money kinda is more important than my own belief) I just have to remind myself every time that religion doesn't make me a better person and religion doesn't mark me as good nor bad.
I too have left the Mormon church. living in Utah, my family is still active but is supportive of my decision. I pray daily that the LORD would open their eyes and let them see the truth that is found in Scripture. ( The Holy Bible) Jesus Christ wants a relationship with us not a membership into a religious organization. Salvation can not be earned, it is a free gift a loving God will give to anyone who asks in faith. When one understands the cross, the victory Jesus won over death, and can let go of self works, and trying to gain God's favor, but in turn realizing we will never be good enough, then we can see ourselves for who we really are- sinner's in need a a Savior. Jesus paid our penalty for sin with His precious blood. He did it ALL! Praise the Lord! We can trust His completed work, admit we are sinful, and ask for forgiveness, and He will save you and start changing you into a Christlike new creation.
Stephen Self being Mormon was really rough for me because I took everything so literally. I spent many nights on my knees praying for a testimony, and felt rejected by God because I never gained one. As soon as I allowed myself to think that maybe the church wasn't true, my feelings of self-loathing started to disappear. I'd been depressed for many years, and the depression started to lift. I don't blame the church for my depression. I can see that the church makes many people very happy. It just didn't have that effect on me. And I tried for so many years. So I'm grateful that the church brings a lot of joy to my loved ones, and I'm very grateful that I got myself out. I think I might have killed myself if I'd stayed in.
This could be said about many religions (not just Mormonism) but here it goes 1. It makes promises it will not, cannot deliver. 2. It takes money from those who cannot afford it. 3. It sets family and friends at odds. 4. It discourages thought and analysis. 5. It doesn't let people define happiness for themselves. 6. It preempts personal decision-making. 7. It influences hiring decisions. 8. It protects wrongdoers. 9. It promotes sexism. 10. It promotes racism. 11. It promotes prejudice. 12. It promotes judgment. 13. It promotes shunning. 14. It promotes exclusion. 15. It inflates self-absorption. 16. It disallows benign pleasures. 17. It threatens and frightens. 18. It influences voting. 19. It influences lawmaking. 20. It creates exclusionary networks. 21. It encourages needless sacrifice. 22. It gives power to power-abusers. 23. It places youth in dangerous situations. 24. It makes problems out of non-problems. 25. It promotes needless guilt. 26. It fosters feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy. 27. It gives power to the untrained and unqualified. 28. It rationalizes cruelty as righteousness. 29. It limits marriage choices. 30. It revises history. 31. It deifies scoundrels. 32. It obfuscates, a form of lying, and claims not to have lied. 33. It promotes false equivalencies as reasonable defenses (such as, “But it makes me happy” and “But look at the good it does”). 34. It promotes murder as blood atonement. 35. It fosters and rewards sycophancy. Teen suicide in Utah is not just a problem it’s an epidemic, especially among LGBTQ.
Similar experience. I grew up in Texas with a strong LDS community. Then moved to Northern Michigan for highschool. My nickname in highschool was “The Mormon” because I was the only one for miles. The only youth in the whole building and had to drive an hour to 6 am seminary .(daily highschool scripture study class) My entire family became inactive during this time. I stuck with it because I felt it was right. I’m 24 now. All these years later I’m so incredibly grateful for that inkling I had to stay with the Gospel even though I had no real reason to, other than a feeling. I know for a fact the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored on this earth today. The same one that was taught to prophets of old. Abraham. Solomon. Joseph. God loves his children and speaks through His prophets to convey truth. Always has. Always will. He is the same yesterday Today and forever. His love is Abounding. He sent His son out of that same love. Christ’s Gospel is HIS church. Anyways. That’s my experience 😂
K Johnson but now we can read egyptian hieroglyphs and the Book of Abraham that Joseph Smith said he translated correctly wasn’t even close. So how can you say he’s a true prophet? Also you believe you will become Gods yet in Isaiah “Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” Isaiah 44:6 KJV
@asteroid doooode. She's sharing her experience about the Lord's church.I'm sharing mine. That's the purpose of a Ted Talk. To open up a discussion and share ideas and experiences.Your comma placement was 10/10 btw. Made me chuckle how proper the English was.
I attended a Mormon church for about one year and it was the worst experience of my life..... I would go every Sunday they were located about 1 mile from my house so I could even walk there but anyway it was a bunch of rich people draped in expensive clothing driving $50,000 vehicles and it was like a competition to see who's Faith was bigger better and stronger..... the brother speaking was arrogant and only called on the women it was incredibly awkward and uncomfortable and I never felt welcomed..... couldn't celebrate holidays I had people interfering with my personal life and relationships it was absolutely awful completely Dreadful...... and I didn't believe any of the story it sounds so ridiculous..... I had members coming to my home interfering with my fiance's relationship and ultimately it literally broke us up it was so intrusive and the people are incredibly fake..... all the members were fighting to one-up each other it was a constant contest over scripture and reciting things from memory and like I mentioned earlier they would only call on the women it was really creepy and weird...... and if you did anything wrong outside of a church you would be punished embarrassed and humiliated I got out of there as quick as possible. they are Masters at brainwashing people it is no different than a cult so please believe me stay as far away as you can......
I'm so glad to hear you overcome the social control aspect of the church. It can be very hard, even impossible for some people. It's how high-demand religions maintain their followers and getting free of it is essential to clear thinking.
QUESRIONS ARE GOOD. Questions that you are truly wanting to know about something. We should follow what makes us happy, not the fake happy but the true happiness. I understand some people struggle with believing, to them, it doesn't come naturally. Every mormon parent want their kids to live a righteous happy life. They want their kids to come to know what's true to them. A lot of the mormon parents feel very strongly about the gospel, and sometimes, parents can be little pushy since they love their child so much and want what's best for their kids. It's hard as it is, people sometimes can be too judgmental about other people. Instead of treating people differntly who are struggling, we need to treat them with love and understanding. If you are struggling in believing the gospel, it's totally okay. It's not something that anyone should be ashamed of. There are people who struggled and asked question in the bible and also in the Book of Mormon. The questions that they struggle with was what let them to come to know the truth from searching and praying diligently. Questions are good. Tons of people who are members of the church at some point had a question that bother them. Some people can find the answer fairly quickly and come to belive it in their hearts. Some people may take longer to search the right answer to believe it. It's important to know who to listen to in your heart. There is the good side of you wanting naturally to do good, which that side also gives you prompting. The other side is bad, which that side can turn your questions into confusion and rebellion. You are never offending God for question that you don't understand and are truly wanting to know the answer. He in fact gives you those questions to help you grow stronger and for you to find the truth. He give you challenges because he trust you. Your challenges has eternal purpose. Remember: QUESTIONS ARE GOOD!
I’m glad someone else has addressed this! The feeling of ostracization and shamefulness for having questions comes from the adversary, and once we recognize this, and that God wants us to find answers and come to him stronger in testimony than ever, we can have the confidence and reassurance to continue striving to be with him and endure to the end!
So there should be no problem with reading the CES letter, or questioning the prophet then, right? Except that's not how it plays out, is it? There is only one acceptable right answer, because the conclusion is assumed, and only signs of confirmation are accepted. I hope someday you really question why in your gut, you know polygamy is wrong, why Brigham's changing of the Endowment to teach that Adam was God is wrong, or why the book of Abraham, written in Egyptian, a now-translatable language, says nothing even remotely like what Joseph claimed. I hope you are not afraid to ask the tough questions brought up in the CES letter, or the concerns in Wife No. 19. I hope you don't dismiss legitimate criticisms as "anti-Mormon lies" because those questions are a little uncomfortable, or label those feeling of questioning and growth and discomfort as being "from Satan" because that would be tragic.
Clarifying comment: While the Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God, as an Elder in that I cannot just walk into a Relief Society (Women's Group) meeting and close the meeting. To say being in the Priesthood is something I can hang over my wife's head to make demands in my home if false. There are many callings and volunteering in the church that doesn't particularly require an official office. I'll never be a Bishop, but I give Christlike service to the two gentlemen in my ward (Congregation) that have Down Syndrome. No one asked me to and no one notices. It's my duty to God and my sense of beliefs that guide me to take time out of my school, work, and family schedule to help others.
Beautiful expression and so brave. The conditioning from being a multigenerational Mormon are insideous and persistent. It takes lots of intention and inner work. 20 years after leaving I'm still learning to trust people and to use my mind well. Hiding your true self is a huge part of the program. I applaud you for speaking out and wish you the best. ❤️
I’m Mormon. The church isn’t perfect, but the gospel of Jesus Christ is. She makes the church out to be what is not, though. I don’t know if it’s just because my ward is so loving, but we never treat anyone the way she was. We are taught not to judge, but to love unconditionally. We are also taught to have our own beliefs, and have our own questions about the church, and find the answers for ourselves. The church has brought me so much good, but I don’t judge anyone who leaves the church, or who is apart of another religion. I do wish people would research our church from our websites, and not just read the hate websites, so we can all come to an understanding of love.
Yes, the people aren't perfect and neither is the Church. For one thing, we are brought up in the Church that the first thing to happen to Joseph Smith was the First Vision (as a former missionary this is what we also lead off with, a message about Jesus Christ and how young Joseph was visited by God and Jesus), then we're taught that Moroni visited Joseph, showed him the plates, after four years he was "worthy" to translate them. In the actual historical events, Joseph never once spoke of the First Vision before proclaiming he found Golden Plates. He was a treasure hunter who conned people into his treasure findings, this is how he met Emma and why her father didn't like him, he was lazy. In fact, Joseph never spoke of the First Vision until 1832, two years AFTER the Church was established; then he changed the story three more times in the following years. The Church knows this too, but they continue to mislead people on these events. The Church also instructs that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim to translate the plates, never telling about his seer stones (smooth rocks you can find in any creek) placed in a top hat then sticking his face inside; only recently has the Church acknowledged these stones and have placed photos of them on their website. Why not tell us this stuff from the beginning? Did they think it would lower our faith? Perhaps. I find the deliberate withholding and historical rewrites as blatant dishonesty and can't support any religion that does the same. Go further down this rabbit hole and you'll discover that a lot of what Joseph said he saw were through "Spiritual Eyes" (using ones imagination) and that his sudden communications from God (basically everything in the D&C) were spur-at-the-moment attempts to keep people in line to his way of thinking.
I'm not sure how the gospel doesn't allow anyone to find their own path. I also don't understand how anyone can be a member of the church and feel "lost" unless they struggle with sin. Once you leave the path, the Lord eases up on you. Similar to the way a group leader would if you were to insist on breaking away onto your own path. You don't have to attain the highest peak to be happy. People take concern as a negative emotion when it's really a testament of love. The fact that family and friends are hurt when a loved one departs from the faith speaks of human nature, not God's church or his nature. His wish is only for you to have the best. He does not insist on it though. Being able to "relate" is important because it's what God does with his children so well. It is not in line with his way to force anyone towards happiness. To those who are lost but feel "happier", the Lord loves you and if you seek him his wisdom will gently guide you back into his fold at your pace. How priceless is a personal testimony of his church. The Gospel provides greater light and peace in this life and exhaultation in the next, but it is not the Lord's only path of happiness. He did provide many other kingdoms of peace for the lost. He can make far more of your life than you can, but you don't have to have the best. The only prerogative of the church is, "if there's better why settle for less"? The 3 degrees of happiness are mentioned in the plan of salvation but class rooms don't exist for those aspiring to the lesser two. This does not mean they are not places of glory. They simply aren't the highest goal so why focus on them. Anyone can do that on their own, in life, outside of religion, away from God. This life is by default "the classroom" and there's only one way out... before your maker.
If someone leaves because they are atheist then they necessarily do not believe that a "lord" or a "maker" exists to even talk about. By assuming in your comment the very premise that an atheist rejects (the existence of god) your comment is rendered pointless and irrelevant to an atheist.
I am a believer of Christ Jesus, never a Morman. I believe in the Bible and Jesus is Lord, and I disagree with you here. Being a True believer is not a cult, but its also not just an outlet or "insert here" type thing. You either believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior or you don't, it's not like o let me add some God here but not over here. Following Christ is not an outlet.
@@andronicagonzales2206 believing in Christ is your own prerogative and you can do it as you feel best for you. Mormonism tells you how you need to be and act and think and talk and behave in order to believe in Christ, they don't allow you to do it as you feel best for your own personal situation and convictions.
I’m a Mormon. And a proud one even after all of these videos I have seen. I’m not gonna try and talk someone who has made a decision to leave my church to join back into it, and we have always been taught to respect and love everyone. I honestly don’t feel that Mormonism is hard to follow, but I understand thinking it’s restricting.
I agree, I have a ton of Mormon friends and they are amazing. I don't think people realize how hard it is to be morning because everyone is so mean to them, but I want to join the church because I read the book of Mormon and I know it's true.
Most of those who leave don't leave because it's restricting, but because it's harmful or because we learn about the actual history of the church, not the version they teach in sunday school and RS/Priesthood. The reasons the leaders give for why people leave are so wrong it's both sad and hilarious. Do you want to know what it is like? I felt betrayed by my best, most dear friend. These heroes I grew up learning about and seeking to emulate turned out to be nothing like what I'd been taught. An organization that asks you not to look at any history except their own version of it is hiding the truth.
The priesthood allows us to perform baptism under the athority if God,which in a sense is spiritual rebirth. Women have the God given gift to bring life to the world. So giving men the priesthood makes us relevant, it gives us something to do. It's a balance. Or else women could provide both and we'd just sit there and do nothing. That to me is equality. But I understand that it might seem like guys are more important but that's not true, and I'm sorry for that. And I hope my explanation might dispell any bad tastes. But I also admire the courage that anyone has to leave what they know and find something that better suits their desires
carlos marquez gas lighting again! You don't just baptize! You have all the power! Men are told they are the leaders of their families. Men are treated as royalty. As my 6 year old daughter sat in Sunday school class and luckily I was with her, the teacher up front said raise your hand if you have a priesthood holder in your home. Wouldn't it be sad if you didn't have the power of God in your home? Being a single mom, my daughter whispered, should I raise my hand mom? Absolutely, I told her. Absolutely. We had the power of God in our home with or without a man. That is far more reaching than just the baptism of which you speak. You have been taught to dodge the truth to make the teaching look good. Ever ask yourself why the truth would need to be dodged? 'Sit there and do nothing?' Are you kidding me?
They do not have "all the power " if you go through the temple, you will see how the priesthood truly works. My wife is a shared partner with mine. Women also have the greatest of all power, to grow new life!
Heidi Reis you get the sacred responsibility of carrying children for 9 months and giving birth to wonderful life. That's just as important as men having the priesthood. Each of these gifts is to bless families.
carlos marquez Ummm. You do remember your wife making a promise to obey you and you obey god. Also, originally it required 3 (or was it 5 wives?) to make it to the highest MLM version of Mormon Heaven. So. Woman are a commodity here to serve. Woman have 0 authority. Everything must be approved by a man with the Penishood. One more thing for über Glory of becoming a Mormon God. It requires you to also get your second anointing which unless you are part of the Q70 or have friends at the top then you will never get there. So enjoy cleaning Monson’s toilets in his super duper mansion full of wives
The church is true, not always the people. And the name of the church never was named "The Mormon Church", that was just a name assigned to us because of the Book of Mormon. The name the church has had is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." She has just misunderstood someone the key concepts of the church, but she is entitled to her own decisions. We are NOT a cult, and I love the church. I know that it's true, and I wish she could too.
Andie Kemmerle - you are such an inspiration - going up in public and being so open about challenging your religious upbringing is amazing. Especially at such a young age, you show so much maturity and critical thinking that full-grown adults rarely have these days. I grew up Catholic and struggle with the contradictions within even this religion that is more "mainstream" in some people's eyes. Never lose your voice and continue to challenge the status quo. Now more than ever we need strong people to move beyond what has always been said and done to bring us into deeper understanding of the universal truth of this world. PEACE! :)
An exceptionally rude crowd.
TheCalifornian from what I watched, she never found actual answers to her questions
That phone call... seriously, if you are going to watch someone speak live, turn of your damn phone
@@trybuntmaybe it made her feel less nervous!
EXactly
I wish she had gone into more depth about why she left
Me too
@@ipaziamercury9942 check out exmormon Reddit page if you are interested in people's stories leaving the church, plenty of people there recovering from the ordeal and supporting each other
Thanks, Ben ^-^
cuz it’s a psychotic cult that manipulates you and controls your every move
Its almost the same for about everyone, They see that they have been brainwashed and see past the brainwashing.
It's a very warm and welcoming community, as long as you don't ask too many questions.
Depends on what questions -- are they insulting and confrontive? Or honest and sincere interest in them and their church.
I don't know about you, but where I live they are completely open to questions. Just make sure that whoever you're asking the questions to at least knows the answers haha. But yeah I've been living this faith my whole life, and I purposely try to ask critical questions and stretch my understanding to its limits, and all questions have answers it seems so far. Sometimes it takes prayers to receive answers as well, but answers always come:)
like all Cults.
Ask away. Don't know who you've been around but we always invite critics to speak. God says women cannot be priests period but in the temple women have the same authority as men.
@@ourlifeinwashington4114 And critics are not invited to speak outside of random youtube comments. You technically can ask any questions to leaders, albeit in private and if sworn to speak only to him, but you barter with your "worthiness" and trustability in any furthered leadership or activity outside of the mundane in so doing. Thinking for yourself at all enters you into that blacklist of being a "caution" member.
The worst part of all this is that rarely, if ever, will any answers given to even the most simple and legit of questions. Most will be answered with obscured advice to simply rebrainwash yourself to not care about the answer and accept a non-answer as making sense and dismissing your concerns.
I grew up Mormon and never had doubts after coming to Utah, I learned the truth and I’m now a post-Mormon. This was just 3yrs ago. It broke me and I’m finally OK. Also, the church separates families instead of bringing them together.
i have had a much different experience than you. i never heard of a Mormon until I was about 14-15 years old. I was baptized at age 18. My family was highly against it, and I got kicked out of the house. The church has helped me heal family relationships (which were terrible before I joined the church), the church has helped me out of poverty, the church has helped me with addiction and suicidal thoughts. We are all unique, and our journeys are unique. I nearly left the church because of doubts, but I have been able to overcome that through faith, and holding on to the knowledge that God has given me. I hope your journey, whether in or out of the church, leads you to do a lot of great things for the many struggling people that are here on earth.
what truth? I'm currently 15 yrs old and have been born and raised in the church and now that I'm in high school I have to go to seminary and when it comes to church I don't really have a choice because my moms so passionate about it and punishes me if I don't go to seminary and church. my parents got divorced and my dad is inactive but I'm still forced into the religion and it used to be easy to just got along with it all but now I'm starting to question it all and its all so confusing but I've heard so many people say they learned " the truth" but I'm curious to know what exactly is " the truth?
Liana, It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time. My only advice is to rely on your own experience as a guide. You will fins that others, including your church, have their own motivations at heart. Learn to trust yourself to discern truth from error.
Liana Flores that Jesus is the Christ and we have an eternal destiny !
I was also raised around difficult people !
I’m sorry your going through that !
No matter what you decide to do in life , please remember how awesome you are no matter who controls you now !
You'll regret leaving it, and not studying the gospel in your youth. Your children also suffer not knowing what is the truth.
“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.”
― Marcus Aurelius
who are you to decide what is just if there are Gods?
Abigail Parker 💕❤ This quote. I agree.
Abigail Parker Such a great quote, people let their religions “ethics” and morals dictate how they live their way too much.
Yes, that’s why Christianity is so great. God demands perfection, but we all have sinned. We sin on a daily basis without even realizing it. The little white lies, judging others, and being envious of others. God loved us so much, he sent his one and only Son to die for us on the cross as the perfect sacrifice.
Cupcake Lover do you believe that a just god needs to be worshipped?
Im almost 16 and this is exactly what im going through. Because I've refused to believe in the mormon church, my mormon family, friends, and leaders have rejected me. This is not how religion should be. My mom has been forcing the mormon beliefs onto me all my life and she continues to block out my beliefs and thoughts about religion. It hurts me more and more everyday.
Now that i have gone almost completely out of the mormon beliefs (as much as i am allowed to at the moment) i am really more happy and i know who i am. I have experienced things that i couldn't have ever experienced before and it feels good. I feel happy and complete and really that's all i could ever ask for
Tird Pops very brave of you!
sooooooo braaaaave to not be part of a religion. EVERYTHING is soooooooo braaaaave
THE MORE ANYONE STATES YOU "MUST" BELIEVE THE [MORE] YOU SHOULD QUESTION IT !!!
I hope you can learn to forgive and love your mom. She believes she's doing the right thing. Mormons gotta morm. ;-)
Michelle McEntire, forgive her mom for what? While your kids are under 18 and you are responsible for them, it is your duty to make sure they go to school, get to bed on time, and yes, go to church if you are religious.
As a member, it really hurts to see people bully ex-members, or pressure those who have any independent thoughts. They way you chose to live you life is between you and god. No one else.
Oh, whatever. That is like saying your members (of course mostly men because of the toxic male patriarchy of this religion) can't go on missions because it is about you and God. Come on it has to go both ways. If your members can prophesize, then others can call out the other side of things.
As an ex member, I appreciate your sentiment. Thank you!
that wild lifestyle of showing your shoulders
How is that wild??
You can show your shoulders
@@latenightkrabbypatties8511 garment tops have continued to shrink in size no doubt. And there are more and more excuses for not wearing garments nowadays. The church is influenced by the world, which is ironic.
When I used to be mormon, we were taught that it was inappropriate to wear tops that showed your shoulders, and the garment top has the little sleeve, which makes it impossible to wear a sleeveless top without the garment hanging out. Many members would cheat and not wear the top, but that was against the rules and looked down upon. You had to answer that you wear the garment correctly and all the time in order to be worthy to go to the temple.
My advice:
Don’t join any group that thinks it has a duty to punish you for leaving.
There is TRUTH that becomes self-evident for those who seriously and humbly seek it,
And for those who, for selfish reasons, don’t really want to find it, they don’t have to.
Ok I just want to say we don't punish people for leaving the church
No we don’t. We love them and respect them.
Excellent advice. I wasn't punished for not attending or believing the lds faith that I was raised in though. Religion is just wishful thinking. It solves the problem of mortality and purpose with immortality and reward.
There are some groups in which one isn't aware that one will be punished for leaving it until afterwards. There are others that evolve over time to become this way, even if they weren't originally.
Anyone who thinks the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is or ever "punishes" someone for abandoning it or never joining, in my opinion, fundamentally misunderstands its doctrines and teachings. Sadly, some within the church inflict what can be considered punishments, but circularly, they themselves would be doing this out of their own fundamental misunderstanding and/or misapplication of the teachings and doctrines!
I am Mormon and I liked this talk. Took courage and I applaud you. You are not alone and questioning is good in everything. Having grown up in Utah, serving a church mission, raising a family...I’m trapped and have zero chance of a real free life. I love my wife, my kids and my heritage but there is no freedom. Good for you.
Hey friend, I recently left. I grew up in Utah in an LDS family, went on a mission and married my wife in the temple. At first, it was hard for her but through time, she’s slowly began to open her eyes to the beauty of the world and ALL cultures and religions. She exactly sat me down a few months ago and told me she wants me to leave and supports me. This shocked me. Have hope! I never thought my wife would support me like she does. Be supporting and loving to her to being Mormon, and through time, she will reciprocate that for you.
@@tracytomlinson2888 I’m not saying it’s impossible. For me, Leaving Mormonism gave me a perspective to life that I never had before. I was so focused on future than I couldn’t live in the present if that makes sense.
@@tracytomlinson2888 what in the world
@@jordanalexander8099 Sorry, but I'm just trying to understand what you are really saying. How can a religion hold you back like that? Were you living on a remote religious retreat or something?
@@tracytomlinson3409 Mormonism is a cult. Mentally, it holds you back unfortunately.
As an ex-mormon, I feel this. Though my reasons for leaving on top of the discrepancies, hypocrisies, and secrecy with their real (horrific) history, was the relentless discrimination I felt being a POC and also an empirically thinking female. I wanted a career, I wanted to be self-sufficient, I wanted more because I knew I could, but in the church’s eyes, a self-sufficient self-thinking woman is frowned upon. Eventually I left, for the sake of my own safety, wellness, and survival as a human being.
Big gut Ed Thanks but no thanks. I do not believe in God or a god. Preaching to me and simultaneously ignoring my literal life threatening experiences from religion serves no purpose here. Please preach elsewhere. Thanks.
I hope your story can resonate to the you women trapped in this cult.
@@br00talbr00skeez thank you, this comment means a lot to me. I hope my story can resonate with women to leave and seize their futures.
Wow..seriously.
@@jamespeace1237 What? Care to share something?
It's so hard to experience this. We almost feel like we're escaping something. We grew up with such an unhealthy relationship with a huge and powerful organization and community. My life is in my control now that I've left the Mormon church
So you are your own moral authority? Hmm that sounds convenient. Terrible for humanity as a whole, but nice for you.
Nathan Petersen lol. Better than a con man who lied to control others to get what he wanted. Marrying teenage girls and other men's wives without them knowing. Yea thats moral. Lying about the plates, rock and hat. If you need someone like that to set your morals you have a huge problem already. Think for yourself and question everything. check out mormon stories on youtube. Learn all you can about your religon if you intend to try to control others with your belief. You should know everything about it and not just what the leaders tell you.
rainepanda
It can be very difficult to look at something, you've been taught is good, for what it really is. And how it has negatively affected your ability to experience life. Good luck with figuring it all out. Leaving the church has been the best thing I have ever done.
Good luck rainepanda. Wish you all the best. And you too nathan. I really do.
Nathan Petersen I'm a better person since I left the church.
I was raised a Mormon in Utah county. I stopped believing at the age of 14, but was told to continue going and eventually I would get a "testimony" and believe. I finally stopped going at the age of 17, about 6 months ago. It was really hard, because it destroyed my parents. I love them and don't want to hurt them, but I can't stay in such a toxic religion. Everyone now treats me differently because I've "fallen away". They pity me, because I've made "bad choices". The brainwash is strong when you are raised to believe a certain way, and everybody around you believes the same. It's very cult-like. Anyways, that has been my experience with the Mormon church.
King Nate you are very courageous.
Good for you!
sooooooo braaaaave to not be part of a religion. EVERYTHING is soooooooo braaaaave
Good for you for following your beliefs. I’m sorry it “destroyed” your parents. Too often I see this pattern that makes it about everyone else except the person leaving.
I'm so glad you got out. Me too! Head to the subreddit exmormon if you want some support :)
I was raised Catholic and this talk resonates so deeply with me. Thank you for your real testimony, Ms. Kemmerle.
It breaks my heart when members are rude to ex-members. As a member, I want to give my deepest apologies to ex-members who have been bullied for leaving. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we really need to work on being kinder to those who have left the faith. We believe that all people are children of a loving Heavenly Father, and deserve to be loved infinitely, and unconditionally, but when it comes to people leaving, we're totally fine with being rude, it's unacceptable.
To all those who have left, if it makes you happy then I'm glad you've chosen to, and I truly am really sorry if you've been bullied. I hope you all have a wonderful day! :)
I left after 43 years in the church. The hardest part about leaving was the ward and members. I was never bullied and I really enjoyed my ward family. I was in the bishopric when I lost faith in the lds church.
I am mormon but CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME IF THIS IS A CULT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I HAVE DONE TONS OF REASHEARCH BUT I STILL DONT KNOW PLEASE EXPLAIN
@axolotl makes gacha If you make your question more specific, I think I can answer☺️ what about the church makes you think it’s a cult??
@@chickenlord9873 look up the "BITE model" it is list of criteria on how a cult controls people, if more than half of the criteria applies, then call Mormonism a cult. The BITE model was developed by a psycologist who counselled ex-cult members, he compiled different patterns he observed, into a very concise list of criteria
@@chickenlord9873 Mormonism is a cult. It has nothing to do with Christianity. They say Mormonism is a type of Christianity but that isn't true.
Mormonism is like the "Christian" version of Islam.
They are similar.
It’s sad how much suicide that happens in Utah just because they aren’t good enough for the Mormon church
your source please
It’s more complicated than that. In fact much of the Rocky Mountain area is known as the suicide belt. Plus there are many factors that go into to that. This comment by James is is false and misleading.
"When you walk through the door of reason, you should never leave your brain behind."
What a lovely talk! Your experience was extremely similar to my own - except I left mormonism at age 30. I'm 16 years out and love my life and everyone in it more than I could even fathom when I was a mormon.
Michelle McEntire I'm glad for you like you I drifted at 16 but by the age of 28 I wanted more and went back and having regretted one bit all I can say everyone is different one size doesn't fit all.
I’m not Mormon but I live in Utah and they need to know everything about you and it scares me the they are always watch me
Long story short had some Mormon Neighbors for about 10 years the guy got clothes with my grandma and I but closer to her. Grandma died and they keep in touch. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to know everything that's going on. It is really creepy. Especially since I'm not doing too much with my life and they're both super successful and everything in their house seems perfect. Scary perfect... Like magazine / Museum level perfect.
😂😂
Yes we are watching... Always watching.. 👀
I live there as well! I’ve been here for about a year and when I was trick or treating this lady asked if I went to her ward and started asking a lot of questions about me and all I could think was “What’s a ward?” It was awkward and I made up an excuse that my parents needed me. Don’t worry I grabbed the candy! IT WAS KING SIZE
they are a cult
298 passively aggressive Mormons disliked this video
385 now...
@@jamrois5992 but isn't it about leaving the mormon church
More like 464
I am glad Andie could share her personal experience. At the same time, I have struggled with many of the same questions she has, and I have come to a very different conclusion. I have felt empowered, strengthened, and have been able to find answers to my questions and still live the beliefs I have held my whole life. If anyone has questions, I would be so happy to answer them:)
Andie, your very brave for proclaiming your life experience. Any others that give negative opinions about your spiritual journey most definitely have their own doubts about mormonism.
kind easy to doubt an obvious cult
sooooooo braave. EVERYTHING is soooooooo braaaaave
Great talk. A lot of Mormons have a "club" mentality. If you leave you no longer have the gifts and special beliefs that are so important to them. That's why I think it is hard when someone leaves their religion, the potential for ridicule and discredit towards that person is very high. People in that community or religion will likely think that the reason the person left is due strictly to disagreement with that religion, that will scare them. There are so many stories of ex Mormons I find and unfortunately for some, their family disowns them for this choice. That I think, is unacceptable. Jesus said to love another and take care of those in need. It's not easy for anyone to leave a community that they spent so much time, love, and energy in. It's not cool to end a friendship over someone's change in lifestyle or religion (usually). Just shows what kind of "friends" these people are. If they truly cared they would still be there for them no matter what.
C-U-L-T MENTALITY
I think it's difficult for people to remember, because of rumors about the Mormon church, that the members are human too, and some are therefore going to struggle with accepting people who have left. The teachings of this church tell us to be accepting to each other, so if some aren't following that it is their fault, not the church's.
Kenzie K are you telling us that they actually sent a letter that you lost your salvation totally? What!?!?!?
Do they not read the Bible Ephesians 2:8-9 says that we are saved by grace ALONE!
Wow, such audacity that alone verifies that these people play total mind control.
I would love to see that letter if it could be made public. It to me is the perfect fight against an organization that cares more about their membership on earth than the membership into God's Kingdom. smh
a man and I fell in love with each other years ago and he stopped talking to me because I wouldn't convert lol
Have you actually spent time in our church, like any time?
I'm a Mormon, and I agree with everything she said. I know that the Mormon church isn't perfect and definitely doesn't work for everyone. I think that how people decide to live their lives is up to them and I don't think anyone else should interfere, and nobody should feel guilty about how they're living.
Sophie Nicholson the Church is perfect, but it's the people who are in that aren't.
alexis steele standard Mormon reply brainwashed response. What is 'the church?' the buildings? Are they perfect? If it's the teachings, and your prophet, seer and revelator is making huge mistakes, then what teachings can you trust? What if the whole idea of the temple is a human mistake. Eternal, plural marriage, blacks being banned from holding the priesthood until the last white man was born, were mistakes. If you are a human making mistakes and they are a human making mistakes, why are they your leader? How can you know which thing you will sink your whole life into, as those who trusted the prophet's claim to speak for God in the past did, only to find out you were years suffering because of a human mistake? How can you believe anything they say came from God when so many things they say came from God end up being mistakes of imperfect humans? It's like following a psychic who keeps predicting things that don't happen. When do you stop saying, well she's just human but her art is perfect? How do you even know what 'the church' is, since all of it was delivered to you by human, error-prone men? What is this 'perfect church' of which you speak that doesn't have human hands all over it?
Fabled Creature, I really want to make a scathing retort, quoting each silly phrase you said wrong, and then proving to you why you are wrong, but I'm really tired. I'm tired of people discriminating us in such a horrid way. Every time an insult is thrown my way about this and that, it hurts to know that they actually just don't understand. If people would just come with an open heart, and try to understand us as PEOPLE, not as a CHURCH, I know the world would be a better place. You might really understand the mormon church, AND disagree with it, but it doesn't matter if you care about the people. We aren't monsters. We don't try to manipulate you. We honestly just want to live our lives. Why must we face this persecution? I don't know. But try to find some love in your heart for PEOPLE who are mormon.
alexis steele the people make the religion... imperfect people made a imperfect religion. If it isn't 100% true then it's not true at all...
Not all people are perfect, the only person that was is Jesus Christ. We must try our hardest to try to live up to that standard, to that example, that was given to us through Jesus. But in your comment, you said imperfect people make an imperfect religion, and from your stance it seems as though you are targeting all religions and not just the Latter-Day-Saints. You must be talking about Catholic, Islam, Hinduism, etc. religions as well. You see, people make those churches, and not everyone is perfect. Even Atheists, they're imperfect, so how how do they know it's true that there isn't a higher being? Just something to ponder about.
I am so glad your family is still supportive of you even after you left. I can't understnd the people who shun their loved ones just because they don't believe anymore. That is not love! It is not what Christ taught!
They shun because they assume what they read is all that is what Christ taught. Four books four Christ's.
Her thoughts are clear and concise, I believe.
oh the cognitive dissonance I grew up with and am still deconditioning . I grew up Mormon.
Thanks for leaving on your own...we would have thrown you out eventually.
John Lee lol probably.
...almost certainly.
John Lee AH yes, Mormon "love" from the Mormon that praised the Mountain Meadows Massacre as a "military operation" Yes always nice to hear from such a loving Mormon as yourself. No wonder why Mormonism is shrinking.
Laura Kennedy Good for you, its not easy to leave something you grew up in, even if you know its a lie.
Wow! You've expressed my own journey out as a convert of 40 years. At least I don't have the issues related to multi-generational heritage in the Church. You are a great young lady and you will do great things in the service of others. Be all you can be, Andie. :)
Good for you. I left 4 year's ago. I can honestly say, that, this church destroys families. I hate this church. Ex-Bishop
I don't think it matters what you believe in, until you come to your own knowledge instead of blindly following anything you'll never feel content. I am Mormon and I don't blindly follow anything just because I'm told, I've come to my own understanding. I hope she truly has found her peace.
LDS people can only blindly follow. It's inherent in the doctrine and foundation from its inception.
Please look at Steven Hassan's BITE model.
Actually, LDS people are not taught to blindly follow. Anyone who's studied the doctrine knows that personal revelation is one of the key things we believe in. Ask and ye shall receive, doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith, search ponder and pray, these are things members of the church are taught as children. True, sometimes we dont get the answers we want when we want them, but that's when it's time to trust that the man upstairs knows better. There's a huge difference between trusting someone vs being dumbly led about. Like that story in the bible about the sheepherders and the shepherd.
I'm not trying to push my religion on anybody, and yes everyone has the right to live as they choose. But I think it's wrong for anyone to say hurtful things about someone's religion, especially when those things are not true. Yes, Mormons can be caddy, exclusive, and judgemental. But you can find people like that anywhere, Mormon or not Mormon. It's not okay to blame/hate the entire church based soley on experiences with imperfect people and hate-filled media.
Kryssa Stevenson I was raised LDS and I would have said the same thing until I became open to the idea of considering, with real and honest intent and prayer and study of the Steven Hassan's BITE model and other information on undo influence and control, that my defense of Mormonism was not justified. I had been following blindly. Now I am free.
Well, I respect your right to live as you will. I'm not trying to bash anyone, just seeing all this hate towards my religion gave me the impression to say what I believe in--just to set the records straight. I defend my faith because I know it's true and it helps me to be my best self. I'm not looking for anyone's approval except for the man upstairs, and living the gospel of Jesus Christ is what helps me to do that. And if anyone disagrees or wants to bash me for that, well I guess that's on them.
I was raised Mormon, but I’ve never had a very strong testimony. I no longer believe at all, but I haven’t told anyone that I plan to leave when I turn 18 and move out; as far as my family and ward know, I’m still a believer. It’s hard because my older sister was not nearly as covert in her nonbelief, so even though I’ve had very strong doubts about the church since I was about 13 (right around the time I found out that LGBTQ+ people were a thing that existed), everyone will think that she’s the reason I leave.
If you want to give people good reasons why you're planning on leaving you can point to Joseph Smith using the seer stones for treasure hunting (fail), the book of Abraham (is a popular papyrus about Anubis), and it uses multiple techniques cults use to control minds.
I'm sad :(((( I'm 14 and I've been forced to believe in this church. This church is sexist and I can't wait till the day I am 18 or idk when I can move out... I'm not saying that sexism is the only thing that bothers me but there are many more points. I have a few more years to go...just a few more years of religion stress and being forced to go lol
my parents beat me until i was big enough to fight back. then they stopped making me go and started to manipulate me mentally. i am 31 and just now realizing how messed up mentally i am.
@@MrJnEnder Same. I fight back even when they throw stuff at me. But I never hit back, I only block the hits.
@@jamrois5992 Sexism that I have experienced: When I was in activity days(this still happens in young womens) we would only get to learn how to cook and do arts and crafts, meanwhile the boys scouts and young men would always play sports in the gym and do all the fun activities. This is just one example, and I even asked my teacher about it and she said "it's just what we have to do". Us girls wanted to play with the guys or just play basketball but we couldn't.
@@jamrois5992 Another thing is the standard is men having to be the strong ones and carry the team, some men feel to pressured to be masculine.
Ratatouille your parents physically abuse you???? Why have you not called the cops???? That is not love and that is not okay. Ever.
every religion or secular group treats those who leave it with these same actions. we just find it hard to understand the shift in the people we've grown to like or love when these changes become real in our lives.
John Booker NOT true. Other churches don’t, particularly as a rule, disown former members. But that is what we were taught to do as Mormons. And that’s what happened to me when I left te church at 16
I have heard of many religions disowning their families because they choose to believe in another church. also when non secular groups choose to do something contrary to the rest of the group many treat them with hostility as well. whatever group you are apart of, people will still treat others badly
Deana Braden both churches are fairly similar. Churches that have exclusive truth claims and authoritarian structures often have similar behaviors.
That can happen anywhere, but in some religions the doctrines and power structures implicitly or explicitly mandate a loss of love as a result of loss of belief. Look up Steven Hassan's BITE model.
stockinettestitch wrong actually. I guess you just didn’t pay attention. That or you bishop and other men or women leaders were telling false information.
I'm Mormon and I love our church, but I can understand why people leave my church. I can respect people that try to find happiness in a religious way. Even though I can support this lady in some of her points but I don't think that it should be a TED talk.
Why not?
I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I questioned lots of things and still do and still am not completely converted to the religion but I believe a lot of it too. That’s why I stay
Macady Smith i feel exactly the same! I do have a lot of questions, but i have faith!
I'm like that too. Most of the gospel teachings make 100% sense and I embrace them, yet there are quite a lot of things that I question, and there are contradictions that I notice. I know God is real and wants us to be happy and that religion is a way for us to remember all of God's teachings, yet sometimes I think a lot of "extras" have been slipped in not because of God's direction but because of men, and because earth is a short period in eternity, there will be plenty of time at some point for God to square things away. For now, I will continue in the LDS faith, but I might choose not to participate in things I don't feel100% sure about.
And... I like baptizing dead people :)
Pilot Vlogs As long as you're only willing to accept the answers the church gives.
A really great resource to get some answers is The Institute for Religious Research (irr.org) - and your own bible! Reading it with the mind and heart of a child, and asking the Lord to reveal His truths to you is incredibly effective and profound
I appreciate you opening up and sharing your experience.I am a mormon and i agree to what u have said, and ultimately its our own personal choices.I have a different experince, and the choice of faith is simple.Sometimes we may not know the meaning of all things, but we can choose to wait or leave.Whatever our choice, i know god still loves us.Don't take my comment as pity.But thank you for sharing your story.Hope you have a good life :)
keerthi badugu im glad for your tolerant attitude. During my own transition out, I've been amazed that so many things that I thought were God's mysteries that I'd have to wait to learn we're already available to learn. I just had to be willing to learn them. I finally understood what I did not as a believer. A lot of things were cleared up.
How do you know that there is a God there that loves us?
I moved to Utah to take care of my ill Mother. The first thing I was asked time and time again was, "Are you a member?" Once they found out I was not a member of their cult, they had nothing to do with me. I have never been so discriminated against in my entire life! I am a Christian but they treated me like a Heathen!!!
Shelly Bennett ITS NOT A CULT
I DONT THINK YOU KNOW WHAT A CULT IS FIRST OFF
RE BURD your taking one experience and applying it to everybody in the church. Not everyone is like that. I’m sorry she had a bad experience but we’re not taught to discriminate others. Your simply getting your info on the internet which as you should now is unreliable. I have been part of this church for long enough to see for myself if it’s right or not and I can say with full confidence that Heavenly Father does have a plan for all of us loves every single one of us. It’s not a cult. Sometimes people just aren’t doing what they’re taught in the church and that can put a bad image on us.
RE BURD no
Sean another thing cults do... Shunning!
I left a year ago still feel lost and alone but happy as never before! Best and hardest decision ever!
Same!
Same.
Same.
How are you now? A year after posting your comment.
What do you believe now, and why?
I don't understand why somebody would leave the church.
I really feel I didn’t leave the church but it left me! When I started to read about Joseph Smith in-depth online it REALLY came clear Joseph was out to.dicieve
Yet so many are still deceived. I'm glad you read through the information objectively and thought for yourself. Not everyone is so lucky, but I don't think anyone convinced is unintelligent in any way, it's just the way these things work, and how our brain defends beliefs.
Where can I find that
Kai Vanderlee
Reason, it is the best thing in understanding!
You find out when you start to realize that anti Mormon’s, that use historical info are not all that bad and are not trying to make you unhappy! The hardest part are the parents that believed to the extent that the leaders can be fully trusted and the parents take their info hook-line-and sinker. Especially when online when it was the Wild West! Young kids are such sponges! When wrong info goes into their innocent brains it can reap havoc that’s for SURE!!
dudes i dated a mormon who i'd been friends with for years, and as soon as i questioned him and how he treated me (non relegious) and my family (parents unmarried) he broke up with me and instantly stopped talking to me and all my friends, it was so abrupt, as if he parents had told him this and... it still really hurts. mormonism has shaped him from the little boy i once knew as a child to somebody who was merely a stranger due to beliefs and ideas thrown at him by the church and people he spoke to about me... idk it just feels weird.
Perhaps he found another friend and needed an excuse to drop you for personal reasons. And you prefer to blame the church rather than taking responsibility for yourself.
@@cdowis his brother is still in contact with one of my friends, my ex current has stopped talking to literally all the people who were once his friends and isn't the type of person who makes new friends easily. whenever i would go to his house his family always seemed upset around me and my ex often told me how his parents didn't approve of my parents not being married, and my ex seemed to judge me for this as well. he'd throw fits and not talk to me for days if i went to a party and he had no concept of personal space, when i brought it up he'd just get clingier or completely isolate himself from me. i don't need you hounding on me and telling me to take responsibility when i see literally no other reason after i simply bring up reasons that i'm upset that he'd start going off at me, blaming everything on me, even things i cant control such as how i was raised, then completely separating himself for people he's known over 7 years.
Bex. If you're single the comments section is interested.
I grew up in the Church as well. I lived in a predominantly Morman city and most of my friends were Morman. I went to Sunday school, Primary and Mutual. At 14 I started really questioning the belief system. I definitely questioned my place in the church as well and at 14, started distancing myself away from it. By the time I was 18 I had completed quit the church. I no longer had any desire to be a member and I was comfortable with that decision. My family was very supportive. Especially since my mom had been a member all her life. She only cared that I believed in God. That was good enough for her and I do believe in God. I just don't believe in religion. Any religion. That part of my life is well in the past. At 58 I am comfortable with my spirituality. I do not believe in organized religion of any kind but I trust myself enough to know what's right for me. I wish Andie good luck. Even after all these years though it still is a big part of who I am and who I became. At first I rebelled then I just learned to live my life.
This is important because this presentation was given during the "I am a Mormon" campaign and she even says "formerly known as the LDS Church." Now the organization has completely flipped its position and is explicitly known as the LDS Church and not the Mormon Church.
Actually, the terms "LDS" and "mormon" were both deprecated simultaneously for failing to include the name of Christ
Heavenly father respects your agency.
I’m in seminary right now. I don’t like it. I wish I could just leave class and thell everyone why but I can’t. My entire family is Mormon and I still have a good few years I want to spend with then and not be shunned to death. I already know which relatives won’t ever talk to me again.
Why can’t life just be simple?
Although I am planning on creating an absolutely massive art project to try and show people what oppressive religions can do, to spread awareness in a new medium
I have not been to Utah as i live in Australia i was going to the Mormon church but left it after a while i have never looked back after leaving the church i thought the questions they ask you when you get the preisthood were very inappropriate to as a child of a young age as i was when i got the priesthood
What questions were they?
Wich questions? I didn't notice any weird question when i got priesthood (only regarding if i was being sinful in anyway)
Every person who escapes is a warrior! I left, along with my family and we have been much better.
I'm glad you stand for your beliefs. A point of clarification: The Priesthood referenced, is only supposed to be used for service. It cannot be used to simply heal ourselves. Christ was also not able to use His authority to cast himself down from the cross - it was only to be used to heal and help others as God allows. The main purpose of the Priesthood was to call men off their recliners or beds and serve others without compensation or fanfare. It is to be a selfless service. Church Leaders with this authority are only in those positions for a few years until they are once again a general member in the congregation. The Mormon church teaches that God will immediately take the priesthood or authority from any person that attempts to abuse it in any way.
Is that a valid reason to exclude women, think !
People that want women to "have " the priesthood do not understand the power nor to the understand the ordinances of temple.
jared haddock i love that thanks
Stephen Self just like how women who think they should be able to "vote" don't understand the power of selecting our government officials.
Jesus was able, but He chose not to out of His love for us. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a sacrifice for Him, it would have been a murder.
Good talk. Always question everything. I only say one must seek spiritual answers from the source (God) not fallible humans. When you have a question that you don't find a satisfactory answer to you can only seek higher learning. God created you and knows how you need to learn and understand for your best interest. Parents may love us but they don't always see things the same way we do. They don't have all the answers we need.
V. Hansen So people must only seek the answers your leaders say that God has given? How do you know it's not confirmation bias? How do you know God is real, much less infallible? Heaven's Gate followers bore testimonies very similar to LDS testimonies and most of them ended up dead.
Huh? I said don't rely solely on parents or leaders. Just because they don't know the answers it doesn't mean they don't exist. How do you know your own conclusions aren't confirmation biased?
V. Hansen in the LDS church you're supposed to ask God who can and will only confirm what the apostles teach. If you're personal revelation contradicts it, then it is considered to be wrong - either coming from your own pride or from Satan.
Thanks for explaining my own religion to me. I've only been a mormon for 40 years but thank goodness you came along to clear things up. Seek truth. Seek truth and you'll find it. Thats what I am saying.
V. Hansen you're welcome. Glad to help. I'm saying that as much as the LDS church claims that it cares about truth, it really cares about conformity.
once a mormon, always a mormon UNLESS you notify the church, in writing, to REMOVE your name from their rolls.
Which is a ridiculous way to run a religious organization.
Don’t forget that they’ll send Mormon missionaries after you once in a while just to keep you on your toes even if you left.
Doesn't mean you're a mormon at heart just because they have your name on their records.
You left the church but you cannot leave it alone
The church says that so they can brag about having high numbers.
most of the experiences that left her feeling funny, i completely respect and agree. as a member, most of them shouldnt have happened that way at all or at least not presented that way, for sure. the very worst of all is the idea that her leaving has major eternal repurcussions. she is leaving not because of the Savior, but the failings of those around her. When Joseph Smith said we should all be able to worship how, where, and what we may, he was inspired, and church members regularly forget this in the name of fear.
The Mormon Church is disintegrating under the pressure of its inescapable history combined with ubiquitous internet access.
Tübermensch uh no 😂 we’ve helped so many people and growing to do more. Obviously not a member
I was raised mormon. My father was an lds seminary teacher. I'm still a big byu football fan. I'm a reluctant atheist. I like the idea of god and surviving death, but I read dawkins and hitchens.
If a religion preaches good works and positivity, even if its basis is a bit off, then I think people should let people be and let them believe what they want. I'm not a Mormon anymore, but I'm definitely not an anti-mormon.
DId you even watch the video? Good grief what is it you mormons? That is exactly what she is saying. Maybe you should watch the video you think? "I'm not a Mormon " The mere fact you imply she is an "anti-Mormon" implies you very much are. How about you at least get the modicum of courage it takes to watch the video you are criticizing? So following your own path and allowing others the same is "anti Mormon" according to you, how funny.
Ben Turner dude. I wasn't talking about her. I'm talking about people in the comments. People that come down here just to judge and argue against it. Chill lol
Kenzie K I guess I'm special lol :)
How funny it is to see you attempt to dig your way out of your prior statement. No Mormon, you didn't say you were talking to anyone here, clearly you are talking about the video which you are too much of a coward to watch. If you were really complaining against individual comments then how funny it is that you are too much of a coward to even address those people's comments. Dude, that's really pathetic, even for a Mormon.
Ben Turner I'm not a Mormon lol so using that as derogatory term isn't phasing me.
Well spoken. I hope parents will give their children the freedom to choose their own religion or non-religion. With baptism done at 8 years of age, a time when children are very dependent, most kids will just trust their parents judgement. My parents told me if I did not attend church, I would need to find somewhere else to live.
C Stanford your parents took away your free agency and if they read the scriptures and listen to the general leadership of the church they would know they were wrong .
Jim Bardgett I think more than half of the church kids would stay home on Sunday if they were given the choice. It's like eating your vegetables at dinner... most parents will find some way to motivate their kids. Scriptures and leadership have nothing to do with it.
C Stanfordmy family allowed choice of religion hence we have born again Christians,Muslim Catholic and Norman's now my daughter was baptised at 8 but last weekend I watched her become a born again ,now I love her so I'm not going to disowned .
Jim Bardgett my hat is off to you for being open minded. I wish that the church (and parents) would remind all teenagers that they are free to stay home on Sunday. That should clear the air about church attendance and activity being optional.
Do you love life? Never let religion take that away from you.
Andie, you are the greatest and I applaud you for your bravery. I wish you well in your future and I hope you find greater happiness, success and pride
I am a mormon , a convert . I don't agree with everything you've said here but I can respect your freedom to say these things . I think Mormons do a lot for the communities they live in , this is my experience having been a very different person before that was not in a predominantly Mormon community before and having lived in more than one since . Life is hard , it seems like its one of everyone's life goals to find happiness and contentment with their beliefs , actions, and the things that are prevalent points in their life . My religion works for me. That's why I believe it . Everyone has a religion they follow as religion is essentially a series of beliefs that govern your actions . Some follow more popular ones but none are really outliers or following a set of moral principals that are truly unique . There are many people in the world and I guarantee somebody somewhere agrees totally with your beliefs no matter what they are . I would say this, I hope that everyone can find contentment with the beliefs they choose to follow. Have convictions, don't just float around . Even if you hate Mormons which I get because I used to hate them as well, be steadfast in your beliefs and if they are the truth you will feel content doing so. As with any religion there are people that don't prescribe to the actual doctrine in the various texts of that religion, my experience with the mormon religion and more specifically people who make Mormons look like judgemental, immortal, totalitarian individuals is that they are not following what christ actually said regarding those things . There is a culture and it isn't universal, geographical areas will differ in how they address these things and some are totally off base . You will find this in any group and no wonder , they are human! Every mormon is a human , contrary to what people may think sometimes we have idiosyncrasies and unfortunately it is easy to see people in the mormon church as one large monolithic being, rather than a group of people that all come together and all of which are imperfect. Again , I wish you well and hope that peace enters the lives of all those who strive to bring more to this world than they take from it and who strive to make each day worthy if the effort they put in. God bless.
During a gondola ride up the mountain a Mormon sat across from me describing how snowboarders cause all the problems and resorts should be more like deer Valley in Utah who deny snowboarding. I asked her what jesus would do...? Nope, apparently Jesus doesn't like snowboarders either in her mind. Such funny subjects. : )
good video, im currently stuck in a mormon family and expected to go on a mission here in a few months, i fear greatly that if i were to derail from my current course, i would face immense backlash. i feel hopeless and alone,...
punkfruit you’re not alone. Never do what’s expected of you or feel pressured to live up to others expectations. You’ll regret it when you’re older. Proceed calmly and respectfully but with clear boundaries for what you need. Live your life for you!
Watch zelph on the shelf on yt, you'll find like minded ppl like you there.
You will, but it might be worth it. Missions are a time of erasing your old self and creating a more cult-level self. I had panic attacks. I would never, EVER recommend a mission for someone so close to knowing that it's all a myth and a con. Read the CES letter and Google the BITE model. A mission is the church is cult-mode.
We're the same and to make things worst all of my family members are a strong beleiver of mormon church may father is a former bishop and may grandfatger is also a former bishop. My uncles and aunts served theor missions even my cousins. I just turned 18 amd the pressure is imense I tried to tell the truth that I want to go on a mission but it seems like they don't feel me amd they think that I have a cold and closed heart. Other people (church member's ) reactions seems like I'm a bad person for telling that I have second thoughts on goijg on a misison. I Feel trapped, controlled manipulated and chained, that i should do what I was told no questions asked. It seems like this is their way before, follow blindly. The think of someone not going on a mission as a failure a perspn who's not worthy or perspn who's hard headed and don't beleive in commandements and in god. I'm afraid what they'll do if I tell them when the time they push me harder. I don't know ehat to do, they might cut off my education, I live in a third world country and I want to continue my education it's hard to find a job that'll fund my education and be a working student. I'm not saying that's impossible but it's not an option in my situation I don't know what to do I dont want to go on a misison just because I'm forced to. I've been holding this pain since 16 and I have no one to talk to or relate to about this things. I need help
We are always told that we need to go to church based on our religious beliefs and not the people. I think it is sad that somebody would leave that belief because one person cannot explain the issues that they were having a hard time understanding.
There's a difference between not believing and not understanding.
Yuriduck true but she said that she didn't understand why women didn't have the priesthood!
That was just an example she gave. She talked about having many more issues, but did not get into them, probably out of respect.
She was confused as a child. It was an item on her shelf, but it broke. She probably studied before deciding that she no longer believed. She probably wants to focus on tolerance rather than historicity.
Women and the priesthood. Too bad you didn't stay and go to the temple as that would of been all answered there. You obviously have not read and searched and prayed. You have bought the lies of the world. Good luck out there living in the great apostasy!
Everybody talking and phones ringing, laughing… If you didn’t want to be there just leave. Stop wasting this woman’s time. She’s got a truth to speak and if you are to bored to care then go elsewhere.
My experience with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been deeply important and a blessing to me. I know that is not the case for everyone, but I have come to grow my understanding and relationship with the Savior and also rise above personal hardships and difficulties. My religion is like an anchor in my life. Mormons are definitely not perfect and can sometimes come across and critical of others, but I feel that the majority are good people trying to actually live as Christ's disciples and make their families and communities better for everyone through service and love.
Andrea Cathcart thank you. I am a teenager in the church and to me your words carry a lot of hope. I have been struggling with questions about the church, because of what i think is prejudice and persecution. I know your words to you are little, but for me they carry something big. I am glad to have found a friend. Thank you.
MORmONS ARE IDIOTS! WHERE DID ALL THOSE HORSES AND CHARIOTS GO? DID THE WHEEL JUST ROLL AWAY?
Yes, the people aren't perfect and neither is the Church. For one thing, we are brought up in the Church that the first thing to happen to Joseph Smith was the First Vision (as a former missionary this is what we also lead off with, a message about Jesus Christ and how young Joseph was visited by God and Jesus), then we're taught that Moroni visited Joseph, showed him the plates, after four years he was "worthy" to translate them. In the actual historical events, Joseph never once spoke of the First Vision before proclaiming he found Golden Plates. He was a treasure hunter who conned people into his treasure findings, this is how he met Emma and why her father didn't like him, he was lazy. In fact, Joseph never spoke of the First Vision until 1832, two years AFTER the Church was established; then he changed the story three more times in the following years. The Church knows this too, but they continue to mislead people on these events. The Church also instructs that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim to translate the plates, never telling about his seer stones (smooth rocks you can find in any creak) placed in a top hat then sticking his face inside; only recently has the Church acknowledged these stones and have placed photos of them on their website. Why not tell us this stuff from the beginning? Did they think it would lower our faith? Perhaps. I find the deliberate withholding and historical rewrites as blatant dishonesty and can't support any religion that does the same. Go further down this rabbit hole and you'll discover that a lot of what Joseph said he saw were through "Spiritual Eyes" (using ones imagination) and that his sudden communications from God (basically everything in the D&C) were spur-at-the-moment attempts to keep people in line to his way of thinking.
Andrea, this thread is not about service and love. It is about belief.
Mormons need to drop the thought that they have ALL the truth. They DO NOT! All mormons, please stop saying, thinking, and believing that this is the ONLY true church. IT is NOT. No church is all true. Stop this belief on a deep fundamental level and see what happens to you.
I am a huge advocate of asking your questions! As a member of the LDS church, I was scared to asked questions cause I didn't know if I wanted to know the answer. Now, I LOVE questions!! I have a question jar and all sorts of crazy questions. It's fun. God wants us to understand and we come to an understanding through questioning. It's beautiful. Sometimes questions don't get answered.
What kind of questions do you have? My husband and I love getting asked questions and searching them out if we don't know.
The best part is that no matter what question I ask now, it doesn't shake my testimony of this restored church. My testimony lies on the Rock, Jesus Christ. I believe in Him and His power. No question can take that away from me now.
Leaving an organization that is toxic is always hard but worth it. I'm still undoing all the indoctrination and reteaching myself healthy thoughts and morals now that I've left, I'm sure it will take me many many years before I finally feel free from what they've done to my mental health.
To be fair, Mormons like many religious group, when you start rowing against the current and expressing reservations or doubts. You're immediately demeaned and talked down to, and criticized back into conformity with church.
Because my girlfriend and fiance (at the time) was Mormon, I attended the LDS church for over two years, and when I decided not to join --they persuaded my son to kick me out of his life, and not want anything to do with his father. That how the Mormons get even, when you reject their belief that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and the Book of Mormon is the MOST CORRECT book ever written. So said Brigham Young and many practicing Mormons really-really believe it is true.
I'm sorry you had a bad experience. But like most organisations, you shouldn't judge the entire church based on your negative experience. I am an LDS leader and certainly would not have reacted like that. In fact, recently we had a similar situation and I encouraged the non-member who was investigating the church to not join if they had reservations. Last thing I would want, is for someone to join for the wrong reasons and then go inactive soon after. I don't judge all Catholics as pedofiles despite them having several leaders being foung guilty of doing so.
I took my Norman Rockwell-like childhood of being raised going to church and playing in sports. My father was the scout leader of the Boy Scouts, and I marched in parades carrying the American flag on the 4th of July.
After moving to Utah and meeting my son's mother (who was Mormon, as I mentioned) I raised my son as I had been raised. My father during baseball season would pitch to me out in the yard and I would take batting practice. During basketball season we practiced basketball, and during football season we practiced playing football.
Now if I go do that street my 17 year old son lives on, one of his neighbors (Mr Sanchez) wants to kill me (no joke) SWAT cops have answered the call because Mr. Sanchez threatened to shoot me. After I helped send my son's mother's brother to prison for being a drug dealer, and holding up a Papa John's. My son's mother's family is Mormon. So taking my Norman Rockwall values of family and fatherhood and incorporating them in a Mormon community, NOW I can't drive down that street without wondering if I am going to be shot by the neighbor, and since Utah is a 'Stand your Ground' State, it'll be just deemed a legitimate killing for being the kind of good father and good neighbor that I was.
Turning in a drug dealer, who was part of an armed robbery of a Papa John's in SLC, has caused me to have my son taken away from me, by my former Mormon neighbors. Where is that justified in the Book of Mormon. Under Joseph Smith looking into a hat and coming with the Book of Mormon?
PhoenixSuns NZ Actually, a bad experience can be a wake up call to see systemic dysfunction, and people do have a moral right to leave if the have bad experiences. To say that someone should stay in a church that isn't good for them is mean.
So happy she got out.
I left the Mormon religion in my early 20's I didn't really care that I was disowned from the church but my own family was hard, but it also took me on a journey of unconditional love. And brought me more freedom. It's fine for others to choose in for what's best for them. If anything being disowned allowed me to find ways to bring ownership in my own life. I'm glad I was dis owned because I wasn't owning my own life.
glad you're smart enough to think for yourself
I hope that someday your relationship with your family will be repaired
Good for her. I left my grandparents mormon religion at 17. I knew it was bs at 11, but went along to make them happy. Then I didn’t. I knew it was all made up. Her story sounds so close to mine. From California in the 70s. She’s very brave.
Not specific. Were her reasons for leaving intellectual or emotional, and what were they?
That, Detective, is the right question.
Well I can't blame anyone to base their full potential from their experiences, but I am still hopeful that we can be with Him someday. There is always enough reason why girls can't acquire priesthood, where there is also enough reason why boy can't bear a child. Everything is made equal by our Heavenly Father. It's just how we react to different situations. But I still respect your decision miss, you have your agency in the first place.
One brave young woman!
no just another person who can't move on.
The audio is so bad it takes away from the talk itself.
As someone who should have started wearing ear plugs years ago... The audio sounded perfect.
@@The_Other_Ghost it's not the "volume" that I had issue with. It was the quality of the recording. I just listened again, same result. Poor audio.
A courageous young woman indeed!
I am an active member from Europe, a convert, so I earned my testimony and feel strong in my believe. What it surprises me is all this need of ex mormons to talk about it publicly and mostly badly. They just dont walk away. Interesting, they become missionaries but for the other side. It is not a critic, is an observation
Have you researched what egyptologist say about the book of Abraham?
not BANGERTV sorry busy at the beach trying to learn how to windsurf, you can go ahead and then you can summarize it to me. 💪
She didn’t say anything bad about the Mormon church though? What do you feel was bad that she said?
yeah because for most ex mos its traumatizing and we have a right to talk about our trauma.
It is hard to leave and the church is toxic. The same way memebers want people to hear their truth and feel the "true happiness" of the gospel, ex-members want members to see the flaws and lies within the church. And to realize that there is a life outside of it. Leaving is freeing, yet traumatic. You really find yourself and become much less judgemental of yourself and others
Those who I know are very accepting of those who leave the church, treating them the same as they used to. Every place is different.
Rebecca Lambert thank you :)
I want to leave the church, and I don't want my children to experience my situation....but I thought I will just endure for several more years for byu tuition lol( money kinda is more important than my own belief) I just have to remind myself every time that religion doesn't make me a better person and religion doesn't mark me as good nor bad.
We're here for you when you get out. We have cookies.
When you walk through the door of reason you should NEVER leave your BRAIN BEHIND. C.H>
I too have left the Mormon church. living in Utah, my family is still active but is supportive of my decision. I pray daily that the LORD would open their eyes and let them see the truth that is found in Scripture. ( The Holy Bible) Jesus Christ wants a relationship with us not a membership into a religious organization. Salvation can not be earned, it is a free gift a loving God will give to anyone who asks in faith. When one understands the cross, the victory Jesus won over death, and can let go of self works, and trying to gain God's favor, but in turn realizing we will never be good enough, then we can see ourselves for who we really are- sinner's in need a a Savior. Jesus paid our penalty for sin with His precious blood. He did it ALL! Praise the Lord! We can trust His completed work, admit we are sinful, and ask for forgiveness, and He will save you and start changing you into a Christlike new creation.
Wow I needed this, Mormonism is so harmful
It's good for some, not for others, just like everything in life.
Yes, please do explain and show how it's harmful.
Stephen Self
being Mormon was really rough for me because I took everything so literally. I spent many nights on my knees praying for a testimony, and felt rejected by God because I never gained one. As soon as I allowed myself to think that maybe the church wasn't true, my feelings of self-loathing started to disappear. I'd been depressed for many years, and the depression started to lift. I don't blame the church for my depression. I can see that the church makes many people very happy. It just didn't have that effect on me. And I tried for so many years. So I'm grateful that the church brings a lot of joy to my loved ones, and I'm very grateful that I got myself out. I think I might have killed myself if I'd stayed in.
Not as bad as Islam.
This could be said about many religions (not just Mormonism) but here it goes
1. It makes promises it will not, cannot deliver.
2. It takes money from those who cannot afford it.
3. It sets family and friends at odds.
4. It discourages thought and analysis.
5. It doesn't let people define happiness for themselves.
6. It preempts personal decision-making.
7. It influences hiring decisions.
8. It protects wrongdoers.
9. It promotes sexism.
10. It promotes racism.
11. It promotes prejudice.
12. It promotes judgment.
13. It promotes shunning.
14. It promotes exclusion.
15. It inflates self-absorption.
16. It disallows benign pleasures.
17. It threatens and frightens.
18. It influences voting.
19. It influences lawmaking.
20. It creates exclusionary networks.
21. It encourages needless sacrifice.
22. It gives power to power-abusers.
23. It places youth in dangerous situations.
24. It makes problems out of non-problems.
25. It promotes needless guilt.
26. It fosters feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy.
27. It gives power to the untrained and unqualified.
28. It rationalizes cruelty as righteousness.
29. It limits marriage choices.
30. It revises history.
31. It deifies scoundrels.
32. It obfuscates, a form of lying, and claims not to have lied.
33. It promotes false equivalencies as reasonable defenses (such as, “But it makes me happy” and “But look at the good it does”).
34. It promotes murder as blood atonement.
35. It fosters and rewards sycophancy.
Teen suicide in Utah is not just a problem it’s an epidemic, especially among LGBTQ.
Similar experience. I grew up in Texas with a strong LDS community. Then moved to Northern Michigan for highschool. My nickname in highschool was “The Mormon” because I was the only one for miles. The only youth in the whole building and had to drive an hour to 6 am seminary .(daily highschool scripture study class)
My entire family became inactive during this time. I stuck with it because I felt it was right. I’m 24 now. All these years later I’m so incredibly grateful for that inkling I had to stay with the Gospel even though I had no real reason to, other than a feeling.
I know for a fact the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored on this earth today.
The same one that was taught to prophets of old. Abraham. Solomon. Joseph.
God loves his children and speaks through His prophets to convey truth. Always has. Always will.
He is the same yesterday Today and forever. His love is Abounding. He sent His son out of that same love. Christ’s Gospel is HIS church.
Anyways. That’s my experience 😂
K Johnson but now we can read egyptian hieroglyphs and the Book of Abraham that Joseph Smith said he translated correctly wasn’t even close. So how can you say he’s a true prophet? Also you believe you will become Gods yet in Isaiah “Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”
Isaiah 44:6 KJV
@asteroid doooode. She's sharing her experience about the Lord's church.I'm sharing mine. That's the purpose of a Ted Talk. To open up a discussion and share ideas and experiences.Your comma placement was 10/10 btw. Made me chuckle how proper the English was.
Talking about Abraham... Have you looked into why Smith called the God Anubis an Egyptian priest in the book of Abraham?
I left the cult at age 44
Sir Les. It. Is. NOT. A. Cult.
@@jasonkrane1708 it IS a cult. Saying it isn't doesn't change the fact that it is. I left the Mormon CULT 3 months ago.
43 for me!
ITS LITTERALLY FACTS. STOP CALLING US A CULT YOUR REALLY OFFENDING ME
Sorry about your experience. Sometimes the trial of our faith is belief.
I attended a Mormon church for about one year and it was the worst experience of my life..... I would go every Sunday they were located about 1 mile from my house so I could even walk there but anyway it was a bunch of rich people draped in expensive clothing driving $50,000 vehicles and it was like a competition to see who's Faith was bigger better and stronger..... the brother speaking was arrogant and only called on the women it was incredibly awkward and uncomfortable and I never felt welcomed..... couldn't celebrate holidays I had people interfering with my personal life and relationships it was absolutely awful completely Dreadful...... and I didn't believe any of the story it sounds so ridiculous..... I had members coming to my home interfering with my fiance's relationship and ultimately it literally broke us up it was so intrusive and the people are incredibly fake..... all the members were fighting to one-up each other it was a constant contest over scripture and reciting things from memory and like I mentioned earlier they would only call on the women it was really creepy and weird...... and if you did anything wrong outside of a church you would be punished embarrassed and humiliated I got out of there as quick as possible.
they are Masters at brainwashing people it is no different than a cult so please believe me stay as far away as you can......
Mormonism is the original scientology
I'm so glad to hear you overcome the social control aspect of the church. It can be very hard, even impossible for some people. It's how high-demand religions maintain their followers and getting free of it is essential to clear thinking.
QUESRIONS ARE GOOD. Questions that you are truly wanting to know about something. We should follow what makes us happy, not the fake happy but the true happiness. I understand some people struggle with believing, to them, it doesn't come naturally. Every mormon parent want their kids to live a righteous happy life. They want their kids to come to know what's true to them. A lot of the mormon parents feel very strongly about the gospel, and sometimes, parents can be little pushy since they love their child so much and want what's best for their kids. It's hard as it is, people sometimes can be too judgmental about other people. Instead of treating people differntly who are struggling, we need to treat them with love and understanding. If you are struggling in believing the gospel, it's totally okay. It's not something that anyone should be ashamed of. There are people who struggled and asked question in the bible and also in the Book of Mormon. The questions that they struggle with was what let them to come to know the truth from searching and praying diligently. Questions are good. Tons of people who are members of the church at some point had a question that bother them. Some people can find the answer fairly quickly and come to belive it in their hearts. Some people may take longer to search the right answer to believe it. It's important to know who to listen to in your heart. There is the good side of you wanting naturally to do good, which that side also gives you prompting. The other side is bad, which that side can turn your questions into confusion and rebellion. You are never offending God for question that you don't understand and are truly wanting to know the answer. He in fact gives you those questions to help you grow stronger and for you to find the truth. He give you challenges because he trust you. Your challenges has eternal purpose. Remember: QUESTIONS ARE GOOD!
I’m glad someone else has addressed this! The feeling of ostracization and shamefulness for having questions comes from the adversary, and once we recognize this, and that God wants us to find answers and come to him stronger in testimony than ever, we can have the confidence and reassurance to continue striving to be with him and endure to the end!
So there should be no problem with reading the CES letter, or questioning the prophet then, right? Except that's not how it plays out, is it? There is only one acceptable right answer, because the conclusion is assumed, and only signs of confirmation are accepted.
I hope someday you really question why in your gut, you know polygamy is wrong, why Brigham's changing of the Endowment to teach that Adam was God is wrong, or why the book of Abraham, written in Egyptian, a now-translatable language, says nothing even remotely like what Joseph claimed. I hope you are not afraid to ask the tough questions brought up in the CES letter, or the concerns in Wife No. 19. I hope you don't dismiss legitimate criticisms as "anti-Mormon lies" because those questions are a little uncomfortable, or label those feeling of questioning and growth and discomfort as being "from Satan" because that would be tragic.
Clarifying comment:
While the Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God, as an Elder in that I cannot just walk into a Relief Society (Women's Group) meeting and close the meeting. To say being in the Priesthood is something I can hang over my wife's head to make demands in my home if false. There are many callings and volunteering in the church that doesn't particularly require an official office. I'll never be a Bishop, but I give Christlike service to the two gentlemen in my ward (Congregation) that have Down Syndrome. No one asked me to and no one notices. It's my duty to God and my sense of beliefs that guide me to take time out of my school, work, and family schedule to help others.
Kenzie K agreed!
Wonderful talk. Andie is inspiring
Beautiful expression and so brave. The conditioning from being a multigenerational Mormon are insideous and persistent. It takes lots of intention and inner work. 20 years after leaving I'm still learning to trust people and to use my mind well. Hiding your true self is a huge part of the program. I applaud you for speaking out and wish you the best. ❤️
Secular humanists are here to help if you need it.
I’m Mormon. The church isn’t perfect, but the gospel of Jesus Christ is. She makes the church out to be what is not, though. I don’t know if it’s just because my ward is so loving, but we never treat anyone the way she was. We are taught not to judge, but to love unconditionally. We are also taught to have our own beliefs, and have our own questions about the church, and find the answers for ourselves. The church has brought me so much good, but I don’t judge anyone who leaves the church, or who is apart of another religion. I do wish people would research our church from our websites, and not just read the hate websites, so we can all come to an understanding of love.
Which Jesus do you speak of? The Jesus of the Bible, or Jesus of the Book of Mormon?
The Mormon Jesus is vastly different from the biblical one.
Yes, the people aren't perfect and neither is the Church. For one thing, we are brought up in the Church that the first thing to happen to Joseph Smith was the First Vision (as a former missionary this is what we also lead off with, a message about Jesus Christ and how young Joseph was visited by God and Jesus), then we're taught that Moroni visited Joseph, showed him the plates, after four years he was "worthy" to translate them. In the actual historical events, Joseph never once spoke of the First Vision before proclaiming he found Golden Plates. He was a treasure hunter who conned people into his treasure findings, this is how he met Emma and why her father didn't like him, he was lazy. In fact, Joseph never spoke of the First Vision until 1832, two years AFTER the Church was established; then he changed the story three more times in the following years. The Church knows this too, but they continue to mislead people on these events. The Church also instructs that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim to translate the plates, never telling about his seer stones (smooth rocks you can find in any creek) placed in a top hat then sticking his face inside; only recently has the Church acknowledged these stones and have placed photos of them on their website. Why not tell us this stuff from the beginning? Did they think it would lower our faith? Perhaps. I find the deliberate withholding and historical rewrites as blatant dishonesty and can't support any religion that does the same. Go further down this rabbit hole and you'll discover that a lot of what Joseph said he saw were through "Spiritual Eyes" (using ones imagination) and that his sudden communications from God (basically everything in the D&C) were spur-at-the-moment attempts to keep people in line to his way of thinking.
I'm not sure how the gospel doesn't allow anyone to find their own path.
I also don't understand how anyone can be a member of the church and feel "lost" unless they struggle with sin.
Once you leave the path, the Lord eases up on you. Similar to the way a group leader would if you were to insist on breaking away onto your own path. You don't have to attain the highest peak to be happy.
People take concern as a negative emotion when it's really a testament of love. The fact that family and friends are hurt when a loved one departs from the faith speaks of human nature, not God's church or his nature. His wish is only for you to have the best. He does not insist on it though.
Being able to "relate" is important because it's what God does with his children so well. It is not in line with his way to force anyone towards happiness.
To those who are lost but feel "happier", the Lord loves you and if you seek him his wisdom will gently guide you back into his fold at your pace. How priceless is a personal testimony of his church.
The Gospel provides greater light and peace in this life and exhaultation in the next, but it is not the Lord's only path of happiness. He did provide many other kingdoms of peace for the lost.
He can make far more of your life than you can, but you don't have to have the best. The only prerogative of the church is, "if there's better why settle for less"? The 3 degrees of happiness are mentioned in the plan of salvation but class rooms don't exist for those aspiring to the lesser two. This does not mean they are not places of glory. They simply aren't the highest goal so why focus on them. Anyone can do that on their own, in life, outside of religion, away from God. This life is by default "the classroom" and there's only one way out... before your maker.
Truth Hertz this was a great comment thank you
If someone leaves because they are atheist then they necessarily do not believe that a "lord" or a "maker" exists to even talk about. By assuming in your comment the very premise that an atheist rejects (the existence of god) your comment is rendered pointless and irrelevant to an atheist.
Okay this is messing me up. I didn't realise this is how we were viewed or even ACTED. My whole life I thought this was normal!
It's a cult not a church. A church is a portion of your life, a cult is your life. Mormonism becomes your life, not just a spiritual outlet.
I am a believer of Christ Jesus, never a Morman. I believe in the Bible and Jesus is Lord, and I disagree with you here. Being a True believer is not a cult, but its also not just an outlet or "insert here" type thing. You either believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior or you don't, it's not like o let me add some God here but not over here. Following Christ is not an outlet.
@@andronicagonzales2206 believing in Christ is your own prerogative and you can do it as you feel best for you. Mormonism tells you how you need to be and act and think and talk and behave in order to believe in Christ, they don't allow you to do it as you feel best for your own personal situation and convictions.
5.50 - 6.00, 6.22 - 6.32, 8.10 - 8.32. Open for new opportunities and challenges.
This was not a good talk... in terms of presentation or content. It could have been much more interesting.
I’m a Mormon. And a proud one even after all of these videos I have seen. I’m not gonna try and talk someone who has made a decision to leave my church to join back into it, and we have always been taught to respect and love everyone. I honestly don’t feel that Mormonism is hard to follow, but I understand thinking it’s restricting.
I agree, I have a ton of Mormon friends and they are amazing. I don't think people realize how hard it is to be morning because everyone is so mean to them, but I want to join the church because I read the book of Mormon and I know it's true.
Most of those who leave don't leave because it's restricting, but because it's harmful or because we learn about the actual history of the church, not the version they teach in sunday school and RS/Priesthood. The reasons the leaders give for why people leave are so wrong it's both sad and hilarious.
Do you want to know what it is like?
I felt betrayed by my best, most dear friend. These heroes I grew up learning about and seeking to emulate turned out to be nothing like what I'd been taught.
An organization that asks you not to look at any history except their own version of it is hiding the truth.
I have the same issue the mormon church teach Presthood holder's have all power and authority where does that leave girls and ladies
The priesthood allows us to perform baptism under the athority if God,which in a sense is spiritual rebirth. Women have the God given gift to bring life to the world. So giving men the priesthood makes us relevant, it gives us something to do. It's a balance. Or else women could provide both and we'd just sit there and do nothing. That to me is equality. But I understand that it might seem like guys are more important but that's not true, and I'm sorry for that. And I hope my explanation might dispell any bad tastes. But I also admire the courage that anyone has to leave what they know and find something that better suits their desires
carlos marquez gas lighting again! You don't just baptize! You have all the power! Men are told they are the leaders of their families. Men are treated as royalty. As my 6 year old daughter sat in Sunday school class and luckily I was with her, the teacher up front said raise your hand if you have a priesthood holder in your home. Wouldn't it be sad if you didn't have the power of God in your home? Being a single mom, my daughter whispered, should I raise my hand mom? Absolutely, I told her. Absolutely. We had the power of God in our home with or without a man. That is far more reaching than just the baptism of which you speak. You have been taught to dodge the truth to make the teaching look good. Ever ask yourself why the truth would need to be dodged? 'Sit there and do nothing?' Are you kidding me?
They do not have "all the power " if you go through the temple, you will see how the priesthood truly works. My wife is a shared partner with mine.
Women also have the greatest of all power, to grow new life!
Heidi Reis you get the sacred responsibility of carrying children for 9 months and giving birth to wonderful life. That's just as important as men having the priesthood. Each of these gifts is to bless families.
carlos marquez
Ummm. You do remember your wife making a promise to obey you and you obey god. Also, originally it required 3 (or was it 5 wives?) to make it to the highest MLM version of Mormon Heaven. So. Woman are a commodity here to serve. Woman have 0 authority. Everything must be approved by a man with the Penishood.
One more thing for über Glory of becoming a Mormon God. It requires you to also get your second anointing which unless you are part of the Q70 or have friends at the top then you will never get there. So enjoy cleaning Monson’s toilets in his super duper mansion full of wives
The church is true, not always the people. And the name of the church never was named "The Mormon Church", that was just a name assigned to us because of the Book of Mormon. The name the church has had is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." She has just misunderstood someone the key concepts of the church, but she is entitled to her own decisions. We are NOT a cult, and I love the church. I know that it's true, and I wish she could too.
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Andie Kemmerle - you are such an inspiration - going up in public and being so open about challenging your religious upbringing is amazing. Especially at such a young age, you show so much maturity and critical thinking that full-grown adults rarely have these days. I grew up Catholic and struggle with the contradictions within even this religion that is more "mainstream" in some people's eyes. Never lose your voice and continue to challenge the status quo. Now more than ever we need strong people to move beyond what has always been said and done to bring us into deeper understanding of the universal truth of this world. PEACE! :)
From one Michigan exMormon gal to another, you did an awesome job!
That's not what you'll be saying come judgement day. You're reward is now. Enjoy it.
Becky Rose I’m not worried one bit. I am a Christian and because of grace, I’m saved. 😎
@@Beckyrose91 Why do you choose to meet other people with threats?
Becky rose during judgement day you'll be wishing you researched the book of Abraham. Smith took advantage of a language no one could read.