Why I left the Mormon Church | Ex-Mormon | Mormon Story

My name is Jenn. I left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2009. This is my story.

[@anafau2021]

Dear Jenn, you are so obviously intelligent and bright, people like that ussually don´t fit in anywhere... re build your Life and be happy, you totally deserve it. Hugs from Argentina.

[@JennLove]

Thank you Ana!

[@StephRivera]

I like hearing different paths that lead out. I like that you were so open-minded about other religions.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Stephanie! :)

[@kennance115]

I liked your take on bearing testimony. I felt the same way. It's like you are actually trying to convince yourself of something you are not sure of. It makes me wonder how many others feel the same way. It isn't just one thing that caused me to leave the Church behind me it was many things.

[@JennLove]

Thanks, Ken! I think it's a pretty common thing in Mormonism to feel like you're talking yourself into something, or repeating a script. In fact, it's even sometimes encouraged. One of the weirdest moments of my ex-mormon life was listening to the little kids "bear their testimony" at a local ward. Everyone thought it was adorable. But all I could think was RED ALERT. These kids are being brainwashed.

[@carlduffin]

I always felt it was "fake it till you make it" - then I realised I was just doing the first bit!

[@lilalulaberry]

Wow!! I really relate to your story a lot :) I’m new to leaving Mormonism, so I’m still in the kind of angry phase? But that sort of ending part about dogma really stuck out to me.... thank you for sharing!

[@JennLove]

Thank you for watching! :) The anger is perfectly normal! Even very healthy. It can really help you break free from the cult training. The issue is when anger becomes a way of life. It can burn the one it was intended to liberate.

[@rubytuesday1316]

None of us invest so much time and $$ without being angry. Walking away from a life investment bc you've been scammed is better than to continue being scammed

[@dande3139]

Good conclusion. "If you leave a dogmatic religion, you can never be dogmatic again."

[@laurenceguillosson679]

"Or you've completely missed the point" That's nailing it perfectly.

[@lorincapson7720]

Awesome Story! Mirrors my own. However, took me 58 years to finally end the relationship. No regrets, glad I'm out.

[@JennLove]

Thanks! Better later than never! So proud of your bravery.

[@robertkeller2152]

LDS is a warped version of Christianity. I was disappointed when I was told the truth about it. It's demented not to be harsh.

[@deboraholsen2504]

Her disheveled and emaciated appearance and insincere smile is unconvincing, and so is her story, so I don’t believe at all that she’s happy or satisfied. I do have good will toward her and wish her the best, though, because she needs it.

[@ToyMakingPlans]

You are brilliant and courageous. You put into words what I have felt and experienced in my 30 year Mormon journey from 19 year old convert to 50 year old high priest and ex-mormon. Your experiences are so similar to mine. Thank you from the depths of my heart.

[@JennLove]

Thank you so much! This means the world to me. :)

[@johnlee1352]

Thanks for leaving...we're stronger for it.

[@johnlee1352]

@cindybin2001 Yeah...weak and confused people cycle in and out of the church all the time. I'm thanking him for his absence. Housecleaning...

[@bluesfrequency]

Thanks for sharing your story Jenn. You have a place in this world. Your thoughts and experiences are valid. You matter. Thank you.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Mixman! I appreciate that.

[@maxwellquest6602]

Some souls are too big for organized religion to hold. Jenn fits this category. Of the millions that are born into dogma’s bondage, few have the courage, will, and thirst for understanding to break free. But once they are liberated from the chains of their particular belief system, and the shackles of so-called spiritual authorities, they are then free to develop to their fullest potential under the inspiration of their own God-given light. Congratulations, Jenn!

[@JennLove]

Thanks Maxwell! This made me smile in a major way. I appreciate it. :)

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

Why are some so content to bury their head in the sand? I will never understand it. It's just like "The Villiage". Many of them know in their hearts it is not true but they continue to pretend. I live in Utah and the fact that every single person I know is Mormon has made it difficult to leave but I still did it. I won't saddle my kids with this emotional and mental baggage.

[@gerrybrownlee3217]

Dear Jenn, Thank you for sharing I love your personal,perspective, I spoke to TLDS studied there book. I am deeply grateful for your sharing.

[@sonyareyes9596]

Same here, raised, married one, he went on his mission and he's a monster. Almost baptized. At the end, I'm just on my own spiritual journey.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

@cindybin2001 pearls before swine - your testimony won't bring me back. When people tell me they "know" it only strengthens my convictions.

[@123mneil]

Oooo.. that point hit. "You can't join another dogmatic group or else you've missed the point" Love it! 🥰

[@sarac7265]

I don't fit in either. And it is beautiful to see myself. Thanks for the video.

[@JennLove]

Thanks for sharing your unique beauty with the world!!! 🤩

[@brookelyn4828]

This was a very relatable video and I am really impressed with the amount of research that you began doing as a teen. It's too bad that so many times in Mormonism, research is demonized and I think that really exposes some of the cultiness of the religion. I sadly agree that to really be an exMormon or ex-any religion is to become kind of a loner who doesn't fit in. It hurts because as humans we have such an evolutionary drive to be accepted by our tribe and its terrifying to be cast out. I'm dealing right now with a lot of rejection from my family after explaining to them quickly that I don't believe in Mormonism anymore and it sucks. It's nice to find some camaraderie in the stories of others who have left the church. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@JennLove]

Hey Brookelyn! Thank you so much for stopping by! You’re absolutely right about the demonizing of research and independent thought in the church. That’s part of what makes it so hard to leave. And telling family can be the scariest thing. I admire your courage! ♥️

[@brookelyn4828]

@@JennLove Thank you! Excited to binge all of your great future content!

[@ZulcanPrime]

I am an Aussie man who joined the church when I was 35 and left in 2001.

[@JennLove]

Welcome Captain Nemo! Glad to have you. :)

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

Were you down on your luck when they found you? They lifted you up, became your friend, converted you and then disappeared? I hate how missionaries prey on people in difficult situations. That's why they baptize the crap out of people in 3rd world countries.

[@JennLove]

@@ChristopherSalisburySalz That's how they work, unfortunately. Missionaries and members alike are told to share the gospel with those who are having a hard time, because "sometimes it takes a tragedy for people to humble people enough to open their hearts to the Lord." That is a MASSIVE red flag. No group should seek out emotionally compromised people for recruitment.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

@@JennLove Agreed! There was a talk about the elders quorum president would wait for guys at the car wash to have something bad happen to them so he could reactivate them. I was a member at the time and even then I thought it was really manipulative.

[@JennLove]

@@ChristopherSalisburySalz SUPER manipulative. It's wrong to prey on people who are having a hard time. I always say...Never enter a religion--or a relationship--when you're down on your luck! :D

[@tkomla]

Watched to the end 😊 Brevity and clarity much appreciated. Working to understand this belief system during past year interacting with local LDS community.

[@JennLove]

It's an interesting culture, for sure! Thanks for watching! :)

[@joeldobbs7396]

Thank you for sharing your story. I have been an atheist all my life so listening to people's experiences with leaving their churches and hearing how they began to question the wisdom of what they had been taught is important to me. It helps me be more compassionate when it seems like someone can't see the negative effects their religion is having. I remind myself that some people do eventually see things differently. I try to be patient and engage with them on their own terms because maybe one day they will question their faith and I can't encourage that if they see me as hostile. I hope your journey gets smoother and you find whatever the world has to offer that can fill what must sometimes feel like a pretty big hole.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Joel! Good for you for being compassionate! I think that's the only real way to help people see any type of truth. Thanks for your comment! :)

[@joho9815]

Well I can chime in here. I am also a former Mormon. I'm 59 years old and started going to the Mormon church when I was 5 years old and didn't leave until I was about 30. So I spent a good 25 years in the Mormon church. I was a Mormon missionary in Brazil back in the early 1980s. And something you said in your video made me think of the following:. When I was a young missionary in Brazil at a big missionary conference, there was someone speaking to us about Joseph Smith and Oliver cowdery I believe, It's been a long time. But that speaker was talking about how God "commanded" Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to swap wives. And this sister missionary was crying because she was so moved by the faithfulness of these two men and women to swap wives because God had commanded them to do so. As a 20-year-old, I don't really remember what I thought about that at the time. But now I just believe that Joseph Smith had a zipper problem. It was very confusing for me as a young man because you know how firmly the LDS church talks about the law of chastity and then telling us that God commanded the two founders of the Mormon church to swap wives was just bizarre. In the 1970s I went to seminary before school early in the morning. Needless to say, we did not have the internet to research things like we do today, so we pretty much swallowed everything whole that they told us, especially about LDS church history. As a gay man, it was torture for me to grow up in the '60s and '70s in the Mormon church Knowing who I really was on the inside and keeping it a secret because I felt so horribly defective, and I still don't know if I've completely recovered from that today. I think I still have trauma from those decades. Anyway, I just thought I would share a bit about my experience as well. Thanks!

[@laurenceguillosson679]

As an atheist/agnostic, I've wondered about this need for religion for a long time. Read Eat, pray, love from Elizabeth Gilbert. You don't need a religion to meet God, you need transcendence. Love him, he'll love you back ❤

[@JennLove]

I really liked that book! Gilbert's take on spirituality was very interesting. She helped me build up my meditation practice as well. Thanks Laurence! :)

[@zimmelstern4313]

Left nearly 30 years ago ,peronally wouldn't say that I had a strong faith ,as I was born into it.More that I felt as an outsider even as a small child I felt something was wrong that I could not put my finger on . However your study to truly know the inner workings ,the construct brought you to your truth .blessed be have a good day.

[@SANTANA1deep]

I watched all the way through. I am thankful for your insight, and light.

[@JennLove]

Thanks so much! :)

[@greggillis1703]

Thank you for sharing your story. It helps to know I'm not alone.

[@JennLove]

You're welcome! You're definitely not alone. Thank you for watching!

[@Williamb612]

Love you Jenn. You went through the crucible, and have emerged a Phoenix I find that with LDS, their power comes from parents indoctrinating their children at birth…when this happens it takes enormous strength of spirit to rise up over the indoctrination of your mind and see it for what it was. You now are free…and now the question is in your freedom what do you choose to do and be. You have started well by paying your experiences and insights forward… More adventures to come 🐰❤️⭐️

[@JennLove]

Thank you so much! :)

[@jurekzarzycki2341]

Amazing story! Your path out of the church was quite unusual but just as stories of conversions, stories of leaving are all very unique. Good for you! I think that you are a very smart and interesting person. It would be great to be related to you!

[@369anti6]

Hi, I really like what you has to say, I left mormonism and religion behind when I woke up so to speak. I also feel disconnected, like it's hard to find people who you can talk to about these things, especially if you like to question everything. That's why I wanted to say thanks for sharing your thoughts. I like studying the occult and ancient knowledge, mystical or otherwise, it helped give me perspective on what life could be about. I hope that whatever you choose to believe or not that you can keep smiling and find happiness 😊

[@JennLove]

Thanks Anti! I'm so glad you stopped by. It's nice to meet a fellow questioner. :D

[@DoorknobHead]

Thanx for sharing. Well done.

[@JennLove]

Thank YOU! :)

[@pabloareas2258]

I honestly think you always fit in you have value as a person and whatever road you have chosen to follow, know that you are accepted. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@JennLove]

Thanks Pablo! :)

[@pabloareas2258]

@@JennLove you’re very welcome! Never give up! :)

[@adellel.3827]

I loved hearing your story! I am going though a very similar story as yours at 15. It’s very weird/hard with all the pressure from family and friends. Thanks for sharing.

[@JennLove]

You’re an inspiration! Good for you for doing research and seeking mental freedom. 😊 The pressure can truly be unbearable. Just continue to think through everything as rationally as possible, and you will make it through the FOG (fear-obligation-guilt) that comes with leaving a cult. Thank you so much for your comment! ☀️

[@adellel.3827]

@@JennLove thank you!

[@AJ-et3vf]

Awesome video! Thank you! Exmo here! I have watched a lot of exmo content already, yet you only showed up on my recommended tonight! I'm quite glad to have found your video and to hear your story. Thank you for sharing! Very inspiring, uplifting, eye-opening, and edifying ❤️❤️❤️

[@JennLove]

Thank you! Glad you found the video! :)

[@AJ-et3vf]

@@JennLove you're welcome! Thanks for sharing your story ☺️

[@michaelmunn7259]

I did stick with you to the very end. I found much of what you had to say very relatable and confirmed a good deal of how I feel regarding the question of whether or not that 'warm feeling' is some kind of revelation that confirms whatever it is you pray about, or whether it is just a warm feeling, and what I discovered led me to leave the Church 26 years ago. I'm now a very happy humanist. Great video.

[@DeJaVuCa]

Way to deconstruct and think for yourself! Thank you for sharing! You're brilliant 😊

[@beebaritter4952]

I feel like you have some interesting ideas and are good at making people understand what you're trying to say. I was mormon once too. I wish I could get a refund on my tithing. It would have helped pay for college! Hugs.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Beeba! I also wish the Church would give a refund to former members. It would be a mark of integrity on their part.

[@joetaylor8687]

Yeah, I think a lot of people wish they could get some of that money back . . . or even some of the time spent trying to comply, conform, and "fit in" with the flock.

[@afwalker1921]

Your faith journey blows my mind, and you get bonus points for the use of "Tanakh" instead of Old Testament... some people lack the subtlety to make that distinction. Cool!

[@matthewhaynes7646]

Congratulations and well done for thinking for yourself. Enjoy the rest of your journey into freedom.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Matthew!

[@jacqueblue]

Thank you honey. I thoroughly enjoyed this. God bless.

[@susanberberian3718]

I have multiple religions in my family, Catholic, Judaism, Lutheran, etc. and don't practice any of them, but I practice this...do unto others as you would want for yourself. It's simple and a good way to live. Amen.

[@Spawn303]

Thanks! We need people like you to speak up and do this!!! I watched it all!

[@JennLove]

Thanks Joe! :)

[@jillrice2577]

I could listen to you all day. You're so intelligent and mindful, plus you have a beautiful voice! As an ex Mormon myself, I also had a lot of questions. When I would ask church leaders, hoping to get answers or at least be pointed in a direction where I could find them, I was always told things such as, "We aren't meant to know everything in this dispensation. You shouldn't look so hard for answers and just let Heavenly Father reveal the answers in His own time and manner. " Wow! Talk about a cop out! I was very actively and sternly told to NOT learn! Which, for a religion that places so much emphasis on education, just confused me more.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Jill! It's so frustrating to get the run around from leaders; the gaslighting is strong in Mormonism! Asking questions should never be punished, especially (as you said) in a group that tells us to be educated. Congrats on being brave enough to push through all that noise and learn the truth!

[@healthhollow7218]

I am SO GLAD I found your channel! I loved hearing what you had to say about leaving the church. You investigated and wanted to search for the TRUTH, regardless of what the church has always said about looking for “answers”. I think that just by blindly following a faith is the wrong way to go about a religion. Religion is so much more important than just accepting what everyone around you is saying is true. Just like the repetitive “I know this church is true, I know Joseph Smith was a profit, Etc”. Do we really know? We absolutely do not. We have to search for truth and get all of the information gathered together so that we can make the right decisions for us. We absolutely have to investigate so that we can find the right answers. As an ex-Mormon myself it literally has taken 21 years after leaving and I still have to search for therapeutic resources like your channel to help and uplift me. When you are indoctrinated in a religion it is extremely hard to reprogram yourself. I’m not sure that we will ever shed all of the things that were ingrained in us as Mormons but I sure am grateful to have a group of people that can relate and understand what we are going through. Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing what else you have to say! New subscriber! ❤️🤩👏

[@JennLove]

Hi BB! Thank you so much for joining ExMo Together! 21 years out of the Church is quite an accomplishment. Leaving is difficult, and I agree with you that it's hard to shed the indoctrination. SO proud of you for reaching out to find a community to help support you through the process. Again...welcome! So excited to get to know you!!! :)

[@CaptPeon]

I too was raised in the LDS church. The first thing that made me begin to question the authenticity of the church was when I would ask questions about what we were being told in Sunday school; the inevitable response from every teacher equated to "just have faith." When I was 14 I became fascinated by how so many people in Nazi Germany could have justified the atrocities that they were committing.... That led me to consider brainwashing. At the next Fast Sunday, I watched child after child "bear their testimony"... Only it wasn't theirs, it was the standard script that were just as often as not being whispered into the child's ear by their parent. I'm sure that any other person here knows what I mean, "I'd like to bare my testimony, I know this church is true. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet..." It became crystal clear to me that this was pure indoctrination, in the least, and absolute brainwashing at most. It was only a matter of time afterwards that I realized I could no longer participate in, what was increasingly clear, a cult.

[@JennLove]

Thanks for your viewpoint! Nice job getting out! The brainwashing is definitely a real thing. It's so hard to overcome. I'm still working on it! :)

[@CaptPeon]

@@JennLove thanks! Given the heavy focus on the "eternal family", I think it's even more difficult to leave the LDS church than other faiths. There's so much social and familial pressure to stay in the church because if you leave everyone acts like/ believes that they are watching you choose death and Hell (as an apostate or son of perdition) in addition to feeling like you are denouncing/ challenging/ denying their own faith. At the end of the day, even when most of my family finally accepted that I wasn't coming back to church, look down on me. Perhaps it's subconscious/ unintentional but they still treat me with less respect as if I'm making a foolish and childish mistake. However, I'd rather live honestly than pretend to have faith... Though I know a good number of Mormons in my wards were jack- Mormons that just put on a show of living "faithfully". I was given a book that helped me process some of the feelings/ emotions after leaving. I believe it's called "life after Mormonism" or something along those lines...? Best wishes. I appreciate/ respect you for staying true to yourself!

[@deboraholsen2504]

It’s a shame that you didn’t do further in-depth study on your own to the wonderful testimony of Jesus Christ as our Savior and the only one by whom we can receive salvation, as the Book of Mormon clearly testifies of, along with the Bible. Rather, you put all your trust in man, and used that as your Bible and the basis of your testimony! You allowed yourself to be duped by simplicity and appearances, rather than searching the scriptures and history for answers. You weren’t sincere, and doubted your faith BEFORE you doubted your doubts. I hope you take the time and effort to study with an open mind and open heart when you are more mature. My prayers are, and will be with you.

[@CaptPeon]

@@deboraholsen2504 you make a lot of assumptions. Do you think that I'm going to describe my entire spiritual journey in a KZbin comment? "You will know the false prophets by their fruits" Matthew ch 7. Those Mormon fruits sure seem rotten to me.

[@henochparks]

@@CaptPeon Tell us which church does more for mankind than Mormons?

[@Yeshua_is_King1]

I've never been Mormon but I have studied pretty much every major religion and subsets even down to death cults. I guess I've always been interested in history and theology in general. LDS is extremely contradictory to everything it claims it's based on but that's not even the bad part. The church history of LDS and the things the leadership did and said was pretty shocking.

[@JennLove]

Hi Joshua! Thanks for your insight. You seem like a well-studied person!!! 😊 There’s definitely an air of secrecy in the church. Members are taught to ignore history in favor of “faith.” So, sadly, much of what you’ve learned remains unknown to them. Hopefully, the internet will continue to change that!!! 😁

[@TrumpAlly]

I call BS on your extensive study, you don’t know Jack about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

[@Yeshua_is_King1]

@@TrumpAlly Well, I know that the Church was founded by a young man whose grandfather was an extensive treasure hunter( as was Joseph). I know that an early founding member of the church lived in the same town as the author of view of the Hebrews. I also know that Joseph Smith and his family were free Masons. Now these things would be irrelevant if BOM didn't borrow from these things. Masonic Lodge rituals are oddly similar to LDS temple rituals, and there are verbatim statements taken from View of the Hebrews in BOM. Let's not forget Joseph used the same seer stones to translate the golden plates as he did when scamming people saying he could find treasure with them. I also know King Follets Discourse is full of grammatical errors in it's supposed "fixing the plural Elohim" by saying it means a plurality of gods which it doesn't. Also Eloi being a Hebrew singular when it's not even Hebrew. However the one thing that's a red flag about the faith being non Christian is blood attonement, as it limits the sins Christ can forgive for. I know more about church history and the church in general than you may think. Feel free to ask anything or refute my statements.

[@nielnielsen4822]

@@Yeshua_is_King1 The first red flag was it's a religion.

[@ronbrewer3493]

Here is what I know .that we are here on this spinning blue planet for a reason. We are more than a physical body. Why come to earth get a body if we can not keep it after resurrection. The essence of life is growth and to become and to overcome. A baby can grow up and become an adult. We can grow up and become like our Heavenly parents. I say parents because women and men men keep their babies after resurrection. Real truth is that we can grow up and become like our Heavenly parents. Know this that you could not develop faith if you new everything and if you new everything you would be a God. You are not a God but nearther is a baby an adult..why do you feel that you are here on this spinning blue planet..??

[@frankanderson4113]

I've never been a mormon, but I do believe that Jesus is Lord, and I try to educate myself as much as I can about others beliefs. And try to understand what things are actually like in their hearts and lives. I thought this was a brave way to talk about your story. You seem to have simply set the camera up and spoke.from your heart. And it seems obvious that you didn't leave the LDS church with the gall of bitterness in your heart. Thanks for.sharing your story. And whatever small chance there is that you don't know this, no one would ever guess that you were thirty four at the time you recorded this :). Your skin looks so beautiful and young. And your eyes still shine with the radiance of youth. You're a lovely person. That's my free and honest compliment :)

[@JennLove]

Thank you so much!

[@rubytuesday1316]

I did leave angry and still am! Thousands of $$$, kids on missions, things I could have done, while running around all day for LD$ needs. What a fool I was. I got out LD$ number and all! So did most my kids !

[@LOwens-xf8yo]

Lovely story. Thank you for sharing. Ex-Catholic here. I’m so glad women like you are talking about their deconstruction. My story is boring, because I went from firm faithful believer to non-believer in one instant. At 9 when I learned that to believe in Gos meant to believe women were inferior, and my brain couldn’t fathom that, so it all ended. I kept searching, and have found my peace. I hope you have found your peace as well. Keep believing in yourself.

[@JennLove]

Thank you! I love your story. And I love that you were such a self-aware nine year old! Kids are so smart...when we don't gaslight, trick, and abuse them. Congrats on finding peace! :)

[@emiliadavis8247]

Keep seeking Christ! He's so real! 💖

[@Etjsrr]

Hah, as an atheist from a completely different country, I enjoyed to learn about your personal journey! As an immigrant I feel this not fitting in feeling deep inside. I kept swimming and building my own network. You do great and you love the people in your self made community knowing it is really true connection, not just a culture bond.

[@Etjsrr]

Thanks for sharing!

[@JennLove]

Thank you so much Val! I’m glad to have you here. ❤️

[@lovinglife8003]

‘Tis now a year after you posted this video - and it came up on my feed. It is a great gift to learn to think for yourself. To search, to question and to find heart and mind validation IN THE JOURNEY.

[@JennLove]

Thanks for watching!

[@pgklada]

I love that smile... a smile that easily explains all that bullshit :-))) love, love, love...

[@JennLove]

Thank you!

[@pgklada]

@@JennLove and here I am, again, to listen to you, again... still love you way... :-)

[@pgklada]

youR way :-)

[@JennLove]

@@pgklada Awww thank you! You're awesome. :)

[@chelseacheeks2632]

I love that you were like, I need to know the science.. Oh yeah let's go to the occult to explain this scientifically! I really appreciate your perspective and journey being so different and similar to mine 😊

[@FlawedSociety]

Great testimony. Thank you for sharing.

[@yazyo07]

I feel so much love for you!🌺I was in the same situation like you. Now exmormon since several years and still detoxing from it.

[@JennLove]

Thank you! Congrats on getting out!

[@peterpatrick620]

. . . good share . . . I can sure relate . . . tks . . .

[@Radioposting]

Your first "mistake" was thinking for yourself! Be sure to build yourself a community of genuine people. I think you're smart and cute as a button! Don't ever think that you're alone, or cast away on the Island of Lost Toys.

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

Very interesting to hear your experience. Being a non active Catholic am often wondering how the Mormons feel and think about their religion

[@whittlesmcskittles5791]

Thank you for sharing this is exactly how I feel, like I don't belong anywhere, it's nice to know I'm not alone and there are other weird hippies out there ;)

[@JennLove]

Right on! Hippies unite!!! PS I love your username. :)

[@timdegraw7395]

Thanks for your video. Very appreciated. The church makes zero logical sense and i left because its been proven by facts and history to be false. Live the life that makes you happy. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. Cheers

[@JennLove]

Thanks Tim! :)

[@joetaylor8687]

The sad thing is that many ex-members quickly throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater, and declare themselves to be atheists / agnostics, rather than searching for other answers that may be hard to reach, but still true. I think one of the main problems is that the Gospel of Salvation is too often massively overshadowed by the gospel of failure, the gospel of goofy, and the standard of stupid--so people figure it's ALL hokey.

[@ryankirkland4791]

I liked your story and how you express yourself. I can kind of related to your story, I had a good friend who kind of went through the same thing. Keep up the good work, and don't let that hater ever halt your day.

[@JennLove]

Thanks, Ryan! You're awesome!

[@RideMyLighting]

The church is full of stuff I wanted to question for a long time but I couldn’t because I was afraid to be outcast or something, I grew up and became more aware of things that didn’t make sense in the Book of Mormon and the Bible and i wanted to approach those things from a more objective point of view. That was the first step for me that would eventually lead to me leaving the church. ¡Thanks for sharing! PD: you’re extremely beautiful 😌

[@JennLove]

Thank you so much! And congrats for having the courage to investigate! The Church's claims fall apart with even a cursory investigation, but a lot of people never take that step. It's so hard to face the truth.

[@multitasker5863]

I loved your testimony.

[@erictaylor5462]

This video is like the opposite of a fast & testimony meeting.

[@JennLove]

Thank you! That's an awesome compliment!

[@erictaylor5462]

@@JennLove I really hated Fast & Testimony meetings. Especially as I became a teenager and my faith started to wane. It was like shoving that fact into your face. That is one thing I really hate about religion. It's hard to get away from it. It is such a painful process. Only when that process is complete do you see what a horrendously abusive sort of relationship it is. Any time your partner threatens you if you should leave, that is a sure sign of an abusive relationship. And what possible threat can you have than eternal torment? Thank god that by the time I came of age to go on a mission, my faith was so weak I could not honestly go on a mission. Also, thank god my parents didn't pressure me to do that. My parents were not exactly okay with me leaving the faith, but they didn't shun me for doing it. Only once you are away from a faith can you really see how horrible and abusive it is.

[@magal55]

Good point that all fundamentalist religions are alike.

[@utah133]

Wow. I'm the same kind of explorer and very analytical. The questions you had and healthy skepticism are part of me. I've left the church too.

[@JennLove]

That's awesome! The more logical you are...the easier it is to see through the BS. Glad you got out!!!

[@mirimiriela480]

I have to admit I wasn't expecting the Jewish mysticism! This video is a beautiful illustration of how your worldview fundamentally clashes with that of the church.

[@JennLove]

Thank you! We are quite incompatible, the Church and me. :)

[@samhennis]

I enjoyed the story, and it reminds me of my own story of leaving mormonism behind. I went from being raised TBM and serving a church mission, to leaving mormonism in my early 30's due to my questioning church doctrines and looking into Eastern spirituality. I've been out of the church for about 12 years now

[@handpanhenry2139]

You fit in, in Seattle!!! We love you!!!

[@JennLove]

Yay Pacific NW! Love you all. :)

[@sweetyd]

Thank you for sharing your message. I enjoyed listening to it. Have you ever stopped to think that a major reason you left the church was for something that was told you incorrectly? Polygamy is not the way you were taught it. No where in the scriptures does it say you, me, or anyone must or will practice polygamy. I realize people, leaders (and apparently principals) teach it the way you learned it, that doesn't make it true. Just a thought. Thanks.

[@JennLove]

Hi D! That's a great thought. Polygamy-and the way it is used in the Church-was definitely part of my transition out of the faith. But it wasn't the only factor. I agree that polygamy as a single reason for leaving would present kind of an under-developed case against the Church-especially as they have now disavowed the practice. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@haroldjones9321]

Disavowed but still advocate and practice same?? Elitists control of the masses? Top down authoritarianism & control? Communism? Marxism?

[@afwalker1921]

I am beginning to think that the only people who can claim that the Mormon Church is true are those who don't know what's real. We are not all intellectually equal, and there have been times I have been horrified at what is walking around out here in a human skin. There are some people you just can't talk to. Some people scare me...

[@rebeccamcdougall1945]

I recommend reading CS Lewis for further insight and a wider view

[@JennLove]

I love CS Lewis! Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters are two of my faves. Thanks! 🙂

[@rebeccamcdougall1945]

@@JennLove Yes, I was going to recommend those! I also really enjoyed Miracles.

[@TheTinahanners]

I left the church somewhere around 1988 I was 13.

[@JennLove]

That's awesome!

[@TheDragonladyhere]

You have a beautiful soul and it really shines. You definitely cannot be contained within the narrow confines of a box called 'religion'. If only more people realized that about themselves, these twisted dogmas would have no power over them.

[@JennLove]

Thank you!

[@sparklegush]

oh my god you're so cool and fabulous! thanks for sharing some of your inner world with us!

[@JennLove]

Thanks Isolde! :)

[@richardstorm4603]

lol, I thought you was going to say PLUR. :p Anyway, you probably already know the stuff that I am about to talk about. Here's why I left the Church. I was in the "Mormon Church" in the 1980s and in the early 90s. I was adopted at 9 years-old by a family who were Mormons at that time. They are no longer part of that church. My mom and dad are back to being Protestants again. When I was growing up, we Mormons never considered ourselves Christians. We thought that Christians were foolish. This wasn't just our family, this was also our whole church and the Mormon churches that we went to in other states (I was a military brat). Anyway, we didn't think that Christians would go to Hell (Outer Darkness). They just wouldn't be in the "Celestial Kingdom" with us to be "Gods" and rule over other planets. They would just be in the other "lower" heavens, but at least they wouldn't be in "Outer Darkness" with the murderers and rapists. I never became a missionary, but I DO know a lot about the teaching in the 80s and early 90s. I hear that they have changed it up a little. Why would they do this is if it is really the truth? Oh, and they really DID (maybe still do) teach that God Almighty was once a man like us who worshiped His own "God" before He became God. So, the question that I was asking before I left the church was if God had a God to worship and that God had another God to worship, who is the original God? And their answer was always, "These questions of yours will be answered when you die and meet God." Uh, which God would that be? Well, God confirms in the Bible over and over that there is only ONE God, and that is Him alone. And most Mormons seriously believe that the Bible says that the mark on Cain was that he was turned into a black person and today's black people are his decedents. Of course, if you study the Bible, this is impossible since I believe (if I remember correctly) that all of his decedents died even before the flood. If they didn't, I seriously don't think that any of his decedents made it on the Ark. Besides, nowhere in the ANY version of the Bible did it ever say what his mark was. Of course, I am sure that every "KKK clan member" would say that the mark was that Cain was turned into a black person. Anyway, do you know what this means? It means that Mormons do not really study the Bible even though missionaries claim that they do. There's a BIG difference between memorizing certain versus of the Bible (verses that they "think" back up the Morman doctrine) and actually studying the whole Bible. If they actually took the time and read James, they would freak out, because it totally goes against their doctrine "against" the Trinity. Heck, every book in the New Testament goes against their doctrine against the Trinity. Jesus actually confirms over and over in the New Testament that the ONLY way to Heaven is through Him alone, because He IS God Almighty in human flesh (since NO MAN can look at God Almighty Who is not in human flesh without dying INSTANTLY). This is literally why the Pharisees wanted Jesus dead. They could not stand it that He "dared" to say that He was God Almighty, Himself. Of course, the LDS church's whole argument is that Joshep Smith used the Urim and Thummim to translate the Golden Plates to the Book of Mormon because there are "errors" in the Holy Bible. So, why make the claim that you study the Bible, too? Why study the Bible if it is full of flaws? And why would God allow these mistakes in the Bible to go on for thousands of years? Just so you know, the Dead Sea Scrolls literally proved Mr. Smith's theory WRONG. And I find it funny that the first editions of the Book of Mormon were full of misspellings and grammar errors. So, God cannot spell, now? He has terrible grammar, now? I say God Almighty had absolutely NOTHING to do with this fantasy Golden Plates, because there was no such thing. And just so you know, the priests and King David used the Urim and Thummim to ask God Almighty if their plan of action was a wise one or not. They didn't use it to translate anything. How can they if the answer is only, "yes or no"? This would have taken Mr. Smith a lifetime just to translate one chapter if he really used the Urim and Thummim to translate these fake "Golden Plates". They would literally still be trying to translate it to this very day, because they wouldn't even be close to being half done. I can just see it. :p Mr. Smith would have been saying, "Okay, what does this symbol mean? Does it mean money? No? Okay,...does it mean food? No?? Okay,...what about pizza? ..No? Ah, come on, man!" Also, most Jewish people back in the day had black hair and dark skin, not blonde hair, blue eyes, and white skin like these "Nephites" had. ;) Just saying. And I bet you that trip to the "United States" was REALLY nasty and smelly with everything being closed up in those wooden submarines. ;) Oh, and who wants to hear how and why God made brown people and white people? :p Here's a hint. :p It had something to do with the battle in Heaven between Satan and his demons and God and his angels....including us who are not angels at all and will NEVER be angels despite the "claim" that the "angel" Moroni was first a human prophet in the Americas before he became an angel. Uh, that's totally impossible if you believe the Bible...Just saying...Humans cannot become angels...Those who are righteous in God's eyes will actually rule over them (after God Almighty, of course). Why would any righteous Christain ever want to become an angel? Not that's it's bad being an angel. However, expecting to be an angel after you die is like saying that a person can become a horse in Heaven if they are righteous. Do you really want to be a horse in heaven for all eternity? I know that some of you weirdos might, but still.....Oh, and it also had something to do when the Lamanites supposedly angered God. So,...he did something to them. ;) Guess what he did? Just so you know, I am not looking down on any Mormon. I used to believe the lie, too. So, who am I to look down on someone believing in what I used to believe in? I just think that the whole doctrine is really silly if you sit down and look at it and compare it to Christianity who I believe that Mormons are NOW calling themselves even though they didn't call themselves Christians when I was a Mormon....................Yeah...I think that last sentence made sense...

[@Mr.MermanPrince]

This was a really well done video. I enjoyed hearing your process and experience. I'm not mormon myself, I'm reading the Book of Mormon and honestly as someone whose been to archaeological digs in the US, it makes me a bit angry. If you aren't sure why and wanna know, look up the Mound-Builder hypothesis.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Merman! The Mound-Builder hypothesis is pretty wild. My archaeology prof. in school told me it has absolutely no basis in reality. And yet...it seems to persist. The human imagination is a fertile--and sometimes unstoppable--thing. If I may ask...are you reading the Book of Mormon for fun? Research purposes? Or have you taken a page from Mark Twain's book, and decided to use it as a sleep aid? :)

[@MrRandyhk]

I was born into the LDS Church because of my mom who joined mainly because of guilt of her past and wanted to repent. Did the whole LDS thing until I'm 24, and now 39 with no regrets still for leaving and learning on how to be a good person growing up. I didn't like the fact that I work hard in school and life only to thank God for it. I was like ehhhh......I did all the hard work. Why do I have to thank god for that? I also don't like feeling guilty with thoughts as a teenager male if you know my drift, and have to pray for repentance. In the end, I believe that if you have to live life being obedient or guilty, then you're living life wrong. Now I can enjoy a good cup of Americano and not feel guilty about it. My mom still bugs me to go to back to church at dinners. I just tell my mom that when my brother becomes straight, then I'll come back to church. My brother is gay and when he came out during our teenage years was definitely an interesting eye opener. My parents divorced after I came back from the Army, and all that being a family together even in the Celestial world just went out the window. I thought it was a really racist that Blacks weren't allowed in Church for the longest time, and now recently it is okay. Anyways, I'm glad I'm out and more spiritual than religious. Still treat everyone equal even with differences in culture, race and even sexuality. Glad you're out too and keep on being you and be happy about it. Cheers and thanks for the video!

[@andersonomo597]

"I did all the hard work. Why do I have to thank god for that?" I agree - sort of! Yes, YOU did the hard work, but you can also be grateful that you have the ABILITY to work hard! Not everyone does. Doesn't matter if you thank God or the universe, but appreciation of and gratitude for your ability to work hard is a good thing in many ways. I work hard too - that's not just my assessment but also others have told me so and I have worked with people who are absolutely hopeless and useless and you know they will NEVER have a great, successful, fulfilled life. Cheers to you too!

[@denisethrondsen3399]

I love your story and your intelligence. I feel exactly like you do. Maybe not fitting in is a good thing! Even when I was at my most “religious” point, I still didn’t fit in, lol. I’m extremely spiritual also. I believe in Jesus and God. In fact, I’m more spiritual now than I have ever been. I have a personal relationship with both. I talk to them every day, believe me, it’s helped me. Keep on being sweet, authentic and smart!❣️

[@_6-6_]

Thank you. I'm in the same place, like how do I know what's the spirit and what's not? I want the church to be true, but how can I know if these feelings come from so many different sources? I have no idea. If it is true, then I don't know why God would support a church that harms so many? Like you want a homosexual to marry someone they aren't attracted to, or be alone for the rest of their life? I don't know if God would expect that of someone. It's hard to imagine that.

[@joanlantis4497]

hey Jen. I think I may know you. was your mother a piano teacher in south Jordan?

[@JennLove]

She wasn’t! But I did live in that area for a while. Maybe we crossed paths! ☺️

[@cuthere93]

After a very long and dark time in my life I made an experience (which had nothing to do the with Mormon faith) I described as being spiritual back then when I was 21 and it was life saving for me. For the first time in my life I felt joy and could handle my life after a long time of depression. One year later I met the Mormons. They taught me that my experience I had one year before was caused by Satan because he knew I would meet the one and only true Church in my life on this earth, so he gave me all those beautiful feelings to lead me on a wrong path. But when I told the Mormons I felt bad about the LDS Church and all my joy disappeared they told me all these bad feelings are caused, again, by Satan cause now he wants to get me away from the one and only Church. Can you image what a freaking conflict that was for me? The worse I felt about the Church the more I thought the Church must be true. I was baptized a few month later, one of the darkest days of my life, became inactive 2 weeks later and left the Church after 3 years.

[@JennLove]

Thanks for sharing your story! It's common for Mormons to turn experiences on their heads. If something feels good--but it doesn't agree with the Church--they say it must be bad. The idea of "Satan" giving us good feelings to lead us away from God's "One True Church" is logically unsound. 1) Why would God give Satan the power to read our minds/tamper with our emotions? That makes us lose the game right there. We can't even trust ourselves? Nope. Just our leaders. (But can't Satan read their minds/tamper with their emotions, too...? So who do we really trust...?) 2) Why would God allow Satan to duplicate the emotions of joy/happiness/goodness? Those are supposed to be HIS vehicle for talking to us. This would be like a parent telling their child: "This guy's going to sound exactly like me--look exactly like me--and act exactly like me. But you have to make sure you ONLY follow ME...or you'll die. Good luck!" What kind of a sick person would do that to a child? Definitely not a "God" I'm interested in working with. Thanks again for sharing your story! It really touched me. You're incredibly courageous for leaving!!! I hope your life is now filled with true joy, love, and happiness!!!

[@cuthere93]

@@JennLove Thank you for answering me! The concept of evil is very problematic in the Abrahamic religions. I am now 49 years old and these Mormon times are still haunting me. BTW, I was also very interested in Kabbalah and I thought Kabbalah would be a better way to understand reality than the Mormon way. There is a video called "Zohar and Kabbalah - Daniel Matt" from the channel Rutgers University. He, Daniel C Matt, was the first one who translated the Zohar into English (I own all 12 volumes of the Pritzker Edition - if you don't know them you can find them on amazon) and if you like please watch the first 13 Minutes of his spreech. I wonder what you think about it ;-) Please let me know!

[@HrafnNordhri]

"Hey knock it off you're going straight to Hell" Same symbols are on the Temple.. oops. That part you mentioned about the flaming sword forcing Joseph to accept polygamy.. that was a big one for me because it is not consistent with the rest of the accepted Standard Works. That act is contrary to free will and it is not the act of a loving, benevolent, god.

[@JennLove]

Too true, Raven! Temple symbolism was a shelf item for me. Joseph really should have left the sword idea out. It trips up almost everyone who really bothers to think about it!

[@HrafnNordhri]

@@JennLove I am also an exmo.. but after listening to other's stories on their leaving, I am left a bit perplexed. You and I have a lot of similarities. Most leaving stories seem very cut and dry. It's been very difficult for me. I left, had my name removed, got re-baptized, fought for nearly 10 years to get things restored, only to leave again. My name is still on the records, but I don't plan to return.

[@JennLove]

@@HrafnNordhri Leaving the Church was heart-wrenching! I believed with everything I had. The cognitive dissonance was intense. I was an absolute wreck for years. I think some people take change more easily. Hence the cut and dry stories. I’m not one of them! It sounds like you aren’t either. Keep fighting the good fight! Take one day at a time. And always do what’s right for you. ☺️

[@loisdanes176]

I had similar questions as a kid. I found answers that satisfied me in physics, imagining God as a being that exists in a higher demention. My physics teacher described it as imaging what a 2 dementional being would experience if a 3 dementional being suddenly showed up. They would think we came out of no where. My high school physics teacher was LDS so that probably helped. Then I had my own spiritual awakening of sorts that happened, pretty independent of any church type experience. I had a near death situation. I think a lot of people in the LDS church are scared of the truth, which doesn't make sense to me, because that's not what the articles of faith promote. Polygamy was hard for me to accept as well. But I honestly know if it's something that's required for the celestial kingdom, I probably just don't belong there because it wouldn't be a happy situation for me or my husband. The other kingdoms are better than here so I'm ok with whatever. I kind of think God puts us where we will be the most happy based on what he knows we are willing to commit to. I love your quest for truth seeking. I feel like that's going to matter more to God than dogma anyway. He knows our hearts. In more practical terms I guess polygamy makes sense to me in certain short term situations when you consider it's the quickest way to increase the population of a group that's short on men. I've never heard or believed it was something God would force anyone into, but I guess that's a good point about the flaming sword. I never thought about that to be honest. But to me it doesn't seem incongruent with other Bible or Book of Mormon stories. Nephi was commanded to kill Laban, and that went against who he was and what he believed. Job lost everything in spite of being faithful. Sometimes it frightens me to imagine being asked to do something that goes against my conscience and sense of right or wrong. Its hard enough to do what I know is right. I think of all the insane people that think they hear God and hurt their kids. That's scary. Religion to me is full of paradox and I'm comfortable with it. I don't find it bothersome any more. But if I did I would probably have to leave too. Good luck on your search for truth. I personally think it's possible you were feeling the Spirit all along even when your leaders discouraged you. They were ignorant most likely. If you can't trust the Spirit you can't trust anything and I thought we were to seek out truth in all its forms. There has to be a lot we still don't know or understand about God and truth. How often do we here our own Prophets drawing from other cultures to teach a lesson? My hope is that as the church grows and gains more diverse membership that we will better recognize our own false traditions and hang ups.

[@erictaylor5462]

It's not that long ago. I left the Church in the 1989. almost before *YOU* were born.

[@klsmith0722]

I think you are okay; Thank you!

[@pattyrichardson2251]

I recently left on my own ,I experienced bullying from my adopted mom, she got so bad that she was jealous of others coming up to me to talk to me at church,she said I had to sit up there and be miserable with her even though everyone is a butt,she even wished I was dead rather then not coming to church, I take care of my family they are more important .I felt I was being brainwashed at one point .,the church ward I attended also was praying for my mother to die .the whole group .I didn't want no part of that .just wanted to share a bit .now converted to Christian .

[@JennLove]

Patty, it sounds like your adoptive mom has some issues. That's not normal behavior in any religion. So sorry you went through that! Glad you've found a spiritual path you enjoy. :)

[@pattyrichardson2251]

@@JennLove thank you for your kind response ,yes ,I think she was a bit mixed up .yes I'm enjoying the path I'm going in ,even making new friends .I felt the Mormon religion wasn't for me ,I couldn't take it anymore it seemed like I was at a standstill with it .thank you for letting me share some .

[@JennLove]

@@pattyrichardson2251 Of course! I love to hear life stories. I'm glad you shared. It's awesome that you're making friends on your new path! :D

[@spiritcomfort2193]

✝️For GOD so ❤️*Loved the WORLD that "HE Gave HIS ONE and ONLY SON!!, that 🙏*WHOEVER BELIEVES in HIM Shall "NOT Perish" BUT have ⚜️*ETERNAL LIFE!!*✝️ (John 3:16)

[@psmith535]

Jenn, I wish you all the best. We’ve all had questions and we’ve all searched diligently for answers. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by people that could answer my questions. I know polygamy was a big one. If Joseph Smith was truly God’s one chosen servant then how could he also be a pedophile, adulterer, a sexual deviant and a huge liar? I was very happy to find the true answers of such a debacle. Who was the very first LDS polygamist? It was not Joseph Smith, in fact, Joseph Smith never had more than his wife, Emma. Joseph preached publicly and in private against polygamy all the days of his life. Brigham Young on the other hand was a hormone driven, horn dog. Sad but true, Brigham doctored a lot of historical documents. All of that aside, Joseph Smith never even once practiced any polygamy. He was an amazing man, the prophet chosen to restore the gospel to the earth, the man who translated the Book of Mormon from ancient writings, and the man whom God chose.

[@mylesmarkson1686]

Joseph had over 30 wives. It's well-documented and not even up for debate. Helen Marr Kimball bragged about being one of "the chosen ones", and she was taken at 14. Would you want your 14-year-old daughter to be taken advantage of by a self-proclaimed prophet? I'd be burning him at the stake. There's no reason to defend such disgusting actions by a con-man, and yet here you are. I wish you all the best in your pursuit of the truth.

[@psmith535]

@@mylesmarkson1686 I didn’t see your comment until now. I have done the research, I have spent thousands of hours researching this subject. Joseph Smith told the truth and Brigham Young was a massive liar. Those surrounding Brigham Young were also liars. Early leadership of Brigham Young‘s church were all on board with spiritual wifery, Polygamy, plural marriage, illicit intercourse, etc. Helen Marr Kimball, the 14 year old girl yousaid was engaging in a relationship with Joseph Smith, that story is absolutely not true. Helen is the daughter of Heber C Kimball, and Heber C Kimball is a crook and a liar. And Heber was a lifelong friend of Brigham Young from when they were young boys growing up in the same neighborhood. The lies and deception created by those two men is astonishing. It’s hard to imagine how much dishonesty was taking place at the time Brigham Young was trying to lead his own church in his own direction. Brigham Young called for the murders of Joseph and Hyrum. Literally. Joseph and Hyrum were murdered inside the jail, not by a mob outside. It was an inside job. Brigham was never called by God to be a prophet. Brigham had Joseph murdered and then hijacked the church away from him. That’s part of the Apostasy spoken about in scripture. LDS people today have never been members of or been associated with Josephs restored church, we have only been members of Brigham‘s church that he started. The church that Rusty runs today is the same church that Brigham started, after conning people into following him to the Salt Lake Valley. Joseph was a righteous man and a true prophet of God. Brigham is a sorry piece of crap, and the same goes for all of those who became leadership in his church.

[@arkady714]

Cult + Time = Religion

[@zelphx]

PLEASE take care of yourself! 💛

[@shelliecarlson7015]

You've had way to much to think! Good for you.

[@ningenJMK]

Great video. Also an ex-mormon here.

[@JennLove]

Thanks Josh! Welcome to the channel. :)

[@ningenJMK]

@@JennLove good to be here.

[@fatemeetsluck]

If my ward had members who thought like you, I'd probably still attend

[@bht96]

Great video. I hope you make more. Liked and Subbed. :)

[@nearkolob]

The history of the church I have no problem with. What the leaders are engaging in today is what troubles me.

[@marilynm111]

Super Interesting:)

[@kathleenwharton2139]

I have Mormon values and always will..but quit going to church so Jesus could Teach me what I needed to know. Church gets too many commandments of men in there and you don’t always learn what you really Need.😊❤

[@robertwojnar5166]

Awesome. Funny how i investigated the same stuff. Just not as early as you.

[@JennLove]

Nice! I think the occult path holds a lot of wisdom, for those who are willing to seek it. :)

[@mathewg.radford2795]

Way to go!

[@RichardHolmes-ll8ii]

What is your response to the reality of Paul Gregersen debunking the arrogant Egyptologist opinions against Joseph Smith?

[@beymmo]

how can I scape from the church as a minor? My parents won’t let me stop going to church or seminary pls help

[@JennLove]

Hi Beymmo! Welcome to ExMo Together! :) As a minor, you have no legal choice but to follow your parents' guidelines for the family--unless they're directly abusing you. So you may have to attend church and seminary. But that does NOT mean that you have to believe the religion. What happens in your mind is your property. You make the choices, there. Are your parents open to any sort of dialogue on the Church? The history? Current social issues? Or how going makes you feel? If they're open to talking about it, you can start bringing up your concerns. They may eventually allow you to stop attending. And you can hopefully build a better relationship with them by being respectful and confident, and by accurately citing facts. If you are still forced to attend, just keep logic as your best friend. Evaluate everything critically, and give yourself plenty of love and self-care until you're legally able to make your own choices. You will make it through this!

[@kittyginger300]

I'm member of lds church a convert I believe its the true church of Jesus Christ. I visit other church of my family and friends and my old church but its not the same. I love this Church no one is forcing me to be lds if anything i was persecuted not to join but I held strong. I am familiar with the teachings only Holy Spirit can teach for it is his mission to lead us into all truth. I'm sorry you left but that is what God gave us ... free agency. Peace💖

[@haroldjones9321]

But the LDS Church does not have the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. You know: God the Father and God the Uniquely Begotten Son (the only one of his kind) and the Holy Spirit who was sent as the Comforter when Messuah was crucified, raised incorruptible, and ascended into the heavens. It's in the Holy Bible.

[@spiritcomfort2193]

❤️For GOD did NOT Send ⚜️*HIS SON* into the WORLD to CONDEMN the WORLD!!, BUT to ❤️*SAVE* the WORLD Through HIM!!😍 (John 3:17)

[@joshuashepard583]

It’s weird, I just watched your entire channel… it… didn’t really take very long, but it was nice. I don’t even know if you respond to any of these but I have a question. I’ve noticed Mormon’s use the words testimony in a way that I’ve never heard it used before. I can’t really understand them because I don’t understand their definition. I’ve asked them about it, and even told them my definition of testimony (what you can testify to experiencing yourself), but they haven’t really answered me. Can you tell me what they mean by “Testimony?”

[@JennLove]

Hi Joshua! Thanks for watching my dorky videos! :) Testimony in Mormonism is essentially the personal witness one has of the Church. It's usually emotionally based, gained by prayer, and limited to a specific set of doctrines--only the ones approved by the Church. It might sound like this: "I'd like to bear my testimony. I know the Church is true. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that he restored the true gospel to the earth for these latter days..." If someone says something non-approved (like they have a "testimony" that Charles Spurgeon was a modern-day prophet, or that Russell Nelson is a false prophet) they would be corrected. They may even be disfellowshipped, or excommunicated. So it's actually not about their experience at all. It's about repeating approved doctrine to bolster group-think mentality, and keep people in the group. Typical cult dynamic! :)

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

Jenn, I watched your whole video and I loved it! You are being very authentic and vulnerable in describing how you wanted to believe so bad that you kind of talk yourself into it. I can certainly relate to that. There are two types of members, those devoted to the truth and those devoted to the church (and other types). You are definitely the former which I personally believe to be more valuable. I have often been frustrated by the concept of "personal revelation" too. It seems to only be valid when it reinforces the narrative - so what's the point? The flaming sword story is such a major red flag to me. It's out of character for the god and the process that JS described up to that point. Up to that point, it was a matter of JS being faithful and worthy or the angel would find someone else to restore the church. Since when does God force us to do the right thing? That was Satan's plan. While we are talking about the plan, I can't think of a worse one than "God's plan"! Send us all down here to fumble around and have our worthiness determined by believing in the unbelievable? Then make your most valiant, devoted, and perfect son take upon himself all the sins that you basically caused by having this stupid plan, to begin with? An all-knowing and powerful God could surely come up with something better than that! I could come up with something better than that! "Satan's plan" was better than that - we all make it and no one suffers - sounds like a great plan to me. The whole thing is outright silly when you look at it from an objective and rational perspective.

[@JennLove]

Hey Christopher! You're absolutely correct. The Mormon "Plan of Salvation" is illogical. Once you evaluate it from top to bottom, it falls apart. Unfortunately...objective and rational perspectives (as you said) are in short supply when it comes to the cult dynamic. Cults are so good at disorganizing someone's sense of self; people will believe almost anything when they're separated from their own identity. It needs to stop! Thanks for the comment! :)

[@davidfitnesstech]

Nice Jenn. Please allow yourself to be a CRITICAL THINKER when it comes to ANY God based religion. * Continue to live your best life.