Further Light and Knowledge

Hi, everyone. I'm CV Rick

Since I was excommunicated I haven't been part of any organization with any ties, past-present-former-etc., to Mormonism. I've been conducting my own journey of discovery, education, and life.

A little about me: I was raised both Mormon and as a military brat (Air Force). We moved all over the world and I got to experience these two very unique worlds together, which gives one a unique perspective on the church and on the Utah/Idaho Mormons. My father retired and moved to Blackfoot, Idaho where I went to high school as something of an outsider. Then after dropping out of college I went into the Air Force myself where I eventually ended up serving both Combat and Combat Support roles in Desert Storm and other theaters.

About my excommunication: I haven't written the full story yet, but the brief version is that I was married with one very young son. I was working full-time and carrying a heavy load of night classes when my wife (ex-wife) decided that I was being unfaithful. She decided that I was having an affair and with whom I was having an affair and she went to the Bishop with her accusations.

The Bishop called me in, demanded that I cease my affair and that I repent. Me, being stubborn, refused to repent for that which I didn't do. He demanded, I denied wrongdoing. He prayed, and tried in vain to persuade me to admit to something and repent for that which I had no guilt. So, it went to the Stake where a council was called and a court convened and I was invited to attend.

I did attend, and I repeated my innocence. But prayer and guidance and a lot of persuasion from my ex and my Bishop convinced them that I was guilty and since I had no remorse, I was excommunicated.

Now call me strange, but I thought that our Heavenly Father was omniscient. Given that, I thought he'd know I was telling the truth and he'd let the Stake President, councilors, and court (quorum) know that through answering prayers. That was my first real confirmation that they're just making it all up anyway. Turns out that she was the one having an affair as I found out (and didn't care) years later.

Since the church severed ties with me, I likewise severed ties with them, studied the philosophy and science of belief, creation, and all things biblical. I'd describe myself now as a happy and well-adjusted Atheist.

I found FLAK through Sister Mary Lisa. I write a blog that some think is decent and it's memoir-style, detailing my experiences in the military

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- CV Rick
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Ah, Rick. I'm very glad to see you here on FLAK. This is a great forum, and I've met some amazing people here.

I hope you do as well.

Your story of exiting the church sounds painful, and highly interesting too, in a driving-by-a-grisly-accident-scene kind of way. I can't wait to hear more about it as you're ready to write it.

Welcome.

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"The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth." ~Kate Chopin, "The Awakening"

Welcome, Ninja Writer.

There are few blogs that have prompted me to laud accolades and high praise, but yours is definitely one.

Great to see you on FLAK, though it's not a playground I get to kick around in too often because of work (I'm totally off today, goofin'.)

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"I'm no angel, but I've spread my wings a bit." - Mae West

Sideon's Sanctuary

It's good to be here.

I understand about work. Today is a rain day for me (which happens rarely). I own my own little business and we have things we just can't do in the rain. Wait till winter . . . I have a lot of time then.

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- CV Rick
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hey! I was just wondering the other day if anyone else on flak had experienced the crazy hybrid of being raised mormon and military, specifically air-force brat. My father retired shortly after I was born so I didnt do the moving around thing. It was the two mentalities of how to raise children that interested me. I dont have time to read your blog today but I look forward to it, and welcome!

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it is truly a small population of people that do not seek control but are willing to accept the outcome of all things. - Mayan

Yes, Glasstangerine, on my blog I go into great depth in what it was like to live on Air Force Bases, growing up in the military, and also growing up Mormon.

Some of the best posts to date on those particular subjects are I Have a Dimple (very typical story of base life) and Religious Addiction(a story about being the only Mormon around).

If and when you do have time, I think you'll enjoy the stories.

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- CV Rick
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I'm another Air Force brat, although I'm one of the younger kids, so by the time I about 8, my father had a command, and we didn't move any more.
But yes, the confluence of autocratic Air Force parents and autocratic Mormon parents was interesting.

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As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will, he will be sure to repent.
-- Socrates

Maybe that's why I like you.
Oh wait... I dont.

also I don't know how to make her hair red. I am pictorially challenged.

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it is truly a small population of people that do not seek control but are willing to accept the outcome of all things. - Mayan

I couldn't agree more about the combination of religion and military. I prefer to describe my father as an Authoritarian as analyzed in the Altermeyer studies. It got bad sometimes with the requirement not to question authority while at the same time he wasn't questioning any authority above him.

I was the son of an enlisted man, however. I never experienced the life of the privileged officer class.

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- CV Rick
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Hi CV Rick, welcome to FLAK. For a few weeks now I've been reading your blog (just lurking, but really loving your writing) through the recommendation of SML (who is also a great friend of MINE! ) It's really great you're here on FLAK now.

You know we should start a game around here--Six Degrees of Sister Mary Lisa. See if you can get from any DAMU-ite to Sister Mary Lisa in six degrees or less...

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The apple cannot be stuck back on the Tree of Knowledge; once we begin to see, we are doomed and challenged to seek the strength to see more, not less. ~ Arthur Miller

belaja - feel free to read as much of my blog as you want and comment whenever you'd like.

I'm planning on turning my Growing Up Mormon stories into a novel-length memoir by the end of the year, so any feedback is appreciated. I actually have a perverse desire to see Romney get the nomination so as to give publishers the desire for Mormon and ex-Mo writing.

It does seem like SML is the central crux to this whole community. She's great . . . but don't tell her, she'll just get conceited.

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- CV Rick
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I would agree that the experience of officers kids is not at all the same as yours. But in truth, my father was reasonably relaxed as an officer and as a mormon. On the other hand, I always tell MY kids that we had to salute Dad when he came home at night and call him sir. My oldest daughter still calls me sir. That's kinda cool.

Six degrees of SML? Too easy. She links to half of the DAMU on her blog and chats with a few dozen people as well. Six degrees of Hellmut might be more fun.

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As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will, he will be sure to repent.
-- Socrates

Did you just call me EASY?!?!

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"The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth." ~Kate Chopin, "The Awakening"

I'm not gettin' in the middle of that one...

but welcome, CVRick. I look forward to reading your blog.

Your story is almost unbelievable, but I'm glad life is better for you now.

Susan, the "almost unbelievable" makes for the most interesting lives. Yes, my life is much better now, however. In real life I know absolutely no Mormons, nor anyone who once had been Mormon, and I find myself surrounded by wonderful, intelligent, caring friends.

Odd, huh?

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- CV Rick
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