I just had a great weekend with old friends - many whom I hadn't seen in a long time. We all grew up in the same town; went on missions and got married in the temple; left to pursue educations, careers, and raise families; then realized through reading and study that the church is a sham; and finally had a chance to get together and share our experiences.

We have been judged by our Mormon families and friends to be foolish, lost, sinners who have been tricked by the devil. They think we influenced each other and left the church for social acceptance. The funny thing is that for the most part we lost contact with each other, discovered on our own that TSCC is a sham, and finally had the time to reconnect with each other because we no longer had the church consuming all our time and energy.

We were quite the impressive group. As I looked around I saw faithfully married couples. I saw parents of smart, talented children. I saw gay friends who decided not to hide who they are. I saw successful business owners, a civil engineer, a brain surgeon, a college administrator, a social worker, and more. But more than anything I saw a group people who are exactly what the church says you can't be without it. I saw a group of TRULY HAPPY PEOPLE!

Sounds like a great group. The majority of my old lds friends are still livin the dream (nightmare!). However, I do enjoy those moments of delight when I encounter someone who has found their way out.

It would be interesting to hear each friend's story, and how you all ended up getting together. That must have been an amazing weekend!

"But more than anything I saw a group people who are exactly what the church says you can't be without it. I saw a group of TRULY HAPPY PEOPLE!"

This puts a smile on my face because it is so true. The lds church brainwashes you into believing that there is no happiness outside the 'gospel'. Cheers to happy apostates!!!!

D =)

"We have been judged by our Mormon families and friends to be foolish, lost, sinners who have been tricked by the devil."

This is my experience too...

One of the things that gets me about this position is that if I am being tricked by Satan, isn't the entire world being tricked by Satan?

I am not an apostate. I have concrete belief in divinity. It just doesn't have anything to do with Mormonism.

I want to add that I don't think leaving the church is easy or painless. I'm very fortunate that my wife and I left together and our kids were young enough not to be indoctrinated. For those of you who are still suffering because of the church my heart goes out to you. I just shared my story today to give people hope.

that you'll never be happy or successful without them.

The truth is that THEY are the ones holding you back. And they need you MUCH more than you need them.