Why We Left Mormonism: Eight People Tell Their Stories

by Latayne C. Scott

2nd Printing, 1990, Baker Book House, Trade Paperback

166 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1992

About the author

Author of about two dozen books, most published by major publishers such as Zondervan/Harper Collins, Howard/Simon & Schuster, Moody, Word Kregel and others. Over 150,000 copies sold. Now writing, in a patron-based ministry, books published by TSU Press (Albuquerque, NM): Passion, Power, Proxy, Release; Just You, Me and God; The Heart's Door; The Parables of Jesus; Time, Talents, Things.

New books: What Will Be Made Plain: An Amish Ghost Story (TSU Press, 2019), and (with co-author Beth Robinson) Protecting Your Child From Predators: How to Recognize and Respond to Sexual Danger (Bethany, 2019.)

Award-winning fiction: A Conspiracy of Breath; historical literary fiction based on the premise that a woman wrote the biblical Epistle to the Hebrews (TSU Press, 2017.)

If you'd like to read additional reviews of my books, you can access them on my Goodreads reader page here: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN INTERESTING COLLECTION OF EIGHT "EX-MORMON" TESTIMONIES

Latayne Colvett Scott attended BYU and was on staff with the Mormon publications 'Monday Magazine' and 'Vantage Point.' She has written a number of other books, such as he Mormon Mirage: A Former Mormon Tells Why She Left the Church,' 'Crisis Crucible of Praise,' etc.

In addition to her own testimony, this 1990 book contains seven others (including Sandra Tanner, and Thelma "Granny" Geer). She wrote in the Introduction, "The question takes this form: 'How can I convince my loved one ... that Mormonism is wrong?' I could be a millionaire if the answer to that question could be sold... (But) the power of the kingdom of God is never for sale: and its commerce is from heart to heart."

The book records, "Randy prayed to receive the 'burning in the bosom' promised by the Book of Mormon he had been reading at the missionaries' urging, but when that sensation didn't materialize, he decided that the absence of any negative feeling was for him a witness of the Spirit; and he, too, was baptized that day." (Pg. 18)

Another says, "What made Dave Wilkins go from a fourth-generation Mormon to an active member of a Christian body? A series of incidents led up to this transition. The first was the feeling, already mentioned, of discomfort with the methods used by Mormon missionaries in converting people." (Pg. 29)

Another says, "Then haltingly, he began to tell her the bittersweet 'inside joke' that Mormons ask someone who has just gone through the temple for the first time: 'Do you still have your testimony?'" (Pg. 41)

The book recounts, "In ways that were at the time imperceptible to her, Sheila began to change. The first Mormon doctrine she rejected as a result of her study of the Bible was the doctrine of eternal progression. 'The more I learned about Jesus, I realized that I could never become a goddess.'" (Pg. 53-54)

Another admits, "I feel a debt to Mormonism. Mormons may regard a book showing the errors of Mormonism a strange way to repay a debt of gratitude. I only wish that when I was a Mormon someone had told me the things of which I write." (Pg. 89)

Another person advises, "I've seen Christians put Mormons down... implying that only an idiot would believe what they believe. Christians have to keep uppermost in their minds that Mormons are deeply deceived but not stupid. There are too many Mormon doctors and lawyers and national and state officials for anyone to think that they are stupid." (Pg. 110)

[Walt Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note: This was originally written on 8/23/3013 The title of this book is deceptive. It is a book about why people who once belonged to the Mormon faith chose to join the traditional Christian church instead. Their reasons for leaving Mormonism is given almost no attention except to say they did so to become Christian, rejecting the Mormon claim that Mormons are Christian. In fact, the author points out early on she specifically excluded from inclusion the stories of anyone who left Mormonism for any reason other than to join the traditional Christian faith. So, if you are looking for some insight into why people leave the Mormon faith, you will be greatly disappointed with this book as was I. It is nothing more than another book proselytizing the merits of traditional bible thumping practitioners of Christianity.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great and important little book.

This is very different than most anti-Mormon writings. This is about the people who walked away from the false teachings of Joseph Smith and into the arms of the Biblical Jesus. This book will help people understand the challenge Mormons have in saying goodbye to their old world and approaching truth.

People leave Mormonism for different reasons and by different methods. Which makes evangelizing them a little more difficult. The same information and love does not work on all Mormon believers. This book will open your eyes and hearts to a few possibilities when reaching out.