I was a lifelong active believing member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, two years ago, in the spring of 2010, when I was 46 years old I left the Church.
About six months ago, in the Priesthood session of the October 2011 General Conference President Thomas S. Monson asked:
Do we have the moral courage to stand firm for our beliefs, even if by so doing we must stand alone?
I decided that to stand firm for my beliefs I needed to resign my membership in the Church. I found a template for a resignation letter and began to customize it. The template suggested that I could add a paragraph explaining why I made the decision to resign. I began to try and write a paragraph summarizing my reasons. That paragraph eventually grew to nearly 100 pages. Of course that is far too long for a letter so I turned it into a book: Not by Bare Assertions but by Evidences and Reason.
On May 6, 2012 I met with my Bishop and my stake president and gave them a copy of my book and my (now short) resignation letter. I have also given copies of my book to my parents, my brothers and sisters, and a few of my friends.
In my book I explain why I decided to leave the church. I know it is difficult for some members of the Church to understand why anyone would leave. I also know there are many misconceptions about why people leave. I hope my book will help my family, my friends, and members of the Church understand me and others like me.
The beginning of my book does not contain any of the evidences against the Church. I'm asking anyone that is interested to read at least the first 12 pages. I understand the topics discussed in my book are sensitive to many people. I greatly appreciate and respect those who are willing to read my book in its entirety.
The book can be purchased from the following sites:
Eventually I will make an ebook version available. The sites listed above all have the same book. Also, I have purchased a handful of copies. If any of my friends of family would like a copy, let me know and I will give you a copy.
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