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.
You can read Dusty’s full story here and it is well worth a read. I strongly suspect it contains quite a few Dunnisms.
Before his baptism, while he was visiting his wife in Salt Lake City during general conference and Easter weekend, Smith had a strong prompting: he needed to move to Salt Lake City. The only problem was that Susan was a born-and-raised Texan, and Smith didn’t know how she would respond to the news.
When Smith broached the topic, Susan admitted, “I haven’t known how to break this to you, but I want to live here from now on. I don’t want to go back to Texas.” But there was still another problem: their historic house in Dallas, built in 1929, was riddled with foundation problems and nearly every other problem you can imagine—it was virtually unsellable. Undaunted, Susan responded, “We’ll think of something. If the Lord wants you here, something will happen.”
Soon thereafter, Smith received a knock on his door. A complete stranger offered to buy his house for more than its value. Even after Smith explained the foundation problems, the man insisted on buying the house. Yet, on a later trip to Dallas, when Smith returned to his old home, he learned that the buyer of the house had disappeared and the house was in foreclosure. For the Smiths, the sale of the home was a sign and a miracle.
I found it eye opening in terms of seeing how Apostles trawl the members (whom they have told not to write to them because they’re too busy doing Apostle stuff to read and respond) for good stories to tell at Conference.
Last edited by I Have Questions on Thu Sep 11, 2025 3:31 pm, edited 5 times in total.
Premise 1. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable.
Premise 2. The best evidence for the Book of Mormon is eyewitness testimony.
Conclusion. Therefore, the best evidence for the Book of Mormon is notoriously unreliable.
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.
I really like this.
From the outside, it looks like ex-Mormons get punished twice. First while for struggling with issues while a member, and then again for expressing their disappointment, sense of betrayal, and yes, even anger after deciding to leave.
There is room for compassion across the board (so to speak), from an investigator’s viewpoint.
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.
Need to work on this opening paragraph. It doesn't make much sense.
Hound seems to be very uncomfortable that progressive spaces exist. It’s like some weird desire to debate his conservative beliefs and have them validated.
Hound seems to be very uncomfortable that progressive spaces exist. It’s like some weird desire to debate his conservative beliefs and have them validated.
I'm just happy that at 85 years old, he can still use the internet. It gives me hope.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."
Hound seems to be very uncomfortable that progressive spaces exist. It’s like some weird desire to debate his conservative beliefs and have them validated.
I'm just happy that at 85 years old, he can still use the internet. It gives me hope.
For all we know, he’s Rusty Nelson!
"He disturbs the laws of his country, he forces himself upon women, and he puts men to death without trial.” ~Otanes on the monarch, Herodotus Histories 3.80.
That would explain everything.