Deceived No More
I thought I knew and understood Mormon doctrine. After all, I’d been raised in a devout Mormon home and was a straight A Seminary student. Then I went on to BYU and maintained that high grade in all my religion classes. But when a friend introduced me to the Mormon Essays published by the church, my rock-solid testimony turned into a house of cards and came tumbling down.
The day had begun like any other day. I was anchored in my testimony as a member of the “one true church.” I had no questions…no doubts. I carried my temple recommend with me at all times and faithfully served in the Relief Society organization. Then, in a single afternoon, my world imploded.
I was stunned as I read the multiple accounts of the First Vision. My stomach rolled with nausea as I read about Joseph Smith’s polygamy. And what was this about a seer stone? I’d never heard such nonsense in all my years of faithful church attendance. Whenever such stories would surface, I was reassured they were nothing more than “anti-Mormon” lies, and Satan’s attempt to destroy the Church. Now those “lies” were posted on the official LDS website as historical truths. I’d been deceived!
God removed my rose-colored LDS lenses and, in a matter of hours, I was completely stripped of all loyalty to the religion I once considered my greatest blessing. I also lost my sense of self, and many friends and family. I felt lost and alone. The only trustworthy source of truth was God Himself. I took His hand and He led me out of the religious rubble and through the tangled webs of deception into an intimate relationship with Him. And I am forever grateful.
–Vicki Andersen
