Light and Truth Letter logo

Epilogue

A Letter to a Former Member of the Church of Jesus Christ

Dear _____________,

As I publish the Light and Truth Letter, I want you to know that it was not written about you. I know you are not trying to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know you have a balanced perspective on how the Church helped you. After my own intensive research, I honestly do not blame anyone for not being completely convinced of the restoration’s truth claims. The evidence is convincing to me, but it certainly isn’t irrefutable. As you’ve decided what to believe, I know parts of this letter may be uncomfortable for you. That wasn’t my intention. I also know that you were personally injured at the hands of insensitive church leaders, and I’m sorry that happened. I don’t know why the gospel did not work for you. I wish it had.

The Kingdom of God rolls on, but let me say that we, as a church, miss you. We were better when you were with us. There is a you-sized hole among our ranks. Over the years, we have benefitted so much from your gifts and talents, and we miss them. Most of all, we and I miss you. We can always spend time together in other ways, but it won’t be the same for me, and that’s okay.

If returning to the fold is not in the cards, I very much hope you are happier outside the Church. If you do not believe in God, I sincerely desire that you find life, love, and purpose without the gospel. Regardless of our differences, you have all of my love and respect.

All the best,
Austin Fife

Additional Resources

Gospel Topics Essays - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/essays?lang=eng

LDS Truth Claims - www.youtube.com/@ldstruthclaims3793

  • Brett McDonald spends over 29 hours in 20–50-minute clips reviewing the Church's truth claims. As an attorney he uses the same standard of proofs used in our legal system.

Latter-day Saint Q & A - https://latterdaysaintsqa.com/ or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgEls1xaRLC-np8xiwI1yA>

  • Jeff Roundy answers critics' questions and covers positive evidence for the restoration's truth claims in 81 videos, each 15-60 minutes long.

Mormonr (B.H Roberts Foundation) – mormonr.org

  • Database of the critical arguments against the Church and good answers. Mormonr is very fair to the critic’s ideas, does not shy away from the tough issues, and provides great sources.

FAIR Latter-day Saints - https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoLAowawEfrtrxvnQQAx2yw>

  • The traditional, non-Church affiliated apologetics organization. The landing spot for most scholarly defenses of the gospel.

Interpreter Foundation - https://interpreterfoundation.org

  • “Supporting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through scholarship.”

Evidence Central – evidencecentral.org

  • Catalog of the positive evidence for the truth claims of the Church.

Saints Unscripted - https://saintsunscripted.com/ or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LBmYIOq6Eu_ZC14i_YkIg>

  • Variety of videos and other content oriented toward a younger audience. Tons of bite-size videos explaining controversial issues.

Ward Radio - https://www.wardradio.com/ or https://www.youtube.com/@WARDRADIO>

  • Comedy. LDS news, radio, and podcast community. Debunkings, reactions, and current events.

The Stick of Joseph - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJ4TYPZCKbZonuWVpA5XLg>

  • The Paul brothers explore all things Book of Mormon.

CES Letter Debunkings

Previous

Conclusion

On this page

A Letter to a Former Member of the Church of Jesus ChristAdditional Resources