Leaving the Saints

How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith

By: Martha Beck

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Leaving the Saints is an unforgettable memoir about one woman's spiritual quest and journey toward faith. As "Mormon royalty" within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Martha Beck was raised in a home frequented by the Church's high elders, - known as the apostles - and her existence was framed by their strict code of conduct. Wearing her sacred garments, she married in a secret temple ceremony - but only after two Mormon leaders ascertained that her "past contained no flirtation with serious sins, such as committing murder or drinking coffee". She went to church faithfully with the other brothers and sisters of her ward. When her son was born with Down syndrome, she and her husband left their graduate programs at Harvard to return to Provo, Utah, where they knew the supportive Mormon community would embrace them.

However, soon after Martha began teaching at Brigham Young University, she began to see firsthand the Church's ruthlessness as it silenced dissidents and masked truths that contradicted its published beliefs. Most troubling of all, she was forced to face her history of sexual abuse by one of the Church's most prominent authorities. This book chronicles her difficult decision to sever her relationship with the faith that had cradled her for so long and to confront and forgive the person who betrayed her so deeply.

This beautifully written, inspiring memoir explores the powerful yearning toward faith. It offers a rare glimpse inside one of the world's most secretive religions while telling a profoundly moving story of personal courage, survival, and the transformative power of spirituality.

©2005 Martha Beck (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The book is full of Beck's laugh-out-loud hyperbolic wit and exquisitely written insights." (Publishers Weekly)

“Martha Beck’s riveting memoir teaches us more about love, spirituality, trauma, truth telling, and hope than all the self-help books combined. It is one of the bravest, most achingly honest books I’ve read in years. Leaving the Saints is a priceless gift.” (Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., author of The Dance of Anger)

“A courageous, touching, and beautifully written spiritual journey of the heart. I applaud Martha’s candidness and perseverance in her steadfast pursuit of the power of love.” (Judith Orloff, M.D., author of Positive Energy and Dr. Judith Orloff’s Guide to Intuitive Healing)

Healthy Reading

Really enjoyable! The author provides an unique look into Mormon culture as she relates her spiritual journey. I found her description of people saving an institution's reputation a at their own and other's expense to be transferable to many situations within and without the religious world. She dealt with difficult subjects and heart-wrenching experiences with respect, compassion and a yearning for God. I finished the book a better person than when I started it.

Amazing courage

Provides powerful perspective on the courage to find yourself when you leave religious oppression behind.

Great book on trauma and triumph!

Whether you’re LDS or not, there is a lot to gain from these types of stories and it took me a long time to realize and accept that these traumatic things were going on within an organization I cared so much about. The book goes way beyond sexual assault and trauma; it encapsulates this thirst for the spiritual and being able to tap into our true selves that isn’t tied to anything other than our own spiritual power. If this book rubs you wrong like it would have for me if I read it 10yrs ago, it probably means there is some work to do inside us. This is a very empowering story. I really liked it.

riveting for an ex Mormon

I couldn't put it down. she explains the beginning of real evidence that the Church's history and primary Cannon are fabricated. extremely interesting.

Find your journey home through hers

Beck uses the inner guide we all possess to lead the reader home. I’m a 41 year old therapist who felt validated and understood through her words. Thank you, Dr. Beck ❤️

Artful & Insightful

Leaving the Saints is a PERSONAL account of the author's experiences. It doesn't attempt to give the reader a comprehensive view of the LDS religion or people. As a personal memoir, it is funny and insightful. I grew up among the "Saints" in Utah and Beck's insights are consistent with my experiences. Many of those criticizing the book have obviously not read it. I recommend you read this book before you condemn it, and certainly before you write a public review of it.

Beautiful, Inspiring

This is a beautifully told, love-filled story. It is exactly what being a beautiful human being can strive for, having a real human life while dealing with the true cruelties of existence. I was touched by Ms. Beck's story. I was raised Mormon and am no longer a member, however it has lifted so many veils of confusion I still sensed but could not explain about where I came from and why my parents were who they were. I feel like I am now part of what is probably Beck's invisible circle of comrads. i'd love to thank her in person for leaving me feeling full of love and understanding for myself, my parents and mormons, and in fact, all people.

Great book

I don't normally get into this type of book, I prefer fiction, but this was exceptional. It was so good I will be seeking out other books by this author. Highly recommended.

Enjoyed every minute

What did you love best about Leaving the Saints?

This book is my first deeper insight into the LDS. For me it is a great account of a story of spiritual search and is universal to a degree. During my own spiritual search I found that most, if not all churches and spiritual groups claim to have the Truth but often then do not practice what they preach and I guess many people might be going through some of Martha???s experience as we speak...
My own search for Faith almost 20 years ago, as a teen of post-communist Eastern Europe, led me to became a Baha???i, as the Baha???i faith rang True to me afirming that all Religions come from the same source???none is better than the other???God simply sends different Teachers according to the need of the time.

Also using the learnings from beeing sexualy abused to serve other victims of it is a truly courageous experience...
I admire the courage, detachment, sincerity and insight of the account.
Thanks for sharing it Martha!

Have you listened to any of Bernadette Dunne???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't think I have but loved her reading!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

Amazing reader!!!

Just don’t know

So after reading this story by the famous life coach I decided to surf her and her husband’s names. I won’t disclose my discoveries here but will say you would do well to read a few comments to make your own co conclusions.