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Stories of Former Mormons



Note The most recent stories - are located at Updates. There is a biography board at Exmobb_biography which has over 550 additional stories as of Dec 2007. There are over 700 personal accounts of people leaving Mormonism on this site. The Short Topics section has an additional 500 topics on Mormonism.



If you are planning on reading only one or two stories, consider stories #44, #50, #56 or #125. #44 is a good summary of experiences and has an atheist perspective. #50 has extensive documentation and has a Christian perspective. #56 is on Mormon women suffering from depression which is sadly common place in the Mormon church. #125 is an excellent account of m-DNA and the Book of Mormon. All the stories together here have helped many people leave Mormonism.

0. This is my story of why I left Mormonism. - It contains information on the Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham, archeology and many other issues. I did not leave because my feelings were hurt or because of sin. I left Mormonism because I discovered the fact that the church is not what it claims to be. Contains links to documentation.



1 An ex-Mormon with an active Mormon history web site. - His family is harassed and he signs off the Internet. This gives valuable insight to Mormon zealots though I admit they do not always represent the majority of Mormons. 12/17/95

2 A grandfather today. - He chose to live by reason, not by the type of faith that was required in the Mormon church..

3 A convert married to a returned missionary. - The Mormon concept of God helped to lead her out after visiting the temple.

4 A young woman in Idaho leaves Mormonism. - This young woman became a Christian and the pastor of her new church is also a former Mormon.

5 Two short stories - A woman discusses women in Mormonism and a former Bishop tells his story

6 A lifetime member and former Relief Society President - A former BYU student and her experiences with Mormonism and is now in her 40s.

7 A BYU student leaves Mormonism - A short story of a young man growing up in Mormonism and is now an atheist.

8 He learned from church approved literature the truth - - He learned as a young man it was a fraud using only church history materials - not "anti-Mormon" literature.

10 After visiting the temple and serving a mission - - Now as a father he found many historical "facts" to be untrue and found that many doctrines to have "evolved" over time rather than being "restored" as the church claims.

11 She is studying Judaism - - I count myself fortunate not to have one of those husbands who runs away to find a nice "Molly Mormon" because the current wife doesn't continue buying into the LDS belief system.... It seems so ironic to me that my marriage was worst when we were both devout members of the church... our marriage is finally becoming happier and healthier.

12 A resignation letter to the church - - He left Mormonism in 1993 after years of dedication to the church and is now a Christian.

14 A woman who left Mormonism 18 years ago - - She left to give herself dignity. A short but powerful story.

15 A convert in 1995 and already leaving Mormonism - - She gives an incredibly accurate description of Mormonism that normally takes years of membership to see.

18 He left Mormonism while serving a mission - - He now refers to himself as a "post-Mormon" and has helped others at BYU and Berkeley to obtain the same status.

19 This is an excellent story on being a Mormon missionary - - This is one of the longer stories here and gives a great account of serving a mission in Equador. The author also writes on his "post-Mormon" life.

20 This is from a descendant of the followers of Brigham Young - - The author writes, "Leaving Mormonism is an excruciating personal decision not unlike losing citizenship in the country of your intellectual and spiritual heritage."

21 The story of a young man growing up in Mormonism - In his early 20's he discovers the deceit of Mormonism and becomes a Christian.

22 Four short stories from women - - They write about their Mormon experiences and the pain involved in leaving Mormonism.

23 A former missionary to Sweden - - He had a virtually identical experience with Spencer W. Kimball as I had. Kimball admits he had no special witness. The author reflects on his "post-Mormon" life. Interesting style of writing.

24 A former missionary to Japan and still a Mormon - - This person is a Harvard Medical School student and writes, "I do, however, believe in reason and the fact that the Mormon Church puts this aside really bothers me."

25 Life long members and temple workers - - They raised their children to adulthood in Mormonism and discovered what Mormonism actually is long after the children had grown up and left home. The adult children still believe in Mormonism.

26 An interesting story and observation - - The "Investment Paradigm" (IP) predicts the typical Mormon's reaction to "real world facts" based on his or her emotional investment in Mormon theology.

27 A short story on leaving - - The author writes, "I know that this road has been traveled my others and I also know that it's a tough road to travel. I keep in high regards the years that I was in the church. I hold no anger toward anyone."

28 A convert in Japan and leaving Mormonism years later - - The author writes, "In leaving Mormonism I realized that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has no patent on the after life and what my rewards and punishments will be."

29 A 5th generation Mormon and young woman - - The author writes, "The times I had asked questions to Bishops, they were brushed aside. I was never given answers. It was a relief to finally be able to piece things together..."

30 An experience with a Mormon 'testimony' - - A young woman writes, "My most painful Mormon experience was learning that having faith in something does not necessarily make it true."

31 A couple who recently left Mormonism - - The couple writes, "The Mormon theology is so completely judgmental, that through direct or indirect teaching, members believe that they are more blessed (therefore better) than anyone who is not a member."

32 A young man and woman write about their experiences - - The first story is about a young man and his reception when he came home early from his mission. The second story is about a young woman who was a "golden" prospect and became a Mormon convert.

33 A family just discovers what Mormonism really is - - This is in May of 1996. The wife was always a member and she had converted her husband. He had been an Elder's Quorum President. The Internet gave them an opportunity to learn.

34 A Mormon who no longer believes - - A short note explaining why he continues to be involved with Mormonism. Many Mormons are similar to him in that they stay active for the sake of their families.

35 A Mormon who picks what he wants to believe in - - He writes, "My "recovery" is different from most of your contributors, but I don't condemn any Mormon who has to leave in order to "recover". It is not easy being part of a cover-up church."

36 Why it is so difficult to leave - - He writes, "I recently needed to know I wasn't alone when my wife and I woke up.... I won't give you another life travel log, but thought I'd instead demonstrate why I think it is so difficult to leave the Mormon faith."

37 Has it been easy? - No - - "We didn't leave the church because of sin in our lives; we left because we could no longer believe, support, or condone the doctrine, the policies, and the practices of the Mormon Church. Our lives have been full and rewarding contrary to what the Church teaches about all the bad things that will happen if a member leaves the Church."

38 A former missionary to France - - "I asked God every possible question. Perhaps we will laugh about it now, but back in 1982 I asked God about dinosaurs, about evolution.... I asked God many questions about more ordinary aspects of LDS doctrine as well."

39 He looks forward to learning - - "Although our stories are different, the one thing that we all hold in common is a devotion to truth, even if it means significantly altering our lives, disrupting relationships and taking a plunge into the great, wide unknown."

40 Two short stories of former Mormons - - One talks about being a pagan and why. The second story is from a grandmother on being an atheist.

41 A lifelong member, father and former missionary - - "I feel free now, free from the box, free from believing that I am right and that everyone else is wrong."

42 A young woman convert, BYU student, then missionary - - "It saddens me to realize that throughout my entire journey in Mormonism I was surrounded by others suffering like me. We were all so well conditioned in Mormonism that we would not, could not, reveal our doubts to each other..."

43 A graduate of MIT and now a young wife - - "I am still learning not to be afraid of life... I grew up thinking that God wouldn't hear your prayers if you didn't pray the Mormon way. It's only recently that I see that isn't true."

44 A stereotypical Mormon and now a successful business leader - - He writes an incredible essay on his life as a Mormon. A stereotypical Mormon, former missionary and married in the Mormon temple, discovers God to be the equivalent of a Cosmic Terrorist. An excellent summary.

45 A "Wedding" in the Mormon Temple - - She writes a moving experience of being married in the Mormon temple from which her non-member parents were excluded. This is an excellent and sad account of a Mormon temple experience.

46 A Mormon for 31 years - - "I loved reading everything on Joseph Smith and gave firesides to the youth, giving spiritual and funny events of his life. I even named my first born son after the prophet Joseph."

47 The church wants to be viewed as mainstream - - "The LDS church is packaged nicely, very nicely. ...very homogeneous.... Most of the chapels have a similar look and feel. Even the lettering used within the church must conform to standards... It works hard on its image."

48 The wife of story #46 tells about her experiences - - She, along with her 4 children, left Mormonism. She writes, 'We had a stake president tell us, "There isn't a damn thing true about the church, but it's the best place to raise a family"...'

49 A warning to those about to join Mormonism - - "Personal experiences in the LDS Church have demonstrated to me both subtle, and overt forms of mental control. Searching out the facts has led me to witness one of the greatest cover-ups of all time."

50 An LDS church translator for 15 years - - She and her husband write about their years as Mormons and document in great detail their reasons for leaving Mormonism after years of devotion to the organization. Lots of documentation.

51 A husband and wife from 8 generations of Mormons - - He and his wife write about why they left Mormonism. In addition to their stories, examples of how to write letters to family and to the church are included. Good reading if you come from a long line of Mormons.

52 He left Mormonism when he was a missionary - - "The more I read from the church history, the worse I felt. The more I studied, thought and prayed, the more problems I found with the church and what it claimed to be. It became harder and harder for me to go out and teach."

53 She lost 2 of her adult daughters when she left - - She writes, "It's like I have been written out of their lives. They are both still very active in the LDS religion. I gave up a lot to follow my convictions."

54 A convert to Mormonism during one of life's transitions - - "During the initial period of my separation and divorce, I turned in desperation to the Bible for some type of guidance, because I was scared...It was right about that time that the missionaries came to my door."

55 A convert to Mormonism and her return to Christianity - - After her family's conversion to Mormonism she writes, "It's like a cloud came over me and blocked the 'sunshine' of Jesus' love that I had in my life before the Mormon church... I realize that I had been a prisoner... and that now, after 21 years, I am free..."

56 Mormon women and depression - - She writes, "I have realized that I have so much potential, and that I will not be spending eternity with my husband's other wives, being eternally pregnant... I'm certain than depression among women in the LDS church is rampant, and I feel that being free of the burden of constant pain and guilt will be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life."

57 A Student at BYU - Winter 1997 - - "I realized that testimonies, no matter how strong or seemingly undeniable, are not unique to one system of beliefs. People disagree about what they actually do represent, but I think that "the spirit" is absolutely and completely created and controlled by the individual.."

58 A young married man and returned missionary - - "So I guess my question is, why should a Mormon even bother to pray? A Mormon already has all the answers... And if you should choose to pray about an issue, and find that your answer is not in line with what the church teaches, you can rest assured that it is you who is wrong."

59 A non-LDS mother writes about her son's experience - - This mother writes about her son who was a convert to Mormonism. She says, "Imagine raising a child for 26 years and being banned from the marriage ceremony!! There were no plans to make, no communication with the bride or her family, no participation, no joy."

60 A Finn now living in the US relates his life's experience - - He is former missionary. "It's difficult to convey how different I feel today compared to earlier in life. I feel much more comfortable and content with my life. I do not feel in the least like there is something missing, as, in some ways, I did back then. I enjoy life."

61 Sexual abuse by local Mormon leaders - - Sadly this is very common in Mormonism. The LDS church is adept at hiding incidents like those told in this story to maintain its public image. Few Mormons realize how common this is. There are now resources available for women who have suffered abuse from LDS religious leaders.

62 A former missionary to Japan - - He is still a Mormon. "Mormon life (meetings, programs, scouts, tithing, administration, superiority) personally, has left me unfulfilled. Service, teaching, friendship, raising a good family, etc., have been fulfilling. I no longer believe that Mormonism has a patent on these things."

63 A molecular biologist at BYU - - He writes about his Mormon life and also his work at BYU. "I worked in a laboratory at BYU (which was funded in part by FARMS) where I isolated and sequenced human DNA segments. Molecular biology, without exception, confirms the anthropological findings that the American Indians are an Asian population--absolutely not Semitic [Jewish]!"

64 A professional writer and a scholar - - He writes about LDS public relations, Chinese leaders and the Mormon hierarchy and other subjects. He states, "I was astonished at the lengths to which LDS officials would go, and the depths to which they would descend, in order to deal with a minor public relations problem. This is the 'one true church'?"

65 A young man who looks at his upbringing - - Fear of eternal failure and separation from one's family are the most common tools used by the church to keep people in line. It play's on a child's sense of dependency on his or her parents and community, causing a sense of separation anxiety at the thought of going against the system. In fact, it's almost unimaginable to think of leaving.

66 He left Mormonism in 1958 - - "There were no black people in the church (at least none were visible). Garments were in a single piece. The temple endowment ceremony still had the death penalties, the minister, the five points of fellowship. The Book of Abraham papyrus scrolls were still missing... Why, after all these years, would I still be concerned about Mormonism?"

67 A family divided due to Mormonism - - "There is no open, free exchange of ideas in this [Mormon] family... You don't share your personal beliefs, fears, doubts, dreams, concepts, theories, discoveries, attitudes, opinions, and views because it will just upset mom and dad. You keep your personal, family, and marital problems locked tightly away from prying eyes..."

69 Leaving after 19 years - - I haven't the words to make you understand the sadness, frustration and sense of betrayal... I said, "Heavenly Father, this church is causing me pain. These men are not hearing me. These men have hurt me and others. I feel these men are lying to me--that they have lied countless times in the past."

70 Things I wished I had known - - A wonderful essay. He says, "God will not condemn an honest and sincere thought or question. Truth does not begin with an answer on behalf of which all questions must constantly rearrange themselves. If I want the truth I must begin with questions, fearlessly, and let the answers arrive accordingly.."

71 Two stories - - 1. The story of a female at BYU 2. The author writes, "...it is so hard to let go of an organization that has been the source of so many positive experiences in my life."

72a. Tough questions - - Why are the answers to tough questions in the manuals? Her bishop also gave her a checklist for repenting of moral sins.

72b. Higher Education - - A short story on life at BYU, serving a mission and recommended information to read.



72c. Has her own web site - - She has a list of why she knows the church is not true. She believes it is possible to be spiritual without being religious.

73 Letter file - - An attorney, who is also a recent ex-Mormon, details how he removed his name from the church records.

74 Escape from Mormonism - - This young woman writes, "I still wonder, sometimes, how my life would be different had I never escaped. Only now when I ponder these things, I do not feel a pit of sadness in my heart. Instead, I feel a wave of relief.

75 See her web site on Women and Mormonism - - She is an active participant in our online group. She writes, "In the ex-Mormon community, I found the healing that I had been seeking. I learned of the historical contradictions, twisted doctrinal thinking, and most important, I found people who felt like I did."

76 Spousal Abuse - - "What happens when you have raised your children in this belief system...how do you put the brakes on and say, 'Hey kids, I was wrong?' What happens to you emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically when you discover that your life has been based on a lie?"

77 Going together - - A husband and wife recently leave Mormonism (Jan. 1998) Both served missions and held many callings over the years. A well written account involving Sunstone symposiums and other events.

78 Abuse - - This is a story about sexual abuse. Mormonism like any other group has to face these difficulties.

79 "A Twenty Year Journey to Enlightenment" - - A man discusses his life and experiences in the Mormon church."

80 Starting over - - The author of this story returned to the LDS faith to make a fresh start after serving in Vietnam. He attended BYU, married in the temple, and then started to question his beliefs.

81 A convert - - Tells of leaving the church and the effects on the still believing family.

82 A Christian perspective - - Some good analysis here. Documents the different versions of Joseph Smith's First Vision, his prophecies, contradictions between the Book of Mormon and church doctrine in practice, and other inconsistencies.

83 She went to BYU - - Writes, "We can outgrow belief systems and occassionally expand our awareness." She studied several religions after leaving the church.

84 Stop asking questions - - The similarities between the Masonic rituals and the LDS temple endowment were the beginnings of the end of this author's testimony.

85 Feels good. Must be true - - He writes, "Many in the church are made unhappy when pressured to believe what they can't because of their ability to observe and reason. This ability should be admired, but instead it becomes a curse..."

86 A Mormon life - - The Mormon church does not teach its members how to deal with real life problems.

87 "Integrity to Self Brings Peace" - - This is a well written account of experiencing many facets of Mormonism including a mission to Japan.

88 Abuse - - "An autobiographical treatise on the relationship between the patriarchal system, sexual and spiritual/ecclesiastical abuse in my life". This was originally written for the Mormon Alliance for the 1998 edition. The author graciously offered the story to this site.

89 More Abuse - - The author writes about his mission in Norway from 1974-1976 and about being abused by a youth leader (seminary teacher) in the Mormon church.

90 Yet More Abuse - - Two short stories. One on spiritual abuse - the demands on time made by the LDS church. The other is entitled "Raised a Mormon in Utah"

91 Three Stories - - A young man and young woman in their twenties write about their experiences. A woman, who now has grown children and who had served a mission, reflects on her association with Mormonism. These three have a common theme.

92 How do I tell the folks - - A man writes a detailed letter to his family explaining why he no longer believes in Mormonism. His parents reacted favorably to his letter. This is the actual private letter.

93 Two stories - - This contains two stories from women who left Mormonism at relatively young ages. One talks about the Priesthood abuse of her father and the other of her young years in Mormonism and her rebellion to the religion.

95 Two stories - - The first deals with fear and guilt. The second was a convert at age 19. She was turned off by an Institute teacher's homophobic comments in class.

96 Finally! A good meeting. - - This story contains an account of going to a Priesthood Executive Committee meeting and proclaiming disbelief. Also contains an exit letter.

97 Story from England - - A self described "Golden Contact", he was baptized 3 weeks after his first contact with the missionaries. He worked hard to be temple worthy, but in the end, the church did not meet his needs.

98 Tired of trite answers - - Curiosity killed the cat.

99 Let down - - This author was looking forward to the experience of a lifetime.

100 Unanswered prayer - - Although he wanted to believe, this convert at 18 left the church at 25.

101 The change - - "I have never felt so peaceful."

102 Golden Contact - - This convert tells of his conversion and later about his mission to Puerto Rico. His mission was not the best 2 years of his life.

103 Living - - Agnostic, but Christian

104 What would Jesus do? - - The author always trusted that blessings would come from his faithfulness.

105 Bored with Mormonism - - The author became involved with a fundamental Mormon group. Updates... more additional stories - scroll down by dates!! Updated Dec 2007 Stories of Former Jehovah's Witnesses

A former Jehovah's Witness - - Great reading for Mormons or those who want to look at growing up in an authoritarian group. She was in both groups - - This young woman was raised as a JW and converted to Mormonism. A short story. Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness - - He has an interesting account of the failed Watchtower 1975 prophecy concerning the end of the world. [Eric's note - I was a Mormon missionary in Finland in 1975 and saw many JWs quit their jobs to proclaim the end of the world.]

They wanted our baby to die! - - The inside story of a former third generation Jehovah's Witness. "I was taught that the Jehovah's Witnesses had the only true religion." He is now a Christian minister.