by Eric Smith
On June 2, 2020, I was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for “teaching as doctrine, what is not church doctrine”. Since then, I have evaluated where I am emotionally and spiritually and have noticed my tendency to cling on to shame and other negative baggage from this event that I am eager to let go of. In the process it has occurred to me that there are still many who may not know of my excommunication, or who don’t correctly understand why it happened, and I feel an explanation can be helpful to them. As we commence a new year, my intent here is to claim the closure and peace I feel the Lord intends for me to have and offer the same blessing to those who may be confused or hurting from this event in any way.
Events Preceding
In 2014 I began to intensely desire a greater understanding of the gospel. I was taking a ‘storybook’ approach to reading the scriptures but knew there was more doctrinal wisdom to be gained. I began studying, writing, researching, and feasting on the words of Christ, with a primary focus on scripture.
About that time Elder Bednar encouraged members of the church to “sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth” using social media[i]. I had been blogging on a regular basis, but with renewed energy from this invitation. Two years later, Elder Nelson encouraged members to “learn for yourselves who you really are. Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, how He feels about you and your mission here on earth.”[ii] I took his apostolic invitations as seriously as Elder Bednar’s, and felt my blog sharing truth as I understand it was a fulfillment of that invitation, in addition to specific wording in my patriarchal blessing which affirms the inspiration behind my blog. About a year later I began sharing some of what I had learned through my scriptural research on a podcast with Julie Rowe.
In 2017 I was called in by my department chair at BYU Idaho where I worked as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Geography department. I took that job in about 2013, in addition to my full-time consulting job, to satisfy my love for the academic setting and to mingle with young and enthusiastic learners. The administration felt concern over my social media activities and their possible spill-over into the classroom. Our conversation was brief, and when they learned I was sticking to the course curriculum they seemed to be satisfied and dropped the issue.
In the Fall of 2019, I was called in by the vice president of BYU Idaho and was given the choice between my social media interests and my teaching job. With the deep sense that I was fulfilling my mission which had come in part by following an apostolic invitation, I was compelled to make the unfortunate choice to end my loved work as a teacher. I was told by many students and colleagues how appreciated my skills as a teacher of those subjects were and would be missed.
A month or two later I was invited by my bishop to discuss the same concerns as BYU Idaho administration, which were primarily over my association with Julie Rowe. He asked me the standard temple recommend interview questions, to which I answered each question sincerely and in a way that I could retain my temple recommend. I recall the relief and gladness in my bishop’s countenance. It ended up being a brief, but warm visit.
Then my stake president joined the discussion. I won’t soon forget the immediate coolness that came with him into the room. I did not know him, and he did not know me apart from a few short minutes of conversation with him once years before. The tension was off the charts. His accusations and tenure made me feel defensive. I felt shamed and unfairly judged by this man whose only knowledge of me came from others who knew equally as little about me. He let me know that he had been instructed by a specific General Authority Seventy to investigate my situation.
Since that visit, my first bishop had been released and I met with my new bishop who happened to work in the same department at BYU Idaho as me. From this man, I grew to know a compassionate priesthood leader, who took more time to understand me than anyone I have known. He invested time and compassion and I consider him to be one of the finer examples of what a shepherd should be. His willingness to sincerely understand me will forever stand in contrast to the cold and business-like conduct of my stake president who seemed to have his mind made up from the beginning, and who is now serving in the area presidency.
Doctrinally speaking, I felt and still believe that my so-called ‘fringe-beliefs’ are firmly rooted in scripture and latter-day revelation, which throughout the course of my visits with church leaders gave me a hope that some leader somewhere would be able to easily recognize the truth of what I was sharing, or at least consider the strong doctrinal plausibility of those views. Afterall, I had articulated those doctrinal points along with their scriptural sources openly on my blog and podcasts with Julie.
The accusations against me began to change from my association with Julie Rowe, to the more specific doctrinal theme of Multiple Probations (less correctly referred to as Reincarnation). That was right at the time a book I co-authored with Greg Christiansen called “Multiple Probations – A Lost Doctrine Remembered” and a small series of podcasts about multiple lives had been published. In that book, we examined many of the scriptures and quotes from church leaders early in the Restoration that we felt merited some public discussion. That doctrine filled in many of the minor gaps in my understanding of the Plan of Salvation, and I rejoice in what I have come to understand.
When that book and doctrine were brought up by my leaders, it was only immediately dismissed as a false doctrine, without any serious discussion or consideration of the many scriptures and quotes by early general authorities. Except for my second bishop, who gave those things some serious thought. The position I held throughout those visits was that while this doctrine is not taught from pulpits and sermons of the LDS church in modern times that does not necessarily make it a false doctrine. Despite the fact I had disclaimers in my books, blogs, and podcasts that “my views do not necessarily reflect the teachings of any particular church”, (as countless other LDS authors and podcasters have done, and still do), it was not enough to retain my membership.
When June 2nd came, my wife and I were nervous, but hopeful that the council would consider letting me retain my membership on the basis that I had only shared views with scriptural merit, that I had disclaimed my beliefs as separate from the institution of the church, and that I did not wish to be separated from my fellowship in the church I believed to be the Lord’s authorized church on the earth.
As the stake president read my sentence, I felt a surge of peace pass through me, and felt the sensation of being lifted out of my seat. I felt a calm assurance that I had just passed a test. I felt many smiles on the other side of the veil, in a way I still don’t quite comprehend. I knew the stake president’s decision was based on strong and limiting cultural perspectives and felt he was just ‘doing his job’. More comforting to me was the assurance that heaven recognized those things as well. In that moment I felt no unkind feelings toward him, nor did I sense any unkind feelings from those heavenly attendants toward him. I just knew things were as they were meant to be.
Lessons Following Excommunication
Members can only speculate what life must be like for an excommunicated member. It has provided me with firsthand knowledge and experience I could not have gained any other way. I observe that members’ generally fear excommunication more than their fear of death. Our culture has taken this process, which is meant to be a positive step in the right direction and has attached a very low and degrading shame to it. I don’t blame anyone specifically for this condition, unless we all own it together. But it is wrong, and it has led to a good many people leaving the church, and I will soon be writing about the way our impure culture has led to unnecessary shaming, depression, and suicide in the lives of good people.
Since my excommunication I have had to continually wrestle with impure cultural beliefs related to what I had been taught that I should be facing as a ‘non-member’. There is no handbook on how to recover from the shame of losing membership, but the Lord has been guiding me. In fact, He has been so ready to help and answer my questions that I’ve often had to question His nearness for fear that I did not deserve it.
When a situation seems too good to be true, we use the imagery of pinching ourselves to check whether we are in a wakened or in a dream state. In the last 7 months I have continually had to check myself in a similar way. For example, a cultural view of excommunication would suggest that one has lost their membership in the one true church and must therefore lose all the blessings that God has bestowed upon them; true happiness must be withdrawn from that person, and only the displeasure and condemnation of God can replace those once cherished blessings until the repentant sinner returns to the church in sackcloth and ashes.
And yet, only the opposite has been the case for me. I feel blessed. I am happy. I feel His continual smile upon me. I still sin as I did when I had a membership record number, and still find sweet forgiveness through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. – Pinch – Yes, that really was sweet forgiveness. I express my gratitude as always.
The excommunication letter written by men said not to use the priesthood. As I checked in with the Lord on the matter, it became clear that I was to continue to bless my family, which I still do with favorable results. The church expects that I must not bless the sacrament. The Lord tells me something different. We partake of the sacrament together in our family, and we feel the renewal and sanctification of spirit and body only Christ can give, as we did before the excommunication. A family member suggested to my wife that using the priesthood against these men’s wishes would pull down the Lord’s displeasure and condemnation, cursing’s rather than blessings. I had to ‘pinch myself’ and see if the peace I felt in doing so was a mockery before God. In answer, I feel heaven’s displeasure in such cultural beliefs and feel the answer, “Of course you aren’t cursed. Don’t worry what others’ say”.
Early after my Stake President’s decision, I sincerely asked the Lord questions frequently: Is the priesthood I was ordained with gone? Are my covenants null and void? Am I still sealed to my wife and children? Is the Holy Ghost no longer my constant companion? Am I cursed and no longer shielded and protected in the absence of the temple garment? I was continually performing the pinch test, to see if I was awake or asleep in the peace I felt, and the results have always revealed a loving and merciful God. I have continually been reminded that there are many impure cultural views in our day, as was the case in the days of the Sadducees and Pharisees, and that the Lord has a plan for ending the impure traditions of our day. Through this experience I have a greater assurance that Christ oversees His shepherds, and not the other way around. I know who is in charge.
I say it again, I am happy. I am blessed. The covenants I made with God were between me and Him, and there was no one in between us when they were made, and no one can undo those covenants but me. The assumption most members who are reading this right now is something like “Well then, you are deceived. Obviously, you have lost the Holy Ghost and cannot discern the truth.” – Pinch – The Lord tells me I still have the Holy Ghost, and not just His warm occasional influence, but the actual Gift of the Holy Ghost bestowed upon me in the confirmation following my baptism. I leave it to the reader to discern how these dogmatic discrepancies could be possible. I know for myself.
Losing my membership in the church does not hurt me because of some of the doctrines I have come to understand. But watching those nearest to me struggle on account of me being true to my convictions has been challenging; foremost among which is my wife. She was perfectly prepared for this growth opportunity and I admire her immensely. She has often been approached by those who have apparently assumed her life must be full of difficulty in what has happened to me. While there have been difficult moments, tear-filled conversations, and heartache, we have both looked back on our past year together and observed the hardships we faced were always tied to our concern for the hasty judgements of family and other acquaintances. We recognized those experiences have actually tightened our bond with each other, and with the Lord. The peace in our home, the blessings of the Lord, and our overall peace and happiness surpasses any other time in our marriage.
Compassion
Another lesson that has come through this experience is the central role of compassion in Christ’s gospel. I have often felt that contrast is one of the greatest tools the Lord uses in teaching His children. Since having lost my membership, I have seen extreme compassion by some members of the church, and extreme discompassion from others.
As I look back, early on I tended to focus on the judgements of others toward me. I was insecure and defensive, and felt at times like I had lost everything. The spirit has been coaching me away from that victim mentality into one of looking inward for the source of my troubles, and I can more clearly see the discompassion that has ruled my own heart at times. I can see that I have held on to some unkind feelings toward those involved in taking my membership from the church. I have harbored unkind feelings toward those who have withheld their communication and compassion from me. I can see that I am still being tested, and realize my situation is creating tests for others as well. I’m not free of holding grudges, but feel releasing this narrative publicly will help.
So, through this experience, I realize what is needed on my part, is not to receive compassion from others, but to be compassionate toward them. Part of that compassion also involves loving and forgiving myself, by removing the negative self-talk, and replacing it with positive thoughts about my good nature.
I love the Lord. I love His gospel. I know Christ’s atoning sacrifice is central in the Plan of Salvation. I know Joseph Smith restored key doctrines of the gospel, and that more truth is currently in the process of being restored. I love truth. I seek it. I embrace it, regardless of its source. And I respect others to believe or not believe as they choose. Above all, I know the Lord knows my heart.
If you feel sorrow for my experience, or even Melissa’s, I thank you for the sentiment, but it isn’t necessary. Spiritually speaking, we have lost nothing, and the culture-based social shaming only works to our spiritual advantage.
Moving Forward
It is time for me to let go of my grudges, shame, insecurities, and hurt feelings. If you hold negative thoughts toward me for the path I have taken, I invite you to join me in forgiveness and acceptance. I forgive you and accept you as you are. This is my path, and I know it is foreordained, and there are purposes in it that are enriching my own spiritual progression and can have a positive impact upon you and others if you will be open to those lessons. We are in this test together.
I conclude by thanking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my parents, and all those who have been involved in teaching me true principles, whose intention was to lead me to a personal relationship with Father and Jesus Christ. I feel those efforts have achieved the desired effect.
If there is one message from heaven that has been repeated over the past year, it is this: “Eric, do not concern yourself with the way others’ view you, but keep your focus on how I feel about you”. I am thankful for Father and Christ’s unconditional love and Their non-judgmental and non-condemning nature. Freeing myself of the concern for men and embracing the love Father and Christ give has been liberating and empowering. I know of Their trust in me to taste this bitterness, without becoming bitter.
Want to Chat?
I am open to a conversation on my excommunication or doctrinal beliefs with anyone, family, friend, or acquaintance, if it could help you in any way. Just email me at ericsmithgis[at]gmail.com
[i] David A. Bednar; To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood. August, 2014. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng
[ii] Russell M. Nelson. Becoming True Millenials; January 2016. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts/article/worldwide-devotionals/2016/01/becoming-true-millenials?lang=eng
Eric, you are a great friend and a champion of truth, as well as an example of compassion for others. Your seemingly calm composure through all of this has been a comfort to me. I have also felt similar peace. The first time we communicated was when I left a comment on your first essay describing the gathering and Julie’s message. It was not a coincidence. I am amazed at the journey that my life has taken since that time. Doors have been opened and truth has expanded my vista, but I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the difficulties I’ve had in shedding incorrect traditions, preconceptions, and cultural stigmas. The plan that Father and Mother have for us is beautiful and beyond description, and I think we’re just getting a small taste of what’s to come.
Thank you Doug. I see you as another champion and defender of truth. I admire your courage. I think you’re right about the trickle before the coming storm.
I believe this is a true document
Thanks again Eric
I’m always amazed Eric, how you manage, or should I say the Lord manages to use you to speak to my heart and act as a second witness to certain truths!!! Wow! I have been reading one of my favorite books and the other day this is what it said.
“The need for concentrated, soul-stretching growth makes this life, of necessity, challenging and painful. In the course of the journey home, we will be tested to the limits of our ability……..The object of this life, among other things, is to learn obedience, and in the process develop the attributes of godliness. Absolute obedience is that which makes it possible for us to qualify for exaltation. It demonstrates our willingness to obey Him at all costs, even unto death. It sets our faith in the guiding voice of the Christ in immutable stone! It makes of willing soldiers, powerful generals clothed in the full armor of God. It tempers the metal of the soul as nothing else can, and is absolutely essential to our spiritual development. If you truly desire exaltation, we WILL be tried, even as Abraham! The test will come when we are prepared and when we have become capable of such obedience——-not before. It will be the most difficult, soul-wrenching experience of our lives, but it will not overwhelm us because we will be prepared with the power of great faith and the voice of the Spirit in our hearts.”
Of course the test I’m speaking about is am Abrahamic test and you my friend are experiencing that and I believe, with flying colors! You have often been in my prayers as well as Julie and Mike Stroud. I love all of you and you guys have brought me so much closer to my Savior, or showed me how to approach Him with confidence and faith. Your example of courage and faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have helped to strengthen me! I say thank you from the bottom of my heart and with complete humility! 💕
I appreciate that quote a lot. It really affirms the truth and necessity of difficulty and opposition in progression. And thank you for your kind remarks.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I too seek truth in all things and have my own testimony of the things you have discuss through books, podcasts and the doctrinal essays. Thank you for being humble, teachable and compassionate. Thank you for your courage and strength to help others.
I hold you and Julie dear to my heart
Thank you Wendy
Thank you Eric for sharing this. We,(myself and family members), love and pray for you.
When I was excommunicated, it was due to sin and not doctrinal position. So before the Stake President raised his right arm and by the power of the priesthood revoked my baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, membership, priesthood and temple ordinances, I truly felt the Holy Ghost leave me as I walked to my car. Over the years before I was re-baptised I had to pray and study diligently in order to have the Spirit with me.
So in comparing your experience, I can tell that your blessings were not revoked.
So I believe all ordinances, and cancelations of them, must be directed by the Spirit to have effect.
Michael, I appreciate your vulnerability in what you have shared, and thank you most sincerely for your witness. I’m glad you are enjoying the blessings of the gospel again brother, and admire the path you’ve taken.
WOW! what a powerful motivating essay. this message makes my heart want to sing the song of Redeeming Love through and for our Savior Jesus Christ.
Eric; thank you, TEACHER, for showing up! I know personally, from the Spirit of God that your” foreordained mission” has had a “positive impact” on me. thank you for being apart of the “continuing lessons I am learning.” 🙂
For me the doctrine of Multiple Probations has in-lightened my understanding of the scriptures and is scripture, “added upon” through your Book and Julie Rowe’s podcasts on this subject.
I love you and your sweet family and first and foremost I love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His beautiful Plan of Happiness for us all…
Pamee, you’re always such a bright ray of sunshine. Thank you for your kindness and love of truth.
Eric, I have met and talked with you on two occasions, once before and once after your excommunication. I felt he same good wholesome and honest spirit that you carry on both occasions. I will stand with you and your insights, for they are scripturally based and “just feel right”. God is watching over you and will continue to guide and bless you.
I’m grateful for your witness Kendall. It’s nice to hear from you again.
I, too, have had to pass and continue to pass through Abrahamic challenges as my prayerful and earnest studies have taken me to understand eternal truths only known personally. (And to many others in and outside of the church.) Short of excommunication, my journey has been similar to yours and my experience in the church, friends and family whilst traveling this road has been the same. Judgement, speculation, condemnation. My world becomes more narrow and more lonely as I continue my quest to be the Lords emissary, His disciple. “The sacrifice of all things”, as Joseph once said, “means the sacrifice of all things.” How many are willing to sacrifice as Abraham did? In the coming days, we will find out who, as speculations and persecution swirl around these souls are that are courageous enough to leave the tribe as they (we) focus with laser vision on Him.
It felt like my words as you shared your journey; those accusing you of being deceived and falling into apostasy as we only did as the prophet and certain of the apostles have challenged us to do. The rewards have been rich with knowledge, solid and undeniable confirmation of who I am to Him, my mission and my future. Exquisite joy can be found upon the earth today, truly celestial as we’ve been promised from the Lord if we fearlessly step out of the telestial and into the terrestrial and onward. This is how we will usher in Zion.
I’m glad to hear you are receiving confirmation of who you are and your mission!
I love reading what you say Eric. You have been instrumental in opening my eyes. Thank you for fulfilling your mission. Forever grateful
I love hearing how you and your family have been strengthened because of this. The remedies you’ve shared in dealing with excommunication seem to be sweet remedies for everything… compassion, positive self talk, forgiveness, acceptance, and above all a personal relationship with the Lord.
I’ve had some negative feelings toward those who would excommunicate friends who are spreading truth and light, and I know that doesn’t help anyone. Going to do better at applying those remedies you’ve mentioned. Heaven is in charge and we all really are in this test together. Exciting to be here to witness the Lord’s plan rolling so quickly forward!
Grateful for your love of truth, your writing gifts, and your willingness to bring all topics to the table.
Thanks for responding to this, Erin.
Dear Eric, thank you so much for sharing this. I needed to know that you are ok. Everything you have said it’s true. I , myself have learned so much from your experience as the Lord has taught me many things , sacred things, He wanted me to know as I questioned your experience. I also feel honored He messaged you in one opportunity , through me, an important temple lesson at the same time you needed to hear it. You are so loved & appreciated. I have learned so much about God & His loving kindness towards us His children, & universal creations, through my son’s NDE. So glad there is love & peace in your heart. Continue upwards. We are indeed all divinely connected with His love & light.
Thank you Patricia. I remember that, you have always been a light in my life. Thank you for being His voice that day. Grateful for you and your family!
Thank you for sharing the feelings of your heart and your truth. Clearly, your gift to express both is magnificent and God-given.
When I’ve heard or read your writings, I’ve felt the spirit affirm the truth
of the discoveries and principles you share. This has strenthened my faith and desire to learn more, so I know you are a true servant and messenger of Jesus Christ.
May you be blessed with the joy of knowing the tremendous positive difference you make
as you continue to perform this work!
I don’t feel deserving of those compliments Mardel, but thank you, and bless you.
Eric,
Well written. I have experienced similar experiences. It’s interesting how the Lord is teaching so many of us about the gentile apostasy, what it looks like, and how it has the ability to mold our hearts and minds in preparation for Zion.
That’s well said Greg
I appreciate you being authentic and real. I have always admired that about your messages and podcasts. You have changed my life in ways I never imagined and brought me to understandings and knowledge I wouldn’t have gained so soon without you. I appreciate your willingness to stand for truth and what you believe at any cost. The scriptures say, “by their fruits ye shall know” and by your fruits you can feel and sense that you are a holy and righteous son of God with a humble heart. It’s unfortunate that so many Shepard’s are clouded by culture and pushing away truth. Thank you for teaching me yet again and expanding my heart and understanding. I know the things you say are true and that no one but ourselves can separate us from the love and blessings of Heaven. You are seeking truth and being faithful and our Heavenly parents and the Savior know you, your heart and intentions. I am so proud of you and know with time the healing you seek will come! You are a hero in my life and I look up to you!! God bless you and your family!
Dearest Eric,
Are we all not Gods children? Whether we know about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint or not? He does not love one less than the other. God gave as all a journey to walk in this life to help us grow and become something we were not yet while we were at home in the life we had before our journey on this planet, earth, How about the journeys of the people of the past? How about on other worlds? Or the journeys of new generations? If we cannot see that all are given a road to travel and that we thread ourselves through each other’s lives how can we learn not to be judgmental and to love one another?
I have grown more in studying about NDEs and other forms of enlightenment because of those who will share their experiences. I want to be taught by those who are not solely dependent on just being told and follow like sheep. I want to know and feel the sacredness of their greatest event in this life.
Like anything in life you can choose to accept what you read/hear or dismiss it. But true acceptance is being polite about it.
I have had enlightening experiences of my own by being inquisitive and that is where I think we can expand our minds by listening and pondering these things. Many things have given comfort to many people. There are hundreds of examples of the blessings to many people in all religions and that just proves that God loves all people he just wants them to come unto him in thanks and grateful hearts and realize who we all are and what he wants for us. But teachings all over the world try to make men the rulers over them not God the Father over them.
Eric I love you and feel you must know the sorrow of rejection of a few but please feel the acceptance that you have done a lot of good in this world too. To stand up to what you feel is true in your heart is a faith worth holding on to. Faith in our beliefs is what makes as whole. Our Soul being made up of our body and spirit is made whole through faith. As long as your faith is with God and his Son and following the two greatest commandments you will be whole. Love you for sharing even through it all. God Bless you every day.
Thank you Joy. I enjoy the energy of your heart. Well said.
Very well expressed, thank you Eric
Wonderful Eric, what resolve. Thank you so much for your example and for the reminder to look to God and not to people for approval 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Love these words. So real and sincere. Thank you for sharing, Eric! It is time to love truth seek truth live truth and speak truth. Thank you for your example. It’s come to my awareness that the church is on a path of ascension as well.
The dichotomies and dualities will gradually slip away. Thr simulation will end. The church of the first born will meet us and enfold the faithful.
Sometimes there are people who behave like we currently belong to a cult. It’s sad, but that’s agency! Always risks. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you, like he always has and always will. 💯💕💕
Love you brother!
The Lord looks the upon the heart and I feel an assurance your intentions are pure. Your seeking is pure and your desire to share , discuss , love and lead people to Christ is pure.
Thank you for sharing this.
It’s a hard thing to do without the need to feel justified. I don’t think you need people to believe you. But I think you desire for people to understand; and mostly to understand the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
I believe you and in your efforts. Thank you.
I really appreciate this comment Debbie. If I’m honest, I do think there is a tendency to seek some validation from the voices of others to some degree. The test seems to be in the confidence that Father’s quiet assurance is enough. When I’m close to Him it’s always more than enough.
Thank you for that , Eric. I miss your podcasts with Julie. Will you be doing more this year?
Chris Miller
Thank you, Eric, for sharing your experiences. Your tremendous courage and faithfulness shine as a beacon light and are helping us all to prepare for the persecution that I know will come to each of us when we are ready to ascend. Thank you for sharing all the aspects, the struggles, the peace and especially that your blessings are intact! I love how you said that we make covenants individually with the Lord and only we can break them! That resonated so beautifully in my heart. I love the truth you bring that has made me more free of false tradition and deception. I feel more liberated, stronger and determined stand for that truth in whatever way the Lord directs. Thank you, dear brother, for your untiring efforts and light that shines ever brighter. Much love to you and your family!
Mahalo brother. Love you.
Mahalo Joel. Nice to hear from you my friend
Thank you Eric. I have been taught much as I read over this essay. It has shown me areas I need to work on. Perhaps with the Lord’s help I can overcome my tendency’s to be somewhat angry with leaders who judge unrighteously. Truly the Lord is kind and oh so very patient. I love Him too.
Again thank you for sharing.
Truly beautiful Eric! My heart is overflowing with appreciation for the truth you share and for the comments of so many others who have been seeking truth. It is refreshing to feel the Spirit so strong among a group of people who love the Lord with all their heart, mind, might & soul. Much love to all of you❤️
Eric, my man, I’m proud to call you my friend. Your voice has been an important and positive influence on me in my search for truth. Thanks for sharing your experiences here.
Dear Eric,
Thank you for this beautiful essay. You are a choice and devoted son of God. I love you and Julie and know that what you have shared in true. God bless you and your family always.
The covenant path isn’t about holding membership of an organization. It’s about building a relationship with our creator, getting closer and warmer in the light of our Heavenly Parents. No force on earth or in the spirit may take that gift from us. Religion binds people. Truth sets us free. Oh the joy of knowing what God is like and what we can become! I’m reminded to get out of the box and enjoy the journey. Dear Eric, we walk together. Trust me, you’re not alone. First responders to the Lord’s call are those that stand ready. Our experiences prepare us and help us get the bigger picture. Stay the course, my brother!
I am always amazed the progression Gods leads us to when we overcome the world, when we choose Him.
Isaiah 55
8 ¶ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts
Eric, I just want to voice my appreciation for you. Thank you for your courage in embracing your path which has helped many, myself included, see things more clearly and for what they are. Thank you also for your example of humility and forgiveness.
Eric, you are bright light in this world and I am so thankful for you! You always speak and write from your heart, a true and passionate seeker of truth. Because of this, you’ve been blessed to find it. And then find more. And more. And more… and so it continues. You’ve witnessed to me that the Lord delivers what truth He will to whomever He chooses. It’s not up to any mortal to judge your standing with Him. I see absolutely no ground in the terms of your excommunication, however, I know it’s by divine design and you’ve evidently been blessed because of it.
So happy to hear you and Melissa are happy and have felt such peace. May Father continue to bless you and your family in all you do!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you Traci. I’m grateful for your kindness, friendship, and truth seeking. It takes light to recognize light! Keep shining!
Thank you for sharing this personal experience. I hope that writing and sharing this has helped bring more healing to you. I’m so grateful to learn from you. Your testimony of Heavenly Father’s mercy and love brings me so much peace and comfort as it has on other occasions that you’ve shared. Thank you.
Aloha Eric!
Mahalo for sharing your strength! My father was excommunicated from the church & I never understood why that step was needed. I knew what he did was wrong, but the “disciplinary action” made no sense to me. If anything, I thought people who made mistakes just needed more love, not shaming! Itʻs hard to watch my father view himself in the way he still does today, but I just love him more & more each day! Your situation is totally different from my fatherʻs, but your example is powerful & I know you live & speak truth! Mahalo for all you do & please give my aloha to Melissa & your ʻohana!
Hello Kalai. Thank you for sharing this personal experience. I think you nailed it when you said people need more love. And that’s all I’ve ever felt from you and your island friends. Thank you and may God bless you and your ‘Ohana!
Kudos on your article. I was excommunicated in 1983 and remember the terrifying thought of being turned over to the buffetings of Satan when excommunicated, as stated by President Kimball in the “ Miracle of Forgiveness”. Sorry to say he was wrong as I know I had the spirit with me always when I prayed and my prayers were always answered. I was Re-Baptized In 1989 and my original baptizing date restored on my official records but there still is a record of my excommunication somewhere as it has been used to eliminate me from certain church positions. This has made me conclude that only God And the Our Savior completely forgive.
I appreciate you sharing your personal experience, Avraham. You are reminding me that we are each unique, and only Father and Christ can see into our hearts, and They seem to judge far less than mortals, even when it is Their right.
Eric, I love you Unconditionally. You have always been an incredible example to me of someone who loves the Lord and strives to do what is right. You have helped me numerous times know how to forgive love ones who have hurt me and broken my heart. I appreciate you and your wisdom. I hope you and Melissa know I will always be here for you and your beautiful children. Thank you for sharing this it has helped me understand a lot…most importantly never judge anyone only show kindness and empathy.
Eric, I began listening to all of the podcasts with you and Julie a few years back. They were interesting and enjoyable for the most part but somewhere along the line there was a big shift in what Julie was claiming and she had a hard turn from proclaiming the restoration as in track with living prophets and apostles to the church now being lead by men deceived.
I always appreciated your calm approach to things and after reading your letter here fell happy that you have peace with where you are. My question is whether or not you still believe that Russel M Nelson holds and is authorized to exercise all the keys to the kingdom today. If no, what changed that for you since your excommunication and if yes, do you see yourself working towards rejoining the church and continuing the work in the temples and proclaiming the restoration for others to come unto Christ via the ordinances of His Church?
I appreciated your writing of aboutir your expériences with excommunication in the Church. This happened with my father as a 40 year member in another organisation. It was ,also, for apostasy. He never défended himself and now, i often wonder why?
In this same vein, did you défend your position? Did you show where you found the Church’s position on probations and demonstrate that the church had not changed its original position? If you did not, would you share the reason why you did not défend yourself? Perhaps it would help me understand why my father did not défend himself, either.
Thank you for taking my letter and look forward to a répit.
Carol Milatz
Eric, I understand how hard it is to go through what you’ve been through. I’m going through the same things you; Julie and others have gone through or are going through. I am broken and feeling alone and there is no one I can share what I know. Those that I tried it mocked me.
My husband and I recently divorced, and he took everything from me, even my little girl, Kathryn (13) and my precious boy, Colin (15) which I know both belong to me eternally. Right now, they are suffering without my presence. The two, despite being young, understand the doctrine of Multiple Probation and constantly receive personal Revelation from our Savior.
They and I understand the Will of the Lord. The three of us are waiting to be rescued by the Lord on the day He has set for us three to be free.
Not only my ex-husband but his whole family is against me, and they think I taught what is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ to my kids. My family believes in Multiple Probation, but they are all in Brazil, so at this moment I have nothing and nobody but the Lord Himself to teach and be with me. I have no doubt that the kids and I are going through our Abrahamic test now. We have been tested to the limits of our ability…
I read your and Greg Christiansen’ books and watched your podcasts.
I appreciate and thank you Eric, Greg and Julie for helping bring the truth to those who wish to learn it.
I love my Heavenly Father and His Son; Jesus Christ and I know that they are with us in this Doctrine of Multiple Probation.