tanner i wanted to say thank you for always giving samantha equal talking time. and when she's actually talking you let her finish. everytime a mormon missionary visited me and my boyfriend they would spend the whole time talking to him. even though they were in my house not his.
If something is harmful to society, why shouldn’t we talk about it? I was never Mormon but I used to be religious and that question of, “Why do you talk about religion if you don’t believe it?” has to be one of the most ridiculously ill thought out questions I get as an atheist. I always reply with, “As an atheist I talk so much about religion for the same reason doctors talk so much about cancer.” That usually shuts them up.
@@scotthullinger9955 Why are you so... aggressive on this? Atheists talk about religion because religion causes problems for them. Doctors talk about cancer because cancer causes problems for them. It's in their field of focus, in the same way that someone who has had to be proactively nonreligious is awake to religious problems.
It probably shuts them up because they realize they're talking to an idiot. Your analogy doesn't make sense. A proper analogy would be like this. People don't believe in Santa Claus, and therefore do not worry or care about the fact that many children are indoctrinated to believe in them. People don't talk about Santa Claus because it's not a part of their life. Most atheists are not atheists at all but in a form of emotional denial because they realize that religious people are the embodiment of the reason why they feel guilty about their certain habits or behaviors. Thus, they feel the need to impose their ideology on religious people in the exact same manner in which they criticize religious people of doing, the need to force their opinions on people who don't care or desire to hear it. Anyways you sound like an arrogant narcissist. I doubt that anybody you've 'shut up' ever cared about your opinion enough to be 'shut up' by it. You're a narcissistic prick and people just don't want to talk to you
"can't leave the church alone" is an ad hominem attack specifically designed to invalidate whatever criticism is being expressed by tearing down the character of the critic.
@@scotthullinger9955 I don't think you know what "fastidious" means when you're acting out the fallacy. People aren't ideas, you can't "invalidate" them, and trying to claim the moral high ground by attacking _people_ while ignoring what they're _saying_ only shows that you're projecting your own shallowness onto others.
I recently accepted that the church wasn't true, this journey is so incredibly painful but freeing. Thank you for making videos for someone like me who has no one to talk to about it. 💛
I totally believe that you are paying it back. As someone who went through almost the same experience as Tanner, I just want to pay it back to others. I'm so grateful to be out, and to be able to see the world in a new way. I want others to feel the freedom I now feel, and to live without guilt and pain from old lies.
We can't 'leave it alone' because many of us have family in the Mormon church ( it will always be Mormon to me) and our families use it as a weapon or a guilt trip. I am still 35 years later involved in not leaving it alone.
I really relate to being scared into silence in a way, and honestly, I’m really glad that you said that. Thinking about trying to talk to my parents about why I left sounds like a really terrifying ordeal. They don’t ask about it, but because I feel like I can’t talk about it, I feel like there’s a huge wall between us, and I feel extremely scared to talk to them about why I don’t want to go to church, anymore. And that really hurts. I love your humor, and I really look forward to seeing your videos. They’re seriously such a catharsis for me, and I really hope you keep making them. ♥ ♥ ♥
It's funny that you mentioned Kimmy schmidt because I actually watched that show to help me cope with leaving Mormonism. It helped me mentally and emotionally to watch her because I identified so much with her and how she felt. It made me feel less alone during the hardest parts of my transition.
I'm just starting my transition out of Mormonism, and I am SO grateful for you guys and other content creators like you. You are helping me to recognize that there is life outside of Mormonism, and watching your content gives me a healthy outlet for my anger.
Hey guys, great video! When my hubby and I left the church, your blog and john delhins podcasts got me through some really tough times. We have come out the other side and now I just watch your videos for fun. Absolutely great full that you both stuck it to the man and made your content despite displeasing others. Your message in this video was accurate to what we went through and with no support around and more than that utter disappointment and broken realtionships from a heartfelt decision you have made the field is intense! Anyone in that situation needs someone to turn to. I know I'm not out there doing anything about it due to my circumstances but super happy someone is!! Xox
7.15 "There's no space in their narrative of the church being true for someone genuinely... trying their hardest to remain in this church...and just discovering I can't believe this, the evidence doesn't support it as much as I want it to be true it isn't...there's no space for that in their narrative so they have to impose their narrative on your story." So true. In other words they tell you what your story is and what your motives are. If they were to admit someone could GENUINELY doubt that would open up a whole lot of problems.
This would be a very difficult religion to leave. Fortunately a lot of truths are coming to light. Yes anyone leaving the church is accused must be a liar or sinner. But Mormon church has lied starting from Joseph Smith. Good for sharing. So sad how members are so afraid at looking at reason and objectives truths. And families leave their 'apostate' families. So sad
These videos have helped me so much after leaving heavy christianity. It is so good to hear people talk about similar experiences and to know that I’m not crazy. Thank you so much
Cause members can’t leave non members alone. This the church that for current adults have disturbed people on the street and at their own front door. Moving on would be most healthy though.
Megan A that’s how my parents think. They don’t accept facts and think it’s the adversary. My sister came over one time and a conversation started and she tried to convince them but they always deflected it with the absolute dumbest arguments.
@@kokly7802 yeah I just dont comment any more when she talks about her church its not worth the fight. Sometimes her or my sister will send a group message with some pro church nonsense and it makes me want to send a video back refuting everything in her video but I force myself to refrain.
My aunt is a hardcore Catholic. Fully believes any opposition to the church is satan, if there's a delay in her getting to mass or one of her religious classes or she doesn't want to do some work for them, it HAS to be the devil. She also buys into the whole bullshit Evangelical belief that Jesus was a white blonde dude (I have SERIOUS reservations about her classes). Were Irish. That isnt a part of our beliefs at all here. I tried to explain that scientifically and historically, it was impossible for Jesus to be a random white dude in that part of the world at that point in time. It sure as hell would have been mentioned at least a couple of times in one book ir another. And those white supremacist nut bags would be screaming about it from the hill tops). She just gave a sneering condescending laugh. Like she knows something I don't. Shes so entrenched in her mindset. She has NO identity or friends outside of her churchy group. It drives me crazy that she has absolutely no critical thinking skills what so ever. She takes no responsibility for anything she should, but takes on ridiculous faux martyr bullshit status for stuff that logically has nothing to do with her. Sorry for the rant. The sad truth is you can't change her mindset or thought process. The only thing you can do is keep being true to yourself.
Once again watching you gives me hope for humanity. I love this younger generation. I was in therapy learning all of this 25 years ago and I was a FREAK... I sounded like you guys but no one else was there yet(assuming it is a linear journey ha).
You hit the nail right on the head. Ever since I told my parents that I don't believe in the church anymore and even before then when I was terrified of telling them how I felt, it's just been so much pressure on me. I keep going into this cycle of thoughts where I know that I won't go to the celestial kingdom, but then I remember that nobody will because it's not real, to realizing I have been deceived for 20 long years, and then back to the realization that I will never attain what I was promised. I'm emotionally drained from all of it, and I have been spiritually drained and feeling shameful ever since I had doubts. It's not an easy thing to tear apart everything you believed in and then build it into something that you know is right. There's holes where lies once were that I have to fill in with truth if I can find it. It really did feel like the matrix for me. The only reason I held on for so long is because I desperately wanted hope to see my grandad in the afterlife. I know he wouldn't want me to live a lie though, so I did a bit of research about the church. I found out that Joseph Smith was a delusional and manipulative monster. Your video about the holy ghost was the first one I have seen from y'all, and it helped me open my eyes. Sorry that was such a long tangent, but thank you so much for helping me leave my old lifestyle. I couldn't have done that alone 💙
Olivia Harmer that would be so awesome; kind of like the Bible Reloaded guys who read and comment on the Bible. These two should totally do that with the BoM. 🤓
I love this video! It preaches more love and acceptance/tolerance than I have ever felt from the Mormon church, and I grew up in the church until I was 18 so that says a lot. You guys are truly doing the world a service, thank you for all the efforts and energy you put into these videos. I've been going through a bit of a personal crisis with the church lately, I stopped going abt 3 years ago because I hated going, but haven't truly researched and looked into the church until a month or 2 ago. Your channel has been such a huge part in being able to see how false the church truly is. I remember in a youth meeting "Zelph in the shelf" was mentioned in one of my youth byc meeting as a "complete abomination and the work of Satan in a cunning modern fashion" or something along those lines, I had no idea what they were referring to but I'm so SO thankful & glad that I've found your channel! I can't tell you how many nights I've woken up at 2am stirring with thoughts and uncomfortable feelings trying to figure out my life and trying to undo all of the things I was raised in, and turning to your channel (seriously I lock myself in the bathroom and watch all your videos, not only during the day but also definitely at 2am) and you two have given me SO much insight and depth, thank you thank you thank you I can't say it enough. I plan on purchasing that Tshirt and making an Instagram post letting all my residual Mormon friends know exactly how I feel. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. TRULY. I LOVE YOU GUYS THANK YOU ❤️
here's a something to think upon.. there's a lot of criticism and judgement about Taking Offence😀 as though Taking Offence is a crime and certainly not a good reason to leave. while actually being subjected to offensive treatment is a very legitimate reason to make the healthy choice to remove oneself and children e.g. to a more clearly love filled space.😊💝 I would be interested to hear your expanded thoughts around this. 💞
hey I love your videos and how you engage in fun criticism of the Church and its culture. I am a Latter day saint and I'm also an Atheist. It's interesting being those two things at the sametime specially in Utah County but I manage to. obviously there are things that I can't do now and/or that I don't care to do anymore but I have stayed in order to shine a light (as it were) to my fellow saints and to show that you can be a "Member" and still think rationally and critically of our church. a lot of members are waking up to the fact that indeed there's something wrong with our history and our doctrines. please don't led up keep making videos, satirical videos of the Church, and I'll be doing the ground work down here so that there's a better tomorrow for the many "lucky souls" who through no choice of their own will be born into the Mormon church. lets turn this bitch around you guys. 😇
luckily i have a mormon freind who loves me and respects my decisions and he will actuly listen to my piont if veiw without getting offended unlike other mormoms
Love you guys and love the new shirt, I usually don't buy shirts that are advertising my views like that but I am so picking that one up. Also I love the one purple nail Tanner.
7:50 Yes yes yes! I hate it when people are like, "Oh, you WANTED the church to be false, so now you are going out if your way to find plot holes!" Or better yet, "You've never have a strong testimony, you just believed it because of the culture." Seriously, that pisses me off so much. A.) You don't know me and what spiritual experiences I had. Sure, my testimony wasn't "as strong as it could have been," but if it was as weak as you put it, I would have just walked away from the church (honestly probably without making such a big deal about it) sooner. Those spiritual moments are powerful and keep people rooted in the church. (And i won't try to undermine other people's experiences. Sure, I think there is a way to explain them, but unless the person wants to discuss them I won't push or pride. GA's and talks are fair game tho. Also for the record B.) I took a step back from my testimony and asked myself, "Can I believe the church and be logically sound?" For me the answer was no. I've realized that having a blind testimony allows you to ignore the problems and red flags in organization (not just religious but also political and social). It wasn't that my testimony was weak, I chose to put it aside and I chose to hear the other side.
Oh, but it does apply to you, my friend. It applies to all who have been duped, swindled, lied to, and made to feel worthless by religion. ALL RELIGION IS BAD. ALL RELIGION IS FALSE. THERE IS NO GOD WHO ORDERS THE MURDER OF OTHERS. The Jewish faith is as false as the Mormon faith. Read "Journey of Souls". Life changing.
The church would rather I continue to have grand maul seizures than take pot to stop them. I guess in order for me to stop my brain from destroying itself I'll have to become a criminal....
Really be thinking about neing silenced by fear and like yeah , out of the things that i deal with leaving my faith is the worst to think about and th he scariest
I was never a Mormon, but I was a fundamentalist evangelical Christian when I was growing up, and I went through disillusion and de-conversion. I enjoy your perspective and humor, and BTW Tanner is even cuter without the mustache.
I've been finding your videos quite friendly and helpful; thank you. I have never really thought of myself as an ex-mormon, perhaps because (aside from not liking the label) I never really experienced the degree of existential crisis that seems the norm. Even though I grew up in the church, my essential concept of God and purpose of life was not one I learned from it, and so I didn't lose it when I left. (As early as I can remember, we went to church to share what testimonies we -had-, not to learn what they should be.) As a result, now I feel more like alumni: LDS was simply the institution/heritage I graduated from, and any effort to return visit (which I have a few times) would be entirely in a teaching capacity (such as college professors might do at their old school). Not that they would accept me for that. I can quote and study scripture now better than I ever did then, because - with a genuine context of love as my guide (aka: God) to recognize what elements of any source are truly -of- God - I can read it to discover what truths it has to teach me, rather than floundering after the corrupted idea of how society has determined it should be interpreted. It's how I learned to treat every revelation, since no divine message can come through man (exalted or otherwise) without being affected by the limitations of whatever lens (aka: mental perspective) it travels through. Thus, whatsoever is true you -have- to know for yourself... by letting go of those limitations, and being willing to accept it (truth) for the double-edged sword that it is. Ultimately it wasn't until watching this video, that I recognized my parents' (in some ways, disowning) reaction to me, as typical of the way comfortably content mormons tend to view ex-mormons. It's been sad to realize that those very persons who helped me learn what I most needed in my youth, by which I learned how to recognize what was truth even while immersed in the great and abominable church, ultimately didn't experience it the same as I did. They're more lock-step in their beliefs now, than they ever were. Sigh. Thanks for your effort to share so sincere and healing a perspective. :)
I served a mission as one of the people who genuinely want it to be true but do not think it is. Mish was rad, but left the church after being attacked by hotties as a sexy RM!
When people leave and leave the church alone is when people will spend their time on things more relevant. That's when the church will be wondering who will be left to turn out the lights.
I'm thankful for your vids... I'm just getting out of the angry stage. It's hard to let go especially when you feel your family uses the church as a tool to manipulate you to do what they want. You guys should come to peach days in Brigham City then we could chill haha ;-) freaking Brigham Young rap the best.
So what they are saying is that since I left the church I'm now not supposed to care about the family, friends and loved ones that are still being influenced by the church. Not to mention how as a resident of Utah the church affects my life by it's influence on my state, county and city officials. If they would leave my family and government representatives alone I would return the favor. Until that day arrives, I will watch them like a hawk.
I'm actually quite fortunate to have parents who were sympathetic (if not, perhaps, _entirely_ understanding) of why I left the church. But at the same time, it's not until you're out of it that you can see how _completely_ it dominates your way of thinking. It ends up inducing a lot of double-standards, because if the church is good (or even the _source_ of good), genuine, impartial inquiry can't exist. Anything that supports it must also be "good", and anything that opposes it must be "evil".
I actually dont remember what happened before my baptism. No memories before it and I think I never belittled anyone for not being in my old religion. But my mother said I was very religious when I was younger. And tbh its scary not knowing what happened before I was 8, like did something happen with the church. Or at home. So for me always remembering having doubts because how lonely I felt at church and the responsibilities when I was going through my parent's divorce, it broke me and I lost my faith in God and the religion. Bow that I'm 18, I got my name removed and now trying to figure out who I am without religion
If It is not what you can't leave alone, it may end up being what you can't continue to do. If that hasn't happened already. I have had times when I didn't want to look on the mirror also. There is a story in the Nursery Goose Rymes, you guys probably heard of. It's is about sour grapes. My Granny used to read it to me but I didn't understand it, until I had children who didn't understand they ought to do certain things to be happy.
The simple answer is the second half of D&C 88:81 "it becometh every man who hath been warned, to warn his neighbor" rings true to those Ex-Mormons while other things they have realized to be false. There is nothing more dangerous to the church than those that use there own discernment, as they are taught to do, rather than accept the "correct way" you should discern. For they latch on to the truths, while rejecting the lies, allowing them to fight the lies of the religion/God with truths that are being taught by the same religion/God. They use their own agency instead of learning to blindly follow.This obedience is taught by the story of Nephi, who "shrunk and would that I might not slay him"(1 Nephi 4:10). The next verses then show the Lord's rationalization of why Nephi should go against his morals. And immediately you are taught the double standard of hypocrisy (when I do it, or command it, it is good, but it is bad if you choose to do it) but you must follow what I say, so you can't go rationalizing. And ultimately why does Nephi do it? Because he was promised as long as he "keep[s] my commandments"(blindly follows), he, and his seed, "shall prosper in the land of promise". Basically the same tactics as in "Little Shop of Horrors" or any other such scheme. And we horrible ex- Mormons see schemes and feel we should warn people not to fall for them. Interestingly enough I just watched a video that had an interesting point I feel relates to "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints"(LDS). It was about cults and had some distinction of typical cults vs religion. It basically said some cults manage to become religion from influence from surroundings and growth. The LDS church fits that Idea well, they secluded them selves well enough that their population was able to grow big enough to feel less cultish and be large enough to be able to dominate politics of the area so they could continue to grow once they lost the seclusion cults tend to need to survive. Then over the ages, it is slowly losing some of the more typical cult things due to outward influences. So it may be able to be considered religion rather than cult now, but I do believe it definitely started as one.
The LDS church does not, nor ever will offer completion. What once was a way to Heaven turned out to be a lie. "The mad race run, the golden goal. Attained and found to be a hole. ". We will never again be Mormons. But, we are drawn closer to God.
I am in the mourning stage of leaving the church, I'm lucky enough that my parent's are understanding...and I am not alone, I have my sister. It's funny though that the only person who asked me why I left is my sister.
Thank you both so much, I left the church years ago, although still get shamed and quilt tripped by my family thinking that I left to be a sinner. Watching your videos hit the spot with how I think and feel all the time as an ex-mormon
I love your videos. Thank you. Now a question unrelated to subject. I have been trying to grow out my hair. Does Tanner have any tips on growing your hair long? I have bone straight hair and it tends to look like a spaghetti monster on top of my scalp.
How the church isn't true, and finding that out and spreading the truth is relatable to the similar situation of anyone born into a religion, born to believe that religion and higher being and was you realize how absurd and unrealistic the religion and higher being actually are, but because you were born into believing this, it's really difficult to completely lose that faith, even though you know it's not truth. And, especially when religion as a concept has existed for hundreds of years, but that is just the ways of this world.
I am a Christian but live an extremely Mormon town and am very interested in the religion. I have been binging your videos and tbh Tanner has a better understanding of Christ and Christ-likeness than any Mormon I know lol. Love your videos!
I left two cults, the LDS cult and the carnism cult. There are victims in both cults. Humans in the LDS cult and non-humans in the carnism cult. I work to free both.
Luke 9 49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.,
Mormonism fascinates me, I know it sounds weird but sometimes I meet missionaries and convince them I'm interested in joining the church. Afterwards I let them down and move on.
And plus, it's kinda just cathartic. It's almost therapeutic to just say all of the things you had always wanted to say when you were in the church, but you couldn't because then people would look down on you; and now, they no longer have any power over you, so fuck it.
Hey can you cover The Buffetings of Satan. When I resigned the church they sent me a letter( 2001) saying that I was now not protected of the church and the Buffeting of Satan was upon me without my temple covenants and baptismal covenant were void. Does God void my baptism? If it is of God then how can man void my baptism??????Thanks
I love that shirt Tanner lol and Samantha you're so stunning always, i am curious are you guys vegan? for some reason i think you are idk if it was on a video or just a vibe. I love your videos
Also, I'm being targeted by "PureFlix" on this video with ads... they're so kind to pay you like that! Whomever is doing their marketing doesn't understand the audience on this channel lol Take their money while you can!
The burning building metaphor was bueno, for me it was like leaving then hearing from everyone that I escaped a burning building and I just shrugged it off, then I turned around after more than a decade and realized, "holy fuck I walked out of a burning building hahahaha." But now I'm realizing there's a smell of smoke clinging to my personality I had never really smelled properly.
tanner
i wanted to say thank you for always giving samantha equal talking time.
and when she's actually talking you let her finish.
everytime a mormon missionary visited me and my boyfriend they would spend the whole time talking to him. even though they were in my house not his.
sara Sarah ❤️
If something is harmful to society, why shouldn’t we talk about it? I was never Mormon but I used to be religious and that question of, “Why do you talk about religion if you don’t believe it?” has to be one of the most ridiculously ill thought out questions I get as an atheist. I always reply with, “As an atheist I talk so much about religion for the same reason doctors talk so much about cancer.” That usually shuts them up.
SailingSeignior oooh that’s good! I think I might use that analogy. So true!
That doesn't make sense. So you treat and/or cure religion? 🙆
@@scotthullinger9955 Why are you so... aggressive on this? Atheists talk about religion because religion causes problems for them. Doctors talk about cancer because cancer causes problems for them. It's in their field of focus, in the same way that someone who has had to be proactively nonreligious is awake to religious problems.
It probably shuts them up because they realize they're talking to an idiot. Your analogy doesn't make sense. A proper analogy would be like this. People don't believe in Santa Claus, and therefore do not worry or care about the fact that many children are indoctrinated to believe in them. People don't talk about Santa Claus because it's not a part of their life. Most atheists are not atheists at all but in a form of emotional denial because they realize that religious people are the embodiment of the reason why they feel guilty about their certain habits or behaviors. Thus, they feel the need to impose their ideology on religious people in the exact same manner in which they criticize religious people of doing, the need to force their opinions on people who don't care or desire to hear it. Anyways you sound like an arrogant narcissist. I doubt that anybody you've 'shut up' ever cared about your opinion enough to be 'shut up' by it. You're a narcissistic prick and people just don't want to talk to you
SailingSeignior i love this
"can't leave the church alone" is an ad hominem attack specifically designed to invalidate whatever criticism is being expressed by tearing down the character of the critic.
Caleb well said!
@@scotthullinger9955 I don't think you know what "fastidious" means when you're acting out the fallacy. People aren't ideas, you can't "invalidate" them, and trying to claim the moral high ground by attacking _people_ while ignoring what they're _saying_ only shows that you're projecting your own shallowness onto others.
Init
I recently accepted that the church wasn't true, this journey is so incredibly painful but freeing. Thank you for making videos for someone like me who has no one to talk to about it. 💛
Hi! I left too
Welcome to freedom from the shadows
I’m in the same boat. Love these videos x
How's your journey coming along?
I totally believe that you are paying it back. As someone who went through almost the same experience as Tanner, I just want to pay it back to others. I'm so grateful to be out, and to be able to see the world in a new way. I want others to feel the freedom I now feel, and to live without guilt and pain from old lies.
We can't 'leave it alone' because many of us have family in the Mormon church ( it will always be Mormon to me) and our families use it as a weapon or a guilt trip. I am still 35 years later involved in not leaving it alone.
ldsclassaction.weebly.com there is class action against the fraud by the LDS church you might want to check it out Kandis! 🙂
I really relate to being scared into silence in a way, and honestly, I’m really glad that you said that. Thinking about trying to talk to my parents about why I left sounds like a really terrifying ordeal. They don’t ask about it, but because I feel like I can’t talk about it, I feel like there’s a huge wall between us, and I feel extremely scared to talk to them about why I don’t want to go to church, anymore. And that really hurts.
I love your humor, and I really look forward to seeing your videos. They’re seriously such a catharsis for me, and I really hope you keep making them.
♥ ♥ ♥
It's funny that you mentioned Kimmy schmidt because I actually watched that show to help me cope with leaving Mormonism. It helped me mentally and emotionally to watch her because I identified so much with her and how she felt. It made me feel less alone during the hardest parts of my transition.
“We all just wanna be heard” so true and glad you guys have this platform to be heard by many more people (including myself)
Thank you for this, it helps me feel less alone.
I'm just starting my transition out of Mormonism, and I am SO grateful for you guys and other content creators like you. You are helping me to recognize that there is life outside of Mormonism, and watching your content gives me a healthy outlet for my anger.
Hey guys, great video! When my hubby and I left the church, your blog and john delhins podcasts got me through some really tough times. We have come out the other side and now I just watch your videos for fun. Absolutely great full that you both stuck it to the man and made your content despite displeasing others. Your message in this video was accurate to what we went through and with no support around and more than that utter disappointment and broken realtionships from a heartfelt decision you have made the field is intense! Anyone in that situation needs someone to turn to. I know I'm not out there doing anything about it due to my circumstances but super happy someone is!! Xox
7.15 "There's no space in their narrative of the church being true for someone genuinely... trying their hardest to remain in this church...and just discovering I can't believe this, the evidence doesn't support it as much as I want it to be true it isn't...there's no space for that in their narrative so they have to impose their narrative on your story." So true. In other words they tell you what your story is and what your motives are.
If they were to admit someone could GENUINELY doubt that would open up a whole lot of problems.
You guys have such a way with words that you nail the point very precisely on the head.
For me, I can leave it alone. I'm just not going to until it stops its harmful teachings, practices, and views of others.
Acronen, absolutely!
This would be a very difficult religion to leave. Fortunately a lot of truths are coming to light.
Yes anyone leaving the church is accused must be a liar or sinner. But Mormon church has lied starting from Joseph Smith.
Good for sharing. So sad how members are so afraid at looking at reason and objectives truths. And families leave their 'apostate' families. So sad
These videos have helped me so much after leaving heavy christianity. It is so good to hear people talk about similar experiences and to know that I’m not crazy. Thank you so much
Cause members can’t leave non members alone. This the church that for current adults have disturbed people on the street and at their own front door. Moving on would be most healthy though.
My mom says it's the devil talking. She will not hear a single fact against the church,its the devil putting negative thoughts in our heads.
Megan, l get that. I don't know any way to break through the cult programming , they've been so blinded by fear. It is really sad and painful.
Megan A that’s how my parents think. They don’t accept facts and think it’s the adversary. My sister came over one time and a conversation started and she tried to convince them but they always deflected it with the absolute dumbest arguments.
@@kokly7802 yeah I just dont comment any more when she talks about her church its not worth the fight. Sometimes her or my sister will send a group message with some pro church nonsense and it makes me want to send a video back refuting everything in her video but I force myself to refrain.
My aunt is a hardcore Catholic. Fully believes any opposition to the church is satan, if there's a delay in her getting to mass or one of her religious classes or she doesn't want to do some work for them, it HAS to be the devil. She also buys into the whole bullshit Evangelical belief that Jesus was a white blonde dude (I have SERIOUS reservations about her classes). Were Irish. That isnt a part of our beliefs at all here. I tried to explain that scientifically and historically, it was impossible for Jesus to be a random white dude in that part of the world at that point in time. It sure as hell would have been mentioned at least a couple of times in one book ir another. And those white supremacist nut bags would be screaming about it from the hill tops). She just gave a sneering condescending laugh. Like she knows something I don't. Shes so entrenched in her mindset. She has NO identity or friends outside of her churchy group. It drives me crazy that she has absolutely no critical thinking skills what so ever. She takes no responsibility for anything she should, but takes on ridiculous faux martyr bullshit status for stuff that logically has nothing to do with her.
Sorry for the rant. The sad truth is you can't change her mindset or thought process. The only thing you can do is keep being true to yourself.
Once again watching you gives me hope for humanity. I love this younger generation. I was in therapy learning all of this 25 years ago and I was a FREAK... I sounded like you guys but no one else was there yet(assuming it is a linear journey ha).
You hit the nail right on the head. Ever since I told my parents that I don't believe in the church anymore and even before then when I was terrified of telling them how I felt, it's just been so much pressure on me. I keep going into this cycle of thoughts where I know that I won't go to the celestial kingdom, but then I remember that nobody will because it's not real, to realizing I have been deceived for 20 long years, and then back to the realization that I will never attain what I was promised. I'm emotionally drained from all of it, and I have been spiritually drained and feeling shameful ever since I had doubts. It's not an easy thing to tear apart everything you believed in and then build it into something that you know is right. There's holes where lies once were that I have to fill in with truth if I can find it. It really did feel like the matrix for me.
The only reason I held on for so long is because I desperately wanted hope to see my grandad in the afterlife. I know he wouldn't want me to live a lie though, so I did a bit of research about the church. I found out that Joseph Smith was a delusional and manipulative monster. Your video about the holy ghost was the first one I have seen from y'all, and it helped me open my eyes.
Sorry that was such a long tangent, but thank you so much for helping me leave my old lifestyle. I couldn't have done that alone 💙
Hey guys. I was pleasantly surprised by your thorough and thoughtful analysis. Very well done.
Tanner: "Try some empathy, imagine it... as I'm wearing this shirt."
😂😂😂❤️
Please do a Book of Mormon series!
Olivia Harmer that would be so awesome; kind of like the Bible Reloaded guys who read and comment on the Bible. These two should totally do that with the BoM. 🤓
I love this video! It preaches more love and acceptance/tolerance than I have ever felt from the Mormon church, and I grew up in the church until I was 18 so that says a lot. You guys are truly doing the world a service, thank you for all the efforts and energy you put into these videos. I've been going through a bit of a personal crisis with the church lately, I stopped going abt 3 years ago because I hated going, but haven't truly researched and looked into the church until a month or 2 ago. Your channel has been such a huge part in being able to see how false the church truly is. I remember in a youth meeting "Zelph in the shelf" was mentioned in one of my youth byc meeting as a "complete abomination and the work of Satan in a cunning modern fashion" or something along those lines, I had no idea what they were referring to but I'm so SO thankful & glad that I've found your channel! I can't tell you how many nights I've woken up at 2am stirring with thoughts and uncomfortable feelings trying to figure out my life and trying to undo all of the things I was raised in, and turning to your channel (seriously I lock myself in the bathroom and watch all your videos, not only during the day but also definitely at 2am) and you two have given me SO much insight and depth, thank you thank you thank you I can't say it enough. I plan on purchasing that Tshirt and making an Instagram post letting all my residual Mormon friends know exactly how I feel. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. TRULY. I LOVE YOU GUYS THANK YOU ❤️
Wow, this is such a wonderful comment, THANK YOU! 💜💜
I have friends who left the church and never looked back.
That seems more healthy to me. I know a lot of Mormons who like being Mormons too.
here's a something to think upon.. there's a lot of criticism and judgement about Taking Offence😀 as though Taking Offence is a crime and certainly not a good reason to leave. while actually being subjected to offensive treatment is a very legitimate reason to make the healthy choice to remove oneself and children e.g. to a more clearly love filled space.😊💝
I would be interested to hear your expanded thoughts around this.
💞
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! You put my thoughts into words!
This was a brilliant vid guys. Very nuanced and insightful. Thank you
Great video, thanks guys
I’m so nervous but so ready for this episode. 😂 coping skills to the rescue! Not as bad/triggering as I thought. Awesome!
I promise you Dr Nelson is VERY aware of the medical benefits of MJ, but just doesn't care. :'(
Really funny, a mormon.org commercial comes up after I watch this!
D2modplayer1 😂😂😂
hey I love your videos and how you engage in fun criticism of the Church and its culture. I am a Latter day saint and I'm also an Atheist. It's interesting being those two things at the sametime specially in Utah County but I manage to. obviously there are things that I can't do now and/or that I don't care to do anymore but I have stayed in order to shine a light (as it were) to my fellow saints and to show that you can be a "Member" and still think rationally and critically of our church. a lot of members are waking up to the fact that indeed there's something wrong with our history and our doctrines. please don't led up keep making videos, satirical videos of the Church, and I'll be doing the ground work down here so that there's a better tomorrow for the many "lucky souls" who through no choice of their own will be born into the Mormon church. lets turn this bitch around you guys. 😇
luckily i have a mormon freind who loves me and respects my decisions and he will actuly listen to my piont if veiw without getting offended unlike other mormoms
Thank you for all your videos! You guys are doing great work
In that same boat right now
Why can't Mormons leave the rest of us alone? "Hey Kettle, you're black!"
You guys help me feel not alone ❤ thank you
Love you guys and love the new shirt, I usually don't buy shirts that are advertising my views like that but I am so picking that one up. Also I love the one purple nail Tanner.
A4Foot1Giant two! Also his right thumb
7:50 Yes yes yes! I hate it when people are like, "Oh, you WANTED the church to be false, so now you are going out if your way to find plot holes!" Or better yet, "You've never have a strong testimony, you just believed it because of the culture." Seriously, that pisses me off so much.
A.) You don't know me and what spiritual experiences I had. Sure, my testimony wasn't "as strong as it could have been," but if it was as weak as you put it, I would have just walked away from the church (honestly probably without making such a big deal about it) sooner. Those spiritual moments are powerful and keep people rooted in the church. (And i won't try to undermine other people's experiences. Sure, I think there is a way to explain them, but unless the person wants to discuss them I won't push or pride. GA's and talks are fair game tho.
Also for the record
B.) I took a step back from my testimony and asked myself, "Can I believe the church and be logically sound?" For me the answer was no. I've realized that having a blind testimony allows you to ignore the problems and red flags in organization (not just religious but also political and social).
It wasn't that my testimony was weak, I chose to put it aside and I chose to hear the other side.
I need a "I'm sorry for what I said when I was a hardcore christian" T-shirt
OMG I want your t-shirt!
Freaking LOVE the T-shirt Tanner!
im a reform jew so this literally doesn't apply to me at all i just wanted you to know your cat is cute
Aw thanks! He's named after one of our favorite Jews-Bernie Sanders!
Oh, but it does apply to you, my friend. It applies to all who have been duped, swindled, lied to, and made to feel worthless by religion. ALL RELIGION IS BAD. ALL RELIGION IS FALSE. THERE IS NO GOD WHO ORDERS THE MURDER OF OTHERS. The Jewish faith is as false as the Mormon faith. Read "Journey of Souls". Life changing.
THANK YOU.
The church would rather I continue to have grand maul seizures than take pot to stop them. I guess in order for me to stop my brain from destroying itself I'll have to become a criminal....
Stop calling toxic behavior out. It makes narcissists uncomfortable.
These guys are fantastic
Really be thinking about neing silenced by fear and like yeah , out of the things that i deal with leaving my faith is the worst to think about and th he scariest
i want that shirt but my mom will kill me ill just keep it at dads
I was never a Mormon, but I was a fundamentalist evangelical Christian when I was growing up, and I went through disillusion and de-conversion. I enjoy your perspective and humor, and BTW Tanner is even cuter without the mustache.
I've been finding your videos quite friendly and helpful; thank you.
I have never really thought of myself as an ex-mormon, perhaps because (aside from not liking the label) I never really experienced the degree of existential crisis that seems the norm. Even though I grew up in the church, my essential concept of God and purpose of life was not one I learned from it, and so I didn't lose it when I left. (As early as I can remember, we went to church to share what testimonies we -had-, not to learn what they should be.) As a result, now I feel more like alumni: LDS was simply the institution/heritage I graduated from, and any effort to return visit (which I have a few times) would be entirely in a teaching capacity (such as college professors might do at their old school). Not that they would accept me for that.
I can quote and study scripture now better than I ever did then, because - with a genuine context of love as my guide (aka: God) to recognize what elements of any source are truly -of- God - I can read it to discover what truths it has to teach me, rather than floundering after the corrupted idea of how society has determined it should be interpreted. It's how I learned to treat every revelation, since no divine message can come through man (exalted or otherwise) without being affected by the limitations of whatever lens (aka: mental perspective) it travels through. Thus, whatsoever is true you -have- to know for yourself... by letting go of those limitations, and being willing to accept it (truth) for the double-edged sword that it is.
Ultimately it wasn't until watching this video, that I recognized my parents' (in some ways, disowning) reaction to me, as typical of the way comfortably content mormons tend to view ex-mormons. It's been sad to realize that those very persons who helped me learn what I most needed in my youth, by which I learned how to recognize what was truth even while immersed in the great and abominable church, ultimately didn't experience it the same as I did. They're more lock-step in their beliefs now, than they ever were.
Sigh. Thanks for your effort to share so sincere and healing a perspective. :)
I served a mission as one of the people who genuinely want it to be true but do not think it is. Mish was rad, but left the church after being attacked by hotties as a sexy RM!
When people leave and leave the church alone is when people will spend their time on things more relevant. That's when the church will be wondering who will be left to turn out the lights.
I'm thankful for your vids... I'm just getting out of the angry stage. It's hard to let go especially when you feel your family uses the church as a tool to manipulate you to do what they want. You guys should come to peach days in Brigham City then we could chill haha ;-) freaking Brigham Young rap the best.
So what they are saying is that since I left the church I'm now not supposed to care about the family, friends and loved ones that are still being influenced by the church. Not to mention how as a resident of Utah the church affects my life by it's influence on my state, county and city officials. If they would leave my family and government representatives alone I would return the favor. Until that day arrives, I will watch them like a hawk.
I'm an old and I fucking love millennials. There I said it.
Tanner I love your shirt, it's totally true though!!
I'm actually quite fortunate to have parents who were sympathetic (if not, perhaps, _entirely_ understanding) of why I left the church. But at the same time, it's not until you're out of it that you can see how _completely_ it dominates your way of thinking. It ends up inducing a lot of double-standards, because if the church is good (or even the _source_ of good), genuine, impartial inquiry can't exist. Anything that supports it must also be "good", and anything that opposes it must be "evil".
Great video! Keep fighting the good fight! I subscribed
I actually dont remember what happened before my baptism. No memories before it and I think I never belittled anyone for not being in my old religion. But my mother said I was very religious when I was younger. And tbh its scary not knowing what happened before I was 8, like did something happen with the church. Or at home. So for me always remembering having doubts because how lonely I felt at church and the responsibilities when I was going through my parent's divorce, it broke me and I lost my faith in God and the religion.
Bow that I'm 18, I got my name removed and now trying to figure out who I am without religion
If It is not what you can't leave alone, it may end up being what you can't continue to do. If that hasn't happened already. I have had times when I didn't want to look on the mirror also. There is a story in the Nursery Goose Rymes, you guys probably heard of. It's is about sour grapes. My Granny used to read it to me but I didn't understand it, until I had children who didn't understand they ought to do certain things to be happy.
So true
The simple answer is the second half of D&C 88:81 "it becometh every man who hath been warned, to warn his neighbor" rings true to those Ex-Mormons while other things they have realized to be false.
There is nothing more dangerous to the church than those that use there own discernment, as they are taught to do, rather than accept the "correct way" you should discern. For they latch on to the truths, while rejecting the lies, allowing them to fight the lies of the religion/God with truths that are being taught by the same religion/God.
They use their own agency instead of learning to blindly follow.This obedience is taught by the story of Nephi, who "shrunk and would that I might not slay him"(1 Nephi 4:10). The next verses then show the Lord's rationalization of why Nephi should go against his morals. And immediately you are taught the double standard of hypocrisy (when I do it, or command it, it is good, but it is bad if you choose to do it) but you must follow what I say, so you can't go rationalizing. And ultimately why does Nephi do it? Because he was promised as long as he "keep[s] my commandments"(blindly follows), he, and his seed, "shall prosper in the land of promise". Basically the same tactics as in "Little Shop of Horrors" or any other such scheme. And we horrible ex- Mormons see schemes and feel we should warn people not to fall for them.
Interestingly enough I just watched a video that had an interesting point I feel relates to "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints"(LDS). It was about cults and had some distinction of typical cults vs religion. It basically said some cults manage to become religion from influence from surroundings and growth. The LDS church fits that Idea well, they secluded them selves well enough that their population was able to grow big enough to feel less cultish and be large enough to be able to dominate politics of the area so they could continue to grow once they lost the seclusion cults tend to need to survive. Then over the ages, it is slowly losing some of the more typical cult things due to outward influences. So it may be able to be considered religion rather than cult now, but I do believe it definitely started as one.
The LDS church does not, nor ever will offer completion. What once was a way to Heaven turned out to be a lie. "The mad race run, the golden goal. Attained and found to be a hole. ". We will never again be Mormons. But, we are drawn closer to God.
I am in the mourning stage of leaving the church, I'm lucky enough that my parent's are understanding...and I am not alone, I have my sister. It's funny though that the only person who asked me why I left is my sister.
Hell USay W👏🏻W👏🏻J👏🏻D... oh wait, y’all aren’t Christian... especially with that type of response. What a complete lack of empathy.
Ohmylord I love Tanners shirt 😂 actually laughed
Thank you both so much, I left the church years ago, although still get shamed and quilt tripped by my family thinking that I left to be a sinner. Watching your videos hit the spot with how I think and feel all the time as an ex-mormon
I would love to get into contact or Skype to hear your stories and learn more on how to deal with the repercussions on leaving and still getting hate
Honestly, no one asked me why I left. But they like sending those random texts about conference.
You guys are logical and rational.
When I left, my family basically told me I’m stupid. Thanks to that though I know that their opinions on my life aren’t worth shit
I love your videos. Thank you. Now a question unrelated to subject. I have been trying to grow out my hair. Does Tanner have any tips on growing your hair long? I have bone straight hair and it tends to look like a spaghetti monster on top of my scalp.
Also, the grieving process is necessarily directly proportional to the TIME that you've been lied to....
marcus
Oh I need that shirt. ADD TO CART!
Yes, talking about 'the church' is a calling.
marcus
remember the every member a missionary idea? we keep it up when we leave, we become ex-mormon missionaries to tell about the cult! LOL.
9:07 please do a video on the Book of Mormon!!! I would fucking love it 😩🙏🏻 please please please
How many here felt like the Church left you with a bad case of burnout?
How the church isn't true, and finding that out and spreading the truth is relatable to the similar situation of anyone born into a religion, born to believe that religion and higher being and was you realize how absurd and unrealistic the religion and higher being actually are, but because you were born into believing this, it's really difficult to completely lose that faith, even though you know it's not truth. And, especially when religion as a concept has existed for hundreds of years, but that is just the ways of this world.
I am a Christian but live an extremely Mormon town and am very interested in the religion. I have been binging your videos and tbh Tanner has a better understanding of Christ and Christ-likeness than any Mormon I know lol. Love your videos!
I left two cults, the LDS cult and the carnism cult. There are victims in both cults. Humans in the LDS cult and non-humans in the carnism cult. I work to free both.
Luke 9
49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.,
Mormonism fascinates me, I know it sounds weird but sometimes I meet missionaries and convince them I'm interested in joining the church. Afterwards I let them down and move on.
And plus, it's kinda just cathartic. It's almost therapeutic to just say all of the things you had always wanted to say when you were in the church, but you couldn't because then people would look down on you; and now, they no longer have any power over you, so fuck it.
Active members are afraid to hear what you have to say.
Mormon ad on this video lol.
Please keep doing Mormon stuff!
Hey can you cover The Buffetings of Satan. When I resigned the church they sent me a letter( 2001) saying that I was now not protected of the church and the Buffeting of Satan was upon me without my temple covenants and baptismal covenant were void. Does God void my baptism? If it is of God then how can man void my baptism??????Thanks
I’m lds and don’t agree with everything you say but I really like watching your videos 👍🏿👍🏿
Awesome!
Is anybody familiar with the "Prop H8" documentary Tanner mentioned? Can't find anything with a Google search. Spelling may be different
I love that shirt Tanner lol and Samantha you're so stunning always, i am curious are you guys vegan? for some reason i think you are idk if it was on a video or just a vibe. I love your videos
We do try to eat vegan as close to 100% as possible, yes!
@@ZelphOntheShelf thats cool! I went vegan 30 days ago and i feel way different, also i have shingles lol
people are trying to tell me it is bc of me going vegan LOL
@@angeldream1Yikes! I hear the shingles is pure agony
@@ZelphOntheShelf it could be worse but i don't love it lol
I love that shirt! lol I wish I had a some sort of record of all the stupid, self-righteous shit that I would say lol
Also, I'm being targeted by "PureFlix" on this video with ads... they're so kind to pay you like that! Whomever is doing their marketing doesn't understand the audience on this channel lol Take their money while you can!
The burning building metaphor was bueno, for me it was like leaving then hearing from everyone that I escaped a burning building and I just shrugged it off, then I turned around after more than a decade and realized, "holy fuck I walked out of a burning building hahahaha." But now I'm realizing there's a smell of smoke clinging to my personality I had never really smelled properly.
Oh and without the mustache Its hard to say who's cuter
Tanner, great shirt; I want one.
marcus
t-shirt 😁👍
Kris See Order one! :D
What is the website for the store?
Patrick Leyerle www.etsy.com/shop/ZelphOnTheShelf
I love how before I watch this is a ad for joining the Mormon church hahaha. Stupid fucking ads.
9:07 where's the series y'all. where it be.
I need one of those tops because too much shit came out of my face when I was a mormon.