Leaving the Fold

Anyone raised a Latter-day Saint belongs to the culture, no matter how they may try to escape its influence, observes Ure after conducting the eighteen interviews that comprise Leaving the Fold. While examining the cultural influences on well-known "Jack Mormons" -- people who no longer actually participate in church functions -- the author wanted to explore the issues that separate them from their common roots. Interestingly the participants expressed respect for the church, its leadership and members, but hinted at a disappointment and longing, a sense of futility in their search for a promised ideal. Ure wonders if this is ironically due to the concept of perfection taught by the church.The author chose men and women who were raised LDS but left when they were older, and whose life experiences allow them to render thoughtful analysis of their religious choices. Readers will realize that every Mormon -- active or not -- is in some ways similar, something Ure hopes both groups will come to understand about the other.