leaving Mormonism
Public radio’s ‘Preach’ podcast explores religion’s messy side
By Jana Riess — September 4, 2019
(RNS) — Religion is messy, says Lee Hale, host of a new podcast called 'Preach.' For many Americans, especially young people like the 30-year-old Hale, that messiness is something to celebrate, not sweep under the carpet.
Every Mormon leader (and teacher, and parent) should read this book
By Jana Riess — August 9, 2019
Many of the Faith Crisis respondents are people who served in the LDS Church, had a strong testimony, and held callings, and *then* left, often with spouses and children in tow. What happened?
4 myths about ex-Mormons
By Jana Riess — February 12, 2019
Most didn't leave because they got offended, became atheists, or wanted to join another religion. Also, the vast majority of former Mormons say they're happy after leaving.
How to create ex-Mormons
By Jana Riess — February 5, 2018
If the #1 reason women say they left the LDS Church is because they felt judged or misunderstood, wouldn't it be awesome if Mormons could stop with the judging?
Creating a new Mormon family after a faith transition
By Jana Riess — December 19, 2017
Christmas with family can be hard when you're a Mormon experiencing a faith transition. Guest blogger Mette Harrison says the death of her old beliefs led to new life in the form of a new "family" of close friends who've been there.
Mormon leader says doubt is dangerous, of Satan
By Jana Riess — June 8, 2017
Elder Montoya's warnings to avoid doubt at all costs ignore one of the most important truths of the process of faith formation: doubt is a catalyst to spiritual growth.
Do Mormons leave the Church because they ‘got offended’?
By Jana Riess — January 27, 2017
Elder Bednar says that many former Mormons left the fold because they chose to be offended by something. New research raises the question: Does this explanation hold water?
For families divided by Mormonism, 5 things to do – and not to do
By Jana Riess — November 17, 2016
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Mormon families want to defuse tensions that arise when some leave the LDS Church and others stay. Guest blogger Mette Harrison says to pass the yams and hold the judgment.
Mormons aren’t alone in feeling devastated when people leave
By Jana Riess — July 26, 2016
Guest blogger Jon Ogden says breaking from tradition is the world's second-oldest tradition . . . but when loved ones leave Mormonism, it can be painful for those left behind. His new book offers hope for restoring those strained relationships.
Who is leaving the LDS Church?
By Jana Riess — July 23, 2016
Singles, young adults, and men (especially those who did not serve a mission) seem to be among the most likely demographics of people who leave the LDS Church. But "The Next Mormons" research can find out a good deal more that we don't yet know.
What a Presbyterian professor is teaching me about the culture wars
By Jana Riess — May 11, 2016
(RNS) "Don’t blame Jesus or the Jewish prophets or the whole of any sacred tradition for the bad and limited reading of that tradition which hurt you," says writer David Dark.
Gay Mormon rocker no longer singing praises for his faith
By Jana Riess — April 30, 2016
Tyler Glenn's new solo video "Trash" says the Mormon religion is claustrophobic for LGBT people—and since the video ends with the singer's mock death, apparently fatal.
If you don’t like Mormonism, why don’t you leave?
By Jana Riess — March 27, 2015
People often ask Mormon novelist Mette Harrison why she sticks with the LDS Church even if she has some problems with it. "I believe in the principle of conversation and compromise," she says.
Leaving Mormonism . . . and finding my way back (part 2)
By Jana Riess — April 4, 2014
Yesterday we had the first of two parts of novelist Mette Ivie Harrison’s personal story of losing faith in Mormonism. Today she reveals how she is trying to find her testimony again, returning to prayer and to church activity. As you can see, she rejects the “blame the victim” response that many Mormons have when […]
Leaving Mormonism . . . and finding my way back
By Jana Riess — April 3, 2014
What causes a loss of faith? Mette Ivie Harrison was a Mormon mom, BYU professor, and novelist. in this two-part post she recounts the painful loss of her Mormon foundation, and the equally painful struggle to find faith again.
