Is Ex-Mormonism Breaking People More Than Mormonism Ever Did?

[Hound of Heaven]

I’m initiating this discussion to delve into perspectives on the mental health aspects of Mormonism compared to exmormonism. In my experience, I have observed the advantages that can arise from individuals departing from Mormonism, while simultaneously witnessing how remaining within the faith can lead to a more stable life for some, suggesting that leaving might have drastically altered their circumstances.

I have an experience with an exmormon friend who was perpetually angry and bitter after leaving the church. He decided to return, and within weeks, he felt and acted much better. I believe this change was due to the sense of community found within the Mormon church. I will share that story at a later time.

https://youtu.be/dzVessi52BE?si=WYzKdztMXKTJKn0U
This video features Dusty Smith, who has been critical of the Mormon faith for 26 years, dedicating much of his time to challenging its beliefs. After witnessing numerous miracles and receiving answers to his prayers, he chose to return to Mormonism, and now he finds himself happier than ever before. This story is quite inspiring and illustrates that departing from the church may not yield positive outcomes for everyone.

Mormonism possesses many positive aspects if one takes the time to seek them out! Although I am an ex-Mormon, I feel happy for Dusty and believe he made the right decision. However, I am not a resentful exmormon; I have effectively navigated the challenges of being an exmormon. I can't say that I have truly experienced scrupulosity.

[canpakes]

Well, it appears to have broken you. : D

[Hound of Heaven]

Well, it appears to have broken you. : D

Please tell how it broke me.

[Marcus]

Well, it appears to have broken you. : D

Clearly. For someone who is a self-professed exmormon, his adulation of Mormonism is bizarre.

[canpakes]

Well, it appears to have broken you. : D

Please tell how it broke me.

I will PM you my therapist services fee schedule. Watch your inbox.

[Hound of Heaven]

Well, it appears to have broken you. : D

Clearly. For someone who is a self-professed exmormon, his adulation of Mormonism is bizarre.

Thank you, Fibber Marcus, for participating in the discussion. Your post highlights the dichotomous thinking prevalent in the exmormon community and its detrimental effects on exmormons and their mental well-being.

Your post suggests that you think being an exmormon requires viewing Mormonism in a negative light. In your perspective, there is no healthy way to view Mormonism. Since you, Fibber Marcus, have labeled it as evil, it is deemed evil without any nuances. Everyone must conform to your beliefs because you consider your moral code to be superior to that of Mormonism.

One of the primary issues with exmormonism is when they were actually Mormons, they experienced a sense of superiority when comparing their faith to other religions, and now that they're exmormons, they now feel an even greater sense of superiority as exmormons in relation to everyone else on the planet. The key to being happy as an exmormon is learning how not to feel superior, most can't give that feeling up, as you have successfully proven.

In my experience with many exmormons, it seems their sense of superiority often remains fixed, lingering in a perilous and critical state for many years. This complex can hinder their spiritual and sometimes mental growth.

Thank you for your comment; it exemplifies the exmormon perspective, which often views things as black and white—you're either with us or against us, leaving no room for nuance.

[Marcus]

Clearly. For someone who is a self-professed exmormon, his adulation of Mormonism is bizarre.

Thank you, Fibber Marcus, for participating in the discussion. Your post highlights the dichotomous thinking prevalent in the exmormon community and its detrimental effects on exmormons and their mental well-being.

Your post suggests that you think being an exmormon requires viewing Mormonism in a negative light. In your perspective, there is no healthy way to view Mormonism. Since you, Fibber Marcus, have labeled it as evil, it is deemed evil without any nuances. Everyone must conform to your beliefs because you consider your moral code to be superior to that of Mormonism.

One of the primary issues with exmormonism is when they were actually Mormons, they experienced a sense of superiority when comparing their faith to other religions, and now that they're exmormons, they now feel an even greater sense of superiority as exmormons in relation to everyone else on the planet. The key to being happy as an exmormon is learning how not to feel superior, most can't give that feeling up, as you have successfully proven.

In my experience with many exmormons, it seems their sense of superiority often remains fixed, lingering in a perilous and critical state for many years. This complex can hinder their spiritual and sometimes mental growth.

Thank you for your comment; it exemplifies the exmormon perspective, which often views things as black and white—you're either with us or against us, leaving no room for nuance.

When you avail yourself of canpakes' therapist services that you asked about, be sure to bring this up. Therapy will do wonders for you, HoundDogMike!

[Hound of Heaven]

At the 28:09 mark in the video, you can observe Dustin discussing a phone call he received from Uchtdorf. The excitement on Dusty's face is truly remarkable.

He recounts how Uchtdorf acknowledged that Dusty had been an anti-Mormon for 26 years, and then Uchtdorf invited him to come visit with him. During the visit, Uchtdorf shared his intention to incorporate Dusty's story into a general conference talk, to which Dusty consented. This is truly an incredible story when you reflect on it. Furthermore, it indicates that the leaders of the Mormon church might be more willing to engage in conversations with ex-Mormons than ex-Mormons are to engage with Mormons.

Dusty appears to be a genuinely kind person; I wish for him to hold onto hope and find lasting tranquility!

[Limnor]

Thinly smiling, maybe closer to a grimace, at the irony of painting all exmormons as black-and-white thinkers.

[Kishkumen]

Ex-Mormons are products of Mormonism. So, it may be worth reflecting on how Mormonism leads to ex-Mormonism and how that might be better prevented, if this is actually considered a problem. If you consider it a problem, then you should propose measures to keep it from happening and send them along to the Brethren through your bishop and stake president. I am sure they would love to hear from you.