When I spoke last fall at the Ex-Mormon Foundation's annual conference, I compared the shock of discovery that Mormonism was composed of lies to pornography. (Though that was not the theme of my speech, you can see the entire video: Out of the Mormon Mirage here.)
Another ex-Mormon on the Recovery from Mormonism discussion board anonymously posted the following, which describes such a reaction much better than I did. He said that finding out the truth about Mormonism was like:
One day you have a flat tire and the only phone is in an adult bookstore. You sheepishly walk in to ask, and in front of your very eyes is an adverstisement for the hottest new video, and it is featuring your wife. Not only that but she is a famous porn star
Again you reel in disbelief, but now you cannot look away, and you begin to search. Everywhere you look there are more and more- everything from lingerie to hardcore illegal porn.
Yes, the true love of your life- the thing that kept you going and gave your life meaning was not only false and untrue, but repulsive and frightening. You cannot stay home any more. You cannot keep it a secret. You tell people about it, you have proof.
Nobody will look at such vile “proof” and instead castigate you for your unfaithfulness. You must be cheating on her-yes! You are having an affair and trying to blame her for your folly!
Now alone and without friend or family, sick of watching porn videos of your wife, you finally accept the truth and start over. It was so impossible at first, and the struggle within was so poignant and the pain nearly unbearable, but truth prevailed, you prevailed, and now you are wiser, you are stronger, and yes, you are going to make it.
Quite graphic, but in my case, it felt the same. If you'd like to read more about my exit out of Mormonism, see The Mormon Mirage 3rd Edition: A Former Member Looks at the Mormon Church Today(Zondervan, 2009). Also available as an audiobook and as an expanded-text E-book for Nook, Kindle and other reading devices.
