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Exposing Mormonism (10 unread)

Ana's Story

Posted: May 21st, 2008, 11:18am EDT by Galatian

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Another LDS adoption related story. If anyone else has one they'd like to share, just email it to me. This is a story from "Ana". It again showcases the propaganda and pressure tactics the LDS church uses in trying to coerce single-mothers to give up their children.

"I found your YouTube video about your experience with the church and their adoption services. I was in the same boat as you when I was pregnant with my son. I'd like to share my story as there are other mom's who have gone through what you did.

I was raised as a Mormon and when I hit my teens never really got into the religion and people pointed and whispered about me all the time. I was in foster care the last couple months of high school and I remember if I ran into anyone in my ward they kinda snubbed me. Well I moved to a different province (I am Canadian as well) and just lived my life the way I wanted to. I by this point was barely involved in the church I just didn't really believe in the religion anymore it had done no good for me or my family despite them saying if you follow it you will be blessed. I had a one night stand and was in denial for 3 months until I told one of my sister's I thought I was pregnant. I wasn't working at the time and so she bought the test for me and it came back positive. I didn't know what I was going to do I didn't want to tell my parents....my whole family was Mormon and at the time my parents were actively still going to church I thought they would disown me. My sister told my dad and he came to visit me and talked to me about it and I broke down. He explained they would support me with whatever decision I made.

I moved in with my family and soon they had gone to their bishop and explained my situation so he asked if he could meet with me. Well I knew what was coming....I had street smarts I wasn't stupid. They were mormons there was going to be only one thing they would want to discuss....adoption. We met with him and this lady who worked with unwed mothers in the church. They of course started talking about adoption and how my son would have a horrible life if he was not adopted out to a temple worthy mormon family. My dad was shocked and after apologized and told me he had no clue that's what they were going to talk about. I decided to give their counseling a try as I was still a little undecided at that point what I was going to do. By than I believe I was 4 or 5 months pregnant.

All they did was talk about how hard it would be in all aspects if I kept my baby. They told me that only 10% of single mothers succeed. That 90% never get married and live miserably and their children have next to nothing. They tried to show me videos and graphs and do exercises focusing on what would be better for my child. They went as far to ask if I'd marry the guy who got me pregnant and I laughed at them and told them no way. They tried to get me to think of who I could marry. I told them nobody that I wasn't getting married just because I was pregnant.

I remember this one video they showed me that had three different girls....one married the guy who got her pregnant, another placed her baby and the other I can't remember. They all talked about how it affected them. After this video they asked me what I thought and I told them that I didn't connect to these girls at all. They were all church going girls who had a slip up....I was hitting up the bars every other weekend drinking, smoking and living life. I think they were getting annoyed with me though because I was stubborn and there was no way that I was going to let these people bully me into placing my baby for adoption I saw right through them.

They arranged for me to meet two girls who did place their babies for adoption. There was another girl there with her bf to meet with these girls. I was 7 months pregnant by this time and was pretty sure I had made my mind up on keeping my son but hadn't told them yet. The girls shared their story and experience and showed us the albums as they both had open adoptions. I looked at one of the girl's pictures of the little boy she had given up sitting in a pile of leaves and it was at that moment that something hit me and told me I was making the right decision keeping my son.

After they asked us what we were leaning more towards. I told them I was planning on keeping my son and they asked why. I told them I couldn't give him up, that things happen for a reason and I feel there was a reason I was having this baby. When they asked the other girl she said that she really didn't want to give her baby up and than her bf shot her a look and she said but it's what we've decided. I felt sorry for her...my heart went out to this girl who obviously felt like she didn't have a say. It felt like everyone was making the decision for her and had pressured her this was the best decision. I don't know what she decided.....I didn't have a chance to ask. The lady from the counseling services told me she would arrange for me to meet a mom who kept her child to hear her story. It never happened she felt that they couldn't help me anymore as I had made my decision. Never heard from them again and never bothered contacting them ever. It felt as though because they didn't get what they wanted it was time to just leave me and move onto the next.

My son is now 4 and is amazing. My bf who I have been dating on and off since my son was about 4 months old has stepped up and is his dad. Maybe he won't be around forever...maybe we won't get married, but when they tell you nobody wants to marry a single mom they're full of lies. I've dated since having my son and have met many wonderful guys who it doesn't bother them. Of course they're all non members and are so much more open minded to life. My best friend is a mormon and I don't like to talk bad about the religion but since my experience with the church I don't bother. I don't go. My aunts, uncles, grandma are members and it took them a bit but they've all accepted my son and I'm sure behind closed doors don't agree with what my choice was but they don't treat my son different. Now one of my cousins is expecting a baby and lucky for her the church didn't get involved as she's in the states and I assume it's worse down there than here. I'm sure her mom learned from my experience and decided not to contact the church about it.

That's my story and what I went through. I feel for those moms who feel like they have to place their babies for adoption because the church tells them it is right. I can't picture my life without my son. He saved me. If it wasn't for him I'd still be living my dead end life hitting up the bars all the time. Now I enjoy life again and he makes me so happy. One day I will tell him what I went through and one day he'll ask about religion. He'll get to make that decision on his own though. I was never given the choice of what religion I wanted to be and my son will have that choice.

What part of Canada do you live in? I live in Alberta and love it. Anyways if you ever want to chat feel free to contact me. I haven't met or talked to anyone who went through what I did and it's nice to know there are others. None of my family or friends can relate and I find it hard some days because until you actually go through the whole thing you don't know what it feels like to basically feel like you were used by people because they wanted your baby.

Have a great day!"

** Thanks to 'Ana' for sharing her story **
Ex Mormon Clothing - Giveaway!

Posted: May 20th, 2008, 4:53pm EDT by Galatian

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Hey everyone,

I thought it would be fun to kick off the ex-mo clothing shop by giving away some freebies! I think we ex-mormons need to make a fashion statement, and so I've decided to try and give away a few items every month or so on the blog.
To win, just email me at : exposingmormonism@gmail.com
In the Title line type: Clothing Draw
In the information box simply put your name and address. (Please make sure it is correct)
Also include your size information (ex: S, M, L).

* You may only enter for yourself, and not for anyone else. *

At the end of the month I will draw the email addresses at random, and then ship out the items to the winners. Please only enter once a month, but enter as many months in a row as you like!
[All information will remain confidential, and will be deleted after items are shipped out.]

Feel free to send me a photo of you with your shirt/item, as I think a gallery would be fun! :-)

SEE ABOVE for the giveaways starting in June, 2007. (Colors are as shown)

For more available clothing, click the link at the top of this Article.
My Patriarchal Blessing

Posted: May 19th, 2008, 2:00pm EDT by Galatian

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*Note: I remember when I received my 'Patriarchal Blessing' in 2002: that I did not feel the Spirit whatsoever, I was uncomfortable trying to remain perfectly still, and I had a slight feeling that the Patriarch was making the whole thing up as he went along. (Which I later felt guilty for and reprimanded myself over, convinced that it must have been a 'holy' experience.)

There was also the Patriarch's wife - if I recall correctly - who was there and tape recorded the entire session, asking the question "Do you say that to everyone?" about being a 'Heavenly Queen', after the session was done.

What is a Patriarchal Blessing?

For those who may be unaware, a Patriarchal Blessing is a blessing/ordinance given by an LDS Patriarch to 'worthy LDS members'. It's supposedly modeled after the blessings that Abraham gave to his sons. Here are some of the stated 'purposes' for a Patriarchal Blessing:

1) Identify which "Tribe of Israel" the LDS member belongs to.
2) Bless the LDS member with 'knowledge and spiritual gifts'.
3) Give advice, especially about the future.

The Patriarch lays his hands upon the LDS member's head, and receives direct revelation from God, concerning that one individual, which he goes on to give as a 'Blessing'. The blessing is recorded and then later translated to a paper copy, which is given to LDS members. All LDS members are assured of the promises given in the Blessing, as long as they are 'worthy' of them throughout life. (So basically if anything fails to fit, it's your own fault somehow.)

LDS members are told to regularly consult their Blessing and re-read it for guidance, assurance, and advice. Most LDS members receive their blessing in their late teens, mostly those who were raised in the church.

My Patriarchal Blessing:

"Galatian", having been commissioned of Jesus Christ and ordained a Patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I lay my hands upon your head and give you your Patriarchal Blessing. This blessing will be a guide to you in your life and help you to prepare yourself for exaltation and eternal life in the Celestial Kingdom of God. It is important for you to realize that because of your faithfulness in the preexistence, the Lord has given you the encouragement and a suggestion as to how you may alfter your life to be in harmony with the principles of the gospel.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to know that you are of the House of Israel. Your membership in the House of Israel grants you the privilege of all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Patriarchs of old. Your lineage is through Ephraim and therefore you have the additional responsibility to help prepare the earth for the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ when He will rule and reign upon the earth and when the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you as you seek to find your way in life that you will find the Church and its teachings to be a great blessing in your life. Your association with many of the saints of God will be a lifting experience in your life and help you to emulate the principles of righteous living that will best serve you. Look to those who are committed and converted to the gospel as role models. Follow them, and thus you will be in good stead. Serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength so that these principles may be distilled into your life. Thus your life may be altered sufficiently so that you may have the grace of God in all things, at all times, and in all places.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you in your temporal living that you will take every opportunity to better your situation, educationally and temporally. Seek of the Lord mightily in fasting and prayer that you may have direction and guidance in your life and that you may choose educational and vocational pursuits which will best suit your needs to take care of your temporal living and your obligations unto your fellow men.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to know that during your lifetime you will have the opportunity to preach the gospel to your associates. The Lord will place people in your path at various times and in various places who are seeking principles which you have espoused by your acceptance of baptism into the Kingdom. They will see in you a Latter-day Saint young woman who is different from the world and therefore ask questions. Be solicitous in your response when directed by the Spirit that your mouth may be opened and you may speak the words which are placed in your mind so that the process of conversion may take place amongst those with whom you are associating. You will have the privilege of serving in various capacities in the Kingdom and this will give you the opportunity of solidifying your knowledge of the gospel and your understanding of the principles of the Kingdom. In the Relief Society organization you will have the opportunity of developing the talents which the Lord has given you. These talents may be unknown to you at the present time but as you develop and grow in the Kingdom they will be made manifest unto you because of your cries unto the Lord for help and deliverance from the various tasks that will be placed upon your shoulders. You are a multi-talented individual and you need to know that the Lord requires that you develop these talents to the best of your ability that you may be of service in the Kingdom and help you move forward in this great work which has been placed in the hands of the Latter-day Saints.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to prepare for the time when you can go to the House of the Lord and receive your temple endowment and be sealed to a faithful Priesthood bearer for time and eternity. Your helpmate and companion will be a great source of strength to you as you develop together and as you espouse principles of faithfulness to each other. Your service in the temple will be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. You will serve long and with great joy.

Dear "Galatian", there are many of your ancestors who look to you for their salvation. Because you have joined the Church, they stand at the doors of the prisons looking out and crying unto you that you seek after them and place their names upon the alters of the temple. It is certainly important for you to have the spirit of Elijah in your life. Thus you may help save the souls of those who have gone before you. Place their names upon the alters of the temples so they may be released from their spirit prison. Then they, too, may eke out their eternal salvation.

Dear "Galatian", I bless your body that it will be strong and healthy and that you will have the ability to resist disease and illness. I bless you that you will have the strength to carry the burdens which will be placed upon your shoulders. You will also have the wisdom to be able to sort through the things which are burdens and which are responsibilities.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to be free from harm and the accident on the highways and byways of life. Observe rules of decency in your travels that you may listen to the Spirit and be directed and protected from danger.

Dear "Galatian", it is important for you as one who has embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ to study the scriptures on a daily basis. Become familiar with the doctrines in the Kingdom. Don't waste any time in frivolous activities but become serious in mind in studying the teachings of the Saviour and the doctrines of the Kingdom. You will have the opportunity of teaching in the Church and your studies will stand you in good stead to be one who is authoritative and true in teaching and promoting gospel principles.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you in your associations with your young friends. As you grow on into adulthood, you will have harmony and peace and joy in those associations where your friends will be a strength unto you and you, in turn, will be a strength unto them.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to be cognizant of your responsibility to keep yourself morally clean, to live the Word of Wisdom, to pay a full and honest tithing and to live the commandments of God. I give you the power over the adversary that you may do these things. Sometimes it will be a sacrifice to pay your tithes and offerings, but remember the admonition of our Prophet -- render unto God that which is God's and He will take care of the rest.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you that you will live a long and fruitful life of service, of kindness and compassion so that when your life is through your associates will say of you that you spent your time in doing good upon the earth and did not mar your life with unrighteous activities.

Dear "Galatian", I seal this blessing upon your through your faithfulness and through your worthiness giving you the power to come forward in the Morning of the First Resurrection where you will be united with your loved ones for time and eternity and take your place upon a throne as a queen in the Celestial Kingdom of God.

Dear "Galatian", I seal this blessing upon you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Conclusion:

Through that long ramble of hot air, I can see nothing of real value. It's all very generic, it could apply to literally anyone, and half of it is common sense - ex: pursue an education, decency in travels, etc. Typing this out I remember a couple things clearly:

a) Being disappointed in the talk about the Relief Society Organization as I never liked it and never wanted much to do with it.

b) Feeling guilty that I had not yet done Temple Work for my deceased relatives, after hearing they were all in "Spirit Prison" and awaiting ME (the only LDS family member ever) to do the work for them!

Mostly, it's pure crap. It might as well have come from a fortune cookie, 8 Ball, or hand plucked from a large pile of memorized, long-winded speeches.

If you managed to read even MOST of that -- I tip my hat to you! Boring, isn't it?
The Secret Lives of Saints (by Daphne Bramham)

Posted: May 18th, 2008, 1:50pm EDT by Galatian

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The United States is not the only country faced with the problem of modern day polygamy. It also occurs in Canada, and has been ignored by politicians, law enforcement, and the public at large. Atrocities carry on under our noses, and yet nothing is done. Here is an excerpt of the book:

"Polygamy has been illegal in Canada and the United States since 1890. But fundamentalist Mormonism is thriving in Utah, Arizona, Texas and British Columbia. There are dozens of different groups and thousands of so-called independents, which makes it impossible to know how many fundamentalists there are. Estimates range from thirty-seven thousand to one million across the continent, yet politicians have been loath to do anything about the people who call themselves Saints. Politicians have not just looked the other way, they have in many instances made it easier for the Saints' leaders to intimidate, control and abuse their followers. Nowhere is that more obvious than in Bountiful, British Columbia, and in the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona.

In 1992, the B.C. government refused to enforce Canada's law by charging the bishop of Bountiful, Winston Blackmore, with polygamy. Citing studies by several leading legal experts, the B.C. government said the law would not withstand a challenge under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which, along with the national Constitution, guarantees freedom of religion and association.

Those rights, however, are not unlimited. Twice since its decision not to prosecute polygamy, the B.C. government has successfully gone to court to force children of Jehovah's Witnesses to submit to blood transfusions, even though that goes against their beliefs. The government's argument: religious belief cannot override a child's right to health.

There are other conflicting rights. In 1879, in a landmark case called Reynolds versus United States, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that governments can intervene where the religious practice of polygamy undermines the rights of others. "Suppose one believed that human sacrifices were a necessary part of religious worship, would it be seriously contended that the civil government under which he lived could not interfere to prevent a sacrifice? Or if a wife religiously believed it was her duty to burn herself upon the funeral pile [sic] of her dead husband, would it be beyond the power of the civil government to prevent her carrying her belief into practice?" The justices unanimously answered, "No."

Yet in 1992, the B.C. government effectively legalized polygamy. Since then Bountiful's population has more than tripled. In Utah and Arizona also, politicians have been loath to prosecute polygamists after a failed attempt to do so in 1953. The FLDS population in both states has doubled every decade since. To say that the Saints place a high value on large families is something of an understatement.

Unlike Christians, who believe that the soul comes to the body at birth and leaves the body at death, the Saints believe in both a pre-mortal existence and the "lifting up" of the earthly body into heaven. They believe millions of spirits are waiting to be born into earthly bodies. And, as God's Chosen People, they believe they have a responsibility to bring as many of those spirits as possible into the world as Mormons-rather than as something less worthy. As Joseph Smith's friend and apostle Orson Pratt wrote, "The Lord has not kept them [the spirits] in store for five or six thousand years past and kept them waiting for their bodies all this time to send them among the Hottentots, the African negroes, the idolatrous Hindoos or any other fallen nations that dwell upon the face of the Earth."

Emboldened by the failure of governments to prosecute, Canadian polygamist Winston Blackmore no longer hides. A second-generation leader and one of North America's best-known and wealthiest polygamists, Blackmore makes no secret of the fact that he has many wives. How many, he won't say. But some of his wives, those who have left him, say that he has been married twenty-six times and has more than one hundred children.

On at least two occasions, Blackmore-a spiritual leader, superintendent of a government-supported school and respected businessman-has publicly confessed to having sex with girls who were only fifteen and sixteen years old. That's a criminal offence in Canada. His first admission was in 2005 at a "polygamy summit" organized by his wives in Creston, B.C. Nobody said or did anything when he said he'd married "very young girls" because God and the prophet had told him to. Blackmore has yet to be charged.

Sexual abuse and exploitation of children by teachers and church leaders of all faiths usually lands on the front page of newspapers across North America, but Blackmore's confession did not make the national media and wasn't even reported in the Creston newspaper. Blackmore repeated his confession in December 2006 during an interview on the Cable News Network (CNN) with Larry King. Blackmore said he hadn't realized that one of his wives was only fifteen when they'd married. She had lied about her age, Blackmore said. But all women do that, don't they? he asked King.

Girls may well lie about their age; middle-aged, balding men often do as well. But that's why there are laws to protect children. It's no defence for a predator such as a bishop or a school superintendent to say that he didn't know the girl was only fifteen. It's our society's shame that the laws are not always enforced."

Galatian's Note:

I ask all Canadian residents to please purchase this book, and become informed about what is happening in our own country!
Escape (by Carolyn Jessop)

Posted: May 18th, 2008, 1:37pm EDT by Galatian

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Take a look at modern day "fundamentalist Mormonism", which literally follows the teachings of Joseph Smith to the letter. While the mainstream Mormon church has changed its teachings to fit with modern times -- this is what the Joseph Smith and Brigham Young eras of LDS life would have been like. It's what life is like today, following their example. Here's an excerpt:
"I was born into six generations of polygamy on my mother's side and started life in Hildale, Utah, in a fundamentalist Mormon community known as the FLDS, or the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Polygamy was the issue that defined us and the reason we'd split from the mainstream Mormon Church.
My childhood memories really begin in Salt Lake City. We moved there when I was about five. Even though my parents believed in polygamy, my father had only one wife. He owned a small real estate business that was doing well and decided it made sense to use Salt Lake as a base. We had a lovely house with a porch swing and a landscaped yard and trees. This was a big change from the tiny house in Colorado City with dirt and weeds in the yard and a father who was rarely home.
But the biggest difference in moving to Salt Lake City was that my mother, Nurylon, was happy. She loved the city and delighted in having my father home every night after work. My dad was doing well, and Mom had enough money to buy plenty of groceries when we went to the store and even had some extra for toys.
There were soon four of us. I had two sisters, Linda and Annette. I was in the middle-Linda was eighteen months older than I and Annette two years younger. My baby brother Arthur arrived a few years after Annette. My mother was thrilled to finally have a son because in our culture, boys have more value than girls. Linda and my mother were very close. But my mother always seemed very irritated by me, in part, I think, because I was my father's favorite.
I adored my dad, Arthur Blackmore. He was tall and thin, with large bones and dark, wavy hair. I remember that whenever we were around other families I thought I had the best-looking father in the entire world. I saw him as my personal protector and felt safe when I was in his presence. His face lit up when I entered the room; I was always the daughter he wanted to introduce when friends visited our house. My mother complained that he didn't discipline me as much as he did my sister Linda, but he ignored her and didn't seem to care.
We only lived in Salt Lake City for a year, but it was a happy one. Mother took us to the zoo and to the park, where we'd play on the swings and slides. My father's business was successful and expanding. But he decided we needed to move back to Colorado City, Arizona-a tiny, nondescript FLDS enclave about 350 miles south of Salt Lake City and a stone's throw from Hildale, Utah, where I was born. The reason we went back was that he didn't want my sister Linda attending a regular public school. Even though she would technically be going to a public school in Colorado City, most of the teachers there were FLDS and very conservative. In theory, at least, religion is not to be taught in public schools, but in fact it was an integral part of the curriculum there.
When we returned to Colorado City, my father put an addition onto our house. There was more space to live in, but life became more claustrophobic. Mother changed. When we got up in the morning, she would still be sleeping. My father was on the road a lot now, so she was home alone. When we tried to wake her up, she'd tell us to go back to bed.
She'd finally surface midmorning and come into the kitchen to make us breakfast and talk about how much she wanted to die. While she made us hot cornmeal cereal, toast, or pancakes she'd complain about having nothing to live for and how she'd rather be dead. Those were the good mornings. The really awful mornings were the ones when she'd talk about how she was going to kill herself that day.
I remember how terrified I felt wondering what would happen to us if my mother killed herself. Who'd take care of us? Father was gone nearly all the time. One morning I asked my mother, "Mama, if a mother dies, what will happen to her children? Who will take care of them?"
I don't think Mother noticed my urgency. She had no idea of the impact her words had been having on me. I think she felt my question arose from a general curiosity about dying. Mother was very matter-of-fact in responding to me: "Oh, the children will be all right. The priesthood will give their father a new wife. The new wife will take care of them."
By this time I was about six. I looked at her and said, "Mama, I think that Dad better hurry up and get a new wife."
I was beginning to notice other things about the world around me. One was that some of the women we'd see in the community when we went shopping were wearing dark sunglasses. I was surprised when a woman took her glasses off in the grocery store and I could see that both her eyes were blackened. I asked my mother what was wrong, but the question seemed to make her uncomfortable and she didn't answer me. My curiosity was piqued, however, and every time I saw a woman in dark glasses, I stared at her to see if they were covering strange, mottled bruises."
Galatian's Note:
Please support Carolyn Jessop by buying her book, reading her story, and sharing it with others. Let's not forget the horrible existence that women and children are living through even today - thanks to the cruel teachings of early LDS leaders.
Something for a Smile

Posted: April 10th, 2008, 4:59pm EDT by Galatian

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Sorry I've been away for so long. I'll be back to regularly blogging soon. Thanks for the comments and emails. I hope you'll keep visiting until I get some podcasts up and running. Take care everyone.
For a Laugh

Posted: February 28th, 2008, 3:38pm EST by Galatian

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I just needed a good laugh, and for anyone else that does too - check out these videos by Samuel the Utahnite. They are absolutely priceless ... ENJOY!

A Magical Tribute to Joseph Smith

This one gets me laughing every time. It's a remix of the South Park episode entitled "The Mormons". As much as Mormons dislike that cartoon episode, I have yet to see them disprove anything portrayed in it.

A Magical Tribute To Joseph Smith!!
Uploaded by samueltheutahnite

Joseph Smith is Superman

This one is humorous because it's a good response to a YouTube tribute video to Joseph Smith using the same song, which I believe is called "Superman" by Five for Fighting. (I think that's the band.) Anyway, it's a typical cheesy church worship video that of course shows Joseph Smith in only the best light - leaving out the many wives, getting drunk, the bar in his home, the thug bodyguards, and the pistol he shot two men to death with, among other things.

Joseph Smith Is Superman
Uploaded by samueltheutahnite
Personal FAQ's / Changes to Blog

Posted: February 28th, 2008, 1:59pm EST by Galatian

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I figured I would mention a few things, regarding the blog and questions I've been asked repeatedly.

Changes to the Blog:

I've deleted the "Pictures of the Week" section, as I really don't think it is necessary. I wanted to share my love of art, and at least show some of the beauty that religion has produced, but I don't believe it interested many people (other than art lovers), and it seems a better decision to keep the blog focused purely on Mormonism.

I am also deleting some of the blogs listed under my "Favorites" section. I will only be keeping blogs on that list that are updated regularly. While there are many enjoyable and well-written blogs, I can only keep those that are still active.

I haven't been writing too many articles, and the few that I have done - I've tried to keep at a minimal length. The real reason I came back to this blog was to do podcasts. Although I enjoy writing, I find that a written article simply isn't sufficient in getting out all the facts and things I would like to say.

I am still intent on doing my podcasts: I have some good interviews lined up (whenever I can get them done), I would like to share my personal story, and in general I want to focus on some core Mormon topics. I believe this will be much more efficient than writing an article, and as a bonus people can listen to them (and get the facts) virtually anywhere, rather than being forced to sit at a computer.

I am very eager to release some podcasts, and I apologize that I have not done so sooner. I know I've been mentioning it for several months now, and I am still very set on it. I just have a lot going on in my life right now, and momentarily this blog takes less precedence than other things, but that is not permanent.

LINKING:
I've had to request that a few people take links to my blog off their website. While I genuinely appreciate the support and the effort to link, I am not interested in having my blog referenced from a religious website. If you own a religious website or blog, please do not link me unless you specifically note that I do not support your position and am not affiliated with you. If you do this, I will probably be comfortable allowing a link (as long as the website does not promote anything hateful, illegal or pornographic) - but please email me first.
When people link to my blog from a religious website, it implies that I somehow endorse or support your religion or worldviews expressed via your site, and this may not be the case. To avoid confusion, I prefer no links except for atheist or agnostic blogs, or those that are not within a religious-context.
I have added many links to sites and articles from my blog, some with permission, and some on assumed permission. If you happen across this blog and wish for me to take a link down, please email me and let me know.
Also, I do realize that some of the website and article links (and at least one blog link) lead to religious pages. That does not mean that I necessarily support or endorse the religious viewpoints (mainly Christian) of these pages. It's just that a few of these sites hold such a wealth of great information, facts, and resources they simply couldn't be ignored.
As well, I do know that some people who are leaving or questioning Mormonism will inevitably go to another church or religion. It seems to me that about half leaving Mormonism will become atheistic/agnostic, and half will become Christian - perhaps a sliver of that percentage becoming Muslim, Jewish, or of another faith. So I felt the need to include some of these sites/blogs.

FAQ's:

I figured I would clear up a few questions that I am asked frequently. So let me just mention a few things here in point form:

> I am a woman. (Perhaps now people will stop writing to me telling me that I must be a homosexual man that left the church due to my 'sinful desires')

> I am 24 years old and have a son. (You can read my personal story on Samuel's blog, which I will add a link to.)

> I used to be Mormon, and was a member of the church for many years. People ought to stop writing me suggesting I've never been Mormon, or that I "read the Book of Mormon" and talk to missionaries, etc.

> I did not leave the LDS church because one or many people "offended" me, nor a desire to lead a "sinful" or disapproved lifestyle. I left because I felt it was untrue, that I'd been lied to and manipulated, I believed that Joseph Smith was an adulterer, murderer, liar, con-artist, and that he was in no way a Prophet or moral man. Those are the real reasons. At times I struggled in my membership, and I have never been perfect, but my reasons for leaving the LDS church are purely intellectual, and not due to some personal vice or offense.

> I am an atheist. I hold no religious preference, and I do not declare to know any divine truths, the will of any God, or secrets of the Universe. I only know of the physical laws by which we are governed, and all the rest is simply my own opinions, philosophies and thoughts. I have no problem with people being religious - so long as they don't oppress or harrass me, or create violence due to their beliefs.

Certainly I think some of the beliefs are ridiculous, or odd, and I don't support them; I ask everyone to think rationally and to accept science - but I'm not hateful against religious people.

> The reason I write this blog is to educate people on Mormonism. I don't hate Mormons personally as I find most Mormons to be kind, moral and good people. I simply truly dislike Mormonism as a religion and believe it is a fraud, sham, and yes even I daresay a 'cult'. Although Mormonism may do some good in the world, and some people may take pride in their membership in the LDS church - in my viewpoint this still does not compensate for its history of violence, bigotry, hatred, oppression of women, racism and LIES.

Mormonism as a religion disturbs me and is fundamentally flawed because it is based on the lies and treacheries of one proven con-man and fraud. The fact that millions of people live in a world of delusion even almost 200 years later, is horrible - and I consider it my personal moral duty as an ex-member to inform others. Hence, this blog is in existence.

> What do I believe?

I believe in loving other people: family, friends, society as a whole.

I believe in thinking rationally, skeptically, and appreciating science instead of fighting it.

I believe in making the most out of this life while we are here, instead of pretending we can live forever.

I believe that all people are equal despite location, skin color, age, nationality or sexual preference.

I believe that once we learn certain facts (whether scientific or discovery of deception) that we have an obligation to share them with other people and make them widely available to all.

I believe in creating and enjoying true beauties in life: classical music, art, literature, moments with best friends, natural wonders.

I BELIEVE IN LEARNING FROM HISTORY !!!

I believe that all our greatest heroes were and are ordinary men, and that no one is (or can be)perfect but we can strive to be better and to emulate those we admire. This may sound ironic, but my greatest hero is Joan of Arc.

I believe in the right to be imperfect. So many times in Mormonism I was made to feel guilty over imperfections, and told to strive towards perfection. What an absurd ideal! I now never hide my flaws, faults, problems or aim towards delusions of grandeur. I am only human, and for that there is no shame.

Lastly, I believe in HOPE.
Thomas S. Monson: New President

Posted: February 5th, 2008, 6:29pm EST by Galatian

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(Pictured left: Thomas S. Monson)

Well to no body's surprise, Thomas S. Monson is the new President and presiding Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

To read a brief history on Monson, see the Wikipedia article: HERE.

Unknown to many Latter Day Saints, Monson has a few skeletons in his closet, which I will be helping to divulge in this article. Here it goes ...

THE VALUES INSTITUTE

During the midst of a second major purge of homosexuals at BYU in the 1970's, the "Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behaviour" was formed; in short it is known as the 'Values Institute'.

The idea was proposed by Dallin Oaks at a meeting (of the Boards of Trustees at BYU, and the Unified Church Educational System) on September 1, 1976.

The purpose of the Values Institute was kept a secret from the general public, but generally comprised of: combating homosexuality, doing research on homosexuality, fighting homosexuality within the church, and writing a book to verify the LDS church's position on homosexuality.
The public was only told that it would conduct "research that would assist in preventing and changing problem behaviors which lead people away from eternal life." The Values Institute was to be provided resources and assistance from LDS Social Services.

The first main goal of the Values Institute was to produce a manuscript "which would set forth significant empirical evidence in support of the Church's position on homosexuality." The book was to be written by Bergin and Victor L. Brown Jr. (of LDS Social Services), approved by a General Authority, published by a popular Eastern Press, and have no appearance of a connection with the church. Then the book was going to be used as "secular evidence" to back up LDS Church claims on homosexuality.

Other goals of the Values Institute were:

1) Reviewing homosexual "indoctrination" created by public gay protest and opposition.

2) Anti-gay papers & rebuttals.

3) Supporting research to vindicate LDS Church positions on homosexuality.

4) Creating church policies to combat homosexuality and 'sexual misconduct'.

Over the course of time, the Values Institute members worked on writing the book, other articles, researching, and collaborating. (There is too much to condense on this subject)

On November 17th, 1978 a two hour presentation was made before the First Presidency, and then after that was made before all the General Authorities and BYU president Dallin Oaks - concerning the manuscript for the 'anti-gay' book.

In March of 1979, Marion G. Romney asked Thomas S. Monson to get a concrete budget for the Values Institute. (Which they did, and I might add that all of the money to fund the Values Institute and its projects were received directly from tithing funds paid by LDS members).

Values Institute leaders met with Thomas S. Monson (and unknown others) on August 9, 1979 to ask formal approval to write an 'anti-gay' book for publication, and related articles. Monson and the committee agreed with the proposal and recommended it to the First Presidency on August 10, 1979 - where it was formally approved.

As time passed and things went sour with the Values Institute -- Dallin Oaks wrote to Thomas S. Monson on September 3, 1979 to explain the many problems and his irritation. And so, in 1980 the Values Institute was disbanded, after spending $150,000 of tithing funds from LDS members.

"AVERSION THERAPY AT BYU"

I won't get into it in extreme detail, as that is for another day -- but as early as the 1960's, aversion "therapies" were conducted at BYU, which continued on for several decades, and were notably in practice in the 1970's when the Values Institute was operational.

BYU professor D. Eugene Thorne oversaw the therapies.

Some examples of the "therapy" practices were:
- Electroshock Therapy (electrodes attached to head, hands, arms, and legs which shocked the patient with electricity)
- Pornography (homosexual and heterosexual pornography which was used in conducting tests, and to try to "cure" the homosexual behavior)
In addition to the Values Institute and the Aversion Therapies conducted at BYU, there were also anti-homosexual purges done at the school, and even sting-operations to catch and weed out homosexual students. I could go on at length about this as the corruption is appalling (this article makes it seem mundane compared to what it was) ... but there simply isn't enough time as that would fill volumes.

MONSON PARTICIPATION ...

I had an irate Mormon write to me regarding one of my YouTube videos ("Images from Mormon History") because at one point I showed a photo of Thomas S. Monson and wrote that he "helped to found the Values Institute" at BYU. This man took issue with this, claiming he had never heard of the Values Institute, nor did he know of any Monson-connection.

Let me make this perfectly clear:

The Values Institute is WELL-DOCUMENTED and is factual. It did exist, and we know all about it; we have documents, memos, testimonies, etc.

The Aversion Therapies done at BYU for decades are WELL-DOCUMENTED (for all of the reasons I just mentioned above).

And thankfully, we have evidence of connections in all this disgusting corruption and inhumanity, because memos and documents have survived. Some of these link to certain individuals, with Thomas S. Monson being one of them!

So what evidence do we have of Thomas S. Monson's involvement in these scandals?
- The Values Institute was proposed by Oaks at a 'combined meeting' (BYU Trustees and Unified Church Educational System) which would have come to Monson's attention. Even if we assume that it didn't ...
- Monson was present for a 2-hour presentation which outlined the Values Institute and its agenda, including: writing anti-gay material, and publishing a book which was to be used as "secular evidence" to affirm the Church's position (even though it was written by church members) ... dishonestly fooling LDS members, and the general public at large.
- Marion G. Romney wrote to Monson to request funding for the Values Institute.
- Values Institute leaders met with Monson to get formal approval for the anti-gay book and other related projects.
- Monson recommended the Values Institute book and projects to the First Presidency himself, in 1979.
- Dallin Oaks wrote specifically to Monson regarding problems with the Values Institute.
* There's also a history of many other things as well (which are too much to relate), and we know that Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, Victor L. Brown, Boyd K. Packer, and Kenneth H. Beesley all met for a meeting in response to the infamous "Payne Papers".
That also shows us that Monson was aware of everything that was going on at BYU because he knew about the Payne Papers (a student written paper distributed school wide in defense of homosexuality), he knew -- as General Authorities were made aware-- of the Chipman case and other activities and scandals that were occuring at the school.
There can be no doubt that Thomas S. Monson knew all about BYU's treatment of homosexuals, which included: aversion "therapies", sting-operations, purges, suicides, police investigations, harrassment, student-on-student spying, and more!
We have documents linking him to the Values Institute and approving its related projects, and a BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes document relating to a church response (including his personally) to the Payne Papers, etc.
*** Everyone please research about: the history of BYU's treatment of homosexuals; all its scandals, the Values Institute, Evergreen International (currently operational), shock-therapy, the Payne Papers, the Chipman case, the suicides, etc. ***

CONCLUSION
I can only imagine what other cookie jars Monson has dipped his hands into, and what other skeletons lie in his closet. We would never have known about his connection to all of this if we didn't have the documents, memos, and other evidence linking him to it.
Otherwise it would be flat out denials from his camp, and Mormons crying afoul about how ex-mormons are lying and have no evidence, etc.
Any thinking and compassionate person should be outraged at Monson's treatment of gays -- especially within the LDS Church-- and of his previous support in: harassing them, purging them, therapies for them, driving them to suicide and social ruin, helping to found and fund the Values Institute, and supporting unscientific, undocumented, bigoted and hateful rumors, and unsubstantiated theories about homosexual people.

We have discovered what the "S" in Monson's name stands for -- Shocktherapy!
From now on, let us all dub him:
THOMAS "SHOCKTHERAPY" MONSON.
Hey Monson, when are you going to apologize for your hateful and cruel treatment of gay people? We're all still waiting! Don't think people have forgotten about all you've done! We'll be dragging the skeletons out of your closet one by one for everyone to see ... PREPARE YOURSELF!
Resources:

"The Abominable and Detestable Crime Against Nature": A Revised History of Homosexuality & Mormonism, 1840-1980: BY Connell O'Donovan
[Documentation, footnotes and references confirming and validating the statements written in this article can be found numbered throughout the book, and listed at the end of the website.]
*Please Note: The above book was published by Signature Books, but is viewable for free via the link above. It is an EXCELLENT book that I cannot recommend enough, which covers a large history of homosexuality in the LDS church, and specifically at BYU, etc.
Specifically (for more current events) I recommend the sections:
Commie Pinko Queers: The "Boys of Boise" and Salt Lake Scandals
"The Lord's Program": Kimball and Petersen Attack (followed by:)
"Hope for Transgressors" & "New Horizons for Homosexuals" (later aka "A Letter to a Friend")
ANTI-HOMOSEXUAL POLICIES AT BYU (1957-1980) (followed by:)
The Suicides of 1965 & The "Witch Hunts of 1968" & The "Witch Hunts of 1975"
The Values Institute
Shocking Events at the Y
The 'Payne Papers' and Prologue
The David Chipman Case
Oaks' 1979 Memo to Monson
1977 BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes memo
An online article about 'Evergreen International': CLICK HERE.
Wikipedia article on "Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (conspicuously missing is any mention of aversion therapy at BYU).
Mormon "Love"

Posted: February 3rd, 2008, 4:51pm EST by Galatian

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Ahh ... there's nothing like a little Mormon "love" to lighten up your day!
I just thought that for your personal amusement, I would share some of the comments that Mormons have felt the need to write me ...
A fine display of how a "Christ-like" attitude can warm the hearts of those evil, shallow apostates!
I'll continue to add to this post, as time goes on.
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" ... you stupid faget ass prick ... asswipes like you you piece of shit ... wow u are pathetic you go and make up the crap to try and make a good people loom bad. wel let me tell you something YOU SUCK ..."

" 'Galatian23': Why are you such a bitter person. Had you committed a sin to be cast out of the Church... like your brother Satan did. Sounds like you've joined his cause, and forgotten about Christ. What made you this way?"

"what i think is we need danites in this day and time.porter rockwell and stilman we could use some more like them."

"My guess is that your are bitter against Mormons because they don't except your homosexuality. It is often the case with ex-Mormons anyway."

"G23 Is a liar look up all her references thye are full of holes. Do as the suggest use youre brains and you will see that she isnt about the truth its about hate and bigotry."

"your sick"

" "Galatian23"Youre not only sick. You're disturbed"

"You are being selfish. These children will get to grow up in strong member families! Think of the blessings they will get, their future testimonies. A single parent (and no offense, but you were disobeying the word of God) would not be able to give that to these children. Think of the people that child might convert as a missionary, the children of those converts! One soul raised correctly is an important matter to the Church."

"You are so full of hate I really feel sorry for you and anybody who has to put up with you. I will pray for your salvation as every wright thinking Mormon would. "

"You're lies will haunt you spiritually in this life and in the life to come, unless you Come unto Christ. That is just a friendly warning from one brother to another."

"Mormons are being shot at targeted by hate groups because of these LIES. You need to STOP! THEIR BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will go to Hell for your lying bigotry"

"...and all you are is a closed minded oppressive tryranical miserable totalitarian A-hole. just your pissed because your mommy didn't hold you enough (or someother Cliché) don't take it out on us just to make you feel more important"

"I only regret that there are no Dannites around to take care of the likes of you now. Maybe we could revive it huh?"

"You are just a sorry and angry loser who got kicked out of the church for your stupid, unfounded, baseless ideas. I know you anti Mormon types cannot stomach the truth and it is a real waste of time to argue.

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I can't help but wonder why so many of these Mormons cannot spell properly and have no sense of punctuation. The only logical conclusion is that the majority of them are under 17 years old, or not terribly bright ... and I swear I have not made any of this up, nor have I changed any of the wording at all.

Stay tuned for more heart-warming displays of Mormon love in the future.

(What's most hilarious about this is they all probably give talks on Sunday about forgiveness, love, Christ-like attitudes, but then behind the anonymity of the web they swear, threaten, condemn, harrass and let their true colors show.)