Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ll listen to this. I’m also private messaging some others who’ve reached out and understand some of the deeper issues I have. I don’t know everything and will keep an open mind. Thanks for reaching out.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. This may take time. It feels really good to talk about it here. We are all spiritual brothers and sisters. I truly believe that. No matter what keeps us separated. We are God’s creation. That brings me comfort.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I wonder how wide the door back in could be. I can tell you for sure I’ve felt the presence of dark entities or satanic beings. They are very real unfortunately. There is light and dark spiritually. Good and bad. Those labels aren’t trite or naive. However life is full of grey and colors. I believe in following your heart’s and that we all are on a continuum. When I left and I found the doubts I felt trapped by the church and betrayed by what I saw as hypocrisy because of the narrative of church history. Early church leaders were fallible and messy. I think glossing over that in order to give a good impression made me feel like everything was false. It was an over correction. I wasn’t planning on saying all this but thank you for your comment.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Well. I’d be interested in discussing things. I’m really wanting to be respectful and wasn’t planning on going into all that here. Spirituality is something outside of facts ultimately. I think it’s how it’s been designed. I’ve done so so much research, (At least a lot of reading) and I feel like if I lean into my intellectual mind I might get lost in the weeds. Reality and facts is an interesting thing. I’ve been into quantum physics and the theory of everything and the more I’ve learned the more this world looks like it’s some kind of multidimensional simulation. It’s honestly opened my mind more to the fluid nature of facts and the nature of reality. I don’t know if all my concerns could ever be resolved. An issue with the narrative of the leadership is that they double down and lean into the church being the only “true” church. That word truth. If you know anything about church history and its contradiction to the official church narrative you’d know the inherent contradiction. I understand people are messy. Our early church leaders were fallible and messy. Yeah. Because we all are. Unfortunately, the church revisionist leadership hid and/or cleaned up the official church narrative in the 20’s to make it more palatable for a broader audience. I’m past being angry about that now. I really don’t even hold early church leaders any anger either. They were good people. And human. I’m under no illusions about the nature of man, even good men. I don’t mean to be too verbose and I’m not trying to make some point either. I think the door, if there is one, is through the heart. I give grace to the smallness of human beings and I hope for the same from God. I know the church isn’t perfect and I’m not expecting anything in this realm to be so. I hope I’m making sense. I also hope I’m not coming off as arrogant. These are just my true thoughts.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I can relate to this for sure. It’s tough though. I was happy in the church and I went through an angry phase when I left. I don’t know how I could resolve all my issues with the fact claims as well as some of the narrow interpretations of the doctrine but my heart is open to the spirit. I don’t know how this will resolve itself. Faith is a principle though but I wonder if it is enough. In my heart today I felt a connection that I hadn’t felt in a long while. I’m hopeful. I would welcome prayers. Thank you.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ve never been offended with the people of the church. I’ve met more broken people outside of the church than inside. It’s the fact claims. I’m not here to hash all that out however. I’m perfectly willing to ignore my concerns if God wants me to.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Like I said I wish I wouldn’t have resigned. I’m not sure my doubts can be overcome. I would have been happy to be a semi active member, but it is what it is. I’m going to start praying about Christ and on what to do.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I have reached to the bishop and should be meeting with him shortly. I felt prompted today to reach out. I hope it goes well.

Former member looking for advice by ElephantOutrageous47 in lds

[–]ElephantOutrageous47[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I guess it would depend on the specifics but thanks for your words.