I'm a Mormon. Is There a Way Out?
Seems like a strange question. However, for a person, once indoctrinated into the Mormon religion, there is no way to fully withdraw out of the religion.
The LDS, Mormon Church teaches that it is the only true church. Worse, it teaches that once you
have been baptized into the Mormon Church, then reject the religion, you can no longer be
admitted to the "Celestial Kingdom." In other words, ending up in Hell is the taught outcome for "rejecting the Mormon doctrine and gospel."
With that kind of programming, it's quite obvious that a member, once indoctrinated, has no choice but to remain with the religion even if he or she feels doubt and that the religion isn't for them. One is continually being sucked into the vortex of a powerful whirlpool often finding no real escape.
Such LDS teachings have led to serious psychological dilemmas for many who have come into the religion and find that it just "isn't for them." Anyone who has doubt about Mormonism and then makes an effort to study the history and facts of Mormonism soon finds himself cornered.
Mormonism does not make logical sense. Usually by the time one makes this discovery they already have family ties that make any choice to leave impossible --- or extremely difficult. It is impossible for all family and friends to come to his same level of understanding. Separation, then, is much more than just one's own personal choice.
The Way Out
Many, do find it necessary, however, to leave Mormonism. Health, psychological reasons, and personal well-being are just a few of many reasons. When such a decision is made, the battle is unquestionably uphill.
Several books and resources offer help. The LDS Church condemns certain books -- those that one would have to read in order to leave. Often, the LDS Church uses the "Anti-" label to keep the membership under control. Labeling such books that explain the other side of Mormonism, "Anti-Mormon," has been a successful ploy used by the LDS Church over the years. Once such literature is successfully labeled, members are forewarned that they will lose their testimony should they attempt to read such literature. Those that do, anyway, are branded by the membership as having been "possessed by the Devil."
Brodie's "No Man Knows My History," is the classic start point for most interested in separating themselves from the Mormon religion. Another good choice is Samuel Taylor's "Nightfall at Nauvoo." Jerald and Sandra Tanner have done excellent, extensive, and admirable research into Mormonism. Their book, "Mormonism -- Shadow or Reality," offer the nitty gritty documentation for a multitude of inconsistencies and outright incorrect teachings in Mormonism.
Just reading, however, is only half the battle. The other half is resolving within yourself whether or not it's really worth the effort and if your situation is such you can handle a separation. In any event, being better informed is the win, win choice.
Going through with a separation from the LDS Church is a decision only you can make. One should look further than just being informed by reading. One should search and read the many stories written by those who have gone through or are in the process of leaving the LDS, Mormon Church. Only then should one move in a direction they feel comfortable.
One site on the Internet, http://www.exmormon.org, has several personal stories which one can read in the quiet hours. Additionally, a Bulletin Board at this same site provides current reading and information to help one make an intelligent choice. One to one contact can be made through e-mail. Resources for additional reading and education on Mormonism are plentiful here. You can simply be a bystander or participate actively in discussions.... even get involved in an arranged chat session.
There are positives about Mormonism. Unfortunately, the negatives far outweigh the positives. Many find their happiness with the religion short lived. As they become more deeply involved into Mormonism and become better informed about the LDS religion -- information they were not told when joining; conflict, hurt, loss of self-respect, and demoralization often result. For the latter, the only road to happiness is learning to somehow deal with the problem psychologically, or leave Mormonism.
Further problems surrounding an attempt to leave can be appreciated by reading the following link:
Letter from LDS Church to a member who requested his name be removed from the Mormon records -- with comments from the former member
Page Modified April 12, 1999