Watch the video above and talk about it with a friend or mentor.

When a person leaves Mormonism, much of his or her identity is stripped away. But we can build a new identity based on a relationship with God.

One challenge many face as they transition from Mormonism is the task of redefining their sense of identity. Mormonism is an all encompassing social and cultural identity. It’s hard to leave that in the past as you discover a new identity apart from the LDS church.

Video Highlights:

  • Being a Mormon is a family and social identity. Especially for those raised Mormon, there is a sense of heritage and belonging. Mormonism is just who you are.
  • Leaving Mormonism can cause disorientation. People feel a loss of that identity as they disengage from the LDS church and world. They may feel like they don’t know who they are or where they belong. Things don’t make sense. They may not know what to do or where to turn. It takes a long time to figure out that nothing is really wrong with them.
  • Hope for a new identity comes from a relationship with Jesus. You can discover Jesus by reading the Bible with fresh eyes. You will learn who Jesus is and what he has done for you – based on his love for each person (John 3:16). That lost LDS identity is replaced as you are adopted by God as one of his children (John 1:11-13). God’s adoption proves how much he values us (Romans 8:15-16). So a new identity is not about the church or culture we belong to, but stems from a relationship with God.

[Related Topic: Adopted by God]

[Related Topic: Adoption in the Bible]

If you are going through the chaos and identity confusion, be encouraged! You can build a new identity centered on Jesus Christ and his love for you.

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Key Points:

  • Being a Mormon Is a Family and Social Identity
  • Leaving Mormonism Can Cause Disorientation
  • Hope for a New Identity Comes From a Relationship with Jesus

See Also: Identity

Talk About It
  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. Describe the sense of identity you felt when you were Mormon.
  4. How did it feel to lose that sense of who you were? Explain.
  5. What elements of your LDS identity have you retained, if any?
  6. What are some of the problems in defining our identity as being “ex-Mormon”?
  7. Read Romans 8:15-16. What promises does this passage make?
  8. Read Ephesians 2:12-13 and 2;19-22. What does this say about what our identity used to be compared to what it is now?
  9. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

This is part of Your Faith Journey After Mormonism series and the Clarifying Salvation After Mormonism series.