From Mormonism to Christianity - "Jel Cat's" Story

I joined the Mormon Church during a very difficult time in my life. I had a friend who was born and raised in the Church who approached me about going to one of the firesides. I did, and was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the members. It felt good to be a part of something "positive." I was baptized soon after I received the "burning in the bosom."

When I read the BOM, I started asking questions about the (many) inconsistencies, such as Nephi's steel bow, the lack of evidence of any Jews in America, and too many others to list here. My bishop told me I didn't have enough faith, that I needed to read with "sincere" purpose of heart. I did, and still didn't find the "truth" they were proclaiming. I wasn't satisfied with the evidence the Church produced, or the slick rhetoric of "shiny, happy people" the Mormon Church promotes. I found I didn't believe in, agree with, or have faith in the Mormon Jesus, their strange doctrine, or their fanciful tales of the "humble" Joseph Smith.

Now I'm a Christian. I believe Saints are good people, but very misled by false doctrine of a Church which claims Christ but is the farthest thing from a "true" church as can be. The BOM is a great tale, in the tradition of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, but, to quote Azra Evans (Keystone of the Mormon Religion), "it is not history." I don't believe in a Church which espouses sexist and racist views, and hides the truth about its financial status.

I find too much in the BOM to question. In my heart, I know and BELIEVE it to be a false book, not of divine origin. Mormons may refute me on this, they always try. I have friends in the Church who may no longer speak to me after my name is removed. This saddens me because I feel they are my people, and I love them. However, I cannot trust my eternal salvation to the false prophet of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith and his deception. Thanks for having this web site for ex-Mormons like me. It's a powerful "testimony" of the truth behind the secrets of the most powerful Church in America.

"Jel Cat"