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Dear Trump-supporting Mormons

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This letter is to address some disparities that I have seen in many members of the LDS church in their support of Pres Donald Trump. Dear Trump-supporting Mormons: In the wake of the storming of the capital building this last week, I have decided that it is past time that I speak out. I have kept my tongue up until now, in the thought that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I still believe this is true, but I am worried about where our country is headed when almost half of our population supports a leader who incites violence on our democracy. I am confused at how someone who proclaims to be a follower of Jesus Christ supports a leader who embodies the opposite of Christian values.  Jesus says to love your neighbor. And he goes on to explain that your neighbor especially extends to those who are different from you. Yet, when Trump refused to help scores of immigrants fleeing their countries, looking for a better life, did we stand up and demand that help be given? Or did w...
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Dear Kwaku El, et al:

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BCC: John Dehlin: I have watched a couple of your "This is Your Show" episodes on YouTube. I understand that the point of these videos are to somehow keep the Generation Y members of the church from leaving. I understand that this problem is becoming critical, and this is the best you could do. However, there are a couple of problems I see here. First, I really don't think that Generation Y is as stupid as you seem to think. I have two daughters in this generation, and they read and do their research. Sure, there are many who will fall for your "1980's-stay-away-from-the-anti-mormon" replay you are trying to pull, but I believe those who really want to know the truth, will find it. Your logical fallacies and ignoring of the facts will only work as a stop-gap measure. Second, I want you to know that blaming others, like John Dehlin and Jeremy Runnells, for breaking up families is ridiculous. Do you really think they are sitting around trying to figure out way...
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Dear "Brainwashed" Mormons:

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Some people think the Mormonism is a cult. I don't really think that it is, but I do feel that there are pieces of the religion that need to be looked at closely. This letter is written to Mormons who need to start looking at these pieces with a logical eye. Dear "Brainwashed" Mormons: I know that often people refer to the Mormon church as a cult. Although there are some signs of a cult that could be lined up to the LDS religion, I really don't think it is a dangerous cult. However, it is a good idea to take a closer look at some of these signs in order to make sure that you are choosing your own ideas and beliefs, instead of being indoctrinated. One sign of a cult is when the teachings oppose critical thinking. Although the church proclaims to allow you to question, we are told to question our doubts. And we are made to fear searching for ideas and facts that oppose the church. I know that when I was growing up, we were warned over and over to stay away from "an...
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Dear Youth Leader:

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This letter is to a specific leader who felt it was appropriate to reach out to my 18-year-old daughter to save her from her feminist and LGBTQ+ supporting views. Dear Youth Leader:  I have read the text messaging conversation between you and my daughter. While I understand that you have the best intentions in contacting her, I feel it is my duty to address this conversation. To begin, I'm not sure why the Instagram photo on her story caused you such concern. The photo only said, "I was born gay. You were taught religion." How is this a problem? Both of these statements are true. Even the church, speaking of "same-sex attraction," has come around and stated that, ". . .  individuals do not choose to have such attractions" ( https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/official-statement/same-gender-attraction). So, being born gay is not an opinion. And how can you question being taught religion? How else do we get religion? You HAVE to be taught it. Even ...
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Dear General Conference

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 I know this one is strange, but I wanted to write my feelings about missing the first General Conference that I can remember in my life. Dear General Conference: I must apologize for missing our twice-yearly date. I'm sure that you were expecting me to show up with notebook and colored pens in hand. I do appreciate the years of  suggestions of how to live my life. I'm sure you meant well all along the way. However, I have now begun to understand how mental abuse in a relationship works. Whether you mean to or not, the way you talk to me is very judgmental. If you want me to change or become a better person, threats of being alone or not being good enough is never a good way to motivate someone. At the end of conference I usually feel overwhelmed and guilty, instead of inspired and uplifted. Sure, that could be my fault for not preparing and being unwilling to feel the spirit, or perhaps those words are just another example of the gaslighting I have finally come to recognize. ...
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Dear Bishop:

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I recognize that many bishops in the LDS church are not good men, and I want to own that fact. However, I have been lucky in the "bishop lottery" and the bishops I have gotten were all men doing their best (as far as I know). So, please take this letter as it is intended, knowing that I understand not all bishops are good men. This letter is addressed to my current bishop. Dear Bishop:  I want to say thank you for the great things you have done for our ward. I see the hard work and sacrifice that you and your family have given to help people. I especially appreciate the energy and support given towards the youth. Please know that my husband and I leaving the church has nothing to do with us being hurt or offended. As people grow and mature it is a natural progression for us to think and question. Our beliefs have begun to morph into a worldview that is more accepting and universal than the doctrine taught by the church. I believe that most of the teachings of the church are g...
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Dear Rich Mormons:

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  What does money have to do with religion? A lot. Read on. Dear Rich Mormons:  Did you know there is a caste system in the LDS church? I bet you don't, because you are at the top. Look around you and notice who is holding all the "top" callings. Notice which families are always at every Sacrament Meeting and every activity.  Families who are more financially stable are more successful in the Mormon church. We can talk about finances specifically when we talk about tithing. If you do not pay your full 10% tithing every year, you cannot enter the temple. While you may assume that 10% is fair, in reality a family who is trying to make ends meet with $3000 a month has a much harder time giving up $300 than someone who is making $10,000 a month has in giving up $1000. Imagine trying to decide between paying your rent for the month or being able to accompany your 12-year-old daughter to the temple for her first baptism trip. These choices would never occur when your family...
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