Since I stopped attending the Mormon church, I actually have become much more spiritual. I've had some incredible experiences that I can't explain by natural means (and no, they didn't involve illegal substances. I still pray and because of what I've experienced, time and time again, I really do believe in a higher power and in Christ, but my Jesus is a nice Jesus, not the mean, damning Jesus I
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You have my deepest sympathies for what you're going through now. How come these things always seem to come to a head during the Xmas season? I still pray, and I will definitely send one up for you and your friend. Warmest wishes to you both.
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Your mom sounds like a gem. How gracious and thoughtful to choose a gift like that. So nice to hear that kind of story. Thanks so much for sharing!
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I never went through, either, which is a TREMENDOUS relief. Of course, the whole ceremony is on the web, so I've read all about it, including the various changes over the years. Funny how often I've heard people say, "It's going to seem really weird when you go through the first time. You'll get used to it". That was my first clue, and it turned out to be a weird, cult-like bun
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Just for the record, I look "Reformed Egyptian" on Wikipedia. There was no listing of any such thing on the web. The internet makes it so easy to refute.
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I don't feel unworthy around those who go to church. I'm relieved that I don't go and know that I don't have to. I do think some Mormons think they are better than inactives because they attend, and that alone makes them more "valiant" in God's eyes, and in each others eyes. I'm holding fast to what I know about the church, and I will not be intimidated into going back, just to kee
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I feel for ya, Punk. I have the same dynamic with my mother. We almost got through Xmas without any major eruptions, but eventually, Mom blew her stack and started spewing the same old venom. I cannot take her vicious, insulting tone and tirades anymore. I really tried, but I can't bite my tongue and let her verbally slice and dice me. Funny how even though she never beat me, I still feel c
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I don't blame you a bit for feeling the way you do. The ban on the priesthood for those of African descent was all based on BY's bigotry. No inspiration there, just prejudice. Even when the ban was lifted in 1978, I suspected that the reason the church gave for not letting blacks hold the priesthood was not because "they were not ready", as has always been said. It was because those
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I'm sorry you had to go through that, especially at Xmas. I also don't think a divorce is always the end of the world for kids. My parents have been married for 62 (mostly) miserable years, and I can't tell how much I wish they had divorced. Their bickering, yelling, and aggressive/passive agressive behavior is toxic and has had a very negative effect on my two siblings and me all our lives.
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I here you, Tristan. After holding my breath all day, keeping the peace, my mom went off on a nagging tangent, and I lost it. She just keeps seething and nitpicking, and finally starts off on a loud, meanspirited rant. I said, "Okay, that's it, I'M OUTTA HERE!" I told her that's the last time I'd let her disrespect my father in front of me, and a few other choice things. She said,
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Yes, it was the Cathedral of the Madeleine--I'm so glad someone else knows how beautiful it is. And I, like you, feel the spirit of Christ there so much more intensely than I ever did in a dreary, cinder block Mormon chapel. I knew something was up when I went into that lovely Catholic building and felt spritiually moved like never before. I'm not pro-Catholic or pro-any religion now, but I
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Thanks for your kind words. I consider them a precious gift this Xmas. I wish you the very same, and the very best, this Xmas, and throughout the new year. Love and peace to you, and to all, Hapeheretic
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To OP, I'm so sorry for your experience. Ironic that people who claim to be Christ's true latter-day saints can treat their own flesh and blood with such inexcusable cruelty, especially at Xmas. This season can be the best, and the absolute WORST for so many people. I understand about mental illness, because I have OCD and major depression. I've wanted to "check out" time after ti
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Some years ago, I read about a woman who'd had a bad experience during the Xmas season. Her family was the only Jewish family in the neighborhood, and she proudly displayed a menorah (sp?) in her window for Hannukha. One night, some jerk drove by, and smashed her front window with a rock, shattering the glass and destroying the menorah. I was appalled when reading this. But I guess her neig
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I understand how extreme people can be, and how miserable and rife with tension Xmas can be. There was plenty of yelling in my house for Xmas Eve. To make matters worse, when I came out of the store for some last minute items, my front tire was completely flat and the hubcap was nearly loose and resting on the flat tire. I mean this baby was totally shot! My father lives nearby and I called an
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That sounds lovely! What a beautiful observation of the trut meaning of Xmas. A few years ago, I attended Xmas mass at a local cathedral in Salt Lake City. I couldn't believe what a wonderful experience it was. Besides the mass itself, there was a Xmas message that was all about Jesus. A choir of children, all dressed in choir robes, were singing and holding lighted candles as they walked si
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I sympathize with your situation. Mormonism can really screw with your head (pun intended) when it comes to sex. They tell you it's the sin next to murder before marriage, and then after the temple ceremony is over, expect you to jump into bed and fornicate like bunnies. I know I developed a terrible sense of guilt about sex, although I was certainly interested in it. Having to be morally cle
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Oh, the perils of masturbation! I was just reading a comment from Spencer W. Kimball, from his infamous book,"Miracle of Forgiveness". He said that it can cause homosexuality, especially if several boys are doing it together. I also read a comment from a Mormon physician that actually endorsed masturbation, saying from an emotional and physical standpoint, it was healthy and normal
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I'm sure that die hard Mormons will find ways to justify the BoA, just as they will the fact that BY's racism was the REAL reason blacks were denied the priesthood for well over 100 years. People will believe what they will believe, especially if it's deeply ingrained, and threatens their core belief system. As for me, the BoA was a HUGE eye opener and evidence of a bonafide fraud concocted by
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My mom has become increasingly combative over the years, and I've had to establish physical boundaries to protect my sanity. I still contact my dad, with whom I have a close relationship, and I am maintaining ties with my siblings and their children, whom I adore. I guess I would say, distance yourself as much as you can from abusive family members, and find friends and other distant family m
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I've given up on religion, but I still believe in a Supreme Being, although mine is alot nicer than the "mean" Jesus of Mormonism. For a few years now, my family has not been exchanging presents. And, I can honestly say, I don't miss them a bit. I've found I'd rather work on a service project than worry about Xmas shopping. I'm not trying to give myself a pat on the back for showing
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I have been inactive for almost 10 years. I was kind of "flying under the radar", but then, the RS president found me. She called me and asked if we could visit. I hummed and hawwed for a second or two, and told her I was inactive and I really had no plans to reactivate. She then suggested that we just meet for a social visit, no strings attached. Hmmmmm. I knew there'd be strin
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I'm really sorry for your situation. On one hand, you've figured it our early in life, so you won't keep getting in deeper and deeper to the Church's demands and mindset. Then, there's the dilemma of having to live under your parent's roof until you're old enough to go out on your own. I'm glad to hear, though, that you have an understanding older brother. Keep very close to him...he's an impo
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I don't like those "chain letter" type love bombs, or whatever you'd call them. My sister once got a beautiful basket for Halloween, filled with expensive goodies and wrapped in cellophane. You figure, "Oh, how nice!" But...there was a catch. Now she had to "You've been spooked!" two other people. So, she is now supposed to give a gift basket to 2 other people, a
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Temple interviews are just another example about how devoid this church is when it comes to Christ and how rife it is with Joseph Smith and general authorities with their cruel, invasive power plays. Jesus doesn't play a part in it at all. Funny for a religion that claims to be the His only true church...
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I'm sorry you're going through this. The Xmas season makes encounters like this extra difficult. I, too, come from a dysfunctional family. My mom is a holy terror, and I don't even know if I can face her for Christmas. I just moved into another apartment, and it's been nice having a sanctuary where she can't nag,criticize, and just plan bully me. I just want you to know I relate to your pai
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Oh yes. I do think some Mormons want to look extra righteous, right down to "should I drink Coke" or "I won't watch TV on Sunday. And, "I'm going to wear my Sunday clothes all day long and sing hymns so loud the neighbors can hear." But not letting brother and fiancee go downstairs together alone--well that about tops the list in terms of showing off. Jeezzzz....
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Boyd and Dallin were made for each other. Both are incredibly bigoted and utterly UN-Christlike. They can both hide from the truth together, denouncing feminists, intellectuals and gays to their hearts' content. And they will never criticize each other,even if the criticizm is valid....
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I'm in a position where I don't know if I'll be home for Christmas, either. My mother is a narcisstic nightmare. I have a good relationship with my father, who hasn't been active in the church for over 40 years, and never really "bought"it, although he was raised in it. I have been living with my parents for the last 4 years because my rent was raised and I could no longer afford t
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Boy, can I relate to your story! I'm in the process of moving into my own apartment again after living with the parents out of financial necessity. I'm leaving because of "emotional" necessity...I can't take my mom anymore! The woman is constantly nitpicking, bitching, manipulating...oh lordy, to think I grew up with all this! I'm not alone, I know. I also know that bounda
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