In this special interview, we travel to Southern California to interview 2 couples—Doug & Laurie and Jerry & Julie about their Mormon faith crisis and transition. The couples are connected in that Laurie and Julie are sisters, and Doug and Jerry served in the same LDS mission together.
This is a super fascinating story in that each grew up as faithful, orthodox Mormons and both couples were living what they considered to be the “Mormon dream” until Doug began to have a faith crisis that he endured silently for years. Suffering alone and feeling unable to share his doubts with anyone, he finally opened up to his wife Laurie and they carefully navigated a mixed-faith marriage for some time. Seeking support, Doug and Laurie reached out to Jerry and Julie to share their questions and struggles and we learn how each began a faith journey they did not expect.
Important topics we cover:
- What the Church meant to each as they were in it
- What caused them to doubt and question
- What was hard and difficult about the faith crisis
- The mistakes and successes they discovered while navigating their faith crisis
- How they shared their faith crisis with their children
- How they “came out” about their beliefs to others, including ward members and leaders
- How they have begun to forge a new life
Part 1:
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Part 2:
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Part 3:
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Part 4:
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Part 5:
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Part 6:
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Comments 1
I’m on part three of the series family ties. My husband and I have a similar story of he had his doubts first. Then I followed later after he went through it all in secret For about 15 years. But, I went to school with Doug’s brother Joe. ( I’m pretty sure it is him, because you (doug] said your last name in part three)He was one of my good friends. He was a great guy. I remember going to his homecoming. I had a big crush on him. I had no idea that he was questioning the church in high school. So, this podcast story just became personal to me. I was Facebook friends with Joe but latter I defriended him because I didn’t like the language he was using. I wish I hadn’t of done that. Because he was such a good friend to me. Anyways, if this comment gets back to Doug would you tell Joe hi form me. My name is LisaT. Thanks. Your story has helped me on my faith crisis journey to know that here is just one more family that has gone through what mine and my husbands is going through now. And that everything will be ok. Thanks