Posted by:
knotheadusc
(
)
Date: August 28, 2014 02:45AM
The tone of that letter reminds me of the book Suddenly Strangers, by Brad and Chris Morin, two brothers who were raised LDS and decided to leave the church. I quoted these reactions from their family members in my review.
"I am going to be honest with you. I don't ever want to talk to you again. I don't want to see you again. I don't want any letters or e-mail from you. If you write a letter for the family newsletter, I will not send it out. I don't want you coming to visit on the nineteenth. I still love you, but I don't ever want to see you again."
"Just heard from Chris, and respectfully speaking, of course, I'm not so sure you didn't exert some influence there... I think you need to allow people to make their own decisions without your influence... Choices about religion lead to divorce, bad family feelings, and really crappy family reunions, otherwise known as dysfunctional families. People who leave the church end up with huge chips and a need to convert others to their new found philosophy. (137)"
"The thing that scares me most is your current beliefs. Those beliefs have the capability to destroy me and my family, and anyone who subscribes to those beliefs... You must not say anything to my wife or children about Joseph Smith or any prophet of the church, or any church leader or any church writings, or any church history... We read scriptures in our house. We say prayers in our house. If you visit us you will observe at least one of those maybe both. If we visit your houses we expect to be able to give thanks for the food and to read scriptures even if in our bedroom... If you cannot make this promise to me or if you make this promise to me and break it, my family will not associate (Face to face) with yours... Is this drastic? You bet it is. I have everything I have ever wanted, to loose [lose], if I am deceived. (139)"
"...if it isn't true, I don't want to know it" (149)"
My full review of the Morins' book is posted here.
http://theovereducatedhousewife.blogspot.de/2014/07/my-review-of-suddenly-strangers.htmlI grew up Presbyterian and while there are some branches of that denomination that are more devout than others, I can't imagine getting a letter/contract like this for leaving the church and never heard of anyone being cast out in this way. It's sickening.