This is my first attempt at addressing anything here. Please be patient and understanding if it seems if this is the wrong place for me to be posting this.

I am very near the final phase of my resignation. As you read this I am sure some of you may understand the head game that I am dealing with. I am very content with my decision to quit and never return. For awhile now, I have been reading anything I can get my hands on and have spent countless hours studying and listening to all of the Ex-Mormon foundations conferences etc. About two weeks ago my mind was getting too overwhelmed and I took a break to ponder other things. I have quite the DVD collection (OCD I guess : ). Found a series on a show called A Haunting. I have always been leery to go anywhere near the evil side in life. If anyone has seen such shows, you know what I mean by feeling a level of fear after watching them. The premise of this particular show is based primarily on demonic stories that have been told over many years now and are reenactments telling these stories. Nearly every show deals with exorcisms’ and such.

What I am basically saying here is that it has been putting a level of fear into me wondering that if I ever need to drive out an evil spirit, what will I do? For me and my fifty years of life, I have always felt safe with the knowledge of the Priesthood power that I had to take care of these types of things throughout my life. I guess it is yet another phase of 'What If'. I mean, we were all brain washed for so long and it all seemed to fit so nicely into cute little box, and now the box exploded and I feel a level of peace that really makes me want to get out of bed and look forward to another day.

Please feel free to help me put my mind at ease if you don't mind.
Thanks for your help,
Harold

Views: 6

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

You've opened your mind to the fact that the church may not be true, why not open your mind to the idea that there may not be any evil spirits in the first place. As far as I'm concerned, there's absolutely no evidence that they exist. Have you ever needed to drive out an evil spirit before? I haven't. As far as I'm concerned, most evil spirits are just my own bad mood, and I'm in control of that.
Anyways, best of luck, I also get a little spooked when I watch scary stuff ;) but I can shake it off because I know it's probably not real.
Yah, Harold! Smile! There is no hell! :-)
Hi CamBam, you seem to be a very fun and outgoing young lady.  Thanks for your input for an old man.  Any body know where I can get me a God helmet?
I'm going to attempt to approach this from a couple different viewpoints, knowing where you're coming from. :3

I'm aware of the show and it's premise. I think the first, practical thing to do is realize it's television. It's difficult to know how much is 'real' and how much is psyched up for the sake of entertainment. On top of that, you can't be aware of the beliefs or mentality of the individuals who experienced the events to begin with.

On a second, more spiritual or psychological side of things... Keep in mind that worrying over, obsessing over and otherwise continually opening yourself up to these things, you invite them to be around you. Whether it's real, or just the psychological expectation of them, you're more likely to experience them if you believe they're there, or expect them to be there. Ours minds and imaginations are powerful things.

My advice would be to mostly stop worrying about it. ;3 If the show wigs you out, it might be time to stop watching it. XD It's what I have to do, and I think of myself as fairly rational. A thing I noticed amongst the episodes is that when they call people in, it doesn't seem to matter what denomination the presiding power is, the effectiveness seems to be about the same. New age, catholic, methodist.. they all seem to be as equally effective/ineffective as any other. If you ever end up in a situation where you think you need a spiritual authority, then I'm certain one can be aquired.
Thanks Akamar for the insight.  You would think that after a life time of lies and deceit, that I would have seen it here.  It's like the brain washing in primary.  The programing can still lead me to be influenced by things that I am told are true.  These video's start by telling the watcher that these events are real.  Are UFO's real? HaHa

I found some clips on YouTube that may be helpful in easing your mind--

 

Here is an interesting science experiment called The God Helmet

or: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN3ggRgY7Ac

 

And if you can stomach profanity, Penn & Teller's comedic "Bullshit" episode Exorcism. Watch all three parts.

Or Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v2p5mCGH3Q

Oh Penn & Teller, they're buttheads, but I love them.
Oh, that was fantastic, J-Mac. And I love the God Helmet experiment.
Oh good! So glad you did!
Harold, Are you still a believer in God?  If so, why do you need the priesthood for anything?  Wouldn't prayer be just as workable?
You are absolutly right.  I am still trying to abort old habits.  Thanks for the most simple approch and viewpoint.
@Harold (as with many things on this site, the reply to button just takes me to add reply.)
Well, now, I would suspect it probably says based on true events.. which is far from saying it's what really happened. :3 After all, the show is taking the word of those who are telling the story. And we all know what people are willing to do or say to get on TV. As for ghosts themselves.. Well, I can't prove them one way or the other, but I prefer not to worry about it. Of course, you won't catch me watching Paranormal Activity, either.

As for UFO's... if there's anyone out there in our vicinity, why would they bother with this planet? Given the hellish noise that must be our TV and radio signals, and what we put on them...
I imagine that anything that bothers to get close probably scurries off in disgust...

RSS

Our Stories

Follow us on
Facebook & Twitter

Videos |Stories |Chat |Books |Store |Forum
Your Donations are appreciated
and help to promote and fund LAM.
Make a Donation

Privacy Tip: Setting your profile/My-Page visibility to "Members Only" will make your status updates visible to members only.

Community Links

Exit Strategy: A Guide to Leaving Mormonism with Your Dignity and Integrity Intact
Map

We are an online social community of former mormons, ex-mormons, ex-LDS and sympathizers. Stay C.A.L.M. - Community After Leaving Mormonism

© 2013   Created by MikeUtah.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service