AS I HAVE CAST OFF ALL THE LIES - LDS Hymn Parody #79

Recognizing the LIES within Mormonism is a recurring theme in the ever-expanding ExMormon Hymn Book.  As I've said before, sometimes I feel like a broken record, repeating the same things over and over again, but in my opinion the subjects on which I dwell bear repeating.  It upsets me greatly that I spent 52 years in a church that is so obviously based on blatant lies and pure deception.  Having been born and raised in the Mormon Church, I tried to "just believe" as I was told to do, but in the end, I simply couldn't  continue to "have faith" when I realized that the evidence is stacked against Mormonism actually being true.  Ultimately, the only conclusion to which I could come was that Joseph Smith simply made the whole thing up.  In my opinion, there were several reasons that Joseph created  Mormonism, including his drive for power over people, no matter the cost, his desire to be worshiped as a "Prophet of God," and having his perverse sexual desires fulfilled via polygamy and polyandry (which I believe he created for that very reason).  Also in my opinion, Joseph Smith was a sexual predator, preying on people who believed he was a "Prophet of God," which included 10 teenage girls varying in ages from 14 to 19.  I do not say that lightly, and to me, it was unconscionable for him to take advantage of young girls and women in that manner.  The fact that 11 of his polygamous wives were already married to living husbands is further indication to me of the depth of his depravity. 

And so I have cast off all the lies, and am now living an authentic life, simply being myself.  There have been a number of TBMs who have visited my blog and have asked me why I can't just leave Mormonism alone, why I have to be so vocal about my opinions. The answer to that question is contained within this quote:

Some of you are probably thinking, "Why don't you just leave them (the Mormons) alone?"  So I ask you, if you saw a thirsty man drinking water from a well you knew to be poisoned, would you let him continue to drink or would you guide him to a safe well?  ~Christopher Miller 

Although most Mormons will scorn me and call me an Apostate who just can't leave it alone, that's okay with me.  While I was an active Mormon, I tried to "just believe" and kept my doubts and questions to myself.  Back then, I was a perfect little Morgbot.  But since discovering the actual truth behind the Mormon Curtain, I cannot stay quiet any longer.  If people who have discovered that the Mormon Church is based on an enormous stack of lies keep quiet about it, then others will continue suffer within Mormonism's walls.  They will do as I did - simply keeping quiet about their doubts and questions, thinking that perhaps they are the only one who don't understand it all, believing that they are not righteous enough to grasp it all, and feeling completely and totally inadequate.  It took me a very long time to finally break free from Mormonism, and if I can do anything to help others recognize the lies, then I see that as my duty and obligation.  Others may disagree with me, but that's okay, too.

So here is my latest LDS Hymn Parody... #79 and counting...

AS I HAVE CAST OFF ALL THE LIES
Sung to the tune of Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice - #21

As I have cast off all the lies,
And to myself am true.
I've tossed aside what they disguise,
No truthfulness to view.
But those still trapped within its walls
Continue to deny
The false pretense on which it falls
And all the facts belie.

They say that I have gone astray,
Apostatized, you see.
They ask me to just go away,
To simply quiet be.
But I must say my piece at last,
My voice must now be heard.
And I don’t care if they’re aghast,
My words are not absurd.

The Mormon Church was built on lies,
Deception running deep.
So clear to me, no hows or whys,
That secret I can’t keep.
Oh no, the message that I speak
From research on my own,
For it is truth we all should seek,
And not feel we’re alone.

And so you cannot silence me,
The Mormon Church is wrong.
And no, I will not quiet be,
I’ll loudly sing this song.
I know the truth, I’m finally free
From Mormonism’s grip.
But I will not go silently,
My lips they cannot zip.

© Diane Tingen, 12/27/2012

DOES THE GOSPEL SEEM WRONG? LDS Hymn Parody #78

Here's another LDS hymn parody... #78.  Writing these parodies is an interesting experience for me.  Like I've said before, it's very cathartic since it really helps me to work through my issues about the Mormon Church and the fact that I was lied to my entire life.  After discovering that there are so many lies laced throughout Mormonism, I came to the conclusion that Joseph Smith made the whole thing up out of thin air.  Of course, since history shows that he was a charlatan, shyster, and flim-flam man, that's not surprising.  As history shows, Joseph had run many scams before that, but Mormonism turned out to be his biggest hoax.  It is said that Joseph Smith was very charismatic, and because of that he was apparently able to convince a lot of people that he really was a "Prophet of God."  But that is SO NOT TRUE!!

I am so thankful that I finally looked at Mormonism with a critical eye, and began doing research on my own - beyond the facade, the pretense, and the outer shell of falsehoods, and found the actual truth.  Not a pleasant experience, as the picture above says, but unless we eradicate untruths from our lives, we will never reach that point of enlightenment.  But however "destructive" reaching that point of enlightenment was, and may at times continue to be, I wouldn't change anything because I am living an authentic life now, and that is what is most important to me.

DOES THE GOSPEL SEEM WRONG?

Sung to the tune of Does the Journey Seem Long? - #127

Does the gospel seem wrong,
Just deception and lies?
Does it simply not make any sense?
Were you filled with surprise
When you saw the deceit,
When you realized there’s no defense?

When I found out the truth,
I felt hurt and betrayed,
Very sad, I shed so many tears.
But I knew in my heart
And when I faced the facts,
I was lied to for so many years.

It is clear to me now
That the gospel’s not true,
And it’s obvious Joseph Smith lied.
Through my research I learned
The historical facts,
All the evidence I had denied.

When I thought it all through,
So apparent to see,
It is simply not the Word of God.
Can’t accept it on faith
When there’s evidence loud
Shouting “Yes, Mormonism’s a fraud.”

© Diane Tingen, 12/26/12

I FINALLY SAW THE LIES - LDS Hymn Parody #77

Here's LDS Hymn Parody #77 - another addition to the ever-expanding ExMormon Hymn Book.  Since this hymn parody is obviously self-explanatory, I won't go into a long drawn-out explanation.  Just suffice it to say that I'm so glad that I finally saw the lies laced throughout it all - and once that happened, I came to the conclousion that I could no longer be associated with a church that plays so fast and loose with the truth.

I FINALLY SAW THE LIES
Sung to the tune of We Give Thee But Thine Own - #218

I finally saw the lies
Within the Mormon Church.
Deception they cannot disguise,
The truth for which I search.

For way too many years,
I tried to just believe.
But after shedding many tears,
I saw how they deceive.

The Prophet Joseph Smith
Created such a fraud.
So obvious it’s just a myth,
And not the Word of God.

And so, I walked away,
Rejected the deceit.
For in the end, I could not stay
Apostasy complete.

© Diane Tingen, 12/18/12

I KNOW THAT IT'S FILLED WITH DECEPTION - LDS Hymn Parody #76

Here's another LDS Hymn Parody... #76.  Writing a parody of "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" has been on my "to do" list for quite a while now.  Naturally, since I was born and raised Mormon, I remember singing it innumerable times over the years.  In fact, I even remember singing it during general conference in the Conference Center when it was still fairly new.  Of course, it has been sung at most general conferences since it was published in 1863 - and has been sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir many, many times (and is included on several of their albums, including an album entitled "Praise to the Man," which includes many hymns honoring "the Prophet" Joseph Smith). 
  
Since I no longer believe that the Mormon Church is led by a living Prophet (just as I don't believe that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God or "the Prophet of the Restoration" as Mormons refer to him), it gave me great satisfaction to write this new version.  As this hymn parody says, I KNOW THAT IT'S FILLED WITH DECEPTION, and I'm so thankful for that knowledge.  When I was questioning and as the conflicts I felt inside began to diminish, I began to feel a peace, joy and tranquility that permeated my life and finally made me happy.  After years of struggling, trying to "just believe" and accept it all with faith, I finally came to the conclusion that I was living in denial - that I was clinging to religion that was built on a stack of lies that made no sense.  It was such a relief to finally reach that point.  And so I bid Mormonism adieu - and I have never regretted that decision.  As the last line of this hymn parody says, "I could not continue to follow religion that works to deceive."

I KNOW THAT IT’S FILLED WITH DECEPTION

Sung to the tune of We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet - #19

I know that it’s filled with deception,
So clear from the research I’ve done.
Examining all of the doctrine,
I know that of truth there is none.
In going through its sordid history,
The facts that they try to disguise,
I fully reject Mormonism
Because it is nothing but lies.

I know Joseph Smith was a shyster,
Who made up an enormous fraud
By claiming that he was a Prophet,
And saying that he had seen God.
By researching, it is apparent
That none of what he said was true,
And what others say in the present
Are lies they continue to spew.

I'm thankful that I know the truth now,
Tranquility fills me inside.
Resolved are the conflicts that plagued me,
A joyousness I cannot hide.
And though I am labelled apostate
By Mormons who blindly believe,
I could not continue to follow
Religion that works to deceive.

© Diane Tingen, 11/30/12

OH WINTER NIGHT - Another Alternate Carol

OK, here's another alternate Carol for the Holidays... "Oh Winter Night" (sung to the tune of O Holy Night).  Since this Carol isn't in the LDS Hymn Book, it can't be called an LDS Hymn Parody, but I'm adding it here anyway although I'm not going to add it to the listing of actual hymn parodies. 

This version was inspired by a comment by someone in the ExMormon Facebook group that I mentioned yesterday (when I posted my version of Silent Night), who said that he would appreciate it if I could write secular words to O Holy Night since it is his favorite and it is "just too damn religious" (with which I have to agree). 

To me, there is a huge distinction between being "religious" and "spiritual."  My version of this Carol dwells on love and the beauty of nature.  A person doesn't have to be spiritual, or even believe in God, to appreciate the beauty in the world and the wonder of nature.  Whether the world was created by God or is the result of the "Big Bang" doesn't matter to me.  It is awesome and beautiful no matter how it came to be.

OH WINTER NIGHT

Sung to the tune of O Holy Night

Oh Winter Night, the stars are shining brightly,
The falling snow lay in drifts on the ground.
Everything white in its glistening glory,
Majestic scene, picturesque and profound.
In Wintertime, the world is cold and icy,
So beautiful, a frozen wonderland.
Gaze on the world, and view all of its beauty,
In awe, serene, so infinite and grand.
Oh night, oh Winter Night, oh night serene.

Beauty infused in every waking moment,
With glowing hearts we rejoice every day.
Life is a gift so cherish every remnant,
Treasure each breath and don’t ever dismay.
In Wintertime, the world in solemn slumber,
Is draped in snow, magnificent and white.
Sing and rejoice, let's celebrate in Winter,
Behold the world, reflect on every sight,
And fill your heart with joy forevermore.

© Diane Tingen
11/29/12

SILENT NIGHT, PEACEFUL NIGHT - LDS Hymn Parody #75

Can't believe the 2012 Holiday Season is upon us!!  Recently, Jean Bodie posted something in an ExMormom Facebook group about needing alternate words to "Silent Night," because she can't choke out "Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child" anymore.  So of course, my brain cells started churning, and below is the result.

Of course, since this "Carol" is in the LDS Hymn Book, I'm including this one in my ExMormon Hymn Book and counting it toward my goal - which, with this one, I have now reached since this is #75.  Of course, since I have already have ideas for others to write, I'm going to just keep going until I totally run out of concepts.  There are a few other Holiday Songs for which I am going to attempt writing new words, including "O Holy Night" (since someone else in that Facebook group said that he would appreciate it if I could write secular words to that one since it is his favorite and it is "just too damn religious").  So stay tuned for that one... and some others...

And now, without further ado, here is my version of Silent Night (and there's not a virgin in sight)...

SILENT NIGHT
Sung to the tune of Silent Night, #204

Silent night, peaceful night,
All the world, draped in white,
Drifted snow all over the ground,
Such serenity, nary a sound,
Fills my spirit with love,
Fills my spirit with love.

Silent night, peaceful night,
As I gaze, such a sight.

Peacefulness is filling my soul,

Love surrounding me, making me whole.

As I stand here in awe,
As I stand here in awe.

Silent night, peaceful night,
Fills my heart with delight.
Fantasies play out in my mind,
Winter wonderland, beauty defined,
Pure tranquility now,
Pure tranquility now.

Diane Tingen
11/27/2012

WHEN I WAS QUESTIONING - LDS Hymn Parody #74

Looking back on the days when I was questioning whether what the Mormon Church teaches is true, I remember many moments when my gut feelings were that it is not.  But I continued to struggle with my conflicted feelings, wondering if I was misunderstanding the history and doctrine.  After all, I had been conditioned my entire life to just go along.  So in essence, my feelings of possible inadequacy were placed inside my psyche by Mormonism over the years.  They wanted me to think that it was all me.  They wanted me to think that I simply didn't have enough faith or wasn't "righteous enough" to fully comprehend the meaning behind it all.  Of course, that's how the Mormon Church traps people.  They work hard to make people think that if they try harder, pray more, read their scriptures more, attend church more, etc., etc., ad nauseum, then they will understand it all and it will all make sense.

But alas, that didn't work for me.  I continued to feel conflicted until I began to research it independently, and after a while, I realized that it is actually a fraud.  It wasn't me or my lack of faith that created the questioning inside me - it was the sordid history, doctrine and tenets of the Mormon Church.  The Mormons choose to believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God in spite of the facts and evidence against that assertion.  They choose to believe that Joseph Smith "restored the everlasting gospel to the earth" although the facts and evidence demonstrate otherwise.  To me, when the facts and evidence are against something that a person continues to insist is true, they are not demonstrating faith, but rather denial.  And as far as I'm concerned, TBMs  (true believing Mormons) are steeped in denial, big time.

Realizing that I had been lied to my entire life was a very painful revelation, but it is one for which I am very grateful - and I am very thankful that I will not be spending the rest of my entire life devoted to a religion that is obviously false.

My latest LDS hymn parody is set to the music for "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"  This used to be one of my favorite LDS hymns.  As I wrote this hymn parody, I kept thinking about the inner peace I found when I turned away from Mormonism.  No longer am I questioning.  My conflicted feelings have been replaced with a firm belief that Joseph Smith made the whole thing up - and others have spent many years perpetuating his lies for their own purposes.  I just wish TBMs would look at their religion with open minds, researching and examining its history and doctrine on their own, independent from the choke-hold that the Mormon Church imposes on its members.  Then, just maybe, they would come to the same conclusion as I did.

So here is my 74th Hymn Parody...

WHEN I WAS QUESTIONING
Sung to the tune of Where Can I Turn for Peace? #129

When I was questioning, looking for answers
To all the queries racing through my mind.
When with a wounded heart, seeing the errors,
I finally recognized, no truth I’d find.

The Mormon Church is filled with such deception,
When I examined it, I saw the lies.
Through sordid history to its false doctrine,
It is so clear to me, there’s no disguise.

I know that Joseph Smith was not a Prophet,
He simply made it up, that was his scheme.
He was a charlatan, there was no limit
To what he’d say or do, shyster supreme.

Why did I just believe in Mormonism
When it’s so obvious that it is a fraud?
Opened my mind and then, there was a schism,
I knew without a doubt, not Word of God.

© Diane Tingen, 11/20/2012

IT DOESN'T MATTER - LDS Hymn Parody #73

Here's my 73rd LDS hymn parody.  I seem to be on a roll again after a dry spell of a few months.  With this one, I've almost made it to my current goal of writing 75 LDS hymn parodies (although my goal will probably be upped when I reach #75).

This hymn parody is very self-explanatory.  Obviously, it just doesn't matter what the Mormons might say to me anymore.  I know it's not true, and there isn't anything that anyone could say that would change my mind.  In fact, I feel so much more secure in my knowledge of its falsehood now than I ever did of its truthfulness when I was an active Mormon.  Back then, I thought that it was true and I just didn't understand certain things.  I blamed myself for my lack of certainty, and thought that I simply wasn't righteous enough or worthy enough to comprehend it all and didn't have enough faith.  Now, though, I know that's not the case.  I KNOW BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT JOSEPH SMITH MADE THE WHOLE THING UP.  Right from the get-go.  It is very obviously a fraud, a sham, and a hoax hoisted on the world by a con artist named Joseph Smith and perpetuated by others ever since his death.  And for that knowledge, I am very grateful. 

IT DOESN'T MATTER
Sung to the tune of Though Deepening Trials, #122

It doesn't matter what they say,
I know it’s not the Word of God.
It was made up by Joseph Smith,
The Mormon Church, a total fraud,

The Mormon Church, a total fraud.

They will not look with open eyes,
Follow along and just believe.
Clinging to faith, they say it’s true,
Simply not wise, and so naïve,
Simply not wise, and so naïve.

When I began my questioning,
It was not hard to see the lies.
History shows the sordid facts,
Open your eyes, there’s no disguise.
Open your eyes, there’s no disguise.

© Diane Tingen, 10/17/2012

COME, LET US REVIEW - LDS Hymn Parody #72

Here is my 72nd LDS Hymn Parody.  As in so many of my other hymn parodies, the theme of this new one is the deception and lies that Joseph Smith conjured up to form the basis and foundation of the Mormon Church, and the perpetuation of those lies since his time through to the present.  It also touches on another recurring theme - that many TBMs tend to simply accept everything they are told, regardless of any evidence against it all, and "just believe."  Otherwise known as the "Sheep" syndrome.

Recently, though, it has become clear me that more and more people are seeing through the lies and deciding to walk away.  The church leaders try to say that's not the case, and attempt to characterize the Mormon Church as the "fast-growing Christian religion in the world."  In my opinion, it is creative accounting that bolsters the statistics that they hold out.  But from what I have observed in various places on the internet (including many ExMormon and PostMormon type of groups on Facebook), there are more and more former sheep all the time who have seen the light and have decided that they, like me, can no longer live the lie.  For me, that is very reassuring.  As time goes on, I am certain that more and more Mormons will begin to "review the clues" that are so obvious to me now, and decide that life is too short and precious to continue to associate themselves with a religion that plays so fast and loose with the truth.  At least, I hope so...

COME, LET US REVIEW
Sung to the tune of Come, Let Us Anew #217

Come, let us review
Each obvious clue,
Discussing the lies
That they cover up
And attempt to disguise.
It is filled with deceit,
Many falsehoods replete.
But the Mormons believe,
Without thinking accept
All the lies that they weave.
Without thinking accept
All the lies that they weave.

They follow along
Although it is wrong,
And simply obey,
Their eyes fully shut,
As in darkness they stay.
But if they’d only look
Then they’d see what a crook
Joseph Smith really was.
And they might recognize
All the obvious flaws.
And they might recognize
All the obvious flaws.

The man they revere,
Their prophet and seer,
Created a fraud,
The gospel they teach
Is not the Word of God.
Joseph Smith was a con,
I could go on and on,
Mormonism untrue.
The deception is clear
So I bid it adieu.
The deception is clear
So I bid it adieu.

© Diane Tingen
10/8/2012

SO ENTRENCHED IN MORMONISM - LDS Hymn Parody #71

I've been thinking about how many people get so wrapped up in religion that they accept certain things blindly, without really looking at the background or even searching for the actual truth.  Blind faith is simply not wise.  Accepting religious principles without researching its subject matter is basically giving your own power away and allowing a religious organization to dictate what you believe.  As I've said before, having faith is all fine and good, but when a person ignores the actual facts and evidence, then it's not faith anymore but rather denial.

Sadly, that’s how it was for me within Mormonism.  Being born and raised Mormon, I just went along for many years, accepting what I was told to believe, not really looking at it with a critical eye or doing any independent research, away from the “accepted parameters.”  And even when I did discover something that didn't make sense to me, I tried to accept it anyway.  Denial - deep denial.  That mindset really irritates me now, and I wish I had become more intellectually curious when I was much younger so that I could have found the actual facts while I was in my youth.

I'm so grateful that I finally began doing my own independent research.  Of course, anyone who does that is bound to find the same sort of facts and evidence.  But sadly, some people cling to it anyway, trying to rationalize it all out in their minds.  I did that for quite a while, but in the end, that was no longer an option for me.  The actual truth is what's important to me, and once I knew without any doubt that the Mormon Church is actually a fraud, that was the absolute end.

Entrenched once, but no more... and the biggest reward is living my life authentically.

With that said, here is my 71st LDS Hymn Parody...

SO ENTRENCHED IN MORMONISM

Sung to the tune of O Thou Rock of our Salvation, #258

So entrenched in Mormonism,
They refuse to see the lies.
Close the eyes and just believe it,
Blind acceptance is not wise.
What I found when I did research
Made me finally face the truth.
Wish that I had questioned sooner,
Found the facts while in my youth.

Born and raised in Mormonism,
I believed what I was taught.
It took years for me to see it,
In denial I was caught.
What I found when I did research
Made me finally face the truth.
Wish that I had questioned sooner,
Found the facts while in my youth.

Now I know that Mormonism
Was made up by Joseph Smith.
Not an ounce of truth to speak of,
It is nothing but a myth.
When I found when I did research
Made me finally face the truth.
Wish that I had questioned sooner,
Found the facts while in my youth.

So apparent all their tactics,
How they brainwash and persuade.
Make the members scared to research,
What a price they all have paid.
In the end, I hope they see it,
For the truth will set them free.
Just as it has done in my life,
As I live authentically.

Diane Tingen, 7/22/2012

HOW GREAT THE SWINDLE AND THE LIES - LDS Hymn Parody #70





Here's another LDS Hymn Parody - my 70th so far.  It's hard for me to believe I've written that many, but once I got started I haven't been able to stop.  Writing these LDS Hymn Parodies is very cathartic for me - perhaps because I've always loved music and used to be very involved in music when I was an active Mormon.  Over the years, I held callings as the Ward Organist, Choir Director, Relief Society Music Director and Pianist, Primary Chorister and Pianist, as well as singing solos and duets in Sacrament Meeting and in the Choir. 

I grew up singing LDS hymns, and was obviously indoctrinated in many ways because of that.  With so many LDS hymns still swimming around in my head, it's nice to have new lyrics to sing to them.

So here is my 70th LDS Hymn Parody.  Very self-explanatory, so I won't go into a big description of its contents.  I hope you enjoy reading them (and singing them) as much as I enjoy writing them...

HOW GREAT THE SWINDLE AND THE LIES
Sung to the tune of How Great the Wisdom and the Love, #195

How great the swindle and the lies
That fill the Mormon Church.
So clear to me when I began
To do my own research.

It’s clear that Joseph made it up,
Just spun a web of lies.
And yet the members go along
Though logic it decries.

The history of the Mormon Church
Is sordid through and through.
And when I finally looked at it,
I knew it wasn’t true.

Why don’t the Mormons question it?
Why do they close their eyes
As blindly they accept it all?
It simply is not wise.

But sadly there are many who
Refuse to look beyond
What they are told to just believe,
Not knowing they’ve been conned.

I hope that more will see the lies,
And realize the truth.
To live their lives authentically
While they are in their youth.

© Diane Tingen, 7/8/2012

OH, DECEPTION - LDS Hymn Parody #69

OK, I know... I've turned into a broken record (again).  Sometimes I get tired of hearing myself ramble on and on about how the Mormon Church is nothing but a stack of lies - that it is pure deception.  But only sometimes.  The rest of the time I simply want to have my voice be heard - and I hope that by speaking out, people will be compelled to do their own research, to look behind the curtain and finally see the Wizard.  And once they do that, then hopefully they will realize that the deception ala Mormonism runs very deep - and do something about it.

In November 2011, I wrote an LDS Hymn Parody that goes along with this theme.  In that post, I said:

Short and to the point.  Just like the original LDS hymn/children's song -
at least in its length, but obviously not in its point.

WHY THE DECEPTION?
Sung to the tune of Keep the Commandments, #303

Why the deception?  Why the deception?
The lies are apparent, of this I am sure.
Look at the history, look at the history,
Ugly and sordid, why the deception?
The lies are apparent for sure.

© Diane Tingen, 11/29/2011

My latest LDS Hymn Parody expands on this theme.  Actually, this new one is set to one of my favorite LDS Hymns of all time - O My Father.  This hymn (the lyrics to which were written by Eliza R. Snow) is famous for speaking of Mother in Heaven.  Perhaps that's why I always liked it so much.  My feminist side coming out, way back then.

I remember not only singing this hymn in church, but also at funerals.  In fact, I think it was sung at my mother's funeral in 1977... back when I was still very TBM and still just going along.  The research that led me to realize the truth had not yet begun.  I had a lot of questions back then, but rather than doing independent research to obtain the answers, I simply adhered to The Mormon Way by believing what they told me - basically, that if I didn't understand certain things, then it was a failing within me.  The message that was given to me was that in order to get the answer to my questions, I needed to pray more, study the scriptures more, attend meetings regularly, and adhere to the gospel.  You know, the ol' it's you not them mindset.  If there is anything wrong, it couldn't possibly be that the church is wrong, so it must be that you are not worthy enough.  Of course, I was also given the message that we cannot understand everything in this life, but that if we endure to the end, it will all be made known to us and then we will know that it was worth it.  With that rhetoric, the Mormons basically cover all the bases, don't you think?

The truth is apparent to me now, but that clarity wasn't obtained from doing all that "they" said I needed to do.  Instead, the clarity I gained was from opening my mind and doing some actual independent research.  I stopped burying my head in the sand - and also followed a famous "Mormon" scripture (James 1:5) - slightly revised:

So here is my latest LDS Hymn Parody... #69... and counting... 

 

OH, DECEPTION
Sung to the tune of O My Father, #292

Oh, Deception, laced throughout it,
Conjured up by Joseph Smith.
He created Mormonism,
Just a hoax, enormous myth.
He convinced them all to follow
Saying he was called of God.
But in truth, he was a shyster,
And the church is just a fraud.

I was born and raised a Mormon,
All my life, I just believed.
Went along with what they taught me,
But I found, I’d been deceived.

When I looked, it was apparent,
All the lies that Joseph told.
Plagiarized the Book of Mormon,
Not obtained from plates of gold.

Mormonism, pure deception,
Not an ounce of truth within.
It is clear when it is studied
How untrue the tales they spin.
But it’s sad that many listen,
Buy it all and just believe.
Unaware of the deception,
And of all the lies they weave.

If they’d only do some research
On their own, then they might see
All the lies, the clear deception
That’s employed, so visibly.
Common sense is sorely needed,
Nothing in it is from God.
It is not the true religion,
But instead, a blank façade.

© Diane Tingen, 6/13/2012

HAVE YOU STUDIED BELIEFS OF THE MORMON CHURCH? Another LDS Hymn Parody, #68

Being born and raised Mormon, I grew up believing that what I was told about the beliefs of the Mormon Church was the actual truth, and I assumed that what I was told was based on actual facts.  But boy, was I WRONG!!!  Coming to the realization that everything I believed was true is actually FALSE hit me like a ton of bricks.  But it took me a VERY long time to get there - and it took doing my own actual independent research (prior to and after going on a Mormon Church History Tour in 2001) to discover that the Mormon Church whitewashes its very sordid history and misrepresents its beliefs and doctrines.

Sadly, there are many Mormons out there who did just what I did.  They believe what they are told is the truth and don't do their own research.  Such a bad idea.  Therefore, my advice to anyone who is either questioning or investigating the Mormon Church is to do your own research, independently, and don't rely on what you are told is the truth.  Also, don't rely on what the Mormon Church deems to be "authorized reading" to make your decision about its truthfulness.

It should be a RED FLAG that the Mormon Church tells its members to only read from "authorized areas," and to not read or research anything outside those "authorized" areas - what they basically prohibit.  After all, that criteria is one of the signs of a CULT.  Simply put, FIND OUT THE TRUTH FOR YOURSELF... ON YOUR OWN TERMS!!!

And with that in mind, here is my 68th LDS Hymn Parody... 

HAVE YOU STUDIED BELIEFS OF THE MORMON CHURCH?

Sung to the tune of Have I Done Any Good? - #223

Have you studied beliefs of the Mormon Church?
Have you researched it on your own?
Do you just go along, do not question what’s wrong?
If so, you are not alone.

The actual facts are much different than what
They tell you that you must believe.
If you study the history then you’ll see the truth
Through the legion of lies that they weave.

(Chorus)
Then wake up and do something more
Than just bow your head and obey.
There are lies laced throughout it,
Don’t blindly accept it
And give all your power away.

Decisions we make in our daily lives
Take research to make the right choice.
We don’t always accept, and will sometimes reject,
Opinions that others may voice.
And so with religion it should be the same,
Through research the questions are solved.
It takes true discernment to sort through the facts,
And there’s critical thinking involved.

(Chorus)
Then wake up and do something more
Than just bow your head and obey.
There are lies laced throughout it,
Don’t blindly accept it
And give all your power away.

© Diane Tingen, 6/11/2012

FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE TRUTH - LDS Hymn Parody #67

To me, there is beauty in truth.  Plain and simple.  No little white lies.  No wiggle room.  No bobbing and weaving.  No hedging.  Just the pure truth based on facts and evidence.  

But I've been told that I take the concept of truth too literally, at least on some discussion boards where I've attempted to discuss this topic.  But in doing so, I have been criticized for saying that since there are obvious lies laced throughout Mormonism, I had to discard it.  It has been pointed out that every religion has lies within it, as if that is a justification for the lies I have discovered.  But to me, just because "all religions" have lies within them doesn't mean that it is okay for every religion to present lies as absolute truth.  After all, if a religion has lies laced throughout it, then what possible benefit can it have to me in my life?  For example, the Mormon Church teaches honesty and integrity as important values, and yet they have no regard for the actual truth when it comes to presenting its doctrine or history.  I, for one, have a real problem with that.

Perhaps the search for truth and beauty is an elusive one.  Obviously truth and beauty mean different things to different people.  But regardless of whether or not that may be true, wouldn't a person think that within religion that search would be simpler?  That those qualities would intermingle and co-exist within the worship of God?  Sadly, though, that doesn't seem to be the case. 

THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.

Yes, as far as I am concerned, TRUTH is the bottom line.  Is something true - or is it false?  If it's false, then I want nothing to do with it.  To me, it really is that simple.

Of course, that explains why, when I discovered so many lies laced throughout Mormonism, I had to extricate myself from its grasp.  And that also explains why I have such a hard time understanding why some people can know all the flaws, all the deception, all the lies, all the sordid history, and still adhere to Mormonism.  Makes no sense to me.

Anyway, here is my 67th LDS Hymn Parody, all about TRUTH...

FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE TRUTH
Sung to the tune of For the Beauty of the Earth, #92

For the beauty of the truth,
Sorting through apparent lies.
Seeing that it’s all made up,
Facts that brought me much surprise.
Truth is what it’s all about,
Knowing without any doubt.

For the beauty of the facts,
Recognizing every clue.
When the evidence is there,
Standing up for what is true.
Truth is what it’s all about,
Knowing without any doubt.

Finding truth, a worthy search,
Ripping off the veiled disguise.
Finally seeing what is false,
Then discarding all the lies.
Truth is what it’s all about,
Knowing without any doubt.

For the joy of feeling free,
Living an authentic life.
Finally facing all the facts,
Free from all the pain and strife.

Mormonism is not true,
So I bid it all adieu.

© Diane Tingen, 5/29/2012

WHERE IS THE PEACE DENIAL BRINGS? LDS Hymn Parody #66

Denial.  An interesting topic.  In my opinion, there are a lot of Mormons who are in total and complete denial.  Just like the picture says, "Denialism - Denying reality, one fact at time."  Because really, when you really examine Mormonism on an independent level (away from the areas "authorized" by the church itself), it is obviously filled with all kinds of lies, deceptions and half-truths.  And no, that isn't Anti-Mormon Propaganda, but the actual truth based on actual evidence and actual facts.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if the Mormon Church had nothing to hide, then it wouldn't matter what people read or where they research.  But the fact that the church is very concerned about its members doing research on their own is very telling.

Of course, there are many who are still counted within the ranks of Mormons who have realized the lies, know the actual truth, but have decided to "pretend" to still believe to keep the peace within their families.  Very sad.  It doesn't seem to matter what the 11th Article of Faith says... "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."  Most Mormons don't follow that philosophy, but rather berate people who decide they cannot adhere to Mormon beliefs any longer - even shunning and turning their backs against those who choose to use their free agency.  And sadly, this happens a lot within families.
 
There are so many types of Mormons:  Shadow Mormons.  Social Mormons.  Cafeteria Mormons.  Dry Mormons.  Jack Mormons.  True Believing Mormons (TBMs).  But regardless of what type of Mormons they are, they all have two things in common:  Mormonism and Denial.  Please don't get me wrong - I feel a lot of sympathy for people who find themselves trapped within Mormonism (at least in their minds), but it takes a lot of denial to not realize that staying within the parameters of something in which you don't believe (and is obviously filled with lies) has a devastating effect on a person's psyche and mental well-being.  I know because I've been there.  Thankfully, I realized several years ago that I could not "pretend" any longer, and left the fold - and I've never regretted my decision.

And so here is my 66th LDS Hymn Parody... highlighting the denial that is alive and well, and being adhered to faithfully within Mormonism.  And no, denial is not a river in Egypt...

WHERE IS THE PEACE DENIAL BRINGS?

Sung to the tune of Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings, #14

Where is the peace denial brings
To Mormons everywhere?
Just following as they are told,
Their thoughts they cannot share.

So sad their lives are intertwined
In Mormonism’s ploy.
But sadder still to realize
It strips your life of joy.

The bottom line, your peace of mind
And how you feel inside,
Is tied up in your happiness
And cannot be denied.

To live your life authentically,
And not give in to fear,
Accept the false philosophies
To which they all adhere.

To me, it’s clear the Mormon Church
Is not the Word of God.
It’s nothing but a sham and hoax,
So obvious a fraud.

So difficult to understand
How anyone can stay
Within a church so clearly false
And give their lives away.

To those still trapped within the grasp
Of Mormonism’s ruse,
I hope that you will find a way
To finally get loose.

Because the peace that you will find
When you are finally free,
Is worth whatever it will take,
Just as it was for me.

© Diane Tingen, 5/25/2012

THE MORMON LEGACY - LDS Hymn Parody #64

Here's another LDS hymn parody.  This one highlights, once again, my opinion that since the Mormon Church has numerous obvious flaws (and in my mind is actually false), Mormons everywhere need to stop burying their heads in the sand, blindly following what the church tells them to believe, and do some actual research so they can find the actual truth.  To blindly believe, without researching independently, on your own, is simply not wise.  Would anyone buy a car without doing research on its origins and history?  No, that would be absurd.  Would anyone purchase a house without having an inspection and title report done - and look closely at its foundation to insure they have avoided any potential problems?  No, obviously not.  And yet so many Mormons just go along, believing what they are told, not doing any independent research - just believing and having faith.

I find this mindset to be appalling.  Intellectual curiosity is paramount for a thinking individual.  To be told that you can't do any research outside of approved parameters is not only ridiculous but is also one of the signs of a cult.  If a religious organization has nothing to hide then it doesn't matter what people look at, what they read, or what they research on their own.  I really wish more Mormons would think about that instead of accepting it all blindly.  Instead they choose to "just believe" - which, unfortunately, is The Mormon Legacy.

THE MORMON LEGACY

Sung to the tune of How Gentle God’s Commands – Hymn #125

Completely filled with lies,
Created to deceive.
The truth is there for all to find,
Naïve to just believe.

The Mormon Church is false,

Its doctrines are not true.
So clear that it was just made up,
Invented by a few.

The flaws are obvious,
Not hard at all to find.

The sordid history tells the tale,
Not slandered or maligned.

Through research I could see
The lies throughout it all.
Yet others cling to fallacies
Emblazoned on the wall.

They say we must have faith,
That we can’t understand
The ways of God, mysterious,
His ever-mighty hand.

But though that might be true,
That does not testify
To Mormonism’s truthfulness,
The logic is awry.

Not wise to close your eyes,
Submit and just believe
Whatever you are told is true,
The web of lies they weave.

But there is none so blind
As he who will not see
That they’ve been duped by blatant lies,
The Mormon Legacy.

© Diane Tingen, 5/17/2012

IS THERE TRUTH IN MORMONISM? LDS Hymn Parody #63

It's been 2-1/2 months since I wrote my last hymn parody.  My, how times flies.  I guess I've been creatively blocked (most likely by what has been going on in my life, which is a very long story).  But since I'm determined to write at least 75 LDS hymn parodies, it's really good to feel the creative juices flowing again.

So here is my latest LDS hymn parody... very self-explanatory, so I won't go into any further explanation...

IS THERE TRUTH IN MORMONISM?
Sung to the tune of Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah – Hymn #83

Is there truth in Mormonism?
Many think it’s filled with lies.
Just look at the sordid history,
Countless questions will arise.
Look for answers, look for answers,
Search until you find the truth,
Find the truth.
Search until you find the truth.

They want you to blindly follow
What they tell you to believe.
If it’s false, the landscape changes,
You should know if they deceive.
Mormonism, Mormonism,
There is more than meets the eye,
Meets the eye.
There is more than meets the eye.

Though they tell you not to research,
Only read what they approve.
You must study independent,
Any doubts you must remove.
Information, information,
If you look, you’ll find the truth,
Find the truth.
If you look, you’ll find the truth.

© Diane Tingen, 5/16/2012

JOSEPH SMITH WAS JUST A CON - LDS Hymn Parody #62

Here's my 62nd LDS Hymn Parody... trying to decide what my new goal should be... 75???  100???  Gonna have to give that some thought...
 
Since this LDS Hymn Parody is very self-explanatory, I won't go into a lot of detail but to say (again) that the Mormon Church is completely based on lies, and was created by a charlatan con-artist flim-flam man.  But sadly, that fact is just the tip of the iceberg...

JOSEPH SMITH WAS JUST A CON

Sung to the tune of God of Power, God of Right - #20

Joseph Smith was just a con,
And the list goes on and on
Of the many ways he lied,
Things I cannot take in stride.

Brigham Young, a liar, too,
Reading what his mouth would spew
Makes me sick on no small scale,
History tells quite a tale.

But the Mormons just believe
What they’re told, they’re so naïve.
Just accepting all the lies
Based on faith is just not wise.

How I wish they’d just research
History of the Mormon Church.
Study independently
Maybe lies they then would see.

I’m so happy that I left
Mormonism, so bereft
Of the honesty implied,
For the lies, I can’t abide.

© Diane Tingen, 03/05/2012