Several of my friends who are Mormons have read my description of why I left that church and let me know that they were very offended. The fact that they let me know about it, rather than shake their head and walk away, is a testament to the fact that they are good friends, who know they can tell me what’s really on their mind without me getting upset. I know that not everyone shares my views.
But seeing several of my friends react in a similar fashion made me pause and think about whether I had really said what I wanted to say. And the answer is a provisional “yes.” It is direct, which is a reflection of my preference for directness over obliqueness. There is some bitterness, which is understandable given my point of view (that the Mormon church is not what it appears to be). But it is not inaccurate.
I do not expect anything I write to convince any Mormon reader to leave their faith. That’s not the point at all (although from my viewpoint that wouldn’t be bad). Rather, it’s about sharing who I am, and part of the spiritual journey I’m on. Sooner or later each person will have to wrestle with issues of faith and religion. It is not enough to simply accept the ways we are taught as children; we must believe them ourselves, adopt them as our own.
As I indicated, I have many friends within the LDS church, some of my oldest friends. I do not hate Mormons, as I know many of them are sincere in their faith and are looking to please God. I only ask that, if you read my story, you try to imagine what it would be like to travel that journey in my shoes.
