Comments on: Who told thee that thou wast naked?

Comment by: Anonymous

2007-01-23T16:12:00Z

Did you serve a mission?

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-01-23T16:33:00Z

Jumping ahead in the story a bit, aren’t we?

Yes, I served as a Mormon missionary.

Comment by: Anonymous

2007-01-23T20:31:00Z

Have you told your parent’s about your decision yet? Do you think they’ll be surprised?

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-01-24T09:28:00Z

I’m sure that you’ll understand that as it is a matter of some privacy and delicacy, I intend to discuss the details of what and when I tell my parents (and their reaction thereto) with my family only. I apologize that I can’t be more forthcoming on this subject.

Comment by: Amanda

2007-09-27T11:48:13Z

Wow, I’ve lived this story. Even the part about being 12. I just wish that my parents had reacted like yours. Thanks for writing about this. It’s helpful and very healing.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-09-27T11:57:33Z

Thanks, Amanda. It was healing to write it. Your comment helped me out today. It’s nice to hear that there are others who sympathize. Thank you again.

Comment by: Amanda

2007-09-27T12:42:00Z

I imagine that you’ve been to http://www.exmormon.org & realize that there are many others out there who have left the church. That said, you add peace and rationality to a decision that is extremely painful and often dramatic as a result. Your story is told without bitterness or anger. Like many ex-LDS folks, I struggle to maintain a loving relationship with my Mormon family and tend to simply avoid sensitive topics in order to keep the peace. Your ability to lovingly share your inner life and gently explain your positions is impressive. I’m glad I followed the link on Salon.com to your blog and will follow it with interest from now on.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-09-27T12:51:59Z

I think you’ve arrived too late. I’m only getting more bitter with time.

Honestly, I think I need to take a huge break from even thinking about Mormonism/religion. It’s just dragging me down.

Comment by: Amanda

2007-09-27T14:20:55Z

Poor guy! I can understand…an admirable battle but …I seriously fear that you may be giving people in general and specifically the ones who seem to be responding to your blog (or at least this part of it) a little too much credit – but it’s kind of you and speaks to a hopeful nature. That said, I haven’t read your later entries I’ve been trying to do the “open, loving – but differnet thing” with my huge Mormon family for years. It SO hasn’t worked for me and my hubby and I just sort of steer clear as much as possible now while still trying to be nice – but then I don’t have the “I-write-like-Stephen-Covey-and-his-ilk-but-just-happened-to-have-looked-at-stuff-honestly” that impresses me about your writing so far (I often see mormons – usually men in leadership roles – use that a similar style of peaceful writing and speaking – and it works – it works here too!!)

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-09-27T14:23:12Z

You’re too kind.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-09-27T14:26:27Z

I’m sorry to hear that being open and loving but different hasn’t worked for you. The maddening part is people often seem to believe they’re doing the right, loving thing when they’re being their most dogmatic. I include myself in that critique.