My friend has lived in the same uber-Mormon neighborhood, same ward for 40 years. About ten years ago he began to have doubts. Stopped going to church. Got love bombed, ward teachers up the kazoo. Visits from the bishopric asking about his testimony.

After it became clear he wasn't coming back, people stopped speaking to him. They'd switch sides of the street when walking past his house. Turn the other way in the grocery store. No more cookies on his doorstep.

But he's been a wonderful and resourceful neighbor to everyone. So when any of the neighbors go on vacation, guess who they ask to feed the goldfish, collect the mail, stow the trash cans?

> But he's been a wonderful and
> resourceful neighbor to everyone.
> So when any of the neighbors go
> on vacation, guess who they ask
> to feed the goldfish, collect the
> mail, stow the trash cans?

Their home teachers/ministers?

Mormons are irrationally afraid of people who do not share their beliefs and customs. But it sounds like they are not afraid to use those very same people when it suits their purposes.

It is a display if human nature for them to do so

They wanted his affirmation that the church is true. Coming to church implies that you believe even if you don't bear a testimony. He wouldn't give it to them. They may not know why he left, and the unknown can be frightening.

You say Mormons are treating your friend like a freak?

Madeguy sums it up....."the unknown can be frightening."

I would even add that the unknown is usually frightening.

So then when there is a church that tells you questioning is only permitted when they say it is permitted, that it is the one true place that has ALL the answers, the boundaries have been drawn and a member is commanded, not just told, that, by gawd, he better stay in the small box which has been drawn for him.

I am glad your friend has you for a true friend. Hang in there for him.