Religious Transitions of Faith

Abstract

Navigating complicated relationships with his religious upbringing and his faith-zealous father, the author of this critical autoethnography explores experiences of identity loss and reformation, sexual abuse, and shame. Raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—also known as Mormonism—the author reflects on how his own crisis of faith, and the moments of silence where answers never came, influenced his views on meaningful relationships, self-worth, and sexuality. The author ends the piece by discussing how autoethnography not only gives individuals a chance to share their stories but also creates a community where they need not navigate trauma, loss, and heartache alone.