Ex-Mormon

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See also List of former Latter-day Saints

Ex-Mormon (or Exmo[1]) refers to a disaffiliate of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any of its schismatic breakoffs, collectively called "Mormonism." Ex-Mormons typically neither believe in nor affiliate with the LDS church. In contrast, Jack Mormons may believe but do not affiliate; and Cultural Mormons may affiliate but do not believe. The distinction is important to ex-Mormons, many of whom see their decision to leave as morally compelling and socially risky. Some ex-Mormons find that their Mormon family and friends tend to either shun or find fault with them after their exit.[2] Aggregations of ex-Mormons may comprise a social movement.

Contents

[edit] Reasons for leaving

See also Criticism of Mormonism

Individuals leave Mormonism for a variety of reasons, although "single reason disaffiliates are rare among former Mormons."[3] Research shows that 43% of Mormon disaffiliates left due to unmet spiritual needs.[4] Other reasons for leaving may include a belief that they are in a cult; logical or intellectual appraisal; belief changes or differences; spiritual conversion to another faith; life crises; and poor or hurtful responsiveness by Mormon leaders or congregations.[5] Of former Mormons surveyed, 58% switched to other faiths or practices (the majority Christian).[4]

Ex-Mormons commonly begin their journey toward disaffiliation from Mormonism and the LDS church because of skepticism over the authenticity of their Mormon spiritual experiences.[6] Most ex-Mormons leave Mormonism and the LDS church because specific intellectual and/or spiritual reasons have led them to a conviction that the religion is false. The foremost reasons are disbelief both in Joseph Smith as a prophet[7][8] and in the Book of Mormon as a religious and/or historical document.[9][10] Reasons for this disbelief include disputed inconsistencies between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, as well as issues with anthropological, linguistic, archaeological, and genetic evidence for the Book of Mormon in the New World. In addition to rejecting the Book of Mormon for such reasons, the Book of Abraham and other Mormon religious texts are rejected on similar grounds.[11][12]

Many ex-Mormons additionally point to contradictions between current and early LDS leaders such as Brigham Young and Joseph Fielding Smith. One ex-Mormon expressed concerns about the morality, historicity, and revelatory truth of LDS teachings, embodied by inconsistent or suppressed teachings of early church leaders such as Brigham Young's Adam-God theory, which the LDS church reversed years later.

Those who adopt humanist and/or feminist perspectives may view certain LDS doctrines, including the spiritual status of blacks, polygamy, and the role of women in society, as racist and/or sexist.[13]

A minority of ex-Mormons cite their personal incompatibility with Mormon beliefs or culture. A Princeton Review article described a conformist atmosphere at church-owned Brigham Young University.[14] Liberal views and political attitudes that challenge this conformism and occasionally sexual orientation are cited as reasons for leaving Mormonism.[15]

[edit] Post-disaffiliation issues

After their decision to leave Mormonism and the LDS church, ex-Mormons typically go through an adjustment period as they re-orient their lives religiously, socially, and psychologically.

[edit] Religious

A significant number of ex-Mormons become adherents of primarily Protestant Christian religions, while others become non-religious, atheistic, or adherents of other faiths.[9] Among ex-Mormons with no current religious preference, 36% continued the practice of prayer often or daily.[4] Ex-Mormon attitudes toward Mormons and Mormonism vary widely. Some ex-Mormons actively proselytize against Mormonism, while some provide only support to others leaving the religion. Other ex-Mormons prefer to avoid the subject entirely, while still others may try to encourage healthy dialogue between adherents of their new faiths and active Mormons. Attitudes of ex-Mormons also differ regarding their church membership. Some formally resign, which the LDS church refers to as "name removal," while others simply become inactive. At least one web-organization, MormonNoMore.com, is devoted to helping ex-Mormons effectively process their resignation requests with the LDS church.[16]

[edit] Social

Ex-Mormons who publicly leave Mormonism usually face social stigmatization. Although many leave to be true to themselves or to a new belief structure, they leave at a cost,[17] feeling ostracized, pressured and missing out on major family events such as temple weddings. Based upon a belief that those who leave are in danger of negative eternal consequences, Mormon peers, church officials, and family members criticize those who leave and pressure them to return,[18] although family members of some may express only disappointment and sorrow and try to reach out in understanding to their new belief system. Some stay under threat of divorce from spouses that still believe. Still, many ex-Mormons are completely shunned and have given up spouses, children, and the ability to enter Mormon temples to witness life events of family members. Ex-Mormons in geographic locations away from major enclaves of Mormon culture such as Utah may experience less stigmatization, however.[19]

[edit] Psychological

Most ex-Mormons go through a psychological process as they leave Mormonism. Former Mormon bishop Bob McCue described his disaffiliation as recovery from cognitive dissonance.[20] Others cite recovery from group expectations, fraud and abuse.[21] Reynolds reports that leaving involves a period of intense self-doubt and depression as they confront feelings of betrayal and loneliness.[5] Followed by self discovery, belief exploration, spiritual guidance and connection as they leave the Mormonism. He says that leaving may provide a renewed sense of self, confidence and peace.[5] According to ExMormon.org, whose mission is "to let people who are or were in Mormonism, know they are not alone in their feelings and experiences in their quests to regain their lives after years in this religion". Other ex-Mormons may compare their experiences to leaving a cult,[22] overcoming mind control,[23] or adjusting to life outside of religious fundamentalism.[24][25] Still others compare their symptoms to divorce from marriage.[26] Ex-Mormons may also have to cope with the pain of ostrasization by Mormon employers, friends, spouses, and family members.[27]

[edit] Latter-day Saint views of ex-Mormons

Depending on the circumstances of an ex-Mormon's departure, Latter-day Saint views may range from considering them apostates to viewing them as individuals who have simply strayed from the path. The LDS church teaches that people leave for a variety of reasons, but that regardless of the reason the underlying cause is deception by Satan.[28] Reasons range from trivial to serious, including doctrinal disagreements. Latter-day Saints view turning from the influence of the Holy Spirit as having potentially devastating spiritual consequences, and they generally hope ex-Mormons will "return to the fold."[29]

[edit] Reasons for leaving

An LDS Sunday school manual teaches that members leave because they have been deceived by Satan,[28] who according to LDS scripture is actively seeking to destroy the souls of men [30]. Furthermore, those who "depart from the truth" will be judged in the final judgment[31] for falling prey to this deception.[32] The deceptions that Satan uses include acceptance of a false prophet; pride and vanity; being critical of leader's imperfections; being offended; rationalizing disobedience; and accepting the false teachings of the world.[28]

In the Book of Mormon, a figure named Korihor[33] preaches disbelief and challenges prophecies and church leaders,[34] then is struck deaf and mute for the acts. One Mormon scholar likened the philosophical analysis employed in an essay compilation edited by an ex-Mormon to Korihor's tactics.[35] Church authority and popular LDS fiction writer Gerald N. Lund compares any reasoning that leads to disbelief in God or Mormonism to Korihor.[36]

Mormon historian B.H. Roberts wrote of an account of a member leaving the LDS church over the misspelling of a name in church records.[37] The LDS church uses the story of Frazier Eaton, who gave $700 for the Kirtland Temple but left after being unable to get a seat at the dedication ceremony, as an object lesson on how members can leave after being offended.[38][39]

[edit] Consequences of leaving

Latter-day Saints may view ex-Mormons as stronger candidates for eternal damnation based on their former devotion to Mormonism, since those who were never adherents will be judged more lightly. In addition, one who goes so far as to deny the Holy Spirit could become a son of perdition, cast into outer darkness.[40] Outright apostasy of members will lead to a church disciplinary council, which may result in disfellowshipment or excommunication.[41] However, members who ask for their names to be removed from church records or who have joined another church are not subject to a disciplinary council.[41]

Former President of the Mormon Church Brigham Young taught that members who openly disagree with church leaders are potentially cursed or condemned, and that those who reject LDS doctrine or authority outright are "apostate."[42] An early Mormon epistle teaches that apostates have "fallen into the snares of the evil one."[43]

Young also said "If there is a despicable character on the face of the earth, it is an apostate from this Church. He is a traitor who has deceived his best friends, betrayed his trust, and forfeited every principle of honor that God placed within him. They may think they are respected, but they are not. They are disgraced in their own eyes. There is not much honesty within them; they have forfeited their heaven, sold their birthright, and betrayed their friends."[44]

In contrast, James E. Faust said of ex-Mormons that "if there have been some mistakes, there is a way back. The doors are wide open; welcoming arms are outstretched. There is a place for all."[45]

[edit] Ex-Mormon support groups

Tight-knit local and Internet-based support group communities exist for particularly American and Australian ex-Mormons to help them cope with the strains of leaving their former belief system and building a new life.[46] Specifically, Internet-based communities range from historical forums[47][48] and blogs[49] to sites dedicated to "recovery" from Mormonism,[50] Mormon church membership resignation,[51] newsgroups, and satire.[52] According to National Public Radio, ExMormon.org receives 160,000 hits per day, making it probably the most popular ex-Mormon website.[46] Notable ex-Mormons Tal Bachman (Canadian singer) and Steve Benson (Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist) frequent online discussion boards to relate their experiences as active, faithful members who decided to leave Mormonism.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Ex-Mormon abbreviations from ExMormon.org
  2. ^ William Lobdell, Los Angeles Times, Losing Faith and Lots More, December 1, 2001
  3. ^ Albrecht, S.L. & Bahr, H.M. (1990). Strangers Once More: Patterns of Disaffiliation from Mormonism. Journal of Scientific Study of Religion (28)2. 180- 200.
  4. ^ a b c Albrecht, S.L. & Bahr, H.M. (1983). Patterns of Religious Disaffiliation: A Study of Lifelong Mormons, Mormon Converts & Former Mormons. Journal of Scientific Study of Religion 22 D. pp. 366-379.
  5. ^ a b c Reynolds, Leslie (1996). Mormons in Transition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Gratitude Press.
  6. ^ Unauthorized Investigator's Guide to LDS Church, "Moroni's Book of Mormon Promise" from LDS4U.com
  7. ^ Milton V. Backman Jr., “A Warning from Kirtland,” Ensign, Apr 1989, 26
  8. ^ Roberts, B.H. (1902). History of the Church 1, 115. 
  9. ^ a b Exmormon survey from MisterPoll.com
  10. ^ William Lobdell, Los Angeles Times, Losing Faith and Lots More, December 1, 2001
  11. ^ Institute for Religious Research, Book of Mormon
  12. ^ Charles Larson, By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus, ISBN 0-9620963-2-6
  13. ^ Maxine Hanks, Women and Authority ISBN 1-56085-014-0
  14. ^ BYU 3rd of Top 10 Most Politically Conservative Colleges
  15. ^ The Mormon Curtain
  16. ^ www.mormonnomore.com
  17. ^ Albrecht, S.L. & Bahr, H.M. (1990). Strangers Once More: Patterns of Disaffiliation from Mormonism. Journal of Scientific Study of Religion (28)2. 180- 200.
  18. ^ LDS General Conference, October 1999, Elder Ben B. Banks, Feed My Sheep
  19. ^ William Lobdell, Los Angeles Times, Losing Faith and Lots More, December 1, 2001
  20. ^ Interview with Bob McCue
  21. ^ Why I left
  22. ^ My Mission
  23. ^ Thought reform in Mormonism
  24. ^ Life After Mormonism and the Double Bind
  25. ^ Recovery from Mormonism
  26. ^ Winell, Marlene Ph.D. Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving their Religion (New Harbinger Publications, 1993)
  27. ^ What did leaving cost you?
  28. ^ a b c Lesson 24: “Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness”, Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 134
  29. ^ Peggy Fletcher, Stack. "LDS Church President Monson urges disenfranchised to return to the fold", The Salt Lake Tribune, 2008-04-08. Retrieved on 2008-04-26. 
  30. ^ Covenant 10:27-33
  31. ^ 3 Nephi 26:4
  32. ^ Covenant 20:15
  33. ^ Alma 30
  34. ^ Alma 30:27
  35. ^ Robinson, Stephen E. (1991). "Review of The Word of God: Essays on Mormon Scripture by Dan Vogel". FARMS Review of Books 3 (1): 312-318. Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute. 
  36. ^ Countering Korihor
  37. ^ Roberts, B.H. (1902). History of the Church 1, 261. 
  38. ^ Smith, George A. (1867). Journal of Discourses 11, 9. 
  39. ^ Lesson 24: “Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness”, Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 134
  40. ^ Theodore M. Burton, “Light and Truth,” Ensign, May 1981, 28
  41. ^ a b Ballard, M. Russell (September 1990). "A Chance to Start Over: Church Disciplinary Councils and the Restoration of Blessings". Ensign 20 (9): 12. 
  42. ^ Brigham Young on personal apostacy
  43. ^ Smith, Joseph F. (1834-7). Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 66.  Although sometimes mistaken for a direct quote from Joseph Smith, this passage occurs in the book as part of "Excerpts from an Epistle of the Elders of the Church in Kirtland to Their Brethren Abroad", edited by Oliver Cowdery and F. G. Williams as published in The Morning and the Evening Star.
  44. ^ Journal of Discourses/Volume 12. p.94. Brigham Young. 1867
  45. ^ Faust, James E. (July 2000). "Finding the Abundant Life". Ensign 30 (7): 2. 
  46. ^ a b Chana Joffe-Walt. "Shunned Ex-Mormons Form Own Communities", NPR. 
  47. ^ Mormons in Transition
  48. ^ Free Message Board & Free Forum
  49. ^ The Mormon Curtain - Ex-Mormon And Ex-Mormonism Blog
  50. ^ Recovery from Mormonism - the Mormon Church
  51. ^ MormonNoMore
  52. ^ Salamander Society

[edit] External links

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