I'm letting go of certainty

We are honored to introduce to you Scott and Lyric Williams. As we continue our series of faith transitions, this week we bring you a story of a couple with one in the religion and one out. 

Scott grew up here in American Fork and met Lyric at a singles ward in Salt Lake, both of them grew up in the LDS religion. Scott loves his family and his very respectful and sharing his experience, he shares multiple times that it was a loving family environment. 

His dad passed away right about the time he was preparing to go on a mission. This decision to serve a mission is very impactful and solidifying his faith in the church. He served A Spanish-speaking mission in Houston Texas, and he was very influenced by the people he met on his mission. The church and its teachings were really the only coping tool he felt he had to deal with his father‘s death. 

Scott and Lyric have also twice served as a couple in wards outside of their own, exemplifying their commitment to the success of the church and sharing the gospel.

From a very young age Scott has been intrigued by history and archaeology. He recalls being excited for the day when we discover the things spoken of in the Book of Mormon. When he had doubts about the truth and validity of the stories in the Book of Mormon he would silence those thoughts, and had shame around giving into the adversary. Finally he decided he needed to know the truth, and accept that part of himself that was curious and valued truth, logic, and facts.

Scott references the CES letter, when beginning to really dig into his questions and doubts about the truthfulness of the church. 

The leadership in the church went a very long time hiding the truth about its history and origins. When the specifics are brought up in question, the church refers to these conversations and literature is anti-Mormon literature. After the CES letter was written, The church leaders acknowledged and confirmed the truth about some discrepancies including the book of Abraham, and the truth about Joseph Smith. Scott acknowledges the manipulation and gaslighting involved with church leaders in continuing their narrative and covering up the history. 

In a pivotal moment Scott shares his honest feelings with Lyric and his disbelief in their religion. She receives this news well and wants the best for him, and responds in a very supportive manner. As he is navigating this faith transition and huge life change, Scott has committed to himself to do this with integrity. 

With Scott exiting the religion and Lyric staying in, it has presented new challenges in their home. These experiences have allowed Scott and Lyric to truly talk through things together. Giving space, listening, and respecting each other‘s feelings and beliefs. 

He discusses the lazy learner idea and the hypocrisy of that talk given by Russel and Nelson. 

Scott also discusses this disturbing amount of lack of informed consent, and references the DNA study defines the Lamanites in the book of Mormon do not exist. If the book of Mormon were true Native American and pacific islanders would have DNA traces back to Israel and Jerusalem, when in fact the DNA traces back to Asia, disproving the entire basis of the story and Nephi and the Lamanites.

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