YellowLight

As someone who was raised in the perfect Mormon family, served a mission, got married in the Temple, and served several callings fully, I can honestly cay that I once "KNEW" for myself that Joseph Smith was a prophet. If I did not "know" this, I would not have served a mission. At any rate, many people who leave or doubt the church once stood in your shoes. If criticisms are refuted by LDS scholars such as those on FAIR, the answers are typically the read, pray, or just don't worry about it. However, in the process of learning about the history of the church, I have been able to determine the anti-mormon agendas from learning through historical accuracy. There are things like "The God Makers" that is just so laughable and their intended audience is people who know nothing of the church. I stay away from that propaganda and other sites as they serve no purpose. At any rate, it is good to know that I am one of the elect since you think I have been deceived by Satan. :)

The simplest way is to simply fill in your information in the sample letter below and send a copy to your bishop and one to church records. Also, even though it says "no contact" you will get a letter in the mail telling you it is a local ecclesiastical letter and it will include a pamplet called "The Invitation." At this point, you can call church records and have them speed up the process or just wait it out. At any rate, as soon as it is sent in, you are no longer a member. Hope that helps and good luck. Your name Your date of birth Your current address The date Member Records Division, LDS Church 50 E North Temple Rm 1372 SLC UT 84150-5310 This letter is my formal resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it is effective immediately. I hereby withdraw my consent to being treated as a member and I withdraw my consent to being subject to church rules, policies, beliefs and 'discipline'. As I am no longer a member, I want my name permanently and completely removed from the membership rolls of the church. I have given this matter considerable thought. I understand what you consider the 'seriousness' and the 'consequences' of my actions. I am aware that the church handbook says that my resignation "cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member and revokes temple blessings" I also understand that I will be "readmitted to the church by baptism only after a thorough interview". My resignation should be processed immediately, without any 'waiting periods'. I am not going to be dissuaded and I am not going to change my mind. I expect this matter to be handled promptly, with respect and with full confidentiality. After today, the only contact I want from the church is a single letter of confirmation to let me know that I am no longer listed as a member of the church. (you can add any comments or reasons here) Sincerely, Your signature Your name, printed

Sounds like they had 15 seconds to fill that page. All I can say is WOW. And, Starbucks sucks anyway.

Why is it that anything that contradicts people's perfect view of the church immediately gets labeled as anti-mormon? Take off your rose colored glasses and see things from an outside perspective and you may see both sides of the picture. I am saying, examine both sides before jumping to conclusions.

I guess my greatest concern is that the church positioned themselves to be 100% unliable. However, they then say "They go knowing themselves that they're at risk, and nothing in our mission call changes that," Holland said. "They know that, and we know that, and we work within those parameters to have them be constructive, honorable, faithful, spiritual, religious emissaries for that period of service." So the church knows they are at risk, but do the missionaries "REALLY" understand the consequences of being recognized as an illegal immigrant. It sure was convenient for the church to claim neutrality while the missionaries could essentially be separated from their familes if prosecuted or deported.

Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land. (D&C 58:21) Illegal immigrant missionaries must be honest with themselves, the church, and their fellow men in order to have the spirit with them and be Temple Recommend worthy. So, how does this happen?

Something to think about...in order for a missionary to go on a mission, they must pass a rigorous background check if you will so how do illegal immigrants make it through? How can the missionaires be found worthy and have the spirit if they are breaking the law of the land? So much for the question "are you honest in your dealings with your fellow men?" Why does the church simply turn a blind eye?

Any way you look at this loaded question, it is rude and disrespectful.

Just think "what would Jesus do?" I bet he would dedicate all of his money for a $2 billion dollar mall as long as he gets one of those cool condos on an upper level.

Really...not to rock the boat but perhaps you should read the preface of the Book of Abraham: "THE BOOK OF ABRAHAM TRANSLATED FROM THE PAPYRUS, BY JOSEPH SMITH A Translation of some ancient Records, that have fallen into our hands from the catacombs of Egypt. - The writings of Abraham while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus." Additionally: I commence the translation of some of the characters or hieroglyphics, and much to our joy found that one of the rolls contained the writings of Abraham, another the writings of Joseph of Egypt, etc. - a more full account of which will appear in its place, as I proceed to examine or unfold them. Truly we can say, the Lord is beginning to reveal the abundance of peace and truth." (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 236).

Honestly, I think you know what is best for your family. I remember families who had to wear their Sunday clothes all day, while other familes jumped into their pajamas when they got home. One family wasn't allowed to watch TV on Sundays, so they let their kids listen to the Super Bowl on the radio...makes no sense to me. At any rate, if you think that going on a bike ride, playing ball with your kids, or letting them watch one episode of Barbie brings you closer together....do it. Like I said before, you know what is best.

IMO, I would recommend that missionaries spend more time doing service and working with active members. Addtionally, around 67% of the 13 million members is inactive. I would recommend focusing on fully integrating new and re-activated members. But for me and my family, it is too late, leave the cookies at home. :)

I agree about revelation. I received my own personal revelation that the story of Quetalcoatl is not referring to Jesus Christ. However, I did believe the story of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy from the first moment I heard it. :)

No one can show you through physical proof that the Book of Mormon was inspired by God or from God. The same applies to whether or not Jesus was the son of God. If there was physical PROOF, you would know about it right? I do not believe the LDS church to be true, but I do not have "authoritative proof" that says it isn't, and the same can be said for every other religion in the world.

I understand where you are coming from and I think that many ex-members lash out primarily because they feel that have been lied to or duped. For some, they like the personal attacks against the church, others are sincere and are exploring every possible avenue for truth. As far as the Holy Spirit is concerned, I too have felt those feelings, had intuition that I say I could not have had, and had many special experiences. Do I deny the Holy Spirit...no, primarily because I don't know if it is real or if it is the same as when I watch a good movie or read a good book. I would hope other's don't mock it, but I think they are rationally trying to get their logical mind around it. Hope that makes some sort of sense. And, for those who wish to know, I have not been to church in well over a year, but things are pretty much the same as when we attended faithfully. There have been the usual ups and downs, but if you came into our home, you might even think we were still LDS. In fact, just as there are groups for ex-LDS members, I think many, like myself still feel a long connection to the LDS world which is why I am here.

Yes, there are many Anti-sites out there. There are also sites that may bring question to many aspects of the church. And no, many of these sites are not discussing the holy spirit...why is that? It is because once they realize that the LDS church is not true, they begin to question all the other churches as well. If what you thought was not true and you thought it was the spirit, how do you know that the others are true? Muslims, Christianity, Judiasm, and even Wiccans have received witness from their holy spirit, so which one should be discussed?

I was born into the church, had LDS friends growing up, Eagle Scout at 14, served a mission, married in the Temple, held many callings faithfully, and yet...just last week, I resigned along with my DW and DD. I am not here to defend myself as we left purely for doctrinal reasons. We hold no animosity toward the church as I have learned a great deal from it and much of it's teachings remain a part of my family. However, there are parts that are not and those parts make recovery groups interesting as we discuss our histories. People tend to associate with others like them, and so these groups will form automatically and with the internet, it is easier to connect. Additionally, my family is more happy now and we are finding our place in this world. Except for the Prophet and tithing questions, we would easly be able to obtain a temple recommend so Sunday school lessons that portray that we are "in the dark" and have become slaves and pawns of Satan are merely scare tactics used by the leaders, although they seem to keep most in line. All in all, to answer the question, people need to connect with others who share the same values and have similar experiences.

Well I think that anyone who realizes the problems of the world and knows how to fix them and just stands back and does nothing will receive a greater punishment from God than those who try to do something. Maybe you should get off the computer and get to work. "Sorry God, I was too busy telling people of the food that was spoiled on the docks and calling people hypocrites that I don't know on the computer all day." I am sure that would go well. Have a great day.

Did you bother to actually read my posts, I am not sure you did. Do you realize that my wife and I spent a significant amount of money and time for fertility treatment so we could have our second child which is our own little miricle baby. Did I say anything about me not having children? Who are you to come at me with a totally unbased and biased ad hominem attack? Perhaps you should log off and re-evaluate your own conscience and come back when you have something of substance to add.

I am coming from a different perspective than almost everyone else here but hopefully many opinions will help you form the best conclusion for yourself. Fist off, I wonder how you accidentally broke the law of chastity, regardless, the consequences follow. In regard with what to do, I think that depends on how old you are and what you did. If you are between the ages of 12-18, you should tell your parents that you are speaking with the bishop. You can discuss telling them with the bishop, but your parents need to know you are going there, and I say this as a cautionary parent. Things can and have gone horribly wrong with Bishops meetings, boys or girls. It doesn’t matter, if my child was in the bishops office discussing things of a sexual nature, I would be right outside the door. But, that is assuming I would even let her in there to discuss such things. In my own personal opinion, discussing those things with a minor behind closed doors is a huge no no!!! Hopefully I haven’t confused you more than you already are. You will know what you need to do to get this behind you.

So you are saying that all married couples everywhere should multiply and replenish the earth? Did you know that a child dies of hunger every 3.08 seconds or approximately 26,000 a day? Why would God want you to multiply as he takes away so many before they have had a chance to do the same? Also, with around 4 million active LDS members equating to .066% of the worlds population, you think that one simple phrase is the one all solution? What if someone receives a feeling they should not have children. Can you deny their personal revelation? Besides, you don't know God's thoughts. I think there are other commandments that should be worked on before one tries to tell people they need to have children.

A little while ago I got into a debate with my father and we somehow got on the topic of people who did not have children and did not wish to. I have two children that I absolutely love and consider them one of my greatest blessings but let’s face it, some people are just happy as can be without children. Well, my father goes off on a tangent that those who choose not to have children will have to repent once they die. I think he is coming from the viewpoint that in order to progress to Godhood, one will have to “create” their own spirit children in order to achieve exaltation. So, what do you guys think? I think this follows the same lines as those who don’t get married…some are just content by themselves, but we know what the church says. My brother is 34 and not married and has no intention of getting married…does he need to repent? It is difficult to see him pass judgement on his own son for not being married much less on others that he doesn't even know.

And good luck trying to find out what the "Official Doctrine" is. If you figure it out without resorting to circular logic, mental gymnastics, and a good case of cog dis let me know.

But Hinckley saying that girls should only have one pair of earings is not doctrine either. And, we know that prophets and others speak as men the majority of time and they are also not perfect. So, what makes their little "suggestions" different than the teacher at church who says that you need to wear your church clothes all day on Sunday to keep the spirit? Are they going overboard with their suggestions, are you not having the spirit by wearing other clothes? Needless to say, this is one of the biggest problems I have with the church and it's structure.

Your friend will make the ultimate decision to leave or be excommunicated. I have been inactive for a while now and have no plans to ever return but our family keeps their names on the record for the time being as we are not ready to cause contention with our family over religion. However, if your friend did something that is causing him to face excommunication, it really depends on his/her testimony whether or not to work through it. Also, many people here are implying that excommunication is the same as having your name removed. There is a very distinct difference between resignation and excommunication and until members realize that, they create a division between them that is difficult to work through. Once my DW, two small children, and I resign, we will be non-members versus excommunicated members. Just food for thought.