Mormon and Neurodivergent (Autism and ADHD) - Paul Martinez | Ep. 1986

Paul reflects on his journey from being raised in the Mormon church to eventually leaving it. He opens up about his childhood, feeling isolated due to his neurodivergence, and his complicated relationship with his family. Paul shares his path to Mormonism, how he felt a strong connection to the faith at first, and his experiences as a missionary, including the challenges he faced in Argentina. Over time, he became disillusioned with the church, particularly after learning new information and struggling with its stance on LGBTQ issues. As Paul navigates life post-church, he discusses his career, his evolving understanding of love and relationships, and the healing process through music and self-reflection. The episode explores his feelings of loneliness, the importance of recognizing toxic behavior, and his journey to self-acceptance after leaving the Mormon faith.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:03:35 Defining neurodivergence

00:14:30 Religious experiences before the LDS church

00:27:18 First introduction to Morminsim

00:47:28 Mission call to Buenos Aires and being pressured to confess sexual sins

01:00:55 How neurodivergence played into his mission

01:16:28 Parental alienation & trying to reconnect with his mom

01:32:58 “Mormonism is passive aggressive”

01:41:25 Paul began to get in trouble for questioning priesthood holders

01:59:20 November 2015 LGBT policy and Paul’s choice to stop attending church

02:14:50 Feeling love from the members, but not the institution

02:28:25 Narcissists only see their own reality

02:44:10 Do you feel more fulfilled than when you were Mormon?

02:56:04 Final questions - “Where will you go?”

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