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I was able to share the “Why People Leave the LDS Church” screencast with my parents tonight, and it worked wonders! I’ve been pretty open with my faith struggle with my parents since coming home from college, but I usually left feeling frustrated every time I had a discussion with them about it. It just felt like we were talking past each other. It was clear that when I talked about my faith crisis, a lot was being lost in translation, and it came across to them as a scary, threatening thing that would probably result in me forsaking all morals, etc. After showing them the video, things just seemed to ‘click’ and I was actually able to have an open conversation with them about the things I was questioning without being constantly challenged or told that I needed to pray more, or fast, or read my scriptures. I know not everyone’s family may be as open or supportive, but I just wanted to share my success story. I think my faith transition will be a lot less painful for me now that I feel support from my family. I understand John Dehlin is no longer actively involved with this forum, but if he happens to stumble across this, I just wanted to say thank you! leavingthecave25 wrote:I was able to share the “Why People Leave the LDS Church” screencast with my parents tonight, and it worked wonders!
So glad to hear that.
:thumbup: I echo Doug’s comments. Keep us posted if this continues to be something helping the understanding of your situation. Thanks for letting us know. There has been some talk about updating that, producing something like a Version 2 of the presentation. That was one of John’s earlier productions. I think he’s gained a lot more experience in talking to faithful members about the overall topic in the past couple years. That is great to hear! I met a guy on a flight a few years ago who said he didn’t know much abt the Mormon church, but he was a therapist working with parents of two teens. The son was really struggling with some issues and also rebellion, and the therapist had worked with families like this so many times that he was surprised when rather thn digging in thir heels about religion, the parents supported their son and made it clear that whether he went to church or quit it altogether they would always love him and support him, even though they hoped he would stay. The therapist was so touched by this real example of family love trumping all, that although he didn’t know any other Mormons it always stood out to him as very rare and exceptional to see strongly religious parents treat their child like the adult he was becoming and also showing unconditional love to him that immediately broke down barriers. I remember wondering at the time how many Mormon parents would do that and how many would err by trying to manipulate with guilt or lecture their child. My own parents were fairly pragmatic when my two sisters left the church, but I’ve heard some horror stories on chat sites in the last few years.
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: It’s really good to hear that.
Success stories are nice. It seems like we experience and only hear way too many of the other kind. I’m not sure if I will ever be able to mend my relationship with my parents. My “apostasy” brought out the worse from my family.
I’ve often wondered how I would react if my children came out and told me they were gay. After all my time posting here, I would probably put my arms around them and tell them I love them just they way they are.
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