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Cutting Cords with Religion

Today, I am cutting the cord with religion—and I'm doing it intentionally, purposefully, and joyfully. Words fail to express the profound freedom I now experience daily through Jesus Christ. By Grace alone, through the mercies of God, I am being transformed from the inside out, shaped into the image of Jesus by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" 2 Corinthians 5:17

This new creation is not by my own doing but entirely a sovereign work of God. I was once His enemy. However, because of His Great Love, I am now a citizen of Heaven, an Ambassador of Christ here on earth, empowered to proclaim the Good News of His coming Kingdom.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" Philippians 3:20

Therefore, I am cutting the cord with unbelief. I am taking no chances. I am asking Jesus, my only Rabbi, Teacher, and Leader, to help me deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow Him, to die to self.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'" Matthew 16:24-26

Therefore, I no longer concern myself with what man says, or what religion dictates, or what culture declares. My sole concern is what Jesus says, for my life is hidden IN CHRIST.

"For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God," Colossians 3:3

Due to this truth, I no longer tolerate lies and deception, regardless of personal cost. It is out of profound love that I speak the truth boldly to those ensnared in Mormonism, a religion I deeply understand and have, unfortunately, tolerated for too long out of fear and comfort. Today, I publicly repent of my silence and inaction.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Awake, Arise, and Break Free!

Imagine waking up chained, bound by invisible cords so subtle and intricate that you barely recognize them. For countless individuals ensnared in the deceptive web of religion, especially Mormonism, these cords are real, suffocating, and eternal in consequence. Today is the day to wake up and see clearly.

"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5-7

Today is the day to arise, break these chains, and cut the cords once and for all. No more gentle whispers; the time for subtlety is past. The urgency demands a bold proclamation: Religion cannot save you—only Jesus Christ can. The freedom, joy, and eternal life you desperately seek is found not in man-made systems, but exclusively IN CHRIST. Are you ready to cut the cords?

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

The Urgent Reality

Every day, countless Mormon people face spiritual peril. They are trapped in a burning vehicle, spiritually unconscious in a building engulfed in flames. There's no gentle way to rescue someone in immediate danger. The urgency of their eternal destination compels me to speak clearly, forcefully, and truthfully.

"Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity." 2 Timothy 1:9

Former Mormons are courageously speaking out, revealing dark truths hidden behind polished exteriors. Sexual abuse cover-ups, financial deception, and deep doctrinal errors are surfacing, as whistleblowers emerge to expose systemic corruption within LDS leadership.

"For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17

The internet, a powerful tool of transparency, is causing the LDS Church to implode. Younger generations no longer tolerate hypocrisy, leaving the church in droves. This internal collapse demands our attention, prayers, and willingness to lovingly share the truth of the Gospel.

Realities in Utah

Utah's troubling statistics reveal deep spiritual and social crises:

  • Utah consistently ranks among the highest states for pornography consumption.
  • Suicide, especially youth suicide, is devastatingly high.
  • Substance abuse and prescription drug addiction rates continue to soar.
  • These harsh realities demand action. The time for superficial band-aids is over. The situation demands spiritual surgeons equipped with the truth of the Gospel.

The situation demands spiritual surgeons equipped with the truth of the Gospel.

"And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them" Ephesians 5:11

Comparing Joseph Smith and Adolf Hitler

As challenging as it may be to accept, comparing Joseph Smith to Adolf Hitler is not mere hyperbole. This comparison is intended as a profound wake-up call. Both men dramatically reshaped human history, but their eternal impact is even more alarming.

Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, consciously and deliberately created doctrines that deny the deity of Jesus Christ. He positioned himself as the necessary mediator for salvation, directly opposing the truth of the Bible, where Jesus proclaims:

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6

Smith’s false teachings have led countless faithful followers to eternal separation from God, a fate far more tragic than physical death. Adolf Hitler’s atrocities caused millions to perish physically and spiritually, yet Joseph Smith’s spiritual deception continues daily, impacting millions worldwide, sending souls into eternal darkness.

"It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us." 2 Timothy 2:11-12

Eternal Consequences

Every Mormon who dies clinging to Joseph Smith's false gospel steps into eternity separated from God. Scripture warns clearly:

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" Acts 4:12

The spiritual damage Joseph Smith inflicted, and that Mormonism perpetuates, surpasses even Hitler's horrific physical atrocities. The scale of eternal suffering Smith’s false teachings generate continues to expand relentlessly.

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.'" Revelation 5:9-10

Love Demands Truth

I share these truths not from hatred, but from profound love. I deeply love the Mormon people and grieve their spiritual captivity. My prayerful plea is for their liberation, their awakening to the authentic Jesus of Scripture.

"Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years." Revelation 20:6

If sharing this truth makes me hated or persecuted, so be it. My life is no longer mine; it belongs entirely to Christ. I gladly risk rejection, ridicule, and harm if it means even one Mormon might glimpse the true Gospel and find eternal life.

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" Matthew 16:25

Our Moment of Truth

This is not merely an article; it is your invitation to freedom, your call to action, your moment of eternal reckoning. Will you remain chained to the deceptive cords of religion, or will you rise courageously and sever those cords now?

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4

Eternity hangs in the balance. Souls are at stake. Your soul, and the souls of those you love, await your decisive action. Embrace the authentic Jesus, stand boldly for His truth, and reject any gospel other than the one clearly revealed in the Scriptures.

"You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" John 8:32

Now is your moment. Cut the cords, seize the truth, and step boldly into the life-changing, world-shaking freedom that is found ONLY IN JESUS CHRIST!

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-6

Number of Mormons Who Have Passed On

Based on my analysis of historical membership data, growth patterns, and demographic factors, I estimate that approximately 24 million people have become official members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since its founding in 1830. That means, 24 million people who may have died in their sins and will face eternal judgment WITHOUT CHRIST. That is a lot of people in hell. Therefore, in the light of this truth, my comparison to Hitler was not all that outrageous, was it? Joseph Smith was, and is, a very dangerous and evil man.

Recent Investigations and Legal Challenges Facing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Understanding the Scope

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with over 16 million members worldwide and significant institutional presence in Utah and the American West, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years through whistleblower allegations, sexual abuse claims, and legal challenges. This report examines credible news coverage of these developments, drawing from established journalistic sources, court documents, and official church responses to provide a comprehensive narrative of ongoing accountability issues.

The Whistleblower Revelations

Financial Transparency Under Fire

The Ensign Peak Advisors Controversy

One of the most significant whistleblower cases to emerge in recent years centers on David Nielsen, a former portfolio manager at Ensign Peak Advisors, the Church's investment arm. Nielsen's allegations, first reported by The Washington Post in December 2019, sent shockwaves through both religious and financial communities.

Nielsen's central claim involved the Church's $100 billion investment fund, which he alleged was being maintained in violation of IRS regulations governing tax-exempt religious organizations. According to Nielsen's whistleblower complaint to the IRS, the Church was required to use charitable donations for religious, educational, or philanthropic purposes. Instead, it was accumulating vast wealth while simultaneously asking members for additional donations for humanitarian causes that the Church could easily fund from its reserves.

The Salt Lake Tribune, which has provided extensive coverage of this story, reported that Nielsen claimed the Church used the fund for commercial purposes, including bailing out a struggling insurance company and financing the construction of City Creek Center, a luxury shopping mall in downtown Salt Lake City. These uses, Nielsen argued, violated the tax-exempt status that allows the Church to avoid paying taxes on donations and investment gains.

Institutional Response and Ongoing Investigations

The Church initially remained largely silent about Nielsen's allegations, but as media coverage intensified, church officials began responding through carefully crafted statements. In 2020, church leaders acknowledged the existence of the investment fund but defended its management as responsible stewardship of member donations for future needs.

The Wall Street Journal reported in 2022 that the Securities and Exchange Commission had been investigating the Church's failure to disclose its investment holdings properly. The investigation concluded in February 2023 with the Church agreeing to pay $5 million in fines for failing to properly disclose its investment portfolio through shell companies designed to obscure the actual size of its holdings.

According to reporting by Reuters and other major outlets, the settlement revealed that the Church had used more than a dozen shell companies to hide the size of its investment portfolio from public view, apparently to avoid negative attention about its wealth accumulation while simultaneously soliciting donations from members.

Sexual Abuse Allegations

A Pattern of Institutional Failure

The Arizona Cases: Institutional Knowledge and Mandatory Reporting

Perhaps the most damaging recent coverage has focused on sexual abuse cases in Arizona, where investigative reporting by The Arizona Republic revealed disturbing patterns of institutional response to abuse allegations. The newspaper's investigation, published in 2022 and updated throughout 2023, documented how the Church's confidential help line for bishops dealing with abuse reports may have been used to avoid mandatory reporting requirements.

The Arizona Republic's investigation centered on the case of Paul Adams, a member who sexually abused his daughters for years while bishops allegedly knew of the abuse but failed to report it to authorities. According to court documents and depositions reported by the newspaper, Adams had confessed his abuse to local church leaders, who contacted the Church's help line for guidance.

The help line, staffed by social workers and attorneys, allegedly advised bishops that they were not required to report the abuse to authorities due to Arizona's clergy-penitent privilege laws. Critics argued that this advice prioritized institutional protection over child safety, particularly since the Church employed the social workers and attorneys providing the guidance.

The Lawsuit Against Kirton McConkie

Associated Press reporting in 2023 revealed that the law firm Kirton McConkie, which has long served as the Church's primary legal counsel, faced its own lawsuit related to the Arizona abuse cases. The lawsuit alleged that the firm's attorneys provided legal advice designed to help the Church avoid mandatory reporting requirements while children remained at risk.

Court documents obtained by AP showed that Kirton McConkie attorneys had developed detailed protocols for handling abuse reports that seemed designed to maximize legal protections for the Church while minimizing obligations to report suspected abuse to authorities. The protocols reportedly included specific language for bishops to use when documenting confessions to ensure attorney-client privilege protections.

National Scope of Abuse Allegations

The Associated Press conducted a broader investigation published in 2023 that identified similar patterns in multiple states. The investigation found that the Church's help line system had been used in hundreds of cases across the country, with consistent patterns of advice that prioritized legal protection over child safety.

The AP investigation relied on court documents, depositions, and interviews with former church officials and abuse survivors. It revealed that the Church had paid millions of dollars in settlements to abuse survivors while simultaneously maintaining policies that made reporting abuse to authorities optional rather than mandatory for local leaders.

Institutional Cover-up Allegations

Beyond Individual Cases

The MormonLeaks Revelations

Prior to recent legal challenges, the organization MormonLeaks, founded by Ryan McKnight, had published numerous internal church documents that suggested institutional awareness of various problems, including financial irregularities and abuse cases. While the authenticity of some leaked documents was disputed, several major news outlets, including The Salt Lake Tribune and The Washington Post, confirmed the authenticity of key documents through independent verification.

These leaks included internal church presentations about managing public relations crises, legal strategies for handling abuse allegations, and financial documents showing the scope of the Church's business enterprises. The documents suggested a sophisticated approach to crisis management that prioritized institutional reputation over transparency.

The Protect LDS Children Movement

Sam Young, a former Mormon bishop, founded the Protect LDS Children movement after becoming concerned about the Church's practice of conducting private, closed-door interviews between adult male leaders and children and teenagers. Young's advocacy, extensively covered by local and national media, highlighted institutional policies that he argued created environments conducive to abuse.

Young's public campaigns, including hunger strikes and protests at church headquarters, drew significant media attention to the issue of child protection policies within the Church. The Salt Lake Tribune reported extensively on Young's efforts and the Church's responses, which included ultimately excommunicating Young for his activism.

The movement gained additional credibility when former church members and current members came forward with stories of inappropriate questioning during youth interviews, creating a broader narrative about institutional policies that prioritized adult authority over child safety.

Current Legal Landscape

Active Litigation and Investigations

Federal Investigations

Multiple federal agencies have investigated or continue to investigate various aspects of the Church's operations. The FBI's investigation into child abuse reporting, first reported by The Salt Lake Tribune in 2023, represents one of the most serious ongoing federal inquiries.

The investigation reportedly focuses on whether the Church's policies and practices constitute a pattern of failing to report known child abuse to authorities, potentially violating federal laws designed to protect children. Court documents obtained by various news outlets suggest the investigation has included subpoenas for internal church communications and testimony from current and former church officials.

State-Level Legal Challenges

Beyond federal investigations, the Church faces numerous state-level legal challenges across multiple jurisdictions. The Deseret News, owned by the Church itself, has reported on several of these cases, providing the Church's perspective on ongoing litigation.

In California, multiple lawsuits filed under the state's extended statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases name the Church as a defendant. These cases, reported by The Los Angeles Times and other outlets, allege that the Church knew of abuse by local leaders and volunteers but failed to take appropriate action to protect children.

Similar patterns of litigation have emerged in other states with extended statutes of limitations, including New York, New Jersey, and Montana. Each jurisdiction presents unique legal challenges, but the cases share common themes of institutional knowledge, inadequate response, and prioritization of reputation over child safety.

The IOLTA Controversy

A lesser-known but potentially significant legal challenge involves the Church's use of Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) programs. Investigative reporting by legal news outlets has revealed that the Church may have used these programs, designed to fund legal aid for low-income individuals, to support its own legal defense efforts.

The controversy arose when legal aid organizations in several states questioned large IOLTA distributions to organizations with apparent ties to the Church's legal defense efforts. While the Church has denied any impropriety, the issue has drawn attention from state bar associations and legal ethics experts.

Emerging Patterns and Institutional Response

The Public Relations Strategy

News coverage has consistently identified sophisticated public relations strategies employed by the Church in response to allegations and legal challenges. The organization has hired major public relations firms and legal counsel with experience in crisis management and institutional defense.

The New York Times reported in 2023 on the Church's hiring of high-profile crisis management firms typically employed by major corporations facing significant legal and reputational challenges. These firms have coordinated media responses, managed social media narratives, and developed strategies for member communication about ongoing controversies.

Internal Reform Efforts

The Church has announced various internal reforms in response to public pressure and legal challenges. These reforms, reported by the Deseret News and other outlets, include updated child protection policies, mandatory reporting training for local leaders, and revised interview practices for children and youth.

However, critics argue that these reforms are insufficient and have been implemented too slowly. The Salt Lake Tribune has reported extensively on the gap between announced policy changes and their implementation at local levels, suggesting that institutional change remains incomplete.

Financial Transparency Initiatives

In response to the Ensign Peak controversy and ongoing criticism about financial transparency, the Church has made limited disclosures about its financial operations. The Church announced in 2023 that it would begin providing more detailed financial information in its annual reports, though critics argue the disclosures remain inadequate.

The Wall Street Journal reported that these increased disclosures came only after significant pressure from regulators, media coverage, and member concerns about financial transparency. The timing suggests reactive rather than proactive transparency efforts.

Institutional Accountability in Religious Organizations

Legal Precedents and Religious Freedom

The legal challenges facing the Church raise broader questions about the balance between religious freedom and institutional accountability. Legal scholars, quoted in various news reports, have noted that these cases could set important precedents for how religious organizations are held accountable for institutional failures while maintaining their religious autonomy.

The First Amendment implications of some investigations and lawsuits have created complex legal terrain. Some observers, quoted in constitutional law publications, argue that aggressive government oversight of religious organizations could threaten religious freedom, while others contend that religious status should not provide immunity from accountability for harm to children and financial misconduct.

Impact on Member Trust and Institutional Credibility

Polling data reported by various news outlets suggests that these controversies have impacted member trust and institutional credibility. The Salt Lake Tribune has reported on surveys showing declining confidence in church leadership among some segments of the membership, particularly younger members and those in areas with significant news coverage of the controversies.

The Church's own internal communications, reported through various sources, suggest awareness of the trust and credibility challenges. Internal documents leaked through various channels indicate that church leaders have expressed concern about the impact of negative news coverage on missionary work, member retention, and public reputation.

Global Accountability Challenges

European Investigations

The Church's international operations have also faced scrutiny from foreign governments and regulatory bodies. The United Kingdom's Charity Commission has investigated the Church's charitable operations, while German tax authorities have questioned the Church's tax-exempt status in that country.

These international investigations, reported by European news outlets and confirmed by U.S. media, suggest that accountability challenges extend beyond domestic U.S. jurisdiction. The complexity of operating in multiple legal systems has created additional regulatory compliance challenges for the Church.

Comparative Context

News coverage has increasingly placed the Church's challenges within the broader context of institutional accountability issues facing other religious organizations. Comparisons to the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals and other religious organizations' financial controversies provide context for understanding the scope and significance of the Church's current challenges.

Current Status and Future Implications

Ongoing Investigations

As of early 2024, multiple investigations and legal proceedings remain active. Federal authorities continue investigating various aspects of the Church's operations, while state-level litigation proceeds through court systems across multiple jurisdictions.

The timeline for resolution of these matters remains uncertain, with some cases potentially extending for years through appeals and complex litigation processes. The scope of potential liability, both financial and reputational, continues to evolve as new information emerges through discovery processes and ongoing investigations.

Institutional Reform Pressures

External pressure for institutional reform continues from multiple directions. Legal settlements increasingly include requirements for policy changes and oversight mechanisms, while regulatory bodies have imposed compliance requirements that mandate ongoing monitoring and reporting.

Member advocacy groups, extensively covered in news reports, continue pushing for additional transparency and accountability measures. These grassroots efforts, combined with external legal and regulatory pressure, create ongoing momentum for institutional change.

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About the Author:
Craig Rogers
Craig Rogers

KINGDOM Empowered CEO and CoFounder

Professional Experience: CEO | KINGDOM Empowered (2020 -...

Professional Experience: CEO | KINGDOM Empowered (2020 - Present) In his role as co-CEO, Craig’s daily mission is to surrender his...