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[_emilysmith]

I think the "Good Book" isn't as much of a guide of to spirituality as it is a tool of political control. I found "The Teachings of Don Juan" to be infinitely more enlightening than the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Quran, combined. Considering your fondness of psychedelics, you might consider picking it up, if you haven't already.

[_harmony]

Welcome, emilysmith. How did you find us?

[_beefcalf]

Although your comments on the Good Book are dead on, the book I was actually referencing (poorly, I admit) was "The Good Book" by David Plotz.

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Book-Hilario ... 587&sr=8-1

Another book I read around the time of my exit was the freely-available "God Wants You Dead"

http://www.cryonics.org/immortalist/jan ... dBR1pg.pdf

Highly recommended.

[Rikiti]

.

[_Willy Law]

I am at a point now though, that I am just done with it. Moving on. I have found other ways of viewing reality that make much more sense to me, and are much more interesting than Mormonism. .

Can't wait to be there myself.
Are there any "shortcuts" to arrive at this point? Or is it a natural progression that cannot be rushed?

[Rikiti]

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[_emilysmith]

Although your comments on the Good Book are dead on, the book I was actually referencing (poorly, I admit) was "The Good Book" by David Plotz.

:) Duly noted.

Welcome, emilysmith. How did you find us?

I have been struggling with my participation in church, but I never really gave much thought as to what, specifically, is so wrong about it. I felt the need to be able to engage the LDS-specific issues on an intellectual level in order to defend my decisions not to participate. A great deal of Googling later, I found this crazy board (along with the other crazier board) and was surprised to see how small a world the defense of Mormonism really is.

Carlos Castenada is highly controversial, so I have not delved into his writings as of yet, but they are classics apparently for the genre, so it probably is worth my time. I will some day. I read of his works all the time, he is a household name in the psychonaut community.

To me, he is not controversial at all. I doubt many (probably most) of his recollections are based on fact, but that does not detract at all from his insight into human spirituality and the universal aspects of religious experience. He is able to explain religion in a language all his own and separate the reader from ties to their own religion so that we examine our own beliefs. I think anyone interested in any religion would do well to read his works in order to attain perspective.

"DMT: The Spirit Molecule" is a great follow up, since it puts religious experiences into perspective according to a more scientific way of looking at things.

Can't wait to be there myself.
Are there any "shortcuts" to arrive at this point? Or is it a natural progression that cannot be rushed?

I wouldn't consider it a cult because the members lack a certain "cult"ural experience that involves intimate bonds with the leader and other members. I doubt many LDS would be drinking Kool-Aid if so commanded by the Prophet.

The "Post Cult Trauma" reads like a list of side effects for any tragic experience, and I really don't think it applies to you if the belief is genuinely gone. In general, we rebel against anything that is attempting to control us, so feelings of anger and resentment of that control are perfectly natural and should be acted upon in a mature manner until such time as the urge passes.

I would avoid all of the mud-slinging that goes on in this community, but I should imagine that everyone feeling inclined to participate should be encouraged. People for years to come will find this information useful. So come at it with all you got, and contribute. The more clearly and more concise you can present your argument and evidence, the better for everyone... even people you will never be aware of.

[Rikiti]

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[_emilysmith]

I consider the thousands crossing the plains akin to drinking Kool-Aid myself. I highly disagree that you would not go so far as to lable the church a cult.

I didn't realize the Mormons were still crossing the plains.

[_MCB]

I didn't realize the Mormons were still crossing the plains.

Many members of the handcart companies died on the way to Utah. That mentality still exists in the LDS Church.

However, many were European immigrants thinking that joining the LDS church would give them free land in America. And many still join the LDS church to gain the privileges that the LDS community gives them, like employment preference in LDS-run organizations.