Many People Have Left the LDS Church. Do any ever return?

Many individuals have left the LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Church, and some choose to return. However, it is worth noting that high-pressure sects and cults such as Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) and Scientology also see varying return rates. If these numbers are representative of anything, they point to a well-orchestrated effort to tilt the playing field in favor of return. Cults often ensure that financial and emotional ties are weakened for prospective defectors, making it an isolating experience for those who leave. This is done with the explicit goal ofournaments their members to reconsider their decision to leave.

Returning to the LDS Church: A Case Study

My experience encapsulates the challenges and dynamics involved in rejoining the LDS Church. The case revolves around Beliefnet, an internet forum designed for members from various belief systems. However, due to lax moderation and a generally toxic online atmosphere in the 2000s, the site often turned into a battlefield for theological disputes.

Declines in Community and Fellowship

Notably, one member of the forum posed as a Protestant minister, but his actions were deeply unbecoming. This, in turn, caused frustration among other forum members, many of whom were not members of the LDS Church. Despite this, one particular member of the forum had left the faith after reading anti-Mormon material by a controversial author. Upon her return, she discovered that the author had been lying about numerous topics.

The Toxic Influence and Open Letter Controversy

Her decision to re-evaluate her faith was met with an open letter from the forum's Protestant minister, who vehemently urged her not to return. The minister declared that her husband needed to do everything in his power to prevent her from rejoining, declaring that he would be a “failure” as a husband and Christian if he did not. This incident, coupled with the overall toxic atmosphere, culminated in her husband also deciding to join her in investigating the faith and distancing himself from the religion.

Implications for Cult Dynamics and Return Rates

The dynamics surrounding returns and defections in the LDS Church are intricate and multifaceted. It is clear that cults and high-pressure religious groups employ several strategies to emotionally and financially weaken their members' ties to the outside world. By doing so, these groups ensure that when members consider leaving, the process is fraught with challenges and isolation.

Conclusion

The case of the woman and the controversial minister's response illustrates the complex nature of returning to the LDS Church. It highlights the strategies and pressures involved in defarring members and the collaborative efforts of both former and new members to counteract these pressures. Whether someone returns to the LDS Church or not, the journey is often marked by significant personal and emotional challenges.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone considering leaving or rejoining such religious communities. Research, personal reflection, and open dialogue are essential tools in navigating these complex issues. Whether it is the LDS Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, or other religious organizations, these strategies have profound implications for individual faith journeys and community dynamics.