Just Do Yourself a Favour and Don't

While browsing the exmormon subreddit, came across this little gem.

Sigh...

See, here's the thing.  Those of us who have left the church, for the most part (I can't speak for everyone) have done so because we no longer want to be a part of it.  Whatever our individual reasons may be.

I'm not a miserable lost soul waiting for a rescuing hand.  For the most part I'm quite thrilled with my life, being able to think and choose for myself and not worry about pleasing a god with my every thought and deed.

And your principle of love?  Puh-lease.  I remember being on the receiving end of that "love".  It's temporary.  It's fake.  It lacks sincerity.  Why?  How many times had people put in huge effort to reassure me, to reach out to me, when I wasn't attending church.  When I'd get back into being a weekly presence?  Funny, all those caring people became superficial again.  Just the same old "hi how are you?"  Without any actual thought or care behind it.

It gets old real fast.  And when people say:  "I'm here for your"  and I think in the back of my mind "Except when I ask you to be?"  That's not love.  That's putting on a show.  And if all you care about is getting my back at church, don't even bother.

Now, I do appreciate the fact that since I have resigned no one has tried to reactivate me.  And I greatly appreciate that.  However, I do know there are others who are getting these "shows of love" and attempts all the time.

Apostates and exmormons have a reputation of being grumpy and rude.  Well, when you constantly, constantly, are after someone to do something they don't want to do, regardless of what they say?  Yep, they'll snap eventually.

And here's another thing that I had to shake my head at.  Uchtdorf in his talk said that often the people who leave the church were seeking after truth.  But according to Monson "Some struggle with sin while others wander in fear or apathy or ignorance."  Um... No... Not the case.


It is my knowledge that led me to leave.  It is my caring about my fellow human beings that caused me to leave.  It was me tired of feeling guilty and afraid over stupid, meaningless things that are considered bad, when they are in fact human.  I didn't leave so I could drink and party and fit in with the world.  I left so I could be true to myself, and no longer be a part of an organization that actively tries to deny other humans basic rights.


You want to know how you can help those who have left the church?  Start by respecting our right to chose to live our lives in whatever way we choose.

11th Article of Faith: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

Which also includes the choice to not believe.  Because I don't believe in god anymore.  I'm atheist and I'm totally okay with that.  I used to think that would be such a sad way to live, but it's not.  So what if I don't believe there's a divine being watching over us?  I'm more concerned with living.