Posted by:
Elder Berry
(
)
Date: May 05, 2016 01:21PM
I was looking at John Dehlin's list of why people leave. I couldn't find one of my reasons. The temple endowment I endured was like a spiritual slap in my face. In it I realized that for the "sake of righteousness" I was being coerced into agreeing to things I hadn't had time to think about and I was being coerced in a ritualistic way using people around me to pressure me into conformity.
If "the gospel" is all about persuasion, long suffering, being guided by a spirit then this experience was the polar opposite of a patient and loving ritual to a stronger relationship with the Mormon god.
It was scary, coercive (via social conformity), and confusing. But these facts didn't make Dehlin's list.
"Bad experiences in the temple
i.
Not edifying and/or boring
ii.
Issues with initiatory ceremony
iii.
Offensive (e.g., blood oaths, gruesome penalties, women being required to submit to husbands)"
http://whymormonsleave.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Why-Mormons-Leave-Comprehensive-List-February-2014.pdfSo are the other Exmormons out there who had faith shaking, fundamental, and downright upsetting experiences in becoming an endowed Mormon?
I'm still in shock thinking about it. Being born a member didn't prepare me for it. Quite the contrary. I think being born a member, when you go through this you are blindsided by what is designed as an ancient acolyte's initiation and you are endowed ignorant which is not what ancient peoples did. They stair stepped people up to their holy of holies hand picking initiates.
And Mormon apologists claim a religious genealogical connection with ancient rites!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/05/2016 01:22PM by Elder Berry.