Mormon Stories #1226: Stephenie Larsen - Standing On Your Own After Mormonism (THRIVEDAY 2019)

Standing on Your Own After Mormonism: The Personal and Social Dimensions of Faith Transition

When a person decides to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after decades of belief, the consequences ripple far beyond personal doubt. According to Mormon Stories #1226 featuring Stephenie Larsen at THRIVEDAY 2019, leaving the faith presents a profound psychological and social challenge: the loss of community, identity, and purpose that the institution has structured for an entire lifetime. For those navigating faith transitions, understanding both the emotional toll and the pathways to rebuilding becomes essential. This editorial examines Larsen's documented account of standing on your own after Mormonism, exploring what the historical record reveals about the lived experience of those who exit the Church.

The Hidden Cost of Staying: Authenticity vs. Belonging

Larsen's narrative begins with a striking admission: roughly 15 to 20 years ago, she and her spouse concluded they no longer believed in Mormonism. Rather than leave immediately, they made a calculated decision to remain active, attending meetings and maintaining appearances until their youngest child reached adulthood. This strategy, what might be called "faking it", reflects a reality documented across exit narratives: the tension between personal integrity and social cohesion within a high-demand religious organization.

The psychological cost of this extended performance became evident only after she finally stopped attending. Over a five-year period following her departure, not a single church member asked why she had ceased participation. This silence, she notes, created an overwhelming sense of isolation, "the elephant in the room", despite being surrounded by people she had worshipped alongside for years.

Isolation Within Community: The Paradox of Mormon Social Structures