Digest

This two-part podcast episode follows Lindsey and Todd McCormick, a Mormon couple from Knoxville, Tennessee, as they navigate a faith crisis that culminates in a threat of excommunication. Their journey begins with a period of financial hardship and spiritual stagnation around 2014. They detail their upbringing within the Mormon faith, highlighting Lindsey's family's deep Mormon roots and musical background, and Todd's mission to France. Their initial questioning of Mormon doctrine stems from a Sunday school lesson, a confusing temple experience, and a critical examination of scriptures. They discuss the challenges of independent scriptural study, the church's response to their questioning, and the growing discomfort within their community. Their evolving beliefs, particularly regarding the role of women and the church's financial practices, lead to increased scrutiny and suspicion. The couple's decision to stop wearing temple garments and their diverging views on various doctrines further fuel this scrutiny. Rumors spread, and they eventually meet with the stake president, facing accusations based on seemingly trivial matters, such as a conversation about a mall and a joke about wine. The couple highlights the lack of due process and fairness in the disciplinary council, ultimately leading to their decision to resign from the church and share their story publicly. They discuss the impact on their family relationships and their journey toward healing and reconciliation. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to support the podcast and apply to be guests.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Family Background

Introduction to Lindsey and Todd McCormick and their family's deep Mormon roots, their move to Tennessee, and the context of their impending excommunication.

00:03:13

Mormon Upbringing and Early Influences

Lindsey and Todd describe their individual upbringings within Mormonism, including Lindsey's relatively relaxed environment and Todd's mission to France. This section also covers their meeting and marriage.

00:08:53

The Seeds of Doubt: Early Questioning

The McCormicks discuss the events leading to their faith crisis, including financial hardship, spiritual stagnation, and critical examination of scriptures and church teachings.

00:44:31

Catalysts for Deconstruction and Initial Reactions

Specific events and teachings that catalyzed their faith deconstruction are detailed, along with initial reactions from family and friends.

01:05:56

Loss of Trust and Shifting Perspectives

The couple's growing awareness of the church's treatment of women and their own scriptural study lead to a loss of trust in church leadership.

01:13:44

Growing Tensions and Community Scrutiny

Increasing tensions within their community are described, highlighting the discomfort caused by their questioning of church doctrines and practices.

01:18:45

The Witch Hunt and its Consequences

The couple describes the increasing scrutiny and suspicion from their community, leading to a feeling of being ostracized.

01:20:38

Deconstruction of Core Beliefs and Financial Success

The McCormicks detail their deconstruction of core Mormon beliefs, including the garment and temple rituals, and how their financial success contributed to suspicion and jealousy.

01:30:55

The Threat of Excommunication and Disciplinary Council

The couple recounts the rumors, the meeting with the stake president, and the threat of excommunication.

01:48:56

Authenticity, Anxiety, and the Utah Reunion

The couple's decision to prioritize authenticity over conformity leads to increased anxiety but also connects them with others experiencing similar struggles.

02:02:48

Early Conflicts and Accusations

The McCormicks recount early conflicts within their Mormon ward, including accusations of patent theft and the church's failure to address the situation.

02:08:45

Escalating Conflicts and the Volleyball Team Incident

The McCormicks describe increasing difficulties within their ward, including the formation of a ward volleyball team seemingly designed to exclude them.

02:13:10

Investigating the Letters and Lack of Due Process

The McCormicks question the legitimacy of the letters used to justify the disciplinary council, revealing inconsistencies and the apparent orchestration of the accusations.

02:31:03

The Kangaroo Court and Social Lynching

The McCormicks describe the disciplinary council as a "kangaroo court" and a "spiritual, social lynching," emphasizing the devastating social consequences of excommunication.

02:44:51

Resignation and Sharing Their Story

The McCormicks explain their decision to resign from the church and finally share their story publicly.

02:46:42

Impact on Family Relationships and Healing

The McCormicks discuss the impact of their decision on their family relationships and their journey toward healing and reconciliation.

03:02:14

Conclusion and Call to Action

The hosts thank donors, encourage listeners to support the podcast, and invite listeners to apply to be guests on the show.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the main events that triggered Lindsey and Todd's faith crisis?

  Financial hardship, spiritual stagnation, a critical Sunday school lesson, and a confusing temple experience.

• How did their approach to faith deconstruction differ from typical narratives?

  They began by questioning other aspects of their lives before focusing on religious beliefs.

• What specific doctrinal issues caused the most significant challenges?

  Contradictions in scriptures, condemnation of wealth, and unquestioning faith in leaders.

• How did their family dynamic influence their faith journey?

  Strong family ties provided support, even amidst tension.

• What role did scripture study play in their deconstruction?

  Deeper study revealed inconsistencies and allowed for reinterpretation.

• How did initial questioning evolve into a full-blown crisis?

  Independent study and awareness of the church's treatment of dissenters led to a loss of trust.

• What role did family and community relationships play?

  Initial resistance, later connection with others experiencing similar doubts.

• How did prioritizing authenticity impact their lives?

  Increased anxiety and conflict, but also connection with others and a shift in their relationship with the church.

• What were the key doctrinal issues they questioned?

  Infallibility of prophets, historical accuracy of teachings, role of women, polygamy, and temple garments.

• What advice would they give to others?

  Honest self-reflection, independent study, support from others, and prioritizing authenticity and mental health.

• What were the main reasons for the excommunication threat?

  Trivial matters amplified by a disgruntled former employee, highlighting a lack of due process.

• How did church leadership's actions impact their family and friendships?

  Created significant rifts and strained friendships, causing emotional distress.

• What is the significance of excommunication in Mormonism?

  Severe punishment, loss of temple blessings, severed eternal family relationships, and social isolation.

• What led the McCormicks to resign?

  Abusive and unfair treatment from church leadership and a disciplinary council based on fabricated accusations.

• What message do they hope to convey?

  Raise awareness of potential abuse in religious institutions and encourage open dialogue about faith transitions.

• How can listeners support the podcast?

  Monthly/annual donations, subscriptions, sharing episodes, leaving comments, and emailing the hosts.

• How can someone become a guest?

  Submit a three-minute video and complete the application form on MormonStorage.org.

Show Notes