"We are the Leavitt Family."

http://www.i-am-an-exmormon.com/

http://www.postmormon.org/

http://www.exmormon.reddit.com

http://www.LifeAfterMormonism.net


I always felt like I spent my whole life following a map. Everything laid out for me ahead of time. "You will do this now... and when you get to this age, you will do this... and you will make these choices... if faced with this, you will do that... " Ad nauseum.

Born to LDS parents.

Baptized at 8.

Deacon at 12.

Teacher at 14.

Priest at 16.

BYU at 18.

Mission to Germany at 19.

Back to BYU after my mission.

Married in the temple at 21.

First child two years later.

Calling after calling. Elder's quorum presidencies, activities committees, scouts, cub scouts, teaching, etc. (You never say no.)

I felt like I was playing a part. Because to deviate from the norm was... unthinkable. I remember having a mini-breakdown the night before I was to go into the MTC to begin my mission. A huge part of me was screaming inside that I didn't want to go. But I never felt like there was a legitimate choice in the matter. Oh, I had a "choice", to be sure. I could choose between following the formula, and becoming "That Guy". The one that everyone whispers about. The one everyone's just a little bit... afraid of. Because he thinks differently. I was a square peg fastidiously trying to fit myself into a round hole.

I could feel the splinters breaking off.

There ware too many problems. Too many things that I had to "take on faith". Not just because logical explanations would be forthcoming, but because there were actual evidences against them. I couldn't handle looking in the mirror and seeing a hypocrite all the time. Seeing someone just going through the motions in order to avoid the problems that would ensue if he tried to stop. Taking the easy way out. Don't rock the boat.

I had actually talked with my wife periodically over the last few years about the things that I had problems with. (Inconsistencies in church history, the strangeness of garments, issues with the temple (Masonic stuff), etc.) And there was some mutual feeling there. We'd both expressed some feelings of "going through the motions". But I didn't know how far she'd come along that particular path, and frankly, I was petrified of bringing it up.

You are taught that if ever there is something that you find problematic in the church, if ever there is something that you have an issue with, or that you find... distasteful... "Put it on your 'Shelf' ". Table it. Don't think about it. Maybe you'll figure it out later. Maybe you won't get an answer "until the next life". The tacit suggestion being: There's something wrong with YOU. You don't get it. You're the problem. You're not faithful enough, not obedient enough. Read the scriptures more, pray more, pay more tithing, go to the temple more, do more Family Home Evening, etc, etc, etc. It can never be considered that the things you have a problem with might actually be real problems.
(CONTINUED)

Please visit the website to finish reading Sean's Story! Stacy's story is also at the link below:
http://www.iamanexmormon.com/2011/03/we-are-the-leavitt-family/

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[PinkPantherFan102]

Hate is still hate, no matter how you disguise it! Shame on the people running this channel!

[iamanexmormon]

@PinkPantherFan102 That would be me.

Feel free to private message me if you care to have a conversation and understand why I make these videos. I love the Mormon people and many things about their religion. Would you care to explain why you are so adamant that the only purpose for this channel is to "hate"?

You don't believe that I could possibly do it out of love? It seems you made a quick judgement that I am a hateful person.

[ExMormon66]

@1ghost7771 Yes the Mormon church goes against the Bible, but I also don't believe in the Bible so this is irrelevant to me. The Bible is man made as well so there is nothing of divine influence to support it. Being in the Mormon church and not having god is equal only because there is no God to begin with. Admitting that you don't believe in God is the only wise thing to do.

[bossendenwoodconvict]

@cindybin2001 You've been typing almost exactly the same spam for about six months now and know perfectly well that mormonism is false. You must do as enough of us anti mormons have pointed you towards the truth about the mormon church. There is no excuse and it is time for you to face the truth.

[dieneddie]

were they all at the swimming pool before this video was filmed ? because they all had reddish eyeballs - did anyone else notice that LOL

oh and good on them for taking a stand and realising mormonism is a complete LIE

[Apollo5600]

@PinkPantherFan102 When you have people actually setting up videos to explain their reasons to leave a church, it's a good sign that that church had some powerful holds on them in their lives. The LDS is most certainly a cult. It fits the characteristics of a cult. It has "secret" knowledge, that one must earn. It has oaths. It has heavy controls.It alienates you from the outside world. It also takes a hold of you, as we see here, and makes it difficult to leave... even after you stop believing.

[mrninjap00p]

@cindybin2001 YES SHOUTING MAKES YOU CORRECT (sarcasm). Let me put this this way, Mormonism is to Christianity, what Scientology is to ALL world religions. Both founded by Con Men, with NO proof or basis, run by money grubbing leaders and effectively dividing, deluding and degrading people. So yeah, you just joined a brainwashing cult. Good luck coming out of it, before they sap your 401k.

[cindybin2001]

@oceantalk1 I'm a convert to the Mormon church and I read all these scriptures you talk about 30 years ago when I was first investigating the church! We do NOT have a "cursed gospel"! Oh this makes me so mad! YOu people do NOT know what you are talking about!!!

[cindybin2001]

@mrninjap00p It is NOT A BRAINWASHING CULT! OH YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME FURIOUS! WHAT A THING TO SAY! I'M A CONVERT TO THE MORMON CHURCH AND WE ARE NOTHING LIKE THAT AT ALL! LEARN THE TRUTH ABOUT THE GOSPEL BEFORE YOU GO AND SAY SUCH RUDE, MEAN THINGS!!!

[cindybin2001]

@bedfordjumpergirl what I say here, you will DISAGREE with me. I just know it. I know what these YouTube boards are like. In most cases, it is like talking to a WALL. Oh you people make me so mad!!!

[cindybin2001]

@bedfordjumpergirl Oh this makes me so mad! you people drive me nuts. You just want to tear down the church and you don't even bother to understand what the gospel is about! I'm a convert to the church and I studied, pondered and prayed for a long time before joining--I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision! I don't know ANY women in the church who feel discriminated against or suppressed in the least! you just don't understand the doctrines of the church!! But of course no matter