Keywords

Mormonism, faith journey, cult, indoctrination, racial dynamics, family relationships, gender roles, spirituality, religious disaffiliation, personal growth

Summary

In this conversation, Carla Santa Maria shares her journey from being a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) to recognising the cult-like behaviours within the organisation. She discusses her experiences with indoctrination, racial dynamics, family relationships, and the impact of gender roles on her life. Carla reflects on the challenges of leaving the church, the responses from the community, and her evolving beliefs about spirituality and a higher power. Ultimately, she emphasises the importance of sharing these experiences to help others who may be navigating similar faith journeys.

Takeaways

• Mormonism has a strong indoctrination system that shapes beliefs.
• Racial dynamics within the church can create a sense of conflict.
• Family relationships are often strained by church commitments.
• Leaving the church can lead to harassment from active members.
• Recognising cult-like behaviours is crucial for personal growth.
• Gender roles in Mormonism contribute to a culture of harassment.
• The church prioritises its reputation over individual well-being.
• Evolving beliefs can lead to a deeper understanding of spirituality.
• There is a sense of loneliness in religious disaffiliation.
• There is hope and light at the end of the tunnel for those leaving.

Titles

• The Hidden Truths of the Mormon Faith
• Finding a Higher Power Beyond Mormonism

Sound Bites

• "I pledge to give everything that I am."
• "Mormonism is a cult."
• "I didn't realise it was a punishment from God."