In spring 2008, I made a decision that would change my life forever, alienate my family, cause me to lose friends, and break my heart. In spite of all this, I am absolutely certain I made the right decision when I finally decided to give up my belief in the LDS Church and its teachings. The first question I’m typically asked by Mormons who discover I used to believe and no longer do is, “Why did you leave?” I’ve never found an answer that satisfied most true-believing Mormons. The second question is, “Did someone offend you?” Well, yes. Human beings do offensive things, and humans are sometimes offended. But that is not remotely why I left.

Hilary C. Brown