Dumbo's Magic Feather

People on the inside (of religion) would look at me now and assume that I must be miserable, having given up an active belief in God.  Surely they would dismiss my claim to being happier now than I have been in years.

But I really am glad to be done with all the contrived guilt and nonsense.  When Mormons do things they are taught constitute "sin," whether by commission or omission, they experience guilt.  Even when no one has been harmed by the "sin," they will feel guilty.  Because after all, they've hurt Jesus, right?

Mormons are experts at contrived guilt.  Consider the guilt a Mormon might feel for not having been to the temple for awhile.  The temple is a place where Mormons perform vicarious ordinances for dead people, who allegedly need them to get into heaven.  Such guilt is utterly contrived, for no one has been harmed by that person's failure to do some "service" for the deceased.  Or consider the guilt of LDS parents who have some children that have strayed from the church. How they must agonize over what they did "wrong." Their children could be leading happy, productive lives, but they still feel guilt and anguish. For what? It's all entirely unnecessary.  Or how about the guilt a Mormon might feel after masturbating? Again, no one has been harmed by this private act, but the Mormon is taught that his/her sins hurt Jesus. He/she now thinks that he/she is "unworthy" of the priesthood and/or holy spirit. Therefore: guilt, fear, repentance. It's all in the mind, and it's very silly.

Guilt is proper when you've genuinely harmed another. That is the time and place to feel guilt, for that may prompt you to apologize, foster better relationships, and otherwise create goodwill. This kind of guilt may have productive effects. But contrived religious guilt is practically useless.

Not only is religious guilt useless, it can be highly counterproductive. Mormons who feel intense guilt over their "sins" may be much less effective at work, in their social interactions, relationships, school, etc. Compromised performance in those areas, at certain critical times, can have devastating effects. Mormons might feel that because of their sins, they are unworthy of the holy spirit (which they believe to be a constant guide, strength, and companion, when worthy of it) and thus God won't support them. They might entertain self-fulfilling thoughts of failure. It's just like when Dumbo lost his magic feather and then thought he could no longer fly. Fortunately his little rat friend made him realize that he was the one with the power; it had nothing to do with magic feathers (God). 

I personally find this reorientation of control to be an empowering perspective. For years my participation in the church was half-assed so I always felt unworthy and unable to reach my true potential (this because I was still a believer). Now that I've abandoned my belief in magic feathers, I feel like I've reclaimed a part of myself. That's why I consider myself happier now than I have been in years. 

I wish I could help some people see this.  They are the ones with positive energy, good attitudes, and inspiration.  They are the ones responsible for this, not God.  They don't give themselves enough credit.  Many Mormons will often say things like "I don't know where I'd be without the church."  They attribute everything they are to the church and/or God!  It's a classic example of externalizing one's locus of control.  Take it back, I say.