Why I Left The Mormon Church

I grew up Mormon. This is the story of why I left.

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Johnny Harris is a filmmaker and journalist. He currently is based in Washington, DC, reporting on interesting trends and stories domestically and around the globe. Johnny's visual style blends motion graphics with cinematic videography to create content that explains complex issues in relatable ways. He holds a BA in international relations from Brigham Young University and an MA in international peace and conflict resolution from American University.

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[isaacdomini]

The man literally internally fought with everything he's known all his life for his kid. His child is very very lucky.

[cassif]

I've never heard someone leave a religion because they wanted to offer a good education for their child. This is impressive. I bet you guys are amazing parents

[themilkisback]

As a 14 year old, I am struggling with all of this. Exactly what he has said is how I feel and I'm so glad I found this because it has really helped me. Thank you Johnny.

[Junius]

I'm so glad your wife left the church with you. You two are SO BRAVE!

[mikesimms]

As someone who grew up in an agnostic/atheist household, stories like this fascinate me. It's just so foreign to everything I've experienced.

[LoganBeck]

This video really hits home! I recently left the Mormon Church myself, and it's been the biggest mental, emotional, social, and whatever you want, roller coaster in my life! The church tried to manipulate me as a Social Media Influencer, and when I didn't give in, they tried to excommunicate me, but it was the truth claims and negative social impacts that I couldn't look past. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. Messages like this are important to people in the church and people looking into it. From one RM now YouTuber to another, 加油！(It means keep it up in Chinese :D)

[camillespatz]

This man explains so well the feelings I have felt for most of my life. It took the loss of my son to realize that this is how I felt. I thank you for vocalizing the feelings I was going through.

[zaxthedestroyer]

I'm also formerly Mormon. I started to really question things when my grandparents passed away. They had never expressed interest in wanting to join the church but they were respectful of their kid's choices of living that lifestyle and religion. Shortly after the funerals, I remembered seeing their baptism for the dead. It was really strange to me that it happened so soon. Something about it just didn't sit right with me. Even at my grandma's funeral it seemed like there was this weird air of people not wanting to get up and say anything. From my perspective it was like I was seeing people just go through the motions because it was expected to happen.

[justinounjian]

I was kicked out of my house when I was 18 because I wouldn’t go on my mission. Lived out of car for months while I was going to college and playing football. Having parents that understand that their children might develop different beliefs is something I wish everyone going through issues with the church can experience. Unfortunately I didn’t.

[tycani]

My dad is an ex-Mormon, he left the church around when I was born, just as you did with your own son. We're very lucky to have a family that's so accepting of him, but I've always wondered what leaving the church was like for him. I know your experiences weren't the same, but I feel like this gives me such an insight into who he is. Sincerely thank you, Johnny.

[robertblake]

The best comment I ever heard on Mormonism was from a co-worker 40 years go:
"The Mormons I've known have been some of the nicest people you'd ever want to know but their church has had some strange doctrines."

[dwcubatch]

I was baptized in a mormon church together with my whole family at age twelve. I was champion of scripture chase, an outstanding seminary student. I served on a mission in 1986-1988. After my mission, I became a high priest. I served a calling in a stake. I fornicated and confessed it to my bishop and I got ex-communicated. I never looked back and I never regretted my decision. 30 years later @ 58 years of age, I can tell to myself I am as free as a bird. Not constricted by dogmas and doctrines. My spirit is free. I am very happy to realize that you do not need to belong to any church to lead a happy, enjoyable and spiritual life. God loves us all, mormons or non-mormons.

[evan]

Damn this one has blown me away. This clearly took a huge amount of courage to post so thank you

[bingerr]

The most insightful thing I've learned about LDS and Jehovah's Witnesses is that they don't send out missionaries into the world to convert people. They do it to show their young missionaries that the world is a harsh, unforgiving place that hates them, but if they come back to the church they will be loved and accepted forever. That's why I'm always nice to the door knockers, because you can show them that you can be successful, nice and accepting and also be an atheist. Consider this the next time a young, naive idealist comes knocking.

[bradjasperson]

I'm still a Mormon. I appreciated this video and totally understand where you're coming from. I have friends that went through or are going through the same thing and I considered it also. I would love any suggestions on how to show love and support to friends and family that leave. I respect and sympathize with their decision and am not going to try to convince them to come back, but I do want them to know I'm still there for them and love them and they don't have to worry about me being judgemental or annoying.

[alesandro_]

As a teenage kid being stuck in the Mormon church has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever gone though. I wish I had the courage to tell my family how I feel but like you said there’s so many social consequences.

[jedilibrarian]

When you posted this, my husband and I were hurting and realizing we were leaving. This video helped us so much. We didn't feel alone anymore. Thank you for this. A year later, our family is so much happier!

[richardreynolds]

The fact you and your wife stayed together and went through this together is extremely inspiring. Your kids will be great member of this world it is clear.

[tzujexc]

Hi Johnny, I walked on the beach today and listened to your story. It brought tears when you describe what you love about the world. Good for you.
Peace

[juliemitchell]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am 30 years old, grew up in the church, served a mission, married in the temple and truly loved the church. I stopped going to church the end of 2022 and have never looked back. I am so much happier and am truly starting to trust and find my true self. It has been one of the hardest scariest things I've ever done, but I am so grateful for sticking to what I feel is right instead of always doing what is expected of me. I relate so much to everything you shared and it helps me not feel so alone.