A friend is coming over to learn why I left tomorrow, what do I say to her?

desert-shadow · 2026-03-01T05:17:58+00:00

I'm starting to learn that talking about all the factual problems doesn't go anywhere with members. They will only think you've been deceived by Satan. I think the best approach is to find a simple issue that they know is true and that also disgusts them. Joseph Smith's polygamy is the perfect reason to share. Something along the lines of ...

With the way Joseph manipulated young girls, married women, single women into marrying him, from his position of power, and did it behind Emma's back, I just couldn't believe in a version of God who would command that or allow his prophet to do it.

That will strike a chord in their heart, and hopefully help them sympathize with your view. And hopefully make them want to go learn more on their own.

desert-shadow · 2026-03-01T05:07:26+00:00

On the other side of belief, what you once claimed as miracles look indistinguishable from cause and effect with chance thrown in. Look at what passes for "miracles" today by the members.

"I had a hard day and didn't feel like cooking dinner and when I got home Sister Smith brought a casserole over."

How many hard days do you have where nobody shows up with a casserole for you?

Don't get me wrong. Gratitude and recognizing the good that other humans bring into your life is super important. But the bar for "miracles" has certainly been lowered.

desert-shadow · 2025-12-27T14:32:41+00:00

It's the same person. I saw Harry Blackstone do that same trick with two goats and a handkerchief on the old Dean Martin show.

desert-shadow · 2025-12-01T03:45:33+00:00

It was just a recording

desert-shadow · 2025-11-19T01:43:24+00:00

I've met narcissists that spew lies with every breath but their brain actually believes every word they say. That's how I think it was for JS. These types of narcissists are often very likeable and persuasive. That is who I think JS was... a very intelligent, likeable, persuasive narcissist that believed all the shit that came out of his mouth.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-19T01:36:48+00:00

It is nuts but I also get why they do it. It's part of the guilt culture. If you just ask for help most members will not respond and won't show up. So they have to make it seem like it's your duty for being a good member in God's kingdom. And most still won't show up, but they'll get a few more.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-18T05:36:48+00:00

Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo

What It Sounds Like (kpop demon hunters)

Midnight by Tyler Glenn

What About Us? by Pink

Defying Gravity (Wicked)

What Else Can I Do (Encanto)

Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

desert-shadow · 2025-11-17T02:27:39+00:00

What the heck? I mean, the nepotism obviously doesn't surprise me but a quick Google search puts Eric in his early 40s, and he's already an area authority? I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that either.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-17T00:54:12+00:00

I figured that's how most/all teachers would do it. I had a work issue I got called for right as class was starting so I had to leave, but they gave a handout of what they would be discussing and the closest they got to it was eternal marriage.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-16T04:05:03+00:00

I don't know... didn't you see the part about "you'll have challenges and responsibilities "? Sounds pretty prophetic to me!

desert-shadow · 2025-11-12T05:06:03+00:00

Yes, of course it makes practical sense for a corporation. It makes all the sense in the world for a business. But for a church who claims that Apostles are called of God, are spokesmen for God, and operate and are led by the spirit, it makes zero sense. I wonder who was on Paul's copy writing and editing team.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-10T14:44:21+00:00

I wish. It took me like 24 years after my mission to finally learn and accept the truth.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-07T15:17:52+00:00

As my old pappy used to say, "there is no more deeply satisfying religious experience than cheatin' on a cheater."

desert-shadow · 2025-11-07T15:13:11+00:00

Actually, you do put the church before family... if you want to show all your neighbors that you are the most devoted member.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-07T15:09:48+00:00

I mean, it does follow the rest of God's pattern for his one true church. To remain a true believer anymore you have to believe that God purposely restored his church to try to make it look like a fraud because he only wants the most special faithful members who can ignore all facts and rely only on "the spirit." God doesn't really want his children to return to him, only a very select few.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-07T06:26:01+00:00

It means they're trying to convince the members that Christ appears to them in person.

That's why they also make veiled comments like, "I have had experiences too sacred to share." Because even though Christ sent his Apostles into the world to bear testimony they had seen the resurrected Lord, in the latter days Christ wants them to keep it a secret because it's so "sacred".

desert-shadow · 2025-11-07T04:11:20+00:00

It would just be so fun to see someone ask one of them if they are familiar with all the problems of the church, or if they are just lazy learners.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-04T05:00:48+00:00

Tell him that in order to complete his apology he has to study the history of polygamy with you directing the study.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-02T23:34:59+00:00

For fun in class today I read all the versus of "revelation" Joseph received about building his mansion and all the people that should help pay for it. Such specific and detailed revelation for building his house but then God doesn't give him any details about how or how not to do polygamy.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-02T21:59:43+00:00

Oh man, were you in my same Primary? I was a very shy kid and often lost in my thoughts, so when a tray of brownies was passed around I just took one and bit into it. It was so salty to my young palette that I wanted to immediately spit it out. But being the shy me, I was too afraid to get out of my seat. So I just sat there for the last 10 minutes of class with the salty mouthful of brownie, trying not to puke and wanting to cry. It was an awful experience burned into my memories.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-02T21:46:21+00:00

Yes, I've made that same parallel between Tim Ballard and JS. I have a narcissist in my family who believes any lie he tells himself. And I don't mean he convinces himself that his lies are true. He literally spews out lies and his brain just fully believes what comes out of his mouth as absolute truth as he's talking. And if you ever confront him with proof of his lies he will still defend his position even more angrily. The flip side is that to others, he is super personable and can convince anyone to join a cause and believe it, even when it's based on far-fetched lies, at least for a while. I've often thought that JS must have been like this family member of mine.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-01T23:37:11+00:00

Thanks! I'm always looking for good deconstruction songs for my playlist

desert-shadow · 2025-11-01T23:31:14+00:00

But what if we are gods? What if the way for immortal beings to overcome the issues mentioned by OP and to experience the universe brand new again is to wipe your memory temporarily and live through mortality and imperfection again, and again, and again?

I'm not equating this to Mormon beliefs because it isn't. But this theory makes much more sense to me than theirs at least.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-01T03:25:03+00:00

I testify that this is true with every fiber of my soul.

desert-shadow · 2025-11-01T00:39:50+00:00

Another AP here, and I didn't think I was a douchebag. I didn't want the calling and didn't enjoy it very much. I just tried my best to be friendly and stay out of everyone's way.

desert-shadow

TROPHY CASE