Hi! I’m The Mormon Confusionist. It’s mostly a made-up word/phrase. I’m probably making fun of some people who often accuse me of “just wanting to stir the pot and not really speaking facts” in choosing it. The truth is, I really do like to stir the pot from time to time and I like to do it with facts that people do not like about pretty much any subject in life. I’m only moderately concerned with anonymity because, unlike some organizations, I have nothing to hide. I’m currently a member of the LDS church in Northern California. I’m often considered “less active” because I have other interests like being lazy, sinning, being offended, or not really having a testimony. At least, I’m told those are the only valid reasons for being a less active member. Perhaps in reading my blog, you’ll come to understand why I feel the way I do and why it is important for Mormonism to change the way it treats people who know the full history of the church and dissent from orthodoxy.

My background

I was born and raised Mormon. I served a mission to the Santo Domingo West Mission in the Dominican Republic. I attended a church university for my undergrad and followed the Mormon program by marrying my beautiful wife and having 3 children, starting way too young.

I ultimately ended up getting a master’s degree in accountancy from Utah State University. I have worked as an auditor since I graduated 7 years ago. In my work, I frequently audit claimed assertions to source documentation. For example, if manager claims they spent $150,000 on a company vehicle and they don’t have an invoice or registration to show me as well as the vehicle, I call in the investigators. Without solid source evidence, I can’t prove the transaction actually occurred.

In many respects, my career led me to investigate and audit my own religion, to source documents where possible. I found many unnerving things, written by the hands of claimed prophets, that ultimately led to me developing a new world view of religion. To my dismay, this is a path I am forced to tread alone. No one in my family, not even my wife, will take the time to look at the issues or have adult conversations about it.

This blog is not academic and is really going to be me griping about why I think good Mormons ignore the evidence right in front of them and even ostracize their own children before accepting an uncomfortable truth. I will come up with some arguments about why I feel that needs to change now. Anti-intellectualism and blame are employed much too often. More of my story will be posted as I find time. I will try to add some links so you can study the issues directly from the source if you desire.

The fantastic image at top is from http://www.imagesoftherestoration.org/blog/