When you go public with your journey out of Mormonism, be prepared for questions LDS friends will typically ask.

One big step in the journey from Mormonism is when you go public with your decision. You can be prepared for that moment by anticipating some of the questions your LDS family and friends will ask.

Who Offended You?

Mike shares how – like most people leaving Mormonism – it’s not about feeling wronged by anyone, but about a desire to seek and follow the truth.

Who Got a Hold of You?

Friends might want to know who has been pursuing or prompting you. But in Becky’s experience, it wasn’t anyone putting ideas into her head. It was an inward search for truth that led her out of Mormonism.

Did You Start Reading Anti-Mormon Literature?

Many will assume you have been swayed by anti-Mormon propaganda. But more and more people leave Mormonism – as Mike expresses – because they start actually reading Mormon literature. Becky got thinking by reading the Bible itself and noticing how it was different from LDS teachings.

What Commandment Couldn’t You Keep?

Mike encountered people who accused him of leaving because he wanted to follow the easy path. But as temple-worthy Mormons, they had no quarrel with the LDS lifestyle. He wasn’t seeking an easy path; he was seeking the truth.

Most questions our LDS friends and family raise reflect some basic misconceptions. They may have a hard time accepting that someone could leave the LDS church for legitimate reasons. Don’t take offense at their questions. Be patient with them; it’s all they know. You know your own heart – that it’s about following the truth.

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Key Points:

  • Who Offended You?
  • Who Got a Hold of You?
  • Did You Start Reading Anti-Mormon Literature?
  • What Commandment Couldn’t You Keep?
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. What questions did LDS friends and family raise when they found out about your journey?
  4. When you were LDS, did you ever raise similar questions to others? What assumptions were you making behind those questions?
  5. Your journey will be different from others, so what role did a personal offense play in your journey from Mormonism – if any?
  6. What role did “anti-Mormon” literature play in your journey?
  7. What do you think is the best way to answer when people raise questions like this?
  8. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

This is part of the Relationships After Mormonism series.