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How many of here would consider themselves to have been struggling members whose experience with MADB and/or apologists was a catalyst in the loss of their faith in the LDS Church?

I started getting into FAIR/FARMS/Maxwell Institute writings at about the same time I turned to MADB looking to discuss some of my questions with my fellow Latter-day Saints. I don't know that I can really quantify how much of the catalyst for me was apologetics in general and how much was MADB, but it is accurate to count me among MADB's body count.

Darth J wrote:How many of here would consider themselves to have been struggling members whose experience with MADB and/or apologists was a catalyst in the loss of their faith in the LDS Church?

I started getting into FAIR/FARMS/Maxwell Institute writings at about the same time I turned to MADB looking to discuss some of my questions with my fellow Latter-day Saints. I don't know that I can really quantify how much of the catalyst for me was apologetics in general and how much was MADB, but it is accurate to count me among MADB's body count.

I posted as an apologist there for three years. Strictly speaking, I had my epiphany regarding the church during an 8-month break from all boards. But in the sense that my time on the boards (and on the alt.religion.Mormon list before that) had shown me that there weren't good answers, yeah, it contributed.

Participating on MADB, MD, AOL LDD, etc., flawed as they all are (or were) has done nothing but strengthen my faith.

bcspace wrote:Participating on MADB, MD, AOL LDD, etc., flawed as they all are (or were) has done nothing but strengthen my faith.

I wouldn't have expected anything else. Would you?

Although there are apologists who consistently express surprise when they rediscover it, I have been a critic of aspects of LDS apologetics for over a decade. For this, I have been treated horribly on several boards, including FAIR and MA&D. I would definitely say that the treatment I have received at the hands of some apologists has contributed to my alienation from the LDS Church.

It was quite natural for me to take up my Mission to the Mopologists from the hallowed halls of Cassius University. While I and my colleagues do not agree on all points, I do treasure the camaraderie faculty associations have afforded me.

Although I was born a critic, I didn't come out of the closet until about ten years ago. At that time, I made my first few stuttering attempts (a la Korihor) at being openly critical of Mormonism. If I had not been roundly abused at the Mad-board, as well as in real life, once I began to be public about my feelings, I know I would not have had the motivation to write 600 pages that reflect my own beliefs and cultural heritage.

I thank the MAD-board for their continuing work to destroy the LDS church. No-one can do it better than those who forget ethics while practicing religion.

Where can I find said 600 pages? I have long flight ahead of me and would love your company.

Here is an old edition:

http://cassiusuniversity.wordpress.com/mcb/

I have a bunch of new material that I am in the process of integrating into it. Plus I have taken out my logically sound but offensive speculative story of how Hitler might have come into contact with Mormons. Pahoran attacked it mercilessly. LOL I found some better material, even though a satire on making up history is very appropriate.

Wow, thanks!

I too would have ended up outside of the chapel doors, but like many the personalities at MA&D(back then the FAIR board) expedited my exit.

Many members know very little of this real Mormon history.

It is like being married to a cheating spouse. It is nearly impossible to forget the day that you catch your spouse in the act of cheating. It changes everything in your life.

Finding real Mormon history is the same. The personalities and their presentation at MA&D is like the cheating spouse blaming you for their cheating behavior and doing so with vitriol.