Please forgive me for being “that guy” who mentions that the thumbs down on this specific video is perplexing, and that I think you must be true asshats. Shannon is pouring out her heart and soul, and sharing such vulnerable things. Thank you for sharing your story, and for your research, Shannon. You are one of the heroes in the ExMo world in my eyes.
Consolation: The thumbs down people are helping the youtube algorithm just as much as the thumbs up people, so the outcome is that the podcast will be suggested to more people.
So grateful for your sharing. I have an extremely similar story and felt so alone for 2 decades. Your words have helped me feel connected, validated, and stronger on my path
Came to Mormon Stories for a different reason, autoplay, woke to this sweet voice. I cried every time Shannon cried. So well done on both ends. Where is the love button, thank you.
Shannon’s unpretentious scholarship and unvarnished honesty is so refreshing. My wife and I watched this interview together, an amazing three hours🙏. I generally struggle with many of the losing faith interviews, not this one, this woman is a treasure.
This is so true about the members: "It undermines their ability to be empathetic, because they are so concerned about being right. ... Being right is more important than being loving." 02:54:10
Shannon you were not alone! So many parts of your story could have been said exactly the same for my life as well! I realize now how much of my power I willingly gave away because I was a woman and that what we were supposed to do
When she talks about how shallow the friendships are, and how they have nothing to do with you after you leave the church.....yes, their friendships were ‘conditional’. There are so many things that are ‘conditional’ that shouldn’t be in that church.
I totally stopped going to church one day, and not one of the VTs or HTs asked why... none of my "friends" reached out to check on me, including family members. I realized then that they only cared about me if I was in service to THEM.
Watching this is so painful. She is giving voice to my life experiences and I have struggled to really believe myself. The indoctrination and gaslighting have made changing so difficult.
I CAN RELATE SO MUCH TO THIS. Shannon you spoke straight to me. I’ve been feeling this sooooo much lately, and feeling so much resentment and betrayal at the church for my programming. Thanks for sharing your story.
As a woman with ADHD during the first video about Shannon’s thesis, there were a few comments Shannon made that set off the ADHD bells for me.. I was so stunned to hear she had gotten diagnosed! I’m so enthralled that she was able to get a diagnosis. I’m not saying I’m happy she has this disorder, but just because it is historically so under-diagnosed in women, I’m relieved she found a therapist who was able to recognize the signs in a woman with it (albeit she did say she recognized it in her child and was then able to get the diagnosis so if this was more of her having to advocate for herself-then major props to her)!!!! My diagnosis came when I was about 20 and it was life-changing (in the best way possible). My heart hurts for all the women who go their entire lives thinking they are deficient, lazy, defiant, and/or “not trying hard enough” (or not pushing themselves hard enough). So I always rejoice a little when someone learns it’s just that their brain is DIFFERENT, not a failing on their work ethic, etc. Just incredible how she was able to apply that to the LGBTQ+ community and dismantle the homophonic teachings ingrained in her. Her courage to admit her problematic thoughts in the past and the consequent voting she did… just wow. We need more Shannon’s in this world. So grateful to hear her story and hope it helps others (selfishly-especially other women with ADHD).
I finally came back to Shannon's personal story after listening to the other 3 interviews. So moving and so relatable to parts of my own experience. When she told of her husband replying that he was going to hell with her my eyes teared.
Going to the temple made me more dependent on my husband. I was that perfect subservient obedient wife, never said no to anything. He was not controlling, it was in my own mind that I believed this, it came from the church! I was the stay at home mom, had the baby’s, took care of the home, his burden was providing for the family. So yeah Shannon totally described ME!
Me too! My husband is not domineering at all, but the church makes me subservient in my mind to him in everything. I'm also hearing myself in everything she says.
"if I spoke up right now and said the things I know, they would not want me here" I felt that so many times in RS. 😢 So glad to no longer feel like I can't be me
My feeling exactly. I enjoy Church as a chance to visit with neighbors and friends, but I can't express myself there, there is a gag rule in Church- no criticism of the Church or leaders
RS was always particularly reprehensible to me. I usually felt I had NADA in common w/ those Stepford Wiives. I didn't even sew or bake bread, for pity sakes! Who had the time? I also didn't have a whole herd of children underfoot. Most of the time I was a single parent and felt ostracised. I also had a great many Gentile friends from work. Because I was not a Fembot and didn't cry on cue, I never felt that I fit in.
Really appreciate these interviews. So glad Shannon’s done this amazing research and that we all get to hear about it. And thank you for talking about your ADD/ADHD! As a fellow ADHD (combined type) lady, I see my experience in your own and felt comfort in that. I was really happy to hear that you have come to a great place with it.
Absolutely amazing interview! I listened to part 1 over and over. I will need to review this one multiple times as well. Love you both and your work here. It’s so important to those of us who’ve had our eyes opened.
Thank You for this! Shannon your brave and beautiful! I felt so much of your story! I have had my own Awakening over the last 9 months, as difficult as it has been, it has been the most beautiful experience of my life! Much love girl👊🏼❤️
I LOVED this interview. I felt like Shannon’s story was so much like my own. So grateful for her sharing this and for her important thesis which I am excited to read!
I hear you, Shannon! I understand! This episode reminds me of an "ah-ha" moment I had (one of many) when listening to President Nelson during one of the recent conference talks. He talked about his last words with her and how it was basically that he believed she had fulfilled her covenants or was worthy or something like that. I couldn't believe that out of all the things he would say to her, in her last moments, that is what he would say! I thought to myself, I want more from my relationship with my parents and kids than church rules. Sorry, hard to put into words exactly what I felt.
Thank you Shannon for sharing your story. I watched it all the way through this morning and haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Your story is so similar to mine. You are amazingly articulate !! You're a Beautiful lady, inside and out ! I can't wait to listen to your thesis. I'm very intrigued ! And thank you John Dehlin for your Beautiful interview techniques !!! Mormon Stories has helped me immensely !!! ❤
Shannon - how many thousands of women did you just speak for! I love your wisdom - your insight and your courage! You truly touched my heart and told my story so well. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you Shannon for sharing your story. I know it will help lots of people with their faith crisis. I’m already seeing in the comments that many women feel more understood & see their pain & anger validated. You’re so awesome! Your thesis sounds incredible! I look forward to the many resignations that will result when people learn that some of the same exact concerns in the CES letter were being discussed in the 1920’s. The church has propagandized the CES letter & now many are terrified to read it. They’re probably deciding how they can do the same with your thesis. Maybe it’ll be “excommunicating the dead” in an attempt to invalidate any journals that aren’t on super secret double lock down. Thank you John for bringing us this most excellent guest. I look forward to part 3!
Thanks so much Mormon stories and Shannon. Hearing personal stories and how they deal with life's ups and downs. Is so helpful. For all kinds of life's challenges. Not just religious life. ☺️💕
Leaving helped me become the best me possible because I made choices based on what I felt was right, not what I was told was right. Free thinking and the choice to be happy the way you want to be happy is the greatest thing.
"When being right is so much more important than being loving. . ." I am so glad I watched to the end. I left the Mormon church 16 years ago and haven't followed church culture since. It is interesting to me to hear your discussion of church action such as prop 8 activism, gospel essays, excommunication of feminists, etc. I'll be reading more!
Omg this is me! I tried my hardest to become the quintessential Mormon wife and mother. It has been 11 years since my divorce and when I left the church and I feel I am still not a full human woman. I am better, but wonder if I will ever recover…
There are two I will never forget: 1) “Relax", said the night man "We are programmed to receive You can check out any time you like But you can never leave" 2) “I was a “dragon” and when I breathed it out I burned others, but when I swallowed it I burned myself.” 1:37:40 She has to come back!
I've listened to hundreds of podcasts. This is so powerful, I will listen to this another 2 times I am sure. Thank you for your story and time to share it. Super important.
The story about her husband choosing to go to hell with her is the most romantic thing I've ever heard that happened in real life. I'm actually dead. Its so gorgeous.
I love the epiphany at 1:12!!! It’s not your job to control other people’s thoughts and feelings!! Yes!!! I’m cheerleading you on and supporting you stepping into your highest self!!! 💗
Thank you Shannon for sharing your story. You are such a wonderful speaker. I could relate to you so much! I grew up a lot like you. It’s so sad to see the family who loves you pretend like you don’t exist once you don’t believe anymore. I wonder if your resignation helped in making the temple changes. The LDS church is toxic!!!!!!!!
I am not a mormon. The reason I listen and look for such stories is that they are stories of painful and triumphant transformations. Such wealth of incredible souls which put so much effort in search for truth and self discovery. Look egg shell protects a small bird but if not broken in time will suffocate it. The effort of breaking it..... I am so full of respect.
I’m now 67 years old and have come to realize how miserable I have been most of my active life in the church. I’m just now discovering who I am as a person since leaving the church. Actually I do not feel that I left the church the church left me and all of us who discover truth. The control was stifling. The guilt so crushing even when doing all I could do to get it right. Being told what to do and how to do it right down to ones underwear. These liars who know they’re deceiving, stealing people’s lives and resources in support of a corporation not a church with any real authority from God.
Gay kids whose parents choose them when the church is killing the kid (with its dogma about gayness) feel much the same way that Shannon expresses gratitude and relief that Dave chose her - “he’d rather have a broken me than to lose me.” Around 1:55:00
I connected instantly with Shannon. She’s real and so impressive. I think we’d easily connect as friends. Keep up your historical research and writing.
When John said they are trying to be less racist by “having every other shot of the Mormon tabernacle choir be one of the three black people” I literally burst out laughing because even as a tbm I would notice that they were trying really hard to make them seem like they were so diverse and just keep panning over the one or two black persons. But even still it’s so sad that they have to do that. Instead of doing that they could just apologize for the mistakes but that would lead to many people to question the church’s infallibility.
Shannon, thanks for your scholarship. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thesis. I’m wondering how you were able to gain access to some of your source material - I guess the church didn’t see you as threatening - as you were a “good Mormon girl” (?). I’m sorry you had to struggle for so long to recognize the church “program” was not the thing that would make you happy or gain a sense of self. I congratulate you in coming out the other side, however. I recall my own mother talking about her post partum depression after her first child. Your words were very similar. My mother was 26 or 27, had a master of science in nursing - it was STILL hard. It isn’t any wonder that at 19 or 20 you struggled. Wishing you all the best on your journey from here (it’s not too late to backpack Europe or bike from Canada to Mexico).
That apoccryphal line about Brigham Young uttering the name of Joseph on his deathbed has always amused me. What else would he say as he thought about all of Joseph's lies, inconsistencies & doctrine that he had to hold together as if it were from God? He thought bigger than Joseph but was always dogged by the mess. Brigham hoped to head a new nation, settled for head of church and government, barely supported the union in civil war while waiting to see how it worked out for the Confederacy. Certainly not democratic leadership.
Thank you for your time and research! Such an important topic; those Mormons! Especially fun to hear your personal journey, as I’ve worked with two of your brothers. Great guys!
We are our own authority, which also means is we own our own decisions (this is Choice and Accountability) I decide how I give to charity, how I live my life, and who I am...not any men or an organization!
Very good point John , about happiness. You can't truly receive happiness from a con. That's what mormonism is , a big fat Lie ! It does Not produces real happiness. No real hope , no real fulfillment , no real Love for people and for family Etc. A true failure , so hurtful , so sad.
Shannon is such a sweet and kind person. Following your convictions and moral code is far superior to the churches. The church wants everyone to be lds robots. Programed to obey. God always needs more money... so glad you got out. You can now contribute more to your family and society ❤️
“We can not show up fully in our lives” So True when you are required to believe a certain way to be acceptable to the church and God; those not believing as you are on the outside of your life and you can only have superficial relationships so you are not tarnished. Great interview and so glad you found the real life and love.
When I was an investigator, I got very confused by all doubletalk. Heavenly Father knows us all on a personal level (we are his children in the biblical meaning) but... we must do all these ceremonies, tokens, handshakes for him to be able to sort out in what level of heaven we belong?? Every single person ever lived on the earth- he concieved? 2015 the statistic shows 5 children born every second around the clock, 7 days a week?? It´s an impossible task even for a Super-man. How many "wifes" would He need to complish that task?
I loved this interview and I love listening to her explanation of all of this. It all makes sense! Is there a way for us to read her thesis? I would love to read it.
2:20 how the church is trying to get better, and more people maybe willing to stay because of the changes, what's not to love? I think there are people that can stay in that, those who have not been traumatized.
I'm glad I watched some of your videos before making a big mistake. I am in the process of converting to Mormonism and as much as I like the idea of being part of something. I think I am not going to except their Baptism. My mind just kept telling me that they are still Christians however Christ was for truth. Sins are not just a set of rules in James it says to know what is good and not do it that is Sin. I am about to meet with a Missionary Sister who is about to go home to Utah Completing her Mission I am going to recommend this channel to her she can make her own decision to be or not to be.
The Mormon system is indeed rotten in many ways. It is nothing but cruel and spiteful to punish people for not playing the game of looking perfectly Mormon on the outside.
Thank you for this enlightening discussion. I love truth. I don't know about what you say is truth but I am willing to research this. May I add two thoughts 1. Hitler occupied and stole money, murdering many people to be able to get money. That is why he helped the economy. 2. I am married to a nonmember and my daughter was sealed in the temple. Her father and siblings nor any of my side of the family could attend the temple sealing but that wasn't her wedding. She had a wedding in the ward (this was 2010). Her wedding was in the ward meeting house so my family and her father and brothers could attend (I married a foreigner so her father's family weren't there since they live overseas) but the family attended her wedding and reception and we had a normal wedding. I hope that you can let the hurt and pain go (says a woman who holds on to hurt and pain). Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
2:03 differing first vision accounts, Joseph Smith presents trinitarian view of God in book of Mormon, then an 1832 says they are separate beings, and then by 1838 changes the book of Mormon??
Please forgive me for being “that guy” who mentions that the thumbs down on this specific video is perplexing, and that I think you must be true asshats. Shannon is pouring out her heart and soul, and sharing such vulnerable things. Thank you for sharing your story, and for your research, Shannon. You are one of the heroes in the ExMo world in my eyes.
Those are probably the TBM creepers.... They can't "like" anything considered exmo just for the sake of their "standards"
Ylll
I’m sure they go around all exmo sites then click thumbs down then quickly leave.
Consolation: The thumbs down people are helping the youtube algorithm just as much as the thumbs up people, so the outcome is that the podcast will be suggested to more people.
@@awilk07 yes so bring leggings
So grateful for your sharing. I have an extremely similar story and felt so alone for 2 decades. Your words have helped me feel connected, validated, and stronger on my path
Came to Mormon Stories for a different reason, autoplay, woke to this sweet voice. I cried every time Shannon cried. So well done on both ends. Where is the love button, thank you.
She has such a good way to explain her process of discovery and what her mind went through.🌸
Shannon’s unpretentious scholarship and unvarnished honesty is so refreshing. My wife and I watched this interview together, an amazing three hours🙏.
I generally struggle with many of the losing faith interviews, not this one, this woman is a treasure.
This is so true about the members: "It undermines their ability to be empathetic, because they are so concerned about being right. ... Being right is more important than being loving." 02:54:10
If only Joseph Smith had started the Book of Mormon with "Once Upon a Time", we could have avoided so much pain.
Y si!!!! 😊
BEST COMMENT EVER!!!
Shannon you were not alone! So many parts of your story could have been said exactly the same for my life as well! I realize now how much of my power I willingly gave away because I was a woman and that what we were supposed to do
When she talks about how shallow the friendships are, and how they have nothing to do with you after you leave the church.....yes, their friendships were ‘conditional’. There are so many things that are ‘conditional’ that shouldn’t be in that church.
I totally stopped going to church one day, and not one of the VTs or HTs asked why... none of my "friends" reached out to check on me, including family members. I realized then that they only cared about me if I was in service to THEM.
Somehow even parental love for a child is often conditional.
@@juliemecham9046 This is so true.
This resonates so deeply. Thank you❤
Watching this is so painful. She is giving voice to my life experiences and I have struggled to really believe myself. The indoctrination and gaslighting have made changing so difficult.
I CAN RELATE SO MUCH TO THIS. Shannon you spoke straight to me. I’ve been feeling this sooooo much lately, and feeling so much resentment and betrayal at the church for my programming. Thanks for sharing your story.
As a woman with ADHD during the first video about Shannon’s thesis, there were a few comments Shannon made that set off the ADHD bells for me.. I was so stunned to hear she had gotten diagnosed! I’m so enthralled that she was able to get a diagnosis. I’m not saying I’m happy she has this disorder, but just because it is historically so under-diagnosed in women, I’m relieved she found a therapist who was able to recognize the signs in a woman with it (albeit she did say she recognized it in her child and was then able to get the diagnosis so if this was more of her having to advocate for herself-then major props to her)!!!! My diagnosis came when I was about 20 and it was life-changing (in the best way possible). My heart hurts for all the women who go their entire lives thinking they are deficient, lazy, defiant, and/or “not trying hard enough” (or not pushing themselves hard enough). So I always rejoice a little when someone learns it’s just that their brain is DIFFERENT, not a failing on their work ethic, etc. Just incredible how she was able to apply that to the LGBTQ+ community and dismantle the homophonic teachings ingrained in her. Her courage to admit her problematic thoughts in the past and the consequent voting she did… just wow. We need more Shannon’s in this world. So grateful to hear her story and hope it helps others (selfishly-especially other women with ADHD).
Shannon is sooooooo much stronger than she will probably ever fully realize....awesome interview, gut wrenching honesty, most sincere emotion ever.
I finally came back to Shannon's personal story after listening to the other 3 interviews. So moving and so relatable to parts of my own experience. When she told of her husband replying that he was going to hell with her my eyes teared.
Going to the temple made me more dependent on my husband. I was that perfect subservient obedient wife, never said no to anything. He was not controlling, it was in my own mind that I believed this, it came from the church! I was the stay at home mom, had the baby’s, took care of the home, his burden was providing for the family. So yeah Shannon totally described ME!
Me too! My husband is not domineering at all, but the church makes me subservient in my mind to him in everything. I'm also hearing myself in everything she says.
"if I spoke up right now and said the things I know, they would not want me here" I felt that so many times in RS. 😢 So glad to no longer feel like I can't be me
My feeling exactly. I enjoy Church as a chance to visit with neighbors and friends, but I can't express myself there, there is a gag rule in Church- no criticism of the Church or leaders
RS was always particularly reprehensible to me. I usually felt I had NADA in common w/ those Stepford Wiives.
I didn't even sew or bake bread, for pity sakes! Who had the time? I also didn't have a whole herd of children underfoot. Most of the time I was a single parent and felt ostracised. I also had a great many Gentile friends from work.
Because I was not a Fembot and didn't cry on cue, I never felt that I fit in.
Thank you for sharing your story Shannon!! Really resonated with me. So similar to my experience. ❤️ great interview John!!
Same here! This was like our story in so many ways.
I loved, loved, loved hearing Shannon's story. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Really appreciate these interviews. So glad Shannon’s done this amazing research and that we all get to hear about it. And thank you for talking about your ADD/ADHD! As a fellow ADHD (combined type) lady, I see my experience in your own and felt comfort in that. I was really happy to hear that you have come to a great place with it.
This was very touching for me - she got me crying several times. Wow!
Absolutely amazing interview! I listened to part 1 over and over. I will need to review this one multiple times as well. Love you both and your work here. It’s so important to those of us who’ve had our eyes opened.
Thank You for this! Shannon your brave and beautiful! I felt so much of your story! I have had my own Awakening over the last 9 months, as difficult as it has been, it has been the most beautiful experience of my life! Much love girl👊🏼❤️
Super happy to be out for a few decades now. Thanks for sharing your story, Shannon.
I LOVED this interview. I felt like Shannon’s story was so much like my own. So grateful for her sharing this and for her important thesis which I am excited to read!
I hear you, Shannon! I understand! This episode reminds me of an "ah-ha" moment I had (one of many) when listening to President Nelson during one of the recent conference talks. He talked about his last words with her and how it was basically that he believed she had fulfilled her covenants or was worthy or something like that. I couldn't believe that out of all the things he would say to her, in her last moments, that is what he would say! I thought to myself, I want more from my relationship with my parents and kids than church rules. Sorry, hard to put into words exactly what I felt.
Thank you Shannon for sharing your story. I watched it all the way through this morning and haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Your story is so similar to mine.
You are amazingly articulate !! You're a Beautiful lady, inside and out !
I can't wait to listen to your thesis. I'm very intrigued !
And thank you John Dehlin for your Beautiful interview techniques !!!
Mormon Stories has helped me immensely !!! ❤
Loved, loved this episode. Thank you
Shannon - how many thousands of women did you just speak for! I love your wisdom - your insight and your courage! You truly touched my heart and told my story so well. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you Shannon for sharing your story. I know it will help lots of people with their faith crisis. I’m already seeing in the comments that many women feel more understood & see their pain & anger validated. You’re so awesome!
Your thesis sounds incredible! I look forward to the many resignations that will result when people learn that some of the same exact concerns in the CES letter were being discussed in the 1920’s. The church has propagandized the CES letter & now many are terrified to read it.
They’re probably deciding how they can do the same with your thesis. Maybe it’ll be “excommunicating the dead” in an attempt to invalidate any journals that aren’t on super secret double lock down.
Thank you John for bringing us this most excellent guest. I look forward to part 3!
Thanks so much Mormon stories and Shannon. Hearing personal stories and how they deal with life's ups and downs. Is so helpful. For all kinds of life's challenges. Not just religious life. ☺️💕
Leaving helped me become the best me possible because I made choices based on what I felt was right, not what I was told was right. Free thinking and the choice to be happy the way you want to be happy is the greatest thing.
"When being right is so much more important than being loving. . ." I am so glad I watched to the end. I left the Mormon church 16 years ago and haven't followed church culture since. It is interesting to me to hear your discussion of church action such as prop 8 activism, gospel essays, excommunication of feminists, etc. I'll be reading more!
Omg this is me! I tried my hardest to become the quintessential Mormon wife and mother. It has been 11 years since my divorce and when I left the church and I feel I am still not a full human woman. I am better, but wonder if I will ever recover…
Bravo!!! I loved every second of this interview and your letter of resignation.....LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
Welcome to free thinking. Leaving that cult was the best thing I ever did
Same here 🙌 a
Grippingly powerful and phenomenal interview! Thank you for sharing your story with us!
There are two I will never forget:
1) “Relax", said the night man
"We are programmed to receive
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave"
2) “I was a “dragon” and when I breathed it out I burned others, but when I swallowed it I burned myself.” 1:37:40
She has to come back!
I've listened to hundreds of podcasts. This is so powerful, I will listen to this another 2 times I am sure. Thank you for your story and time to share it. Super important.
The first half of this infuriated me because I was so, so mad that people have been so hurt for so long. Enough is enough.
The story about her husband choosing to go to hell with her is the most romantic thing I've ever heard that happened in real life. I'm actually dead. Its so gorgeous.
I love the epiphany at 1:12!!! It’s not your job to control other people’s thoughts and feelings!! Yes!!! I’m cheerleading you on and supporting you stepping into your highest self!!! 💗
Thank you Shannon for sharing your story. You are such a wonderful speaker. I could relate to you so much! I grew up a lot like you. It’s so sad to see the family who loves you pretend like you don’t exist once you don’t believe anymore. I wonder if your resignation helped in making the temple changes. The LDS church is toxic!!!!!!!!
I am not a mormon. The reason I listen and look for such stories is that they are stories of painful and triumphant transformations. Such wealth of incredible souls which put so much effort in search for truth and self discovery. Look egg shell protects a small bird but if not broken in time will suffocate it. The effort of breaking it.....
I am so full of respect.
I’m now 67 years old and have come to realize how miserable I have been most of my active life in the church. I’m just now discovering who I am as a person since leaving the church. Actually I do not feel that I left the church the church left me and all of us who discover truth. The control was stifling. The guilt so crushing even when doing all I could do to get it right. Being told what to do and how to do it right down to ones underwear. These liars who know they’re deceiving, stealing people’s lives and resources in support of a corporation not a church with any real authority from God.
Gay kids whose parents choose them when the church is killing the kid (with its dogma about gayness) feel much the same way that Shannon expresses gratitude and relief that Dave chose her - “he’d rather have a broken me than to lose me.” Around 1:55:00
Shannon was very relatable- thank you for doing this interview!
I connected instantly with Shannon. She’s real and so impressive. I think we’d easily connect as friends. Keep up your historical research and writing.
"I just didn't feel like the choices were mine to make."
My experience with Mormonism in a nutshell.
I think she is great!
When John said they are trying to be less racist by “having every other shot of the Mormon tabernacle choir be one of the three black people” I literally burst out laughing because even as a tbm I would notice that they were trying really hard to make them seem like they were so diverse and just keep panning over the one or two black persons. But even still it’s so sad that they have to do that. Instead of doing that they could just apologize for the mistakes but that would lead to many people to question the church’s infallibility.
Another great interview John. Thank you Shannon and best wishes to you and your family. ✌🏼❤️
I'm only 35 minutes in, and my heart just breaks for her. 😢
Yes yes yes. Thank you for saying all these things. I can so relate.
You’re letter was sincere and so true. It really touched my heart.
At 1:42:06 that was the same feeling as well when I stopped wearing the garments.
I can relate to this. This interview is so similar to my life it is uncanny.
Shannon, thanks for your scholarship. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thesis. I’m wondering how you were able to gain access to some of your source material - I guess the church didn’t see you as threatening - as you were a “good Mormon girl” (?). I’m sorry you had to struggle for so long to recognize the church “program” was not the thing that would make you happy or gain a sense of self. I congratulate you in coming out the other side, however. I recall my own mother talking about her post partum depression after her first child. Your words were very similar. My mother was 26 or 27, had a master of science in nursing - it was STILL hard. It isn’t any wonder that at 19 or 20 you struggled. Wishing you all the best on your journey from here (it’s not too late to backpack Europe or bike from Canada to Mexico).
That apoccryphal line about Brigham Young uttering the name of Joseph on his deathbed has always amused me. What else would he say as he thought about all of Joseph's lies, inconsistencies & doctrine that he had to hold together as if it were from God? He thought bigger than Joseph but was always dogged by the mess. Brigham hoped to head a new nation, settled for head of church and government, barely supported the union in civil war while waiting to see how it worked out for the Confederacy. Certainly not democratic leadership.
Thank you for your time and research! Such an important topic; those Mormons!
Especially fun to hear your personal journey, as I’ve worked with two of your brothers. Great guys!
What a perfectly lovely Lady. I looking forward to watching the other videos she is part of.😊
We are our own authority, which also means is we own our own decisions (this is Choice and Accountability) I decide how I give to charity, how I live my life, and who I am...not any men or an organization!
One of the best Mormon Stories episode
@1:59:40 very very good point! Never looked at it this way!
John, the “church’s hamster wheel of faithfulness” does not allow any room for grace (self or god given whatever)
A other great talk! Thank you! I usually listen to the podcasts but am bow watching/ listening to the TH-cam videos on occasion. Thanks for these!!
I like the word examinating. So fitting. :)
Where can I buy the this thesis? Amazing story! Love Shannon!!!
Never heard of the term “helpmeet”. 😒Sorry you was going through that💔
Poverty is not the problem. If it was then the rich would not have crime, but sin is the problem.
Why didn’t they get married in the temple and then a week latter just have a civil ceremony?
Very good point John , about happiness. You can't truly receive happiness from a con. That's what mormonism is , a big fat Lie !
It does Not produces real happiness. No real hope , no real fulfillment , no real Love for people and for family Etc.
A true failure , so hurtful , so sad.
Shannon is such a sweet and kind person. Following your convictions and moral code is far superior to the churches. The church wants everyone to be lds robots. Programed to obey. God always needs more money... so glad you got out. You can now contribute more to your family and society ❤️
“We can not show up fully in our lives” So True when you are required to believe a certain way to be acceptable to the church and God; those not believing as you are on the outside of your life and you can only have superficial relationships so you are not tarnished. Great interview and so glad you found the real life and love.
My word,how toxic is this Church! Women doing what they think they should,and lose themselves.So glad I have left in my way.🌹
Love love love this interview !!
1:13:00 expected to be "small, but also big"...Yep! I'm from a different religion but similar scenario. Thanks for your story!
Yes, being a mother alone is not fulfilling to most women. Thank you for sharing your journey❤️🧘🙏
When I was an investigator, I got very confused by all doubletalk. Heavenly Father knows us all on a personal level (we are his children in the biblical meaning) but... we must do all these ceremonies, tokens, handshakes for him to be able to sort out in what level of heaven we belong?? Every single person ever lived on the earth- he concieved? 2015 the statistic shows 5 children born every second around the clock, 7 days a week?? It´s an impossible task even for a Super-man. How many "wifes" would He need to complish that task?
Shannon alludes to her learning about the history of temple garments… Where can I learn more about this?
This is one of my favorites
Beautiful words. Thanks for sharing.
no brainer: just quit attending and paying tithing and tell them you're too well to attend.
Great story. Thank you.
I loved this interview and I love listening to her explanation of all of this. It all makes sense! Is there a way for us to read her thesis? I would love to read it.
Thank you both
2:20 how the church is trying to get better, and more people maybe willing to stay because of the changes, what's not to love? I think there are people that can stay in that, those who have not been traumatized.
I think it is time to stop protecting these men by not using their names. There is no need to be cruel or unkind, but use their names.
I'm glad I watched some of your videos before making a big mistake. I am in the process of converting to Mormonism and as much as I like the idea of being part of something. I think I am not going to except their Baptism. My mind just kept telling me that they are still Christians however Christ was for truth. Sins are not just a set of rules in James it says to know what is good and not do it that is Sin. I am about to meet with a Missionary Sister who is about to go home to Utah Completing her Mission I am going to recommend this channel to her she can make her own decision to be or not to be.
So happy that you can make a more informed decision CrytoBugs.
The Mormon system is indeed rotten in many ways. It is nothing but cruel and spiteful to punish people for not playing the game of looking perfectly Mormon on the outside.
What a brave, courageous woman.
There's a movie called the stepford wives
Thank you for this enlightening discussion. I love truth. I don't know about what you say is truth but I am willing to research this. May I add two thoughts
1. Hitler occupied and stole money, murdering many people to be able to get money. That is why he helped the economy.
2. I am married to a nonmember and my daughter was sealed in the temple. Her father and siblings nor any of my side of the family could attend the temple sealing but that wasn't her wedding. She had a wedding in the ward (this was 2010). Her wedding was in the ward meeting house so my family and her father and brothers could attend (I married a foreigner so her father's family weren't there since they live overseas) but the family attended her wedding and reception and we had a normal wedding. I hope that you can let the hurt and pain go (says a woman who holds on to hurt and pain). Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
This is my favorite episode.
Great interview
STANDING OVATION for that follow up letter to the "authorities" 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎤
“Forget the checklist” ❤️
2:03 differing first vision accounts, Joseph Smith presents trinitarian view of God in book of Mormon, then an 1832 says they are separate beings, and then by 1838 changes the book of Mormon??
Wow, that was a horrible day for this poor woman. She couldn't attend her daughter's wedding.
I loooooooove her!