Chad has the right idea about standing on your own two feet, but of course with still prayer, self and spiritual awareness in his life. Yes people, it is possible to be spiritual and not go to church. You’re only as good of a spiritual person, as long as you practice being one, which does not require taking communion or conversing with other people. I’m just another living proof and testament of that.

Everyone is individual and should be able to freely express themselves, without some ignorant, intolerant idiots from a church empire trying to place fear and confusion into your minds by attempting to control what you say and do. I have sat in many bishops offices, and I gotta tell you, every single one of them were the ones with the twisted and warped minds, because of how they would try and twist truths and facts about those sitting in front of them, just so they can attempt to place power, fear and dominance over each of the members. They call it, controlling the masses, “herding the sheep”. Most psychologists would call it a definite mind controlling behavior.

I know Chad is on the right path, by being his own individual person, but he should consider expressing it in a way that wouldn’t risk the expense of other peoples demeanor. I don’t think that was his intention to begin with either. Chad isn’t the bad guy here. It’s those who have been mind manipulated, controlled and taught that there is only one way to live a good, honest, happy, healthy life, who are intolerant of other peoples views, which are the actual bad and very judgmental people out there.

So do not judge, because you never know what a person is really going through, Let God make the decision who is good, not good and who needs a little assistance for their shortcomings in life. I rest my case.

Looking at reality, the overt political agenda of Mormon leaders, and their concern with money merits some “speaking ill of the Lord’s anointed.” A contemporary example of the former is their intervention into California’s Proposition 8, in which they urged church members to donate time and money to support the imposition of their theological constructs on the state of California. With regards to the latter, another contemporary example is the $3 billion commercial mall currently under construction in Salt Lake City contrasted to the reality that they could have used that money to feed the hungered, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the stranger, clothe the naked, aid the sick, and give aid to the oppressed and imprisoned (Matt. 25:31-46). There is no possible Christian explanation for building a mall instead of helping God’s suffering children. Alas “For the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10).” If you take that literally, it means ALL evil. Not some, all. I, however, having the luxury of thinking for myself, don’t take it literally but think that it makes a pretty good point.

Creating a system whereby thinking, compassionate persons cannot speak to power but instead have to lower their heads (and their values) and be told what to think and do from polyester suited men in an office building is one which suppresses individual freedom and creates a sanitized monoculture in which those who think for themselves and strive to have Jesus’ compassion cannot speak or act freely (should they choose to remain within the system). Ultimately, the system will purge itself of those who choose compassion and freethinking and keep only those willing to destroy their free-will in pursuit of promises made by slick men in polyester suits at the low, low price of 10% of your income. Though I keep forgetting, is that gross or net? Or is that one of those “let the Spirit guide you” type issues?

In the end, I’m glad for the lessons of love, compassion, and hard work that came from my upbringing as a 5th generation Mormon (an ancestor of mine helped Brigham Young build the SLC temple). However, it was my compassion for others, along with analyzing and thinking about the founding and current practices of the Mormon faith, that led me out of it.

I’m glad to see that you stuck to your guns and did what your thoughts and values led you to do. It’s not often that I get to encounter someone who is willing to show some integrity and independence. Best wishes!

Individuals have their freedom but when they join the church they KNOW they are joining a higher, non temporal realm. Mormons are not held back. I strip and dance for my husband but I respect him and our marriage to keep it there.

When you chose to step out into the road without being cautious and you get hit by the car… you can’t blame the car. You are free to chose but you cannot change the consequences of your choices. I bet these people even teach that to their children.

And all the slanderous remarks from non mormons and mormons on here show lack of kindness and love of God. Really, speak truth but be nasty? That isn’t what we are all about. I love these brothers and sisters but even they kno9w what and why it is wrong. Rationalizing is the first step and sign that you are headed down the wrong road. God Bless you all.

The sad truth about the LDS Church, and generally other large organized churches/sects/religions as well, is that individuality is systematically stifled and snuffed out. How many well-known artists and intellectuals, who by their very nature question and speak out, are active members of the Church? Not too many bells are ringing.

My suggestion would be to continue on with your work regardless of your membership status. As for the loss of your hard work at BYU, my condolences.

Keep up the good work.

Neither extreme is right. I think that having a regular life, believing in whatever it is you want to believe in, respecting others, their lifestyles and personal beliefs makes a HUGE impression in the world without controversy and without falling out of grace. At least that’s my choice and how I’ve experienced things. I was born and raised in the church in a country where the Gospel is relatively new (has less than a century there), I’m a mom and a wife, I have gay friends, friends with AIDS, bisexual friends, convert friends, friends whom I grew up with who are now less active, friends who don’t believe in God anymore, friends whose parents have been excommunicated. I think that being tolerant and loving while being strong in my own convictions will ultimately leave a great imprint in their lives. I hear it from them often. They admire my firmness and my respect for their ways of life. What else do I want? I think that wanting more than that is vanity. I’m not calling you vain. I’m saying what wanting more would mean to me.

Your situation is sad but common. Many people who speak out in any form are presented as evil. Sadly it has been happening since the early days of the Prophet Joseph.

This is how the church protects itself. You are demonized for making a calendar that irritated the wrong people (although enough of them have taken a good look at it). Did all of the women get exed who posed? How about the missionaries? (I am sure that would be some great media coverage)

The Mormon church spends millions each year to cover up gross misconduct and mistakes by bishops, scout leaders and missionaries. Hopefully one day the church leaders will have the courage and integrity shown by other churches; stop professing perfection as a church, admit their leaders make mistakes and address the issues to their members.

Hang in there.

A-dad