Just do what I did. Go to a Bible believing, Bible teaching church. Talk to a Pastor there, reach out to them and they will embrace you.
I am currently attending a Grace Chapel in my area. The Pastor I meet with once a week outside of Sunday services is only interested in sharing and teaching the Good News that is Jesus Christ. I'm not saying I'm done with "religion" per se, but I am done with Mormonism.
I know it can be hard for a member of a family of devout mormons to leave the LdS church, but you have to act upon what you know in your heart and mind is right.
I am now active in Grace Chapel while my family continues to attend LdS services. Is it hard? You bet. But in the end, you'll be able to look yourself in the mirror and know you made the right decision.
I have mormons tell me that even if the LdS is wrong, there are good things about it that keep them in. I've never said that LdS aren't good folks or that there are bad things about the LdS. I'd be in a heap of trouble if I did. I'm married to a mormon and know quite a few mormons. Salt of the earth folks (mainly).
I've been called a liar, a hypocrite, a slanderer, maligned, etc., because many can't wrap their arms around the fact that I chose to leave the faith and then speak of my experiences and what I learned as a mormon.
There are plenty of folks married to LdS regardless of their religion/faith. Does that mean we can't challenge the tenets of mormonISM? No. I do with my family often. Does that mean we don't love one another? No.
Do we (on FR) come across as a bit harsh sometimes? Yeah, probably. Depends on your perspective I guess. But it shouldn't in anyway detract from the fundamental message. Read to be informed, not to be offended.
As ampu said, if there are any who are interested, there are those of us here who have made the tough decision to leave and are willing to share, talk, whatever.
FRegards,
SZ
Read to be informed, not offended. Excellent advice.
I've read a tremendous amount about Mormonism direct from Mormons -- and a good chunk of it "in context." [And even many of my "out of context" quotes comes from Mormon church sources -- meaning if they are "out of context" -- then blame the Mormon church for not citing more context in the quotes they are lifting]
My point in mentioning this is that when I read Mormonism, I can't help but be offended by much of what their leaders have said. But I'd say the "80/20 rule" applies here:
By reading to inform (what Szonian has wisely advocated here), I am informed 80% of the time & provoked perhaps 20%.
If Lds could keep to a similar ratio, and at least have their motivation be to read to be informed (which is what mine is...it's as I'm reading to be informed that I'm sometimes provoked beyond that), then we can better understand what others are saying.
As far as "coming across a bit harsh," well, that can't be helped with legalism. Jesus was more than a "bit harsh" sounding at least to the Pharisees.
Hence, we comfort the afflicted (the down & out & those who know they are "poor in spirit"; and afflict the legalistic comfortable.