Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Why Do People Leave the LDS Church?
In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon examine a topic that has been discussed inside Mormonism for nearly two centuries: why do people leave the Church?
From early sermons by Brigham Young to modern General Conference addresses, Latter-day Saint leaders have offered explanations for why members lose their faith. These explanations often frame departure as the result of deception, pride, sin, offense, or the influence of Satan.
Tonight we take a careful look at those teachings. We explore what Church leaders have said historically, how those ideas continue to appear in modern instruction, and how these narratives shape the way believers understand those who leave.
We’ll also look at the human side of the conversation: how these labels affect real people, real families, and the possibility of honest dialogue between those who stay and those who step away.
This episode is not about attacking belief.
It’s about understanding the stories we tell about each other — and asking whether those stories leave room for compassion, curiosity, and honest conversation.
RESOURCES:
faenrandir.github.io/a_careful_examination/how-those-who-leave-are-viewed
Glen Pace memo - scribd.com/document/105967728/Memo-Bishop-Glenn-L-Pace-to-LDS-Church-Members-Committee-Ritualistic-Child-Abuse-7-19-90
If you enjoy Mormonism Live and want to support the show, please consider donating:
donorbox.org/mormonism-live
If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at:
awakenandthrive.org
Why Do People Leave the LDS Church?
In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon examine a topic that has been discussed inside Mormonism for nearly two centuries: why do people leave the Church?
From early sermons by Brigham Young to modern General Conference addresses, Latter-day Saint leaders have offered explanations for why members lose their faith. These explanations often frame departure as the result of deception, pride, sin, offense, or the influence of Satan.
Tonight we take a careful look at those teachings. We explore what Church leaders have said historically, how those ideas continue to appear in modern instruction, and how these narratives shape the way believers understand those who leave.
We’ll also look at the human side of the conversation: how these labels affect real people, real families, and the possibility of honest dialogue between those who stay and those who step away.
This episode is not about attacking belief.
It’s about understanding the stories we tell about each other — and asking whether those stories leave room for compassion, curiosity, and honest conversation.
RESOURCES:
faenrandir.github.io/a_careful_examination/how-those-who-leave-are-viewed
Glen Pace memo - scribd.com/document/105967728/Memo-Bishop-Glenn-L-Pace-to-LDS-Church-Members-Committee-Ritualistic-Child-Abuse-7-19-90
If you enjoy Mormonism Live and want to support the show, please consider donating:
donorbox.org/mormonism-live
If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at:
awakenandthrive.org
