Why I Left The Mormon Church

I grew up Mormon. This is the story of why I left.
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Johnny Harris is a filmmaker and journalist. He currently is based in Washington, DC, reporting on interesting trends and stories domestically and around the globe. Johnny's visual style blends motion graphics with cinematic videography to create content that explains complex issues in relatable ways. He holds a BA in international relations from Brigham Young University and an MA in international peace and conflict resolution from American University.
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[@isaacdomini]

The man literally internally fought with everything he's known all his life for his kid. His child is very very lucky.

[@jonmiplaystv3837]

🙌🙌

[@justindiep7096]

@@jonmiplaystv3837 p

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Praise God

[@blue1584]

He really is a good father, I wish more parents were like him

[@cme98]

Well at least he wasn’t locked into Scientology. You know I was raised that you couldn’t say anything bad if it was the truth. So I have nothing bad to say about the Mormon church but I assume most Mormons would think that I have nothing but bad things to say about their church. It’s because I speak the truth but it’s not bad what I say. Tthey’re the ones calling it bad. I’m not speaking bad thoughts I speak honest truth as I see it . What they see is a result of narcissism & brain molding & goes beyond logic. they’re reading me and thinking that’s bad & that’s the idea I didn’t do that God did that God put that thought in your mind think about that...? YES ITS BAD, It’s also true which makes it really bad do you get it? Probably not LOL

[@justinounjian3913]

I was kicked out of my house when I was 18 because I wouldn’t go on my mission. Lived out of car for months while I was going to college and playing football. Having parents that understand that their children might develop different beliefs is something I wish everyone going through issues with the church can experience. Unfortunately I didn’t.

[@azurekuzma3598]

I am so sorry that happened to you, you are very strong to get through that. Hopefully now, outside of that, you've found people who can support you and wish you well.

[@mollynash2597]

That's sad that your parents did that.

[@sixcos]

Whoa Justin! Your statement grabbed me and I feel great empathy for you. I too chose sports over a mission. I hope you have been able to find peace. Be well.

[@jenniferthong5897]

Sorry to hear that you are kicked out of your home. I hope all parents are sensible to know that "A child never asked to be born".

[@SilverSunPublishing]

That is so wrong. My brother was "called" too. He had won a scholarship and had already started at the university. But was talked into going on the mission. When he came back, he had been totally indoctrinated, and he never went back to school. A totally different person.

[@camillespatz5081]

This man explains so well the feelings I have felt for most of my life. It took the loss of my son to realize that this is how I felt. I thank you for vocalizing the feelings I was going through.

[@thescoobymike]

❤

[@brodybarker6753]

I've never felt so heard/seen/understood about my experience in the church as I did watching this video. You are so well spoken and our experiences are so similar in so many ways. Your son is incredibly lucky, and it was raising my own son around the age of 2 that started my path out as well. Thank you for all the work before and the work required to make such a great video.

[@cassif19]

I've never heard someone leave a religion because they wanted to offer a good education for their child. This is impressive. I bet you guys are amazing parents

[@cloakedsniper5016]

My parents did this with me while we were living in the Jewish ultra orthodox community

[@loki4687]

Raising a child has always been majority catalyst for many people to evaluate there own beliefs to decide what to pass on.

[@amiyasahoo4717]

Spoiler :(

[@mikhailrehmantraut5412]

Lol what

[@angban401]

@@rayzard3687 less likely as western evangelists are buying people in Asian countries with their huge money.

[@mikesimms1]

As someone who grew up in an agnostic/atheist household, stories like this fascinate me. It's just so foreign to everything I've experienced.

[@lpa06]

Yeah man, I've been an atheist for the majority of my life and I can't even fathom the feeling of God that religious people experience. It's fascinating to me.

[@G-Sam786]

I envy you. Getting out of religion is traumatizing experience.

[@artonio5887]

same, when we don't have these ideas put in our heads as we grow, it becomes really hard to understand them later on, the idea of believing in something simply due to "faith" is very hard for me to comprehend.

[@lx6108]

Omg yes. Literally.

[@AnoniMous340]

Thanks for sharing Rick Beato, very cool.

[@brileaa]

I've never been religious but this made me so emotional for some reason. It's lovely to see people living their own truth, despite the pain that comes with it. wish nothing but the best for you and your family

[@katelynjones4772]

Johnny❤ such a huge fan of your videos, but I was so surprised to learn this. Thank you so much for giving us true vulnerability, that takes courage!!! I admire and look up to you immensely

[@jackyoung318]

Johnny: "I love my kids, I love film, I love travel..." Also Johnny: *"i LoVe MoSs"*

[@jaberakand4183]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTdkoJqjtN5pLM

[@Alic4444]

mmhmmMmmmosssss

[@niddechats7757]

who doesn't? :)

[@rulesofmoney6713]

For a second I thought he said Elon musk

[@thomaskositzki9424]

Being German I though he said Mass... Like "Nah, he can't mean moss, can he?" XD

[@KefashWhite]

I was once a Jehovah's Witness. I am so much happier after leaving. "When one man practice something illogical he is crazy, but when practiced by a large group it's a religion."

[@tiffanysutopia]

Same here. It’s so nice to to happy outside of the JW craziness. I’m happy for you being outside of it!

[@jjcoola998]

Good for you bro, you deserve to be your own man, and if there is a god it definitely ain’t some guy dressed up in religious clothes who knows what’s up

[@nineteen8486]

Research please ..., without confirmation bias

[@MrAngenos]

Cult*

[@jabulilemahlangu131]

100% agree with you and you can't convince them otherwise. And I think people don't realise how difficult it can be to break away from something or a religion you've known your whole life.

[@MrThePercussionist]

I love the posture of your heart. I’m hurting right now, and I am comforted by your story

[@AstroBuoyant]

This channel is brilliant! Thank you sincerely!

[@shariheywood8532]

Johnny, I have watched so many Mormon Stories videos & have never commented because of the fear you spoke about. Your courage has inspired me. I left Mormonism in my mind & heart 22 years ago, kept going for 10 more years (fear again) but my husband & children, parents, siblings, etc remained. It was very lonely, especially on the 2 days where my daughter got married in the temple & then later my son got married in the temple & I was not allowed in. I feel so happy for you that your wife & boys are with you on your journey. I loved what you said about wonder & awe & all there is to learn. This is a mom thing to say but I’m so proud of you & wish you all the best!

[@tolvajakos]

that just says everything about this "church" j(and many others). didn't allow you to be in there when your kids got married. nobody can exmplain to me that acts like that in any way mean well.

[@GRAITOM]

You really weren't allowed at your daughter s wedding because of your beliefs? I could understand if you were "bashing" it as you left if not... Did your daughter or any of your family want you to be there?

[@tolvajakos]

@@GRAITOM good point. that says a thing or two about the son and the daughter as well.

[@zacxo3476]

@@GRAITOM it nots that she wasn’t allowed by the children. it’s the church doesn’t let you enter the temple because you’re not active (it’s a lot more complicated than that but it’s the main gist)

[@Earth2McKay]

Religion is a joke. So are people that follow. You are not alone. Just surrounded by morons.

[@rodtemplado9453]

WOW. I didn't know that the no-shampoo guy is actually my most relatable person in the world. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@Saiputera]

Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO

[@yanico0obadger677]

Lmao, “no shampoo guy” 💀

[@hopehope938]

Johnny I do have great respect for you and your videos that are on YouTub. Everyone needs to find them selfs and live their life’s journey. Please be Blessed and in joy your life.

[@zaxthedestroyer675]

I'm also formerly Mormon. I started to really question things when my grandparents passed away. They had never expressed interest in wanting to join the church but they were respectful of their kid's choices of living that lifestyle and religion. Shortly after the funerals, I remembered seeing their baptism for the dead. It was really strange to me that it happened so soon. Something about it just didn't sit right with me. Even at my grandma's funeral it seemed like there was this weird air of people not wanting to get up and say anything. From my perspective it was like I was seeing people just go through the motions because it was expected to happen.

[@Erkster11]

Not the Mormon church hitting an ad on this video 😭 Lol but forreal this was an amazingly vulnerable piece! Love to see videos like this

[@Saiputera]

Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO

[@henryquintero248]

Your story is a mirror of mine from over 50 years ago on leaving a Pentescostal church. At age 76 I have no regrets.

[@ella.canna777]

I left Pentecostal Church as well, it was the best thing I could do.

[@himanshuchaudhary1857]

Listen first, think , and then decide ......it may take many years..... just don’t believe anything.....just put your your experience to understand ...... HINT: use“NATURE” to understand something.

[@himanshuchaudhary1857]

People like you are the god.... cause you can question, I question sanatan dharm and by my logic I understand it not believe it , actually feel it, if i am wrong please make correct. You can read “ GITA”. Again if i am wrong please make me right.... i feel and believe by logic “GITA”.

[@upd0g1]

Henry!! Awesome to see you here on KZbin!

[@Jas-gn2gv]

thank you for sharing! I’m so happy for you

[@PearlsandDenim]

I can't tell you how much this meant to me. I'm in the midst of my journey in the beginning only months out of the church. Especially the part where you talk about obedience. That really got to me and made me emotional as I'm realizing how many layers of obedience keep people in a box in the church that's so hard to break out of. I also started this journey because of my children and ended up here because of them because I want them to be something that I didn't have the opportunity to be that I'm choosing to be now. I want them to be overly loving and accepting people. I truly appreciate you so much for expressing this and for your eloquence.

[@MichaelOfHerndon]

It not that the Church is asking for obedience. The Biblical Jesus Christ is the one who is asking us for follow him and obey his commandments. I will admit that it does seem like a lot of rules and commandments, but being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not meant to be easy; but it should slowly transform us into being better people-- more kind, more loving, more patient, more focused on others. There is still a place for you in the Church, but you may need to step back and see the bigger picture. Sometimes that is hard and discouraging when you are surrounded by the trees. Best wishes to you.

[@ChescoYT]

Johnny, love your candor, love your content, love your production, and appreciate your honesty!

[@lacie.rodriguez]

A friend sent me this video because I recently left the Mormon church as well. I literally could have made this exact video. Thank you for articulating it so beautifully. It’s so hard to do-especially for people who aren’t familiar with the faith. ❤️

[@valderon3692]

I wish you the best on your journey. I'm currently inactive, though I still believe that the core teachings and values of the church are good and I follow them the best I can. I understand how many things aren't taught the best they could be, but I hope people can see past the mistakes of the people trying to teach and understand that God loves you and I'm sure anyone else who truly knows you does as well. I find it's really hard not to love someone once you realize what they have been through and why they do the things they do. No judgement here. Just sad to see so many being pushed away from something I ultimately still have a lot of respect for. It's what made me who I am.

[@dificulttocure]

I was wondering, when you say you left the Mormon church, do you mean you stopped believing in the christian god too?

[@vitorisi1]

jesus is the way not the beliefs of the mormon

[@valderon3692]

@@vitorisi1 The "Mormon" belief is following Jesus. It's literally in the name of the church...

[@clickhereforshowittoothers2184]

@@valderon3692 A Freemason started the Morman Church. The Morman Church is Satanic at the top level just like Freemasonry. Even the Catholic church appears to have been taken over by Luciferians (Satanic). Most members of all those organizations are clueless as to what is going on at the top. The members are a cover for the evil ones. The members probably also get misled on various things.

[@masa__oK]

I can whole-heartedly appreciate the courage it took to do something like this-so deeply personal and at the same time risky. The way you spoke about your son being a catalyst for your initial decision was especially touching. I have two sons of my own, both recent adults, that were raised in the LDS faith. As for myself, I was a teenage convert that always struggled with doctrinal and structural aspects of the church, and religion writ large. Around the time my boys were entering double-digit years I fell away and it took some time for me to shuck off the shame that came with that. Over the ensuing years I found my footing, and I have done my best to show my boys an alternate philosophy, ethic, and value system without undermining or maligning the church they continue to attend with their devout, now temple-married mother. Knowing that this video is out there should they ever find themselves wrestling with their own beliefs is a comfort to me. Thank you.

[@johnnyharris]

Thank you for sharing

[@brookeashton6169]

Thank you for this video. I had a very similar experience. You explained my feelings and process on leaving. The resentment, the shame, the processing. I am over 10 years out and still working on it. What triggered me was the depression it created in me because it was not my authentic self. I lost friends, family, etc, but it was all worth it.

[@roybeard6727]

i am going through this now 3 yrs out and people in my community showing me resentment because i left along w the character assassination from the local leadership so local members wont fraternize w me, they have to protect the sheeple

[@NelsonWaburi]

❤

[@stevecullimore6124]

Really well articulated and thoughtful - thanks you for sharing your journey!!

[@noey4560]

“Malísimo, wey!” You just became much cooler among your audience of Mexican descent.

[@ErickRodriguez-pd6gk]

He even nailed the accent

[@noey4560]

@@ErickRodriguez-pd6gk it was impressive!

[@R7_Studio]

All latino audience to be honest hahaha

[@verlorenish]

@Crab Rangoon Big words for the country with the most junkies in the world.

[@STRcircaFKR]

@@verlorenish no need to shit on afflicted people to argue with a brick wall/troll haha.

[@ForcefighterX2]

It speaks volumes about their marriage, that they didn't break up over this, but re-united with a common mindset.

[@manikaggarwal2018]

Yes . I wish them well.

[@Saiputera]

Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO

[@manikaggarwal2018]

@@Saiputera Islam is growing more organically as compared to Christianity.

[@Saiputera]

@@manikaggarwal2018 thanks God they do. I don't want liberal taking over

[@manikaggarwal2018]

@@Saiputera totally agree.

[@user-tz2uj8ex7c]

Hi Johnny, I walked on the beach today and listened to your story. It brought tears when you describe what you love about the world. Good for you. Peace

[@kaelaherrera8534]

This is such a beautiful video!!

[@tonychristney2728]

I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been to have that discussion with your wife. And the relief you must have felt when your paths rejoined.

[@SlusserGuitars]

I had to have that same conversation with my wife and it was so horrifying to me, taking my own life seemed like a better choice. Through a lot of struggle and overwhelming fear, I got through it and our marriage is still going strong 4 years later. To anyone else in a similar position, it is possible to make it out not only alive, but stronger for it. My kids often thank me for taking the big step to leave the church and thereby make it possible for them to be true to who they are rather than live a life filled with shame.

[@dannytadashi4235]

Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!

[@alexmay3543]

@@SlusserGuitars so glad you got through it and are better for it. All best wishes to you and your family

[@RyanSantos-py9su]

As an ex-Mormon my story is identical. Watching this felt like I was reliving my life before leaving the church.

[@erkandjurk6090]

Can't agree more. When he described his frustrations with the 'authority structures,' I felt like he took the words directly out of my own mind. I was lucky, like him. My parents adopted me when I was two weeks old through the church, they raised me to be a saint, and I was for a long time. when I was 16-17 years old, I told them I didn't believe and that I didn't want to go anymore, not knowing what their reactions might be. They were understanding, loving, patient.. They knew they were going to try to get me to go back, hell, I knew that, too. But they never stopped loving me and I knew that and felt that. Made all the difference in the world. I think my Mom had an idea to get up to heaven first and butter up the big guy before I got there so maybe he'd just let me slide into eternity w her and my brother and my Dad 😂

[@user-mz8gq8vp6u]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYPaXqRuaM6cmdk

[@HarpaxA]

​@@erkandjurk6090Mother's love know no bonds

[@noone2262]

I feel the same, I'm an ex-muslim and tbh i never thought how much similar the stories of ex-mormons are to us. It's not easy to leave a cult, I salute you all.

[@erkandjurk6090]

@@HarpaxA she passed in 2019, stage four cancer. She was my protector, my guardian angel, the one person I knew would always be on my side no matter what. I miss her every single day.

[@jayelgee1]

thank you for making this brother much love

[@susantunno3047]

Thank you for sharing your journey to where you are today. I have always enjoyed your work. I will appreciate it even more now that I know how far you have traveled to now.

[@mikerowe3776]

“Peeling back that layers” is such an appropriate descriptions, and the layers are many and go very deep and can be very painful.

[@arsenalfan798]

100th like

[@nighteule]

That's exactly how my mom described it

[@blu6483]

Wow just wow I never thought we would get a documentary this personal. Amazing video as always.

[@Saiputera]

Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LOLOLOL

[@DJTFP2024]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Very valuable!

[@bonnieclark8069]

You are a very good and strong man. So nice to meet you during these times. Wishing you everything you desire.

[@rachelantrobus5413]

I left the church 30 years ago & still unpacking the psychological, social & cultural impact all these years later. I appreciate you sharing your story, and wish all those post Mormon warriors in their journey towards their own Truth ❤️

[@everyonedesires7344]

thankfully, i am a PCA, and we dont believe that Church, your priest or your works is a gateway of salvation to heaven, but when we leave the Church, is basically sad personally, its like losing a community that you have build together in Christ(altough that doesnt mean they are going to excommunicate you or abandon you,lol) PCA are basically a community where you can grow together inside Christ, and given a material or organization to build a genuine Christian community that really makes you feel something(especially if you are the Elder, but in PCA everyone is given chance to repent and testimony about everyday God's work) not to mention, its gonna feels weird to meet with your Godfather and Godmother when you leave the church, lol especially if they are your neighbor.

[@chrisbaten1762]

Pretty cool, same here except with Christian orthodox Now I just love Jesus and try read and follow the Bible without the lenses of men’s theology

[@LuluDior4]

It’s done so much damage to me, the leaders blamed a R on me, wanted to hold a counsel on me, I said “ NO”! Well, 12 men went & had it anyway, the bishop & his counselor came up to my door, not saying a word, handed me a letter that stated I wasn’t in good standing with the church, this all happened while my father was passing from cancer! Haven’t gotten over that & probably never will I was held to a higher standard because I had been through the temple & my R was Mormon but, he hadn’t been through the temple Sooo many too many judgmental people in that church I’m battling things so much & alone still 😢

[@chrisbaten1762]

@@LuluDior4 Jesus is the truth the way and the light. Not mormonism. If you truly want to know the truth seek HIm

[@BillPigg]

@@LuluDior4 - What is "R"? - as in "blamed a R on me", and "my R was Mormon"

[@tycani]

My dad is an ex-Mormon, he left the church around when I was born, just as you did with your own son. We're very lucky to have a family that's so accepting of him, but I've always wondered what leaving the church was like for him. I know your experiences weren't the same, but I feel like this gives me such an insight into who he is. Sincerely thank you, Johnny.

[@hamzakhanfan123]

Show him this video and let him tell his history

[@dannytadashi4235]

Shit I left Mormon long ass time ago back in 1991 or 1992 without any hesitation hahahaha lol 😂😂😂😂!!! I got converted . I got converted to Mormon by the son of a Utah governor who was on a mission for two years in. San Jose California. Later on the Deacon or the preacher or the Elder told me that I have to pay ten percent of my earnings income for LdS church call tithing. I told them I am low income earners and I barely be able to support myself . So they basically , they said me too bad . You have to do it because it is part of the church policy. So , in my heart ❤️, I said F that . Why don’t you pay me. Ten percent instead hahahaha Lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳!!!! Then , I the Mormon people started treat me differently. And I realize as an Asian American Vietnamese - Chinese , I feel really I don’t belong to the white Man world and their cult religion hahaha lol 😂. I am glad I left the dame church and going back to my beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese culture and heritage and my eastern religion which is call Buddhism, and it is relax and peaceful and I am much happier man now hahahaha lol and proud to be back to my Asian culture hahaha lol 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!

[@socio-economicnewsnetwork4740]

@@dannytadashi4235 I am a Asian American too from India, it's not compulsory to give 10% of your income, where did you hear that from, which Mormon church you were in, give me your info, I will check about you in the records, I think you are lying. I haven't payed my 10% for above 3-4 years, they haven't said to me anything. Evn though they helped me very much during the pandemic because I have low income. Plus they gave me accommodation which helped in saving my rent for the house. 3rd I am from India, Buddhism is from India and china and Vietnam is a communist state with no religion, but still the fact is Christianity is fastest growing religion in china and Vietnam. Till 2030 there would be more Christians in china than in the USA. Source - www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/09/15/protestant-christianity-is-booming-in-china 2. www.christianitydaily.com/articles/10634/20210126/open-doors-china-s-xi-threatened-by-massive-growth-of-christianity.htm In India too Christians are increasing massively, in the North East and South West part of India, the Christian population if 95- 99%, which was previously 10% in the 90's

[@Saiputera]

Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO

[@tycani]

@@Saiputera Can you imagine being this outright ignorant that that’s what you get of this? Religions are constantly spreading, and I believe that’s a good thing! Faith is healthy, and at that, faith is natural. Perhaps give yourself and this video a good look if that’s all you took from this. This video is about the clearly traumatic experience that is leaving an unfortunately manipulative faith like the LDS one.

[@JB-xx3vp]

I took such a similar path! Thank you for sharing so eloquently 😊

[@Raven-si7bm]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@filibusterfirework74]

I know that so much went into preparing to tell this story, and I have to say I am so honored you have chosen to share it with us. It is hard to comprehend the emotional and mental journey both you and Iz had to go through before feeling able to share this, and I really appreciate how you demonstrated taking that time and sharing over the past couple years when you weren’t ready.

[@Ayyprattbrat]

I left the church as soon as I turned 18. I was harassed for years after. My grandpa is a bishop. Thank you for posting.

[@mateusztgorak]

My situation is a bit similar. If those people truly cared about epistemology and the most accurate view of the universe, they would have been glad that you pose disagreements because that gives them an opportunity to rethink their ideas in a rational discourse, which always benefits the quality of what we think is the case. And the more accurate our ideas are with the actual world, the more liveable word we can contribute to creating. Please take care!

[@Speykr]

Stay Strong⚜️

[@TarkynSharples2]

@@mateusztgorak If you like the study of epistemology, I recommend the channel, Beyond the Fundamentals. Perhaps starting with the video, The Shortcomings of Theological Labels with Leighton Flowers. It's a "Christian" channel, but the guy seems fairly thoughtful, and is open to having his point of view being scrutinised. I'll post the link in a separate comment, in case this channel automatically blocks links.

[@_hunter_hunter1048]

you guys have it easy yet you are such fragile cry babies ... when we leave islam we get death threats and some of us get jailed or killed by our own families and deaths are covered up as some accident by authorities to preserve the familys honor .. you people have no idea how lucky you are to have such freedoms and safety , you can even go public and no one will hurt you

[@KytexEdits]

​@@_hunter_hunter1048 I've seen a lot of videos of people dying, being injured, tortured etc and it really makes you appreciate the safety of the country one lives in (for me, a european country). You really get a new found appreciation after you see the 1000th mexican guy get brutally murdered for completely unjust reasons. I really do see where you're coming from and I do agree that we don't appreciate it enough but just because you have it the worst doesn't mean that having big problems that just aren't as severe isn't a problem. It's still a huge problem, and a shitty experience. I get what you mean but diminishing all the shit that a lot of have to go through because someone has had it worse is pointless and just makes everyone feel more shitty.

[@jacksonadams1031]

I watched this about a year ago when I was beginning my faith deconstruction and this video and a few mormon stories episodes were honestly game changers. I resonate strongly with your experience and it gave me permission to realize that the answer I was seeking wasn't going to come. Thank you so much for making this.

[@vagabondmom448]

Thank you so much. I am right in the thick of things picking apart my long held beliefs. I appreciate the respectful way you shared your experience and especially the parts you do recognize as being helpful to your life.

[@elishaisrael]

Having been raised in Orthodox Judaism, this resonates on such a deep level. I left when I was 14 but it’s astounding how much it’s influenced my life, both positive and negative. At least it got me asking questions :)

[@stephenbeacham9717]

Did being Orthodox teach you how to think critically, read critically, and debate?

[@vojacked305]

I learned to back away from religion when I realized how the priests and preachers professed hate in contradiction to Jesus' teachings about love just because other people follow other religions 😕

[@peanutbar8882]

But do Palestinians deserve a State tho?

[@quietcorner293]

Did you leave Orthodox Judaism or Judaism altogether?

[@pedrogonzalesgonzales5097]

@@peanutbar8882 yes. Jordan

[@alexwilliamns]

I left 6 months ago. I really appreciate hearing this today. Super still unpacking everything I’m feeling. Thank you.

[@themantaylor]

routing for you man !!! good luck

[@natureallmighty]

Hey, Alex, hope you are doing well! You'll get through it, you will find new people to support you and life will find a way to show you more beauty and happiness!

[@alexwilliamns]

@@natureallmighty thank you 🙏 I’ve been fortunate to find community in hobbies to help the transition. Johnny did a great job encapsulating the paradoxes faced.

[@yourelawyered]

All the best to you!

[@HeegeMcGee]

I'd encourage you to talk about this with some friends. LOTS of people have gone through this and can offer some perspective. Also, therapy / counseling isn't a dirty word, and you almost always win even if you just TRY a counselor for a couple of visits. Good luck on your journey :)

[@thephoenix3155]

Johnny your videos are absolutely brilliant! You have tort me so much about the world and the history of the world! Thank you!

[@robertestroozasjr.2399]

Thank you for sharing a part of your story and journey. My life’s story is so very, very different. However by watching your video and listening to your heartfelt words it made me look at my own journey and where I am today. It’s helping me to appreciate some things in my life I have taken for granted and for this I will be forever grateful. I wish you and your family every good thing this world-both physically and spiritually-can offer. Onward!

[@aapkefather1872]

Almost every religion teaches "Seek the Truth" If religion comes in the way of seeking the Truth, there is no harm in leaving the religion.

[@bettacup8507]

Hard truth!

[@nathanbanks2354]

One of the reasons I like Gary Habermas is that he questioned the authority of scripture, viewed it the same way skeptics do, and tried to find the truth about the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. The process took years and it was the topic of his PhD. A few of his lectures on the topic are on youtube.

[@TajamalGhumman]

Questioning is half knowledge

[@afro_princess1671]

@@TajamalGhumman true

[@MOHAMMEDHHAMID]

@@TajamalGhumman حسن السؤال نصف العلم

[@mileswheeler9114]

Johnny, my wife and I just told our parents that we're stepping back from the LDS Church a few weeks ago. Thank you for this video, really hit home about a lot of the thoughts and feelings I've been unpacking. I've enjoyed your channel for a while and had no idea you were an ExMo. Glad to see you've found happiness and a new identity on the other side. Thanks again.

[@annapowell7211]

It is so hard to come out to your parents about that. That was very brave of you two!

[@chemteacher4637]

It's a rough journey. Good luck to you.

[@Floruxman]

Congrats to you sir. Couldn't have been easy. It's great that yourc wife is also on board. Enjoy your new found freedom with empathy.

[@Raverraver9999]

Proof Eucharist is body of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary is his mother. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;z 50this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”a 52The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?” 53Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. 54Whoever eats* my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. 55For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.b 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Eucharistic miracle.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaCmnJmqd6emeNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/paDKe2CZmc5qr6s (Rome Reports) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZnFq3-PnpyWr8U (Lanciano) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIGtaXWFh91kppo kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWUZ6d4h8d_jtk Incorruptible bodies of saints due to the Eucharist - only happens in the Catholic church. No other religion has this miracle kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYSmnGOnqJJlY68 (Padre Pio) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-XhKmqh8-YaKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4XVg2R5eryXmMU kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnSnc5ihdrZgfKs (Carlo Acutis) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWTZnZ6AnZecgMU Apparition of Virgin Mary kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYLRfIZtjrp4bbM (Virgin Mary apparition in Ivory Coast) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoGzeKiDotNpirM (Virgin Mary statue moving) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoe4aZWel7Z8pNk (Virgin Mary apparition in Egypt) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH6oiKuId5JkmsU 1968 Egypt kzbin.info/www/bejne/boq1Z3yEoLl-bbM (Miracle of the sun) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3eTkKypis6prqc (Miracle of the sun) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWfUcoB4aNaIpqM Sun miracle in Medjugorje in Easter Sunday

[@Floruxman]

@@Raverraver9999 k

[@JTREY72]

This was a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SentientRaven]

Thank you for sharing! It's important.

[@jedilibrarian85]

When you posted this, my husband and I were hurting and realizing we were leaving. This video helped us so much. We didn't feel alone anymore. Thank you for this. A year later, our family is so much happier!

[@chrisnorcutt9060]

Hunting Dam 🦫 You Lucky 🍀 Ducks 🦆 I Love Hunting Like I Never Have Anyone To Go With 👍

[@_c_y_p_3]

Congratulations. Your kids will grow up knowing fossils tell a story, and dna is a storybook of problem solving, and viruses are interesting, and that plants and fungis, and birds and fish are alll amazing and so much deeper and more interesting than any fantasy or faith ever created even if it was updated and evolved and adapted to fit what we know now it will always be shallow and dark with contradictions and ignorance, that the real world is sooooo much more worthy of our devotion to learning and understanding and loving and caring for than any one dimensional story created by a manipulative and transparent 15 year old grifter out of parts and peices plagiarized at best . That history of humanity is deeper and more full of lessons and learning and amazing people who were truthful and humble not narcissistic self righteous self proclaimed profits than allll the holly books and crystal ball reading grifters could ever glue together with desperate fears of mortality and guilt of betraying the sweet parents who themselves blindly slurped up the con with no word back from that so called god they prayed to as a child truly expecting a response and got nothing no matter how we desperately called out to please show us this is not happening, that everything we ever were told is built on a god who will never reply.

[@_c_y_p_3]

Sorry if that went off the deep end, I just wanted to express how beautiful it is to hear parents doing what you have chose. It will save your children years, maybe even decades of asking why … mor worse, a lifetime of blind obedience to a lie.

[@kimberlyhansen4096]

I wish I had my husband to support me. I do feel very alone. But I know I'm doing the right thing by leaving the religion.even though I've been shunned and ridiculed, staying in would be disingenuous. I hope that I can find new friends.

[@user-mz8gq8vp6u]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYPaXqRuaM6cmdk

[@FrancescoMarelli84]

As a Catholic raised Italian, living most of my youth in protestant Netherlands, fast forward now in India since many years, a land of such strong, deep cultural flamboyancy and diversity, and drenched in a spirituality which is only religious to those who look at it superficially...the way you tell your story tells me you have really, really travelled deep in your spiritual and personal search. You are a courageous and admirable human being. May your story inspire many.

[@davidbilla8063]

Are you in Kerala,india

[@Thesungod95]

glad u experienced indian spirituality, i am from india, and i bet it is most fascinating civilization.

[@jamesedwards1284]

Idk where u went in the Netherlands but I lived here all my live and almost no one here is religious. The country also isn’t protestant but 50/50 catholic/protestant

[@jdodd79556]

Your eloquence is truly amazing! Thank you! You are an example of grace toward others in different faith walks.

[@user-fb8mt3sw9w]

I am very grateful to you for sharing this and in the manner that you chose to do so, in harmony with your channel. I left the Jehovah's Witness organization almost 20 years ago and have seen many videos discussing the matter with a toxic condemnation in their unresolved pain that I feel merely hurts further and hurts others. Thank you for sharing your personal experience along with pertinent and respectful background to properly educate on the specifics from the vantage point of humanity and I was able to relate to many things and learn others. I wish I could say that I am fully resolved and healed after all these years with a complete understanding of things, but I share your conflict, respect and appreciation of values, and affirmation of making the best choice for me with gratitude to learn and grow free from those restraints and misdirection. I wish you and your loved ones and all of our brethren in this world a full enrichment and peace along the journey. We are unique as individuals, but not alone; the human experience is one. Thank you.

[@tonyaflowers1802]

“Leaving the church is painful, socially, mentally, you pay a price for doing so.” Powerful statement I fully relate to. Left the church years ago, and this is still so real. It’s a journey.

[@noahbuilds5088]

It gets better!! So courageous to walk away from something that was no longer serving you. Hugs

[@brookew.h.n5568]

Same hardest but most fulfilling decision I've ever met

[@jaberakand4183]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTdkoJqjtN5pLM

[@dokessezeaka5159]

There's definitely a difference vertebrae leaving the church and leaving God

[@noorsyed1860]

Raising a child with an open minded mindset is so important, it makes them a tolerate and accepting human being. Your kids are lucky to have you guys ❤️

[@aldrichjosiah6495]

Yeah, when I have kids I won't impose anything on them and I'll let them explore and choose when they come of age. I've seen how shoving beliefs down a child end up, it usually just have worse things in the future.

[@Gracemeguide1988]

I can't agree with you on this. There has to be limits. In a civilised society children need to be taught some kind of belief system. Ok yes we should teach them to be tolerant but if we don't teach them then they will get their lessons and beliefs from elsewhere and it might not Bea good source. I completely reject this let your child choose. Yes it's good to give them some kind of choice at some point but from being young I think it's fine to teach them good principles and take them to church as there are good things taught there.

[@Musician837]

@@Gracemeguide1988 My aunt does this with her kids and my mom did this with me to an extent. It was actually ironic bc my parents aren't religious and I ended up religious (for a time). My aunt takes her kids to different churches/temples of different religions to experience options and a broader understanding of society. As for myself, I can quote the bible better than many of my very religious friends, which just goes to show that unhealthy devotion can sometimes lead to dogmatism. Religion is very much subjective. Teaching them traditionally is not necessarily bad. But there is a big difference between exposing them to a lot which I would recommend, vs exposing them to absolutely nothing, which sounds like a bad idea and will hold them back socially, intellectually, spiritually, culturally.

[@lankyalpaca]

@@Gracemeguide1988 i understand what you are saying, but teaching kids good principles is not exclusive to teaching them through a belief system. especially when a lot of religious group intermix those good principles to forms of hatred or inacceptance. and from my personal experience, picking out which of those things you have been taught to believe your entire life are good and which are bad, and then leaving the bad ones are very tolling and frankly was one of my darkest moments. but then again, it may depends on what kind of religious belief you are teaching to your kid. but if i had the ability to choose how i wanted to grow up i would definitely chose not being taught any belief system

[@germwarfare]

@@Gracemeguide1988 my father brought me up catholic, but at 10 I rejected the church. He never once questioned my choice, and I found my own way of expressing spirituality. I didnt turn into some monster or evil person with the absence of the church. We can learn to be good people without religion to teach us to be good because we may be damned after we die.

[@bradjasperson134]

I'm still a Mormon. I appreciated this video and totally understand where you're coming from. I have friends that went through or are going through the same thing and I considered it also. I would love any suggestions on how to show love and support to friends and family that leave. I respect and sympathize with their decision and am not going to try to convince them to come back, but I do want them to know I'm still there for them and love them and they don't have to worry about me being judgemental or annoying.

[@AmitGupta-il6lb]

You're one of a kind unlike the other Mormons. May God bless you

[@Devin7Eleven]

I joined the church when I was 17. It's funny how we have so many different experiences because the "Mormon" kids I was around in Arizona were the most friendly, open, and virtuous people I could ever imagine. It is truly Utah I think that is just different. Honestly, the complaints people make about "Mormons" could be applied to any other religion, even the ancient Christians and Jews if you want to go back far enough. All I know is that my life has been for the better ever since joining and I truly do think its the closest to the organization and beliefs of the early Christian church. I'm sorry so many people had bad experiences with others, but isn't that part of the human experience? We all have flaws and make mistakes, some more than others, but is that a good enough reason to disparage the honest ones?

[@bradjasperson134]

@@Devin7Eleven Thank you for your nice reply. As a Utah Mormon I don't take offense, I 100% agree. The way I've looked at it is I believe in the doctrine of the church and have had too many deeply profound experiences to believe otherwise. However, the culture, especially in Utah, has been harmful to many, myself included. It's hard to separate that, and makes it hard to trust the "ward family". The video talked about going on a mission, for personal reasons I didn't, and at 19 I had someone ask me what good I was if I wasn't going on a mission. Since then, I've always kept wards at arms length which presents its own challenges that I'm navigating. I realized that I was doing all of that subconciosly and feeling judged whether I was at church or not. As the years go by there have been experiences that heal that divide and some that seem to justify it. My current strategy is to try not caring about what other people think, but that can be easier said than done. I also believe that the church is run by humans, humans that I believe are inspired by God, but humans nonetheless. Humans make mistakes and have blindspots and I'd like to think most of the church leadership would admit to this because I don't sense a scintilla of ego in most of them.

[@terrimcfarland1152]

Washington DC is the most mixed up place around... so sorry

[@khlfff2]

I don't mean this in any offensive way. But I heard that one of the greatest glories/most amazing things a Mormon can do is to either bring someone into the church or bring an ex-mormon back. If that's the case, do you think you or others who think similarly to you might be influenced by that? I feel like it could be tricky being a practicing Mormon and be able to delineate between wanting them to be genuinely okay, and seeing that ultimately their true happiness can be found in the church. Not sure if that makes sense. But again, just curious about your thoughts or anyone else's thoughts. I also grew up in a different cult and found it difficult to GENUINELY want the best for someone until I left the cult and there weren't any strings attached to me wanting that for anyone. EDIT: I should've finished reading your comments before writing paragraphs, hahah. I see that you're very level headed and can see the pro's and con's. I appreciate your critical thinking.

Congratulations, Johnny, you made me write my first ever comment/post (on any platform). Thank you. My story is almost identical, including the years and BA from BYU, Spanish mission. Seeking the sincere answer, that only results in existential crisis: leave everything you know, community, and family. Easier to never think or question and stay, respect for those who make the hardest decision. Let me know if you ever get “the answer”😅. You are not anti, just sincere. In or out of the church this is the best video for unbiased information. Gracias, Elder 😅

[@brianmo7763]

"Malísimo, güey. Déjame en paz." Greetings from Tijuana, Harris! 😁

[@PamelasLas]

weeey

[@HeinrichGossler]

dicho como todo un local 👌🏼

[@hugolozano7642]

estaba buscando este comment jajaja

[@aleks-33]

Me dio mucha risa!

[@jimenat357]

Jajajajajajaja

[@LoganBeck]

This video really hits home! I recently left the Mormon Church myself, and it's been the biggest mental, emotional, social, and whatever you want, roller coaster in my life! The church tried to manipulate me as a Social Media Influencer, and when I didn't give in, they tried to excommunicate me, but it was the truth claims and negative social impacts that I couldn't look past. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. Messages like this are important to people in the church and people looking into it. From one RM now KZbinr to another, 加油！(It means keep it up in Chinese :D)

[@HiTheRELOLL]

First reply on a verified KZbinr's comment

[@nabibbs7937]

Congrats on that! (Idk what is Mormon church lemme watch video)

[@rediponto9588]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5ywaaloZcqBrtU So you made this video while you were still in the church?

[@noobdoggo]

@@SamuelSamuelSamuel1 same

[@Kechavx]

天安门大屠杀

[@kjdewitt]

I'm a very active member of the church and expect I always will be. I really appreciate your video and story. You said you worry about being the "hyper critical ex-mormon" but you weren't at all! You kept it personal to you and it was great. I know that everyone has a different experience and I know mine has been different from anyone else's. But I love hearing everyone's stories regardless of where they are now. Especially if they're respectful and willing to have a discussion like you clearly were. Thanks for sharing this!

[@pheonixguy33maneha99]

Im struggling and needed this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffs4483]

Just walk away. Free your mind.

[@pheonixguy33maneha99]

@@jeffs4483 it's a process but I'm doing so. Thanks.

[@jeffs4483]

@@pheonixguy33maneha99 Life gets better after Mormonism. Ex member here.

[@jackthoward]

Johnny, many others in this comment thread have far more personal and relevant reasons for appreciating this video, but I just want to add my voice to the wave of people thanking you for your vulnerability and honesty in making this vid. I'm sure you've considered this video for a long time, and I'm sure this was one of the hardest videos to make - so thank you.

[@victorscool1]

Thank you so very much Johnny

[@chilikesgames]

Coming from an active member of the church, I throughly enjoyed this video. It is always interesting to me to see peoples stories of transitioning out of the church, and to have someone who is able to express their story so well. My dad left the church when I was young, and it did break apart my parents marriage. It’s something I am still unpacking well into my adult years. I am genuinely happy for you and your wife, and I’m glad that you two were able to find joy in your life beyond the church. Thank you for sharing, looking forward to future videos.

[@theelliottfamilyvids]

I’m so sorry that it broke your family up. It shouldn’t have. Many couples can continue having a very happy family and believe differently. It’s hard when they get counseled by the brethren to do otherwise. It must’ve been u credibly difficult for you & I hope you get all of the help that you need to help you through your pain. Hugs

[@Saiputera]

Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LOLOLOL

[@Ether-pb5gb]

active member here as well. As a convert, who joined the church as an adult, it breaks my heart when people feel like they have been tricked or lied to their whole lives. I love this church and the gospel. I feel for these people

[@sportsbettingstar]

@@Ether-pb5gb also a convert at 18. Served a mission and married in the temple. I totally agree with you. It makes me really think deeply about how I will raise my children. I feel a lot of members born in the church are victims of pressure from parents and community which drives them to eventually leave the church. Theres a better way to raise children, I just know it.

[@valenataber4353]

Thank you! I left the church dang probably over 10 years ago and I’m still deprogramming myself. You hit on so many points that were similar to mine. I appreciate it!

[@allypritts5822]

Thank you for sharing this! It’s so difficult for me to express what it is like to grow up with rigid religious beliefs and the process of deconstructing them. You explain the emotional experience so well and I’m so glad to have this video as a resource to share with my own friends to help them understand where I am coming from. Beautifully done!

[@natureallmighty]

I can't imagine how scary it must have been to detach yourself from your family's believes and leave everything your heart knew of the spiritual world. What a battle it must have been on so many levels!

[@BongoEdits]

Alot of people experience this! Especially in Christianity

[@digimbyte]

As an catholic, I never found it to be as difficult. the literature made no sense and was clearly just making itself up.

[@BongoEdits]

@@digimbyte I'm also catholic and agree with your comment, but it is difficult in the sense to turn away from your family's religious beliefs. That is hard.

[@rebeccaanderson5626]

@@digimbyte Which literature you talking about?

[@rebeccaanderson5626]

@@BongoEdits why would you leave the Catholic Church

[@richardreynolds5664]

The fact you and your wife stayed together and went through this together is extremely inspiring. Your kids will be great member of this world it is clear.

[@user-pt8wq4hc7c]

Well, as long as they got theirs. All while using the kid as an excuse. That's what is important. It's not like this was tried by any other generations.

[@benzun9600]

his children loved thos masks lol

[@icloudtrevor]

I left the church when I was 18 but the church did get 1 thing right. Heaven is real y’all. I’ll see ya there.

[@oliveryt7168]

​@@icloudtrevorIs it their version of "heaven"?

[@icloudtrevor]

@@oliveryt7168 no sir…. Better. MUCH BETTER. Yours mine theirs.. Everyone who has a soul!!

[@rafaelricardoquintanaberum4821]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience big brother.

[@trix10101]

I know this is two years old, but I just left the church and thank you for this video. I left because of the people in the church, me and my ex wife divorced and I found myself alone because of that. I went to church for a year and no one would speak to me, even when I tried to talk to people. I was isolated and slowly drifted away and out. its a weird sensation having almost nothing and having to start over.

[@sloanmagnum5009]

Why did you get divorced? If I may ask?

[@trix10101]

@@sloanmagnum5009 we couldnt have kids. She blamed me, even when a doctor told her the opposite.

[@sloanmagnum5009]

@@trix10101 did your ex wife run a smear campaign against you? Why did people in your ward stop talking to you? I cant imagine it was just because you got divorced, was it?

[@SaadiqEl07]

I hate to hear no one talk to you. You should have tried another church

[@debbiedebbie9473]

I'm sorry. Maybe try a Spiritual church instead.❤

[@ElemirtheGrey]

Having been raised in Utah, in an LDS environment, served a mission, temple marriage, have a son, moved to Delaware, and recently decided to leave the church, this hits home.

[@Sampsonoff]

You are a brave and honest man. I wish you well

[@ElemirtheGrey]

@@Sampsonoff I don't really see myself as brave, but thank you nonetheless. It's all still a very new experience for me.

[@ElemirtheGrey]

@Timbo Slice Right now I consider myself agnostic. I believe that love is love and that intent is power. Beyond that, I'm not sure as of yet.

[@A1soldiersaint]

C H, please take time to watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLLXntpnZmcb6M

[@Sampsonoff]

@Timbo Slice The certitude with which you claim to know is amusing.

[@celiasaiz3786]

I was raised agnostic/atheist and, as someone said in the comments, hearing about this kind of experiences is very interesting for me as I haven't ever experienced anything similar and I think it's very important to listen to them so that we can understand what you go through better so thank you for being one of those who shares their story, I get it must be hard to do. I really appreciate that many people re-evaluate their values as parents and I think we sometimes see things clearer that way. I want to thank you again and wholeheartedly for making this video. It was a great resource for someone like me to begin to understand what stepping out of a church can mean, but I'm sure as I've read in the comments that it has been a major help for many people who are dealing with the same doubts you did. Making this video requires a lot of courage and I want to acknowledge it and thank you for that. Seriously, thank you. P.S.: It really got me thinking what you said about thinking about the world in a special framework and then, without it, it being exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. I feel that way with the world. And it's awesome. We'll always have new things to learn in this incredible world we live in. Lots of luck, Johnny, stay safe!! :)

[@jesseready5667]

My friend is an athiest he lost his phone finds it in his car and says "Oh thank god" He failed to see the irony in this haha

[@4m0d]

I was born into a hindu family but as i grew a bit older , i started to question god, and hinduism isnt as imposing or orthodox as christianity so my parents just let me believe what i wanted to, they resisted only a bit.

[@vm99125]

@@4m0d kinda what I'm going through rn

[@virtualabc7847]

@@jesseready5667 common saying. Doesn't have much to do with God anymotr

[@alexrogers777]

@@jesseready5667 Gee what is a colloquialism anyway?

[@bradjohnston9800]

Thank you for sharing. Very impressive story. Keep questioning anything that doesn’t add up!

[@Mossyrocklove]

Wonderfully expressed ❤I transitioned out of being raised Catholic and relate so much to what you’ve said

[@hegen7642]

"Monopoly over the fullness of truth" greatly said

[@amandabeeler490]

That statement was the one that resonated the most with me. I left the church 18 years ago, and it still trips me up this idea that the church has the full truth. The exclusion is beyond. Thanks you so much for sharing your story.

[@Astuar]

Yeap, this one always surprises me. Some small sects telling the world that they are the only chosen, and 99% of population is mistaken.

[@kalinabozhkova5655]

When I was pregnant I started realizing the huge responsibility that my child brings My son changed me completely and forever and all for the better I wish my husband followed that path too like your wife did That change is still making it hard to be together but I’m glad that I can be the person that I am for my son

[@historry9323]

I hope the situation will resolve itself with time, best of luck on your journey!

[@user-bd5md5cm2j]

Tough journey, the gospel of jesus christ, is true. The people that make up anything, are flawed. Not wrong on all aspects, but flawed. Giving my relationship with the savior will not be jeopardised by anyone. My relationship with him is the reason I'm here. Not man.

[@rizaleliasmosquera5114]

@@user-bd5md5cm2j Tough journey indeed. She and Johnny Harris are strong people to take on this journey, to risk their long-established social groups in order to search for who they really want to be. Believe what you want, after all, we're also just doing the same.

[@user-bd5md5cm2j]

@@rizaleliasmosquera5114 👍 true my friend.

[@lewynewman3053]

As a fellow child that grew up in Provo in the church this is very much how I’ve felt about the church since high school and it was so hard but the same family love that the church taught me is also what got me through it. It’s a depressing yet beautiful feeling. Starting our own journey without the church brought me closer to god on my own. I feel more teachings from nature than the church in a odd way but it does bring me a feeling of not being alone seeing others being so open about there experience.

[@taylorluke1837]

Thank you for this video, I'm in my own personal journey of my conflicted feelings of the church and have been swaying back and forth on things for some time. It's especially hard since I live in a deeply church engrained community with roommates that all go to the same ward together, so it's hard to feel very individualistic in a sense.

[@MichaelOfHerndon]

Yep, been there, felt that. But I decided to become active again because I believe in God and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is his restored church. So many people say they left the church because they were offended or were hypocritical. So what. They are not perfect, and I am not perfect. I go to church to deepen my relationship with God, partake of the sacrament, and do my part in helping other (the two great commandments.)

[@Appletree666]

"Dissonance is OK." That's one of the sentences I would put on t-shirts. Everything around me always wants the golden way, the absolute truth and someone who shows you what is right and what you should do. But life isn't that boring.

[@Liftium]

This sentence hit me the most, I would buy that shirt.

[@donjschonger5312]

I´d buy it

[@dovana32]

yep

[@RiannaKuenzi]

i also loved that quote it gave me chills

[@nanamiharuka3269]

I've been dealing with theological and religious dissonance in my own life and this saying, I think, will really help me feel at peace with where I am at right now.

[@Elegant_Sausage]

It's crazy how decades after I left, I still feel this weird urge to defend mormonism whenever people speak out against it. In an instant I come to my senses, but wow.

[@michaeleldredge4279]

I am in the process of leaving now. I know what you mean about the instinct to defend the church and culture. I suppose that some part of that instinct will be with me forever. Thanks for sharing.

[@queencerseilannister3519]

You aren't alone. I was raised Southern Baptist, but even at 42 I still have a nagging fear of damnation because all that crap was drilled into me as a child. It's terrible.

[@themormonblacksheep]

I didn't experience this once I left but for sure experienced defending the church when I was a member. Now when a nevermo mentions Mormonism I arm them with knowledge of all the craziness so they will never be persuaded by missionaries. That programmed defense mechanism the church crafted in your psyche will deminish the more you peel layers. It will get to a point where you realize you're defending an abusive and toxic culture.

[@INkid526]

I'm the same way, I still fight mentally as if did I make the right choice? Its definitely a mental battle its actually awful mentally. I'm glad there are others like me.😊

[@MadMax-gc2vj]

There is no I..... Your brain makes the illusion of the I the Self but in reality your BRAIN same as Mind and what the Christians refer to Heart creates the STORY the Narrative since you were knee high and started schooled being programmed from child to adult it just a program like a hard drive . You can not think what you have not learned .....

[@michaelloebl2170]

Excellent all the way around. What honesty, courage, self-reflection.

[@annonimouse170]

I only found your channel today and as someone who was brought up in a Mormon family (rather unusually, mine was in the UK) I am finding such resonance with what you have to say. Thank you for being so brave to do this, not only in terms of your path out of LDS but also in going public with it. I'm sure you have received a torrent of abuse and hatred, I just want to counter that response and say thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@Bangtang_Aje]

My dad was a Buddhist monk before he met my mom. I used to tease him by saying "what kinda man would give up on his religious faith over a woman?" He replied " son, my only religion is love"

[@muscleman125]

Buddhists know what's up, in my opinion Buddhists have figured it out better than any other religion. Love is the only way!

[@kanishkz3159]

Buddhist is the most rational religion out there. The biggest difference between Buddhism and all other established religions is that Buddhism itself asks you to question everything and not just blindly follow any doctrine. And no one is going to hell for not accepting anything about Buddhism. All other religions relies on fear of hell and promise of heaven but Buddhism doesn't.

[@troll2637]

Buddhist here (from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰). The sad thing about Buddhism is, it's becoming a religion day by day. Buddhism is a philosophy. Most people confuse that.

[@vikramadityasolanki3999]

@@kanishkz3159 Buddhism is not a religion, rather one of the philosophies of Dharmic Traditions.

[@troll2637]

@@kanishkz3159 Lord Buddha even said that never to blindly follow his teachings. Question everything. Be your own light. Edit: oh god. I am sounding like a preacher.

[@bingerr]

The most insightful thing I've learned about LDS and Jehovah's Witnesses is that they don't send out missionaries into the world to convert people. They do it to show their young missionaries that the world is a harsh, unforgiving place that hates them, but if they come back to the church they will be loved and accepted forever. That's why I'm always nice to the door knockers, because you can show them that you can be successful, nice and accepting and also be an atheist. Consider this the next time a young, naive idealist comes knocking.

[@CHRiS-ez5ui]

So true! Never laugh at them, don't scream at them, don't insult them. Just be polite, while also being definite about your beliefs. Maybe even listen and talk to them for a bit, yet still holding on to your own opinions and beliefs and if need be, defend them with arguments and a smile, without ever offending your opposites. As you said, just be a darned empathetic human being and don't be angry or scream at idealists. And show them, that there exist other ways, beliefs and lifestyles that aren't at all evil, scary or heretic, but just different.

[@u0aol1]

I have a long standing habit of inviting them in for a chat, I find there is a lot to learn from people who think differently and feel differently from us and I like to think I impart a different view for them to consider too.

[@ilwas1066]

Exactly. Just like my father used to say to me a long time ago. Just be kind, truthful, love and respect other people, you don't need any religious period. I am taking his advice. Whatever I do, everything in moderation for safety. Stay safe.

[@DinoMan_6]

Very well said.

[@jagmo]

@bing err: This seemed a little weird when I first learned of it, because of the emphasis on missionary work, but it's accurate. It's a group loyalty reinforcement tactic.

[@jan75643]

Wow! Happy you woke up❤

[@ethancole6175]

Hey my name is Ethan I was raised fully Mormon. I just recently left about 2 years ago when my mother finally gave up on trying to get me to go. I agree with your video it started slow when I would stop going to boy scouts then seminary and eventually stopped going to church all together. Some things I struggle with is the sense of embarrassment to talk about the church I was grown up in. A lot of my friends now are Lutheran or catholic and if I bring it up I get made fun of. For me it just kind of hurts because in a way I feel as if they are making fun of my mother and I just can’t stand for that she found her place within it. I can speak for her because I saw her go through the process with my oldest sisters. One by one we all stepped away. It was hard to see her disappointment but eventually she grew to accept it and for anyone who hold the lds religion close the can be very hard to accept and love someone who left. But in a sense I still hold love for it The religion brought many smiles to my family we all got sealed as a family and I believe that is why my mother was so accepting of it i feel in her own way she found truth with her god that she will be with my family forever even if we go out different paths. My father grew up catholic and converted in 2012 the same year I was baptized. He eventually fell out of it in 2020 when his father died. I find it very hard to try to fit in as every person I know has some sort of religious background. I feel as if I can never find a new me as I am always scrutinized for my past as a member of the lds church. I feel if I try to convert to another religion I will not be accepted because of that past. I still hold love for my life and know I will do amazing things I just do not have structure and I have learned to deal with it. I grew the mindset of everyday is a new and completely different day and I have grown peace that earth is what I have and I should take my time here seriously and not Rely on having another chance as I feel what I have is my only chance.

[@kohlstrong]

I love this Johnny. I was one of the younger missionaries who silently looked up to you in Tijuana. I'm out now as well, along with my family.

[@ChrisJones-qw7bn]

Its hard stepping away. I wont say congratulations...because its a HARD transition to make. But I'm sure you can better see now how insidious the LDS "Church" can be. And you dont NEED Religion to be a GOOD HUMAN BEING!! Keep walking your path. There are some amazing things out here!!

[@Belovelyava]

Wow! Your family as well! What a blessing! Good for you all!

[@outlawedMarsh]

I left Jehovah's witnesses around five years ago. Reading r/exmormon was a huge part of my journey out. Thanks y'all!

[@sablethompson1212]

I love meeting ex JWs. Y’all are so similar to us ex Mormons.

[@kirilll7806]

@Ethan jw's that doesnt do this today: am i a joke to you

[@Saiputera]

Atheist people trying to force people to become unreligious. Christianity and islam is growing worldwide whether you like it or not LMAO

[@outlawedMarsh]

@@Saiputera Some forms of Christianity do not give you a choice to leave peacefully if you were born into it. This video and my comment are talking about personal journeys leaving religions that were forced on us and the consequences of making the choice to leave. Atheists aren't coming for you. Same can't be said for some Christian denominations.

[@Saiputera]

@@outlawedMarsh Harris is basically a atheist since he didn't believe in any Religion. Also Atheist demographiz are declining due to low birth rate when compare that to musliz population

[@Cincy_Kid]

Love the Hasselblad. Good luck on your journey.

[@Henchmaid]

I've never seen your channel before but really and truly, thank you so so much for making this video. I chose to leave a little over a year ago. The hardest part about going out and living more authentically is exactly what you said: worrying about all of the people I am going to disappoint. It's incredibly frustrating to have others have such an enormous part of an intimate and personal decision like leaving the church. It was the absolute hardest decision I have ever made and probably will ever make. Thank you for giving me the hope that those voices will quiet down in time.

[@evan]

Damn this one has blown me away. This clearly took a huge amount of courage to post so thank you

[@nirmalsuki]

When one of your favourite KZbinrs comments on another one of your favourite KZbinrs.. 😍

[@victorscool1]

And reading comments there are many people going thorugh the same, trust me it's very scary to do what he has done already ( I am personally going thorugh that but I am really really scare)

[@mrchess24]

Nice to see you here Evan

[@gabiblatezky]

Evan♡

[@Lynkeusmaster]

Hallo Evan.

[@rickga29]

Thank you for your courage. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Wilfredo0824]

Thank you for this video.

[@missironmouse]

I grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness and a lot of this hit home for me. It’s a painful and hard process when you leave. The loneliness hurts and losing your friends and family can be difficult. But nothing can replace the joy of living an authentic life

[@alvintheng8501]

Jehovah witness is a cult 😳

[@loveandpeace3545]

@Alvin Theng - And so is the Mormons and every other religion.

[@Hlibertario]

Same here! I grow up as a JW…. I think the mouth of the process leaving the religion ere the most stressful and the most important moment of my life

[@missironmouse]

@Russell M. Nelson thanks , recovery is hard but every day is better

[@missironmouse]

@@Hlibertario losing everyone was definitely hard for me

[@joenorton2070]

"I had internalized a lot of assumptions of shame and guilt and fear and judgement that I didn't even realize I had"

[@rockbe02]

It ia weird that I feel this way about a job that I have worked at for too long and am trying to gain the confidence to leave

[@dmarte706]

You can do all the things you love (travelling, being father, cooking, etc.) and still be a happy member of the Church. I respect your decision, specially, because you prayed to get an answer.

[@Junius]

I'm so glad your wife left the church with you. You two are SO BRAVE!

[@kevinmeek]

I hear them say, “you can leave the church but you can’t leave it alone”. It held me in the nice guy phase for over a year. But like you said, I don’t fit the bitter or nice guy stereotype anymore. I’m just me. Who I was always meant to be. Thanks Jonny. This vid has helped me heal a little more

[@bobbyray8457]

Bitter nice guy is a great way to put it, thank you! When I left I definitely didn’t leave it alone, at least for a minute. Probably cathartic in some way. Sure as hell’ve left it alone since then though. Too much other stuff that’s truly important to focus on.

[@vedritmathias9193]

I like to think I'm just a nice guy in general, so having left the church I guess you could say I'm the "nice former Mormon" stereotype. Eh.