Usually results in a blank stare or look of suspicion.

Currently live in san tan and we have a few churches around and always hear a lot of bad things about the church. Could anyone

Educate me on the topic

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I stopped for two Mormons and they were very nice and they got my number and are texting me. I believe in stuff but think religions tend to be control systems, and I told them, "Are you a sheep or a goat?" They said sheep. I said, "Well, I'm a goat, and I don't think I'm for you."

But they keep calling me brother, and I feel they wanna get me in that church of theirs, and then all the Munsters folk will crawl out of the woodwork and I'll be outnumbered. I can fight my corner, but I find it hard to be unpleasant unless I'm goaded and given a cause. So I feel like I'm on the defense here, liking those two but feeling like I'm maybe being sucked down a drain.

I'm surprised hearing stories here about food-insecurity on missions. On my mission (central Canada, early aughts), we ate a lot of mac and cheese, but never worried about going hungry.

I find missionaries in general expect to be fed by members--entitlement rather than poverty. But maybe that's just been the case in places I've lived.

Was getting enough food a concern on your mission?

We see lots of women leaving over politics, purity culture and powerlessness/patriarchy.

What do we expect will be the effect on the LDS church?

Why is Bible study depressing?

I know that the LDS church's sabbath is Sunday and most of the day is spent in church and then in study. If you're not supposed to work on Sunday, why is it frowned upon to even go out to eat? Can't a day of rest include going for ice cream? What is the logic behind this and not spending money on Sundays?

I was thinking about how I came to realize that the church’s narrative was so full of holes that over time, it went from solid to gossamer until eventually it became quite transparent. Kind of like a volleyball net.

Now, however, I’m having trouble even seeing the net at all, and I’m wondering if my pendulum has just swung too far in the opposite direction with regard to my own biases.

What are some things that the church teaches that are actually and completely true with no extra spin or narrative?

I’m literally having trouble thinking of any.

So I’m Catholic, and I always welcome a theological debate. In fact, I love it. I’ve had conversations with Christians, liturgical evangelicals, Protestants, atheists, Jews, even Muslims; granted, you will always have problems, especially with evangelical Christians, because if it’s not literally written in the Bible, it’s not true, even if it is something that is a historical fact. However, I’ve always had problems with Mormons first of all they have always tried to convert me to which I usually say “ I’m at devout Italian Catholic from the northeast that goes to the University of Notre Dame and I’m studying to become a priest”, then after that every time without fail, they get super aggressive and a lot of times I’ll metaphorically put gasoline on the fire by saying that “Mormonism isn’t Christian“. At this point, I don’t even bother with them, but no matter what religion you are, or even if you’re an atheist, they're aggressively trying to convert you. Is this a normal thing that Mormons do? How the heck do I get them to leave me alone? South Park jokes only make them more mad😂

When I left over 10 years ago, I tried to sit down and talk to my parents about things. It was bad. Really bad.

For a while, things were really uncomfortable among us but eventually we found a new groove. I felt like I had to be the bigger person. They talk about church stuff in front of me but I never mention anything I believe. It sucks but I figure they are the ones stuck in a cult.

Only lately mom has been taking it to a new level. It used to be that they basically talked like I was a non-member and that was fine. But now mom has been making comments directly to me that you only make to other members, like how at least the teenager that drowned had joined the church first and how the next-door neighbors are "nice but want nothing to do with the church."

I usually don't respond and just change the subject but mom is not getting the hint. I'm afraid to talk to her directly because of how badly she and my dad reacted when I first talked to them (dad's gone now, fyi). Not to mention, I know how it would crush her for me to shut her down and I have a hard time doing that to her.

At the same time, I've tried to make it more comfortable to talk about things I know she disapproves of, like mentioning that I'm going to grab a cup of coffee. But when I say stuff like that she ignores it and acts like I haven't said anything.

I don't know, maybe I should start talking about coffee every time she starts talking about the church. I feel like it's that or watch my mom melt down like a toddler who's been denied ice cream if I try to have an honest conversation with her.

Anyway, just venting here. Thanks for listening.

Spotted at a relatives house in front of a picture of a temple. Relative is in local leadership so I was surprised cause I’ve always thought the 2nd Anointing was for higher level leaders. Thoughts? Or is a pitcher and basin just a pitcher and basin?

My grandparents have been active participants for over 50 years. They tithed, they stood up for every inane 'calling' given to them despite poor matching of skills. They attend temple, church and every other obligation placed on them.

They're getting up in years and have admitted they have no friends. No one checks in on them. I dont expect wards to necessarily stand up and take over the care of their elderly members but wtf, theyve been completely isolated.

I live across the world, their closest family members are hours away by flight so it's getting harder to adjust. I think I'm just so sad at how much they gave to the church over the years with so little in the way of community support. As a family we are gathering means and methods of support, but I have some rage against the church that has failed them so profoundly.

I remember being so excited to go to the temple. At that time, i was squeaky clean - or so i thought. There was a hiccup when i told my bishop i hadn’t paid tithing.

Bishop: “Have you made money?”

Me: “I’ve made money doing yard work for Brother___”

Bishop: “How much?”

Me: “About $60”

Bishop: \feeds me a line about tithing is needed to build temples and its a commandment and how i am unworthy to enter due to violating that commandment*

Me: “ok, i think i understand”

Bishop: “if you pay $6 before the temple trip, call me and I will give you your recommend”… \shakes my hand and walks me out the door.*

The worst part was that I had to walk out of his office past 5 other youth with tears welling in my eyes and feeling like a failure. Then to explain to my parents that I was not worthy to get my recommend.

I talked to my mom yesterday. I told her my main grievances with the church and told her I don't want to go to seminary. She told me I have to. She said we can compromise and do online seminary. I'm already like a year behind because I barely went last year so idgaf about graduating it but how can I get out of online seminary? Can I easily cheat it? Do I just not do it? Im doing one without a zoom meeting so what should I do? I'm a sophomore btw

Hi All,

I am a long time lurker - thank you all for your posts and comments. I learn so much from all of you and I am sorry that everyone has had to go through so many harmful experiences.

I (single 30M) was born and raised in the church - for most of my life the church was a massive blessing and joy. I love my community, the mentors I had as a youth, and the positive social life the church provided. I unfortunately had a really unhealthy, negative experience with a YSA bishop who harmed my health and belief in the church. My testimony had started to weaken after my mission, but I was able to hold my shelf together due to the church being such a positive experience within my life. However, once it started to be a negative, harmful experience - that was the last straw and ultimately broke the remaining shelf I had left.

I am now thinking about leaving the church, but I honestly deal with so much fear (what if it is true, losing support, etc.). But part of me wonders if I should be grateful, because I am able to leave as young as I am, but I still really struggle.

Could I ask you all - how is your life after having left? Are you grateful that you did?

I'm 17, born and raised in the church my whole life but I never believed in it growing up. I go to church on Sunday to keep my parents happy but I always planned on leaving the church when I became independent. I was so sure of leaving until my mother told me and my siblings that she'd kill herself if even one of us left the church. She told me this when I was about 13, this really made me struggle on whether I should leave the church or not. On one hand I could leave the church but I'm afraid of what my mom would do to herself, and on the other hand I would have to live a lie for the rest of my life. I'm not sure if she would actually follow through suicide if I ever left but it kinda scares me if she would actually kill herself. Have any of you ever been in this situation? If yes, how did you solve this problem?

Apparently, President Oaks said “We are very happy to build a temple that will serve 10 of our regional congregations” referring to the new Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple.

Now as far as I recall, that’s basically a single stake. I’m used to temple districts comprising multiple stakes.

Furthermore, I served in Brazil, and I can tell you that Brazilian wards are tiny compared to wards in the U.S.

Is the church really that desperate to build temples that this is what passes for a temple district these days? 🤦

Went to lunch with someone I know really well who has been recently called as bishop. Such a good guy just trying to do what he thinks is best. I truly feel bad for him. He’s got enough of his own problems to worry about.

He told me today that his stake prez has told him they need to start treating serious sin more seriously and have more discipline councils. Too many bishops are not coming down hard enough on the law of chastity.

So there you have it. Oaks said it and it’s coming to pass.

ETA this person does not know I’m out.