Hi folks, I’d like to do a series of episodes for the Mormon Transitions podcast on the topic of exploring spirituality post-Mormonism. I’d like to interview post-Mormons who have discovered new spiritual paths, whether religious or secular, since leaving the LDS church. For many, one of the most difficult aspects of a “faith crisis” is suddenly having your entire paradigm/world-view jerked out from under your feet. This can leave you feeling disoriented and confused, feeling as if you suddenly don’t have an “anchor” or “compass” in life, which can create anxiety. I’d like to interview people who, since losing their faith in Mormonism, have gone on to find spirituality elsewhere, whether it be inside or outside a religious tradition.
If you fit that description and would be willing to be interviewed or participate in a panel discussion, please let me know in the comments below. Also, if you know of someone you think would be a good guest for an interview or panel discussion, please recommend him/her to me in the comments below. It would be helpful if you would mention which spiritual tradition/path you or your recommendation represents. Thanks!!!
Note: I use the word “spirituality” in its broadest sense, which includes secular spirituality. As the great Carl Sagan wrote:
“Spirit” comes from the Latin word “to breathe.” What we breathe is air, which is certainly matter, however thin. Despite usage to the contrary, there is no necessary implication in the word “spiritual” that we are talking of anything other than matter (including the matter of which the brain is made), or anything outside the realm of science. On occasion, I will feel free to use the word. Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual. So are our emotions in the presence of great art or music or literature, or of acts of exemplary selfless courage such as those of Mohandas Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.
I would be willing to be part of a post-mormon panel discussion. I am a baby boomer. I no longer feel a need for religion per-se, but have through several personal experiences, continued to have a very strong theistic belief in a loving God and a loving Savior. I enjoy meditation, community service and dialogue with other faith groups as a sources for reflection and inspiration. I was floundering for awhile after my exit from Mormonism. I attended a few other religion’s services and eventually decided that all religious organizations were basically the same with regard to control of the parishioners and in the need for money.
It took me about 12 years totally, to gain a sense of ownership of my relationship to God, and the right to that ownership without permission of any institution. I have also gained a secure sense of my calling and personal duty in life to help, lift, listen to, and comfort others. I’ve learned that by getting outside yourself, and helping others, that it becomes a source of spirituality and new perspective.
I am fascinated by the possibilities of new scientific discoveries about the universe, physics, the big bang, etc. And what these might mean to traditional theistic thinking. I’m open to these possibilities, but they do not drive how I conduct my life daily. I feel that local service in a global community is where salvation lies. This is where I find spirituality.
I’m also enjoying a less structured life than I had in Mormonism. It has put the onus on me, to program life with good endeavors in learning and in actions.
I would love to be on your panel Andrew.
My apologies, for skipping the introduction of spiritual alternatives. 🙂
On my journey since leaving the LDS church I have experienced paganism and secular worship services and I would coin my current paradigm as Earthling centric. I am an important part of the interconnected web of life, as are all, and I don’t know if there is anything after it. I am quite satisfied with living in the Mystery and being present in the moment. These are the moments that I feel most connected, open to vulnerability and learning.
Doug and Kasi, thank you for volunteering. Between the post here and in other forums, I’ve already gotten more than two dozen volunteers representing a wide range of spiritual perspectives. I’m very excited about the series! I’ll be in touch.
Hi Andrew,
I’m Shawn from Sydney 🙂 I’d definitely be willing to be interviewed in your Mormon Transitions Podcast.
Quick summary of my Unique Selling Points: I’m an atheist / agnostic post Mormon who believes in “principles” as the bedrock of any society and belief system. Much of my thinking in this area is influenced by Steve Covey and Jim Collins.
In my transition out of Mormonism the centre of my life shifted from Christ to Principles. Principles may be highly abstract but they’re very reliable as a foundation. Really the question “what would Jesus do?” in so many ways illustrates that a transition from theism to principle-based belief is, I’d argue, the most mature version of faith.
If you’d like to read more about the type of thing I’d love to discuss, I’ve written about these topics at length here:
http://shawnsodyssey.net/truth-doctrines-and-principles/ — how principles are a different category of truth than doctrines
http://shawnsodyssey.net/the-bedrock-of-principles-in-the-church/ — how the LDS church is a good place to find good principles. , but http://shawnsodyssey.net/the-church-has-no-monopoly-on-true-principles/ how it has no monopoly on them.
http://shawnsodyssey.net/a-gospel-principle-centred-life/ — how I’m OK basing my life on Gospel principles (but still don’t believe in God)
http://shawnsodyssey.net/are-we-high-on-the-why/ — how demanding an absolute reason for obedience to principles indicates potential lack of character.
Hi Shawn, I like your approach. I’ll be in touch.
Hi Andrew,
My wife and I and 4 children (12, 10, 7, 5) have been out of the church for just over a year now. The scariest part of leaving was moving away from the security of the exacting path that the church provides for children. After some dedicated church shopping we joined a small Moravian church that has, over the years, built a community of Christians all across the spectrum of beliefs. Although I don’t subscribe to one defined set of beliefs (the freedom to seek truth everywhere without fear of retribution has been extremely liberating), I generally ground my practice in mysticism (Christian or otherwise). Authors that have helped shape my re-programmed view of Christianity and spirituality are Richard Rohr, Brene Brown, Brian McLaren, Bob Goff, Eckhart Tolle, Father Greg Boyle, Rob Bell, Diana Butler Bass, Marcus Borg, Donald Miller, Rachel Held Evans, Glennon Doyle Melton and John Philip Newell. Credit as well to Dan Wotherspoon, John Dehlin and their podcast guests. My spiritual practice/re-programming includes poetry, scripture meditation, journaling and blogging. I’d welcome to opportunity to share the experiences we’ve had as a family to help others in the same situation.
Sure, I am go if you want me to contribute in some small way