Do Mormons Think Abandoned Faith Members are Still Mormons?

The question of whether those who leave the faith are still considered part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church) can evoke a range of emotions and perspectives. As a member of this community, my personal stance reflects both sadness and understanding. The LDS community, like any other, is varied and diverse, which naturally means that this question can be approached from multiple angles.

Personal Perspective on Faith Abandonment

My perspective is colored by a deep connection to the spiritual experiences and practices of the church. If a friend decides to leave the church, I feel a personal sadness. This sadness extends to the idea that they may be missing out on the unique spiritual benefits and the sense of community that the church provides. The LDS Church places a significant emphasis on personal priesthood blessings and 'sacred ordinances' such as temple endowments, which are not as prevalent in other religious contexts. These experiences, which I hold dear, would no longer be available to my friend in the same way.

The Uniformitarian Agency Principle

It's important to recognize that the LDS faith places a strong emphasis on agency, or the freedom to choose. One of the 13 Articles of Faith states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." This principle is at the heart of the LDS approach to freedom of religion. While I deeply believe in this freedom, I also recognize that everyone has the right to make choices about their religious beliefs. This understanding informs how I interact with former members of the church. Even if a friend leaves the church, the nature of our relationship remains unchanged. Their decision does not diminish my care and love for them, and neither does it impact our ability to maintain a friendship.

Case Study: My Former Church Friend

A few years ago, one of my esteemed friends and his wife decided to leave the church. The reasons were related to ideological differences, particularly in light of their status as a university professor with rather liberal views. The LDS community, especially within the mainstream membership, tends to lean conservative in many areas, including political and social stances. One of the specific concerns, as my friend explained, was the church's stance on same-sex marriages, which did not align with their beliefs.

It's worth noting that despite this significant shift in their religious beliefs, my friendship with this individual was not damaged. We still kept in touch and had the occasional get-together to celebrate birthdays and other important life milestones. The core of our relationship remained intact, and I believe this is a testament to the principle that every person has the right to choose their own path in life, regardless of what that path might be.

Conclusion

The Mormon community, diverse and nuanced as it is, acknowledges and respects the autonomy of its members. While it’s a personal loss for me when a friend leaves the church, it is a loss that I accept with understanding. The principle of agency and the freedom to choose one's religious path are core values within the LDS Church. Therefore, while I may feel a sense of sadness, I also ensure that my love for my friend remains unaltered, even if our beliefs have diverged.

Ultimately, whether a former member is considered a member of the church depends largely on the perspective and beliefs of the individual. For me, the essence of our relationship remains strong, free from the constraints of religious affiliation. This acceptance of individual choices is a fundamental part of the LDS faith, and I believe it is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy, enduring friendships regardless of religious differences.