Look, guys, I've absolutely been ducking your calls lately, and I'd rather tell you over text than actually speak to you about it.

I'm not doing well. My work/life balance doesn't exist. My work is so demanding that I have no energy for anything else. My mental health is in the toilet, and my drinking is simultaneously a contributing factor and also the only thing that helps me sleep at night.

I'd love to be able to talk to you guys about things, but the truth is that almost every conversation I have with you leaves me feeling guilty. I know it's not your intention, but the result is the same.

My siblings all demanded so much attention that I felt largely ignored growing up. I felt like more was expected of me and that I was punished more harshly for things. I had serious injuries waved off as early as 7 or 8 years old. I remember crawling into your bathroom in Payson, crying, with both of my shins sliced open, and I was ignored for a while until mom finished her phone call. I was tormented mercilessly by Logan, and it felt like you paid so little attention to me that you didn't even see what it was doing to me.

I also very deeply feel as though I was the only one that you ever expected to actually serve a mission and get married in the temple and do all of the other things you wanted, as it pertains to your faith. Dad telling his friends that I was "his Joseph" is the perfect example of the pressure I felt to be who you wanted me to be. Leaving the church wasn't easy for me, and the only reason that's true is because of the way it changed the way you looked at me.

I very much appreciate the attempts yall have made to course correct. I know you love me, and I do love you too. That doesn't change the fact that I genuinely feel as though you love me despite your disappointment in me.

I rarely leave a conversation or interaction with you guys without feeling guilty about something, and I'm doing poorly enough that I really don't need to add any more guilt into the mix.

Again, I know that's not your intention. I know you love me. I just am having a hard time believing that your attempts to reach out are more about genuine love and concern and a desire to repair things than they are about you feeling guilty about our tenuous relationship.

I rationalized these things many years ago through psychedelic self-medication, and I got past the point of blame. I want you to understand that this isn't coming from a place of anger. It's coming from a place of finally understanding the reasons that I am the way that I am on an emotional level rather than a rational level.

I know reading this is gonna hurt you, and I am truly sorry for that, but I can't be this honest if we actually speak in person, and you deserve the truth.

I never miss the holidays, and I promise to be there for them this year, as always. But I need space at the moment.//

Context: In the last 15 years, we've spoken an average of 4-5 times a year, yet my dad has tried calling every day for almost a week. My mom and I have small stretches of time where we'll talk fairly often, but then we'll go months without speaking.

Thoughts? Am I being too harsh?

For a short preface, they're a mormon mommy vlogger family and the mother kind of recently went to jail after her son ran to a neighbor's house and the neighbor called the police for child abuse.

It's making me sick. These people are a combo of my family and my ex boyfriend's family. It's absolutely insane and heartbreaking to me. They sent their child to a wilderness camp which are known for abusing children there. They used starving their children to punish them. They talk exactly like my parents and it's just terrifying.

Did anyone else have parents that you thought were normal but you realized later were terrifying and awful?

What do you think are the topics of this year's General Conference? Any insider info?

A little warning I have never been a member so please excuse any mistakes I make in regard to Mormonism.

So I (18F) am in a serious relationship with my boyfriend (19M). I’ll call him Nate. So me and Nate met at a stake dance. One of my Mormon friends invited me and I said why not! As I’ve gotten to know Nate he’s said and done some pretty conflicting things to me about his religion. Also for some more context: both of us are okay with having different religions because our morals line up and came to a mutual agreement not to pressure each other to leave/change our religions.

So I guess my big question is: Are these signs of him leaving the church? If so how can I best support him?

1. Recently Nate told me he was “relieved” when he found out I wasn’t Mormon. At first he was under the impression I was.

2. Not going on a mission. Nate made a decision early on he’s not going on a mission. However when I asked Nate about going on a mission he said he wasn’t sure yet but when my friend asked, he said he would not be going.

3. Nate is going to go through the next steps in the temple to gain the next priesthood. So the endowment process in the temple. I completely support this but is confusing because he he’s not serving a mission or on track to get married in the temple.

4. When I asked if my understanding about how you pay your tithing for salvation. The ideology is in order to get to the celestial kingdom you need to go to the temple, in order to get into the temple you need a temple recommended, you can’t get on unless you get pay tithing. So you pay to get into heaven. His reaction was “you’re not wrong, but you’re not right either.” My other LDS friend got super defensive.

5. Early on in our relationship he told me he’s not super involved in the church, but did everything the church asks of him. He served in the something or another quorum as the second highest person when he was in high school. (He mentioned the name earlier today when we talked about how I showed up and played kick ball with them, but I’m blanking.) Nate has canceled or shortened plans with me for a meeting with the missionaries or to write a talk.

However through the years he’s offered to cancel already existing plans and do something with me.

I’m going to get a comment telling me to talk to Nate. I have, in #2 and #4 are examples of how it goes. I just get vague or deflected answers. I’m not upset by this, just makes it hard to show him that I’ll love him no matter what. I’m also looking for outside advice from people who don’t know me but have experience with the church.

Is there a secret handbook the bishop has for guidance on things? I remember reading something about the “length of time” being a factor before the big scary meeting. Trying to help a friend.

Edit: also heard about secret prayer circles similar to temple and other “high level” ordinances for exorcisms and stuff reserved for the 70 and above. Prophet gets instant heaven, that’s cool.

i’m mostly over my anger at the cult but it comes back out when i see my parents. they kinda brought up politics and other subjects tonight and just went in on me about how im so brainwashed and wrong because i think a transgender woman (male to female) should be considered a woman and is a woman. hearing your parents talk to you that way bc of political or religious beliefs is horrible, i don’t necessarily care what they think but ill always have that part of me that’s so sad i can’t have a good family relationship due to the church. the people who raise you and are supposed to be there for you, and it just sucks that they get so brainwashed by right wing media and cult teachings.

ok rant over it just sucks and i wish i could just have normal parents

Hi! I’m sure it had to have been in this group. But I remember seeing someone post a book recommendation on the historical history of Jesus as a person, not as a divine figure. I was going to write it down and must have forgotten. Does anyone have any recommendations on this? Thanks!

I’ve dropped this in a few comments but I haven’t generally put it out there.

1. Russ adds a third counselor to the first presidency, because they are old AF and some help is needed. Russ can no longer do the job and Henry hasn’t been able to for some time now. This has happened before, more than once.

2. Russ’s friend Quentin gets the job of third counselor puppeteer. Quentin is a proven shrewd lawyer.

3. Gerald Caussé joins the Q. Russ extends his influence on what the Q will look like for many more decades. When Russ dies a replacement apsotle won’t be called, Russ essentially calls his replacement, just as has happened in the past when there was a third counselor. Russ will rather like that.

4. Dallin conducts all sessions except Sunday afternoon, which will be conducted by the new third counselor.

Hey, so, how do I stand up to people? 23M

I've been doing really poorly, in bed half the time.

I feel stuck. I've done so much work and deconstruction. I have my own opinions on things now, but, I'm having trouble figuring out how to go against others.

I live with my parents, and there is so much I need to push back on, in order to become more financially and emotionally independent from them. In order to ever escape the sort of toxic home environment here, and make my own life choices.

When there is conflict or disagreement with them I get extremely anxious. To the point that I can barely function day to day.

I super super super super super super hate inconveniencing others.

I don't know what to do. I think that I'm like this because of my parents and upbringing.

I also have 5 siblings. None of us deal well with conflict. If I really stand up to my parents, it will he really really hard on everyone. My parents included. They aren't malicious or domineering, more emotionally immature, codependent, and insecure.

I could really use any advice.

I'm in therapy.

I’ve noticed that most ex Mormons become very anti and I was right after I left, but as I’ve progressed through post Mormonism I’ve gotten less and less angry at the church, I’ve realized that hating on a church that won’t ever take any criticism to heart is a useless waste of time, and I’ve realized that even though it wasn’t right for me, the church is good for some people. I think it’s healthy at first to explore anti ideas and heal from potential trauma but I think eventually moving on is best for our mental health. Any reason why y’all continue to be so angry and hateful towards the church when it seems to only hurt mental health?

My TBM friend who still doesn't know that I've left the church was chatting with me about the Scientology documentary "Going Clear" on HBO max and how crazy it all is (btw I totally recommend this documentary, it's insane and their culture/behavior control has so many similarities to the LDS church).

She mentioned that she hopes no one ever does a documentary like that on our church, and said "well at least we don't torture people like Scientologists did, but I bet antimornons could exaggerate something like 2-year missions to make it sound traumatic and evil."

I casually said "well... BYU and the church did perform electro shock therapy to try to turn gay people straight back in the 70s..." and she immediately asked what's my source, said she's doubtful and that people exaggerate everything, and even if it did happen, she bets lots of other institutions were doing similar things so it was just the church. She also said even if it did happen, that's not church doctrine and it's probably just some singular bad guy and not the church's fault. I didn't push it any further (I want to keep the secret right now but I wanted to tell her SO BAD that it happened under Elder Oaks' BYU presidency).

Anyways, I'm just curious what extremely reputable sources I could share about electroshock therapy that happened through the church's bishop and LDS therpist pipeline. I listened to Ray's episode of his electroshock experience on the mormonish podcast, but I just know she'll reject a single anecdotal experience. Also I'm just so frustrated with how blind people can be to others suffering in the name of defending this cult.

Consider that for the LDS 'church' to be true, God didn't seem to care about the other 6.99 billion of his children 224 years later after 'restoring' a 'church' that Christ never started to a con-man, scam artist and sexual predator while 90% of the teachings is stuff he never taught! A whopping .0014% of his spirit children are members of his one and only true church and apparently, God and Jesus only want lawyers and formerly successful businessmen to be his 'apostles'. And what are there, about 200 different religions on the planet... and we're taught that Satan is the author of confusion. All the fraudulent crap aside, this being the one and only true 'church' is comical even without it! 😂🤭

I have landed at my very TBM in-laws on brain wash weekend. Holy. Fuck. Holy. Fuck.

UPDATE: We have been extended not one, but TWO invitations to "hang around." Oh. My. God. Help.

In this imaginary episode of Black Mirror Mormonism, set in 2121 A.D., a future president of a 19th century American religion (turned into a really rich religion) sponsors a tournament. The tournament uses an ancient method to corporeally reassemble the astral ideological essence of now notorious historical religious figures. Enabling bottling, instead of merely battling ( https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/695/BAR26-16-Whitmarsh.pdf), the Gods.

The goal? To determine the ultimate champion of faith, truth, and strength throughout the ages. 

It is the first legalized use of the technology and first resurrection tournament, in human history.

All religious ideologies have granted used of their heroes with detailed contractual agreements defining defeat so long as there proper permitting of ideological resurrection as the world moves towards religion, by artificial algorithm.

The tournament is a celebrity dialogue driven metaphorical zero sum game, decided by an imaginary Palladium Panel.

The Palladium Panel decides who wins and who is defeated, when it isn't obvious or admitted.

The winners getthe cutest cosmic girls and unfortunately, the ugly girls shown through out the episode are so ugly they are nearly alien looking. As the episode progresses, it becomes obvious which faction's fans has support of miscellaneous fan girls, proving beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

The actual participants are all only imaginary robots and not the original individuals upon which the ideology is based. They are pre-programed to play zero-sum game offense against the other ideological adversaries according to many of their antiquated instructions, while using their updated refresh, predominately only as a defense.

Each faction has loyal fans who will want to repeat the tournament, in virtual perpetuity building their robot ideology ever stronger.

The Episode is entitled "Imaginary Ideologically Adversarial Resurrection Tournament of Conflict", I.I.A.R.T.C. Racket Bracket No. 1

ROADMAP [SPOILER ALERT]

Round 1:

Match 1: Jesus Christ vs. Samson

Match 2: Captain Moroni vs. Achilles

Match 3: Muhammad vs. Buddha

Match 4: Moses vs. Nephi

SEMI-FINALS:

Match 1: Jesus Christ vs. Muhammad

Match 2: Achilles vs. Nephi

FINAL:

Jesus Christ vs. Achilles

Round 1 of 3: Match 1 of 4

Jesus Christ vs. Samson

SCENE SONG: Weightless

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcAVejslrU

Moderator: "This is the battle between the Prince of Peace and the biblical symbol of brute strength. An I.I.A.R.T.C., for the ages. How do you even, prepare?"

Jesus Christ: Gentle, serene "My kingdom is not of this world. This fight is not about dominance, but to show that true power comes from love and sacrifice."

Samson: Confident, bold "I’ve torn down entire armies with nothing but the jawbone of a donkey. You speak of peace, but in this arena, only strength matters."

[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED: UNDISCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS FOR A.I. PROMPT FOR FUTURE EXPANSION UPON IDEAS, in order to be factually loyal to each fanbase. Insert an epically imaginary dynamic dialogue for this i.i.a.r.t.c. based on the use of each i.i.a.r.t.c. participant's most positively portrayed skillsets, yet also acknowledging their notorious weaknesses].

Post-Ideological Conflict Analysis:

1. Jesus Christ vs. Samson (Round 1): Jesus won by using spiritual insight, avoiding brute force while showcasing the strength of inner peace. The match’s poetic ending came as Samson collapsed from exhaustion, symbolizing the futility of raw power against divine purpose.

Round 1 of 3: Match 2 of 4

Captain Moroni vs. Achilles

SCENE: ELECTRIC SUNRISE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv_a6rlRjZk

Moderator: "Two legendary warriors—one fighting for liberty, only ever real in the minds of many [e.g. fictional captain Moroni***]***, and another for glory, [Achilles]. What’s your mindset?"
i.i.a.r.t.c. DIALOGUE:

Captain Moroni:
Steely, resolute
"I fight for the freedom of my people, not for myself. My strength is rooted in righteousness, not in personal gain."

Achilles:
Prideful, fierce
"Righteousness won't save you from death, Moroni. Glory is eternal, and today, I’ll show you the strength of a true hero."

[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED: UNDISCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS FOR A.I. PROMPT FOR FUTURE EXPANSION UPON IDEAS, in order to be factually loyal to each fanbase. Insert an epically imaginary dynamic dialogue for this i.i.a.r.t.c. based on the use of each i.i.a.r.t.c. participant's most positively portrayed skillsets, yet also acknowledging their notorious weaknesses].

Round 1 of 3: Match 3 of 4

Muhammad vs. Buddha

SCENE SONG: HOUDINI, DUA LIPA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suAR1PYFNYA

Moderator: "Two leaders of global faiths—what guides you into this duel?"

Muhammad: (who is never seen or shown because, well, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Hebdo has a pathetically penetrable cloak of invisibility. He is like a bad magician, especially because the other four human senses make his extraordinarily overly confident, yet endearing comedic presence quite obvious) Calm, assertive "I was sent to guide mankind toward truth. This duel is another test of strength, but also of will and faith."

Buddha: Peaceful, detached "Victory is an illusion. Detachment from desire and violence is the path to true enlightenment. I do not fight, but I will defend peace."

Muhammad: Dialogue Resolved "The sword of justice is as important as mercy. In this duel, it is not our power that will decide, but our faith in the will of God."

[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED: UNDISCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS FOR A.I. PROMPT FOR FUTURE EXPANSION UPON IDEAS, in order to be factually loyal to each fanbase. Insert an epically imaginary dynamic dialogue for this i.i.a.r.t.c. based on the use of each i.i.a.r.t.c. participant's most positively portrayed skillsets, yet also acknowledging their notorious weaknesses].

Post-Ideological 'Clash' Analysis In Re: Muhammad vs. Buddha

The matchup between Muhammad and Buddha was a clash of two monumental figures from different religious traditions, each embodying distinct philosophies and approaches to life and conflict.

The Clash:

The clash began with an air of anticipation, as the audience held their breath, eager to witness the strengths of each combatant. Muhammad, equipped with an invisibility cloak, quickly gained a strategic advantage, using stealth to navigate the arena. Buddha, however, remained calm and composed, employing his heightened awareness and deep inner peace to sense Muhammad's presence even when invisible.

Key Moments:

1. Muhammad’s Stealth Tactics: Muhammad utilized the invisibility cloak effectively, executing swift strikes and feints that disoriented Buddha. His agility and combat prowess shone through as he darted around the arena, capitalizing on the element of surprise. However, despite his tactical advantages, it was evident that Muhammad’s victories were built on physical prowess rather than philosophical or spiritual superiority.
2. Buddha’s Awareness and Restraint: Throughout the fight, Buddha remained attuned to the subtle energies around him. His mastery of mindfulness allowed him to maintain a presence of mind that transcended visual perception. Each time Muhammad struck, Buddha absorbed the impact with grace, responding with defensive maneuvers rather than counterattacks. This showcased his belief in compassion and non-violence, embodying the core tenets of his teachings.
3. The Deciding Factor: As the match progressed, Buddha sensed that Muhammad was struggling with the ethical implications of winning through deceit. Recognizing Muhammad’s desperation to prove himself and solidify his legacy, Buddha made a conscious choice to allow Muhammad to secure a final blow, effectively letting him win. This decision was profound, illustrating Buddha's philosophy of compassion over competition.

Outcome and Reflection: The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I Go

Muhammad was declared the victor, but the true essence of the fight transcended the physical outcome. While he celebrated the win, the audience could sense a profound shift in the atmosphere. Many spectators were left questioning the legitimacy of Muhammad’s triumph, realizing that the fight was not merely about who could defeat whom in combat, but rather about the underlying philosophies each figure represented.

Buddha’s choice to concede highlighted the concept that true victory lies not in dominance but in understanding and compassion. For many viewers, especially those from the toxic fan base, this outcome was disappointing. They had anticipated a classic “good vs. evil” narrative with a clear winner, yet the subtlety of Buddha’s selfless act left them grappling with a more nuanced interpretation of strength and victory.

Legacy of the Fight:

The fight between Muhammad and Buddha sparked heated discussions in the community, prompting debates on the nature of power and compassion. It served as a reminder that sometimes, allowing someone else to triumph can be the most powerful act of all. Ultimately, this match redefined the audience's understanding of heroism, urging fans to look beyond mere physical accomplishments and consider the depth of character and intention behind every action.

In summary, Muhammad’s tactical advantage allowed him to claim victory, but Buddha’s wisdom and restraint illuminated a path of greater significance, emphasizing that the essence of a true champion lies in the ability to uplift others rather than dominate them.

Round 1 of 3: Match 4 of 4

Moses vs. Nephi

Song: Bob Marley and The Wailers, Exodus

https:/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSOqWgqwynQ

Moderator: "Two prophets, both called to lead their people. How do you view this battle?"

Moses: Firm, authoritative "I led my people from bondage and parted the Red Sea by the hand of God. I wield the power of the Almighty, and none can stand before it."

Nephi: Quiet, determined "I was commanded to build a ship when no one believed in me. I act in faith, and with faith, all things are possible."

[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED: UNDISCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS FOR A.I. PROMPT FOR FUTURE EXPANSION UPON IDEAS, in order to be factually loyal to each fanbase. Insert an epically imaginary dynamic dialogue for this i.i.a.r.t.c. based on the use of each i.i.a.r.t.c. participant's most positively portrayed skillsets, yet also acknowledging their notorious weaknesses].

Match Overview:
In an epic showdown between two legendary prophets, fictional Moses faced off against fictional Nephi in a battle of faith, leadership, and divine command.

Winner: Nephi (W)

Analysis: Nephi emerged victorious over Moses in a nail-biting clash that showcased his unwavering faith and innovative tactics.

While Moses brought the might of divine authority and experience, Nephi's agility and clever maneuvering allowed him to adapt quickly to Moses' classic power plays.

With a fierce determination to carve his own path, Nephi used the spiritual strength of his lineage to outsmart the revered leader of the Exodus.

Fans were left buzzing over this unexpected twist—Nephi's win symbolizes a new generation of faith rising to challenge established authority. Who knew a younger prophet could turn the tides against such an iconic figure? Talk about a paradigm shift!

Semifinals: Match 1 of 2

Jesus Christ vs. Muhammad

SCENE SONG: HOUDINI, DUA LIPA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suAR1PYFNYA

Moderator: "Two of history’s most influential religious leaders. What are your final thoughts before this fight? "

Jesus Christ:
Soft-spoken but firm
"I walk the path of peace and redemption. My purpose is not to conquer, but to lead mankind toward salvation. This battle is not mine, but it must be done."

Muhammad:
Resolved " I defeated Buddha but could have defeated them both simultaneously. This match will be no different. The sword of justice is as important as mercy. In this duel, it is not our power that will decide, but our faith in the will of God."

[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED: UNDISCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS FOR A.I. PROMPT FOR FUTURE EXPANSION UPON IDEAS, in order to be factually loyal to each fanbase. Insert an epically imaginary dynamic dialogue for this i.i.a.r.t.c. based on the use of each i.i.a.r.t.c. participant's most positively portrayed skillsets, yet also acknowledging their notorious weaknesses].

[Post Fight Analysis, intentionally omitted]

Controversial Winner, Splitting fans and the Palladium Panel (HUGE UPSET): Jesus

Mohammad demands a rematch, and Jesus respectfully agrees, stating "anytime and anyplace."

SEMIFINALS - Match 2 of 2

Achilles vs. Nephi

Moderator: "Achilles, you’ve defeated legends. Nephi, although your travels were only ever fictional, you have done the impossible in the minds of your fantastic followers. And, you have defeated Moses to get into the Semi-finals. What’s left?"

Achilles: Smirking "Nephi, even fictional prophets are remain mortal. I’ve slain fictions which would make you blush. They represented themselves as invincible heroes, and today, I’ll add you to the list without even breaking a sweat."

Nephi: Humble but resolute "I do not fight for glory or pride. I fight only when I must. With the Lord's strength, I will stand firm."

[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED: UNDISCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS FOR A.I. PROMPT FOR FUTURE EXPANSION UPON IDEAS, in order to be factually loyal to each fanbase. Insert an epically imaginary dynamic dialogue for this i.i.a.r.t.c. based on the use of each i.i.a.r.t.c. participant's most positively portrayed skillsets, yet also acknowledging their notorious weaknesses].

POST CLASH ANALYSIS:

Achilles vs. Captain Moroni: Achilles overpowered Captain Moroni in an aggressive display of speed and skill, cutting through Moroni's tactical defenses. Moroni’s strategy and righteousness, though commendable, were simply no match for Achilles’ ferocity.

Final: Achilles vs. Jesus Christ

Moderator: "The final battle—Achilles, the greatest warrior of Greek myth, against Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. What are your thoughts as the arena prepares for this?"

Song: Five For Fighting: Superman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRz4FY0ZcwI

Jesus Christ:
Gazing down softly
"This is not a battle I choose, but one that must be faced. My strength is not in the sword, but in something else. Achilles, you seek immortality. That is your weakness. Men are not made to be immortal. Man has only ever been an enemy of the Gods.

Achilles:
Proud, powerful
"Sacrifice is for the weak. I am not interested in peace or mercy. My name is already immortal, Nazarene, but today I’ll prove that no amount of righteousness can stand before my power."

Post Fight Analysis:

Achilles vs. Jesus Christ (Final): In the final showdown, Achilles emerged victorious in the physical realm. Christ, though infinitely more powerful spiritually (at least imagined imo under this episodic thought experiment), wisely refrained from brute violence, allowing Achilles to win the tournament.

This left the fans—particularly the more toxic, militant believers—stunned and disappointed, as they expected their spiritual hero to crush all opposition. However, true fans of the series recognized the deeper message: physical victory is not the ultimate goal in the journey of faith.

Seems fair since they don’t want me to criticize polygamy or racist doctrines of the past through the lens of presentism.

I tried to get as many as I could, if you want to have multiple ones with different answers, change the last number to /3 or /4 etc at the end of the link. There weren't enough for a 5by5, too many for a 4by4, so there are a some on certain ones that will not be on others. Good luck, have fun, enjoy Bingo.

https://mfbc.us/m/he94d95/1 https://mfbc.us/m/he94d95/2

Huh. The swingers of Provo are getting… crafty?

I can't be the only one who is compelled to watch conference for the sake of family. Does anyone have a list of prophecies and revelations they want to make about this upcoming one? Off the top of my head:

• Double digit temple announcements which won't ever be built (2+ in Utah somehow)

• Nelson's prerecorded (again)

• Sob story about "bringing sheep back to the fold"

• Wear your garments OR ELSE

• Misattributing a quote from Christ as coming from Rusty

• Long ass prayer to show how righteous they are

• Primary voice mandated to female speakers

• Go to the temple OR ELSE

• God of missing car keys invoked

• Thinly veiled travel log "testimony"

• Blatant prosperity gospel

• Pay tithing OR ELSE

• Every member a missionary, but especially the 18-21y/os and 60+

• Grossly exaggerated accounts of disaster relief or "charity"

• Some new corpo-speak catchphrase like "ponderize"

• New mission calling for 16+ to make service missions less shamed

• Not-so-subtle reference to the 2nd coming being right around the corner

• It's not "mormon" stop calling us that!

• Everything's a "revelation" if you believe hard enough

• Feel-good story about how the church is growing so fast in some pacific island or something

• "Covenant path"

• Retelling of a BoM story with little or no added insights

Anyone got anything else?

A tbm just posted this:

"I bear witness that when Christ comes, he needs to recognize us - not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples. This is an urgent matter for all of us, lest we ever hear with devastating regret: "I never knew you," or as Joseph Smith translated that phrase, "[You] never knew me.""

That came with an admonition to watch conference. Vomit. I'm not looking forward to 10 hours of various platitudes and teachings that will make more marginalized members want to die.

Scroll down and start from the 13th paragraph:

https://archive.ph/MH7AD

ConneXions wasn’t officially attached to the Mormon church, but Hildebrandt networked within the Latter-day Saints community to attract clients. Many came to her through friends, family, or their bishops — unpaid church leaders who sometimes paid Hildebrandt for their followers’ sessions using tithing funds. Although Hildebrandt was a certified therapist, she called herself a life coach. This distinction appealed to potential clients. “In many Latter-day Saints’ minds, therapy represents this mainstream, corrupt form of knowledge and authority that does not match their Gospel way of knowing,” said Benjamin E. Park, an associate professor at Sam Houston State University and the author of American Zion: A New History of Mormonism. Hildebrandt, however, was known and trusted in the LDS community. She was one of them: “You’re getting help from someone who is not your priesthood authority but is also not from that corrupt world.”

Before founding ConneXions, she worked primarily with people struggling with sex and pornography addiction and later served as the director of Utah’s chapter of LifeStar, a national therapy franchise that treats porn addiction — a profitable business in a community with stringent views on sexuality.

In 2021, Hanna hosted a retreat to celebrate Ruby and another client for completing their training. The weekend took a turn when Hildebrandt shared that she’d been having demonic nightmares, Hanna later recalled. They weren’t the only ones who had noticed Hildebrandt acting erratically. Soon after the weekend, Hanna said, an old friend of Hildebrandt’s got in touch and told her that Hildebrandt had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder. Hanna suggested interventions to help, but Hildebrandt refused to participate. She feared they would worsen the voices in her head. But given all of this, she decided to stay with the Hannas for a few weeks.

Hildebrandt lived in the quiet town of Ivins, Utah, 300 miles south of the Frankes, in a $5 million house that resembled a fortress: a 10,000-square-foot stone-and-concrete box wedged into red desert rock, secluded on 1.4 acres. On May 22, 2023, Ruby brought her four youngest children there to help her with spring-cleaning. Outside, there was a scenic pool and firepit. Inside, there were five bedrooms, 15-foot ceilings, a media room — and, in what seemed innocent enough, a dog wash. There were neighbors within walking distance, but the house afforded much more privacy than the Frankes’; even the blinds were controlled by a remote.

Ruby decided she and her children would stay. Her two teenage daughters would keep going to school, but her two younger children would continue to be homeschooled. While the Frankes settled in, Hildebrandt took meetings with high-ranking LDS Church leaders.

Brad Wilcox and Jeremy R. Jaggi were not available for comment on the subject of their meetings at LDS church HQ with Jodi Hildebrandt.

Hey y’all, never officially Mormon here, however I considered converting to the church when I was younger and spent a lot of time there in my youth with LDS friends (going to Young Womens, stake dances, etc). Even during this small amount of time, the church did a lot of damage to me and made me feel shameful and unworthy.

I just had some missionaries come to my door. I was polite and let them know I was familiar with the church but uncomfortable with some policies. I didn’t elaborate further. I let them know if they ever needed anything they could let me know and come back to my house for a phone call or food. Is this helpful? Is there something else I could say or offer that might be useful? Perhaps not from the standpoint of challenging their beliefs, but just to be a kind human during a challenging time? I’m not sure if what I offered was useful or weird. I live in an area with a lot of missionaries and would love to be more helpful.

Thanks!