Comments on: Executive Summary

Comment by: Ryan Hales

2007-03-21T13:43:33Z

Hello Jonathan, I received a phone call today from a good friend of mine informing me of your website. He asked me if I remembered you from the mission and I told him I did. He shared what he had discovered and some of his thoughts on what he had read from your site. I located your website and have been reading for an hour or so. I quickly recognized that I am not as well read as you are; therefore I don’t completely understand some of your references to other books, authors, or musicians. But I do have common sense and I did understand most of everything else you’ve written. Now that I have that out of the way I don’t know where to start, maybe with what weighs heaviest in my heart.
It is very apparent to me that you are concerned for your loved ones and how they will be taking your news. I can’t help but feel sorry and concerned for your wife of whom I have never met and your children who I’ll probably never meet. I can appreciate the letter you wrote your parents and I hope they don’t take any blame for your being born again. You wrote that they had raised you properly; I also hope they do and always will feel that way. I’ve not wanted to take too much time elaborating on what I think is right or wrong, true or false. I wanted to write in response to your asking if anyone wanted to know the real reason you left the church to ask. I’d like to know.
I’m saddened with your decision to leave Mormonism, I’ve had struggles in my own life that have caused me to wonder, study and ponder. But I’ve always come to realize first that there is a loving Heavenly Father that cares for me and from there on things were simple to understand. I feel like my faith in a supreme being has blessed my life and I have come to know in my heart that I’m loved by Him. I know you’re not interested in what I might feel or think and I don’t mean to preach or leave testimony with you and tell you I think you’re wrong for leaving. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

Ryan Hales

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-03-21T16:01:52Z

Long time no see! Thank you for stopping by and expressing your thoughts and concerns. It’s great to hear from you. No need to apologize for taking up time or for saying what you think. Feel free to comment as you wish. I won’t be offended or censor sincere thoughts and feelings, even including testimonies. I am interested to hear what others think. It helps me knock the rough edges off and keeps me thinking.

Regarding why I left the church, do you want a more detailed answer? If so, I’ll explain in another post where I can be more explicit (I’m trying to stay neutral here).

Don’t be a stranger.

Comment by: Chris Smith

2009-06-03T15:24:01Z

Blake! What’s up man. Before I met you, someone in the mission once told me you were the most apostate missionary in the NYRM. Once I met you though, I thought he must have been mistaken, or talking about a different Elder Blake…But hey, after reading your blog a bit, I’m trying to remember Who told me that. Maybe he could give me some lotto numbers.

Good to see that you’re doing well. I haven’t made a habit of frequenting mission reunions, so it’s good to see signs of life from people I knew out there.

Take care man

Chris (Elder) Smith

Comment by: Jonathan

2009-06-03T19:13:51Z

Hey (Elder) Smith!

Before I met you, someone in the mission once told me you were the most apostate missionary in the NYRM.

Hah! I had no idea I had that reputation back in those days. I tried hard to be a good missionary, but have to admit that I had a hard time with some of these rules. It’s funny it how it’s worked out I suppose.

Yeah, I have only been to one reunion years ago. I won’t be going to the Jensen reunion this year because I’m in the middle of a big project at work and money’s a little tight these days. I seriously thought about it though. Would that be weird?

Great to hear from you.