Challenge
People leave the Mormon Church (and become ‘ExMormons’ or former Mormons) for lots of reasons:
- Some get offended by the words or actions of other Mormon Church members
- Some succomb to temptations and find themselves entanged in sin
- Some have doctrinal or historical concerns / questions
- And many other reasons
For each individual who has left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is an equally unique story. Some join other Christian churches, some become agnostic, and many leave God and all religion completely behind. While I certainly don’t claim to understand each of these paths, I know there is one who does–the Savior Jesus Christ.
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. (Alma 7)
And thus my invitation, my “challenge” if you will. Come back. We love you, we need you, we miss you. There will be members of the Church there to welcome you back. And more importantly, the Savior is waiting with open arms.