Just to clarify

I've received some criticism lately, and I've decided I need to clarify something on this blog: I am not anti-Mormon. I do not want to destroy the Mormon church. I was raised in the church. I believed in it wholeheartedly for the first twenty-eight years of my life. I do not want to see it destroyed. It doesn't make me happy when I hear people spread lies about the church, in fact I almost always correct them. It doesn't make me happy to see people leave the church. I believe people must do what is best for them and pursue the path that leaves them happy and fulfilled. If being Mormon makes someone happy, they should be Mormon.

On the other hand, I see no reason why I shouldn't be allowed to criticize the Mormon church and the words and actions of those who represent it. My criticisms may have been passionate, but I have always been truthful. I have always tried to be as exact as possible when telling about my own experience in the church, and I see no reason to paint over the bad stuff (of which there was plenty). This is my personal blog and I am not accountable to anyone but myself for what I say here. When I criticize public actions or comments made by church representatives, I always reference my claims.

If you are reading this blog, it is by your own choice. If you choose to engage me in debate, it is by your own choice. If you have a problem with me criticizing faults I find in Mormon doctrine or actions, you may not want to read the posts on this blog that pertain to Mormonism. I know that within the church it is a big deal to dissent, even at time an offense worthy of excommunication, but I don't consider myself Mormon anymore, and I think dissent is necessary to any healthy community. So if my dissent offends you, I suggest you do not read.

I've also heard there is concern that I will lead the children astray, teach them anti-Mormon doctrine, undercut what their parents are teaching them. I would never do this. My nieces and nephews are some of the most valuable people in my life. I would never think of undermining my siblings' parental authority and teaching their children that the Mormon church isn't true or telling them that what they are learning at church is false. I've never acted with any impropriety around my nieces and nephews, and it makes me very sad that some people think I ever would. I've left it up to my sisters and brothers to discuss with my nieces and nephews my leaving the church because I don't want to say something that my siblings would disapprove of. When my nieces and nephews ask me why I'm not Mormon, I simply tell them that I have different beliefs. I am not harmful to children. I would never try to lead a child from their religion, and I would never try to undermine a child's parents.

I hope this clears things up for those of you who have made inquiries.