Comments on: On Our Anniversary Weekend, and the Invitation from the Stake President.

By: Alli Easley

Alli Easley — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:28:12 +0000

Um, I just woke up and realized I spelled your name wrong, John. I guess having 5 cousins/uncles who spell it with no “H” influenced my already sleepy mind. Forgive me!

By: Alli Easley

Alli Easley — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:01:59 +0000

Jon. Jana. I have been searching for words to say about this whole thing and I can’t find them. I wanted you to know that my love and support for you (being on THIS side still…) is here. You’re brave. You’re strong. You’re loved. The internet is a really scary place right now for those of us who want to speak our minds, for those of us who are “Thinking Mormons” (to borrow the phrase from 2think.org) and you’re yet another proof of this. I hate riding the fence, but the fear of what’s happened to you because you were HONEST…well…that makes it even scarier. Keep on rockin…

By: Ringwielder

Ringwielder — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:47:39 +0000

As an Ex Jehovah’s Witness who left after 40 years, I find the language and the experiences here almost the same as that of Ex JWs.

To those who are still ‘in’, there is no way you can have left the faith for any other reason than a selfish one. JWs have it inculcated into them that to be an apostate is the epitome of evil.

The reason why many Ex JWs are rightly bitter is because of the shunning, the cutting off from family and friends. They have to create a whole new life and friends and this can be very difficult in the beginning.

I understand your desire to document your experiences and go to this ‘judicial’ meeting. Otherwise I would be advising you to refuse because in going you still acknowledge they have authority over you. These kangaroo courts where imperfect men decide your future for you are a bogus apparatus, designed for control purposes. They give unqualified men power and they love it, playing God.

I wish you all the best in your journey in life John and am happy you get to live most of it the way you want to, not the way some other human tells you you should.

Steve

By: Truthseeker

Truthseeker — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:08:28 +0000

Thanks for sharing your excommunication story. Remember always that you were excommunicated for telling the truth about the church, not for lying about it. Best wishes in your journey.

By: wayfarer

wayfarer — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:55:02 +0000

I’m not sure what happened to my earlier comment.
Please don’t be afraid,John.You and your family are in a process,and I’m sure with good will you will find a way to consecrate these afflictions to the good of the soul of your family.I guess you may need privacy to do that.
Being a sharer of experiences myself,I have started to learn that some things need to treated as sacred to my soul.I have an image of you and yours embraced in god’s love.

This may be the time to let the destroying angel logo go.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:14:53 +0000

To Kitty #99: A wonderful entry and I appreciate the sincere fervor of your convictions. Please note, however, that the “Mormon” church does not suit every one *all the time*. Circumstances change in the lives of individuals, and other things “move along.” Everything is in flux; nothing stays the same — even for you. Sure, right now you have your prestigious husband, your temple nights, your friends, your “everything in a neat box” FOR NOW. But when the “cucca hits the fan” and your “church” is not there for you, then that begs the question: What is the utility of your church if it only works during fair weather times, AND only if you have been accepted into the group even when the weather isn’t so great.

Leaving the LDS church isn’t giving up your soul to Satan. Leaving the LDS church isn’t leaving your sense of and for religion. For many people (not all, of course) it appears that J.S. (a charismatic genius to say the least) invented and pieced together a religion that evolved over time and every individual can do likewise (to their own limits and capabilities). Take the time to study even the very history of Christianity, let alone the “Mormon” church and you will learn that there have been (and always will be) questions, and surprising facts that will make you “wonder.” Still, though, you retain your sense of “spirituality,” your sense of awe for the universe that we live in, your sense that there is a “God” and he/she/it is, or at least should be the recipient of gratitude. I could go on, but I’ve said enough. I am happy FOR YOU. I hope that you will always remain happy and content in the LDS church. It seems to work for you NOW, and that’s very good FOR YOU and yours. Peace (I have more of it now than I ever did before.)

By: William Shunn

William Shunn — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:05:17 +0000

@100: You should hang out with more ex-Mormons and find out how they really live their life rather than assuming that you know.

Except then she might want to become one!

By: Jonathan Blake

Jonathan Blake — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:11 +0000

I can tell you’re sincere, Kitty, but I must tell you that your concept of ex-Mormons is full of false stereotypes that apply to only a few (and probably only temporarily while they’re in the process of moving on). You should hang out with more ex-Mormons and find out how they really live their life rather than assuming that you know.

By: kittywaymo

kittywaymo — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:03:40 +0000

Although said rather harshly, John Roberts kinda hits it on the head a bit~ I am a former radio newscaster and a convert to LDS from Jewish faith~ I love the LDS religion and have enjoyed great happiness in it (since age 12) my husband, a descendant of JS has many hand written journals from the time period from his ancestors. It is true: people shine in there own small world, thinking giving up their happiness/salvation is “standing for something bigger than Jesus Christ and the Gospel” and therefore justifiable. You seem like a very kind, gentle soul. It truly makes me sad to see such a young person make a grave decision based on what others say~ You will soon sadly learn, that the bitterness, if you let it, overtakes you and makes you more cynical. Please do not become like so many former LDS, embittered, angry and hateful. Keep your perspective of love, which I feel you seem to have. (some good Jewish mother advice:) Seriously, the “leaving neutral ground forever, leaving the church/not leaving it alone thing” is VERY true. I have seen it for years on and off the internet. Just hold on to good things the Gospel taught you~ don’t go off the deep end like so many and pick up addictive habits that harm the body, mind and soul. Try to love, forgive~ and focus on the positive, not the negative. we are not all “sheep” most of us are pretty darn smart (ok, maybe not humble:) myself included: I am extremely well read, married to a physician who is also quite brilliant and we know Church history inside and out. What keeps me going is my personal spiritual experiences~ my studies of Isaiah and the Gospel in general and most of all the Temple and the very sacred, powerful experiences I’ve had there. Yes, I know about the Egyptian Endowment, masonry etc.. Most things have a common thread and any archeologist will tell you… History literally repeats itself:) God bless you in all you do, please don’t close the door forever on the Church and keep an open mind that there is a good chance you may have made some poor decisions, but there is always a way back for all of us, repentance. Noone is perfect~ I will keep you in my prayers, and pray you will please continue to pray and be close to God. Best always, Kitty

By: Thoughts about excommunication and resignation « Irresistible (Dis)Grace

Thoughts about excommunication and resignation « Irresistible (Dis)Grace — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:46:39 +0000

[...] doesn’t just happen overnight, after all), from what I can see, but it came to a boil here, here, and here. And this has brought other posts remarking about it, a brief write-up about it, [...]

By: Hellmut

Hellmut — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:23:30 +0000

PK, have you read the case studies of the Mormon Alliance?

By: Elaine

Elaine — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:11:03 +0000

John…I just saw this. I’m in the middle of work and so haven’t been able to read all the comments (I’ll be back to do that later).

For now, know that my thoughts will be with you and Jana this evening.

Elaine

By: Hellmut

Hellmut — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:52:28 +0000

PK, have you ever read the case files of the Mormon Alliance? You might find them eye opening: http://mormonalliance.org/

By: This beMike

This beMike — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:18:44 +0000

I am sure by now, that they know your process of plastering your court process here. And that is a shame. They are going o be POLITE, CORTIUOS to you. they dont want to give you any ammunition. What you see there Tomorrow, is not REAL! What my brother and I faced some years ago, was their total lack of love, self absorbed authority crap. You are going to get a very fine reception. No one there wants you to post them as the bad guy. You will get the honey dew version of Court of love. lucky you!!!

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:22:03 +0000

Hang in there, man. Remember that you have the Truth on your side. You are not responsible for the bad feelings that THEY are causing. The “authority” they are attempting to impose on you does not exist.

You will pass through this experience and emerge stronger and wiser. Embrace it as a such. It has never come before, and you will most likely never see it again.

I look forward to reading what you have to say. Best of luck to you.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:42:46 +0000

Remember that these guys have no real authority over you. I’m interested to hear how it goes. I feel like it’s sort of an inevitability for me, and I still don’t know how I’ll deal with it when it happens.
Good luck!

By: Parker

Parker — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:35:45 +0000

As a process Church courts really make no sense (except to those who consider everything about the Church sensible). That being said, the best to you and Jana as you work your way through what is and will be a frustrating experience. It is so hard to have a meaningful conversation with a junior red chair.

By: alice

alice — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:15:46 +0000

Thank you for the invitation, Jane.

I probably had plenty to say the first decade. Less the second. Now I have enough remove that it’s not of so much interest. …until they go monkeying in politics with tax-free money, that is.

If I have something that seems like encouragement I share because, as you say, there’s a vulnerable period when people need to believe that following their own consciences is a valid and viable option. Mostly tho, it’s a private journey that comes down to each person finding their courage and empowering themself.

I do think I’ll be around reading tho. I see much to admire here. ;>

By: xJane

xJane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:48:12 +0000

alice @82—I came out of the Catholic faith & didn’t find anyplace like Mind on Fire where people were talking about it openly and sympathetically. I hope you’ll stick around

By: Kari

Kari — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:53:41 +0000

Did I read your original post correctly? You came home to find the letter where? Delivered by the mail? Left on the doorstep?

Too bad you posted about it. I would have denied it was ever received, as their own published procedures (the CHI) state that it’s supposed to be delivered in person, by two priesthood holders.