How to Stay in the LDS Church after Losing Your Faith

[_Trevor]

No, I'm not comparing the excesses of the two groups (although I had a nagging suspicion that people would assume I had done so). I was drawing attention to the flaws of the "give them a free pass" mentality by drawing attention to how badly it had backfired in at least one instance.

I am underwhelmed by the possible harm... so far.

[_Dr. Shades]

I am underwhelmed by the possible harm... so far.

Yeah, it's all been comparatively innocuous (depending on whom you ask), but the concept of courageously taking on injustice from within the system is rendered moot by the aforementioned modus operandii.

[_moksha]

I finally listened to the podcast all the way through and its message really resonated with me. I would heartily recommend it to someone struggling in a similar manner to that which John Dehlin described. It may be ridiculed by those with both feet out the door, but for those who are still drawn to the Church it may prove a Godsend.

I hope those lurking from MAD could add this podcast site to your bookmark list to give to those who may benefit from it.

[_Boaz & Lidia]

Don't your kids participate fully as we write this? If you believe what you just wrote the next question is why. Runtu, I would especially like you to listen to this podcast.

Most of my kids do participate. It isn't my choice whether they participate or not; it's theirs. They know where I stand and why.

But sure, I'll listen. I just don't see myself being able to go through the motions again. It just doesn't work for me.

And where you now live is like telling a fat kid it is his choice to loose or gain weight while he/she is living in the Chocolate Factory.

With all due respect to you Runtu, and in all seriousness, I will be surprised if any of your kids exit the chocolate factory skinny. Look at how it is stacked against you and them. Ferchrissakes, they live, school, and socialize in Happy friggin Valley.

[_Boaz & Lidia]

The more I have listened to Dehlin, the more I see him as a closeted shutin exmo.

He lives in the polygamous cousin community of Logan ferchrissakes.

His older brother is the CIO of LDS Inc.

in my opinion, he is too scared to act on his true feelings. Misery loves company and he is gaining many like minded followers with his podcasts.

[_Yoda]

It appears that essentially what you're saying here is that people need religion (some... any form of religion, as long as they choose it themselves). That's just not the case, anymore than a heroin addict needs heroin or a rich guy needs a luxury car.

No. What I was saying was that as a parent, for my children, I feel that religion is valuable. I specifically said that not everyone NEEDS religion, that it is an individual choice. What has worked best for my situation, and as a steward for my family, something I get to decide, is that religion works well for my family.

[_Yoda]

Misery loves company and he is gaining many like minded followers with his podcasts.

Misery loves company?

First of all, I don't really sense that he is miserable. But even if he is, how do you think he will likely gain company from presenting this type of a podcast? It's not like people are going to come in droves to join his ward. LOL

[_Some Schmo]

It appears that essentially what you're saying here is that people need religion (some... any form of religion, as long as they choose it themselves). That's just not the case, anymore than a heroin addict needs heroin or a rich guy needs a luxury car.

No. What I was saying was that as a parent, for my children, I feel that religion is valuable. I specifically said that not everyone NEEDS religion, that it is an individual choice. What has worked best for my situation, and as a steward for my family, something I get to decide, is that religion works well for my family.

Come on, liz. You didn't specifically say that not everyone NEEDS religion. You said that "you respect the fact that you do not see value for religion in your own life, and for your children's lives" but before that you said, "I think it is important for children to be aware, and to be exposed to different religions, and how much they effect society at large" and after, you also said "I, however, do see value for religion in my children's lives. I think it's important, however, that religion is presented in a way that they are truly capable of choosing for themselves what is going to be the most fulfilling path for them." (bolding mine) This implies that religion is needed in order to teach kids "what is going to be the most fulfilling path for them." It doesn't sound like that path has room for no religion.

I question how you can respect someone's decision to leave religion out of the equation after the claims you just made.

Please answer my question: what value do you and your family get from religion that you couldn't get by not going? Is this an uncomfortable question for you?

[_harmony]

The more I have listened to Dehlin, the more I see him as a closeted shutin exmo.

He lives in the polygamous cousin community of Logan ferchrissakes.

His older brother is the CIO of LDS Inc.

in my opinion, he is too scared to act on his true feelings. Misery loves company and he is gaining many like minded followers with his podcasts.

Chief Information Officer? His brother works for the church?

[_Jason Bourne]

I finally listened to the podcast all the way through and its message really resonated with me. I would heartily recommend it to someone struggling in a similar manner to that which John Dehlin described. It may be ridiculed by those with both feet out the door, but for those who are still drawn to the Church it may prove a Godsend.

I hope those lurking from MAD could add this podcast site to your bookmark list to give to those who may benefit from it.

I think John's approach, as he said, will work for many but not all. But it will help some who may have jettisoned everything but now can find a way to make is work for them.