LDS Revelations

As hard as it can be to get a blog going, it’s obviously harder to do something, like, say, come to terms with the loss of religious faith. In creating this blog— I am attempting to do both. Silly, I know, but I have a nasty habit of biting off more than I can chew. Why stop now?

I was born and raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints— the Mormons. My family was very active in this religion that is, by any measure, a lifestyle more than just a “sunday religion”. It informed every element of my life. How many brother and sisters I had. What I should eat and drink— and what I shouldn’t. Even the friends I had. The religion and the culture profoundly shaped who I am. 

You’d think after being a Mormon for over 30 years I’d know the doctrine and history of the LDS Church— the stuff that is the bedrock of LDS belief. I’ve attended countless meetings and classes where these things were taught over and over. I can’t even begin to count the times I’ve heard the story of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. It has to be in the thousands— easily.

As a young adult I served full-time mission for the Church — TEACHING PEOPLE ABOUT MORMONISM. Then there was BYU. Temple marriage. Numerous callings etc.

My point: I knew Mormonism.

But here’s the revelation. Thanks to the Internet, I recently discovered things about LDS doctrine and history are noticeably different than the Mormonism I knew. Actually, disturbingly different. It also turns out that these discrepancies are SIGNIFICANT. I say “significant”, as in, I no longer believe the LDS Church to be what it claims to be.

Those who are or were Mormon understand how serious this is. (see “Mormonism is a lifestyle” above.)

So why am I writing this blog? 
1 - To present the reasons why I no longer believe the LDS Church to be what is claims to be. This a good place to organize thoughts and research. 

2 - To share with others things that I wish I had learned about Mormonism long before now. You need the facts in order to decide what you really believe.

3 - Letting go of a deeply held belief is kind of like divorce— sometimes necessary and often painful. I need a place to work through this. So sorry to drag you through my catharsis but… it is my blog.

What am I writing in this blog?
THE MORE UNKNOWN HISTORY, DOCTRINES OF MORMONISM — things that I was never taught by the religion. Things that, for me, have become the revelations. I suspect there will be the occasional commentary on LDS culture as it relates to the religious beliefs. 

Am I an angry ‘anti-mormon’?
Angry: Sure. Sometimes I am angry and frustrated by the dishonest way the LDS Church deals with uncomfortable doctrine and history. Some of that may show through in my posts. Sorry if I offend anyone. That is not my intent. 

Anti-Mormon: I prefer the terms “critic” or “apostate.” The “Anti-mormon” label is an easy way for LDS to dismiss arguments without looking the evidence. I know, I did the same thing on my mission. Ironically,  most “anti-mormons” know more about LDS history/doctrine than most members— but don’t take my word for it. Check my sources (I hope to include them whenever possible) and see for yourself.

Did I lose faith because I sinned or because I was offended at Church?
Nope. After finally researching questions I had, I just don’t believe it anymore.