Everything I've Always Wanted to Ask Ex-Mormon John Dehlin, Answered ft.

[@sharonhamm2110]

John's comments about the repercussions that his kids received in the community because of what stance their dad took with the Mormon church is very telling. It reflects the character of those calling themselves Christians who do bullying instead of love and compassion.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Absolutely!

[@curtisowen3233]

A tribalistic tendency you'll come across in almost all communities where there is a predominant religion. All sorts of atrocious behavior comes out when the "in" group corners the "other", most of all when they think they have god on their side.

[@liseklerekoper2441]

@@curtisowen3233- Such an excellent point. I’m a licensed therapist & have worked w/ clients deconstructing from high demand/high control religions. The tribalism factor is part of the religious trauma many of my clients have experienced.

[@marym922]

Not sure of your age, but I'm old enough to remember the commercials on tv which promoted the Mormon church. They did not call themselves Christians until quite recently, and that makes perfect sense, since the Bible is 'over-ridden' by all sorts of other added on 'doctrines'. If you can find a genuine Christian church (good luck with that one!!!) they'll warn about the signs of a false church. The number one sign that a church isn't really following Christ, is their doctrine on salvation. Think about the man on the cross beside Jesus. He acknowledged he belonged where he was, he acknowledged Jesus was who He claimed to be.... and he believed. Jesus (who knows the heart/sincerity) assured him He would see him in paradise. So if you understand that you are a sinner, and you accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, you are saved.... end of. There should be no ifs, ands, or buts... that is it. Even baptism is not required. (while baptism is clearly a God-approved practice, and if you get the chance, you should do it... your own decision, of course, it is not absolutely essential to being born-again.) If baptism were required for salvation, there would be no hope for prisoners, those in deserts, and so on. The idea that stopping someone from getting water would also stop their salvation is the same as suggesting God is without power. Nothing in the Bible suggests Jesus's followers have to wear special underwear, or keep a rosary, or wear a scapular, or whatever.... there are loads of false teachings out there. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you discern Truth from lies, and then read a Bible. (personally, I prefer the KJV... the oldest version I can find, without the apocrypha. BTW, the apocrypha is marked as 'not considered divinely inspired, but is considered useful to read'.) Hope this is helpful!

[@DaveTaylor-xy9kq]

Mormons totally believe in revenge and bullying even when it is directed at their own families. I've been seeing it since 2011 and before.

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

You two are only getting so much criticism because you are doing a damn good job. Please don't quit you two. Ever. You are saving lives.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️❤️❤️

[@BWC028]

LOL when do they ever get criticism? They get their asses kissed constantly..

[@pheonixguy33maneha99]

❤❤❤

[@chloecagle6493]

@@BWC028tell me you didn’t watch the video without telling me

[@Whatiftheresmore1314]

The hey get criticism because they are being dishonest. Agency is one of the foundational principles of heaven. NO ONE IN TYE CHURCH IF JESUS CHRIST OF LDS is forced in anyway to follow the principles of the gospel. John knows this. It’s way more sensational and exciting to mix truth with slander. You can make a lot more money that way! John has his own little cult following, and making boat loads of $$$ off the backs of the people who he destroys their faith. 🥲

[@jonb2145]

JOHN! Your work is immeasurable. I checked all the boxes as a Mormon, like mission, BYU, married in the temple, demanding church callings and even rubbed shoulders with the "elite" boys' club. The one thing I still believe after leaving the "church" is seeking and spreading truth. I am 100 times the person I used to be, and I have helped more marriages and lives in the last nine years than my previous 45 years as a member. 75 percent of my search for truth has started from your amazing "Mormon Stories" episodes.

[@Time4Stories1967]

reading the bible will help you find truth too

[@anushkabasu7043]

I am a Hindu by birth and recently having difficulties with my faith as my religion is persecuting other religions. So somehow I ended up on your channel. It's literally saved me. The fact that John says the holy grail of human experience is finding a passion gives me hope for a better tomorrow. Thanks ❤

[@DeathValleyDazed]

The longer the interview format the more John Dehlin’s authenticity makes manifest. Long live John Dehlin so we can watch the evolution and complete life cycle of a real human being.

[@mormonstories]

❤️🙏

[@China-Clay]

Hilarious!

[@DeathValleyDazed]

@cindybin2001 Suggestion for you Cindy. Spend your energy and testimony passion by performing face to face missionary work when shopping, traveling, getting hair&nails done, working out at gym, etc. Come back here and report how successful you’ve been.

[@kiterafrey]

John really helped me with my faith crises. I wasn't Mormon I was Pentecostal. However, I wasn't ready to break down the unique beliefs of Pentecostals and question them, but I knew I was questioning being in a high demand religion. Seeing other people in a similar but different high demand religion have the same situations and trials as me was enough to break through to me so that I could start my healing journey that I'm on right now.

[@RiverWoods111]

I am beginning to think that is why I have been binge watching this channel. I had kind of thought that my experiences in the Christian church/Pentecostal (but they aren't the only ones who check off all the boxes of the "Bite Model" in Christianity. Unfortunately, most do.) were cult or cult like, but because it is so accepted and expected that no one listens to you when you walk away licking your wounds from the severe damage the religion did to you. I am thinking that there is a lot of what I went through even though I left (kicked out for escaping to a DV shelter with my kids) 16 years ago. I mean the shunning was so horrific on top of the fact that I was living in a DV shelter.

[@kiterafrey]

@@RiverWoods111 Being shunned us always so rough but you did the right thing & protected your children. They’re so lucky to have a parent willing to walk the harder road to give them a better life ❤️

[@caitlynaizpiri7806]

I completely relate to this. I came to Mormon stories as an ex Pentecostal and although it’s a different belief system-I relate to so much of the experience and am grateful to all John does through this channel!

[@missylee3022]

Omg same!

[@missylee3022]

There's really not a lot of good ex pentecostal content. We should all collaborate lol.

[@irvinlending]

Man, as an Ex Mo, and "Lamanite" this was emotional and cathartic to get validation as a Latino that grew in the LDS church . I didn't realize the level of emotional abuse I was Subjected to as a kid

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Irvin, thank you for sharing that. That’s what we try to do here is bring awareness so people can heal 😊🙏

[@guideme1503]

You poor darling. So grateful the real God led you to truth. Men cause such pain…..may God find all hurt by stupidity, hate and teach truth and heal the awful wounds. God bless you hon.

[@jjfloyd8103]

I know I'm a little late to the game, but I found you last week after finding John's podcast last month. John's advice to you about not quitting and not letting the haters hate, can be true to ALL OF US. I have literal tears streaming down my face. I feel as if my big brother is scolding me (in a good way). Don't feed the bears/trolls. I cannot get enough of this episode.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you Jaime!! Welcome to C2C! I’m doing my best! 😁

[@tombowers536]

1 minute in and Dr John proves what an amazing good guy he is. Lots of respect for the man

[@cindyjohnson5956]

He is fast becoming the best of the best podcasters out there. His education, past trials and tribulations dealing with the LDS Church, skills in interviewing, and passion in bringing out the egregious sins of The Church makes him dedicated to bringing out truth. There is no better person out there to thoroughly bring us the revelations the truth exposes. #topfan

[@AmyRuby]

He was alone in a vaccum for so long, no I get the sense that this is starting to gain traction.

[@kiterafrey]

My grams was adopted (much against the will of her tribe) into a white family in the 30's. She was fully Native American but her family told her to pretend to be white when in public. She used to wear long sleeves in the summer in California (after moving from the Res in Wyoming) too. As a child I was born with much lighter skin, even though my birth-father was fully Jewish and my mom was only half white. She used to tell me how lucky I was and not let me tan because she said "You'll fit in better and never have worry about if people hate you." I have no doubt the church was a huge factor in that considering the elder of the church in the area of WA I grew up in told me that as a mixed girl I was unevenly yolked and had to work harder to get to heaven and that since I was Jewish I killed Jesus, despite that they teach Jewish people are the chosen ones.

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Thanks for sharing your heartfelt family story. Amazing what many individuals survive through.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

What?! Oh my gosh. This is awful. I’m so sorry you and your grandma had to deal with that!

[@davidjanbaz7728]

That Elder is stupid: Jews down through history had nothing to do with Jesus crucifixion because it was only the Jewish leadership and The Romans that killed Jesus. 5,000 Jews became believers in Jesus on the Day of Pentecost.

[@DarkFire1536]

I am so sorry to hear this. Sending you much love and hugs

[@peggygarcia6125]

I have to say how sorry I am.

[@anneford4758]

I was raised Orthodox Mormon. Both parents worked for the LDS church as therapists. One day I hope to tell my story, until then, you are voices for people like me.

[@nisaba5752]

I don't know you,but I hope you do too! Don't let a fear of sounding "weird" or being sloppy or worry about being perfect when telling your story *ever* hold you back from sharing your *truth!*

[@zemejal]

Looking forward to hear your story

[@sunny8254]

John said a lot about the Second Anointing, but the reason it bothered me is the theological implications. When I was taught about Jesus coming back, I was told EVERYONE would be judged, with lots of grace of course, and then put into their kingdoms. But with this second anointing, these super special people get a "Golden Ticket" - a "Fast Pass" - a way to skirt around Jesus and shoot right up to the top, no matter what! And that just doesn't sound like the God or Jesus or Second Coming I was raised to believe in. "God is no respecter of persons" yeah right. And that's when I KNEW 100% that this church is bullshit. I stopped believing in ALL of it. And I'd been a member for 35 years, temple married, teens in youth groups, callings held the whole way. The second anointing blew it all apart.

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Thanks for more elucidating details about this insidious Mormon ritual.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Yes! 100 percent! Thanks for sharing

[@mamadspeachyworld5190]

Question for you... How was it that you started down the path of realization? Was it coming across this channel? Did someone else start opening your mind to The MC not being truthful? Did you start questioning on your own? Or something else.... I know so many that are not open to the idea that the church just might be built from falsehoods.

[@sunny8254]

@@mamadspeachyworld5190 my story is interesting. My parents left the church first, 9 years ago, at age 50. It took me 7 more years to be brave enough to investigate more into why they left the religion they raised me in. When I was ready to listen, my dad shared RFM podcasts to listen to and my mom shared MS episodes to listen to. The Gospel Topics Essays on the church's website were crazy to read. Murder Among The Mormons really shook me up. Also a book called Joseph in The Gap, which is supposed to be a faithful perspective of Joseph, but it taught me about the Second Anointing for the first time ever and I had to ask the question - what else is the church hiding? It spiraled from there. I spent 10,000 hours reading and studying church history before deciding to leave at age 35. All it took for my husband to leave was Brad Wilcox's talk from Feb 2022. It officially broke both our shelves at the same time. One day my husband was in, and the next day he was out. I find it fascinating. After we left, we read Letter For My Wife, and No Man Knows My History, The Bite Model, Combating Cult Mind Control, etc.. the rabbit hole continues. It simply never ends. Gosh, what a crazy church. As my dad would say, it was "death by a thousand cuts". Many many things added together over time.

[@mamadspeachyworld5190]

@@sunny8254 thanking you for sharing your story with me. I know how hard it must have been because for many people the Church is their identity. If they leave they are no long Jane Doe the Mormon.... but just Jane Doe or Jane Doe the xmormon...they have to relearn who they are without the Church telling them who they are and where their place is. Many blessings to u and your family as you travel through this journey we call life.

[@aaronhawkins1541]

Shelise, thank you so much for what you are doing! You are helping more people than you know. I am an ex-JW. I got hooked on your channel after watching the episode with Jake/Altworldly. It's not just Mormons that find value in what you do. All these high control groups are so similar. Please please please keep doing what you are doing and ignore the haters. They attack you cause they are threatened and scared you are waking people up. My six year old daughter has a mantra, every morning I ask her "what's the word?" And she yells at the top of her lungs "PERSEVERANCE" and I say "What does it mean?" She yells"NEVER EVER GIVE UP" and I say "What are you?" she yells "SMART, STRONG, BEAUTIFUL,CONFIDENT, BRAVE, AND I WONT CHANGE MYSELF." Never ever give up what you are doing Shelise. You ARE making a difference. You are bringing light to these dark abusive organizations that have had too much power for far too long.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Aww thank you so so much Aaron! I really appreciate your support. That’s the sweetest thing ever with your daughter! I love that.

[@janishuey3639]

“Don’t feed the trolls!” is such good advice for ANY YT creators. There seem to be an unlimited amount of trolls, no matter the topic. It’s crazy! There may be a boatload of bots, also. If you treat everyone like a bot, the ban hammer is easier to swing.

[@wendaprior6160]

Love what you and your daughter do each morning.

[@krissy52]

It's so nice hearing John speak passionately and candidly about these crazy rituals. When I was in my teens my mom thought she was invincible. She told me God told her she was immortal. She thought she was a prophetess and I had to do exactly what she said I should do. She died a few years after telling me she was immortal (starving herself fasting). I couldn't talk about any of this and I still can't because no one knows how to respond. I'm getting my masters in psychology and I don't fit into that DSM and it's nice to hear him talk in real world experiences.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. How confusing that must’ve been for you. Congrats on your continuing accolades! Amazing!

[@GrumpyVickyH]

John is a legend. Shelise is amazing. Both of you are educators in helping us recognise and deal with high control groups and situations. Late to this party but very grateful.🌹

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Aww you’re so kind!❤️

[@lilatueller]

9:46 about the second anointing: it’s a free pass to commit heinous crimes with no guilt or punishment from God, no repentance needed, no reason to apologize, which explains SO MUCH about their lies and refusal to admit any wrong doing. It’s narcissism on steroids

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Yesssss

[@priscillaweaver4653]

~24:00 thank you for bringing the placement topic back into your Mormon stories. I have a patrilineal blessing that says my skin color will lighten, lol. Made me realize that I was so fortunate to have my real blessing “being a Diné woman.”

[@CultstoConsciousness]

No way!! That is awful

[@Izzrules]

This is great- I love watching mormon stories & it’s soo cool to hear John’s side of things… I’m also hoping this might mean Shelise will get her own mormon story episode 👀

[@mormonstories]

❤️🙏

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you! We hope to record one in the future when I visit Utah again 🥰🙏

[@brothernobody1775]

Thank you, John, your podcast has become a go to for me in trying to articulate what was experienced growing up LDS. After finding a UU congregation the renewed faith journey has been a struggle, however it took watching your guests bravely unpacking their stories to realize just how worth it doing so is. Thank you for the motivation to heal

[@mormonstories]

❤️🙏

[@ursulascholten7438]

He's one of a kind, in a most positive way

[@lisalemonjello1462]

I've been listening to Mormon Stories Podcast for a month or so now and realized that I really don't know the story behind John and Margi, so I searched "John Dehlin interview" and this video popped up first. I'm now a subscriber to Cults to Consciousness! I love how you interview, Shelise. 1. It was very interesting to hear John talk about how Mormon dogma sees Native Americans. I am Native American (Blackfeet/Ojibwe) and my mother's father was a French and Indian Catholic. He beat my mother for sneaking out a window and going to a Protestant church. Native kids were also ripped from their parents and grandparents and put into Catholic boarding schools, for the purpose of beating the Indian out of them. Being a never-Mormon, I wasn't familiar with the term Lamanites but I definitely know many Native kids who tried to get rid of their skin-color. I have a book of poetry called, "Ex-Lovers & More Important Losses" which contains the poem, "The Hole in Penny Talksabout" which is about an Inuit woman's struggles in a Catholic boarding school and how she tried to scrub away the red of her skin. I'm telling you that just to say, I am really appreciating what you and John, and others are doing. And I'm very glad I wasn't raised in the Mormon church. I had enough trauma without that. 2. I did go to law school and John is right - very few ENJOY being a lawyer. By the time I was finished with school, I was over it. 3. Shelise, when John talked about the 2nd Annointing (I think that's what it was?), you mentioned MLMs, and how they are similar, and I instantly thought about the wives of Kody Brown (from the TV show Sister WIves). One or two sell Lululemon and the other two are doing some diet thing that also appears to be an MLM. I think that's a really legitimate observation. It would be interesting to research which MLMs are connected to religious groups. Sorry for the long comment! I look forward to more of your podcasts.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Lisa! So happy you found us! Welcome to C2C 😁 thanks for sharing all of that. Yes, Mormons and MLMS are like PB&J haha

[@lisalemonjello1462]

@@CultstoConsciousness thanks! I'm glad to have found you!

[@watchmewatch9]

John and Margi are such heroes to me and no doubt, so many others. I don't think that the general audience understands that John is highly intelligent and could earn much more than he does now (at Mormon Stories) for much less pain and sacrifice. John has not only enlightened so many but he also gives us that have already left the church, a place for unpacking and deconstructing. I've been unpacking for over 8 years now and still find John and Margi my "Safe Place." Thanks Shelise for a great interview.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I agree! Thanks Eric!

[@robinwollam3716]

I love Momon stories. I have multiple life traumas that led me both to and away from the Church. I joined in 1996, served a misiion in 1998-1999. Had a catastrophic car accident in 2004. Married my first husband in the Detroit Temple and divorced in 2011. I left the Church after my divorce as a result of psychologically abusive Priesthood. Living a truly authentic life has brought me joy. I'm in my 3rd marriage with a recovering alcoholic Buddhist and haven't been happier. He's helped me go through the 12 steps as an adult child of an alcoholic.

[@lilatueller]

I’m absolutely loving your content! You go girl!! John Dehlin has been there for me every step of my faith transition to where I am today. Thank you both for your work and sacrifice for all of us! You’re amazing people!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Lila, thank you SO much! I really appreciate your support! ❤️🙏

[@dianethulin1700]

My boyfriend has a Samoan Mormon Church behind his and his neighbors homes. For some reason they were throwing used mattresses over the fence from the church into their backyards. His neighbor contacted Church officials to ask them to stop. This white man laughed and told him he couldn’t even get them to wear proper clothes! We go by that church all the time and I love to see them dressed up in their traditional dress for Sunday services. It was shocking to hear how Church leaders look down on People of Color. When they renovated the Oakland Temple this same group of Pacific Islanders were our tour guides. They were so gracious! They deserve more respect

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Wow!! That’s so awful! Thanks for sharing

[@joecamel6196]

Your anti-white racism shows.

[@cathyhong8512]

I wonder why there is such a large population of Pacific Islander LDS when they are so looked down upon?

[@Sirwalter2008]

Just found out about your channel and found it very interessting. I was born in the church and left at around 18... came back at 30 and quit again 1-2 years later. I learn alot of stuff I did not know, this is scary shit. I'm 48 now and happy we did not came back. We kept our children out of this, and glad we did. The cult of silence can be no more with the Internet these days.. thank you !

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Jean! Welcome to C2C! I’m happy you found what works best for you and your family. I’m sure you kids would thank you for your choices 😁 I agree, they can’t hide anymore. Which is why they are saying not to “research your questions” just pray about it.

[@pillylamb]

I totally support your work! I hope you enjoy it - you're so good at it.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you so much!

[@Jeanikins]

My friend who was in a residential school from age 5 for a couple of years, told me that the missionaries were promoting the Indian Placement Program in Cardston. Once the Indian kids were 'permitted' to attend school with the white kids - mainly Mormon in Cardston, the program was pitched to their parents. The parents 'felt like' they had no choice, as though it was part of being a member of the church. At the Cardston school, the Indian kids had a cupboard for their school things called "The Indian Cupboard."

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Wow. That’s so sad. Thanks for sharing

[@winniecross4579]

Who knew you really read these!! You are brilliant girl! I love the way you are able to lead your listerners deeper into whoever you are interviewing. I have come away from each of the programs I have watched impressed by your work, but mostly remembering who you interviewed, what they brought to the table, their ideas and imput to the world they were speaking about. When it was over however? I was looking for your space again, so I could see another one. This is one of my favorites, as John Dehlin, is also, one of my favorites. Thank you both!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you so much! That’s very kind of you to say. Welcome to C2C! ❤️

[@prestonflatt]

I am most fascinated by his story of him bringing Rene Zellweger to a mormon youth dance when he lived in Katy, Texas. That story, with all its details is the one that fascinates me.

[@therealdeal3672]

Great conversation! Looking back into old videos that I hadn't caught previously. And feeding the algorithm while I'm here.🎉💙😍

[@haylebales]

This was fantastic! Can't express it enough! Thank you both- so meaningful- every little bit of it. 🙏

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertdavid2839]

In recent years , I've come to enjoy your podcasts more & more. Your not viewed as having a job , rather a calling , up for what you do. Keep up the good 👍 work. Of all people trapped in a psychological , self deceived destructive trap , many need to hear your voice. You desert financial support. Thank you John.

[@garden_vibes7796]

I appreciate seeing someone interview John, especially someone whose really well spoken and intelligent. New subscriber 😎😎

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Aww thanks so much! Welcome to my channel! 😁

[@sjordan7085]

I love it when you get fired up, and show your passion, John. What a tragic story about Sarah, that is so sad. Native Americans have such a beautiful heritage it is tragic to think they would be mislead.

[@sjordan7085]

@cindybin2001 Would you please explain what is so frustrating?

[@pheonixguy33maneha99]

This interview helped with my resolve. My family personally asked since i left the church to not post anything of my new beliefs publically but i couldnt promise that. I feel its now my duty like both of yours to make these things known. This is a battle for souls after all. As a result of being "vocal" on my page my family and friend relationships have suffered, but it's also seperating the wheat from the tares in my life and showing me who really cares enough to listen so yeah. Thank you for being examples and encouraging me to do my own highlighting of my research on my facebook page. Maybe one day I'll make a KZbin video sharing my experiences when I'm ready. 🤙🤙🤙🙏❤️✝️

[@mcgubligan5045]

I've been watching and listening to John Dehlin for most of the twenty years of the podcasts he mentions. Why do I, as a non-Mormon, non-religious outsider pay so much attention? Because John is a gifted communicator, an extraordinary, passionate, and compassionate interviewer, who is genuinely interested to learn about others ' experiences. As a result, his audience gets an in-depth understanding they wouldn't otherwise have, of many different, unique people and their lives coping with a - to put it at its mildest - rather strange and disturbing religious tradition. I do admit that I find it eternally fascinating why people subscribe to the utter tosh peddled by organisations like the Mormon church and others, even though the answers to that conundrum appear to be far more mundane and more depressing than one might hope for.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I agree! John has a lot to offer the world

[@sidstovell2177]

Ditto. Ditto. 👍

[@lesissmilinglytryin1436]

Thanks John!!! its not much but every little bit helps!!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi! I’m not sure if you meant to send that to me or John, but I appreciate it! ❤️

[@theresekrupp4341]

Even today... I knew a Russian young woman who was in a two year pre college program who was placed in Utah with a Morman family for nine months. She was Greek Orthodox. She told me stories that shocked me. She walked away knowing they signed up thinking they were saving her from the devil. I also met a Catholic Young man from Poland who was dropped into a deeply religious family in Indiana. This family thought also they were saving him as well.

[@facsmom]

I’m

[@knitandcatboodle]

I really appreciate how kind and gentle you both are. It is really helping me as I'm coming to terms with everything I experienced and internalized growing up.

[@michellevaldez8068]

I would love to share my mormon experience... I am in a healthier place and I have worried for my friends I left behind when I walked away. It does my heart good to see what you are doing. It helps me have hope. Thank you

[@YvonaLive4Love]

Fantastic interview with John Dehlin !! Stories are so sad but also much wisdom in this video sending some love ❤️ from Canada 🇨🇦💜

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you, Yvona! I appreciate it!

[@ruththomson1013]

Not sure if John is reading these comments, but I would like to gently suggest a reframe for him. He mentioned something about people who took their own lives due to their homosexual nature. I know John is a wonderful ally of the Queer community, and I know he does not mean to suggest that something about being gay inherently makes people want to end their lives! Reframing that by saying something more like they took their own lives due to *homophobia* would make that a little clearer. Love this interview!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you for your input Ruth. I appreciate your feedback.

[@lesliejentzsch1063]

I left the Mormon church a few years back and its still hard to deal with all the revelations on the real truth of what really happened. I have had more spiritual experiences with much more meaning since leaving. I was raised in a fundamentalist polygamist family, so it has taken me a whole lifetime to get to where I am now. I am a Christian now and have learned to love Jesus and God. When i was in Mormonism, I had a great fear of God and couldnt figure out how to love such a demanding and judgemental God. That has now changed dramatically. The real truth is quite different from what mormonism teaches. God in his infinite wisdom and mercy, has spent most of my life gently extracting me from the Mormon faith. One encounter after another over many years with dreams and visions of my own, have helped me turn a complete 180 without leaving me without any faith at all. Thank you for doing these podcasts, You and John have been very heldpful in my progress of leaving Mormonism behind. God bless you both for this.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Leslie, thanks for sharing! I’m so glad you have found peace and are healing 🙏

[@evelyntaylor742]

Made me feel even more grateful than I already was for the contribution John's made to my life and knowledge of the actual truth regarding The Church. Thanks to both of you for the interview!

[@evelyntaylor742]

@cindybin2001 Cindy I understand why you feel this way but my experience is John Dehlin has always proven to be accurate and factually correct when I've fact checked the information he has shared. My experience as a missionary was all of the information investigators brought up which The Church told us were anti-Mormon lies while I was serving, turned out to be later admitted to in The Church's own Gospel Topics Essay approved by the First Presidency which are found on The Church's website. I would encourage you to go to The Church's website and read through them. They are shocking... especially the one on The Book of Abraham authenticity!

[@krisfisher8274]

I truly enjoy your channel. You are great at this. I also love John. So grateful for everyone who helps us cope with leaving the church. I left long ago, so knowing there are others is comforting. Thank you.😊

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you Kris! That means a lot!

[@beachgirl6305]

Great interview! I love what he had to say! And that he's been doing videos for this long!

[@aly-marie]

John is simply amazing. And the whole team!! Listening to Mormon Stories is part of my daily routine and I find so much comfort with an unexpected faith crisis after discovering husbands double life. Cannot put a price on the mental, emotional, JOY the podcast brings into my life ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mormonstories]

🙏❤️

[@aly-marie]

@cindybin2001 then why do you keep watching? I grew up in the church and NEVER questioned it or thought critically about anything. Now after almost a decade of marriage built upon decisions I would’ve not made had I had informed consent and having my own life tragedy I’m so appreciative of his honesty and ALL the team and those that have shared there stories. There is a lot that could change for the church to be healthier and not aid in faithful members contemplating suicide because their life isn’t up to par with how hard they’ve tried to reach an ideal that’s based off of false truths. I met John briefly at the gym for only a minute as not wanting to take away from his personal time and he was so genuine and caring. I’m sure there is something to fit your own wants in life but if you’re fuming then you should ignore him and life your life. He does amazing work and I hope he always continues it. He’s made me realize how wonderful a life I can have and learning what I have is the miracle. Would never take it back and so glad I’ve learned so much from him and everyone.

[@aly-marie]

AND it’s not anti-Mormon. You must not be truly listening.

[@garikj766]

Well made interview. Perspectives are good and on point. Good Job.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you!

[@mattjohansson8931]

Such a good interview. So much I didn't know about John. John's made a massive difference in my life, and my family's. Lots of love guys.

[@mormonstories]

❤️🙏

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you, Matt! I appreciate the support.

[@deannapowell7237]

John, and specifically the LDS Discussions series episodes about the old testament, helped me finally close the door on my Christian upbringing. I've never been Mormon but John helps so many people, Mormon and otherwise, think critically about the cultish ways of all high demand religions. John deserves every penny of the salary he earns. Thank you John!

[@lizzypop2628]

This was such an important convo thanks for posting!! I love your interviewing style! And who doesn't love John!!!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you so much! 😁🙏 right? He’s great

[@dippitydue]

I love this guy. Me watching his videos is what threw your channel into my algorithm. I’m glad you’re both brave enough to show up in this space. What you’re doing is so important. Y’all doing the lawd’s work out here. 💯😂💚

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Haha thank you so much! Welcome to C2C! 😁

[@darinwood2183]

I’m a nevermo, but I’ve listened to John in the past, and I like him and he has some great advice. You too, Shalise! Just discovered and subscribed to your channel last week. You are an excellent podcaster.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you, Darin! I appreciate it. Welcome to C2C!

[@sandiekaye5241]

John Dehlin introduces you to ALL of the facts, then backs up and let's each person decide which doctrines agree with their beliefs. That is the way my family minister of my childhood and formative years taught. He introduced us to each major religion , taught us about their history, beliefs, and how they worshipped their God. Then we visited many of them in worship. None of us left our church, and importantly our faith grew stronger. I am still in contact with many of those youth of yesteryear. They are all still firm in their individual beliefs because they had the facts, they choose, and learned how to listen, what felt true, and how to question. His greatest gift to all of us was to let us Question and gave us Answers or told us how to find out.

[@GaliSinatra]

Fantastic interview and wow, what great advice you got!

[@emilyrln]

Shelise, I would say your channel's growth over such a short span of time was unbelievable, but given the high quality of your interviews, it's entirely believable! Please never stop as long as it's safe and you are happy 🥰 One tiny quibble with John's advice: don't practice the guitar until your fingers actually bleed, because then you have to pause and wait for them to heal, which is a pain. Stop when your fingertips hurt but are still intact! Also, no judgment if you have to step back, either for a time or forever. The value you have put into the world is immeasurable.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you so much! ❤️🙏 we are going to continue as long as possible and as long as it’s helping people

[@samhunt9380]

I've only been in 4 years and thanks to channels like all you have, I've become much more enlightened and aware of things I was never told. Thanks for shining the light in the darkness that is LDS.

[@IndySpirit]

I enjoyed this interview so much. You are both doing wonderful work. To quote John, "Don't ever quit"!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks so much!

[@AmyRuby]

Love both of you. ❤❤ Found you because of @Jordanandmckay originally who were fan girl/boying about Mormon stories. Then I checked out John and I was hooked by the humanity and compassion. Shelise ended up in my feed due to my interest in all of these things.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi! Welcome to C2C! 😁❤️

[@piabenvenutto6218]

Bravo John!! Thank you so much. At 39:00 ish!! You are a gift to everyone. Me? I have no religion. No skin in the game and would never dream of criticizing you or anyone doing and advocating for kids, teens and all the rest of us ex religious or not.

[@ningenJMK]

John deserves to get paid for his work. At least he’s not dangling anyone’s salvation over their heads or keeping them from attending their kids’ weddings.

[@debbyfazfphotography]

Love you both! Thank you for the work you do!

[@sanachristian4577]

God bless you. You have such courage and lovingkindness and wisdom. Thank you for being a stand for truth. We love you and Marghi! You have helped us so much. Many heyiokas in one’s life means huge obstacles to be overcome have resulted in gifts of wisdom and love. Freedom and serenity. ✌🏽💖

[@jonipitcher7185]

John is for sure amazing! he is correct you need to stick around and you need to be financially compensated. You guys ARE awesome!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you Joni! I appreciate that 🥰

[@bingbingbaobei]

Just to throw this out there... and I'm sure this isn't what he meant, but it needs to be clearly stated. Not everyone is simply not donating because they're stingy. Some don't have the money to do so. Others are in very specific situations that do not let them do so. For example, I've been an expat for so long that I don't have American bank accounts anymore. Keeping them open meant the banks constantly drawing fees for me not using them, which risked overdrafts. A few years ago, I moved to Iran. Sanctions mean I can't just send money. Most are probably not in this exact situation. However, there are quite an array of diverse situations. I do like and subscribe. If KZbin and my VPN lets me, then I comment. We all do what we can.

[@shaunamemory5730]

Even as a Caucasian adult, when I was disfellowshiped, I would watch for my skin to start turning dark. THAT is how brainwashed I was. Of course, that was before I started my own research into church history, which lead to me starting my healing journey and ultimately leaving the Mormon cult.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Wow! That is wild! But it’s also not that surprising, because we wholeheartedly accepted their realities as truth. Congrats on your healing!!🙏❤️

[@shaunamemory5730]

Thank you! I’m a whole different person now. I actually know what it feels like to be ME. It was quite a ride, and sometimes still is! I’m grateful for all of the awakenings, journeys, and the growth! Wouldn’t have it any other way.

[@shaunamemory5730]

@cindybin2001 if your personal experience is that you feel closer to your God and Jesus Christ, that is for YOU. I will never try to sway anyone to see things my way or tell them that I know what will bring them spiritual happiness, or become closer to God. My experience is clearly very different from yours. I feel closer to my God without religion telling me how to be close to God. I get to define my own spirituality and decide my own path, and I am a much happier, healthier, kinder person than I ever was as a member of the Mormon church.

[@chapman1569]

Shelise, you deserve a revenue for the efforts and service you provide. John is right, become self sufficient with your channel. You did the first steps on your own time and money, but now you are on your way to be successful and help more people. John is right about the negative comments, dont bother with them. You will never please everybody..that is normal. When you will get to your 60's you will understand that after a certain age, we dont bother about what others think, as long as we are ok with ourselves, we are happy!

[@MKConnecticut]

Shows like this and Mormon Stories help ALL OF US, Mormon or otherwise. Seeking the TRUTH can only be positive whether it feels positive or not. Thank you

[@MKConnecticut]

I love the concept that we’re all ultimately agnostic- nobody knows for sure ❤️

[@lancemannion4525]

John, I got to know your brother Joel while on his mission in Sacramento California. I would love to talk to you someday or to be interviewed by you sometime to share my story with you regarding the church.

[@PtylerBeats]

I’ve never heard of this guy, but I’m loving his insight

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Stick with John Dehlin because he’s a history maker and you get to watch him in live action.

[@doxxylover]

He's good. He is one of the most straight forward, truth telling people out their.

[@SmokingGouda]

He also is amazing at creating a Safe Space for people on his podcast too!

[@SmokingGouda]

@cindybin2001 I'm not completely sure his guidelines are for muting, but maybe your comments were more emotional than logical? Idk, just thinking...

[@lilatueller]

@cindybin2001 any podcaster has the right to mute negativity in their own space. Speak to him privately if you have an axe to grind.

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

At 8:37. Did anyone catch Elder Holland say on the stand in England in October 2022 that "your election is made sure"? He was addressing Elder Ballard, Elder Cook an area Seventy and all wives on the stand. It wasn't a direct reference to a second anointing, but I always wondered about that comment.

[@Dragons_Warrios500]

Great Collaboration

[@kiterafrey]

I was given advice when I started on TikTok. If someone is giving your feedback that is quality, keep it. If someone is just being a hater and you can't ignore it, delete and block until you feel you can just ignore hate.

[@mellisagreen7801]

It is cruel to tell someone that as they become more holy their skin will become white. You are not only telling dark skinned people something is wrong with them but you are teaching them to hate themselves. How could anyone who is good do things like this?

[@trekpac2]

I have always considered myself a spiritual person, although it never has been through serving God. John, your saying that spirituality for yourself is being connected to a higher purpose really put into words how I feel. My higher purpose has been to serve my family, but also to be open to others from all walks of life and to nature though a universal consciousness connecting everything. John and Shelise, you are both serving a higher purpose and have taught me a lot.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️

[@shouldbewritig]

I’m a nevermo but my town was full of Mormons so I’ve been gradually increasingly educated on the religion since I was a kid. I learned about the second anointing though while watching Jordan and McKay when Jordan said that’s what broke her shelf and made her fully question the church. I love seeing all these different ex-mormon creators getting together and talking about their experiences and sharing their stories.

[@vlong5537]

You two are both incredibly awesome. Fabulous interview. Thank you.

[@elainesutter5761]

Thank you for this! Sassy John is great!

[@mormonstories]

😂

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I agree! Haha

[@jeneagillespie1641]

This!! ⬆️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 @mormonstories I laughed, I cried. Great interview!!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

That Native American Placement thing sounds alot like what Canada did when they placed Indigenous kids into residential homes run by the catholic church.

[@sidstovell2177]

Horror stories. 80 years ago, while a boarder in a Catholic convent, the rumors were always; this place is bad, but at least it isn't Duck Lake. Took decades to find out that that school was where First Nation kids were more or less imprisoned.👿

[@jessenashvillejames150]

Thanks for the knowledge of what would be the best approach if crossing paths with you or your family in public. It makes sense from your family perspective. TXS.

[@vanessarule1165]

I’ve watched many of your podcasts. As an atheist, now scientist, born into a Christian culture, I find the Mormon religion fascinating.

[@myfarmlife8219]

Omg - that idea of ignoring - blocking and banking the haters is sooooo relieving to hear. I’m gonna lookup that quote and read it daily

[@kiterafrey]

So by Mormon standards, I as a multiple racial girl who is Jewish (Israeli and Egyptian), White (Irish), and Native American (Shoshone) that I would be only biracial? So my fully Native American grams would be just as Jewish as my birth-father? That's odd

[@DeathValleyDazed]

How cool. Seriously, write out your story in book form!

[@charlesmendeley9823]

You need to get a patriarchal blessing. Because then you will be put into one of the houses of Israel.

[@DeathValleyDazed]

@@charlesmendeley9823 You forgot to place the /s at end of your comment🥴

[@Axelsmom]

I’m just listening to this now and I am in my 60’s. I clearly remember that I had a very wealthy aunt and uncle in Utah that always had Indian Placement Students in their home. I never realized what an atrocity it was.

[@donnellallan]

Great conversation. Thank you both. 💜

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@maura2025]

People come to you for validation and support. Haters don’t do the research and feel threatened when their beliefs are threatened. The😊 opposite of love is fear. Love to you both.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you, Maureen!❤️🙏

[@djdalad]

great collaboration

[@susanlange1122]

Hi to all and thank you for your podcasts. I’m not a Mormon, but had a close family member who was. I find it fascinating listening to your commentary about the faith. Eye opening, sobering are just a few ways to describe how I see your work. Thank you. I hope to meet you someday. It would be an honor. Keep up the hard work! All the best! S Lange

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you Susan! 🥰

[@acatnamedm4529]

Great interview. Thank you.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks for listening 😁

[@janamckay]

When I was a believer I could see to infinity. Now I can see beyond. Thank you for this interview!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

😊🙏

[@jennahudson3420]

John has been instrumental in the completion of my deconstruction as well as you, and Carah Burrel, and others!😊

[@annadrift4]

This interview is incredible. It's so intelligent and freeing.

[@jaynap8046]

Always love John and when he finds a new amazing creator like you...... It is wonderful, much success to you!!!! 😘💯 Carry on. You have a lovely voice and intellect 🤗💞

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Aww thank you so much, Jayna! I really appreciate that ☺️❤️

[@sidstovell2177]

So articulate, too‼️

[@toddneil7632]

John you rock! Thanks for taking the heat and thanks for doing the heavy lifting! Thanks to you, Shelise and all the others bringing everything into the light. You are literally saving people.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you, Todd! 🙏

[@tawnyachristensen7310]

Another great interview!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you Tawnya!😁

[@bobbieboothroyd8531]

That was a really good interview. With John. In life I just want to let people live their own lives. And accept them for who they are. When ever John's on I keep thinking it's a Morman Story's Podcast. But he as helped a lot of people. I could say so much. But can I say your doing a good job. I'm not too sure what to call myself these days but if you try your best in life you can't go to far wrong. Keep up the good work

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you, Bobbie!!

[@bobbieboothroyd8531]

@@CultstoConsciousness have you thought of doing Reaction videos that religious people have made that could be toxic. I don't mean just LDS but Street Preachers as well. Their is one man over here in the UK who as a channel called off the kirb ministries. And he says some really hurtful things in the Name of Christianity.

[@stephaniewildes]

Shelise yours is my favorite podcast about former cult members. And here you are interviewing my second favorite. Loved it, keep up the amazing work both of you. You radiate light and love in this world. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@chloecagle6493]

John, those criticisms you’ve referred to break my heart! You’re such an amazing person, and for what it’s worth I’ve literally never thought anything of your teeth. I hope you know there is so much more love and sincere, genuine appreciation for you and Margie and the work you do out there than any of the hate. Same for you, Shelise ❤