I Left Mormonism When I Discovered This

What happens when your spiritual foundation begins to shift after four decades? Brandon Burke takes us through his unexpected journey leaving Mormonism, beginning with a profound encounter with a hummingbird during meditation. This seemingly small moment carried a powerful message about the relationship between power, wisdom, and heart – foreshadowing the transformation ahead.

Brandon shares candidly about growing up immersed in Mormon culture with pioneer heritage, serving a mission in Brazil, and how he genuinely loved his religious experience until unexpected questions began to surface. The COVID pandemic became a surprising catalyst when church services were suspended. "I didn't miss it at all," he reveals, noticing for the first time how his spirituality had been characterized by constant striving and performance rather than authentic connection.

The heart of Brandon's transformation came through redefining love itself. "The definition of love that I thought I knew completely changed," he explains, discovering that true love has no conditions, expectations, strings, or fear attached. This new understanding transformed how he approached his daughter's earlier decision to leave the church and how he navigated his own spiritual metamorphosis.

Using the butterfly's lifecycle as a powerful metaphor, Brandon describes feeling like he was "melting into goopy, slimy something" during his crisis of faith – a necessary dissolution before emergence. He offers practical guidance for those supporting loved ones through spiritual transitions, emphasizing curiosity over judgment: "Don't say 'I'll pray you'll come back.' Instead, try 'I'm curious about your experience.'"

Whether you're experiencing your own spiritual evolution, supporting someone who is, or simply fascinated by the human journey of transformation, this conversation offers compassionate insights into navigating change while maintaining connection. Join us next time as we explore attachment versus authenticity, and how our attachments to beliefs can prevent us from living authentically.