Everybody is judged in the Mormon church, and everybody is taught to judge. Everybody is judged guilty, and everyone feels guilty for being imperfect. Nobody ever feels "good enough" to meet the standard set by the church - especially women.The day never comes when anyone feels that they can know for certain that they are going to be "exhalted" by god after this life or fully assured of a place in his celestial kingdom after this life. The stress of not being good enough never ends.
+Rob Poulson In protestant churches your taught "You don't deserve the gift of salvation". We hear over and over "You deserve hell for eternity" and that "Christ suffering on the cross was because of YOUR sins". "He died for your sins and you deserve hell fire and brim stone for eternity!" Even if these statements are true, it's not a real self esteem builder. Seems the same as what I hear at the LDS Churches but in a "kinder and gentler" way.Then there's the busy bodies,Deacons and elders of the protestant churches watching what you buy in the store and if you shop on Sunday,etc. Sounds similar and almost as weird as LDS stories I've heard and experienced. It seems we forget that God will do the judging and we've all been way to offended by so-called authority figures in the LDS Church.
+Rob Poulson Dear Rob, I agree a lot with your answer, although I would not venture to say that "Nobody ever feels good enough". The scariest part of this whole thing is that there are actually people in the church who feel like they are more than good and even superior to other people because they complied with the typical mormon milestones: mission, temple sealing, etc. I think that is what causes most of the damage, the constant comparison of yourself and those who 'apparently' have a "perfect life" (which is never the case).
+John Lee Go ahead and keep paying your tithing like a brainwashed sheep, give all your time, talent and property to the Corporation of the First Presidency so they can build another 2 billion dollar shopping mall. . .that self righteous attitude your showing is exactly the reason I don't want anything to do with the church.
Laura Andreasen, thank you for doing this interview with John. You seem like a very kind, empathetic person. It was nice to hear your story. Best wishes to you and your loved ones.
That scares me so bad that just because she questions things and thinks differently that her family would have the nerve to threaten to take her kids away. That is so wrong on so many levels and there is no law (that I know of) to withhold someone's children/child just because of religious differences. My heart goes out to this woman and I hope by now she has found more peace in her life❤️
Laura, I think and feel that your grandfather's advice to "lose weight" to resolve your marriage difficulties was PROFOUNDLY shallow. I wish you love, happiness and all the best life can offer.
People say the brethren are "out of touch." He says that "they are not out of touch." That is exactly what someone that is massively out of touch would say (no pause, no inquiry, no child-like humility). It is the same thing the Savior faced among the Sadducees and Pharisees, another case of "the blind leading the blind". Wonderful Interview! Laura, you really helped me feel better through my trial of faith sufferings, Thank You!
Truth Seeker ~ It's called a compliment. She is so beautiful! There are tons of other complements that she is deserving of as well such as she is refreshingly honest. Calling wolf on objectification really hurts true cases of objectification that are harmful and makes you look not credible.
Sometimes, often, when we are unhappy, it's our spirit telling us we need to "adjust our sails" and get back on our soul's path. Loving perspectives and actions, kindness elevate our souls. I applaud your courage. "The time came when the pain to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk that it took to blossom." -- Anais Nin
When Mormon member's gossip and judge a person or person's ,that is their fear speaking loud and clear. judgment comes from the insecurities and present fear of the judger. Most of us have been hit by that, an it makes them feel better to push you away. This always confused me as Christ loves me and loves the sinner and we ALL are sinners. I am so glad I realized that and no longer have the Mormon fear chasing after me.
When Laura mentioned thoughts of suicide, I became concerned! She shows signs of having difficulty reading people’s expressions and this leads me to think she may be Asperger’s syndrome to some degree. That’s not a weakness, it’s simply a difference. In fact, most of the great innovators (music, science, inventors, arts, etc.) have been and are Asperger’s. I love this interview, BTW.
In at about 7:45 is so true. Unless the leaders of the LDS church start talking and conversing with people like Grant Palmer, Simon Southerton and really study what they area truly saying and verifying with those scholars IN THE KNOW ! It might already be too late for them! That is to grab and have vital authenticated information stick in their conscious being!
I thought that The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints did not practice ‘priest-crafts’. I know this was always being drilled into us all of our lives. That ours was the only church that didn’t live off the tithes of its members. So that’s not true. Mmmm. I also heard (but don’t know if it’s true), that the poor weren’t made to pay tithes around a hundred years ago, in order to qualify for a temple recommend.
The ancient apostles in Israel bore witness of seeing Jesus both before and after his resurrection. The Book of Mormon prophets wrote about seeing Jesus Christ, and Joseph Smith also stated that he saw the Lord face to face. So why is it "too sacred" for the modern day apostles to confirm and testify to such visitations before the members of the church now? If the Lord is at the head of this church and he appears in person to his prophets and apostles, why don't they just say so and bear "especial" witness? This is another one of those important questions that the church apparently doesn't want people to ask.
+Rob Poulson I grew up in a branch of the RLDS church in Akron,Ohio.My family joined(see: founding families of the Lone Star,Alabama RLDS church)in 1866 in Monroe county,Alabama.As you may be aware they(RLDS)never continued the rituals that the LDS church had and later added to.However I joined the LDS church 1st in 2001 in Tallmadge,Ohio for about 3 months.Then I invited the Bishop and 4-5 others to my apartment.Showed them scriptures apposing particulars in the doctrines,etc and wrote a letter resigning in while they watched,signed it and handed it to the Bishop.Several weeks later I received my resignation acceptance letter w/ the statement that read:"... if at any time I would like to return, I would be welcomed back as a member after going through the usual steps + being baptized and confirmed as my leaving was my own decision and not for other more serious reasons......" Then feeling that maybe I had been hasty, rejoined in 2005 in Greensboro,Alabama. Since then I barely attended and have recently Emailed my resignation,then redacted it via Email to both my stake and the world headquarters. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe like John Dehlin I need them to come and give me the paper work.I'm sure they won't have problems with me being a Constitutional Republic American 1st. My Constitutional rights WILL come first in my life,then I'm a husband,etc.The church comes in like 5th or 6th on the list,I'm an American 1st. I know all the actual weird history and side stories,ALL OF THEM + more. Thanks for replying and peace. ;-)3
John Booker Hey, John. Did you ever ask yourself if all of that stuff we like to hold on to (religion, patriotism, politics, etc ) really matters? Life is short, brother. Try to just let it all go and free your mind and find out who you really are inside, because none of that stuff is real. Its all just a computer program somebody else loaded into your brain.
+Rob Poulson Yes I have,just some back ground.At 4.5 (1970)years old I smoked Marijuana for the 1st time,then again at 5yrs. I added Marlboro's to the list at 6 yrs.Again w/ the weed from 8 to 10yrs.Following a brothers death in 1980 I(13yrs) smoked weed and drank from the ages of 13-15 yrs old 2-3 times weekly at a minimum,but stopped the Marlboro's do to federal law prohibiting sales to minors.I stopped both weed and alcohol at 15.5 years and started teaching Sunday school at my RLDS Church in Akron,graduated from H.S. in spring of 1985.Moved to Evergreen,Alabama for the summer and found a broadcasting job in Evergreen.Stopped going the RLDS church in town and started weed and alcohol again for kicks. Worked on the air( mostly high)10A.M. till 3P.M. week days and Saturday at the 100,000 watt country formatted F.M. station W.E.G.N 93.3 as a disc jockey and smoked weed everyday and began to drink again.Moved up the broadcast ladder from Evergreen to the Akron,Ohio market 1987-1991 mostly high. I work for Nation wide broadcasting,Barnstable,Clear channel and other small privately owned stations as well, mostly stoned out of my skull.During the whole weed and alcohol thing, ages of 4.5 yrs to 34 yrs I went back and forth on various Christian religious theories and in and out of atheism and the eastern religions (including but not limited to) Buddhism thru to Zoroastrianism. North American tribal religious thought, to various forms of Judaism. I'm 49 years old now and have gone back and forth w/ some fine Kush and Dark beers while continuing to do voice over work and voice tracking for various broadcasting corporation. All while attending Sunday services(not drinking but most of the time as high as an eagle)and other LDS and RLDS activities.Everybody seems to know but no one ever could have proven it without drug testing.As of last 10 months I've used nothing of either of the aforementioned kush/D.beer. I do believe the Joseph Smith jr story is just as valid as any and look to continue along the restoration story as it is the story of MY people. Thx dude, peace P.S. please look passed any poor spelling,etc
If you look at the background of the current apostles, they certainly have never lived in era's where gay people were visible and we're trying to gain their freedoms.
Why would you feel an administrator was more capable of a miracle blessing than a faith filled member, especially if they see themselves more as administrators than men of God called with a special mission to heal and bless.
The true disciples of Jesus are for example those who follow what is written in the NT, and healings and other miracles follow them, and among them are those in the movement thelastreformation, and several others. LDS apostles are way off the true way, that is why no miracles follow their teaching, because LDS teaches heresy about Jesus and what Grace is. They should read Galatians and erase the falsehood of Joseph Smith and throw the Book of Mormon and D&C and other books of LDS in the trash bin.
Stake Elder Anderson Yes, we shouldn't throw away thing that can be used in a better way than reading it. Thanks for the tip. I would like to use those books as to make a fire-place if it gets cold outside.
You have mentioned several times that your Grandfather is "OLD"..........You talk about People's feelings and not hurting anyone or being unkind........How do you think that makes Elder Ballard feel when you say that about him? Isn't that unkind, cruel and insensitive to a Person that has always loved You? You're not a little child that thinks anyone older than 40 years is an old person, you're an adult and should care about People , like a Grandfather more than calling Him old. I don't always agree with the Church, but you need to reach into that Great Big Heart you say you have and be more sensitive to Your Grandfather.......He might be a stern, tough and a Mormon Apostle, but I assure you that He has feelings too ! If you believe in the "Golden Rule", Then Practice It !
Laura has EVERY RIGHT to voice everything and anything she feels... Unfortunately you do too. Just like a true mormon, you ignored all the truths Laura openly discussed and tried to shame her.
The man was 90 years old when this was filmed. What description do you prefer? Funny that you can't find anything else to rant about, so you nit pick at one word. Says more about you than her simply using an accurate word.
Such a beautiful,kind,honest Lady. Thank you so much for sharing ur experiences and i can relate to story. ❤️
Everybody is judged in the Mormon church, and everybody is taught to judge. Everybody is judged guilty, and everyone feels guilty for being imperfect. Nobody ever feels "good enough" to meet the standard set by the church - especially women.The day never comes when anyone feels that they can know for certain that they are going to be "exhalted" by god after this life or fully assured of a place in his celestial kingdom after this life. The stress of not being good enough never ends.
+Rob Poulson In protestant churches your taught "You don't deserve the gift of salvation". We hear over and over "You deserve hell for eternity" and that "Christ suffering on the cross was because of YOUR sins". "He died for your sins and you deserve hell fire and brim stone for eternity!" Even if these statements are true, it's not a real self esteem builder. Seems the same as what I hear at the LDS Churches but in a "kinder and gentler" way.Then there's the busy bodies,Deacons and elders of the protestant churches watching what you buy in the store and if you shop on Sunday,etc. Sounds similar and almost as weird as LDS stories I've heard and experienced. It seems we forget that God will do the judging and we've all been way to offended by so-called authority figures in the LDS Church.
Mormons believe that they will be judged by the apostles and prophets, who will in turn will be judged by Christ.
+Rob Poulson Believe / schemieve, former RLDS and currently LDS as I am, everything is subject to change. Example: Sec.132 D&C,etc.
+Rob Poulson Dear Rob, I agree a lot with your answer, although I would not venture to say that "Nobody ever feels good enough". The scariest part of this whole thing is that there are actually people in the church who feel like they are more than good and even superior to other people because they complied with the typical mormon milestones: mission, temple sealing, etc. I think that is what causes most of the damage, the constant comparison of yourself and those who 'apparently' have a "perfect life" (which is never the case).
+John Lee Go ahead and keep paying your tithing like a brainwashed sheep, give all your time, talent and property to the Corporation of the First Presidency so they can build another 2 billion dollar shopping mall. . .that self righteous attitude your showing is exactly the reason I don't want anything to do with the church.
love Laura's honesty. great interview.
Laura Andreasen, thank you for doing this interview with John. You seem like a very kind, empathetic person. It was nice to hear your story. Best wishes to you and your loved ones.
That scares me so bad that just because she questions things and thinks differently that her family would have the nerve to threaten to take her kids away. That is so wrong on so many levels and there is no law (that I know of) to withhold someone's children/child just because of religious differences. My heart goes out to this woman and I hope by now she has found more peace in her life❤️
Laura, I think and feel that your grandfather's advice to "lose weight" to resolve your marriage difficulties was PROFOUNDLY shallow. I wish you love, happiness and all the best life can offer.
People say the brethren are "out of touch." He says that "they are not out of touch." That is exactly what someone that is massively out of touch would say (no pause, no inquiry, no child-like humility). It is the same thing the Savior faced among the Sadducees and Pharisees, another case of "the blind leading the blind". Wonderful Interview! Laura, you really helped me feel better through my trial of faith sufferings, Thank You!
And I thought Catholic guilt was bad.
She's so beautiful!
Truth Seeker ~ It's called a compliment. She is so beautiful! There are tons of other complements that she is deserving of as well such as she is refreshingly honest. Calling wolf on objectification really hurts true cases of objectification that are harmful and makes you look not credible.
Sometimes, often, when we are unhappy, it's our spirit telling us we need to "adjust our sails" and get back on our soul's path. Loving perspectives and actions, kindness elevate our souls. I applaud your courage. "The time came when the pain to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk that it took to blossom." -- Anais Nin
Great interview guys!! A hug from chile 🇨🇱
ONLY GOD NOWS THE HEART OF US.
When Mormon member's gossip and judge a person or person's ,that is their fear speaking loud and clear. judgment comes from the insecurities and present fear of the judger. Most of us have been hit by that, an it makes them feel better to push you away. This always confused me as Christ loves me and loves the sinner and we ALL are sinners. I am so glad I realized that and no longer have the Mormon fear chasing after me.
When Laura mentioned thoughts of suicide, I became concerned! She shows signs of having difficulty reading people’s expressions and this leads me to think she may be Asperger’s syndrome to some degree. That’s not a weakness, it’s simply a difference. In fact, most of the great innovators (music, science, inventors, arts, etc.) have been and are Asperger’s. I love this interview, BTW.
I wonder where she's at now
I met Russell Ballard when I was at the MTC in 2007. He was pretty cold.
In at about 7:45 is so true. Unless the leaders of the LDS church start talking and conversing with people like Grant Palmer, Simon Southerton and really study what they area truly saying and verifying with those scholars IN THE KNOW ! It might already be too late for them! That is to grab and have vital authenticated information stick in their conscious being!
I thought that The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints did not practice ‘priest-crafts’. I know this was always being drilled into us all of our lives. That ours was the only church that didn’t live off the tithes of its members. So that’s not true. Mmmm. I also heard (but don’t know if it’s true), that the poor weren’t made to pay tithes around a hundred years ago, in order to qualify for a temple recommend.
Laura Roper Andreasen has an amazing sense of humor, I thinks she holding out a little.Nice smile
The ancient apostles in Israel bore witness of seeing Jesus both before and after his resurrection. The Book of Mormon prophets wrote about seeing Jesus Christ, and Joseph Smith also stated that he saw the Lord face to face. So why is it "too sacred" for the modern day apostles to confirm and testify to such visitations before the members of the church now? If the Lord is at the head of this church and he appears in person to his prophets and apostles, why don't they just say so and bear "especial" witness? This is another one of those important questions that the church apparently doesn't want people to ask.
+Rob Poulson I grew up in a branch of the RLDS church in Akron,Ohio.My family joined(see: founding families of the Lone Star,Alabama RLDS church)in 1866 in Monroe county,Alabama.As you may be aware they(RLDS)never continued the rituals that the LDS church had and later added to.However I joined the LDS church 1st in 2001 in Tallmadge,Ohio for about 3 months.Then I invited the Bishop and 4-5 others to my apartment.Showed them scriptures apposing particulars in the doctrines,etc and wrote a letter resigning in while they watched,signed it and handed it to the Bishop.Several weeks later I received my resignation acceptance letter w/ the statement that read:"... if at any time I would like to return, I would be welcomed back as a member after going through the usual steps + being baptized and confirmed as my leaving was my own decision and not for other more serious reasons......" Then feeling that maybe I had been hasty, rejoined in 2005 in Greensboro,Alabama. Since then I barely attended and have recently Emailed my resignation,then redacted it via Email to both my stake and the world headquarters. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe like John Dehlin I need them to come and give me the paper work.I'm sure they won't have problems with me being a Constitutional Republic American 1st. My Constitutional rights WILL come first in my life,then I'm a husband,etc.The church comes in like 5th or 6th on the list,I'm an American 1st. I know all the actual weird history and side stories,ALL OF THEM + more. Thanks for replying and peace. ;-)3
John Booker Hey, John. Did you ever ask yourself if all of that stuff we like to hold on to (religion, patriotism, politics, etc ) really matters? Life is short, brother. Try to just let it all go and free your mind and find out who you really are inside, because none of that stuff is real. Its all just a computer program somebody else loaded into your brain.
+Rob Poulson Yes I have,just some back ground.At 4.5 (1970)years old I smoked Marijuana for the 1st time,then again at 5yrs. I added Marlboro's to the list at 6 yrs.Again w/ the weed from 8 to 10yrs.Following a brothers death in 1980 I(13yrs) smoked weed and drank from the ages of 13-15 yrs old 2-3 times weekly at a minimum,but stopped the Marlboro's do to federal law prohibiting sales to minors.I stopped both weed and alcohol at 15.5 years and started teaching Sunday school at my RLDS Church in Akron,graduated from H.S. in spring of 1985.Moved to Evergreen,Alabama for the summer and found a broadcasting job in Evergreen.Stopped going the RLDS church in town and started weed and alcohol again for kicks. Worked on the air( mostly high)10A.M. till 3P.M. week days and Saturday at the 100,000 watt country formatted F.M. station W.E.G.N 93.3 as a disc jockey and smoked weed everyday and began to drink again.Moved up the broadcast ladder from Evergreen to the Akron,Ohio market 1987-1991 mostly high. I work for Nation wide broadcasting,Barnstable,Clear channel and other small privately owned stations as well, mostly stoned out of my skull.During the whole weed and alcohol thing, ages of 4.5 yrs to 34 yrs I went back and forth on various Christian religious theories and in and out of atheism and the eastern religions (including but not limited to) Buddhism thru to Zoroastrianism. North American tribal religious thought, to various forms of Judaism. I'm 49 years old now and have gone back and forth w/ some fine Kush and Dark beers while continuing to do voice over work and voice tracking for various broadcasting corporation. All while attending Sunday services(not drinking but most of the time as high as an eagle)and other LDS and RLDS activities.Everybody seems to know but no one ever could have proven it without drug testing.As of last 10 months I've used nothing of either of the aforementioned kush/D.beer. I do believe the Joseph Smith jr story is just as valid as any and look to continue along the restoration story as it is the story of MY people. Thx dude, peace
P.S. please look passed any poor spelling,etc
If you look at the background of the current apostles, they certainly have never lived in era's where gay people were visible and we're trying to gain their freedoms.
IT'S HAPPENING!!!
+David Robles What is happening LDS truth is coming out and surely going to be closing thier doors? Based on Joseph S a Con MAN?
Stake Elder Anderson www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Ron-Paul_Its-Happening1.gif
I would say none of the Apostles have seen Jesus.
Thank you. 😢😭 that's partly why I left too😡
Why would you feel an administrator was more capable of a miracle blessing than a faith filled member, especially if they see themselves more as administrators than men of God called with a special mission to heal and bless.
The true disciples of Jesus are for example those who follow what is written in the NT, and healings and other miracles follow them, and among them are those in the movement thelastreformation, and several others. LDS apostles are way off the true way, that is why no miracles follow their teaching, because LDS teaches heresy about Jesus and what Grace is. They should read Galatians and erase the falsehood of Joseph Smith and throw the Book of Mormon and D&C and other books of LDS in the trash bin.
+Chevalie Armant Never throw away BOM it's great for toilet paper! BOA is even better! You can get quite a few whipes
Stake Elder Anderson Yes, we shouldn't throw away thing that can be used in a better way than reading it. Thanks for the tip. I would like to use those books as to make a fire-place if it gets cold outside.
The wives are always acclaimed more than the apostles. Interesting.
You have mentioned several times that your Grandfather is "OLD"..........You talk about People's feelings and not hurting anyone or being unkind........How do you think that makes Elder Ballard feel when you say that about him? Isn't that unkind, cruel and insensitive to a Person that has always loved You? You're not a little child that thinks anyone older than 40 years is an old person, you're an adult and should care about People , like a Grandfather more than calling Him old. I don't always agree with the Church, but you need to reach into that Great Big Heart you say you have and be more sensitive to Your Grandfather.......He might be a stern, tough and a Mormon Apostle, but I assure you that He has feelings too ! If you believe in the "Golden Rule", Then Practice It !
Laura has EVERY RIGHT to voice everything and anything she feels... Unfortunately you do too. Just like a true mormon, you ignored all the truths Laura openly discussed and tried to shame her.
The man was 90 years old when this was filmed. What description do you prefer? Funny that you can't find anything else to rant about, so you nit pick at one word. Says more about you than her simply using an accurate word.
@@pansprayers Not sure who you are talking to and what you are talking about.