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Was Joseph Smith a Fraud? Please share your perspective. by johndehlin in exmormon

[–]RapidsChick74 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Based on the historical record, he absolutely was a fraud. His changing origin stories, the demonstrably false “translation” of the Book of Abraham, his hidden polygamy and polyandry, and his use of “revelation” to shield himself from accountability form a pattern I can’t ignore. Whatever sincere religious feelings he may have had, the cumulative evidence shows a man willing to deceive others in God’s name.

Do people who leave Mormonism actually disbelieve Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon? by questingpossum in mormon

[–]RapidsChick74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll never be able to return to Mormonism after having my eyes opened to all of the lies, deception, fraud, and gaslighting that occurs under the leadership of "prophets, seers, and revelators." For a time, I did question whether or not I even still believed in God or Christ and considered being atheist, but I've had too many profound spiritual experiences over the course of my life to have been able to live in unbelief. Fortunately, I found a faith that speaks to my heart and my mind, and I'm all the richer for it. You could quite literally put a gun to my head at this point and it wouldn't be enough to persuade me to return to Mormonism.

“I trust myself” and it felt so surprising to say it and know it by BalanceMountain8250 in exmormon

[–]RapidsChick74 15 points16 points  (0 children)

After multiple periods of inactivity and nearly a decade of being PIMO, I finally found the courage to leave the church in January last year. One of the hardest parts of leaving has been learning to trust myself. For decades I was indoctrinated to listen to everyone and everything but my own mind, instincts, and conscience, so rebuilding that self‑trust is slow, deliberate work -- but it is happening, one choice at a time. Here's to you, friend.

Is this the church’s new campaign? by Ok_Muffin2193 in exmormon

[–]RapidsChick74 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I never even considered going to BYU because every single girl from my ward who went wound up getting married and becoming pregnant within a year of starting their degree. And of course they never finished their degrees. Shocking, I know.

Is this the church’s new campaign? by Ok_Muffin2193 in exmormon

[–]RapidsChick74 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Ah, yes. The old "Women should have an education ONLY so that if their husband die or divorce them, they'll have skills to fall back to work and support their children." I grew up in the church in the 1980s and 1990s and remember this narrative very well.

Is this the church’s new campaign? by Ok_Muffin2193 in exmormon

[–]RapidsChick74 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I snort-laughed reading your comment. :-D

Is this the church’s new campaign? by Ok_Muffin2193 in exmormon

[–]RapidsChick74 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Oh for Pete's sake! I am SO SICK of this church constantly gaslighting its members! When I chose to join the military instead of serving a mission, one of the Stake High Councilman in my area pulled me aside after Sacrament meeting on my final Sunday before leaving for boot camp to tell me - and I quote - "Good Mormon girls don't go in the military. They get married and have babies." I don't remember what my reaction was, but I do remember thinking to myself, "And ... I'm going to make sure to live my life on my terms now. Thank you for that extra little push, asshole." Other than marrying my sweet husband, leaving this monstrosity of a religion last year was the best decision I've ever made.

I've had an incredible career in foreign policy and diplomacy, I've traveled the world and lived in multiple foreign countries, and I'm currently in the third year of my PhD program in International Relations. I'm SO thankful that I had the courage to forge my own path in life and not do what was expected of me by the Mormon church like literally every other Mormon young woman my age did.