Mormons and Death - AMA

I was a member of the Mormon church for 33 years and I understand some of Kendra’s thinking (not the grifting necessarily) but in light of the post, I wanted to respond - here’s my thoughts. AMA

I think everyone is shocked by the post that Kendra shared last night - and the revelation that B has not been helped to understand the death/dying process.

It is essential to understand that Mormons do not fear death - they are not allowed to because fearing death ULTIMATELY admits that they don’t have faith in god that they will live again. They live their entire lives for what comes next - led by a carrot of forever and a chased by a whip of eternal damnation and separation from their family should they not be perfect.

Because they are told not to fear death, they are also discouraged to grieve because they believe the person they lost is with them. I was never allowed to grieve my miscarriages - and I didn’t understand the impact of that until I put down the religious anchor.

B’s siblings will be told that B is still with them on the other side of the veil (a term mentioned once or twice in the Bible that refers to the separation of the spiritual world and the physical world in this religious dogma). That they can’t see or hear her, but she is there. Because (presumably) her parents were sealed (married) in the temple, they are being told they will be a forever family and don’t need to mourn the loss.

While I agree with the shock, I can also see how I would have likely responded if I was still in it like I was in my 20s. I don’t think it’s right, but from her belief system, it does make genuine sense.

Beyond that, please feel free to ask me anything.