Posted by:
SusieQ#1
(
)
Date: October 07, 2010 01:07PM
their statement they are not a Mormon is sufficient. Some say they need to write an official resignation letter and get the confirmation. I did both, in that order! :-)
The one and only thing my believing husband asked was what I needed from him. I told him I needed him to live the 11th Article of Faith, and he did and has!
So few, it appears, are able to do that.
The Articles of Faith - #11:
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
when we make a decision to leave Mormonism, we are in essence, in my observation and experience, leaving our "tribe" and becoming an unwelcome outsider turning against their God. It is often seen as rejection of all family members, and friends and they take it personally.
It takes courage and strength to take that kind of step. It's a major decision that has far reaching consequences, much of the time.
Some families are able to respect other people's rights to change their mind about their religious views, some are not.
My view is that it's best to keep it as private as possible. Some like to write letters, often very long ones, and email them to the whole family. I am not a proponent of doing that as it stirs up the Hornets Nest, so to speak, and it often becomes a long drawn out harangue filled with emotional upheaval. I believe in writing letters, but not mailing them as the letters are for our personal process/therapy and really don't need to be shared in most cases.
The best advice seems to be to go slow, quietly to inactive, and not involve the extended family in your religious beliefs, or choices. I talk to dozens of people, Mormons included and never once mention any religious ideas or beliefs.
In general, it's none of their business. Their religious beliefs are none of my business either.
It appears that you have a family situation that will support you. Stick with that.
I live with and love Mormons. I always will. I do it "my way" which means I am more interested in the love and fun and laughter of a relationship than any religious beliefs.
Works for me just fine.
I think it works best to keep it simple, also. I changed my mind about my religious beliefs. It's personal and private.
Then change the subject.
You'll figure it out, you'll find the way that will work best for you. Might take some trial and error, but you'll do fine.