I'm considering becoming a mormon, what are the worst parts of it that the church doesn't tell you?

I was born and raised in the church. If you want to be active and accepted in the community, it can very easily become on par with a part time job in terms of hours of commitment. 20 hours a week isn't too uncommon.

It is an organization that literally says you are not allowed to criticize the leaders placed over you even if it is true (because they literally belive the spirit makes every single decision in every aspect of the church), and you are not allowed to say no to whatever the callings or jobs or responsibilities placed on you (again because of the spirit guiding the people making the decision). I can assure you I have been in those leadership positions and I was never guided by the spirt, I made choices of callings by saying hmm, this guy hasn't done anything in a while let's give him some responsibility, otherwise I'll have to do it myself.

Moreover you are required to pay 10% of your gross income for this privilege, and once a year you will have an assessment with the bishop where you go over your finances and ensure you are indeed paying your full 10% of the gross income.

And as icing on the cake if you aren't public and emotional enough about the fact that you 100% KNOW the church is the only true church and express your deep love of all the other members, you will be talked about in special meetings behind your back where members will analyze how to make you a stronger memeber and assign people to be your 'friend' until your testimony is strong enough. Not to mention just the general nice to your face/ talk about you behind your back attitude that goes on. Be prepared to have all of the personal secrets and aspects of your and your families lives to be openly and publicly discussed with and without you present. Because they love you and just want you to be happy...As long as it's an acceptable kind of happy that the church approves of.

I'm sorry if this comes off as snark or spiteful but this is the experience I had as general as I can make it. And it is not a unique experience. This is life as an active latter day saint. If you can handle this, you will fit in fine.

/r/exmormon Thread