Ok I'm blown away by this number...but according to my counter, this blog has had over 10,000 hits since I began it as a kind of cathartic process to exercise my Mormon demons. And HALF of that number (that’s five thousands for you folks in Utah County) have come this past year alone.
Next time one of you drops by...leave a comment, let me know where I’m right and where I’m wrong….challenge me...I love comments from both the exmormon community, current active LDS members...from you Christian fundies too.
Also if I have helped or hurt any of you or best of all made you THINK…I’d love to hear about that as well…
Who knows I may start writing in my blog more often…but then again maybe not…as most of those demons have become shadows of a former alternative universe existence.
20 comments:
Keep it up...your posts are always interesting and well thought out.
Craig, I used to question "mormonism" and have done a lot of studying and have found it to be very true. The gospel helps to make me and my famiy so incredibly happy. I'm sad to hear that you no longer believe in the church. Why did you get excommunicated? Heavenly Father won't give up on you, neither will I.
Sup Bradley?
Why was I excommunicated? Well according to the lesson at church this past sunday...people apostatized for the following reasons.
01. Over spilled milk
02. Over having their name misspelled by a GA
03. Over having no seat saved for them at a temple dedication.
So pick one...which one do you think I apostatized over? I mean come on..seriously...I'm a shallow person...It couldn't have been because the church is NOT what it claims to be, now could it???
So you still attend church? I asked a simple question and you went around it. Why? I'm confused on your explanation. Where did you grow up? How old are you? You are a very intersting person and funny too. :) I strongly believe in the church and know it to be true. There's nothing that could sway me from my decision of that. So what do you do for fun? Where are you currently living? Don't worry, I'm not a stalker or anything. I'm just doing the best thing a member of the church can do for people like you...be your friend. :)
Bradley, would you like my social security and credit card numbers also?
You said that..."There's nothing that could sway me from my decision of that" REALLY???
I really don't believe you. I could give you several examples such as...Monson standing up in conference and telling everyone that the goose is in...you've all been had...that he is not and never has been able to communicate with god...that the church is a complete and utter fraud.
Would that sway you? What if you found conclusive evidence that Joseph Smith made the whole thing up...would that sway you? What I'm getting at is that as you learn more and more about the church's claims...that new information will have an impact on you and your ability to beleive. I've merely gotten to the point in my learning curve...where the claims are no longer believable.
Stay the course and you too can become an apostate like me...but if NO AMOUNT of information can sway you...then you my friend are in a very sad place. Stuck in the middle of the stream.
Craig,
I have very much appreciated your well thought reasoning when educating those of us that question... and others that will never question. I may not have ever doubted the validity of the Church if not for a life changing event. In your experience do you find this occurring or is usually a gradual process? How effective have you been with friends and family that are unresponsive.
Thanks for posting Brett,
My experience has been that most active members of the church will never “dare” employ the critical thinking skills necessary to come to the conclusion that the church is not what it claims to be. The very thought that Mormonism is anything but what it claims…is such an impossibly scary thought…that most will never entertain the thought. Those that do…that brave the process…will discover that their world has been built on a false hope…this usually takes them on a journey of years of questioning, pain , anger in order to process this reality but it will ultimately lead them to a place of peace…if they are willing to fight through and accept reality.
As for me…I have been influencial in the lives of many people who have left the church. A few close friends…and several people I’ve met through my postings. But alias…all of my close family members are not willing (at least as of this date) to dare to employ their critical thinking that is required in order to question the many false claims of Mormonism.
you are a prickly one.
From one apostate to another, I suggest reading a psychological explanation of Smith's curious creation: http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Laban-Joseph-Smith-Dissociated/dp/0880488646/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247188114&sr=8-1 .
While I am a proud a devoted Morman, I do disagree with a number of things but I am not turning away. Its important to remember that like evry form of christianity it is subject to man. Man has a way of dipping its dirty finger into most every good intention. I like this denomination because it promotes family unity, love and respect. At least my ward does. I am a very unconventual Mormon. I as a woman am the breadwinner. We do not have any kids and I am tattood.
Hi Craig, I stumbled upon your blog and just want to say "keep going", "keep spreading the word" of this very un-true church! I have started my own blog if you are interested in reading: www.mormonismandchristianity.blogspot.com
Craig,
I have recently been through something similar to you. I read your story and it sounded just like me. I was excommunicated, even though I went to the council with a penitant heart. Although the council seemed to want a lesser penalty, the SP couldn't ignore the "whisperings" of the spirit on this one. Afterwards, he admonished me that although there is a rule that a excommunicated member is to no longer pay tithing, that he could find a way around it so that I could. It was really at that moment that I decided that I would never speak to him again. I couldn't believe it. I make what some would consider a sizable income. I'm sure that in this economy with people cutting back on tithing, that it was difficult to lose my tithes in our stake, given I have ALWAYS paid a full tithe.
I have since done an incredible amount of research and, like you, am finding answers.
A response to the "tithe payer"... I am sure that your SP was thinking on your behalf rather than the church's as the church will not be hurting without your tithes. I figure he was thinking more on the lines of Malachi as to the windows of heaven being opened for your offerings. But I can see where you would be put out by that suggestion and think that it was because the SP wanted your money. I am guessing so I may not be correct, but it seems as though you and Cr@ig were excommunicated for diving into antimormon propaganda. I can see where you would want to go and search for answers to a lot of questions that you had/have about the church. All I can say is this. The Savior said that those that DO the will of the Father will know whether or not the doctrine is true, not those that read and question. I do not fault you for your actions, and am in no way trying to chastize you. I just want to let you know that even if you do not believe in this church anymore (most notably the history), as long as you love your neighbor and your God, you will know what you should be doing. As for me, I KNOW that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is True, and that there is nothing that will change that for me as the earlier comment on President Monson would never happen and I have had some personal witnesses that have testified to me that Joseph Smith is a prophet is just as true as Jesus Christ is my Savior. As I commented before, you are free to worship God according to your own consience. I just do not understand the bitterness toward the church. Whether or not you believe it to be true anymore, it has never taught you to do anything evil or hurt anyone in any way.
No, I never before looked into anti propoganda as you assumed. It had nothing to do with my excommunication. The church handbook as well as the "Miracle of Forgiveness" written by Kimball both state that an excommunicated member is NOT to pay tithings. I have had insight into how the church operates its tithing and there has been enormous pressure to cut back on expenses in wards and stakes. Of course the church isn't "hurting" without my money. But I'm sure it was a topic of conversation--a consideration in the overall decision. If the "windows of heaven be open unto me if I pay" then why is it Church policy NOT to pay when excommunicated? Am I a "special" excommunicated person? Or have I paid a sizable tithe every year? Jay, what are you doing on this website if I might ask? Aren't you asked not to associate with these kinds of forums in your temple interviews? Don't get me wrong, I really do appreciate meaningful discussion.
I REALLY do love my neighbor. I would like to think that I do alot of good. A friend of mine asked me recently, "so, what's it like not having the spirit anymore." My answer to him was, "the same". And I meant it. I feel no different after my supposed status has changed--other than very eye opening realizations that its all nonsense.
Dear Anonymous,
Thanks for posting...I'd love to meet and chat with you in person.
If u're in Utah, think about it...
I am not in Utah, but am very nearby. I would be happy to chat with you if we crossed paths. I actually make it to Utah a few times a year.
God said that Joseph Smith is a false prophet. God is not picking
on just the Mormon Church. God says that they all have false prophets.
Jay above wrote:
"I have had some personal witnesses that have testified to me that Joseph Smith is a prophet is just as true as Jesus Christ is my Savior."
Jay, God says that you are wrong on both prophets. Your witnesses lied to you.
In the Spring of 2006 God sent a message. The message is about the meaning of 'First is Last and Last is First'. The message is this:
In the morning I go to Heaven. In the afternoon I live my life. In the evening I die death.
What does this mean? It mean that Birth is Last and Birth is First. In that order.
I love your blog. I found it from a link on PostMormon. You rock.
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