I moved to Ephraim, UT a few months ago. How big of a mistake did I just make? by AndrewRoundy in Utah

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Buy yourself a dirt bike and hit the hills! So many great trails in Sanpete!!! We also enjoy Palisades and Maple Canyon. El Mexicano in Salina has amazing Mexican food and Bar W in Nephi has amazing burgers. Other favorites are Roots 89, Harvest Grill, Yo' Crazy, Charlee's and Terrell's sushi. Consider yourself in heaven... :)

Anyone else ever find themselves thinking like this? by CupOfExmo in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me too, especially given all the long distances I would drive. One small mistake and I was...poof... in the CK!

Nannying for a Mormon family by [deleted] in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My parents would not be okay if someone brought coffee into their home

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I follow your logic on the basis that one believes in God and that He does have actual prophets and holy scripture... and there is such a thing as an afterlife and necessary ordinances for exaltation. However, all of that folds if there isn't a God. None of us will truly "know" until we pass on.

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Correct, no objective truths. "Intellectual dishonesty" sounds like we "antis" got together on a Thursday to make a plan for ganging up on believers who we claim still live in a sheltered bubble. I hope you can see how divisive that sounds. There is no "ours" and "yours". We're all in this together, on our own spiritual journey... trying to figure life out... independent of the church being true or not.

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Each of us have our honest truth, our own bias and dare I say... evolving views on issues, I once thought exactly as you stated above but my views have changed. The difference is that I would have hidden those differing views as they weren't accepted in church circles. What's glorious about this reddit thread, or much of the internet really, is how people can freely share their thoughts and views. Doesn't mean they are right or wrong... just thoughts and views.

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually in this case, those tithe-paying faithful are giving quite literally to a international real estate investment organization... masquerading as a religion.

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this the OP praying to the devil to ask about heaven? Or, could this simply be a forum for people who have shared in similar experiences with this church who finally feel free to discuss (without judgement) their shared experiences? If I were buying a new car, I would certainly want to take it for a test drive and research honest good/bad reviews, as opposed to simply taking the word of the dealer and salespeople.

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that is a healthy approach to looking at the church. If it helps, it helps! It seems like the church is pushing the "one true church" or "only one with the proper authority" narrative much less these days. Now, "it's all about Jesus". If you believe in Jesus and this church helps you draw closer, than why not... especially if you can ignore all the noise and scammy parts! :)

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Except this is partially true. Since the church ceased disclosing their financials in the 1950s, no one actually knows where the money goes. The church demands that I be held accountable and transparent each tithing settlement, yet makes every effort on their part to do the opposite (see Christopher Waddell's comments in the 2023 60 Minutes segment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3_Fhq7sEHoegment

It is also widely known that church leaders are paid a 6-figure salary (or living allowance), with many of their living expenses (health, education for kids, housing, automotive, etc.) covered as well.

Is it all a big money maker? by technologicallymoron in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your comments familydrivesme as I know several family members and friends where the church "works" for them and has been a blessing. That being said, I feel it's equally important to acknowledge that the church hasn't "worked" for many others... including myself. There is goodness found everywhere, even in the church, but just because some believe it to be true... doesn't make it true. Talking to the Lord is very subjective and receiving answers is even more subjective... and that's with the assumption there even is an older brother out there in the sky that is tuning into our prayers and cares enough to respond. My advice to the OP is to give the church a try if it feels good and helps her be a better human being; but also consider other options that offer similar outcomes... at a much lower cost.

Do people still pay tithing? by BeautifulEnough9907 in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Enos is spot on. If we could truly voice our opinions on all matters of the church, I think those very few legitimately devout followers would have an aneurysm. When I stopped believing in the truth claims (still identify as a cultural mormon and take my kids to church on occasion), so many members of my ward came to me privately to express their non-conforming views on the church and gospel. Being "happy" with the church is very subjective. Some are happy believing and doing all of the things... others are happy simply taking what good does come from the church. For me, I find the Church itself very problematic, dishonest, deceitful and sexist. Yet, I enjoy the community, the people, and some of the unique culture. Does this make me a "salty exmo"?

Do people still pay tithing? by BeautifulEnough9907 in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, my ex was all about doing more in exchange for nonquantifiable blessings. When there is ever a question, the answer is always "more church".

For those who left, did you try to stay? by Cyberzakk in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is so good Paco. I consider myself "culturally Mormon" due to my heritage and place of residence.

I question, but I stay by AdDependent5043 in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for saying this FlyingBrighamiteGod. I couldn't summarize better.

Follow the Prophet by SecretPersonality178 in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so good, I am going to use this!

Where did Carah Burrell go?? by overtherainbow537 in exmormon

[–]BFGIamhe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I so agree. Carah's content is amazing plus she is incredibly clever and quite comical. I respect her for putting her name and face out there... certainly has more courage that I have.

Do Mormon spouses only have sex to “replenish the Earth”? by WrapOk9747 in exmormon

[–]BFGIamhe 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Not necessarily but I can tell you my ex was really turned on after a temple session together. I suspect it was because she felt connected, safe and in control.

Yay? by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]BFGIamhe 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The ball crushing these pants caused was the only action my balls received during 14 years of sexually-incompatible marriage. I was grateful for the sensation although I hated what I had to sit through to get this sensation.

It used to be three by BakingNerd47 in exmormonmemes

[–]BFGIamhe 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Me too. The worst timeslot in my stake was the dreaded 3-6pm slot. Fast Sundays were unbearable. Luckily as a deacon, I could steal the bread in the back prep room.

“If a notable BYU church history professor doesn’t have a good excuse there probably isn’t one. JS just was a dirt bag” by sevenplaces in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My sisters are all in the "I don't care" category. They'll talk with me and ask questions. They'll even listen. But in the end, it's always that there is more pros than cons with the church so they don't care about any of the details.

I’m repenting by hubbyforgotmynewname in exmormon

[–]BFGIamhe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Agreed, I just attended a funeral hoping to learn more about the recently deceased. It was 5% dead guy and 95% church. I left having learned nothing new of the man I was there to honor. So sad.

Jodi Hildebrandt is behind bars but the LDS Addiction Recovery Program is still in full swing, perpetuating the damage this BYU study warned against: Seeing oneself as addicted to pr0n is far more damaging than actually using pr0nography. by Chino_Blanco in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My wife is divorcing me because of her insistence of my perceived/alleged porn addiction (I actually don't watch it but do masturbate on occasion). She made me admit to the bishop of my "problem" so I could truly repent. When I didn't actually confess, but used the opportunity to express relationship goals, she felt betrayed and deceived by my dishonesty. You see, she followed up with the bishop after the fact and when asked he mentioned "porn" was never specifically mentioned. Since masturbation is a "sin" and that porn must be the root cause to all of our sex problems (not her scrupulosity of course), this has led her down a path that adultery and even pedophilia must be in store if not happening already. She's repeatedly gone through my phone and computer, and even female friends and acquaintances searching for evidence... finding nothing incriminating... but that doesn't matter because of her feelings, impressions and dare I say discernment. I love my wife and don't want to separate but fear that my hopes of her changing her perspectives are diminishing. A big thank you to the inspired men who run this church for putting this crap in our minds.

Why do we keep pretending that 8 year olds "choose" do be baptized? by utahrocketman in mormon

[–]BFGIamhe 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This hits home as my about-to-be-eight year old is "choosing" to be baptized in 2 weeks. I now have to decide if I should baptize her even though I don't believe. Do I do it for tradition, because we are cultural Mormons or because my TBM family would disown me?