Recovering Mormon

Hello, my name is Bryce and I'm a recovering Mormon.

Here is a short summary of my beliefs and what this blog will expound upon.

I am not an anti-Mormon.

I am anti-falsehood.

I believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet, knew God personally, and received true revelations.

I believe the Book of Mormon truly is a scriptural record kept by Nephites, the people of an ancient Israelite civilization in North America (not South or Central, as most Mormons believe -- Joseph Smith declared it was in the Eastern States and Midwest that the Nephites built their settlements). It was translated by Joseph Smith.

I believe, as Joseph Smith did, that his Lectures on Faith are scripture.

The Bible is scripture, and is not to be held in secondary status, as the LDS church does. It's words are as valid now as they were for the ancient Israelites.

I believe that the prophecies of Isaiah are true -- namely, that the USA and the church will be destroyed violently and only the very elect and faithful servants of Christ have any chance of survival.

I believe that the purpose of the gospel is not to save an institution (a church), but to save individuals by bringing them back into God's presence. This is taught in scripture.

I do not believe the LDS church is the "true church", as the mantra goes. I do not believe it is the kingdom of God.

I do not believe LDS leaders are inspired. I do not believe they are all together honest. I do not believe they are doing God's work. I do not believe they understand the scriptures or Christ's doctrines. I do not believe all of them are good men. I believe some of them, despite being misguided, are well-intended men. I do not believe that being well-intended is sufficient for salvation.

I do not believe in the changes the LDS church has made to doctrine -- such as that the apostles and First Presidency have more priesthood than other quorums, that the Word of Wisdom is a commandment and determines individual worthiness, or that man need not receive revelation or a personal audience with God in order to be saved.

I believe the LDS church takes advantage of and is even responsible for the suffering of many, many destitute people. This is the primary reason for their condemnation as described in ancient and modern scripture.

I believe that following men, even inspired men, is the path to damnation unless it leads us to make Christ our personal friend and guide in this life. As explained in D&C 76:98-101: "And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world; for these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas. These are they who say they are some of one and some of another --- some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch; but received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus..." Clearly, following a man, even a prophet, or merely claiming you are Christian, is not the gospel plan, or the true testimony of Jesus. The LDS people somehow ignore this scripture and believe that following their "prophets" is the path to salvation. My heart breaks for them. I hope to aid anyone I can in overcoming this false doctrine. That is the primary purpose of this blog.