It looks like a path that will follow the same trajectory as John Dehlin. Entertaining all of the historical problems with Mormonism while trying to stay in the church for community seems to be just another path out the door. He may still end up sitting in a pew along with those that adhere to his approach to Mormonism. However, they will probably be people that sit in the pew because of family, social, and economic pressures. Once that horse is out of the barn it just never seems to come back. I also sit in a pew several times a year but it is not possible to view the patently false as true once my eyes were opened.
I'd love to hear someone's take on Thomas. What's he up to in the church? Is he going to love it out of existence? Did he return to show his dad how to be a loving Mormon? Does he see the perfect opportunity to apply his interest in adult development?