What I found prepping to become a Mormon Seminary Teacher | Faith Deconstruction Series| Episode 014

Here's my deconstruction story friends! From faithful member of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, preparing to become a seminary teacher to completely losing my testimony overnight. How does that happen? It felt sudden and disorienting, but as I look back I realize that many issues were mounting in my mind. Questions about the construct of sin which seemed paradoxical to the teachings of a loving God in heaven. The legalistic approach that the church seemed to be taking which also contrasted with what I'd been taught of a loving Jesus. The cognitive dissonance during the year before my faith crisis was significant and what's crazy: I wasn't even aware of it!! Belief is fascinating, isn't it?? What we're willing to do in order to stay safe... to keep that essential worldview intact. And the way I view this now is that the dissonance I was experiencing was necessary for me to actually see what was inside the box. There's no way I could have accepted it even one year earlier. It was too big a threat to my family's safety. And I wonder how much of my subconscious mind knew that I had support on the other side. That has made all the difference in the world. Please tell me in the comments what your faith deconstruction was like. Was it all at once? Was it gradual? Or do you think it was a combination of both?
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WELCOME TO FAITH UNRAVELED:
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Jamie and Elisha invite you to join us on our journey of unraveling the complexities of Mormonism after a lifetime within the church. With a vibrant community of over 70,000 on TikTok, we understand that the challenges of faith deconstruction transcend any single denomination. Across the globe, millions are awakening to new perspectives, questioning norms, and seeking truth in their spiritual paths.
In our series, we delve deep into the awakening process, exploring the impacts of patriarchy, toxic positivity, purity culture, and heteronormativity on our faith experiences. But our exploration doesn't end there. We're committed to reconstruction-rebuilding our faith, beliefs, and sense of self after the unraveling.
A highlight of our series is the opportunity for you to shape our discussions. Submit your burning questions to us on Instagram at Faith Unraveled, and stay tuned as we devote entire episodes to answering them directly.
Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of faith, embracing the complexities and uncertainties while forging our unique spiritual paths. Welcome to Faith Unraveled!

[@TheSaintelias]

I went to early morning seminary as well as played school sports. My sophomore year I was sick so many days I got a notice telling me I couldn’t miss more days. I stopped going to seminary my junior year. My grades went up and I barely got sick. God blessed me with health because I followed scientific principle of sleep being good for health. 😎😴

[@Faith.unraveled]

This is great 😅🙌🏻

[@sagesaith6354]

Following the Right God gives the Right God's results ...

[@ihtibas_ilharary]

Seminary was such a waste of time! It’s so frustrating to look back at all the time I wasted there. I could’ve been sleeping, studying, etc.

[@Faith.unraveled]

I feel this! am sooo glad that we deconstructed before our last kid was in High school!

[@BarrettVanDyke]

Zero value?

[@grantbeck9228]

I’m secretly furious. I hated it. We woke up at 5:30 every day for 4 years and wasted an hour getting brainwashed with lies. Sleep would have been a much healthier activity.

[@grantbeck9228]

@@BarrettVanDykewhat value do you get from studying lies?

[@BarrettVanDyke]

@@grantbeck9228 At the very least you cultivated discipline: :) However, there is value in looking at our experiences through a lens that isn’t strictly that of a consumer. For example, did anyone else in your class benefit from your presence there? Did you make a positive impact on someone’s life? My hunch is that you did. And if so, perhaps it wasn’t a waste of time.

[@derekbeauchamp2409]

Love hearing your story. I left the church in 1986. It’s lovely to see people are now leaving the church, and have found out about the lies it have taught. Thank goodness for KZbin.

[@allzeenamesaretaken]

Holy shirt, I never made the connection with Wicked!! I need to see that and consider that now that I’m on the other side. Also I remember having to literally give myself permission to consider the church was untrue. Like I had to be like “maybe he isn’t a prophet, and it’s ok to explore that idea” it’s crazy the world when you step out. It’s an absolutely unique experience. Exmos unite!!

[@Faith.unraveled]

Yes, just that moment of accepting that it could be NOT true... that is huge! Definitely recommend seeing Wicked if you have an opportunity. And the soundtrack!! Defying Gravity. Bring the tissues!

[@allzeenamesaretaken]

@@Faith.unraveled seeing as I had a breakdown while in the theatre during the Disney movie Wish, I’m gunna need lots of tissues 😂

[@knparker8]

So many things over the years I questioned but thought that some day I will understand. Now the more I am away from the church the more I see the corruption. I was a missionary in San Diego and due to a very competitive GA mission president we were the highest baptizing mission in the world for awhile. But I thought he is a GA and I should just trust him. The church teaches us to be obedient to men instead of putting trust in our own relationship with god or self. Thanks for doing this podcast.

[@sandee-zn9tq]

I remember when SD ward members complained about dirty fonts & smells missionaries left lingering at church, when they baptized illegals w/promises of taco dinners in payment. UNBELIEVABLE.

[@nesnegrey]

I'm in your camp. Listening to your words today was soothing to my soul in my journey since I left the church a year ago. I feel like my wife and I are the "Wicked witch of the West" in my ward community. Thank you for sharing

[@SteveSmith-os5bs]

I thank you very much for sharing your story. My own story has some similarities to yours. I didn't figure it out till the age 50. My deconversion start with what I thought was to be a faith premoting journey on doing my own research on the life of Joseph Smith using unbiased resources in order to get more of a historical view of the life of Joseph Smith. I stayed away from resources that be considered anti-mormon. The short of the was that the Joseph Smith I found was not the one that I taught people on my mission. I also took a deep dive into the Book of Abraham. My shelf was beginning to crack. I spent a lot of time in prayer. After a few weeks of this, I remember I had a weekend drill with the Air Force Reserve. I spent the weekend ruminating over everything I had researched, and on that Sunday, it hit me with a charity that was undeniable. Joseph Smith was a fraud, and the church was not true.

[@emptynesters2520]

Thank you for your service!🙏🏻♥️🇺🇸and welcome to the freedom to choose your own life path!👏🏻

[@Catecatherine7]

I had the same realization about Heavenly Father! That was the thought that allowed me to start deconstruction.

[@Faith.unraveled]

Wow beautiful!!! 🙏🏻

[@BrianTerrill]

Deconstruction is just atheist brainwashing bs

[@emilysnow6757]

"If it isn't true, would I want to know?" That's a deep thought. Yes, of course I'd like to know! But the consequences of being the only one who knows that it isn't true is currently agonizing and painful and I'm not sure that I actually do want to know that it isn't true.

[@Faith.unraveled]

This is poignant! Absolutely valid 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@grantbeck9228]

Be strong. You can’t choose to believe something you don’t think makes sense in your mind. You can’t ignore facts to maintain beliefs once you see the truth. It’s been several years of cold faking of normal family relationships since I told my family I don’t believe anymore and why. It hurts everyday. It may never get better. But I can’t go back to something that is so obviously a fraud cult

[@markbradley-mv9kg]

Love your story and that you are in the same place with your spouse.

[@Faith.unraveled]

Thank you, Mark, grateful to connect with you!

[@frankblasky1296]

I am listening to your conversation and I am struck by how unselfish and “wholesome” you are. My grammar and vocabulary are not sufficient enough for me to describe how impressed I am at your explanation of what you did, what you endured, and the belief you had in yourself to reach your conclusion. The fact that you prayed for guidance and reflected deeply upon your decision is indicative of your sincerity. You are a person of probity. I wish you all the best as you continue your journey.

[@bizarro_ward2667]

Great episode. Nice to see you doing longer format stuff on KZbin.

[@pahlmark]

Great episode. Thank you for sharing!

[@berdytv3739]

😊😊😊new follower is here .ive been member for almost 30yrs. Now i reaalize that 30yrs is wasted for me and my whole family😊thanks you roe sharing your story..keep it up

[@PatriciaNoel-qp2ff]

I was also an early morning seminary when my out kids were only 4,6,8, and 10! Dawned on me, at 64, that I’d been raised in the cult church. I’d raised my 4 children in it and lost my marriage due to my pride. I am now my more authentically humble and I began learning a Christian religion. Completely different perspective.

[@TheodusJ.Whoopie]

I truly appreciate you sharing these experiences. I am also in California and learned about the troubling history of the church about the same time you did. I was in Stake leadership at the time and our journey has been challenging. Your voice sharing your experiences and challenges somehow brings me much comfort. Thank you so much to you both for bravely doing what you believe in your heart is the right thing. May your family continue to both heal and prosper. I’m looking forward to your next video. ❤

[@JIKOKALOL]

I find it fascinating and saddening as to the refusal of many members to even consider looking closely at the negative recorded factual evidence of the church and its beginnings. I'm not a psychologist but what are, for example, The Holocaust deniers?

[@three5784]

Thank you for sharing your incredibly similar and validating story. I'm curious how you happened upon the CESLETTER. The Gospel Topic Essays were my gateway to the CESLETTER which I discovered from a reddit post and, for me, it was all over after that. It's so validating to hear your story and experiences as they appear to mirror my own experiences. Thank you for being so brave to share your story so publicly. You are making a difference.

[@Faith.unraveled]

Great question! The exact moment that I found the CES letter I had been scrolling through the light the world hashtag on Instagram, which I believe came from an LDS Living article! It actually happened during that time that I had set aside for gospel study. And the Instagram post that led me there was a picture of the earth as a pie graph, showing how many people that have lived on this earth have the ordinances necessary for salvation. It struck me what an insanely small number that was, so I tapped on the link in in her profile and that’s what took me there!

[@three5784]

@@Faith.unraveled Thank you! The Gospel Topic Essays I discovered in 2017 were a sledge hammer to the face and I was numb at what I was reading. So disheartening to learn that my absolute certainty was determined so incredibly false in an instant. As a 47 year old man, I cried ugly tears for an embarrassing amount of time. I'm still angry. 😕 Thanks again for all you and Jamie do.

[@Faith.unraveled]

@@three5784 I feel this deeply!🙏🏻

[@JIKOKALOL]

I find it fascinating and saddening how anyone refuses to consider any challenging or contrary historical evidence to what they're involved in.

[@harleyenjoytheride1324]

I enjoyed your podcast. I am not a Mormon but a member of a main line Christian church. I perceive the Mormon church as simply a business enterprise that operates under the guise of a church where man is worshipped rather than a Holy God. Being the treasure digger and glass looker that Joseph Smith was his actions was for-told by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:8-9. Something to seriously consider.

[@JIKOKALOL]

Word!

[@aop1979pingel]

You are on point. Thanks for the video. I can relate. Former Mormon here. Awesome, thanks for sharing your story.

[@Faith.unraveled]

🫶🫶🫶

[@Angfree]

Mine was the court cases where the church protects the abuser. How is that God’s work? Yet, I am the bad one not being ok with that!

[@ironactual4287]

Thank you so incredibly much for sharing your story here❤

[@emptynesters2520]

You are an absolute doll! Loved this episode! Thank you for sharing with us!💞

[@Faith.unraveled]

Thank you so much!! Sending hugs!!

[@sarahpinho1114]

During high school I was so overwhelmed with AP classes, also zero hour jazz band after seminary and before school.. I was always tired throughout the day and later also found I was anemic. Looking back I'm a little disturbed at some of the teachings in seminary, including "fire insurance" by paying tithing. Funny side note, in my friend group at school we started playing with home made oujia boards, and when I asked the seminary teacher about it he got so serious and warned of evil spirits, even saying he could feel one just talking about it. All we were doing was writing letters on a piece of paper and pretending to use it with a scotch tape.. I highly doubt we were communicating with the netherworld LOL but I'll never forget a grown man getting so scared about it and it made me even more scared and was kind of traumatic, putting ideas in my head of evil spirits getting attached to me and following me, etc. I really believed that at the time, because of that seminary teacher, and it caused quite a bit of stress at the time. Without seminary my childhood would have been more relaxed and carefree.

[@Faith.unraveled]

It’s so fascinating! So much of the fear we learn as kids through the youth, seminary and EFY programs!

[@JIKOKALOL]

If you pray and ask the Mormon God if The BOM is true you are in effect playing with a ouiji board.

[@sandee-zn9tq]

Are you our kid? Good on you! Jazz is the Best!! Happy to report, our kid was smart enough to break out of BYU/Mission Mormon Mold. They Graduated from Cal in #1 Comp Sci in 2 yrs, earned MS & is working @ FAANG HQ @ age 20. WINNING!! w/o Mormon cult!

[@kglrtheroche]

Thanks for sharing your story. Just becuase that church isn't true doesn't mean Jesus wasn't! Please look into the overwhelming evidence for Jesus' resurrection.

[@omandave01]

Thank you for sharing... I'm a bit slow on getting through podcasts but I'm grateful for you both...Fawn would be a distant cousin of mine. Her Aunt Elizabeth Odette McKay is my great grandmother... It's a small world. 🤗🥰🤗

[@SeanThePayne]

So ironically funny how learning more about the real history of the church so often leads to deconstruction and stepping away. My wife is a seminary teacher, and I wonder how her faith will hold up when they get to the Doctrine & Covenants study.

[@aBrewster29]

I did release time seminary in Utah, and it was a pretty neutral experience. I always attended but didn’t really participate…fell a sleep a lot for sure. I do regret the classes I might have taken otherwise.

[@Faith.unraveled]

We also had a release hour growing up in Arizona! At that time I loved seminary plus I hated school so much and liked leaving campus😅

[@aBrewster29]

@@Faith.unraveled it was definitely a weird experience-I wouldn’t say there was inherent hypocrisy, but my school was more Mormon than BYU, but no one every had interest in talking about religion outside the seminary building. They were almost parallel realities. I’m still in these days, though very nuanced and authentic. I’ve come to find that I approach faith and truth claims very differently from most TBMs and Exmormons. Anyway, my daughter is now in Seminary and decided to step away from it. New Testiment year, and they focused disproportionately on church leaders, and they do push loyalty and all the crappy apologetics, though her teacher was still very welcoming of people who see things differently. But the program is pretty crappy these days.

[@Mikelray-df9my]

Thinking too much can have unexpected consequences.

[@Faith.unraveled]

Isn’t that the truth

[@aBrewster29]

The true/good designation isn’t just wise advice from some random TikToker. It’s clearly and repeatedly articulated by scripture. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.” LDS teaching has essentially abandoned that principle in favor of institutional loyalty. Oaks has even gone so far as to describe obedience as the good fruit. I think Uchtdorf can fix a lot of that if he gets the chance, but there is a lot of correction, reconciliation and moderation needed.

[@user-ju5vh4wl9g]

I am going through all of this right now but I won’t leave until my mother has passed as it would crush her. Quick question, do you still believe in God and Jesus? I am having a hard time with all of that.

[@rdancranston]

I am a very active member of the church. You have your agency to leave the church and I would not judge anyone for leaving the Church...but I wold implore you...not to ever leave the Savior... He will never leave you...

[@joanlantis4497]

ive heard god cant be completely loving without also being just. thoughts?

[@jvmoneyg8639]

There is something else going on. It ok to question things. I pray that you find your way back to the truth!

[@TheSaintelias]

The JS paper project is actually funded by the Larry H Miller estate. The church isn’t funding it. Let me know if that is incorrect.

[@Commenter2121]

You are correct, which I think is actually pretty telling as it shows how the church treats historical documents being made available.

[@TheSaintelias]

@@Commenter2121 good point. I think they also do it so they can distance themselves from the truth. I.e. factual history that casts doubt on truth claims. Easy isn’t it.

[@Faith.unraveled]

I had no idea. Thank you for this correction!!!

[@kentthalman4459]

... a rock that JS dug out of a well.

[@louisnemzer6801]

So, 🎶No Good Deed goes Unpunished?

[@JSandLDS]

You have a really impressive ability to talk clearly and fluidly without 'ums and aahs' and deliver a cohesive and interesting narrative string. You should start your own religion.😂😂

[@Rabano_Yodado]

I wonder where we got the idea that God / Heavenly father must be like a loving dad here on Earth. I like to think the same. However, it isnt necessarily what we read in the scriptures. Not really. And mormon God is far from being like i am with My son. He is more like My parents are with me, if i don't think like them i'm just not a good person and i'm a dissapointment. Oh well, we all create our own God.

[@TheSaintelias]

JS was text book SA predator.

[@Faith.unraveled]

It’s so clear now!

[@kevinmcdonald951]

She showing her shoulders lol.

[@benv7933]

I love seminary

[@Faith.unraveled]

Thanks for sharing Ben, and for stopping by 🙏🏻

[@leecooper3852]

Well, when you deviate from scripture, that is, from the Bible, you expect to be led down a false path, which is exactly what mormons have had done to them and ignored the Bible in favour of some story with no proof to it.

[@anichols2760]

Your video popped up on my feed. I listened and I can understand how you arrived at your current position. But I can also understand why there are those (like myself) who read the CES letter only grew stronger in their faith. Imagine for a moment the Church of Jesus Christ had not been restored and we were left with Christianity, islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Nations that have enjoyed freedom were initially Christian nations and it appears Christian influence in nations of islam, hinduism, and buddhism is the influence that brings them freedom as well. Protestantism is a break from Catholicism. But, both Catholics and Protestants believe in the notion of the Trinity, a man made, voted on doctrine that Rome forced on Christians in the early centuries following Christs death. The Catholic church is the formation that gathered together and decided what spiritual writings would make up the Bible. Protestantism and its founding fathers then took ownership of the Catholic Bible (writings made up of Jews) and decided that since no more prophets or apostles existed 1400 years later, after the era of Christ and his apostles, that they would create a man made doctrine (theology) of sola scriptura thus placing all their faith on the Bible as a guiding value. They ask whether things are biblical to help provide themselves an anchor. And protestantism, specifically calvinism believed we all were created by a God without form solely for the sake of salvation or damnation. Anyhow, the point im trying to make is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints brought the world a God we could understand, feel, touch and love, who loves us back. More than that, the church brought the gift of the Holy Ghost. My paternal grandmother was a convert as was my mother, both of whom came out of protestantism (presbyterian faith) and both were shocked at the beauty of not only the gospel message but also at the spiritual power they felt during their conversion and then on through their lives. I felt power and love rush through at baptism but particularly by the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ive experienced the spiritual manifestations of the Holy Spirit and then felt the loss of it through sinful actions. Thats by design so as to understand and appreciate the reality of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ive also learned the power of doubt which is the "yang" to the "yin" of faith. Like two opposing magnets they drive each other away. If we engage in doubt and nurture disbelief then our faith is essentially moved away from us until the Spirit departs and emptiness takes its place. Ive experienced that empty feeling, that awful void. Its painful. I was more cynical, more doubtful and disbeleiving. I was more angry, more bitter, and seemed to hate those that felt the Spirit. But coming back into the light, seeking faith, rejecting doubt and partial truths mixed with lies i began to feel peace again. I invite you back to giving room to believe again. The CES letter is a pack of lies, false narratives mixed with facts to weave together a visual facade. Who wrote it? Why did they write it? Most of it is a gathering of anti mormon thought and attacks put together by those of the protestant faith who hated our church as it was being restored. Why? Do you realize that all of protestantism was a money maker? That is the craft of the preacher. That is their livlihood. They were angry at any belief designed at pulling away their tithe paying members. Come back. Exercise a particle of faith to read from the book of mormon, pray in a spirit of belief and faith, repent, and you will find a spirit of love and peace attend you. You mentioned a lot of things the church doesn't teach. Unfortunately youve felt the false church culture that is found in some wards and stakes about sin. Sin simply is any thought, action, or word that is contrary to how a God thinks, speaks, and behaves. God teaches against sin because it drives us away from him. It makes us not want to be around God. In the end i believe God will beg us to stay with him but it is us that decides where we feel comfortable whether in a telestial, terrestrial, or celestial environment made up by those type of personalities. None of us will be perfect after this life. We will continue on developing spiritually. But we need Christ and his gift of repentance which really is the gift of development, the gift of second and third and countless chances to try and try again. Then, when God appears we shall be like him because of the mentorship and strengthening of Christ conveyed through the empowerment of Christs grace through the Holy Ghost. Come back.

[@Faith.unraveled]

Thanks for taking the time and consideration to write all of this. I can feel how meaningful it is to you and I think it’s totally valid that we land in different places for various reasons. Wishing you well 🙏

[@The.Prepper.Princess]

The CES letter has been debunked so many times. You may want to revisit it. It isn't someone who has accepted the gospel and then left. It is someone who has come to a complete and perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ and then turned their back on Him.

[@The.Prepper.Princess]

Also no the first people he sealed himself to were older or pregnant. Back then you couldn't have sex with someone who was pregnant because they believed it would be bad for the child and bad for the mother. Look into what Don Bradley has found on the subject you really need to do more research. You stopped too soon.

[@thomasfischer9259]

You are groomed

[@Commenter2121]

You are correct that D&C 132 contains some very troubling teachings and it should be questioned. To clarify though, the JSP does not substantiate the narrative that Joseph Smith secretly taught and practiced polygamy. In fact, it provides evidence that this history should be revisited.

[@Faith.unraveled]

Thanks for chiming in! It sounds like this is more in your wheelhouse than mine. What do you make of letters to supposed plural wives that are included

[@Commenter2121]

@@Faith.unraveled You bet, I’m glad you called out D&C 132 because it truly is a train wreck. Which letters are you referring to? The “happiness letter” to Nancy Rigdon, or the letter to the Whitney’s? The letter to Nancy Rigdon is not from Joseph (she said so herself), and the letter to the Whitney’s is to the parents and is often taken completely out of context. What the JSP has revealed are altered documents and omissions that later leaders wanted erased from church history. You won’t find a single original document that shows Joseph or Hyrum teaching polygamy.

[@lotion_laura]

In the Gospel Library app, in the Gospel Topics Essays, the church admits to some of the polygamy.

[@theldsfruitarian]

I LOVED Seminary! I also graduated from Institute! Absolutely LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ & His church! I KNOW it’s true! He lives! ❤

[@Faith.unraveled]

thanks for stopping by!

[@grantbeck9228]

That’s great. You do you 👍🏻

[@rachelhaskin5558]

I’m feeling some mists of darkness. I’m out. As a seminary teacher myself, I’m now headed to divinely appointed sources. Bye❤️

[@thedailydump7407]

Love the podcast. Thank you. This may sound crazy until it is researched deeply. Joseph may not have been a prophet. But he was not a polygamist. The stories of Joseph’s sexual shenanigans were fabricated by the Salt Lake Church long after his death. All of the insiders knew it back then, and when you are isolated and totally dependent upon a theocracy, you’re willing to say or do anything to fit in. Even rewrite stories in your mind. Keep up the good work.

[@Faith.unraveled]

I’ve heard so much about this theory! And I do think there are some valid positions, including the late insertion of 132. What I can’t get over are the depositions of the plural wives. And the letters and witnesses… how do you get around that?

[@sarahpinho1114]

@@Faith.unraveled yeah I'm confused, because my understanding is that he married several women, the youngest being a fourteen year old, as well as women already married. He told them if they refused an angel would smite him with a sword. This is documented, and I was told as a missionary that when asked about polygamy to say that the church did practice it but then dropped it later when it became against the law. I'm pretty sure it's firmly established that JS believed and practiced polygamy..

[@Faith.unraveled]

@@sarahpinho1114 yeah the LDS church accepts polygamy as doctrine and that JS practiced it but there are groups of people in and out of the church that believe it was a configuration of Brigham Young and never actually practiced by JS. I’m not in that camp but I think it’s an it interesting position

[@sarahpinho1114]

@@Faith.unraveled oh I see, that's really wierd with all the documentation showing otherwise LOL I'm so glad to be out of this organization and live life without caring what some guys did in the 1800s omg LOL

[@grantbeck9228]

Do you think the church would publish an essay admitting to Joseph’s polygamy if there wasn’t solid contemporary evidence they can’t ignore or deny? But you know the truth? In defense of Joseph smith? Ignoring the totality of what is known about Joseph Smith?

[@johncanaan]

I'm 70 years old. I've looked carefully and prayerfully into the box and have reached very different conclusions. It's the same box- just different conclusions. Your conclusions aren't necessarily "truth" (as you've said), but neither are mine. With this in mind, why go out of your way to make me wrong, when at this level of thinking (right and wrong), it could just as easily be you.

[@sandee-zn9tq]

Why 'make you wrong'?? Because of self-called '1 & ONLY true' Mormon cult Truth claims! We were duped deceived & betrayed by $1 TRILLION MOrmon cult led by Q15 CON MEN. Seeking $200k Tithing Refund, after giving our life, time & heart to Mormon SCAM.

[@michaelparks5669]

the CES Letter was proven bogus long ago.

[@joanlantis4497]

Wouldn't a loving god want you to dress more modestly to protect yourself from harm by potential perpetrators?

[@michaelnicholas5587]

When you were contemplating sin and how Heavenly Father would handle a wayward child, do you really think he would allow an unrepentant person into his kingdom when he has said that no unclean thing can dwell with him. Would you allow your drug abusing, lying, stealing son to live in your home? Would you be willing to put everything you own and your other children at risk to make this wayward child feel at home? If so, that is not love, that is enabling. Heavenly Father loves all of his children so much that he has 3 kingdoms for them so they can live in a place that they can abide as they so choose. All will be resurrected and assigned to one these kingdoms based on their faithfulness to Christ and how they lived their lives. A perfect plan. What do you think the purpose of our lives is? Isn't it to become like our Savior Jesus Christ. You cannot become that way by being selfish and unwilling to sacrifice. I'm saddened that you went down the rabbit hole of the CES letter, which is produced by people that hate the church instead of putting your faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[@BrianTerrill]

The CES letter was just recycled anti Mormon garbage. Congradulations for falling for it

[@Faith.unraveled]

Curious, what do you make of the gospel topics essays?

[@BrianTerrill]

@@Faith.unraveled I like some of the Gospel topics essays, some I think I could do a better job explaining. I don't hold them as "doctine" because they were not written by the prophet and too many scholars have come forth bragging about how much they had a personal influence in them. Some of those scholars so called put their liberalism ahead of the Gospel and are using what influence they can to promote same sex marriage in the church.

[@grantbeck9228]

@@BrianTerrillthis guy believes in a fantasy Mormon church. Who do you think wrote and approved the essays if not the first presidency and Q12? They just magically appeared and remain on the official website despite not being what the prophets and apostles really think is the truth?

[@JIKOKALOL]

Well, it really is an idealistic utopian type of religion borrowing from several existing world religions and practices. Quite ingenious isn't it?

[@aredesuyo]

@@BrianTerrill Hardly anything is actually written by "the prophet," so that's not a good standard for determining what the church officially considers to be valid. None of those essays would have made it onto the website without the approval of the top leadership.

[@JEAN-pm9lg]

You really dont have accurate concept of God

[@slvrsrfr92]

Your concept of God is accurate? I'd like to see your facts and evidences.

[@grantbeck9228]

Prove it