The Dark Side Of Lds: Killing Those Who Leave?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the LDS or Mormon Church, is a religious organisation with a significant number of members. While the reasons for leaving the LDS Church vary, it is important to note that the act of leaving itself does not result in any physical harm or danger to the individual. The process of leaving the LDS Church is a personal decision, and individuals are free to choose their path without fear of violence or retaliation.

Historical inaccuracies

Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) hold a positive view of the church's history, often inspired by stories of faithful ancestors or pioneers. However, as adults, some members may discover through church sources that certain historical discrepancies and challenges exist, related to scripture or church teachings. For example, the Book of Abraham, scientific evidence contradicting Book of Mormon stories, or the practice of polygamy, can shake members' foundational beliefs.

Additionally, members may have believed in unchanging doctrines, only to later learn that past revelations from God, as communicated by prophets, are now considered heresy. This calls into question many other beliefs they held about the church and its teachings.

Furthermore, members may discover that certain "anti-Mormon lies" they were taught to dismiss as false are, in fact, true. This can be a rude awakening and cause members to question the accuracy and truthfulness of the church's teachings.

Another issue arises when members learn that doctrines they believed to be eternal and unchanging are now considered heresy. This can lead to confusion and doubt, as members try to reconcile their previous understanding with new information.

Overall, the discovery of historical inaccuracies and discrepancies can cause members to question their faith and may contribute to their decision to leave the LDS church.

Differences between personal beliefs and church teachings

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is a religion with a diverse range of teachings and practices. While it provides a sense of community and spiritual guidance to its members, some individuals may find that their personal beliefs and revelations diverge from the official doctrines of the church. This discrepancy between personal convictions and institutional tenets can lead to a faith crisis and, in some cases, a decision to leave the LDS Church. Here are some key differences between personal beliefs and LDS teachings that have been cited by former members:

• Treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals: Some individuals may struggle to reconcile the church's stance on LGBTQ+ issues with their personal beliefs about love, acceptance, and the nature of a loving God. They may feel that the church's teachings on this matter are incongruent with their understanding of divine compassion and inclusivity.
• Misogyny and patriarchy: The LDS Church has been criticised for its treatment of women and the prevalence of misogynistic attitudes. Some members may find that their personal beliefs about gender equality and female empowerment conflict with the church's teachings, leading them to question the divine inspiration behind such doctrines.
• Coffee consumption: The LDS Church teaches that drinking coffee can bar someone from entering the celestial kingdom. This teaching may seem overly restrictive to some members, causing them to question the church's stance on issues of personal choice and spiritual consequences.
• Historical inaccuracies and discrepancies: Many former members have cited historical discrepancies related to scripture, church teachings, and the life of Joseph Smith as reasons for leaving. They may discover that certain teachings they once believed to be unchanging doctrines are now considered heresy by the church. This calls into question the reliability of church leadership and the accuracy of its interpretations.
• Immoral behaviour by church leaders: Some individuals lose faith in the LDS Church due to witnessing or learning about immoral behaviour among its leaders. This includes instances of child abuse cover-ups, abuse by high-ranking church officials, and the concealment of illegal financial practices. Such revelations can cause members to question the moral authority and integrity of the institution.
• Personal experiences contradicting church promises: Some members leave the church due to a disparity between their real-life experiences and the blessings they were promised. For example, they may diligently follow church teachings and doctrines but still experience unhappiness, broken relationships, or a lack of "true happiness." This discrepancy between personal experiences and the expected outcomes taught by the church can lead individuals to question the validity of its teachings.

Personal experiences not aligning with church promises

A common reason for leaving the church is the disparity between members' real-life experiences and the blessings they were promised. For example, a bishop may be divinely assured by his leaders that faithfully carrying out his duties will strengthen his family ties, yet his relationships deteriorate despite his utmost efforts and faith. Similarly, a sister missionary may be promised by her stake president that her father will return to church activity before she finishes her mission if she dedicates herself completely to her service. However, her father never returns to church. Despite knowing that she gave it her all, the sister missionary still questions herself instead of the revelatory promise, "Did I make a mistake? Was I not good enough?". It is only after years of deep reflection and similar experiences that she might entertain the idea that perhaps she wasn't at fault, and that the issue lies with the church leader's promises.

There are also those who didn't find joy in participating in or being members of the church, yet remained active and faithful for decades. They believed in the church as the one true church and that finding "true happiness" is only possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, despite their best efforts and faithful service, happiness eluded them. It was only after they began to consider letting go of their religious beliefs that they discovered a sense of freedom, joy, and happiness.

Observing immoral behaviour by church leaders

Instances of immoral behaviour by church leaders can include covering up child abuse and other misconduct to preserve the LDS Church's reputation. This can involve witnessing abuse at the hands of high-ranking church leaders who continue in their callings while dismissing or even punishing the abuse survivors.

Another example is the refusal of apostles and prophets to apologise for past mistakes that caused significant harm, despite preaching the importance of repentance and apology for individuals. Discovering the church's involvement in concealing illegal financial practices and accumulating hundreds of billions of dollars, while advocating against materialism and emphasising charity, can also raise doubts among members.

LGBTQ+ treatment

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has a history of controversial teachings and policies regarding the LGBTQ+ community, which have evolved over time. While the church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and behaviour, it has been criticised for its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and its involvement in legislation impacting their rights.

Teachings and Policies

The LDS Church condemns all homosexual sexual activity as sinful and teaches that God does not approve of same-sex marriage. Adherents who engage in same-sex sexual behaviour may face church discipline. Members who experience homosexual attractions but abstain from same-sex marriage and sexual activity outside of an opposite-sex marriage remain in good standing. The church previously taught that homosexuality was a curable condition but now states that "individuals do not choose to have such attractions" and that therapy to change sexual orientation is unethical.

According to the church's plan of salvation, non-celibate gay and lesbian individuals will not attain the highest level of heaven unless they repent during their lifetime, and heterosexual marriage is a requirement for exaltation. The church teaches that homosexual behaviour has always been a grievous sin and it no longer holds a position on the origins of homosexuality.

Impact on Members

The church's policies and teachings have had a significant impact on its members, particularly those who are LGBTQ+. Members who act on their LGBTQ+ identity may be subject to ecclesiastical discipline, including probation, disfellowship, or excommunication. Excommunication results in the loss of membership and the ability to participate in the church, as well as the severing of eternal ties with their families.

The church's stance on LGBTQ+ issues has also led to disagreement and disaffection among members, with many choosing to leave the church due to its treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.

Political Involvement

The LDS Church has been actively involved in legislation relating to LGBTQ+ rights, particularly regarding same-sex marriage. It has played a role in defeating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in several states and has campaigned against marriage equality since the 1990s, making it one of the church's foremost political concerns. The church has also contributed financially to these efforts and encouraged members to support anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives.

While the church opposes same-sex marriage, it has stated that it does not object to rights regarding hospitalisation, medical care, fair housing, employment, and probate rights, as long as they do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches.

Criticism and Protests

The church's political involvement and treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals have sparked widespread criticism and protests. The church has been perceived as "generally unfriendly" towards the LGBTQ+ community, and its involvement in legislation has been a significant source of controversy and disagreement among members.

There have been numerous protests against the church's policies, including demonstrations at the Salt Lake City library, the Los Angeles LDS temple, and the Salt Lake Temple, with thousands of people gathering to voice their opposition to the church's stance on same-sex marriage and its political involvement.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the LDS Church has made some efforts to soften its rhetoric and engage in dialogue with LGBTQ+ advocates. In 2015, top church leaders worked with LGBTQ+ advocates and lawmakers to pass a statewide non-discrimination bill in Utah, protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in housing and employment while offering exemptions for religious institutions.

In 2019, the church reversed its controversial policy that considered members in same-sex marriages as apostates, although it still affirmed that same-sex marriage was a "serious transgression."

Despite these changes, the church's teachings and policies continue to have a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community and its members, and the topic of same-sex marriage remains a key area of focus for the church.

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