When the Shelf Breaks: Why they leave...

When the Shelf Breaks: Why they leave...

Ex-Mormons often cite a variety of issues or concerns that contributed to their decision to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). These issues are sometimes referred to as the "items on their shelf," a metaphor describing the weight of doubts or concerns that accumulate over time. Below is a list of some common items of contention that ex-Mormons often report:

1. Historical Issues

  • The Book of Mormon's Historicity: Concerns about the archaeological and genetic evidence regarding the ancient peoples described in the Book of Mormon, including the lack of evidence for the Nephites and Lamanites.
  • The Translation of the Book of Mormon: Questions about how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, including the use of a seer stone in a hat and the inconsistencies in the translation process.
  • Polygamy: Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, including the marriage to young women, women already married to other men, and the secrecy surrounding it.
  • The First Vision Accounts: Discrepancies in Joseph Smith's accounts of the First Vision, where the details of who appeared to him and what was said vary.
  • The Book of Abraham: Concerns about the translation of the Book of Abraham, particularly with the discovery of the papyri from which it was supposedly translated, which many scholars believe are unrelated to the content of the Book of Abraham.

2. Doctrinal and Theological Concerns

  • The Doctrine of God: Changes in the understanding of God’s nature, such as the shift from God being a finite, exalted man to the more traditional Christian understanding of an eternal, omnipotent being.
  • The Nature of the Trinity: The LDS Church’s rejection of the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, and the idea of God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost being separate beings rather than one essence.
  • The Word of Wisdom: The evolution of the Word of Wisdom (health code) from a guideline to a commandment, and the lack of consistency in its application (e.g., caffeine not being explicitly prohibited).
  • The Priesthood Ban: The historical ban on Black men holding the priesthood and the doctrinal justifications for it, which were later reversed in 1978.

3. Church Leadership and Authority

  • Prophetic Infallibility: Concerns about the infallibility of church leaders, especially the idea that modern prophets can make mistakes or teach false doctrine.
  • The Role of Women: The exclusion of women from the priesthood and the limited roles available to women in leadership positions within the church.
  • The Church’s Finances: The lack of transparency regarding the church's finances, including its vast wealth and investments, and how tithing money is used.
  • The LDS Church’s Changing Doctrines: The ongoing changes in doctrine and practices, such as the reversal of past teachings about race, polygamy, and other issues.

4. Cultural and Social Issues

  • The Church’s Treatment of LGBTQ+ Members: The LDS Church’s stance on same-sex marriage, same-sex attraction, and the treatment of LGBTQ+ members, including policies that have led to the excommunication or marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Shunning and Disfellowshipping: The practice of excommunicating or disfellowshipping members who question church teachings or leave the church, and the social and familial consequences of these actions.
  • The Historical Treatment of Women: The way women have historically been treated in the church, including the exclusion from priesthood roles and the emphasis on traditional gender roles.
  • The Church’s Stance on Race: The history of racist teachings, particularly the priesthood ban on Black men, and the church’s slow response to addressing these issues.

5. Personal and Emotional Struggles

  • Spiritual Disillusionment: Personal experiences of not feeling the spiritual confirmation or connection that the church promises, leading to doubts about its truthfulness.
  • Guilt and Shame: The emotional toll of living up to the church’s high standards and the feelings of guilt or shame associated with personal shortcomings or struggles.
  • Cognitive Dissonance: The tension between believing in the church’s teachings and reconciling them with personal experiences or knowledge that contradicts those teachings.

6. Historical and Modern Scandals

  • Joseph Smith’s Seer Stones: The use of seer stones for translating the Book of Mormon and later for treasure hunting, which some see as problematic or inconsistent with the church's current teachings.
  • The Mountain Meadows Massacre: The church's involvement in or handling of the massacre of a wagon train of emigrants in 1857, and the way the church’s leaders at the time responded to it.
  • The Role of the Church in Politics: The church's involvement in political issues, particularly its stance on Proposition 8 in California (opposing same-sex marriage), and the perceived blending of politics and religion.

These concerns, when accumulated over time, can lead individuals to question their faith and, in some cases, leave the LDS Church. The process of leaving can be deeply personal, and different people may have different combinations of these issues that contributed to their decision.

Over the next few weeks I will be addressing each of these concerns and questions, if you have any additional items you would like me to review and address, please email us at raphael@sacredgroveministries.org and I will do my best to dive into your individual concerns.

Shalom my friends,
Raphael